Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

Player registration is now open for a fun tournament benefiting The Community House (TCH) and the Sanibel Community Association (SCA)!

The 1st Annual SCA Tennis Tournament, hosted in partnership with Beachview Tennis Club, will take place on December 6th and 7th at the club on Sanibel.

• December 6th: Men’s and Women’s Doubles

• December 7th: Mixed Doubles

All matches are open to levels 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, with trophies awarded to the top placers.

Entry fees are $100 for one day or $150 for both days, which includes breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and a T-shirt. Proceeds directly support programs and activities at TCH and SCA.

Players must register by December 3rd!

To register or learn more, contact Toni Halski at 239-472-9099.

Sponsorships and auction donations are still welcomed! Contact Emily Ankerson at 239-472-2155 or emily@sanibelcommunityhouse.net for more information. Come out and support TCH and SCA!

The Blue Star Mothers Gulf Coast Florida Chapter 12 (Lee & Collier counties), a nonprofit of military families, is seeking public support to ensure every veteran grave receives a wreath this Wreaths Across America Day on December 13th.

“Every one of those veterans deserves a wreath,” says Chapter President Tammi Young. They were 3,600 wreaths short last year in Lee County alone and are heartbroken to walk away knowing some veterans were forgotten.

Their goal is to honor all approximately 8,000 local veterans at cemeteries like Coral Ridge, Memorial Gardens, and the Fort Myers Cemetery. When they place a wreath, they say the veteran’s name aloud to truly honor their service.

Sponsor a wreath for just $17! Not only does this honor a veteran, but $5 from each purchase helps support local veterans and active military members here in our community.

The deadline to purchase a wreath is December 1st! Help us make sure no veteran is left behind.

Purchase a wreath or get more information here: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/FL0654P

The holiday season is officially arriving in Sanibel! The community is invited to gather at Community Park this Saturday, November 29th at 5:30 PM for the lighting of the Sanibel Tree. A celebration will follow immediately after the lighting at the Community House.

Facility Hours & Holiday Closures Please be advised that the Sanibel Recreation Center will be CLOSED on Thursday, November 27th, and Friday, November 28th, in observance of the holiday. The facility will reopen on Saturday, November 29th at 8:00 AM.

Parking Permit Renewal Residents and non-residents are reminded that current 2025 A and B Beach Parking Permits will EXPIRE on Sunday, November 30th. Those needing to renew are encouraged to visit the Sanibel Recreation Center to purchase 2026 permits.

December Registration Open Registration is now open for a variety of December events and enrichments. Offerings include Ageless Stretch and Stability with Ginger, Holiday Fun Days, Weight Room 101, Cookie Decorating, and much more. There is always something to do for members and their visitors during the Holiday Season at the Sanibel Recreation Center!

After nearly three years of rebuilding following Hurricane Ian, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium has officially completed the final phase of its restoration. The museum has opened its extensive new permanent exhibit, the Great Hall of Shells, marking a major milestone in its recovery.

A Complete Transformation The newly renovated gallery represents a complete re-curation and redesign of the original space. Spanning over 3,500 square feet, the Great Hall now features approximately three times as many shells as were on display prior to the 2022 storm.

Designed by New York City-based firm Matter Practice, the exhibit presents shells in a contemporary, jewelry-like setting, engineered to make specimens appear as if they are floating. “This space is intended to awe, to educate and to inspire,” said Executive Director Sam Ankerson.

Exhibit Highlights Curated by Science Director Dr. José H. Leal, the new displays cover a vast range of topics, from biological marvels to cultural history.

• Specimen Spotlights: The hall features dozens of exhibits including Southwest Florida shells, “world record” shells (the largest known specimens), and micromollusks (the smallest).

• Cultural Connection: Expanded sections explore how shells have influenced human history, touching on art, architecture, currency, fashion, spirituality, and medicine.

• Conservation Focus: New educational displays address environmental dynamics such as climate change, water quality, and habitat loss, while highlighting success stories like oyster habitat restoration.

Plan Your Visit In addition to the new Great Hall, visitors can explore the Living Gallery of Aquariums, which houses octopuses, seahorses, and other marine life.

• Hours: Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Location: 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel

• Website: ShellMuseum.org

Admission Rates:

• Adults: $25

• Seniors/Veterans/Educators/First Responders: $20

• Students/Youth (12-17): $15

• Children (5-11): $5

• Under 5/Members/Active Military: Free

The Captiva Island Fire Control District (CIFCD) has officially moved forward with plans to secure land for public safety improvements. At a meeting on November 11, the commission voted unanimously to schedule a special election for February 10. The goal is to seek voter approval for a bond referendum aimed at purchasing and improving a portion of the historic Rauschenberg property.

The Referendum Details The resolution calls for a ballot question asking the electorate to authorize general obligation bonds not to exceed $24 million. These funds would be secured by the district’s ad valorem taxing power and designated specifically for the acquisition of real property and subsequent capital improvements.

While the district’s offer to the Rauschenberg Foundation was approximately $22 million, the bond cap was set at $24 million to provide a financial cushion for necessary site improvements. Officials emphasized that this figure is a ceiling (“up to”), not a mandatory spending amount.

Status of the Land Deal Commissioner Jeff Brown and Fire Chief Jeff Pawul provided a status update prior to the vote. The district has submitted a letter of intent to acquire approximately 9.81 acres of the 22-acre bayside property.

Currently, the situation remains “in limbo” as the Foundation has not yet accepted or rejected the offer. However, the district is exploring multiple avenues:

• Direct Purchase: Buying the parcels directly from the Foundation.

• Partnership: Coordinating with other potential private buyers. Brown noted that two potential buyers competing for the full property have expressed interest in selling the specific acres the Fire District needs if they win the bid.

Timeline and “Off-Ramp” The district faced an immediate deadline to submit the ballot language to the Lee County Elections Office. However, they have a 45-day window to remove the referendum from the ballot if the land deal does not materialize. Chief Pawul expressed confidence that they will have clarity on the Foundation’s decision within that timeframe.

Other District Updates Beyond the land acquisition, the commission addressed several operational items:

• South Seas Ladder Truck: The commission previously approved an agreement regarding funding for a new ladder truck with South Seas. However, Chief Pawul reported that the district has not yet received a response from resort executives or attorneys. It was noted that the funding agreement is triggered when a permit is pulled, which may explain the delay.

• Equipment Upgrades: The board authorized the purchase of two Zoll automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Additionally, the district has applied for a grant from the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) to replace electronics and the pump on the fire boat.

• Monthly Statistics: In October, the district responded to 31 incidents and conducted 16 fire inspections.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) commission recently convened to discuss the final stages of the current beach renourishment project, address resident concerns regarding dune elevations, and negotiate a partnership proposal with the City of Sanibel.

Project Timeline and Parking Status General Manager Brighton Heard provided a timeline update for the ongoing beach renourishment. The project is nearing the finish line, with an anticipated completion window between Nov. 20 and Nov. 23.

Regarding beach access, the Turner Beach parking lot has reopened to the public. However, the Alison Hagerup Beach parking lot is being used for the project and will remain closed until all work is finalized.

Resident Petition Regarding Dune Height A significant portion of the meeting focused on a petition submitted by approximately 20 residents expressing concern over the height of the new dunes. The petition questions why the southern section of the dune system was constructed to a height of 12 feet, while the northern section near South Seas stands at 10 feet.

Residents cited several negative impacts, including:

• Obstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico.

• Changes to community character and aesthetics.

• Potential issues with stormwater runoff and sand overwash.

The petitioners requested that the board engage independent experts to review whether a uniform 10-foot dune would offer adequate storm protection and asked for a resolution to lower the 12-foot sections. Following discussion, the commission directed coastal engineers from APTIM to prepare a detailed explanation of the height determinations for the public. Staff will also schedule a workshop to discuss signage for protecting the new dune plantings.

North Sanibel Beach Project Negotiations The commission also debated a proposal to allow the City of Sanibel to “piggyback” on the CEPD’s current contract with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. This cooperation would facilitate the Northern Sanibel Beach Renourishment Project, placing approximately 300,000 cubic yards of sand along Sanibel’s northern shore.

During the initial meeting on Nov. 10, the board voted 2-3 against the proposal, with Commissioners Bernie Dupre, Timothy McGowan, and Bob Walter dissenting due to concerns over financial cost-sharing.

However, the discussion reopened during a Nov. 13 workshop attended by Sanibel City Manager Dana Souza. Negotiations focused on adjusting the administrative cost-share the CEPD would receive. While the city declined a request to pay an additional $375,000 for mobilization costs—citing strict budget constraints—Souza indicated a willingness to increase the cost-share percentage from roughly 23% to 27.2%.

Following this adjustment, commissioners expressed support for the revised agreement, noting the mutual benefits for the islands. The board directed staff to formalize the new numbers for Sanibel City Council to consider, and a special meeting was set for Nov. 17 for the CEPD to reconsider the vote.

Administrative Changes and Grants In other business, the commission made a unanimous decision to change lobbying representation, voting 5-0 to terminate their agreement with Becker & Poliakoff and engage The Southern Group.

Finally, staff reported progress on a $500,000 invasive species grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This funding is designated specifically for the removal of non-native vegetation, such as Australian pines, though it does not cover the costs for replanting native species.

On November 13, the SanCap Chamber hosted a dual celebration to mark the post-Hurricane Ian reopenings of two island staples: the retail shop On Island and the vacation rental complex The Seashells of Sanibel.

Chamber President and CEO John Lai highlighted the significance of these events, noting that the return of both a retail favorite and a hospitality fixture demonstrates the island’s increasing strength. “Retail and hospitality lie at the heart of our islands’ appeal, which resurfaces more strongly every week,” Lai stated.

On Island: A New Home at The Village Shops Originally opening its doors in 2015 on Tarpon Bay Road, On Island has embarked on a new chapter at The Village Shops on Periwinkle Way. Co-owner Kate McDonald Sergeant described the move to the higher-elevation plaza as a “fresh start,” praising the new space as “beautiful and beachy.”

Famous for its high-quality T-shirts and designs that capture the specific “sense of place” of Sanibel and Captiva, the business credits the local community for its return. Sergeant noted that the support from the “On Island community” was the driving force behind their reopening, expressing a desire to meet the moment and contribute to the rebuilding effort.

The Seashells of Sanibel: Renovated for Resilience The Seashells of Sanibel, a 44-unit complex incorporated in 1976, used the post-storm reconstruction period to enhance both aesthetics and durability. Board President Cathy Lanier credited the community and the Chamber for their support, particularly in coordinating the ribbon-cutting to align with the annual owners’ meeting.

The complex now features a fresh look inspired by the Sanibel sky, but the updates go beyond cosmetics. Lanier detailed several sustainability and safety upgrades, including the installation of metal roofs for storm buffering and the replacement of asphalt with permeable pavers to benefit the local environment. While the complex retains the same number of units, the interiors are brand new, offering visitors an affordable, family-friendly atmosphere with modern amenities.

Visit the Newly Reopened Locations:

• On Island: 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (The Village Shops)

• The Seashells of Sanibel: 2840 W. Gulf Drive, Sanibel

Sanibel’s vibrant small business community is coming together to celebrate Small Business Saturday with a special island-wide event titled Shop, Dine & Shine. Scheduled for Saturday, November 29, this celebration invites residents and visitors to support local merchants while enjoying a festive holiday atmosphere.

A Festive Shopping Experience Participating plazas, boutiques, and restaurants are preparing to welcome guests with exclusive specials and holiday cheer. Shoppers can expect a variety of festive touches throughout the day, including seasonal treats, music, holiday décor, and unique in-store experiences designed to make holiday shopping enjoyable.

“Support Local, Win Big!” Raffle To add excitement to the day, participating businesses have launched a community raffle. For every purchase made at a participating location, shoppers will earn one entry toward a prize package.

While there are multiple opportunities to win gift cards and merchandise, the Grand Prize includes:

• A two-night stay at the Tarpon Tale Inn.

• The winner’s choice of a two-day Moke or golf cart rental, provided by Moke & Cabana Club.

The Importance of Shopping Small Organizers emphasize that this event is about more than just commerce; it is a celebration of the island’s resilience and community spirit. Sanibel’s businesses are predominantly family-owned and deeply rooted in the local culture. These same businesses regularly sponsor school programs, support youth sports, and donate to island nonprofits.

“Shop, Dine & Shine” serves as a reminder that investing in local businesses directly fuels the community that supports Sanibel year-round.

Participating Businesses A wide range of island favorites will be taking part, including:

• Adventures in Paradise Outfitters

• A Little Adventure

• Beach Daisy

• Blue Giraffe

• Bubbly Latitude

• Captiva Curio Cottage

• Coast Clothing

• Her Sports Closet

• Home by Rachel Pierce & Rachel Pierce Art Gallery

• Jrod’s

• MacIntosh Books + Paper

• On Island & One Island Sanibel

• Sanibel Day Spa & Sanibel Pilates and Yoga

• Sanibel Sole

• Shiny Objects

• Suncatchers’ Dream

• Synergy

• The Bait Box

• The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine

• The Treehouse

• Trader Rick’s

• Vero Drapes

• Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant

• Wilford & Lee Home Accents

More Information For additional details regarding the event, please contact Audrey Stewart, co-owner of A Little Adventure, at 239-472-8236 or via email at audrey@sanibelkidsstore.com.

Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE), the official recreation concessionaire for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, has announced exciting expansions to its operations just in time for the holiday season. With the addition of new vessels and the return of a popular evening tour, the team at TBE is signaling a strong step forward in the island’s ongoing recovery.

Return of the Sunset Rookery Paddle Nature enthusiasts can once again enjoy the Sunset Rookery Paddle. Currently scheduled for Wednesdays and Fridays (subject to change), this tour is led by experienced naturalists who provide insights into the local ecology. The paddle times are adjusted seasonally to coincide with the sunset.

The tour focuses on the Rookery Islands in the middle of the bay, which serve as an evening roost for over a dozen bird species, including brown pelicans, herons, egrets, ibis, and cormorants. While the tour is bird-centric, the route through open water often provides opportunities to spot manatees and dolphins.

• Note: Reservations are required, and all participants must have prior kayaking experience.

Pontoon Fleet Expansion For those looking for a more relaxed way to explore the water, TBE has added two new boats to its pontoon fleet. These vessels are available for half-day and full-day rentals and can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Rentals are confined to the 950-acre Tarpon Bay, ensuring a safe experience where navigation is easy and there is no risk of getting lost. Visitors interested in fishing can rent equipment and purchase tackle on-site (a saltwater fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older). TBE also continues to offer guided fishing charters.

Additional Amenities and Hours Beyond boating, Tarpon Bay Explorers offers a variety of ways to experience the refuge, including:

• Tram tours of Wildlife Drive

• Kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) rentals

• Bike rentals

• Hobie fishing kayak rentals

• A nature-themed gift shop

Hours of Operation: TBE is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with all rentals concluding at 3:00 p.m.

Contact and Location Reservations are highly recommended for both charters and rentals.

• Location: 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

• Phone: 239-472-8900

• Website: www.tarponbayexplorers.com