Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided an update on the ongoing work to restore the Sanibel Causeway. Crews are completing the final tasks west of the toll plaza, with the 35 mph speed limit reinstated in this area. However, reduced speed limits are still in place east of the plaza, and pedestrians are not allowed on the causeway.

Upcoming work activities include:

• Motorists are advised to use extreme caution as crews complete final work very close to traffic along the shoulder of the causeway travel lanes.

• The contractor is working to restore the staging area at Punta Rassa, in preparation for transferring the area back to Lee County later this summer.

• Bay 3 remains closed as Lee County continues work on the toll equipment.

• Installation of signage is ongoing east of the toll plaza.

All road users are encouraged to be mindful of bicyclists sharing the road and vehicles entering and exiting at the public beach access points of Causeway Islands Park.

For more information, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway or contact Jennifer Dorning at Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us or 239-338-7723.

BIG ARTS is showcasing several exciting exhibitions this summer, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences.

• “Signals and Forms” is on display now through July 25 in the Dunham Family Gallery. This exhibition features student work from Florida SouthWestern State College’s Digital Art and Multimedia Production program. The pieces explore the expressive and material possibilities of digital media, including sound, simulation, digital fabrication, virtual reality, and video installation.

• “K-8 Artists” is available now through August 31 in the Mezzanine Gallery, highlighting the creativity of students from The Sanibel School.

• “A Shell of a Time” can be seen through June 30 in the West Gallery. This mural, created by Cypress Lake High School’s National Honors Society Art Class, is a vibrant representation of the community’s artistic talent.

The BIG ARTS Fine Arts Series is generously sponsored by Jim and Gaye Pigott.

The galleries are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit BIG ARTS or call 239-395-0900. BIG ARTS is located at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is making strides to reopen additional loops of the William and Ruth Brooks Nature Trail, following significant damage from Hurricane Ian. With one loop already open, the SCCF’s habitat management team is focused on clearing and restoring two more loops set to open later this year.

Located in the Erick Lindblad Preserve behind the SCCF headquarters on Sanibel-Captiva Road, the trail was severely impacted by the hurricane, which destroyed boardwalks and downed many trees.

One of the trails to be reopened is the former Sabal Palm Trail, which leads out to Alligator Hole and the High Ridge Trail. Both sections are currently being cleared to form a second hiking loop.

“We’re excited to restore this beautiful trail for visitors,” said Chris Lechowicz, SCCF’s Wildlife & Habitat Management Director. “After clearing, signage and some landscaping will be required before we can officially open this loop. Parts of the trail pass through low areas and will be accessible only during the dry season, but most of it runs along a ridge, which should make for a scenic hike.”

The second loop to be reopened will be the East River Trail, a special section that follows the Sanibel River and winds through a buttonwood forest. Like the Sabal Palm Trail, this trail also traverses low areas and will be fully accessible only during the dry season to avoid walking in water.

Restoration efforts also include replacing the boardwalks lost during Hurricane Ian.

For now, access to the trail will be limited to the headquarters’ parking lot. Once the new trail entrance on the east side of the building is completed, the parking lot entrance will be permanently closed.

The SCCF is committed to bringing more of this beautiful nature trail back to life, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Sanibel once again.

Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream has been a staple of Sanibel’s culinary scene for 45 years, passing through four owners and three locations since its opening in 1980. On June 13, the community gathered to celebrate this milestone with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the SanCap Chamber, alongside the current owners, Tom and Donna Puma, and their daughter, Stephanie. The event took place at the Periwinkle Place Shops on Sanibel, marking 18 years since the Pumas acquired the business.

“We consider ourselves incredibly lucky and blessed to be a part of this close-knit Sanibel community,” said Donna Puma. “For so many years, we’ve been able to keep the traditional recipes that make Pinocchio’s special while introducing our own creations, expanding our menu to over 200 flavors. We’re particularly proud to have reintroduced authentic Italian gelato to the brand.”

In response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Pumas moved Pinocchio’s original storefront to an off-island location near the HealthPark Medical Center, ensuring business continuity in the event of power outages. However, they missed the connection to the island community and opened a new shop at Periwinkle Place in 2021.

Unfortunately, in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the shop suffered severe damage when it was inundated with six feet of storm surge. Like many island business owners, the Pumas were devastated by the loss. Yet, they quickly connected with Chamber President and CEO John Lai, and Periwinkle Place landlord Ben Dahlmann, and went into recovery mode.

“The support from both of them was unforgettable,” Donna Puma reflected. “Despite the chaos, we felt comforted knowing we weren’t alone. The Dahlmann family and maintenance staff ensured the demolition and cleanup were smooth, so we could focus on rebuilding. John, Aaron, Jade, and Alex from the Chamber were always there to offer support and guidance, keeping us updated on recovery programs for businesses.”

Donna also credits local organizations like the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Charitable Foundation of the Islands for their financial support, which made it possible to reopen the shop in February 2024. Just as they were settling back into operations, Hurricane Milton hit in September, causing another setback. Despite this, Pinocchio’s was able to reopen just two weeks later.

“The love and support we received from the community was incredible,” Donna said. “Our Fort Myers shop became a gathering spot for islanders, especially those in temporary off-island housing. It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces, and we’re grateful for every customer who made it a point to visit us during these challenging times.”

Chamber President John Lai shared his excitement, saying, “I was one of the many happy customers when Pinocchio’s reopened post-Ian. We were all eager for a ‘fix’ of Sanibel Krunch, Dirty Sand Dollar, and other beloved sundaes that have melted our hearts for decades. Congratulations to the Pumas for carrying on such a sweet tradition.”

You can find Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Suite 33, Sanibel.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest – Sept. 19-28, 2025
Ranked #4 Music Festival in America by USA Today (2024)

The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is one of the most beloved music festivals in the U.S., and it’s returning in 2025 for another unforgettable celebration of music, talent, and community. Held from September 19 to 28, 2025, this festival will feature over 60 free performances from Broadcast Music, Inc.’s (BMI) top singer-songwriters, including Chris Young, the multi-platinum global entertainer, and the popular duo LOCASH.

Set against the stunning landscapes of Fort Myers, Florida, the festival invites attendees to enjoy performances in various scenic settings, from beautiful islands and beaches to vibrant neighborhoods. It’s an intimate experience where performers not only share their songs but also the inspiring stories behind them.

Why You Should Attend:

• Experience an incredible mix of free performances by some of the best singer-songwriters in the industry.

• See Chris Young and LOCASH live, along with many other talented artists.

• Enjoy intimate, personal shows where songwriters share the inspiration behind their music.

• Explore the charming islands and beaches of Fort Myers while discovering new music.

To make the most of your experience, get on the email list today for updates on special ticketed events and secure your spot early. And remember, it’s never too soon to book your accommodation. Stay close to the music or take advantage of hotel deals before they’re gone!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to attend a festival ranked among the Top 10 Music Festivals in America by USA Today in 2024. Prepare for an amazing lineup, unforgettable performances, and the perfect mix of sun, sand, and music.

Start planning now – the 2025 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is an event you won’t want to miss!

Click here for more info

On June 12, the Sanibel City Council approved plans to dredge Wulfert Channel, a critical waterway used by island residents and the public to access the Gulf of Mexico, Pine Island Sound, and surrounding waters. The project, estimated at $446,065, will be partially funded by 196 property owners who directly access the Wulfert Channel area, covering two-thirds of the cost, with the city contributing the remaining one-third.

In a 4-1 vote, the Council declared its intent to schedule a one-time dredging of Wulfert Channel and establish a special financing district for the property owners in the Wulfert Channel Area Dredging Assessment District. The property owners will each pay a lump sum of $1,517.30, or can choose to make up to five annual payments at 4.5% interest.

Vice Mayor Holly Smith emphasized the importance of ensuring the channel remains navigable, calling it a critical responsibility for the city. She noted the overall cost to property owners is now relatively minimal.

A previous plan, which was scrapped, required property owners to pay a larger share for both Wulfert Channel and the Dinkins Bayou/Sunset Bay dredging project, with costs of over $7,500 per owner. Some residents argued that the city should shoulder a larger portion of the cost, given that the waterway serves as a public thoroughfare, but the Council remained firm in its decision.

The dredging of Wulfert Channel is expected to begin by Sept. 1, with work to be carried out by Bayside Dredging. About 2,900 cubic yards of sediment will be removed, with the material being transported to the Henderson Road boat ramp, then hauled to the Wulfert Wastewater Treatment Plant for dewatering. The remaining sediment will be removed from the island.

The project follows concerns from residents that hurricanes have deposited sand and sediment into the Wulfert Channel and Dinkins Bayou, restricting access and navigation, particularly during low tides.

The city has already secured the necessary permit for Wulfert Channel dredging from the Army Corps of Engineers, but the permit for Dinkins Bayou is still pending. Council members, including John Henshaw, expressed concerns over how long the dredged areas would remain clear, with the risk of sediment filling back in within a year. Council member Richard Johnson cast the sole dissenting vote against the dredging plan.

Join the community for an evening filled with locally-created artwork, live entertainment, and more at the Annual Art Vibe celebration hosted by BIG ARTS on June 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. This free event is open to the public and will showcase new exhibits, scholarship recipients, live demonstrations, music, food, and drinks.

“It’s the end-of-the-year event focused on gathering the community to celebrate education and the arts at BIG ARTS,” said Gallery Director Wilson McCray. “We’re also promoting arts education for the year,” added Arts Education Director Aimee Harrison.

What to Expect:

• Exhibits:

  • Dunham Family Gallery will feature the exhibit “Signals and Forms,” curated by senior arts students from Florida SouthWestern State College, focusing on digital arts.

  • Mezzanine Gallery will showcase “K-8 Artists” from The Sanibel School, featuring multimedia art from kindergarten through 8th grade.

  • West Gallery will feature “A Shell of a Time” from Cypress Lake High School’s National Honors Society Art Class, including a mural created for the Sanibel community.

• Scholarship Awards: BIG ARTS will recognize the winners of the Performing and Creative Arts Scholarships, with certificates awarded to Jordyn Barrett, Kareema Colson, Sarah Conley, Hazel Fitzpatrick, Jose Gonzalez Font, and Kathleen Ireland.

• Live Demonstrations: BIG ARTS’ artist-instructors and gift shop artists will provide live demonstrations, including:

  • Jan Atkielski (oil painting)

  • Mary Klunk (still life drawing)

  • Tim Smith (ceramics on the potter’s wheel)

  • Antonia Crook, Sissi Janku, and Janet Sams (gift shop artists).

• Music & Food: Enjoy live music from D’Paso, a Cuban trio featuring scholarship winner Jose Gonzalez Font on the keyboard. Attendees will also enjoy pizza from Vesuvius Wood Fired Pizza, ice cream from Pinocchio’s, and craft beer selections from No.3 Craft Beer Bar.

This event is generously sponsored by the Ann H Symington Foundation and the Watson family.

For more information, visit bigarts.org or call 239-395-0900.

IF YOU GO
What: Annual Art Vibe
When: June 14, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Details: Free and open to the public