Category: Island Update

After over two years of closure due to Hurricane Ian, Causeway Islands Park has officially reopened to the public as of May 1, 2025, marking a major milestone in the region’s recovery.

The City of Sanibel recently shared this update from Lee County Government, confirming that Phase One of the park’s redevelopment is now complete. This is the first time since September 2022 that residents and visitors can once again enjoy the scenic shorelines along the Sanibel Causeway.

A Resilient Reopening

The park had served as a crucial staging area during Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)‘s reconstruction of the Sanibel Causeway, a project focused on reinforcing the area’s storm resiliency after the severe damage from Hurricane Ian.

With the causeway work now finished, Lee County Parks & Recreation has resumed its long-term vision to improve the park in phases. Phase One includes:

• Free on-site parking

• Portable restrooms

• Trash and recycling bins

• Park ranger assistance and shoreline access

Park hours are from dawn to dusk, with rangers on-site to guide guests and ensure rules are followed. Visitors may also notice volunteers educating the public on nesting shorebirds, with clearly marked areas to protect the fragile ecosystem.

What’s Next: Phase Two Improvements

Phase Two is now in the design stage, backed by a $1.31 million contract approved in October 2024. This next phase focuses on long-term enhancements that include:

• Structured parking on Islands A and B

• Permanent restroom facilities

• ADA-accessible beach access

• Outdoor showers

• Irrigation and drainage systems

• Landscaping and shaded areas

Design work is expected to conclude by summer 2025, with construction anticipated to begin later in the year and wrap up by 2026, weather permitting.

Funding and Project Tracking

The project is funded through a combination of resources:

• FEMA’s Public Assistance Program

• State appropriations

• Tourist Development Taxes from short-term lodging

For ongoing updates on the project’s progress, visitors can use the Lee County Parks Project Information Tool at www.leegov.com/parks.

The annual sea turtle nesting season is officially underway across Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) began its daily morning monitoring surveys on April 15, continuing its long-standing efforts to protect and study these remarkable marine creatures.

Each morning, SCCF staff and dedicated volunteers patrol a combined 18 miles of shoreline across both islands, scanning for signs of sea turtle nesting activity. These surveys play a crucial role in safeguarding nests and tracking nesting patterns.

Last year, the first nest of the season was laid by a leatherback turtle on April 24. In 2023, the first nest was recorded slightly earlier, on April 22, by a loggerhead turtle. With nesting season now in motion, the islands once again become a vital sanctuary for these endangered species.

Stay tuned for updates as the season progresses and more nests are discovered along our shores.

On April 18, South Seas Island Resort and Lee County concluded their rebuttal in a highly watched rezoning case. This followed testimony from 52 public speakers opposing the proposal, citing concerns about overdevelopment, safety, and departure from Captiva’s historic character.

What the Rezoning Proposal Includes

The final plan from South Seas and Lee County outlines several major changes:

• Buildings over 20 feet taller than existing structures on Captiva
• New condos on current open space at the north end of the resort
• A water park near existing privately owned condos
• A 175-room hotel along Captiva Drive—where no hotel currently exists
• A 260-room hotel at the north end, up from the previous 107-room limit
• Outdoor dining areas in proximity to residential homes
• Between 76 and 150 new boat slips by the T-Dock at Redfish Pass

Infrastructure & Environmental Concerns

Residents and experts have expressed that the proposed development exceeds the island’s current capacity:

• One-lane evacuation road not suitable for increased traffic
• Limited parking and inadequate sewer treatment capacity
• Building heights and density exceed Lee Plan’s historic pattern
• Captiva Fire Department lacks equipment to reach taller proposed structures

Resort Vision: A Gated, Exclusive Community

The resort’s new ownership reportedly envisions South Seas as a private enclave, closed to the public. Amenities, marinas, and restaurants will be available only to guests and homeowners. Their model targets wealthy clientele with second or third homes—discouraging interaction with Captiva or Sanibel businesses.

Legal Landscape: Agreements, Appeals & Active Litigation

The 912-Unit Limit Still Holds

A 2003 Mediated Settlement Agreement between the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) and Lee County capped South Seas’ total units at 912 across its 304-acre resort—equaling three units per acre. The Circuit Court recently affirmed this cap as legally valid and enforceable.

Both South Seas and the County have filed separate appeals, seeking to overturn the decision. If upheld, the ruling would restrict Lee County from issuing permits beyond this 912-unit cap—regardless of the rezoning outcome.

DOAH Ruling Challenged

An earlier ruling by the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) approved changes to the county’s Land Development Code, increasing hotel density and building heights on Captiva. Advocates are now appealing, arguing that the ruling contradicts the Lee Plan, which aims to maintain historical development standards on barrier islands.

This appeal could reestablish prior limits of 28 feet (with two habitable floors) as the height maximum, in contrast to the revised 35-foot, three-story allowances.

What’s Next?

The Hearing Examiner is expected to release her recommendation in approximately two months. While South Seas and Lee County appear confident, the outcome must align with the Lee Plan’s directives—especially those protecting the historic density and scale of Captiva.

As legal proceedings move forward, community members remain focused on preserving what makes Captiva special—its natural beauty, responsible scale, and longstanding heritage. Stay tuned for future legal updates and community calls to action.

Get ready for a night of baseball, community spirit, and tradition! The 32nd annual Sam Bailey’s Islands Night will take place on May 7 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels taking on the Dunedin Blue Jays at 7:05 p.m. Gates will open at 5:45 p.m., and the pregame parade will begin at 5:50 p.m. — a lively and colorful celebration to kick off the evening.

“This is a celebration of the season that was and a look ahead to the rest of the year,” said John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an opportunity to bring the community together — residents and businesses alike — in one spot.”

The event is a beloved local tradition, started by the late Sam Bailey, a former athlete and island pioneer, who founded the event to bring the entire island together in one place.

A Tradition with Heart

In the early years, Bailey, whose descendants still own and operate Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel and The Island Store on Captiva, wanted to create an event that would unite the community. He approached the former Fort Myers Miracle organization to sponsor a game. After negotiating the deal, Bailey had to figure out how to fund the event. With support from his brother Francis and local businesses, Bailey was able to secure the necessary funding to rent out the stadium and give back to the island community.

In 2004, the event was renamed Sam Bailey’s Islands Night in his honor, keeping his legacy alive.

“It’s very important to us to keep this tradition going,” said Lai.

50th Anniversary Celebration

This year’s event marks the 50th Anniversary Edition of Islands Night, coinciding with the city of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary as a municipality. “There’s a celebratory component to many events this year,” Lai explained. The event will honor the milestone while continuing its tradition of community togetherness.

The Parade and Game Day Fun

The traditional parade will feature islanders from all walks of life — business owners, nonprofit groups, and residents — as they march along the field in floats, vehicles, or on foot. The parade will include the tossing of candy, trinkets, and gifts, embodying the spirit of Sanibel-Captiva.

“It’s a chance to celebrate a successful season and really kick off the game in true island style,” Lai added.

Following the parade, the evening will continue with the national anthem, sung by Joseph Giangreco, music teacher at The Sanibel School, and the ceremonial first pitch thrown by Mayor Mike Miller and City Councilmember Richard Johnson.

A Night to Remember

The game will be followed by the sale of beer by the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club, with all proceeds benefiting island scholarships. And for the first time in the event’s history, the night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display to cap off this unforgettable evening.

“We’re really excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary and honor Sam Bailey in a big way,” Lai said.

Free Tickets for the Community

This year, tickets are free for everyone in the community! You can download as many tickets as you like online, or pick them up at several local spots, including the SanCap Chamber Visitor Center, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, Huxters Market & Deli, Jerry’s Foods, and The Island Store.

“This is a great way for the community to come together for one last celebration before many of our residents head back up north,” said Lai. “It’s a chance for businesses to high-five one another and for everyone to experience the true sense of community that makes these islands so special.”

Event Details

• What: 32nd Annual Sam Bailey’s Islands Night

• When: May 7 at 7:05 p.m. (Gates open at 5:45 p.m.)

• Where: Hammond Stadium, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers

• Tickets: Free to the community (Download or pick up tickets at local spots)

For more information or to register for the parade, visit gofevo.com/event/Islandsnight25 or contact Aaron Walton, Director of Operations at the SanCap Chamber, at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759.

The Lee County School Board has officially approved the district’s move to seek accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) — a step that would make Lee County the first school district in Florida and the largest in the United States to pursue this prestigious recognition.

At the April 8 workshop meeting, board members expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the district’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for students, teachers, and staff.

“Being a leader in this is awesome,” said Board Member Melisa Giovannelli. “Students aren’t learning if they are not feeling safe. This shows the community that we are serious about safety.”

Board Chair Sam Fisher agreed, calling the move “amazing” and emphasizing how it positions Lee County as a leader both statewide and nationally.
“This really shows that — a leader in the state and the country,” Fisher added.

What is CALEA Accreditation?

Safety, Security, and Fleet Operations Chief Dave Newlan explained that the CALEA accreditation would cover the district’s non-sworn security personnel — including security specialists, safety teams, and guardians — rather than traditional law enforcement officers.

Through the accreditation process, the district would establish a comprehensive and standardized framework for managing campus security based on national best practices. It would also ensure ongoing collaboration with community partners to strengthen public safety efforts.

Newlan noted that achieving accreditation is a two-year process under either the basic or advanced standard.

Program Overview and Costs

• Initial Accreditation Cost: $7,565 (based on 24–199 non-sworn full-time employees)

• Annual Renewal Fee: $3,110

CALEA Program Manager Vince Dauro shared that their Campus Security Accreditation Program was introduced in 2010 with extensive input from educational institutions.
Although the campus program is CALEA’s newest and smallest (compared to its 1,300 programs across four countries), it has proven highly effective.

“It gives campuses a clear format for operating best-in-class security programs,” Dauro said.
He explained that whether students are on or off campus, the same security principles apply.

Among K–12 institutions, several are currently working toward accreditation, and Milton Hershey School remains a flagship example of success under the program.

Basic vs. Advanced Accreditation

• Basic Accreditation: Focuses on core standards, ideal for smaller agencies.

• Advanced Accreditation: Offers a deeper, more detailed approach, linking security tasks with specific operational functions.

Newlan emphasized that accreditation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of continuous improvement.
“You have two years to reach accreditation, but the goal is to complete it even faster,” he said.
“Everyone must be committed to embracing the process.”

A Commitment to Safe Learning Environments

Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin underscored the vital connection between safety and academic success.

“Our top priority is to increase student achievement, and that cannot happen if students do not feel safe and secure,” Carlin said.
“We look forward to this journey and appreciate the board’s support.”

By taking this bold step, Lee County School District is reinforcing its pledge to create a secure, thriving educational environment — leading not just in Florida, but setting a new standard for schools across the nation.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.