Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The Mucky Duck, a beloved Captiva Island restaurant, has cleared a major reconstruction hurdle and is now on a clear path to reopening. Owner Andreas Bieri is now targeting a reopening date of December 1, 2025, or by the end of the year, just in time for the peak season and the restaurant’s 50th anniversary in 2026.

The path forward was secured during a pivotal on-site meeting on October 13. Bieri, his construction contractor, and a kitchen design expert met with the Captiva Fire District to resolve a potentially critical issue with the new kitchen’s layout that could have failed a fire safety inspection.

During the meeting, kitchen range hood designer David Fusaro devised an on-the-spot solution. By reconfiguring the kitchen and moving the main cooking range to an adjacent wall, the design now fully complies with safety codes.

“As far as chances of success, we went from a ‘maybe’ to 100%,” Fusaro said, confirming the new plans will be approved.

This innovative solution comes with an unexpected benefit: the new layout will nearly double the restaurant’s cooking capacity, promising greater efficiency. “Different configuration,” Fire Chief Jeff Pawul told Bieri, “But it will give you a bigger capacity.”

The Mucky Duck, a landmark known for its sunset views, was destroyed by Hurricane Milton in October 2024 after having survived Hurricane Ian two years prior. Bieri, who has been part of the restaurant since 1980, was determined to bring it back. The building’s historic designation made a near-replica rebuild possible on its iconic beachfront location.

For Bieri, the resolution to the kitchen problem brought immense relief. “I feel better,” he said. “I have to say. I think I can sleep tonight much better.”

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind pirate adventure! Captiva Cruises is partnering with The Island Club at North Captiva to offer an exclusive sunset voyage to the Swashbuckler’s Ball on Saturday, October 25.

The Swashbuckler’s Ball is the ultimate pirate-themed celebration, running from 6 p.m. to midnight at The Island Club. Guests are encouraged to don their best pirate attire for a night filled with live music, a Caribbean buffet, bottomless beer and rum cocktails, and pirate-themed entertainment, including prize drawings and a costume contest.

For a truly unique experience, guests can book the special package with Captiva Cruises. The voyage departs from McCarthy’s Marina at 6:00 p.m. aboard the Santiva, a 45-foot catamaran. You will enjoy a scenic journey with beautiful sunset views from Captiva Pass before arriving at the party.

The Captiva Cruises package includes:

• A scenic sunset cruise (drinks available for purchase on board).
• Round-trip transportation to The Island Club on North Captiva.
• Two hours of access to the Swashbuckler’s Ball, including all food, drinks, and entertainment.

Tickets for this cruise and two-hour event experience are $100 per person. Space is strictly limited to 49 guests, so early booking is highly encouraged.

For those who wish to attend the full six-hour pirate bash, general admission tickets are available for $110 directly from The Island Club, but these do not include the sunset cruise or ferry transportation.

To book the sunset cruise package, visit CaptivaCruises.com. For more information, you can also call Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5300.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are set to usher in the holiday season this weekend with the return of a cherished community favorite. Hosted by the SanCap Chamber, the 39th Annual Luminary Stroll will take place over two festive nights, serving as a glittering highlight to Sanibel’s 50th-anniversary celebration.

This year’s event promises to be a significant moment for the islands. According to Chamber President and CEO John Lai, over 70% of local restaurants, retailers, and accommodations have reopened.

“Our goal is to offer recognition to island businesses and encourage local shopping, while providing a fun-filled evening for family and friends,” Lai said. “We think this holiday season will kick off the most crucial visitor season that we’ve had.”

Event Schedule & Kick-Off

The festivities are free and open to the public, taking place from 4 to 9 p.m. on both nights.

• Thursday, Dec. 5: Periwinkle Way on Sanibel

• Friday, Dec. 6: Captiva Drive and Andy Rosse Lane on Captiva

The official kick-off is scheduled for Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. at Tahitian Gardens on Sanibel. Attendees can expect remarks from Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller and the island’s first mayor, Porter Goss. WINK News Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt will also be broadcasting live from the location.

A Trail of Holiday Fun on Sanibel

On Thursday night, candle-lined pathways—set up by the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs—will guide visitors to various landmarks, shopping centers, and businesses offering treats, refreshments, and entertainment.

Here is a look at what is happening along the trail:

• Tahitian Gardens: Watch for Santa and the Grinch arriving on a Harley at 5:30 p.m., along with kids’ games, door prizes, and live music. Adventures in Paradise Outfitters and Wilford & Lee Home Accents will also be offering specials and treats.

• The East End: Activities begin at the East End Shops with Santa, free hot dogs, and live music at Tuttle’s Seahorse Shell Shop. Don’t miss the roasted chestnuts at Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream—a perennial favorite.

• The Shops at Jerry’s: The local Boy Scouts will be handing out hot dogs, while visitors can enjoy caroling and photo ops with Santa.

• Heart of the Islands: MacIntosh Books + Paper and Home by Rachel Pierce will feature treats and a hot chocolate bar.

• Sanibel Community Church: A hub for families, the church will host a petting zoo, pony rides, and two performances of Handel’s “Messiah” by the Sanibel Choir and Orchestra (5:30 and 6:30 p.m.).

• Periwinkle Place: Look for special sales, free chili at Blue Giraffe Island Bar & Grill, and refreshments at Congress Jewelers and Her Sports Closet.

• Music & More: The Sanibel Music Festival kicks off at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ with a concert at 4 p.m., while The Village Shops and Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will offer live music, bounce houses, and refreshments.

Captiva Celebrates on Friday

The magic continues Friday, Dec. 6 on Captiva Island. The luminary trail will guide guests from ‘Tween Waters Inn & Marina, down Andy Rosse Lane, and out to South Seas. Participating businesses will feature live music, retail specials, and holiday cheer.

Logistics & Parking

 

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is the presenting sponsor for this year’s stroll, helping to cap off the 50th-anniversary year.

Parking for the Sanibel event (Dec. 5) is available at:

• Olde Sanibel Shoppes

• Periwinkle Place Shops

• Tahitian Gardens

• The Community House

• The Shops at Jerry’s

Maps will be available at the Chamber’s Visitor Center (1159 Causeway Blvd) and at sponsor locations.

With more retailers and restaurants open than in the past two years, this weekend offers the perfect opportunity to support the local island economy while enjoying the holiday spirit.

If You Go:

• What: 39th Annual Luminary Stroll

• When: Dec. 5 (Sanibel) & Dec. 6 (Captiva) | 4 to 9 p.m.

• Cost: Free and open to the public

• More Info: Visit sanibel-captiva.org/luminary

A significant milestone in Captiva’s recovery was marked on October 15, as owner Sandy Stilwell Youngquist and her team held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Captiva Island Inn. The beloved property, which was largely destroyed by Hurricane Ian, is beginning a $6 million rebuilding project designed to be more resilient while honoring its historic charm.

The decision to rebuild follows a difficult period after the storm. Stilwell Youngquist, who has owned the inn since 1999, described the devastation as heartbreaking and the choice to demolish the original wood-frame structures as an emotional one.

“When we got to the island after Hurricane Ian and saw the devastation, it was heartbreaking,” Stilwell Youngquist said. “And I’m getting choked up, because that’s how hard it was, to realize we had to tear it down.”

Managed by Stevens Construction with a design by MHK Architecture, the project will restore the inn’s capacity, adding 10 new units across two new buildings for a total of 15 units.

The new design thoughtfully balances modern resiliency with the inn’s historical character. After consulting with the Lee County Historic Preservation Board, architect Carmella Cioffi of MHK Architecture developed a plan that pays homage to the original cottages.

“They required that the new design harken to the old design,” Cioffi explained. “We kept some detailing from the original building — decorative trim, the window styles and the colors, and we incorporated those into the new buildings.”

Stilwell Youngquist plans to bring back the original cottage names and will use five different types of siding to ensure the new buildings retain the “quaint, island look” of separate cottages.

The project is a significant investment in the island’s future, especially as the local economy continues to feel the effects of the storm. “Our economy has really dipped down for tourism,” Stilwell Youngquist noted, expressing hope that recovery and rebuilding efforts will encourage visitors to return.

Construction is expected to take about a year, with a target opening date in late fall 2026. In another sign of progress, Stilwell Youngquist’s ice cream and coffee shop, Latte Da, is on track to reopen on November 1.

The action in the Co-Ed Adult Slow-Pitch Softball League continued this week, with a full schedule of games on the evening of Wednesday, October 15. Teams gathered at the Sanibel Ballfields, located at the Sanibel Recreation Center, for three competitive matchups.

The evening’s schedule featured the following games:

• Bubble Room vs. No-See-Um’s at 6:20 p.m.
• Whitney’s Bait and Tackle vs. The Locals at 7:25 p.m.
• Children’s Education Center of the Islands vs. Traders at 8:30 p.m.

As the season progresses, teams are looking ahead to the season-ending tournament, which is tentatively scheduled for December 17.

The Captiva Island Fire Control District commission has directed staff to proceed with a potential purchase of bayside parcels from the Rauschenberg property, a move aimed at expanding and consolidating the district’s services for the future.

During their October 7 meeting, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul and Commissioner Jeff Brown presented findings from their due diligence on acquiring land for a new fire station, which could include a helicopter landing zone and a boat dock.

Commissioners reviewed several options with significant price tags. The main debate centered on two choices: a $23 million option that would split operations across Captiva Drive, or a more expensive $29 million option to acquire approximately 9.8 acres on the bayside, keeping all facilities unified.

While acknowledging the high cost, the commission recognized the unique and fleeting nature of the opportunity. “If this 10 acres sells, it’s going to be developed,” Chief Pawul stated, emphasizing the land’s strategic value.

Commissioner Sherrill Sims called the bayside parcels “perfect” for the district’s current and future needs, adding, “There’s not going to be another chance… You’ve got to go for an opportunity like this.”

Ultimately, the commission unanimously agreed to pursue the more comprehensive bayside option to keep all operations together. The next step is for staff to finalize the financial details of the proposal, which will then be presented to the community for a vote. Any potential purchase is contingent on voter approval through a ballot referendum.

“Then see if the community supports it,” Pawul said.

In Other News

• New Hires: The district has filled two of its three new positions. Firefighter-EMTs Mason Kennington, a recent graduate who previously worked in radiology, and Douglas Leuge, a former firefighter from Kentucky, are expected to begin soon. The district will test again to fill the final open position.
• Policy Updates: The commission voted 3-0 to approve updates to the district’s administrative policies.
• September Report: The district responded to 22 incidents and conducted 23 fire inspections during the month of September.

Get ready for a full day of fun, sun, and music for a great cause. Community Housing & Resources (CHR) is partnering with the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa to host the Ship Wrecked Yacht Rock Party on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sanibel resort.

The all-day event features family-friendly daytime activities followed by an evening concert, with all proceeds supporting CHR’s mission to provide affordable housing for island families and workers.

“We’re excited to help families carve out a full day of fun and celebration, while also supporting CHR, an important organization that helps people get safe, affordable housing,” said Tiffany Beyke, Director of Sales and Catering for the resort.

Daytime Fun: The Daycation (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Families can enjoy a “Daycation” with poolside, cruise ship-style games, a limbo contest, the chicken dance, beach volleyball, and music hosted by a live DJ.

Evening Entertainment: The Concert (5 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

As the sun sets, The Pontunes will take the stage at 5 p.m. for three hours of classic ’70s and ’80s yacht rock and tropical-themed pop tunes. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The evening will also feature a costume contest with prizes for the most creative pirate, boat captain, or yacht rock fan attire. Plus, attendees can bid on a special auction item: a sunset cruise for six, complete with a gift basket from Kay Casperson.

Tickets and Information

• Daycation Tickets (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.): $75 for two adults (includes a $60 dining gift card) and $30 per child ages 3-12 (includes a $15 dining gift card). Children under 3 are free.
• Concert Tickets (5 p.m. onward): $100 per person.
• Accommodations: Special overnight room rates are available at the Sundial for event attendees.

CHR Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale noted that tickets are selling fast. To reserve your spot for this day of fun supporting a great community cause, contact the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa.

For tickets and special room rates, call the Sundial at 866-565-5093. For general information, you can also contact CHR at 239-472-1189.

IF YOU GO

• What: Ship Wrecked Yacht Rock Party
• When: Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel

For anyone looking to deepen their connection with Sanibel Island, MacIntosh Books + Paper has curated the ultimate reading list. The local bookstore recently released its top five book recommendations that it says “capture the heart, history, and beauty of the island.”

According to the bookstore, these selections do more than just tell stories—they anchor readers to the island. “They remind us this island is more than a vacation spot,” MacIntosh shared. “It’s a community, a history, and a way of life.”

Here are the top five picks for every Sanibel enthusiast:

• Sanibel Flats by Randy Wayne White The iconic Doc Ford thriller that started it all.
• Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh A timeless meditation on simplicity and the profound lessons of the sea.
• The Living Gulf Coast by Charles Sobczak An essential guide to the unique wildlife and ecosystems of Sanibel and beyond.
• Sanybel Light by Charles LeBuff A must-read history of the island told from a true islander’s perspective.
• The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean A quirky and fascinating dive into the wild side of Florida.

To learn more or to purchase these titles, you can visit MacIntosh Books + Paper at 1620 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. You can also find more information on their website at https://www.macintoshbooks.com/ or by calling 239-472-1447.