Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The Market Place at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel officially celebrated its grand opening with a SanCap Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 11. Following its renovation and reopening on February 27, the new Market Place enhances the resort’s amenities, offering a convenient option for guests and visitors.

A New Addition to Sundial’s Offerings

“With the opening of this latest amenity, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa bolsters its reputation as a full-service destination resort,” said SanCap Chamber President and CEO John Lai. “It fills the gap in its lineup of casual and fine dining experiences with a cheerful market selling easy pick-up snacks and beyond.”

The Market Place operates daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features a ‘We Proudly Serve Starbucks’ franchise, providing guests with quality coffee and refreshments.

What’s Available at the Market Place?

According to Sundial General Manager Becky Miller, the Market Place offers a variety of items, including:

• Hot and cold beverages
• Breakfast sandwiches and pastries
• Deli sandwiches
• Beer and wine
• Ice and snacks
• Candy and groceries
• Beach essentials and gift items
• Sundial logo wear

“We will continue to add inventory as we determine what our customers’ needs are,” Miller added.

Visit the Market Place

The Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is located at 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel. Whether stopping in for a quick coffee, a snack, or beach supplies, the new Market Place is a convenient addition for both resort guests and locals.

The 1st Annual Charity Golf Tournament, benefiting Trailways Camps, will take place on March 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Shell Point Golf Club in Fort Myers. This inaugural fundraiser will support the nonprofit’s mission to serve adults with special needs and provide respite for their caregivers.

Supporting a Critical Need

Founded by Sharon and Jerry Miller, Trailways Camps offers life-enriching experiences for adults with special needs, filling a significant gap in community services.

“Our mission is to reach out to adults with special needs and provide respite for their caregivers,” Sharon Miller said. “There’s an incredible void out there, with more than 600 adults leaving the system each year and entering life in the community with almost no services to support them.”

With increasing demand and a growing waitlist, proceeds from the tournament will fund additional camp sessions and provide scholarships for campers who wish to participate.

“We don’t charge campers to attend—just a $40 registration fee,” Miller explained. “Everything else is supported by voluntary donations.”

Tournament Details

• Date: March 24, 2024
• Time: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Shell Point Golf Club, 17500 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers
• Entry Fees:
  • $1,000 for a foursome
  • $550 for a twosome
  • $300 per individual player
  • Includes a goody bag with $100 worth of items
  • Use promo code “Happycamper” to receive a free Mulligan

Schedule of Events

• 7:30 a.m. – Sign-in and breakfast
• 8:30 a.m. – Shotgun start
• Players can register as foursomes, twosomes, or individuals (single players will be matched with open teams)

Exciting Course Features:

• Surprise challenges on the course
• Mulligans available ($20 each or six for $100)
• Raffle tickets will be sold, with the proceeds split between the winner and Trailways Camps
• Special guest “Grampy the Clown” will add to the fun

Post-Tournament Celebration

• Lunch provided by Shell Point Golf Club
• Camp-themed s’mores dessert
• Awards Ceremony for:
  • First, second, and third place teams
  • Closest to the pin
  • Male and female longest drive
  • Putting contest

Sponsors and Supporters

• Presenting Sponsor: Grampy’s Charities
• Major Sponsors:
  • The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company (Robert V. and Benjamin G. Miller Sponsor)
  • Friends of Trailways Camps (Beverage Carts Sponsor)
  • Sanibel Captiva Community Bank (Putting Sponsor)
• Additional sponsorship opportunities are available

Join the Cause

Community members are encouraged to register and support this important initiative.

“It’s to help us address the need that’s out there in the community for this special population group,” Miller said. “A regular comment we hear from participants and volunteers is that they came out to give, but they left receiving more than they gave. I think that will be true at this event as well.”

To register, visit TrailwaysCamps.org/golf-tournament.

For those who cannot attend but would like to contribute, donations can be made online to support the cause.

For more information, visit TrailwaysCamps.org or call 941-564-9861.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced that traffic has been shifted to the permanent lanes on the Sanibel Causeway as construction progresses. The surrounding causeway islands remain an active work zone and are closed to public access, including from the water.

Current and Upcoming Work Activities

East of the Toll Plaza

• Lane Closures: Motorists should expect a daytime westbound lane closure (shifting to eastbound after peak morning travel) between Port Comfort Road and Punta Rassa Road for sod installation.
• McGregor Boulevard Shoulder Closure: The shoulder remains fully closed from the toll plaza to about ¾ mile east. Work is expected to be completed later this month.
• Intermittent Flagging on McGregor Boulevard: Crews will be moving equipment and materials along eastbound and westbound lanes from Shell Point Boulevard to Punta Rassa during the day.

West of the Toll Plaza

• Nighttime Lane Closures: From 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., expect single-lane traffic with flagging operations as crews work on bridge approaches.
• Toll Plaza Lane Shifts: Lanes will shift as needed for ongoing construction.
• Intermittent Flagging: Daytime flagging operations will occur throughout the causeway as crews perform drainage work and paint the concrete traffic railings near bridge sites.
• Recreational Area Preparation: Lee County continues preparing the recreational areas of the causeway for future public reopening, but Causeway Islands Park remains closed.
• Speed Limits & Caution: Motorists should obey the 20 mph speed limit as construction vehicles and equipment continue to move throughout the work zone.
• Off-Island U-Turn Work: Crews are working on the U-turn under Span A.

Additional Travel Information

• Expect Slower Travel: Many oversized vehicles are crossing the causeway for island recovery efforts.
• Bicyclists & Pedestrians: Cyclists are encouraged to use alternative transportation, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway.

For project updates and more information, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway.

MacIntosh Books + Paper will host a Sip ‘n Shop Trunk Show featuring artist and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland on March 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1620 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

This special event offers attendees the chance to view Westland’s unique, hand-painted creations up close while enjoying conversations about books, art, and community. Her artwork will be available for purchase during the event.

Event Details:

• Date: March 22, 2024
• Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• Location: MacIntosh Books + Paper, 1620 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

More Information

For additional details, visit macintoshbooks.com.

This is a great opportunity to connect with a talented local artist, shop for one-of-a-kind pieces, and support the creative community on Sanibel.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Sanibel Sea School will host a Guided Paddle Trip to Picnic Island on March 25 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. This hands-on experience will provide participants with the opportunity to explore local marine life through dip and seine netting, as well as engaging discussions about the biology and ecology of the species encountered.

Event Details:

• Date: March 25, 2024
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Location: Picnic Island
• Cost:
  • $60 for participants with their own equipment
  • $75 for those renting equipment
• Age Requirement: 13 and older

Register Now

Spots are limited, and advance registration is required. To sign up or learn more, visit this link.

Don’t miss this opportunity to paddle through the scenic waters, discover local marine life, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique coastal ecosystem.

The City of Sanibel has announced that Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) will begin overhead circuit maintenance across the island. Certified tree trimming contractors from ABC Professional Tree Services will be mobilized to perform tree clearing along all overhead Sanibel circuits.

Project Timeline

• Start Date: This week
• Estimated Completion: June 13, 2024

The maintenance work is part of LCEC’s ongoing efforts to ensure reliable electrical service and reduce potential hazards caused by overgrown vegetation near power lines.

More Information

For questions or additional details, contact LCEC at 239-656-2300.

To learn more about LCEC’s upcoming new service center on Sanibel and the hurricane preparedness measures being implemented, watch the latest update from LCEC Public Relations Director Karen Ryan here:

The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) is hosting its Under The Sea Porch & Patio Social today, March 20, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Captiva Civic Center (11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva). This special event celebrates Manatee Appreciation Day, offering a lively and engaging evening for attendees.

Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme by dressing as a pirate, mermaid, or their favorite sea creature. The evening will feature live music, refreshments, and appetizers, providing a fun and social atmosphere.

Event Details:

• Date: March 20, 2024
• Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva
• Cost: Free (Registration required)
• Sponsor: Pfeifer Realty Group (2024-25 series)

Join the Celebration

Although the event is free, RSVP is required. There’s still time to register at ccacaptiva.org or via the Captiva Civic Association page on Eventbrite.

For more information, visit the CCA website or call 239-472-2111. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Captiva’s marine life with a festive evening of music and community.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is offering a guided beach walk on March 26 at 9 a.m. at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa (1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel). This educational experience is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about local shells and marine life.

Led by museum educators, the walk will provide an introduction to Sanibel’s diverse shell species, a guided exploration along the shoreline, and an in-depth discussion of the discoveries made along the way. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to shelling, this event offers a great opportunity to learn more about the island’s coastal ecosystem.

Event Details:

• Date: March 26, 2024
• Time: 9:00 a.m.
• Location: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel
• Cost:
  • $10 per adult
  • $5 for museum members and participants 17 and under
• Registration Required: Sign up here

Reserve Your Spot

Advance registration is required as space is limited. For more information, contact Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum.org.

Join us for an engaging and informative walk along the shores of Sanibel.