Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva is calling on the community for volunteers to help with its two major upcoming fundraisers: the JOG N JAM. Interested individuals can volunteer for one event or both.

Event Details and Sign-Up

The JOG (The Race)

• Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
• Location: The Community House, Sanibel
• Volunteer Sign-Up/More Info: Visit https://dash.pointapp.org/events/400855

The JAM (The Concert)

• Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
• Location: ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, Captiva
• Volunteer Sign-Up/More Info: Visit https://dash.pointapp.org/events/400910

Contact Information

For questions or assistance with signing up, please contact Mary Jean “MJ” Hays, FISH Volunteer & Office Coordinator, at maryjean@fishofsancap.org or 239-472-4775.

The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission voted unanimously (3-0) on October 15 to authorize the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Rauschenberg Foundation for the acquisition of three bayside parcels on Captiva.

Details of the LOI and Intended Use

The LOI outlines the District’s intent to purchase the land—approximately 9.81 acres—to significantly improve and expand its operational capacity for the immediate benefit of residents and visitors.

The District stated that securing this strategically located property is vital for improving response times and ensuring resilience during high-stress emergency events. The intended uses for the property include:

• Future development of a resilient fire station.
• A permanent helicopter landing zone for medical emergencies.
• Dedicated facilities to stage and distribute emergency supplies after a natural disaster.
• Creation of a fire training facility.
• Construction of a fire boat docking area.

Purchase Terms and Offer Price

Commissioner Jeff Brown, who worked on the due diligence, reported on the terms detailed in the non-binding LOI:

• Offer Price: Following discussion, the commissioners reached a consensus to offer $22 million for the three parcels, slightly below the appraiser’s valuation of $27.6 million. Commissioner Carole Campbell noted, “Our offer has to be attractive,” and the board agreed the $22 million offer would be their “only chance.”
• Earnest Money: The District would provide $25,000 in earnest money upon submission of the purchase agreement, with an additional $25,000 provided after a 60-day due diligence period, totaling $50,000 toward the final cost.
• Full Property Sale: While the District prefers to purchase only the three parcels, it acknowledged the Foundation’s preference to sell all 22 total acres in one transaction. The LOI conveys that the District is open to working with a full-property buyer to acquire the needed parcels.
• Closing Timeline: The District is aiming for a closing date of April 10, but no later than October 30, to accommodate the Foundation’s final residency program season.

Referendum Requirement

The purchase is contingent upon approval by Captiva voters. Fire Chief Jeff Pawul reported that the Lee County Elections Office requested the referendum vote be set for February 10 (instead of the originally discussed January 27) to allow for the timely mailing of overseas ballots. The necessary information must be submitted by November 12 to meet this timeline.

The Captiva Community Panel (CCP) held its recent meeting and received key updates on the future of the Rauschenberg property, the island’s potential septic-to-sewer conversion project, and other ongoing community initiatives.

Rauschenberg Property Update

CCP President David Mintz reported on the sale of the Rauschenberg Foundation property. He noted that the broker was accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) by October 16, which will serve as the first round of offers for the foundation’s consideration. The process may include a second or third round of bidding.

• The Captiva Island Fire Control District intends to submit an LOI for the three bayside parcels, totaling about 9.8 acres. Mintz stressed that this purchase would align with the community’s interest in preserving and protecting the land as the artist Robert Rauschenberg had intended.
• The Foundation has indicated a preference for selling the entire property in a single transaction, rather than parcel-by-parcel.
• An “island-friendly developer” is reportedly submitting an LOI for all parcels with a commitment: the bayside land would be transferred to the Fire District, and the remaining property would be developed in a manner “consistent with the historical pattern,” ensuring community availability.

The Panel approved a motion to send a letter of support to the Rauschenberg Foundation backing the Fire District’s offer, with a second letter of support for the developer’s full-property offer as a backup. Panel Member John Wade cast the single dissenting vote.

Wastewater Committee Progress

Wastewater Committee Chair Jay Brown provided an update on the proposed island-wide septic-to-sewer conversion.

• A working group has been formed, consisting of panel members and Sanibel city staffers. This group will focus on strategies to reduce the cost of potentially connecting Captiva to Sanibel’s sewer system.
• They will also be actively working to identify grant money and other funding sources to help finance the project. Their first meeting was scheduled for October 17.
• Brown also reported that the committee is evaluating the feasibility of an alternative connection: linking the island to the existing Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) plant at South Seas. Consultant Kimley-Horn has offered to design a plan to strengthen and expand this facility.

Nominating Committee and Elections

While Secretary and Nominating Committee Chair Tony Lapi was absent, President Mintz delivered the committee’s recommendations for the Panel’s two upcoming vacancies.

• The Captiva Property Owners Association reappointed Treasurer Sandy Stilwell Youngquist and Panel Member Margarethe Thye-Miville.
• The Captiva Civic Association reappointed Panel Member Jon Rosen.

For the two seats the Panel itself must fill, the Nominating Committee received resumes from four candidates—Robert Adler, Jay Brown, Christopher Kemph, and Bob Rando—and recommended Jay Brown and Bob Rando. Mintz clarified that the Panel is not bound by the committee’s nominations.

Anyone interested in submitting a resume for a vacant seat must do so by the November meeting. The Panel will hold its vote to fill the seats at its December meeting.

In Other News

• Stormwater: Stormwater Committee Chair Brown reported that Lee County’s consultants are about a month away from completing a model for the island’s stormwater flows. The next step will involve identifying ways to mitigate these flows to minimize property damage.
• Beach Renourishment Safety: Lee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Rich Zeltman reminded the public to observe safety during the Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s beach renourishment project. He advised beach-goers to not enter the fenced-in areas where heavy equipment is staged and to stay outside of all construction zones to ensure public safety.

Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop, located at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel, has announced it will be expanding its days of operation starting in November.

Currently, the shop is open every Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Beginning next month, the schedule will be expanded to include the first Saturday of each month, providing the community with more opportunities to visit.

Supporting the Wider Community

Operating for more than 60 years, Noah’s Ark offers a wide range of donated items, including clothes, jewelry, furniture, decor, art, shoes, and books. The donated goods are carefully sorted and displayed by dedicated volunteers from the church.

The thrift shop serves an important mission: all proceeds benefit local and national nonprofits that provide crucial support to the wider community.

Donations are always accepted and can be dropped off 24/7 at the side loading dock located at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

For more information, visit the church’s website at https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/noahs-ark or call 239-799-7146. You can also follow updates on Facebook and Instagram.

The critically acclaimed documentary, “Sanibel,” is now available for audiences to watch on demand via Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.

Directed by Herbert James Winterstern, the film initially set out to explore the cherished world of seashell collecting and the unique shelling culture of the island community. However, its narrative profoundly changed when Hurricane Ian struck during filming in 2022. The project quickly transformed into a compelling story of survival, grief, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a community devastated by one of Florida’s largest storms.

The documentary has already earned significant recognition, including the Best Florida Film Award at the Naples International Film Festival and a screening at the 15th annual Fort Myers Film Festival.

For more details on the film, viewers are encouraged to visit the official website at sanibelmovie.com.

The FISH of Sanibel-Captiva organization is highlighting the deep impact of its community support services, sharing the story of an island resident who recently experienced a profound loss. After a long period of caring for her partner through poor health, the neighbor faced the heartbreaking challenge of his passing. In the difficult months that followed, FISH has stepped in to offer comfort, care, and vital connection.

Through a variety of its support programs, the resident found not just necessary aid, but a renewed sense of community and friendship:

• Meals-by-FISH: Providing prepared meals during a time of grief.
• Smile Boxes and Friendly Faces Luncheons: Offering opportunities for social connection and community engagement.

Beyond these social programs, FISH provided crucial practical assistance, helping the neighbor gain access to essential home health resources and medical equipment. She also received support from the organization’s post-hurricane aid following recent storms. Looking ahead, FISH has enrolled her as a recipient in the upcoming holiday food and gift drive.

The support offered by FISH demonstrates the power of community in helping neighbors pick up the pieces and navigate life-changing moments.

The City of Sanibel has provided an important update, announcing that the repaving of Periwinkle Way commenced today, October 23.

The project focuses on the section of Periwinkle Way extending from approximately 500 feet west of Casa Ybel Road to about one-third of a mile east of Donax Street. To minimize disruption, all milling and paving operations will occur during evening and overnight hours, with nighttime lane closures in effect between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Project Paving Schedule

The city’s contractor has released the following detailed paving schedule, which is subject to change based on weather conditions:

The City assures the public that access to all residences and businesses will be maintained at all times throughout the project. Drivers are reminded to operate their vehicles slowly and cautiously through the work zones when crews are present. The contractor will utilize clear signage and flaggers to efficiently direct traffic.

For more detailed information regarding the project, citizens may contact the Public Works Department at sanpw@mysanibel.com or call 239-472-6397.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has announced that the official sea turtle nesting season on the islands will conclude on October 31.

The SCCF provided a final count of its successful season as of October 22, showcasing significant numbers for both species monitored:

• Loggerhead Nests: 868
• Loggerhead Hatchlings: 27,083
• Green Turtle Nests: 21
• Green Turtle Hatchlings: 607

While the season is winding down, the SCCF issued an important reminder to the public: residents and visitors must continue to turn off or shield any lights visible from the beach after 9 p.m. This practice is crucial to ensure any remaining hatchlings can safely navigate to the water without being disoriented by artificial light.

For anyone who observes issues with sea turtles or their nests on Sanibel and Captiva, the public is asked to contact the SCCF’s Sea Turtle Hotline directly at 978-728-3663.

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village has announced a major step toward recovery following Hurricane Ian in 2022: the roof replacement project for the Rutland House has officially begun. The project was initially scheduled to commence on October 14.

As the property owner and a key village partner, the City of Sanibel is providing the funding for this essential repair. The city has selected Quick Roofing to execute the work, which will be comprehensive. The scope includes the removal and replacement of the existing metal roofing system, alongside a necessary structure retrofit and the installation of new sheathing to ensure compliance with the current building and wind codes.

The Village shared that this roof replacement represents a critical milestone. “This is the first essential repair to be completed post-Hurricane Ian before reopening the house to the public,” a representative stated.

A Look at the Rutland House

The Rutland House is a significant piece of local history. It was originally built in 1913 and stood on Periwinkle Way, just west of the current Periwinkle Park.

The structure is made of slash pine and exemplifies Cracker architecture. This distinctive style is characterized by a wood-frame structure with a low-slung roof and a prominent, wide front porch. The term “Cracker” is used to refer to the early pioneers and their descendants in Florida.

Clarence Rutland purchased the home in 1928 and resided there until his death in 1982. He was the son of Irene Rutland, who later married Henry Shanahan, the Sanibel lighthouse keeper in the early 1900s. Although Clarence and his wife, Ruth (Wiles), had no children, he was affectionately known throughout the community as “Uncle Clarence” and was celebrated as a “jack of all trades.”

Following Clarence Rutland’s passing, the building was moved to the Village in 1982. It served a vital role for many years, housing the entirety of the museum when it first opened to the public in 1984.

For those interested in learning more about the museum and its ongoing work, please visit the official website at https://sanibelmuseum.org/.