Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

Get ready to run, dance, and make a difference! F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is launching its signature, two-part annual fundraiser, JOG N JAM 2025, and there are two fantastic ways to join the fun.

The funds raised will support F.I.S.H.’s four pillars of service—Food, Island-Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hands—as well as ongoing long-term disaster recovery efforts.

Part 1: The JOG (Race)

Lace up your sneakers! The JOG portion features scenic island races for all ages and abilities.

Race Type	Cost (Before Oct. 31)	Location	Highlights
10K & 5K	$50 ($40 for 16 & under)	The Community House (Sanibel)	Finisher medal, T-shirt, age group awards
Kids Fun Run	FREE (Registration required)	The Community House (Sanibel)	Finisher’s ribbon and treat

• Date: Saturday, November 1
• Location: The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Team Challenge Alert!

Gather your friends, colleagues, or family! The team division is a fun way to compete. Teams should aim for a minimum of six members, with the top five finishers scoring. The deadline to sign up or create a team is October 31 at 6 p.m.

Need Team Help? If you’re already registered but want to join or form a team, contact Mark at Lin-Mark Sports for assistance: linmarksports@linmarksports.com.

❗️ Important: The cost for the 10K and 5K will increase after October 31. Register today to secure the lower price!

Part 2: The JAM (Concert)

Celebrate your accomplishment (or just celebrate!) at the spectacular beach concert event on Captiva.

• Entertainment: Featuring the popular Ben Allen Band
• Finale: A spectacular fireworks display over the water
• Amenities: Food and drinks will be available for purchase, plus convenient shuttle services.
• Date: Saturday, December 6
• Location: ‘Tween Waters Inn & Marina, 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva

Ticket Type	Cost	Note
General Ticket	$75
Youth Ticket	$50 (Ages 7-18)
Four-Pack	$200	While supplies last!

How to Register & Get Tickets

Don’t wait to secure your spot for these popular events!

• For the JOG (Race): https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH
• For the JAM (Concert Tickets): https://jamwithfish.rsvpify.com/
• Learn about F.I.S.H.: https://fishofsancap.org/

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners recently took a key action to maintain and improve our beautiful coastline! The board officially authorized interlocal agreements to inject nearly $6.5 million into beach and shoreline projects across the county.

Where is the Funding Coming From?

This significant investment comes directly from the Tourist Development Tax (TDT)—often called the “bed tax”—which is assessed on short-term lodging like hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. This means dollars generated by tourism are directly dedicated to preserving the natural assets that attract visitors (and residents!) here in the first place.

The projects approved are just part of the larger commitment: the commission’s budget for the Beach and Shoreline Program totals over $29 million for the fiscal year 2025-26.

What Does This Funding Support?

The approved TDT revenue will be used to fund 13 specific beach and shoreline projects. The primary focus is on maintenance and ensuring public access and amenities are safe and functional.

This includes essential upkeep for:

• Public beach accesses
• Boardwalks and paths
• Restroom facilities
• Equipment maintenance

Who is Participating?

To manage and execute this work, the county approved agreements with various local entities, including:

• Local Government Bodies: City of Sanibel, Captiva Erosion Prevention District, Town of Fort Myers Beach, City of Cape Coral, and the Village of Estero.
• Key Non-Profits & Agencies: Barrier Island Parks Society, Keep Lee County Beautiful, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

This collaborative effort ensures that beach and shoreline preservation remains a priority across all our unique communities.

Looking Deeper

This $6.5 million disbursement represents a portion of the TDT dedicated specifically to coastal health, reinforcing the county’s commitment to our environmental and recreational resources. It’s a clear example of how visitor dollars are reinvested to sustain the quality of life and the natural beauty of Lee County.

For more details on the Beach and Shoreline funding programs, you can visit the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau website.

The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) is ringing in the new season—and celebrating its 90th year—with the exciting return of two beloved community staples! Get ready to connect with your neighbors, share some laughs, and dive into a festive schedule.

1. Porch & Patio: The Halloween Potluck Kickoff!

The season officially begins with the first installment of the CCA’s popular Porch & Patio series, this time with a fun, festive Halloween theme! This event is all about bringing island residents and visitors together for camaraderie and celebration.

• When: Friday, October 31, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Where: Captiva Civic Center (11550 Chapin Lane)
• Cost & RSVP: Free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested!

What’s Happening?

• Potluck Feast: Bring your favorite Halloween dish to share—an appetizer, a main course, or a spooky dessert (don’t forget your serving utensil and a label card!).
• Comical Entertainment: Prepare for some lighthearted humor as special guest Carnac the Magnificent takes the stage to share his “mystical” predictions.
• Music & Refreshments: Enjoy festive Halloween music, refreshments, and a popcorn maker.
• Dress Code: Costumes are highly encouraged, but feel free to come as you are!

The 2025-26 Porch & Patio series is generously sponsored by R.L.R. Investments—we thank them for their support of the Captiva community!

2. Game On! Mahjong Mondays Returns

Whether you’re a seasoned player or looking to learn a new skill, Mahjong Mondays is back to bring the community together for a fun weekly game session.

• When: Every Monday, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• ️ Dates: Starting November 3 through April 27 (with some holiday adjustments)
• Where: Captiva Civic Center (11550 Chapin Lane)
• Cost & RSVP: Free, but registration is required for every session!

Led by CCA board member and amazing teacher Mary Jane Vinson, this series welcomes players of all skill levels. The focus is on making this historic Chinese tile game fun and accessible for everyone.

“It’s a very fun game that beginners can enjoy,” says CCA Director Lauren McCraney. “Get to know your neighbors and be a part of the community.”

Look out for a Beginner’s Tournament to be held in January!

The CCA’s 2025-26 season is sponsored by Karen Bell and the Bell Team—we are deeply appreciative of her continued generous support!

How to Register

Space is limited for these great events, so be sure to secure your spot today!

• Register Online: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/captiva-civic-association-18501600930
• More Information: Visit https://ccacaptiva.org/ or call 239-472-2111.

The AngelFISH Society of the F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva Foundation is inviting all island women to its annual luncheon, a key event designed to blend philanthropy, education, and friendship while addressing pressing local needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for current members and any interested women to get directly involved in supporting the Sanibel-Captiva community.

Event Details & What to Expect

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of connection and purpose!

• ️ Date: Friday, November 10
• ⏰ Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Registration from 11:00-11:30 a.m.)
• Location: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, Sanibel
• Cost: $40 per person (includes starter, choice of entree, and dessert)
• ⚠️ RSVP Deadline: November 1

The Highlight: Unveiling the AngelFISH Kitchen Project

The luncheon serves as the official launch pad for the AngelFISH Society’s 2025-2026 initiative. This year’s focus is the exciting AngelFISH Kitchen project.

Building on F.I.S.H.’s established commitment to food access—which includes its food pantry and meal programs—the AngelFISH Kitchen will expand support to include crucial nutrition and wellness education for families and seniors.

“The purpose of it is that we wanted to educate women about the needs of the community,” says Committee Chair Linda Uhler. “Once we knew what the needs were, we wanted to engage women to assist with those needs.”

The inaugural project will involve providing selected F.I.S.H. clients with a versatile air fryer convection oven, followed by a series of classes offering recipes and healthy nutritional facts. This offers a convenient way for both busy families and seniors to create healthy meals.

Featured Speaker: Wellness Expertise

Attendees will gain valuable insights from featured speaker Carrie Bloemers, Lee Health’s System Director of Wellness. A registered dietitian with a passion for whole-person health, Bloemers will share her expertise, perfectly tying into the nutritional theme of the new AngelFISH project.

Why Join AngelFISH?

The AngelFISH Society, founded in 2021, is a philanthropic group where women pool their annual contributions to make a significant impact on one key project, ensuring their giving is both powerful and focused.

As a bonus for attending and becoming a member at the luncheon, you will be entered into a drawing for wonderful prizes, including a Kay Casperson Spa gift certificate, an AeroGarden Sprout, and more!

Current members, seasonal residents, new residents—all women who wish to learn more and make a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors are strongly encouraged to attend.

Ready to RSVP?

Don’t miss the deadline! Secure your spot by November 1st.

• Click Here to RSVP: angelfishluncheon.rsvpify.com
• Questions? Email: events@fishofsancap.org

Get ready, Captiva! One of the island’s most beloved weekly traditions is making its triumphant return. The Captiva Island Farmers Market, celebrating its eighth season, is set to open its doors on Tuesday, November 4th!

What You Need to Know

The market, organized by island residents Jean Baer and Betsy Ventura of Local Roots, is the perfect midweek stop for locals and visitors alike.

• When: Every Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Where: The Shops at South Seas (14830 Captiva Drive)
• ️ Season: November through April

A Feast for the Senses

This year’s market is bringing back an exciting lineup of nearly 30 vendors. According to co-owner Jean Baer, whether you’re looking for dinner ingredients or a quick lunch, you’ll find it here:

• Produce & Pantry: Fresh produce, Heritage Honey, and the return of favorites like My Exotic Fruits.
• Lunch & Goodies: Delicious lunch options including crepes, pizza, Cuban sandwiches, fresh crab cakes, and acai bowls. Don’t forget treats from Angelic Desserts and Dynasty Guacamole!
• Crafts & Art: Browse local artisan goods, including jewelry, beach-style clothing, straw hats, custom-made tin art, and wall art.

️ “It’s an excellent activity for the visitors of Captiva… and it gives both residents of Sanibel and Captiva a midweek option if they can’t make the Sanibel market,” says Jean Baer.

Plan Your Visit

The market encourages the true island experience! Golf carts and bikes have great dedicated parking spots. For those driving, vehicle parking is located across the street, but spots are limited.

Good news for pet parents: Family dogs are welcome to join you for your market stroll!

Baer and Ventura send a heartfelt thank you to The Shops at South Seas for hosting and to the Captiva residents for their ongoing support. Come on out, support local small businesses, and share in the wonderful community camaraderie!

Our island community is coming together to preserve approximately 22 acres of Captiva Island, a rare stretch of land running from the Gulf to the Bay between Captiva’s Village and South Seas Resort. These acres, now owned by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, remain largely undeveloped — a living piece of the island that inspired the legendary artist Robert Rauschenberg himself. During his lifetime, Rauschenberg devoted tremendous effort to safeguarding this land from overdevelopment.

Why This Land Matters

This property is not just land — it’s part of Captiva’s soul. Its lush, natural beauty has inspired generations of artists, residents, and visitors. Preserving it honors Rauschenberg’s legacy and protects the island’s delicate ecosystem from irreversible change.

Competing Offers: Development vs. Preservation

Currently, the Rauschenberg Foundation has received multiple offers — including proposals from developers and a community-driven offer focused on conservation and public good.

• The Captiva Island Fire District has proposed purchasing the 9.81-acre bayfront portion to secure space for its helicopter landing zone and other essential emergency services.

• A Captiva Community Investor has offered to purchase the full 22-acre property, sell the bayfront parcels to the Fire District, and collaborate with local nonprofits, including SCCF and other community leaders, to preserve as much of the remaining land as possible.

Neither the Fire District nor the Community Investor intends to rezone the property for higher density or increased building heights. The vision is clear — to protect, not to profit.

How You Can Help

The Rauschenberg Foundation is now evaluating all offers. To ensure that this cherished land remains protected, we need your voice.

Please take a few minutes to urge the Foundation to sell to the Captiva Community Investor in partnership with the Fire District.

You can send your message by both email and mail:

Email: tyler.minix@nmrk.com
✉️ Mail:
Courtney J. Martin, Executive Director
Robert Rauschenberg Foundation
381 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003

Key Reasons to Support the Community Offer

Your letter can be brief — even a few sentences make a difference. In your own words, you might share why protecting this property matters to you and the broader Captiva community. Here are some important points to consider:

1. Environmental Protection: Captiva’s fragile ecosystem cannot sustain major new development without risking serious environmental harm and evacuation challenges during natural disasters.

2. Rauschenberg’s Legacy: Preserving this property honors the artist’s lifelong commitment to protecting Captiva’s natural landscape.

3. Public Safety: The Fire District’s helicopter landing zone and facilities are essential for emergency response and community safety.

4. Public Green Space: Captiva currently has very limited public land. Preserving these acres offers much-needed open space for residents and visitors.

5. Flood Management: The land could provide valuable opportunities for stormwater management to reduce chronic flooding in Captiva Village.

6. Community Use: Some existing buildings could be repurposed for community needs, or maintained as homes consistent with current zoning.

7. No Rezoning: The community plan ensures the land will not be converted into hotels, condominiums, or high-rise developments.

Time is of the essence here, and letters should go out this week, if possible.

The Rauschenberg Foundation is currently in the process of evaluating its purchase offers. We have been told that the Rauschenberg Foundation’s preference is to sell to the community in order to preserve the property. But we don’t know that for sure, and it is important that the community show the Rauschenberg Foundation how much we want and need to preserve and protect this property from future development.

 

Thank you,
James Evans, CEO

SCCF

 

South Seas is once again ushering in the spirit of the season with the return of its cherished annual celebration, Festive — a magical holiday experience exclusively for registered guests and resort owners. This year’s festivities promise a blend of tradition, joy, and family fun, with enchanting Holiday Strolls, Santa visits, and a full week of activities designed to create unforgettable island memories.

Key Festive Dates and Signature Events

The celebration officially begins on December 20, marking the start of a week filled with South Seas holiday traditions:

• Festive Kick-Off (Dec. 20): The season begins with a vibrant golf cart parade, the official tree lighting, and the much-loved Holiday Marina Stroll featuring a visit from Santa himself.

• Christmas Eve Dinner (Dec. 24): Guests are invited to Harborside for a special family-style dinner that captures the warmth and togetherness of the holidays.

• Christmas Day (Dec. 25): Celebrate with live music at Bayview Pool from 12 PM to 3 PM, along with festive games and activities throughout the resort.

Seasonal Resort Activities Schedule

Throughout the week, the South Seas Recreation Team will host a full lineup of family-friendly activities designed to delight guests of all ages.

Plan Your Holiday Stay

The Festive celebration is available exclusively to registered South Seas guests and resort owners. Visitors are encouraged to book their holiday stay early to take part in this timeless island tradition filled with wonder, family connection, and coastal holiday cheer.

Please note: Event times and activities are subject to change based on weather or availability.

The Swashbuckler’s Ball is set to return to The Island Club at North Captiva on October 25th as part of North Captiva’s Anniversary Week celebration.

The event is a night of island fun, bringing together homeowners, residents, local businesses, and guests from 6 PM to Midnight. Attendees can look forward to:

• Pirate-themed drinks
• Live music & entertainment
• A memorable night of island adventure ⚓

Tickets for the Swashbuckler’s Ball went on sale starting October 1 and can be purchased online at northcaptiva.com.