Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

August rains brought much-needed relief to Sanibel’s wetlands, but inland lakes remain stubbornly salty, according to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). The dynamic nature of barrier islands like Sanibel means shifting salinities in its inland waterbodies, and while some areas have seen improvements, the effects of past storm surges are still being felt.

Heavy rains in August have rejuvenated shallow, brackish pools, providing a fresh environment for native frogs and toads to reproduce and disperse. “The heavy rainstorm on August 10, which brought nearly 12 inches of rain in just over 13 hours, flooded out brackish pools, improving our freshwater areas,” said Chris Lechowicz, SCCF’s Wildlife & Habitat Management Director.

As a result, species like marsh crayfish, southern leopard frogs, and Florida softshell turtles, previously struggling to find suitable habitats, are now able to return to these revitalized areas. Lechowicz explains, “Longer gaps between surge events will help wildlife populations rebuild and restore food webs and ecosystem balance.”

However, deeper, more permanent waterbodies on the island—such as the Sanibel Slough, Devitt Pond, and Gulf Ridge Marsh—continue to hold higher salinities, a lasting effect of recent hurricane surges. These areas have seen significant vegetation loss, particularly buttonwood trees and other hardwoods, which couldn’t survive in the salty waters.

Sanibel’s man-made lakes, created during the 1970s and 80s as part of residential developments, also remain salty. These lakes, originally filled with freshwater, were heavily impacted by the storm surge events, exchanging their freshwater for salty Gulf and Bay waters. Mark Thompson, SCCF Marine Lab Research Associate, notes that these lakes, such as Murex Lakes and Palm Lake, have slow freshwater recharge rates and remain highly saline, despite the August rains.

While the wetland areas are slowly recovering, Thompson adds, “It may take years for these larger lakes to support freshwater vegetation and wildlife again.”

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) has officially approved its operating millage rate and budget for the upcoming fiscal year, while also sharing important updates on the island’s major beach renourishment project.

Budget Approval

At its final budget hearing on September 12, the CEPD commission voted unanimously (4–0) to adopt an operating millage rate of 0.3740 mills, which matches the rolled-back rate and represents a decrease from the current 0.4128 mills for 2024–25.

The board also approved a $648,205 budget for fiscal year 2025–26. According to the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the district’s certified gross taxable value for non-exempt properties stands at $1.73 billion.

At the first budget hearing held earlier this month, a tentative rate of 0.5000 mills was considered. However, commissioners ultimately chose to proceed with the rolled-back rate.

Beach Renourishment Updates

General Manager Brighton Heard reported that preparations for the long-awaited beach renourishment are well underway. The Turner Beach parking lot closed September 5 to serve as a staging area for equipment, with work scheduled to begin on September 20.

Nicole Sharp of APTIM shared that the pre-project survey revealed the need for 1.2 million cubic yards of sand, significantly higher than the 800,000 cubic yards originally planned due to hurricane impacts. The project contractor, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, confirmed it can provide the additional sand at the same unit price of about $19 per cubic yard. However, this will extend the project timeline.

• Original bid: $26 million

• Additional sand needed: 400,000 cubic yards

• Estimated added cost: $7.66 million

Construction will advance northward along the island at a pace of 400–500 feet per day, operating continuously, 24/7, for an estimated 56 days.

• Turner Beach lot: closed through October 12

• Alison Hagerup Beach lot: will close temporarily during the project’s second phase

During construction, public access to active work zones will be restricted, while other areas of the beach remain open. Nighttime operations may generate light and noise, but CEPD confirmed that environmental protections—including on-site wildlife and water quality monitoring—are in place.

Commission Appointments

In other business:

• The board voted 4–0 to appoint Bernie Dupre to the vacant commission seat. A Captiva resident of 16 years with decades of management and investment experience, Dupre said his goal is to “help protect and preserve” the island.

• The commission also named Vice Chairman Rene Miville as the new treasurer.

Stay Connected

For project updates or questions, contact CEPD at 239-472-2472 or visit www.mycepd.com.

Sanibel Island is back on the map, thanks to an $80,000 marketing campaign launched on May 1, aimed at attracting regional and national visitors impacted by Hurricanes Ian, Helen, and Milton.

“We’re letting the world know that we’re back,” said Sanibel Vice Mayor Holly Smith, highlighting the campaign’s focus on restoring the island’s appeal.

Nearly three-quarters of the restaurants, retail shops, and accommodations affected by the storms have reopened, according to Sanibel & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce CEO, John Lai. This includes legacy businesses as well as those that have reopened under new names but with similar services.

The collaborative effort between the Sanibel City Council and the Chamber is targeting tourism in the Northeast and Midwest, along with local areas like Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties, plus a broader regional market including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties. The campaign utilizes a mix of print, social media, and paid digital advertising, with a dual goal of boosting tourism and real estate sales on the island.

“There’s a synergistic nature between visitation and becoming a resident and real estate development,” Lai shared during a Sept. 8 City Council meeting.

With a budget of $19,109 spent on online promotion so far, the campaign has already exceeded its goals, generating over 50,000 ad clicks and 1.5 million impressions. Google ads alone have accumulated 20,322 clicks and 516,000 impressions, while Meta’s Facebook and Instagram ads have seen 28,553 clicks and 1.59 million impressions. The ads have been especially effective post-summer break, driving interest in both accommodations and real estate listings.

Visitors who clicked on the ads were directed to sites encouraging them to book a stay on the islands or explore available properties. Interestingly, mobile users outnumbered desktop and tablet users when it came to engaging with the ads.

Despite a slight decline in visitors from Canada, Lai reported an increase in tourists from Brazil, further highlighting the growing success of the campaign.

Sanibel Island’s campaign is not just about revitalizing tourism; it’s a testament to the island’s resilience and its commitment to welcoming new residents and businesses.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) has confirmed that the long-awaited Captiva Beach Renourishment Project will officially begin on Saturday, Sept. 20, starting at Turner Beach. This essential effort is designed to restore and protect Captiva’s shoreline, providing greater resilience against erosion, storm surge, and rising sea levels—while preserving the beach for residents, visitors, wildlife, and the local economy.

Project Details

• Timeline & Scope: Work will progress northward along the island, averaging 400–500 feet per day, over an estimated 56-day period.

• Sand Placement: Approximately 1.2 million cubic yards of sand will be added to Captiva’s beaches.

• Contractor: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock will oversee the project, operating 24 hours a day.

• Technology: The project will use the Amelia Island dredge, the highest-capacity dredge ever deployed on Captiva, now completing sea trials in Louisiana.

Parking & Access Impacts

• Turner Beach Parking Lot: Closed Sept. 5 – Oct. 12 for staging.

• Alison Hagerup Beach Parking Lot: Will also serve as a staging area during the second phase of the project. Closure dates will be announced as work progresses northward.

Important Notes:

• Beach access will be restricted in active construction zones.

• The rest of the beach will remain open to the public.

• Night work may result in temporary light and noise in nearby areas.

Environmental Protections

To safeguard the natural ecosystem, CEPD has implemented strict environmental measures:

• On-site wildlife monitors to protect sea turtles, shorebirds, and other species.

• Turbidity monitors to ensure water quality remains safe during dredging and sand placement.

Stay Updated

CEPD will continue to share updates as the project advances.

For details, contact the Captiva Erosion Prevention District at (239) 472-2472 or visit www.mycepd.com.

The City will begin the Periwinkle Way Milling & Resurfacing Project on Monday, Sept. 15. Work spans from 500 feet west of Casa Ybel Road to roughly one-third of a mile east of Donax Street.

What’s happening first

• Drainage upgrades (north side of Periwinkle Way): crews will install swales and concrete pipe on Main St., Fitzhugh St., Palm St., and Center St.

• Work hours for drainage: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Paving schedule (coming weeks)

• Milling & paving of Periwinkle Way will follow during evening/overnight hours: 7:00 PM – 6:00 AM.

• The City will announce the exact start date for this phase via news release, Facebook, and the City website before night work begins.

Getting around during construction

• Access stays open: homes and businesses within the project area will remain accessible at all times.

• Drive carefully: slow down and use caution when workers are present.

• Traffic control: expect signs and flaggers to direct vehicles through active work zones.

Project timeline

• Estimated duration: about 120 days, weather permitting.

Questions?

Contact the Sanibel Public Works Department:

• Email: sanpw@mysanibel.com

• Phone: (239) 472-6397

We’ll continue sharing updates as the project moves through each phase.

Community Housing & Resources (CHR) celebrated a major milestone on Sept. 4 with a groundbreaking ceremony for their new $7 million affordable housing apartment complex on Sanibel. This new Riverview building will rise from the ashes of the original Riverview apartments, which were heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

CHR demolished the old building and launched a capital campaign to fund the reconstruction. The new Riverview will feature 15 modern, one-bedroom, one-bath units designed to better withstand severe weather conditions.

“This project is more than just a replacement for what was lost—it’s a testament to resilience,” said CHR Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale. “Our vision is to rebuild stronger homes for those who make this community thrive, and to ensure seniors can age in place with dignity.”

Decker-McHale also shared that the capital campaign has already raised an impressive $6.8 million, with support coming from individuals, businesses, and volunteers alike. “What truly matters is the spirit of this community—the families, businesses, and volunteers who have supported this cause, even while facing their own challenges,” she said.

CHR Board Chair Roger Grogman credited the nonprofit’s supporters and the “community of doers” for their contributions to the success of the project. “Sanibel is fortunate to have such great leadership. The real challenge isn’t having a vision, it’s making it happen,” he remarked.

Among the key supporters were Bill and Laurie Harkey, local donors who contributed $1 million to the campaign. “This project will make a real difference in the lives of people right here on the island,” Bill Harkey said.

Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller emphasized the importance of affordable housing for local workers, noting that the city provides nearly $500,000 in funding to CHR. “CHR is essential to the community—providing homes for the people who are the backbone of our economy,” he said.

Wanda McKittrick, a preschool teacher at the Children’s Education Center of the Island (CECI), shared her personal connection to Riverview. After losing her apartment due to Hurricane Ian, McKittrick found new housing through CHR. “Even when I was displaced, CHR kept checking in on me. They truly care about the people they serve,” she said.

The groundbreaking ceremony featured refreshments from A Bit of Bailey’s, including chicken salad, bagels, fruit, and beverages.

Construction of the new Riverview complex is expected to take approximately one year. For more information or to contribute to the capital campaign, visit sancapchr.org or call 239-472-1189.

Location: Riverview, 1517 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.