Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The City of Sanibel has officially wrapped up the final phase of the Lighthouse Beach Park renourishment project, marking a significant step forward in restoring and protecting this iconic coastal area.

Led by the Natural Resources Department, the project culminated with the planting of over 32,000 native dune plants, all carefully selected and sourced from a local grower. These species were chosen for their 100% beach compatibility, ensuring that they thrive in the coastal environment while playing a vital role in preserving it.

The newly installed vegetation not only enhances the natural beauty of the beach but also serves a powerful environmental purpose. Their deep, stabilizing root systems help prevent erosion, strengthen dunes, and protect inland structures from storm surge and rising tides.

This state-funded initiative supports the city’s ongoing efforts to increase the resiliency of Lighthouse Beach Park, which continues to be a treasured destination for both residents and visitors.

To learn more about how native dune plants safeguard our coastline, watch a short video featuring environmental biologist Joel Caouette:
Watch here

Stay tuned for more updates on Sanibel’s environmental restoration projects and how you can support local conservation efforts.

What began as a cheerful new venture in children’s retail quickly turned into an unexpected journey for Joshua and Audrey Stewart, the owners of A Little Adventure. After first opening their doors on April 1, 2022, the couple found themselves facing the unimaginable just five months later when Hurricane Ian struck the island.

Fast forward to April 1, 2025, and the Stewarts are now celebrating a heartfelt milestone: the third anniversary of their beloved Sanibel store, which officially reopened in November following extensive restoration and remodeling.

To mark the occasion, the SanCap Chamber of Commerce joined in with one of its signature ribbon-cutting ceremonies, welcoming the shop’s return to the community with open arms.

While the store’s layout and design may have changed since pre-Ian days, A Little Adventure continues to bring joy to families through its carefully curated selection of coastal-inspired kids’ clothing, playful toys, and unique gifts. It remains a bright, welcoming space designed for exploration, imagination, and laughter.

“We focused on keeping the store bright, inviting, and full of surprises — a place where kids feel at home and excited to explore,” said Joshua Stewart. “It’s like a kid-sized version of our grown-up shop, Adventures in Paradise Outfitters.”

As parents of three, Joshua and Audrey draw daily inspiration from their own children, who play an active role in helping select merchandise and often bring their friends to hang out at the store. Through both Hurricane Ian and later Hurricane Helene, the family’s resilience and their kids’ boundless energy fueled their drive to rebuild.

“It’s been a long road, but we’re thrilled to be back. We couldn’t have done it without this amazing community,” Stewart shared. “Seeing customers return — not just to support us, but because they truly love what we offer — is incredibly rewarding. The SanCap Chamber has also been instrumental in helping us reconnect with our community.”

SanCap Chamber CEO John Lai praised the family’s comeback, saying:

“Joshua and Audrey and their family have been a vital part of the islands’ retail and attractions scene for decades. Their return is a major boost for Sanibel’s shopping charm.”

You’ll find A Little Adventure at 2001 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, a place where kids (and parents) can once again enjoy the magic of discovery.

Get ready to dine out for a cause! The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club has announced that the highly anticipated 2025 Diner’s Delight coupon books will go on sale starting April 15.

For just a $40 contribution, food lovers can enjoy two-for-one dining deals at some of Sanibel and Captiva’s most beloved restaurants. Valid from May through mid-December, the book is packed with valuable coupons perfect for both residents and visitors looking to explore the islands’ local culinary scene while supporting a great cause.

Participating restaurants include:

• Captain’s Catch

• Cheeburger Cheeburger

• Cielo

• Dante’s Italian Kitchen

• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

• Gramma Dot’s

• Jerry’s Foods

• Lazy Flamingo

• MudBugs Cajun Kitchen

• RC Otter’s Island Eats

• Rosalita’s Cantina

• Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory

• Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar

• The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club

• The Green Flash

• The Sanibel Cafe

• The Shack of Sanibel

• The Shipyard

• Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market

• Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen

Where to Buy:
You can pick up your Diner’s Delight book from any Kiwanis Club member, or at these convenient locations:

• Adventures in Paradise

• Bank of the Islands

• Chase Bank

• Jerry’s Foods

• MacIntosh Books + Paper

• Periwinkle Park front office

• SanCap Chamber

• SanCap Pak-N-Ship

• Sanibel Captiva Community Bank

• Sanibel Farmers Market

• The Shack of Sanibel

Why Buy?
Proceeds from the sale of Diner’s Delight books directly benefit the Kiwanis Club’s community service programs, including educational, recreational, and wellness grants, as well as the Kiwanis Scholarship Program that helps local students achieve their academic goals.

Eat well and give back—this is one dining deal that truly makes a difference.

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The powerful and inspiring documentary Sanibel has officially begun its Florida theater run, with opening screenings taking place today, April 11, in Sarasota. Moviegoers across the state can catch the film in upcoming showings in Davie, Naples, and Tampa throughout the coming weeks.

Originally envisioned as a tribute to Sanibel Island’s unique shelling culture and tight-knit community, Sanibel took a dramatic turn when Hurricane Ian struck in 2022 during the filming process. What began as a documentary about seashell collectors quickly evolved into a compelling story of resilience, survival, and the unwavering spirit of a community faced with devastation.

The film, which earned the Best Florida Film Award at the Naples International Film Festival, is more than just a cinematic journey—it’s also a call to action. During its theater run through May, 10% of ticket proceeds will benefit FISH of Sanibel-Captiva and the American Red Cross, two organizations that played crucial roles in disaster response and ongoing recovery efforts.

“We were moved to give back to the people who opened their hearts and homes to us,” said producer Kevan Rayden. “This film became something much bigger than we ever imagined.”

In addition to supporting local relief organizations, the Sanibel campaign includes a strong focus on hurricane preparedness and evacuation awareness, with digital outreach efforts and in-theater educational resources planned to help inform and protect communities across Florida.

Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support:

“FISH is deeply grateful for this generous gesture by Swipemarket, Dirty Robber, and The Unreasnble—the production companies behind Sanibel. Their support means as much to our community as the incredible story they tell in the film.”

Directed, written, and produced by Herbert James Winterstern, Sanibel also features production credits from Adam Ganser and Kevan Rayden, with executive producers Travon Free, Mickey Meyer, Martin Desmond Roe, and Matt Roe. The film was edited by Nick Bradford and John Conway.

To learn more about the film, find upcoming showtimes, or explore how you can support the cause, visit sanibelmovie.com.

April 10 has officially been designated as Gopher Tortoise Day in Sanibel, following a 2016 initiative by the Gopher Tortoise Council to raise awareness and appreciation for this vital species. Gopher tortoises, considered a keystone species, play a critical role in the ecosystem. Their burrows are home to more than 360 other species of wildlife, many of which rely on them for survival. However, due to challenges like habitat loss, disease, and poaching, gopher tortoise populations have declined by an estimated 60-80% over the past century. As a result, the species is listed as threatened and is protected by the state of Florida.

Prior to recent severe storms, Sanibel sustained a significant population of gopher tortoises, which inhabited the island’s conservation lands, residential neighborhoods, and commercial properties. In the aftermath of the storms, many of the surviving tortoises have attempted to establish new burrows or relocate to more suitable habitats, possibly in areas where they have not been seen before. Due to their need for upland habitats and the potential for conflicts with human development, additional protections have been put in place to preserve both the tortoises and their burrows.

Maintaining healthy gopher tortoise populations is essential to sustaining Sanibel’s ecology and its sanctuary-like characteristics. To honor their importance, on April 1, the Sanibel City Council issued a proclamation officially recognizing April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day on the island.

How You Can Help

The recovery of gopher tortoise populations and their habitats will require ongoing support from the community. You can contribute by creating a “tortoise-friendly landscape” in your yard, which should include a variety of native grasses and wildflowers that benefit the tortoises and other wildlife. Additionally, while traveling by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot, residents are encouraged to watch out for gopher tortoises. If you see one crossing a road, safely move it to the side in the direction it was heading—only if it is safe for you to do so.

For more information on how to support gopher tortoises, check out the city’s gopher tortoise brochure here or visit the city’s informational webpage at Gopher Tortoises on Sanibel.

For questions regarding gopher tortoises, protections, development activities, or permitting, please contact the Natural Resources Department at sandnr@mysanibel.com or call 239-472-3700.

Starting with the 2025–26 school year, students in the School District of Lee County will follow a new schedule as the district rolls out updated bell times under its Safe Start Initiative.

Approved unanimously by the Lee County School Board on April 8, the updated schedule introduces a three-tiered transportation system aimed at improving bus efficiency, combating driver shortages, and ensuring more reliable student arrival times. By spacing school start times an hour apart, the district believes bus drivers will be better able to complete one route before starting the next.

Why the Change?
The district’s current on-time rate for morning transportation stands at 82.75%, while afternoons lag at just 59.5%. The new system is expected to significantly improve these numbers by creating more time between routes and increasing efficiency.

New Bell Times by School Level

Elementary Schools:
8:40 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. (with exceptions listed below)

Special Elementary Schedules (7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.):

• Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary

• Skyline Elementary

• Bayshore School

• North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts

• The Alva School

• The Sanibel School

• Veterans Park Academy for the Arts

Middle Schools:
9:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

High Schools:
7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This includes 49-minute classes and a 30-minute lunch, adding an extra 42 hours of instruction throughout the school year.

Additional Adjustments

Special Centers:

• Cape Coral & Fort Myers Technical Colleges: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• Lee Virtual School: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Young Parent Education Program: 8:40 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.

• Early Childhood Learning Center (Head Start): 8:55 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Early Childhood Learning Center (Infant/Toddler): 7:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

• Royal Palm, Buckingham Exceptional, and Success Academy: 9:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Fiscal Note
The financial impact of these changes, including any bell time adjustments by up to 15 minutes, will be accounted for in the 2026 transportation budget.

For questions or more details, reach out to Meghan Bradbury at news@breezenewspapers.com.

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The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village invites you to experience a rare glimpse into the island’s past with the unveiling of the Sanibel Time Capsule Exhibit, now on display through July 31 at the Shore Haven Welcome Center.

Originally buried in 1984 near the 10th anniversary of Sanibel’s incorporation, the time capsule was created by city leaders to honor a decade of community milestones and offer a message of encouragement to future generations. It was ceremoniously opened on November 5, 2024, in celebration of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary as an incorporated city.

Now, for a limited time, visitors can explore a curated selection of contents from the capsule—including heartfelt letters, vintage photographs, and mementos contributed by island clubs and nonprofit organizations. Each item reflects the spirit, pride, and vision of the Sanibel community during its formative years.

Where to See It:
The exhibit is located at the Shore Haven Welcome Center within the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

Want a Closer Look?
Browse a digital presentation of the capsule’s contents at mysanibel.com

ℹ️ Learn More:
Visit www.sanibelmuseum.org for museum hours, tours, and additional information.

Come discover the stories sealed away for 40 years—this is your chance to connect with Sanibel’s history like never before.

Spring in Florida doesn’t just bring sunshine and blooming flowers—it also marks the start of alligator mating season, and these ancient reptiles are already on the move. If you’re living near water or enjoying outdoor activities, now is a great time to brush up on safety tips and learn more about what’s happening in the wild.

When Is Alligator Mating Season?

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):

• Courtship begins in April

• Mating occurs in May and June

• Females lay 32–46 eggs in late June or early July

• Eggs incubate for about 60–65 days

• Hatchlings emerge in late August or early September

During this time, adult alligators are more active and mobile as they search for mates or nesting grounds.

Where Are Alligators Found?

• Florida is home to approximately 1.3 million alligators

• They are present in all 67 counties

• Alligators thrive in freshwater and brackish water, but they are occasionally spotted in saltwater environments too

Are Alligator Attacks Common?

Not really. The risk of a Florida resident being seriously injured by an unprovoked alligator is about 1 in 3.1 million, according to FWC.

However, more people are moving near lakes, ponds, and canals, and engaging in water activities, which increases the chances of human-alligator interactions.

Quick Stats (1948–2022):

• 453 unprovoked bites

• 26 fatalities

• Average of 8 serious bites per year from 2012–2022

Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe During Gator Season

Whether you’re kayaking, walking your dog, or enjoying a day by the water, here’s what you need to know:

General Awareness

• Stay alert near freshwater and brackish water

• Observe from a distance—never approach or attempt to touch alligators

• If you spot a gator that seems threatening, call FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline:
  1‐866‐FWC‐GATOR (392‐4286)

What Not to Do

• Do not feed or entice alligators – it’s illegal and makes them associate humans with food

• Never swim outside designated areas or at night (dusk to dawn), when gators are most active

• Don’t let pets play, drink, or swim near gator habitats. Dogs are especially vulnerable

• Avoid throwing fish scraps into the water. Use garbage bins at boat ramps and camps instead

Family and Pets

• Always supervise children around any body of water

• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge

• Do not leave food or pet bowls outside near water sources

If You’re Bitten

• Fight back—make noise, kick, hit, or aim for the eyes

• Alligators often retreat if they can’t overpower their prey

• Seek immediate medical help—bites can cause serious infections

Why Alligators Matter

Despite the fear they may inspire, alligators are crucial to Florida’s ecosystem. They help maintain the balance of aquatic environments and have been part of the state’s natural history for millions of years.

Let’s coexist safely—respect their space, stay vigilant, and spread awareness.

Enjoy Florida’s outdoors safely—and remember, when it comes to alligators, it’s best to admire them from afar.

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The City of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Department has officially completed the final phase of the Lighthouse Beach Park renourishment project—the successful planting of native dune vegetation.

Over 32,000 native plants, sourced entirely from local growers, were carefully installed across the dune system, reinforcing the shoreline’s natural defenses.

These resilient, beach-compatible plants play a vital role in strengthening the beach by stabilizing the sand with their root systems, helping to protect coastal infrastructure from erosion and storm impacts.

Why It Matters

“Native dune plants are nature’s frontline defense,” explains Joel Caouette, Environmental Biologist with the Natural Resources Department. “They not only reduce erosion but also shield upland structures during storms.”

Watch the video to hear Joel explain the importance of dune vegetation in protecting our beaches and coastline.

This state-funded initiative is part of a broader effort to increase the long-term resiliency of Sanibel’s treasured Lighthouse Beach Park and surrounding coastal areas.

And there’s more to come — additional plantings are planned along Sanibel’s scenic beaches to further enhance shoreline protection and preserve our natural beauty.

Stay tuned for updates as Sanibel continues to invest in sustainable, nature-based solutions to safeguard our island.