Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

On March 27, the SanCap Chamber of Commerce hosted a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sandalfoot Beachfront Condominium on Sanibel Island — a meaningful milestone in the island’s ongoing post-hurricane recovery.

Located at 671 E. Gulf Drive, Sanibel, Sandalfoot has been a cherished part of the island’s coastal charm since the 1970s. After months of restoration efforts, the condo complex officially reopened in late December, just in time to welcome holiday guests back to paradise.

Of the property’s 60 units, approximately 50 are now fully operational, with the remaining units expected to come online soon. All on-site amenities have also been restored, including beach access, shuffleboard, tennis, pickleball courts, and the swimming pool.

“Guests can expect completely rebuilt and refurbished units with new kitchens, new bathrooms, and fully updated mechanical and electrical systems,” shared Chuck DePree, President of the Sandalfoot Condo Association. “We’ve also extended and widened the boardwalk, added brand-new pickleball courts, and completed a full landscape redesign — it’s truly spectacular.”

DePree credited the resilience of the Sanibel community and the chamber’s leadership for inspiring the remarkable comeback.

“A longstanding part of the island’s hospitality scene, Sandalfoot has made a fantastic comeback,” said John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber. “Its reopening marks another major step in restoring Sanibel’s legendary resort experience.”

The revival of Sandalfoot not only reflects the determination of the Sanibel community but also signals brighter days ahead for tourism and hospitality on the island.

A familiar Sanibel Island property is undergoing a major transformation. The former Beachview Cottages site at 3325 W. Gulf Drive, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022, is being rebuilt into a more resilient, modern coastal resort: White Pelican Villas.

The project, spearheaded by Tony Lapi of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, represents a shift in design and function, with construction managed by Stevens Construction and architectural plans by Southview Studios LLC. The new resort is projected to be completed by February 2026, with a total investment of $14 million.

From Beachview to White Pelican

Originally purchased in 1979 by Rochester Realty Corp. for $1.4 million, the site operated as Beachview Cottages for decades, known for its Old Florida charm and proximity to the beach. Though the property weathered Hurricane Charley in 2004, it could not withstand the devastating storm surge and winds of Hurricane Ian, which scattered the cottages across the street and into neighboring structures.

Following the storm, Lapi made the decision not to replicate the previous 22 cottage-style units, but instead to build farther from the beach with a stronger, elevated design. The resort’s rebranding reflects this shift—there will be no cottages, but rather villas designed with long-term durability and sustainability in mind.

Building for the Future

Architect Joleen Darragh of Southview Studios faced challenges balancing flood elevation codes, height restrictions, and modern aesthetics. The solution involved elevating ceiling heights by using attic space, ultimately allowing for 9-foot ceilings throughout the buildings.

Instead of individual cottages, the design now consists of three interconnected buildings, arranged in an L-shape with shared walkways. This approach satisfies structural and permitting requirements while maintaining a visually appealing “Old Florida” architectural style.

To support the new structure, approximately 300 steel and concrete pilings, drilled between 14 and 24 feet deep, have been installed beneath the site. These pilings tie into the building foundation and are designed to prevent vertical or lateral movement in severe weather conditions—an improvement over pre-hurricane construction codes.

Environmentally Friendly Features

Sustainability has been a key focus of the project. White Pelican Villas will feature:

• Geothermal heating and cooling, including pool heating

• Turtle-friendly lighting to protect coastal wildlife

• Elevated living spaces, with floors positioned 20 feet above ground level

The resort will consist of 22 villas:

• 10 units at 350 square feet

• 11 units at 600 square feet

• One deluxe 2,100-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bath unit with a full kitchen

Progress and Outlook

According to Mark Stevens, president of Stevens Construction, building in coastal zones presents unique logistical challenges, including traffic congestion on the Sanibel Causeway and tight construction timelines due to permitting and environmental windows. Still, with foundation work complete, construction is expected to accelerate.

“We are out of the ground,” said Lapi. “We should move faster now.”

As Sanibel continues to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Ian, White Pelican Villas serves as an example of resilient, sustainable development that honors the island’s history while preparing for the future.

Click here to read full article

For many longtime Sanibel residents and visitors, the Dairy Queen on Periwinkle Way has been more than just a place for a sweet treat—it’s a nostalgic part of the island’s charm. But like so many local businesses, it suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and has remained out of operation ever since.

Now, a year and a half later, the road to recovery continues to be a challenge.

A New Chapter with a Familiar Feel

In 2023, Josh King purchased the storm-battered property for $247,500, according to public records. The building was still filled with remnants of its previous life—equipment, debris, and memories. Despite the obstacles, King is determined to revive the beloved Dairy Queen, this time with a touch of nostalgia and reverence for what it once meant to the community.

As reported by WINK News, King’s vision includes rebuilding in a way that preserves the spirit of the original establishment while updating it for a new era. He hopes the location will once again serve as a family-friendly hub for cold treats and warm memories.

Rebuilding on Sanibel: No Easy Feat

Like many property owners on Sanibel Island, King is navigating strict rebuilding requirements, permitting delays, and ongoing post-storm infrastructure challenges. Reopening a business in a coastal community still recovering from one of the strongest hurricanes in Florida’s history is a complex process.

However, King remains hopeful and committed. His efforts echo those of other business owners who are working tirelessly to bring back the places that define Sanibel’s identity.

Looking Ahead

While there’s no official reopening date yet, the possibility of a revived Dairy Queen offers a sweet glimmer of hope for locals and visitors who fondly remember its signature cones and casual atmosphere. For now, the community is cheering on King’s efforts and looking forward to the day the familiar red-and-white signage lights up again on Periwinkle Way.

The Spring Adult Co-Ed Softball League is heating up as teams battle for top spots ahead of the season-ending tournament tentatively scheduled for May 14. Games are held at the Sanibel Ball Fields, located at the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

Upcoming Games – April 2

Get ready for another exciting evening of softball:

• 6:20 p.m. – Traders vs. Team Whitney’s

• 7:25 p.m. – Bubble Room vs. Traders

• 8:30 p.m. – Doc Ford’s vs. Bubble Room

Game Results – March 26

Here’s how the teams fared in last week’s matchups:

• Bubble Room def. Team Whitney’s (24-4)

• Team Whitney’s def. SCCF Sluggers (23-5)

• Traders def. SCCF Sluggers (22-10)

Current League Standings

• Doc Ford’s – 2-0

• Traders – 2-0

• Team Whitney’s – 1-1

• Bubble Room – 1-2

• SCCF Sluggers – 0-3

With each game, the competition grows more intense, and the race to the tournament continues. Come out and cheer on your favorite team!

For more information, contact the Sanibel Recreation Center or check back here for weekly updates.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) has scheduled a public hearing to review the tentative apportionment for its upcoming beach renourishment project on Captiva Island. The hearing will take place during the CEPD Board meeting on:

Date: April 7
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva

Project Overview

According to a Beach Brief released on March 27, the CEPD is actively organizing the tentative apportionment for a large-scale beach restoration effort expected to begin this summer. The project will involve:

• Placement of approximately 800,000 cubic yards of sand

• Rehabilitation of existing dunes along 4.85 miles of Captiva’s Gulf shoreline, between Redfish Pass and Blind Pass

• A design life of 8 to 10+ years, aimed at countering erosion impacts from Hurricane Ian and preserving beachfronts, properties, and critical shoreline habitats

Project Funding & Assessments

The estimated cost of the project is $26.67 million. Funding will come from a combination of state, county, and local sources:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Estimated share of 21.07%

• Lee County: Estimated share of 29.45%

• Remaining costs will be funded through special assessments on properties that directly benefit from the project.

Public Participation Encouraged

During the April 7 hearing, the CEPD Board will accept public comments on:

• Project plans and specifications

• Cost estimates

• Tentative apportionment and proposed assessments

Written comments may be submitted in advance or in person at the hearing. Legal objections must be made in writing and submitted to the CEPD board prior to or during the hearing.

The CEPD also advises that anyone wishing to appeal a board decision will need to ensure a verbatim record of the meeting is made, including testimony and evidence presented.

What Happens Next?

Once the project is complete, the CEPD will prepare a preliminary assessment roll and schedule a second public hearing to confirm the apportionment. Property owners will have another opportunity to provide feedback or file formal objections before the final assessments are approved.

Access Project Documents

• View the 2025 Tentative Apportionment

• View the 2025 Benefit Analysis

Full project plans, designs, and apportionment details are available for public review at the CEPD Office: 11528 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL

For additional information, visit www.mycepd.com, call 239-472-2472, or email mycepd@mycepd.com.

If You Go
What: Tentative Apportionment Hearing
Who: Captiva Erosion Prevention District
When: April 7 at 3 p.m.
Where: Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva

As we spotlight Invasive Species Awareness Week, it’s important to recognize one plant that poses a significant threat to Sanibel’s native ecosystem: the non-native inkberry (Scaevola taccada). While it may look lush and attractive with its shiny green leaves and white berries, this weedy shrub is anything but harmless.

Why It’s a Problem

The non-native inkberry forms dense mounds of foliage that can quickly take over coastal landscapes, outcompeting native vegetation and reducing biodiversity. Its fleshy white fruit can float in water, allowing seeds to travel long distances and spread rapidly along the coast—especially in beach areas where it thrives thanks to its salt tolerance.

This aggressive spread is not just an environmental issue—it’s also a legal one. On Sanibel, the non-native inkberry is prohibited:

• It may not be planted or propagated

• It must be removed from properties slated for development

How to Remove It

• Small plants can be hand-pulled

• Larger shrubs should be cut and treated with herbicide to prevent regrowth

Always use appropriate methods and consult with professionals or city guidelines to ensure safe and effective removal.

Choose Native: Scaevola plumieri

Rather than risking your garden’s health with invasive species, consider planting the native inkberry, Scaevola plumieri. This low-maintenance, drought- and salt-tolerant evergreen shrub is ideal for Sanibel’s beach zones.

Benefits of the Native Inkberry:

• Grows up to 4 feet high

• Forms dense clumps with glossy, thick leaves at the tips

• Thrives in sandy, well-drained soils

• Stabilizes beaches with its trailing stems

• Flowers most of the year with fan-like white blooms featuring yellow centers

• Produces glossy black fruits that attract and feed native birds

Its dense growth offers excellent habitat and shelter for birds and small mammals, making it a smart, sustainable choice for coastal landscaping.

Learn More

To explore other invasive species threatening Sanibel, check out:
The Alien Invasion Brochure (PDF)

For guidance or more information, contact the City of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Department at 239-472-3700.

By choosing native plants like Scaevola plumieri, you’re not just beautifying your property—you’re helping to preserve the island’s fragile coastal ecosystem. Let’s keep Sanibel naturally wild and wonderfully diverse.

The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club proudly presented the list of winners from the 2025 Sanibel Shell Show, held March 6–8 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. This year’s event celebrated the beauty, science, and art of shells, with hundreds of entries showcased in two judged divisions: Scientific and Artistic.

With participants ranging from elementary school students to expert collectors and shell artists, the show displayed incredible creativity, knowledge, and passion

Scientific Division Highlights

The Scientific Division featured a wide range of categories, from single shell exhibits to complex educational and fossil displays. Notable winners include:

• Nicholas Baker (Cape Coral, FL) – Best Young Scientist Award and People’s Choice Award (Scientific)

• Dr. Rick Batt (Cape Coral, FL) – Multiple top honors, including the Conchologists of America Award and Shell of Show (Fossil)

• Michael Tove (Cary, NC) – du Pont Trophy and Shell of Show (Any Source)

• Anne Joffe (Sanibel, FL) – Shell of Show: Self-Collected

Other top awards went to longtime collectors and young learners alike, with blue ribbons awarded in nearly 30 scientific classes, including fossil shells, self-collected specimens, sea life exhibits, and more.

Artistic Division Highlights

The Artistic Division dazzled visitors with handmade creations, from Sailor’s Valentines to jewelry, shell art, and mixed media designs.

Top artistic honors include:

• Shanti Moore (Pompano Beach, FL) – Winner of Best Shell Flower, Best Picture or Mosaic, and Best Single Sailor’s Valentine (Hobbyist)

• Laureen Murray (Woodstock, CT) – Best in Show (Hobbyist) and Best Mirror

• David Rhyne (Sarasota, FL) – Best Single Sailor’s Valentine (Professional)

• Hatsue Iimuro (Yamanash, Japan) – Best in Show (Professional)

• Caryl Renz (Clearwater, FL) – People’s Choice Award (Artistic)

Artisans from around the country brought their imagination to life using shells, coral, and other sea treasures. From floral arrangements to statues and mirrors, the artistry on display was truly world-class.

Special Recognition

In addition to the category ribbons, special awards were given for:

• Best Collectibles Exhibit – Kathy Hofstad, Riverview, FL

• Best Fossil Exhibit – Dr. Rick Batt, Cape Coral, FL

• Best Young Artist – Townes Hetzer, Melrose, FL

Several Judge’s Special Ribbons and Merit Awards were also presented to outstanding entries that demonstrated exceptional skill or unique presentation.

A Celebration of Shells and Community

The 2025 Sanibel Shell Show was a resounding success, bringing together collectors, educators, students, and artists who share a love for mollusks and marine life. The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club thanks all the exhibitors, judges, sponsors, and attendees who made this event possible.

For the complete list of winners, click here to download the full results (PDF) or visit our Shell Club website for photo galleries and more details.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is thrilled to announce its first-ever Nest Fest, taking place on Sunday, April 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Timed perfectly to kick off the start of the sea turtle nesting season, Nest Fest will serve as a fun and educational celebration of the island’s annual sea turtle and shorebird nesting season. This free, family-friendly event will highlight the important work SCCF and its dedicated volunteers do to protect our coastal wildlife.

What to Expect:

• Interactive presentation on SCCF’s wildlife protection efforts

• Kids’ activities like a plover and sea turtle egg hunt

• Trivia and games for all ages

• Complimentary appetizers and drinks

The evening will also offer unique ways for attendees to get involved and support SCCF’s mission.

Event Sponsors:

• Food Sponsor: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

• Beverage Sponsor: Huxters Market & Deli

While Nest Fest is free to attend, RSVPs are kindly requested by April 4 to help with planning.

Reserve your spot and learn more at: https://events.humanitix.com/nest-fest-pgd289mt

Join us as we celebrate and support the incredible wildlife that calls Sanibel and Captiva home!