Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is inviting the community to come together in celebration of the spirit of giving at its first-ever Generosity Breakfast, taking place on November 18 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel. Doors will open at 8 a.m., with a breakfast buffet served from 8 to 8:30 a.m.

Coinciding with National Philanthropy Day, the event will honor the compassion, collaboration, and generosity that define the Sanibel and Captiva islands. Designed to unite residents, business leaders, and nonprofit partners, the morning will be filled with inspiration, storytelling, and recognition of those who make a difference in the island community.

“Our inaugural Generosity Breakfast will shine a light on what makes our islands special — the wholehearted gift of time, talent, and treasure,” said Executive Director Dolly Farrell. “Generosity is woven into the very fabric of island life, and this gathering celebrates that shared spirit.”

Event Highlights

The program will include a special recognition of five Generosity Champions—individuals, couples, or businesses who exemplify extraordinary giving. The honorees will participate in a philanthropy panel discussion, moderated by Rachel Pierce, where they’ll share personal stories about what inspired their generosity and their connection to the islands.

A highlight of the morning will be the unveiling of the Giving Tree, a new symbolic installation representing gratitude and the enduring legacy of giving across the community.

Supporting Island Programs

Proceeds from the Generosity Breakfast will benefit CFI’s wide range of community programs, including:

• Leadership Sanibel & Captiva Program

• 100+ Women Who Care initiative

• Nonprofit education and support programs

• Community grantmaking

• Economic revitalization efforts

“Those ticket proceeds will support our programming,” Farrell explained, emphasizing that generosity goes beyond financial giving. “We chose the word generosity instead of philanthropy because generosity is something we all share — through our time, talent, and treasure.”

Community Sponsors

The Sanibel Captiva Community Bank serves as the event’s exclusive presenting sponsor, with Sundial Beach Resort & Spa underwriting the event space.

“We’re honored to serve as the presenting sponsor and proud to stand alongside CFI in celebrating the individuals and organizations whose generosity makes Sanibel and Captiva such extraordinary communities,” said Kyle DeCicco, President and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.

Farrell added, “We are deeply thankful to Sanibel Captiva Community Bank for their extraordinary generosity and leadership, and to Sundial Beach Resort & Spa for their support. Together, they are helping us celebrate the giving spirit that keeps our islands resilient and connected.”

Event Details

• When: November 18, 8:30–10:30 a.m. (doors open at 8 a.m.)

• Where: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, 1451 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel

• Tickets: $225 per person; tables also available

As of late September, tickets were already half sold, and community members are encouraged to reserve their seats early.

“I think it’ll be inspiring,” Farrell said. “It’s a chance to celebrate with one another, at the start of season, why these islands are so special and why we give back every day.”

For tickets and more information, visit CFI Generosity Breakfast 2025.
For inquiries, email events@sancapcfi.org.

After its annual August-to-October hiatus, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is set to reopen its doors to visitors on October 15, marking its 42nd year of preserving and celebrating the island’s storied past.

Founded in 1984, the museum brings Sanibel’s history to life through eight restored historical buildings, including Burnap Cottage, Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, Morning Glories Cottage, the Post Office, the Old Bailey General Store, the Sanibel Schoolhouse for White Children, Shore Haven, and The Caretaker’s Cottage. Each building is handicap accessible and offers an authentic glimpse into life on the island from the late 1800s through the early 1900s.

While the Rutland House remains closed as restoration continues following Hurricane Ian, Executive Director Pamela Miner confirmed that a new roof is planned and that structural assessments are underway with hopes to reopen the building soon.

Miner shared her excitement for the upcoming season, noting, “We’re certainly happy to be open and available for visitors and guests to come and explore and experience with us.”

What Visitors Can Expect

Guests can enjoy a self-guided tour that includes an orientation video, informative signage, and QR codes providing deeper insights into each building’s history. For those seeking a more interactive experience, guided tours will also be available, offering stories and historical context led by knowledgeable guides and docents.

The Old Bailey General Store, once the island’s hub, remains a favorite stop—now featuring 16 new exhibits introduced last season that showcase early island life through photos, personal stories, and timelines. Visitors can also explore Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, the Morning Glories Cottage, and Shore Haven, both examples of Sears & Roebuck prefabricated homes relocated from the San Carlos Bay area.

New Schedule and Hours

The museum has updated its schedule to better align with the popular Sanibel Farmers Market on Sundays. The new hours are:

• Oct. 15 – Jan. 4: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Jan. 7 – Apr. 30: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (expanded high-season hours)

• May 1 – July 31: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Tickets and gift shop sales close one hour before the museum’s daily closing time.)

Admission Details

Self-Guided Tour

• Adults (19+): $15

• Teens (13–18): $10

• Youth (6–12): $5

• Members and ages 5 & under: Free

Guided Tour

• Adults (19+): $20

• Teens (13–18): $15

• Youth (6–12): $10

• Ages 5 & under: Free

Annual memberships are also available and include discounts at the museum’s gift shop, which offers hats, water bottles, artwork, souvenirs, and a wide range of books by local authors. Visitors can browse without purchasing admission tickets.

Special Reprint for Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary

In honor of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary of incorporation, the museum will release a limited reprint of Betty Anholt’s iconic book, “Sanibel’s Story: Voices and Images from Calusa to Incorporation,” available this December.

Experience Sanibel’s Past

Miner encourages both residents and visitors to take the opportunity to step back in time. “It’s definitely an opportunity, whether you’re a resident or a guest,” she said. “You are able to step back in time to experience a Sanibel of the later 1800s and early 1900s.”

For more information, visit www.sanibelmuseum.org, call 239-472-4648, or email info@sanibelmuseum.org.
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is located at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, Florida.

The Captiva Chapel by the Sea has shared progress on its ongoing post-storm recovery efforts.

Following the conclusion of its season in April, the chapel benefited from decorative shrubbery donated by wedding benefactors, which temporarily concealed the restoration work beneath. Steel beams and railroad tie supports remain under the structure, which has now been raised and leveled after recent storms.

In collaboration with Davie Shoring and construction manager Bob Johnson, the team has obtained necessary permits, strengthened joists, and installed a new reinforced concrete foundation along with reinforced block columns. A new stairway now provides access to both the front and back entries.

Officials note that additional work this fall will include siding repairs, construction of a rear ramp, and a full paint job. Utilities will be reconnected, and video cameras for Sunday service coverage will be installed or reconnected in time for the first service on November 9.

For updates, visit captivachapel.com or follow the chapel on Facebook.

Location: 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva.

Throughout October, the San Cap Pink Project is turning the islands pink to raise awareness for breast cancer and promote local wellness, offering a full calendar of community events.

The celebration, which began on October 1, will run through October 31, inviting everyone to participate and celebrate health, hope, and community spirit.

Key events include:

• Oct. 17: Sanibel Pilates & Spa will host a thermography event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1979 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

• Oct. 18: The Pink Out Crew will bag groceries from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jerry’s Foods, located at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

• Oct. 23: The Annual Pink Out Picnic and Health & Wellness Expo will return from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s Station 171, located at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.

• Oct. 25: The Pink Out Crew will bag groceries again from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jerry’s Foods, 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

• Now through Oct. 31: Wickie’s Lighthouse Restaurant will offer special Pinktober menu items at 362 Periwinkle Way, Suite 2, Sanibel, with all proceeds benefiting the cause.

• Now through Oct. 31: Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens will feature a “Pinktober” celebration at 1415 Dean St., Suite 102, Fort Myers.

These events are made possible through the generous support of community partners and sponsors, including Bank of the Islands, Cypress Cove, Kingfisher Real Estate, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Sanibel Fire District, Superior Title Services, The Starr Team, and Wickie’s. Join in and wear pink to show your support for this important cause!

The City of Sanibel will observe Columbus Day on October 13, 2025. As a result, the Administrative Offices will be closed for the day and will resume regular hours on October 14. For further information, residents can contact City Hall at 239-472-3700.

In terms of waste management, Waste Management (WM) will continue refuse, recycling, and vegetation waste collection as scheduled on October 13. There will be no delays to the usual collection times. Residents can reach WM for more details at 239-334-1224.

Additionally, the Sanibel Recreation Center will be closed on October 13 but will reopen and resume regular operating hours on October 14. For any questions, the Recreation Center can be contacted at 239-472-0345.

The Captiva Island Fire Control District has finalized its financial plans for the upcoming year. During its second and final budget hearing on Sept. 25, the commission voted unanimously (3-0) to adopt both the millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2025-26.

Approved Millage Rate & Budget

• Final operating millage rate: 2.2900 mills

  • This is 10.36% above the rolled-back rate of 2.0750 mills.

• Final budget: $6,222,541

• Gross taxable value: $1,732,406,518 (certified by the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office)

Fire Chief Jeff Pawul recommended the 2.2900 mills as an alternative to the initially proposed 2.400 mills. He explained that the slightly lower rate would still cover critical needs, including:

• New staffing positions

• Cushion for potential property acquisitions

• Payment for the new ladder truck

• Step pay increases for staff

• Operational flexibility for future needs

The adjustment results in an additional $200,000 in revenue versus the $400,000 that would have come from the higher tentative rate.

Special Meeting: Exploring Property Needs

Following the budget hearing, the commission held a special meeting focused on long-term infrastructure planning.

Commissioner Jeff Brown and Chief Pawul provided an update on the Rauschenberg property, which the district is evaluating as a potential acquisition.

Key takeaways:

• The district has secured an appraisal of the property.

• Research confirms the district has authority under its charter to purchase land for public safety use.

• Discussions have begun with the district’s bank regarding borrowing options and credit impact.

Brown emphasized that the current fire station is at full capacity and lacks space for future staff or new equipment. He stressed the difficulty of finding suitable land on Captiva:

“There’s just so few locations where we can put another station,” Brown said.

Chief Pawul added that any new station would need to be centrally located. The Rauschenberg property also holds strategic value because:

• It currently serves as a landing zone for medical helicopters.

• It offers space for a training area, which the district has lost in recent years.

Calling it a “one-time opportunity”, Pawul and Brown concluded that moving forward with an offer on the property would be a prudent step for the district’s future.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025-26 budget in place, the Captiva Fire Board is now turning its attention to long-term infrastructure and land needs. The outcome of the Rauschenberg property discussions could play a key role in shaping the future of fire and emergency services on Captiva Island.