Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

A laughing gull, rescued after becoming entangled in discarded fishing line at Causeway Islands Park, has been treated and successfully released back into the wild.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) announced that the bird was released on August 15, following expert care at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel. SCCF expressed gratitude to Lee County Parks & Recreation Supervisor James Pittro, who first alerted the team to the gull’s plight and had the honor of releasing it.

While the rescue had a positive outcome, SCCF reminded the public of the ongoing dangers fishing debris can pose to wildlife: “This rescue ended well, but not all do. Please dispose of your fishing line properly in designated receptacles, such as our Mind Your Line recycling stations, available across Sanibel and nearby areas.”

The incident occurred on August 4, when SCCF staff, monitoring the causeway, were notified of the entangled gull. They quickly partnered with Lee County Parks & Recreation to rescue the bird, which was then transported to CROW for urgent treatment.

Upon examination, CROW found that a hook with a short line had embedded itself in the bird’s mouth, passing through sensitive tissue near the glottis and exiting at the base of the tongue. There was mild bruising and inflammation, along with damaged tail feathers and a minor injury on the bird’s left wing—likely from its efforts to free itself.

CROW’s medical team was able to remove the hook successfully, administer pain medication, and begin antibiotics to aid in the bird’s recovery. The gull began eating on its own soon after.

“This case highlights the dangers fishing gear can present to wildlife,” CROW emphasized.

To help prevent similar incidents, CROW and SCCF encourage the public to:

• Properly dispose of fishing lines and hooks.

• Retrieve lost tackle when possible.

• Stay aware of wildlife near fishing areas.

If you notice an animal with a swallowed fishing hook, do not cut the line. Instead, contact CROW at 239-472-3644, ext. 222, or your local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance.

There are four monofilament recycling stations located on the causeway. For a map of recycling stations, visit Mind Your Line Recycling Stations.

To see a video of the gull’s release, visit Facebook.

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva has named MudBugs Cajun Kitchen and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank as official sponsors for the upcoming 2025 JOG N JAM fundraiser.

The event features two exciting components:

• Race Day: Nov. 1 at The Community House, Sanibel

• Concert Night: Dec. 6 at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, Captiva

Registration & Ticket Details

• Race Entry:

  • $45 for the 10K or 5K

  • $35 for ages 16 and under

  • Prices increase after Aug. 30

  • Virtual participation available

• Concert Tickets:

  • $75 for adults

  • $50 for ages 7–18

  • 4-ticket pack for $200 (while supplies last)

Proceeds from the JOG N JAM support FISH’s programs and services for the island community.

For race registration, concert tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit fishofsancap.org.

Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church invites the community to its next Messy Church gathering on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The theme, “Back to School: Starting Fresh with God,” will encourage families to explore what it means to begin a new school year with courage, kindness, and faith.

Event Highlights

• School-Themed Crafts & Activities for all ages

• Interactive Story on new beginnings

• Blessing of Backpacks and special backpack tags

• Kid-Friendly Family Dinner

Messy Church is held monthly and is a free event open to the entire community.

For details, visit saintmichaels-sanibel.org.

The City of Sanibel has been awarded a 2025 City Catalyst Grant from the Florida League of Mayors, securing additional support for SanCap Resilience, a community-driven initiative focused on building a stronger, more sustainable future for the islands.

“We’re grateful to the Florida League of Mayors for this grant,” said Mayor Mike Miller. “These funds will help support outreach efforts by SanCap Resilience, a coalition of nonprofits and citizens devoted to making the island stronger and more resilient. We know the community will support these important efforts.”

The $2,500 grant will help cover outreach expenses as SanCap Resilience continues its mission to lead a community-based effort to protect the vibrancy of Sanibel and Captiva. The group focuses on education, resources, and civic engagement to help the islands rebuild more resiliently after recent hurricanes.

Plans for the Coming Season

With this funding, SanCap Resilience will launch several initiatives, including:

• Community Needs Survey – An online follow-up survey to assess current concerns and priorities.

• Educational Presentations – Public talks on resilience topics guided by survey feedback.

• Information Campaigns – Multi-channel outreach through email, social media, and partnerships.

• Civic Engagement – Community participation in city planning projects such as the vulnerability assessment, adaptation plan, stormwater management plan, transportation plan, and updates to the Sanibel Plan.

Continuing a Commitment to Resilience

Since its founding, SanCap Resilience has actively engaged the community through surveys, educational materials, expert-led presentations, and policy discussions — all aimed at hurricane recovery and long-term resilience.

“We are so grateful to the city and Mayor Miller for helping secure these funds,” said Steering Committee Chair Bob Moore. “The feedback we’ve received shows overwhelming support for making Sanibel a model of resilience for a coastal community, through both infrastructure adaptation and sustainable energy practices.”

For more details on SanCap Resilience’s work and upcoming programs, visit sancapresilience.org.

Mark your calendars! The public is invited to celebrate the soft reopening of Lee County Parks & Recreation’s restored Punta Rassa Boat Ramp with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m.

This event also marks the completion of the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Sanibel Causeway Emergency Restoration Project.

Event Details

• When: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m. (ribbon cutting)

• Where: Punta Rassa Boat Ramp, 15001 Punta Rassa Road, Fort Myers

• Livestream: Watch on Lee County’s YouTube or Facebook pages

Attendees will hear brief remarks from Lee County commissioners, FDOT representatives, and other officials.

Boat Ramp Access & Amenities

The ramp will officially open for public use at noon on Aug. 21 with:

• Ramp access

• Partial docks

• Parking

• Restrooms

Future upgrades will include full dock access, a fish cleaning station, landscaping, and additional lighting. Signs and buffers will remain in place, and boaters are asked to avoid docks still under construction and refrain from climbing on the riprap along the causeway. Lee County staff and rangers will be on-site to assist.

A Milestone After Hurricane Ian

This reopening is the first time since Hurricane Ian that boaters can access the Punta Rassa ramp. During recovery, the site played a key role as a staging area for permanent causeway repairs, helping reconnect barrier islands to the mainland.

For ongoing updates about this and other park projects, visit the Lee County Parks Project Information Tool for details on design, construction, and completion timelines.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has shared exciting news for sea turtle conservation this season. As of Aug. 13, SCCF has documented:

• 865 loggerhead sea turtle nests

• 20 green sea turtle nests

From these nests, an impressive 15,202 loggerhead hatchlings and 147 green hatchlings have already made their way to the Gulf — an increase of nearly 6,500 loggerhead hatchlings in just two weeks.

SCCF continues to monitor and protect nesting sites across Sanibel and Captiva, helping ensure the survival of these endangered species.

Report sea turtle concerns: Call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.

Track their journeys: Visit the SCCF Sea Turtle Tracking Portal.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season officially began in June, but it wasn’t until Thursday, Aug. 15 that the season’s first hurricane formed. At 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Erin was officially upgraded to a hurricane by the National Weather Service.

Just two days earlier, on Aug. 13, Erin was located about 890 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Forecasters predicted a west-northwest track, bringing the storm near or just north of the Northern Leeward Islands over the weekend.

Forecast & Potential Strength

Meteorologists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and AccuWeather expect Erin to intensify quickly. Atmospheric and oceanic conditions northeast of the Lesser Antilles are favorable for rapid strengthening, potentially making Erin a major Category 3 hurricane by Saturday.

AccuWeather experts note there is even a chance Erin could reach Category 4 status this weekend or early next week. The system is expected to bring heavy rain, damaging winds, and dangerous surf to the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico.

U.S. Impact: Low Risk for Now

Current weather models show Erin continuing on a west-northwest path before curving north, avoiding a Florida landfall. However, The Weather Channel reports that the exact point of the northward turn remains uncertain.

While the probability of U.S. East Coast landfall is currently low, coastal areas should monitor updates closely. Regardless of the exact track, Erin will generate high surf and dangerous rip currents along the East Coast next week.

Local Weather in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida has already been experiencing a wet August. In the first two weeks alone:

• Agualinda Water Plant (Cape Coral): 5.53 inches of rain

• Bowman’s Beach (Sanibel): 14.44 inches, nearly 10 inches in just the last five days

• St. James City: 11.34 inches

For reference, the average August rainfall for Lee County since 1992 is 9.69 inches, meaning many areas are already at or above their monthly average.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reassured residents on Aug. 13 via X, stating:

“Models for Hurricane Erin currently have it turning north and staying far away from Florida. We continue to monitor for any shifts.”