Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The Sanibel Island Prescribed Fire Task Force has announced its 2025 plan for prescribed burn operations on the island. If environmental conditions are favorable, two specific areas have been selected for this year: the Legion Curve Unit and the Botanical Site Unit.

This announcement was shared at a community meeting held on March 27 at the Sanibel Recreation Center. Representatives from the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), City of Sanibel, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, and the Lee County Mosquito Control District provided insights into the reasons behind prescribed burns and what residents can expect.

Purpose of Prescribed Burns

Kevin Godsea, Project Leader of the “Ding” Darling Complex, explained that prescribed burns are a critical tool for habitat management. The current management plan, established in 2010, focuses on the freshwater spartina marsh areas. The goal is to promote native cordgrass growth by 20 percent and reduce invasive woody vegetation by at least 10 percent through herbicide treatment and controlled burning.

Prescribed burns offer several benefits:

• Mitigate the risk of wildfires

• Maintain fire-dependent ecosystems

• Support mosquito control efforts

• Restore hurricane-impacted lands

• Encourage regrowth of native vegetation and seed germination

Godsea noted that while Sanibel has experienced 15 wildfire events since 1984, current conditions — including moist soil from a wet winter and previous storm surges — suggest low fire potential this year.

How Prescribed Burns Are Managed

Prescribed burns are carefully planned and only executed under specific conditions:

• Clearly defined ecological and safety objectives

• Sufficient soil and vegetation moisture

• Acceptable weather conditions, such as wind speed, direction, temperature, and humidity

Burn operations are tentatively scheduled for the summer and fall. The exact date of each burn will be determined based on conditions in the days and weeks leading up to the event. Public notifications will be issued several days in advance.

USFWS Assistant Fire Management Officer Brian Pippin outlined this year’s burn targets:

• Legion Curve Unit, located across from the American Legion

• Botanical Site Unit

Benefits for Mosquito Control

Robert Scarpantonio from the Lee County Mosquito Control District highlighted that prescribed burns also play an important role in mosquito management. By reducing ground and canopy vegetation, burns allow for better spray coverage, improved visibility for inspections, and more effective insecticide application. This results in decreased mosquito egg viability and a stronger impact on larval populations.

SCCF Land Management Efforts

Although SCCF does not have prescribed burns scheduled this year, it continues to manage approximately 1,800 acres on Sanibel. Current projects include the removal of dead vegetation and replanting efforts to reduce fire risks and restore native habitats.

Ongoing work includes:

• Debris removal on SCCF-owned properties along Sanibel-Captiva Road

• Replanting of the McGregor properties, West Sanibel River Preserve, and Bailey Homestead Preserve

• Planned restoration at Dayton Preserve and Valade Preserve

Resident Safety Recommendations

Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria shared essential tips for residents to prepare before and during a prescribed burn:

Preparation Tips:

• Bring outdoor furniture and belongings indoors

• Park vehicles in garages

• Close windows and run air conditioning

• Cover pools

• Keep pets inside

• Remain indoors or consider leaving the island for the day

Long-Term Firewise Practices:

• Maintain defensible space around your home

• Choose low-flammability, well-maintained landscaping

• Use fire-resistant building materials and roofing

• Limit flammable attachments (e.g., wooden decks)

• Develop a household disaster evacuation plan

DiMaria emphasized the importance of being prepared for wildfires just as residents would for hurricanes.

Firewise Landscaping Guidance

Joel Caouette, environmental biologist with the City’s Natural Resources Department, encouraged residents to adopt firewise landscaping strategies. This includes regularly trimming vegetation near buildings and selecting fire-resistant plant species such as:

• Red Maple

• Spanish Bayonet

• Firebush

• Beautyberry

• Sea Oxeye Daisy

• Tickseed

Caouette also explained the city’s communication strategy. When prescribed burns are scheduled, the city will distribute press releases, neighborhood flyers, and updates via social media. Those on the smoke-sensitive list will receive direct notifications 24 to 48 hours before a burn.

Stay Connected and Informed

• Watch the full meeting on the City of Sanibel’s Facebook page

• Sign up for city announcements at www.mysanibel.com

• Join the smoke-sensitive notification list by contacting Joel Caouette at joel.caouette@mysanibel.com

• For questions or firewise landscaping support, contact the Natural Resource Department at 239-472-3700

To improve student safety and reduce speeding in school zones, the Sanibel Police Department (SPD) has launched a new automated speed enforcement program near The Sanibel School.

This initiative uses camera-based speed detection technology to monitor vehicles in the designated school zone on Sanibel-Captiva Road.

Key Dates and Enforcement Details

• Warning Period (Now in Effect):
  Drivers currently exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph in the school zone will receive warnings, not citations.

• Citations Begin:
  Starting April 14, actual citations will be issued to those exceeding the posted limit by more than 10 mph.

• Enforcement Hours:
  Citations will only be issued on school days, between 7:15 a.m. and 2:35 p.m.

• Citation Fine:
  Each violation carries a $100 fine.

Why This Matters

The city council approved this program following the Florida Legislature’s authorization for the use of automated speed detection in school zones. This aligns with the state’s efforts to increase school zone safety through photo-based monitoring, ensuring legal compliance and student protection.

Watch: SPD Chief Explains the Program

Hear directly from Sanibel Police Chief William Dalton about the importance and purpose of this new initiative:
Watch the video

More Info & Contact

For full program details, visit:
www.mysanibel.com/automated-speed-enforcement-system

Have questions?
Email: schoolzone@mysanibel.com
Call: 239-472-3111, ext. 242

Let’s all do our part to make Sanibel safer—especially for our students. Slow down, stay alert, and respect the zone.

Sanibel’s beaches are more than just beautiful—they’re also home to a variety of nesting shorebirds. From now through August, these delicate species use our shores to rest, feed, and raise their young. The City of Sanibel is asking everyone—residents and visitors alike—to “Share the Shore” by following a few simple, impactful guidelines.

Why It Matters

Nesting shorebirds are highly sensitive to disturbance. A moment too close, a sudden noise, or an off-leash dog can cause parents to flee the nest, putting eggs or chicks at risk of overheating, predation, or abandonment. Your small actions can make a big difference.

Shorebird-Friendly Beach Guidelines

Here’s how you can help keep Sanibel’s beaches safe and welcoming for our feathered neighbors:

1. Give Wildlife Space

Stay out of posted nesting zones and maintain a respectful distance from birds and their young. If a bird flies away, you’re too close.

2. Leash Your Dog

Sanibel’s leash law requires dogs to be leashed and attended at all times (max 8-foot leash). Unleashed pets can scare, chase, or accidentally harm shorebird chicks.

3. Never Chase Birds

Chasing or disturbing birds forces them to burn essential energy and may lead to nest abandonment or even death of chicks left behind.

4. Don’t Feed Wildlife

Feeding birds or leaving food scraps attracts predators like crows and gulls—major threats to eggs and hatchlings.

5. Mind Your Line & Trash

Discarded fishing lines and loose trash can entangle or injure wildlife. Learn how to properly handle tangled birds at MindYourLine.org.

6. Clear the Beach by 9 PM

All furniture, tents, and beach gear must be removed nightly to prevent hazards to nesting birds or sea turtles.

7. Fill Holes & Flatten Sandcastles

Before leaving, smooth out the sand. Deep holes can trap chicks, hatchlings, or other small wildlife.

8. Don’t Disturb the Wrack Line

The wrack line—where seaweed and debris wash ashore—is an important food source and habitat for birds. Leave it intact.

9. Limit Artificial Light

Avoid using flash photography, flashlights, or phone lights near nesting sites, especially at night.

10. Fly Kites & Drones Responsibly

Operate kites, drones, or other flying devices well away from marked nesting areas and wildlife preserves.

11. Stay Off Dune Vegetation

Beach plants protect both wildlife and our shoreline from erosion. Stick to designated paths.

12. Say No to Personal Fireworks

Fireworks disturb nesting birds. Attend official displays instead of setting off your own.

Spread the Word

One of the best ways to protect our shorebird population is through education. Share these tips with your family, friends, neighbors, and guests.

Learn more and get involved by visiting the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).

Watch the “Our Shorebird Conservation” video here: YouTube Link

Report Concerns

Violations of wildlife protection rules can result in city, state, or federal penalties.
To report an incident, call the Sanibel Police Department at 239-472-3111
For emergencies, always dial 911

Have questions about nesting shorebirds or local environmental guidelines?
Email: sandnr@mysanibel.com
Phone: 239-472-3700

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village invites the community to a heartfelt storytelling event:
“Getting to Know Our Captiva Neighbors: From Laughter to Legacy — Captiva’s Jensen Family”

April 7 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Shore Haven Welcome Center, 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

This special program will highlight the remarkable journey of the Jensen family, whose spirited legacy continues to shape Captiva Island. Attendees will enjoy insights from Tom Libonate, President of the Captiva Island Historical Society Board, and Capt. Brian Holaway, Society Member and local historian. Together, they’ll share the inspiring story of how one family’s joy, resilience, and community spirit helped define a slice of paradise.

The event will feature a screening of the documentary “From Laughter to Legacy — Captiva’s Jensen Family,” directed by award-winning filmmaker Ken Sneeden. The film chronicles the story of Red Jensen, a former aluminum siding salesman from Michigan, who—alongside his wife Betty and their four children—moved to Captiva in 1977. With hard work and vision, the family transformed Twin Palms, a modest marina with 1940s cottages, into the charming Twin Palms Resort—a true island landmark.

Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend this celebration of Captiva’s local history and the enduring legacy of a family who brought laughter, love, and hard work to island life.

Learn more at sanibelmuseum.org

After nearly a decade of bringing laid-back coastal style to Sanibel, Keelie and Brian Bloom are thrilled to announce the full reopening of Beach Daisy Boutique at its original location in the Periwinkle Place Shops.

Following the challenges brought on by Hurricane Ian, the Blooms temporarily relocated Beach Daisy to their adjacent retail space — My Friend’s Place — while repairs were underway. In February 2024, they reopened the smaller space to continue serving the community. Now, just a few weeks later, the original Beach Daisy storefront is back in full bloom, and the couple marked the occasion with a festive ribbon-cutting on March 4, hosted by the SanCap Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve been blown away by the support,” said Brian Bloom. “From locals to longtime customers, it’s been incredible to reconnect with familiar faces. There’s something really special about the Sanibel community — it feels like home.”

With the original Beach Daisy Boutique now reopened, the smaller space has transformed into a brand-new shopping experience: Coast Clothing. This new store offers a curated collection of contemporary men’s and women’s clothing and popular lifestyle brands including Tommy Bahama, Tori Richard, Free Fly, Sophia, and AZI.

But beyond fashion, the Blooms are committed to building community. Known for their island-based fundraising event, Models and Mutts, which benefits the Gulf Coast Humane Society, they’ve now introduced a new in-store initiative called “Gathered Thoughts.” This feel-good feature invites shoppers to choose from baskets of inspirational cards, each carrying a message of kindness and encouragement — a simple gesture designed to uplift spirits and spark connection.

“It’s about more than just shopping,” Brian added. “It’s about creating moments that matter. When someone picks up a message that speaks to their soul — it’s magic.”

John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber, praised the Blooms’ contribution to the island’s business community. “Keelie and Brian have been a staple on Sanibel for over 10 years. Their warmth, energy, and commitment truly represent the heart of this island. We’re so glad to see Beach Daisy fully reopened and thriving again.”

You can visit Beach Daisy Boutique at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Suite 29, in Sanibel’s beloved Periwinkle Place Shops.

After months of dedication, hard work, and community support, Sandalfoot Beachfront Condominium is ready to open its doors once again — and it’s time to celebrate in style!

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Sandalfoot’s Board of Directors, invites friends, locals, and island guests to the Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, March 27, from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Located at 671 East Gulf Drive, this event marks a meaningful milestone in the ongoing restoration of Sanibel Island and highlights the spirit of resilience and renewal that defines our island communities.

A Special Event for a Special Place

This isn’t just any ribbon cutting — it’s a celebration of everything Sandalfoot stands for: community, hospitality, and the beauty of island life. The event will feature:

• An official ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate Sandalfoot’s reopening

• Delicious gourmet bites by the ever-popular Bubbles & Brunches

• Exciting surprise guests — including some recognizable celebrity attendees

• A chance to win a FREE 3-night stay in one of Sandalfoot’s beautifully redecorated beachfront condos

• Meet-and-greet opportunities with the wonderful Sandalfoot staff and their newly appointed manager

Whether you’ve stayed at Sandalfoot before or are simply part of the greater Sanibel/Captiva community, this event is a heartfelt invitation to come together and celebrate the return of a beloved island gem.

A Community Worth Celebrating

The journey back to reopening wasn’t easy, but it was made possible through the love and support of friends, guests, and island neighbors. As one event organizer shared:

“I’ll be there to greet you with big hugs of appreciation for all who have cheered us on as we worked diligently to be able to celebrate this wonderful reopening.”

Now, with beautifully updated condos and refreshed energy, Sandalfoot is once again ready to welcome guests back to paradise — and this event is the perfect way to kick it all off.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 27
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Sandalfoot Beachfront Condominium, 671 East Gulf Drive, Sanibel Island

For questions or more information, visit the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce or connect directly with Sandalfoot at sandalfootcondo.com.

After more than two years of closure due to damage from Hurricane Ian, the Fort Myers Beach Library has officially reopened its doors — marking a major milestone in the community’s ongoing recovery.

The library welcomed back patrons on Sunday morning with heartfelt celebration and a renewed sense of hope. The reopening was not just about books, but about restoring a cherished gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

“Fort Myers Beach is coming back,” said Mayor Dan Allers, reflecting the shared optimism and resilience of the community.

Residents gathered to celebrate the reopening, many expressing how much they had missed this cornerstone of the island.

“I just can’t say it enough how we all need normalcy back in our lives — whether it’s a grand opening of a store, a restaurant, or a library. This is such a community building,” said Jan, a longtime library patron.

Restoring the Heart of the Community

The final component in the restoration process was the library’s glass elevator, which features artistic underwater-themed portals that make the ride itself a memorable experience.

“It’s a very large elevator. It is mostly glass, and there are portals on the side, so it looks like you’re under the sea,” said Lizbeth, a library representative. “The repairs included replacing all the stainless steel and glass panels.”

But the library offers more than just books and a ride with a view.

On the third floor, visitors will find intricate sandcastle sculptures created in honor of the Fort Myers Beach Sand Castle Competition, and a vivid mural depicting the area’s natural ecosystem — both serving as artistic tributes to the island’s heritage and resilience.

“When you walk in, you just feel like you’ve come home,” Jan added.

A Tribute to Those Lost

Among the many heartfelt touches is a framed piece of artwork honoring the lives lost during Hurricane Ian, including Mitch Pacyna, a beloved volunteer and greeter known by many across the island.

“He was just a great guy that everybody on the island knew,” said Mayor Allers. “He said he was the unofficial mayor of Fort Myers Beach. You didn’t go to an event and not see Mitch — his big, smiley face was always there.”

More Than a Library

The reopening of the Fort Myers Beach Library is more than just a return to normal — it’s a symbol of community resilience, shared memory, and new beginnings. It invites everyone to reconnect, reflect, and move forward together.

Now once again, residents and visitors can say, “Meet me at the library” — and truly mean it.

Click here for the full article

South Seas Resort has announced the official opening of South Seas Spirits, a premier destination for high-end liquors, wines, beers, and mixers, located in The Shops at South Seas on Captiva Island.

The new retail addition offers a thoughtfully curated selection designed to serve both dedicated enthusiasts and casual shoppers. With a focus on quality and convenience, South Seas Spirits enhances the resort’s guest experience by providing access to top-tier beverage options directly on the island.

“It will be a great addition for our resort to have this level of beverage offerings,” said South Seas Resort General Manager Shawn Farrell. “These types of products conveniently located on the island itself and accessible to South Seas guests, owners, and Captiva Island visitors will be a much-appreciated retail enhancement.”

A Curated Selection of Premium Beverages
South Seas Spirits features a diverse array of products from globally recognized brands and boutique producers:

Spirits & Liquor
Shoppers will find both rare and recognizable names, including:

• Absolut Elyx, Aveleda, Vina San Pedro, Shinobu, and Shumi

• Well-known labels like The Botanist, Camus, Glenlivet, Macallan, Remy Martin, Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, Veuve Clicquot, and Woodford Reserve

Wines from Around the Globe
The store carries a broad range of wines sourced from the U.S., Argentina, Australia, Chile, Germany, France, and Spain. The collection includes:

• Red, white, sparkling, and blended wines

• Price points categorized as super premium, ultra-premium, luxury, and prestige/super-luxury

Beer Selection

Options include imported and craft favorites such as:

• Blue Moon, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, and Stella Artois

Premium Mixers
To complement the spirits and cocktails, the shop also offers high-quality mixers from brands including:

• Barsmith, Fever-Tree, Badger, and Handy & Schiller

Location & Hours
South Seas Spirits is located at The Shops at South Seas, 14830 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island. The store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit SouthSeas.com or call 800-237-6000.

Ever wonder why sea turtles are called what they are? Unlike some animals with confusing or misleading names (looking at you, horned toads — which are actually lizards), sea turtles are one group where the names actually make sense.

Sea turtles get their names from very distinct traits — whether it’s their appearance, the person who discovered them, or even the color of their body fat (yes, really). Let’s break down what each sea turtle species is named after and why.

Loggerhead Turtle

Why the name?
Loggerheads are known for their oversized, “blocky” heads. These large heads aren’t just for looks — they house strong jaws capable of crushing hard-shelled prey like crabs and conchs. Their big head-to-body ratio is what earned them the name “loggerhead,” a term also shared by a bird called the loggerhead shrike.

Leatherback Turtle

Why the name?
Unlike other sea turtles, leatherbacks don’t have a hard, bony shell. Instead, their backs are covered in thick, leathery skin over flexible connective tissue and small bones. That soft, leather-like appearance gives the leatherback its name.

Hawksbill Turtle

Why the name?
With their sharp, curved beaks, hawksbill turtles resemble birds of prey — especially hawks. This unique beak helps them reach into coral crevices to feed on sponges and other invertebrates.

Flatback Turtle

Why the name?
True to their name, flatbacks have a low, smooth, and flat shell — a stark contrast to the more domed shapes seen in other species. This flattened appearance makes them easy to identify.

Kemp’s Ridley Turtle

Why the name?
This turtle was named after Richard Kemp, a naturalist from Key West who was among the first to study them. The “ridley” part is less clear — some believe it might have come from the word “riddle” because so little was known about them when they were first discovered. For a long time, scientists didn’t even know where they nested or why they sometimes laid eggs in large groups.

Olive Ridley Turtle

Why the name?
The “olive” part refers to the olive-green hue of their shell. Like the Kemp’s ridley, they also carry the mysterious “ridley” label. These two turtles are the only species in the Lepidochelys genus, which adds another layer of uniqueness.

Green Turtle

Why the name?
You might think green turtles are named for their shell color — but they’re not! Their shells range from brown to gray. The real reason? Their body fat has a greenish tint, thanks to their mostly vegetarian diet of seagrasses and algae.

Sea Turtles of Sanibel & Captiva

On the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva, loggerheads are the most frequent nesters. You’ll occasionally spot a green turtle nest, while leatherbacks and Kemp’s ridleys are rare visitors.

So next time you hear a sea turtle’s name, remember: it’s more than just a label — it tells a story about what makes each one unique.