Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The City of Sanibel has announced the commencement of a vital beach renourishment initiative aiming to fortify the shoreline stretching from Blind Pass to Bowman’s Beach Park. This project serves as a critical step in stabilizing the coast and enhancing storm protection for the island’s northern region.

Mobilization and Staging Preparations are already underway. As of the evening of November 21, the Blind Pass Beach parking lot has been closed to serve as a staging area for equipment. The city has also secured an agreement to utilize the former Castaways property on Sanibel-Captiva Road as a primary staging location. While the Turner Beach parking lot remains open (having reopened on Oct. 30), residents and visitors should expect the Blind Pass lot to remain occupied by the contractor for the duration of the project.

Project Scope and Timeline Actual beach renourishment work is scheduled to begin the week of November 24, with dredging operations anticipated to start as early as Thanksgiving Day [02:14]. To expedite the process and minimize public disruption, the contractor will operate on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week schedule. Barring weather or equipment delays, officials expect the project to be finalized by the end of December.

The operation involves placing approximately 300,000 cubic yards of new sand along the northern stretch of Sanibel. The coverage area extends from near the former Mad Hatter Restaurant to the western edge of Bowman’s Beach Park.

Methodology and Habitat Restoration Unlike previous projects that relied on truck hauls, this initiative will utilize a hopper dredge to collect sand from a state-approved offshore source located approximately 8.3 nautical miles west of Captiva [01:19].

Crews will place sand both on the dry beach and underwater to reconstruct a robust shoreline profile. The project design includes building the beach and dune system to a height of approximately 6.5 feet (NAVD). Following the sand placement, the final phase will involve planting native dune vegetation to stabilize the new dunes and support local wildlife habitat.

Targeting Vulnerable Areas The renourishment specifically targets areas that have suffered significant erosion and are most in need of reinforcement. Key focus areas include:

• The former Castaways location

• The Sanibel-Captiva seawall

• The Clam Bayou beach area

Stay Informed For a visual overview of the project and further details from city officials, you can watch the full video update below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOyPYV-lxQ0

For additional questions or information, please contact the Natural Resources Department at 239-472-3700 or via email at sandnr@mysanibel.com.

Motorists are advised that overnight striping work for the Periwinkle Way Paving Project is scheduled from Sunday, November 16, through Tuesday, November 18. All work will be conducted during nighttime hours.

To ensure the safety of both work crews and drivers, lane closures will be in effect. Flaggers will be stationed on-site to direct traffic and minimize disruptions.

Drivers in the area during these hours are encouraged to use caution, follow all posted signage, and allow for extra travel time.

For additional information regarding the Periwinkle Way Milling and Resurfacing Project, individuals may contact the City of Sanibel Public Works Department at sanpw@mysanibel.com or by calling (239) 472-6397.

The Sanibel City Council has unanimously authorized a major beach renourishment project for northern Sanibel, set to begin on November 29, 2025. This critical work addresses the severe beach and dune erosion caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and further impacts from storms in 2024, including Helene and Milton.

The Urgent Need for Sand

Northern Sanibel has experienced catastrophic sand loss. From pre-Hurricane Ian to June 2024, the beach encompassing Blind Pass eroded by an average of nearly 50 feet. Subsequent storms, including Helene and Milton, stripped an additional 30 feet, resulting in a cumulative average loss of almost 80 feet.

Several factors have complicated recovery efforts in this specific region.

• A previous Lee County project in August/September 2023 placed 85,000 cubic yards of sand between Blind Pass and Bowman’s Beach Park. However, this new sand was severely impacted by a strong low-pressure system in November 2023, shortly after completion.

• Furthermore, the 2019 Blind Pass Inlet Management Plan mandates that sand dredged from the pass be placed on northern Sanibel. With no immediate plans for maintenance dredging, the city explored other options to address the significant erosion.

A Strategic Partnership

Aware that the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) was actively engaged in its own renourishment project, the city contacted CEPD and its contractor, Great Lakes Dock and Dredge.

This coordination created a strategic opportunity. By coordinating with the ongoing Captiva project, Sanibel can utilize the mobilized equipment and crews. The city, CEPD, and Great Lakes are now finalizing the necessary agreements to proceed.

Project Scope and Timeline

The North Sanibel Beach Renourishment Project will place approximately 300,000 cubic yards of sand fill on the beach, covering the area from the former Mad Hatter restaurant to the western boundary of Bowman’s Beach Park.

• Method: A hopper dredge, located eight miles offshore, will be used. The sand slurry will be dewatered and pumped onto the beach.

• Schedule: Work is scheduled to begin on November 29, 2025, and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

• Hours: Operations will run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is standard practice for dredging projects to minimize the construction timeline and disruption to public beach access.

Full Funding Secured

The $8,694,171 project cost is all-inclusive and covers the placement of 200,000 new plants to help stabilize the new dunes.

The project will be fully funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) through the City of Sanibel 2022 Hurricane Ian and Nicole Beach Recovery Project grant.

Sufficient FDEP grant funding also remains to cover additional dune planting along privately owned beach areas that were nourished in 2023 and 2024. This planting work was planned but delayed by the 2024 storm impacts.

This project is part of a larger, ongoing recovery effort facilitated by both FDEP and FEMA funding, which has also supported the emergency berm/gully project, the Historic Sanibel Lighthouse Protection Project, and the Clam Bayou Sand Recovery Project.

Following an arduous, multi-year recovery from devastating storms, Sanibel’s golf courses have demonstrated significant progress, prompting the city to reinstate its environmental oversight program.

The island’s courses were first impacted by the unprecedented storm surge and high-velocity winds of Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Recovery efforts were further complicated in 2024 by storm surge impacts from three additional weather events: Debby, Helene, and Milton.

This disruption prompted the city to place its Golf Course Report Card program on hold for the past three reporting years (October 2022–September 2025), allowing course staff to dedicate their full attention to recovery.

A Return to Environmental Stewardship

The Golf Course Report Card program, originally adopted by the City Council in 2008, provides specific guidance on nutrient management to reduce fertilizer use and improve the water quality of golf course lakes. City staff historically provided technical assistance and used a point-based report card to track annual progress.

With the recovery phase now largely complete, the city’s Natural Resources staff recently met with the superintendents from each course. The meetings served to discuss the immense challenges overcome and to observe the current state of the properties.

During these visits, staff informed the courses that the city plans to return to the typical scoring format for the upcoming reporting year.

Course Conditions and Future Cooperation

Overall assessments of the courses were positive. The Dunes, The Sanctuary Golf Club, and the Sanibel Island Golf Club all showed strong recovery. A few minor, lingering issues were observed, such as isolated turf loss and high salinity in some lakes, which are persistent effects of saltwater inundation.

Additionally, the Sanibel Island Golf Club underwent a change in ownership in September 2025. City staff held a productive initial meeting with the new owners and superintendent to explain the Golf Course Report Card Program. The new leadership was reportedly receptive to the program and its environmental goals, signaling a cooperative future.

As Thanksgiving approaches, residents and visitors on Sanibel and Captiva are finalizing their holiday plans. A popular local tradition, the Thanksgiving Sunset Dolphin Cruise, has been announced again for this year, offering a unique way to celebrate the holiday.

Hosted by the local tour company Adventures in Paradise, the cruise provides a relaxing escape from the usual holiday preparations. Passengers will have the opportunity to cruise the calm waters, listen to tropical music, and watch for dolphins against the backdrop of a Gulf Coast sunset.

This event is a well-regarded tradition for many families and is known to sell out annually due to its popularity. Those interested in attending are advised to secure their plans in advance.

Official event details are as follows:

• Event: Thanksgiving Sunset Dolphin Cruise

• Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025

• Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

• Host: Adventures in Paradise

This cruise offers a memorable experience for those looking to add a special island activity to their Thanksgiving celebration.

Reservations are required. More information and booking details are available on the Adventures in Paradise website: https://www.adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/holiday-cruises/thanksgiving-cruise/

Exciting news from the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD)! The ongoing beach renourishment project is progressing faster than expected and could be wrapped up well before Thanksgiving.

At a recent Nov. 6 workshop, CEPD General Manager Brighton Heard delivered a promising update on the project’s status.

️ Renourishment Speeding Up

The project is moving at a quick pace, with work nearly three-quarters complete. Here’s a quick summary of the progress:

• Contractor: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock

• Current Location: The work line is approaching the ‘Tween Waters Inn & Marina.

• Next Steps: After reaching that point, the contractor will move back north to dredge the final 2,000+ cubic yards of sand.

• New End Date: The project is now estimated to finish by November 23, and possibly sooner if the high productivity continues.

Why the sudden speed? Heard suggested it could be linked to the end of the official sea turtle nesting season, allowing operations to move more efficiently.

Protecting the New Dunes: A Signage Debate

With the project moving forward, a new challenge has emerged: protecting the newly restored dunes.

Dune plantings are already complete across the southern half of the project area. While crews left intentional openings to serve as walkways for beachgoers, people have already been seen stepping on the fragile new plants.

Staff has installed temporary signs to guide the public, but this sparked a debate among the commission about a more permanent solution.

• The Debate: Should the CEPD use temporary plastic signs or invest in permanent, high-quality ones?

• The Argument for Permanent: General Manager Heard favored permanent signs, possibly made of pressure-treated wood and placed every 300 feet. He noted that the temporary signs “appear cheap” and can be blown away in high winds, whereas permanent signs offer a constant reminder to “stay off of the dunes.”

• The Argument for Quality: Commissioner Bob Walter agreed, pointing to the significant investment in the beach project. “I think residents would want a quality sign,” he remarked.

The Solution: The board directed staff to explore a cost-effective approach. They will draft a proposal to purchase materials and build the permanent signs in-house instead of hiring an outside contractor. This proposal will be presented at the next meeting for consideration.

Sanibel Partnership Moves Forward

The CEPD’s efforts are also creating a positive ripple effect for its neighbor. Heard reported that the Sanibel City Council has approved a proposal to “piggyback” off the CEPD’s current agreement.

This partnership will allow approximately 300,000 cubic yards of sand to be placed on north Sanibel. In exchange, Sanibel will provide a cost-share of $142,046 to the CEPD.

Good news for nature lovers — the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel is still open for you to explore!

You can enjoy access to:
Wildlife Drive
Indigo Trail
Bailey Tract trails
Tarpon Bay Explorers

 Restrooms on Wildlife Drive are open. Narrated tram tours continue Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Please note: due to the government shutdown, most U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff are unavailable, and the Visitor & Education Center, Refuge Nature Store, and administrative offices are temporarily closed.

You can still shop online at shopdingdarling.com to support the refuge!

For updates and more information, visit doi.gov/shutdown.

 J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel