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Island Update

Celebrate National Yucatán Shrimp Day with Doc Ford’s 7K Run on Sanibel Island

YUCATAN SHRIMP DAY 7K RACE

Get ready for a fun-filled morning of fitness, food, and giving back.

In celebration of National Yucatán Shrimp Day, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is proud to present the Doc Ford’s National Yucatán Shrimp Day 7K on May 24, starting at 7:30 a.m. at our Sanibel location.

This exciting event, inspired by the seven key ingredients in Doc Ford’s famous Yucatán Shrimp dish, will raise funds to benefit the Sanibel Sea School’s hands-on environmental camps for high school students.

Event Highlights

  • 7K Walk/Run open to all ages – Runners and walkers welcome

  • Awards for top finishers in each age group and overall

  • Costumes encouraged – bring your fun, festive spirit

  • Live Music, Food & Drinks after the race at Doc Ford’s (opening early at 10 a.m.)

  • Live Cooking Demo of our legendary Yucatán Shrimp

  • Interactive Marine Education Booths by SCCF and Sanibel Sea School

  • Nature-Based Crafting for kids, hosted by the Children’s Education Center of the Islands

  • Photo Booth to capture your race-day memories

Additionally, free drink stations featuring Captain’s for Clean Water cocktails will be available, sponsored by RNDC.

Supporting a Great Cause

Proceeds from the 7K will directly support A Week in the Field, an immersive marine science camp offered free to high school students from diverse backgrounds.
Thanks to your participation, students will engage in real-world research activities, like surveying shorebirds, analyzing oyster beds, and collecting water samples alongside SCCF scientists — experiences that could inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

“We’re grateful to Doc Ford’s for helping make these life-changing opportunities accessible to all students,” said Shannon Rivard, Youth Education Director for the Sanibel Sea School.

Registration Details

  • Entry Fee: $40 (ages 11 and older)

  • Virtual Option: 5K Run/Walk available

  • Included: Event T-shirt, free mojito card, and automatic entry to win a customized Doc Ford’s YETI cooler

  • Registration Deadline: May 23 at 11 a.m.

  • T-shirt Guarantee: Register by May 5 to reserve your preferred size

Register Here

Packet Pickup

Participants can pick up their race packets at the following locations and times:

  • May 21, 3–7 p.m. at Doc Ford’s Sanibel (2500 Island Inn Road)

  • May 22, 3–7 p.m. at Doc Ford’s Fort Myers Beach (708 Fisherman’s Wharf)

  • May 23, 3–7 p.m. at Fleet Feet Fort Myers (13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 209)

  • Race Day Pickup: Available starting at 6:00 a.m. onsite

Asteria Wellness will have a nurse at each packet pickup location offering free B12 shots for participants.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

  • Sambal Sponsor: Asteria Wellness

  • Lime Sponsors: Fleet Feet Fort Myers, LCEC, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company

  • Garlic Sponsors: Finnimore’s Bike & Beach Rentals, Lin-Mark Sports

Quick Info

When: May 24, 7:30 a.m.
Where: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, 2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel
Entry Fee: $40 for ages 11 and older

Join us for a memorable morning celebrating community, coastal cuisine, and conservation. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line.

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Real Estate News

Understanding Property Insurance Policy Notices: Cancellation and Nonrenewal

Property Insurance

During your policy term, your insurance company may send letters and notifications to keep you informed about your policy. In certain cases, formal notices such as a Notice of Cancellation or Notice of Nonrenewal are required.

Notice of Cancellation
Cancellations can occur at any time during your policy term, either requested by you or initiated by your insurer. If your policy is canceled, the cancellation will take effect on the date specified in the Notice of Cancellation, not the expiration date on your policy Declarations pages. Your insurer will provide the reasons for the cancellation. If applicable, you will receive a refund of any prorated premium (unearned premium) within 15 business days of the cancellation’s effective date.

Notice of Nonrenewal
A nonrenewal means your policy will expire at the end of the current term and the insurer will not offer to renew it. Florida law requires insurers to provide at least 120 days written notice of nonrenewal, including a reason for the nonrenewal. Your policy may be nonrenewed for various reasons.

Important Note
If your insurer offers to renew your policy and you do not pay the renewal amount by the specified due date, you have not accepted the offer to renew your policy. As a result, your coverage will expire at the end of your current policy term.

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Island Update

Shell Museum to Offer Guided Beach Walks

Shell Museum BEACH WALK

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium will host guided beach walks on April 30 at 9 a.m. at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, located at 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel.

Led by museum educators, these walks will feature an introduction to local shells, exploration, shelling, and a discussion of the finds.

The cost is $10 for adults or $5 for museum members and those aged 17 and under. Registration is required.

To register, visit https://www.shellmuseum.org/beach-walks. For more information, contact Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum.org.

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Island Update

Tarpon Bay Explorers Announces Summer Schedule

TBE-1-547x840

Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE), the official concessionaire of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, will operate on a limited schedule from May 4 through August. The facility will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with rentals available until 3 p.m. The launch area will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Tram Tours will be offered one to two times per week on a rotating schedule, including Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Reservations for Tram Tours are recommended.

In addition to Tram Tours, TBE provides a variety of outdoor rentals and activities, including kayak tours, bike rentals, paddleboard rentals, Hobie fishing kayak rentals, pontoon rentals, and fishing charters.

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

Tarpon Bay Explorers is located at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.

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Real Estate News

John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate Climbs National Rankings in 2025 Power Broker Report

JRW RANKS 35 NATIONWIDE!

We are thrilled to share that John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate has been ranked #35 among the nation’s top brokerages in the 2025 RIS Media Power Broker Report! The firm advanced 11 places from its previous No. 46 ranking, reflecting strong performance in a challenging market.

The RIS Media Power Broker Report ranks brokerages based on residential sales volume and transaction totals, offering a comprehensive snapshot of industry performance across the country. Despite ongoing challenges such as low inventory, inflation, and fluctuating interest rates, the 2025 report highlights a real estate market showing signs of resilience.

In 2024, John R. Wood Christie’s achieved a total sales volume of over $4.79 billion, representing a 15% increase from the previous year. The firm also closed 4,704 transactions, an 11.9% year-over-year increase.

With a network of 900 agents and staff across 21 offices, the brokerage continues to serve buyers and sellers throughout Collier and Lee counties, maintaining its position as a market leader in Southwest Florida.

As the market continues to evolve, John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate remains committed to delivering premier service and industry-leading results to its clients and communities.

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SWFL Update

Lovegrove Leaves Lasting Legacy in Southwest Florida Arts Community

Lovegrove leaves legacy

Leoma Lovegrove, a vibrant and visionary impressionist-expressionist painter, left an indelible mark on Southwest Florida with her vivid, joyful works and her dedication to the arts. She passed away on April 10 at the age of 72, surrounded by love and her husband, Mike Silberg, at their home in North Fort Myers.

Diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2018, Lovegrove used her personal journey to raise awareness for breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Her art became not only an outlet for expression but also a beacon of hope and advocacy.

Honoring Her Legacy: A Fund for the Arts

In her memory, the Leoma Lovegrove Foundation Fund has been established through the Collaboratory to support local arts and continue her mission of creativity and community.

“As a community foundation, we support families so they can create lasting legacies,” said Dawn Belamarich, Collaboratory President and CEO. “This is a way to honor her life, art, and contribution. We want to keep the spirit of her work alive—this is a celebration of Leoma.”

Donations can be made at: www.collaboratory.org/LeomaLovegrove

A Creative Force in Retail

Lovegrove’s artistic reach extended beyond the studio. In 2013, she partnered with Bealls Inc. to create a colorful retail line of accessories, home goods, and women’s apparel that reflected her signature Florida flair.

Matt Beall, Chairman and CEO of Bealls Florida, recalled the collaboration with admiration.

“It was bright, colorful, and fun—it made the rest of the store pop,” he said. “Leoma had an artistic spirit and a strong business sense. She was an inspiration and a phenomenal human being.”

Although the contract expired a year ago, Lovegrove had expressed interest in renewing it just months before her passing. Beall shared that he hopes to continue the conversation with her husband to potentially revive the brand.

Celebrations of Life

A Celebration of Life for Lovegrove will be held on April 28 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. The event has reached capacity, but additional tributes have been planned to honor her life and legacy:

Candlelight Vigil in Matlacha
Wednesday, April 30
6:30–8:00 PM
Re/Max Sunshine, 4574 Pine Island Road, Matlacha
Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and share their favorite stories during an open mic at sunset. Parking is available at Matlacha Community Park.

Art Walk Tribute in Downtown Fort Myers
Thursday, May 2
River District, Fort Myers
The River District Alliance will pay tribute to Lovegrove during its monthly Art Walk. The Leoma Lovegrove Studio on Dean Street will be open from 11 AM to 9 PM, with Art Fest festivities from 5 to 9 PM, and a special celebration of life centered at the new Pocket Park on First Street.

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SWFL Update

Fort Myers Beach Considers Annexing San Carlos Island

Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach may be on the verge of expanding its town boundaries as officials consider the annexation of San Carlos Island, a move that could add approximately 1,000 new residents to the town overnight.

The idea was introduced by Councilman John King during a recent town council meeting. The proposed annexation would extend from the Hurricane Pass Bridge to the Matanzas Pass Bridge, effectively bringing the entirety of San Carlos Island under Fort Myers Beach governance.

“I’d like the council to consider annexing San Carlos Island,” King said, citing the strong sense of connection many residents already feel with Fort Myers Beach.

“It would bring them into a town that they always identify with. It would give them a chance to vote on local government and possibly have people on the council,” he added.

Community Reactions Mixed

While some see the move as a logical next step for regional unity, not all residents are on board.

Rick Good, a longtime resident of San Carlos Island, voiced strong opposition to the proposal.

“It seems like a negative to me. I can’t see any reason for it,” Good said, expressing concerns about the potential for increased building restrictions and decisions made by Fort Myers Beach that might not reflect San Carlos Island values.

“We know some of the restrictions they have done on buildings, and then also, they have approved a lot of stuff that we wouldn’t have been for,” he continued.

Good also emphasized that San Carlos Island has long functioned effectively as an unincorporated area, praising local law enforcement and emergency services.

“We’ve never had any issue with police or fire. The sheriff’s great around here, so they take care of everything,” he said.

Next Steps: Town Halls and Dialogue

Councilman King stressed that annexation would not proceed without robust community input.

“I’d have a series of town halls, sit down, discuss the idea with them, hear their concerns, let them hear what I think will happen, and either we can go forward or not,” he said.

The topic is expected to be brought up for further discussion at an upcoming management and planning meeting within the next two months. In the meantime, both supporters and opponents will have the opportunity to voice their perspectives.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Fort Myers Beach continues evaluating the potential annexation of San Carlos Island.

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SWFL Update

RSW Travelers Urged to Plan Ahead as Terminal Access Changes Begin

Breeze Airways RSW Atlantic City 2026

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is preparing for a significant shift in terminal access as part of its ongoing terminal expansion project. Starting Wednesday at 8 p.m., travelers should expect changes that will impact how they enter and navigate the airport, particularly those heading to Concourses B, C, and D.

What’s Changing?

Key sections of the main terminal—including the area that previously served as a primary entrance to Concourses B and C—will be closed off. This closure also includes retail and dining spaces such as Nathan’s Famous and Quiznos located within that corridor.

Going forward, travelers needing to reach Concourses B and C will need to use the east atrium entrance. For those flying out of Concourse D, access will now be available only through the west atrium, located inside Door 5.

What Travelers Should Know

RSW officials are advising passengers to allow extra time for arrival and check-in, as navigation around the terminal may be less intuitive during construction.

Frequent flyer Bruce Ross, who typically parks near the now-closed section for convenience, shared his reaction:

“I think what I’ll have to do is just adapt… I’ll start parking further down and figure it out—it’s going to be ugly at first,” he said.

Another long-time traveler, Eric Payne, expressed mixed feelings.

“There’s no character here. There’s no pizzazz. It’s like a utility room with gates,” he said, but added that expansion could bring much-needed improvements to the overall experience.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate changes may cause some disruption, airport officials hope the expansion will ultimately make RSW more efficient, attractive, and traveler-friendly, comparable to top-tier international airports.

Until then, passengers are reminded to check signage, follow airport personnel guidance, and plan their arrival with these new access routes in mind.

Travel Tip:
Give yourself extra time before your flight—especially if you are unfamiliar with the updated terminal layout or traveling with children, seniors, or luggage.

For the latest updates and terminal maps, visit the official RSW Airport website or contact airport information services.

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Island Update

CCA to Host “Summer Wine Preview” to Toast the End of the Season

Captiva Civic Association Porch & Patio 2026

The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) will close out its 2024–25 season with a celebratory evening of wine, food, and community. The Summer Wine Preview is set for Monday, April 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center, located at 11550 Chapin Lane on Captiva Island.

This signature event invites attendees to explore a curated selection of wines perfect for warm-weather gatherings, from backyard barbecues to beachside afternoons. Hosted by Calli Johnson duPont, wine steward for Bailey’s General Store and The Island Store, the tasting will feature six to eight summer-inspired wines ranging from light whites to robust reds.

In addition to the wine selection, Chef Karl Hamm will prepare a series of gourmet bites and charcuterie tastings to complement each pour, offering guests inspiration for summer entertaining and refreshing pairings for the season.

“This event is a celebration of everything we love about summer on Captiva—great wine, good food, and the company of friends,” said Kathryn Sisson, Acting Director of the CCA. “It’s also our final event of the season, so we look forward to seeing many familiar faces before the community heads into summer.”

The Summer Wine Preview is part of CCA’s seasonal Wine Preview Series, sponsored by Royal Shell, which also supported the holiday edition earlier in the season.

Tickets are priced at $65 for non-members, and discounted tickets are available to CCA members via a private link sent by email. All members of the community are welcome, and early reservations are encouraged.

Event Details
What: Summer Wine Preview
When: Sunday, April 28, 2024 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Where: Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva
Tickets: $65 (discount available for members)
Reserve: ccacaptiva.org or search “Captiva Civic Association” on Eventbrite
Contact: 239-472-2111 | info@ccacaptiva.org

Categories
Island Update

SCUCC to Host “J.S. Bach in Song and Dance” – A Unique Musical Performance on Sanibel

music notes band

The Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ (SCUCC) will present a special performance titled “J.S. Bach in Song and Dance” on Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 PM, as part of its Music at SCUCC series. The event will take place at the church, located at 2050 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island.

This unique program brings together classical music, vocal performance, and ballet to celebrate the works of composer Johann Sebastian Bach.

Dr. Ronald Dorian, an accomplished organist, will perform several of Bach’s major compositions. He will be joined by guest vocalists Janet Ortenzo and Ariane Schoellner, who will interpret some of Bach’s most lyrical and expressive vocal pieces.

The Florida Early Music Series Baroque Orchestra will perform Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3, featuring the well-known Air in G. The ensemble will be conducted by Dr. Mackenzie Albert, who serves as both the Director of Music at SCUCC and Artistic Director of the Florida Early Music Festival.

Adding a dynamic visual element to the program, dancers Katalina Bustamante, Violet Schwartz, and Anabelle Troyer from SWFL Ballet will perform under the direction of Edwin Navarro, Artistic Director of the ballet company. Their choreography will offer a graceful interpretation of the music through dance.

A reception with the artists will follow the performance, giving attendees a chance to meet and speak with the musicians and dancers.

The event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. A free will offering will be accepted at the door to support future programming.

For additional information, contact Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ at 239-472-0497.