Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE) has announced it will reopen on October 1 after its temporary September closure. The Tarpon Bay recreational area, including the launch ramp, will also reopen on the same date.

As the official concession for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, TBE offers a wide range of outdoor experiences for residents and visitors:

• Tram tours through the refuge

• Guided kayak tours and rentals

• Bike and paddleboard rentals

• Hobie fishing kayak rentals

• Pontoon rentals and fishing charters

• A nature-inspired gift shop

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday–Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last rentals go out at 3 p.m.)

For reservations or more information, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900.

Location: 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

The Sanibel Recreation Center has shared details on upcoming activities, permits, and special opportunities for the community.

Pick Up Softball will return starting October 6, held Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Sanibel Ballfields. Open to ages 18 and older, the games are free to join for both residents and visitors. Participants should bring a glove and wear sneakers.

Sanibel Beach Parking Permits for residents and property owners also go on sale October 6.

• A (beach only) sticker: $14

• A/C (beach and boat ramp) sticker: $113
  To purchase, bring a valid ID, current vehicle registration, proof of residency or ownership, and payment. The first 50 paying customers on October 6 will receive a free gift.

Recreation Center Hours

• Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The center offers a variety of memberships, passes, and punch cards. New and current members can set up their CivicRec account online or by calling 239-472-0345.

Cookbook Reprint
In its fourth reprint, The Sanibel-Captiva Cookbook is available for purchase at $40. Originally created in 1981 by Mariel Goss and Eugenia Loughney, this limited edition includes recipes and stories from the islands. Proceeds benefit the Youth Financial Assistance Program and the Children’s Education Center of the Islands. Shipping options are available for non-local buyers.

For registration, program schedules, and more details, visit: secure.rec1.com/FL/sanibel-fl/catalog.

Location: 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
Phone: 239-472-0345

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva is gearing up for the 2025 JOG N JAM, its signature two-part fundraiser that brings the community together through fitness, music, and celebration.

The event begins on November 1 with the 10K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run at The Community House on Sanibel. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, the race is designed to showcase the island’s scenic beauty while building energy, connection, and community spirit.

On December 6, the second part of the event takes place with a beachfront concert at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva, featuring the Ben Allen Band and a fireworks finale.

Individual and Team Competition

The race offers both individual competition and a team division. Teams already registered include Gulf Pines Friends, Heidrick & Co Insurance, Pelican’s Landing, Roger’s Angels, SanCap Running Club, Sanibel Sistas, The Mollusk Milers, and Tropical Sunrise Captiva.

• Teams must have at least six members, with the top five finishers scoring.

• Team registration closes October 31 at 6 p.m. No additions will be accepted afterward.

• Runners already registered can still form or join a team by contacting event registrar Mark at linmarksports@linmarksports.com.

Registration and Pricing

• 10K/5K: $50 for adults, $40 for ages 16 and under (prices increase after October 31).

• Kids Fun Run: Free with registration. Includes a ribbon and treat.

• Concert Tickets: $75 for adults, $50 for ages 7–18, or $200 for a four-pack (while supplies last).

Every runner will receive a finisher medal, event T-shirt, and the chance to win an age-group award with an island-inspired theme. The concert will also feature food and drinks for purchase, plus shuttle services for convenience.

Giving Back

Proceeds from JOG N JAM will support FISH’s four service pillars — Food, Island-Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hands — as well as ongoing disaster recovery efforts in the community.

Event Details

• Race Location: The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

• Concert Location: ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva

Registration Links

• Race: runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH

• Concert: jamwithfish.rsvpify.com

• Learn more about FISH: fishofsancap.org

The 14th annual “Ding” Darling–Theodore Cross High School Photography Contest kicks off on October 1, with entries due by January 15. Open to high school students across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties, the contest offers prizes including cash awards, gift bags, and a $1,000 grand prize.

The contest honors Theodore Cross, a Sanibel part-time resident whose remarkable life included marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., advising U.S. presidents on anti-poverty programs, and writing influential works like Black Capitalism. Later in life, he pursued his passion for bird photography, traveling the world and often shooting at the Sanibel refuge. His celebrated book Waterbirds was published in 2009, just before his passing in 2010.

Thanks to a grant from The Theodore Cross Family Charitable Foundation, the contest continues to inspire young photographers. “We are so happy to support a contest in my father’s name, one that encourages youth to experience nature through a camera lens,” said his daughter Amanda Cross.

Contest Details

• Open to students in grades 9–12 from Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties.

• Submit up to two original digital photos of nature or wildlife taken outdoors in Florida.

• Photos must be JPEG/JPG format, minimum 2000×1500 pixels or 2MB resolution.

• Entries must include a 100-word description of the captured “moment” and what it means to the photographer.

• All submissions must be emailed to ddhsphotocontest@dingdarlingsociety.org with full name, school, grade, photo title, and description.

• Deadline: January 15, 2026.

Entries will be judged anonymously on technical excellence, creativity, and the written description. Winning images will become part of the refuge’s archive and may be used in future publications with credit.

For full guidelines, visit: dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/photo-contests.

Registration is now open for the South Seas Captiva Island Triathlon, happening September 28 on Captiva Island. Sponsored by South Seas, Lee County Sports Development, and Trek Bike Shops Florida, the event promises a memorable combination of Gulf swimming, biking on closed roads, and a scenic island run.

Sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the event welcomes athletes of all levels with multiple race options:

• Super Sprint Triathlon: 200-yard swim, 5-mile bike ride, 1.5-mile run

• Sprint Triathlon: Quarter-mile swim, 10-mile bike ride, 5K run

• Sprint Duathlon: 1-mile run, 10-mile bike ride, 5K run

• Sprint Aquabike: Quarter-mile swim, 10-mile bike ride

Note: Registration for the Sprint Relay closed on September 23.

Awards & Divisions

Awards will be presented three deep in male and female divisions for overall, age groups (15 and under up to 80+), para, athena, clydesdale, and relay teams (male, female, co-ed). Masters winners (age 40+) will also be recognized. Aquabike awards will be given overall and by age group.

Race Day Details

• Start Time: 7:30 a.m.

• Road Closures: Captiva Drive will be closed at Blind Pass from 6:45 to 9 a.m.

• Entry Fees: $139 for the Super Sprint; $159 for Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, or Aquabike

• Registration Deadline: September 28 at midnight

Extras for Participants

Athletes booking a stay at South Seas will enjoy full guest benefits, plus special weekend event activities.

For details or to register, visit: runsignup.com/Race/FL/CaptivaIsland/CaptivaIslandTriathlon.

The Periwinkle Way Milling and Resurfacing Project has officially started. The work spans from 500 feet west of Casa Ybel Road to about one-third of a mile east of Donax Street.

Project Details and Schedule

The initial phase of the project involves drainage repair along the north side of Periwinkle Way. This includes installing swales and concrete pipes on Main Street, Fitzhugh Street, Palm Street, and Center Street. This work will take place during the day, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Within the next few weeks, the second phase of the project—milling and paving—is scheduled to begin. To minimize traffic disruption, this work will occur during evening and overnight hours, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. The City of Sanibel will announce the exact start date for this phase through a news release and on its official website and Facebook page.

The entire project is estimated to take approximately 120 days to complete, but this timeline is subject to change based on weather conditions.

Public Advisory

While work is underway, access to all residences and businesses will be maintained. The public is urged to drive slowly and cautiously through the work zones when crews are present. Signage and flaggers will be on-site to help direct traffic and ensure safety.

For more information, you can contact the City of Sanibel Public Works Department by email at sanpw@mysanibel.com or by phone at (239) 472-6397.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) has provided the latest update on the 2025 Captiva Beach Renourishment Project. The project, which is being coordinated with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company and APTIM, is currently on schedule and officially began on September 20, starting at the south end of the island.

Project Timeline and Progress

The project is expected to be a continuous operation, running 24/7 for an estimated 56 days. Work is scheduled to be completed by November 20.

The beach has been divided into eight work zones, with construction progressing from south to north. The project timeline is as follows:

• Week 1 (Sept. 20–27): Work is focused on the Turner Beach area.
• Weeks 2–8 (Sept. 28–Nov. 15): The project will systematically move northward along the island.
• Week 9 (Nov. 16–20): Final touch-ups and completion are scheduled to take place near Redfish Pass.

Parking and Beach Access

The Turner Beach Parking Lot will be closed from September 5 to October 12 to be used as a staging area. The Alison Hagerup Parking Lot will also have a temporary closure in October, with the exact date depending on the project’s progress.

During construction, portions of the beach will be temporarily closed in active work zones but will reopen shortly after the crew moves on. Equipment and pipes will be present along the beach, so residents and visitors should use caution and follow all posted signs and detours.

Key Project Highlights

The project aims to place up to 1 million cubic yards of sand on Captiva’s shoreline. This effort will use the “Amelia Island,” a brand-new, high-capacity dredge vessel that is considered the most efficient dredge ever used for the island’s restoration.

This renourishment project is vital for the island, as it provides storm protection, helps preserve properties, and ensures continued recreational access for the community.

The CEPD thanks everyone for their patience and cooperation as they work to protect and preserve Captiva’s shoreline. For more information, including maps and progress updates, residents can visit the CEPD website or contact their office directly.