Category: Island Update

The multi-layered grassroots and legal battle to preserve the historic, low-density character of Captiva Island has reached a critical crossroad. The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) alongside an expansive coalition of island advocates has released an essential Protect Captiva Legal Update as of June 25, 2026, outlining major appellate filings, key procedural victories against South Seas Island Resort, and a looming high-stakes showdown in Circuit Court.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we recognize that land-use ordinances, density caps, and zoning litigations are among the most powerful factors influencing luxury property valuations and community stability. Keeping our clients fully informed on the shifting legal landscape of Captiva real estate is a paramount priority.

In a nutshell: The CCA has officially filed dual appeals with Florida’s Sixth District Court of Appeal to reverse recent rulings that favored increased development density at South Seas. Concurrently, a vital hearing to completely quash the resort’s controversial rezoning approval is set for a two-hour oral argument on August 4, 2026.

The Appellate Front: Two High-Stakes Appeals Filed

The CCA has aggressively escalated its defense by challenging two recent decisions handed down by Florida’s Sixth District Court of Appeal that favored developer expansion.

1. Challenging the 2003 Settlement Agreement Reversal

The first appeal addresses a highly contentious panel decision that reversed a lower Circuit Court order enforcing the historic 2003 Settlement Agreement. That contract explicitly capped South Seas at a maximum of 912 total dwelling units.

The CCA argues that the appellate panel misapplied the legal concept of “contract zoning,” allowing Lee County to unconstitutionally renege on its binding contract rights. The motion demands a rehearing before the full 12-judge court or direct certification to the Florida Supreme Court, citing the broad public importance of protecting private contract rights from government overreach.

2. Contesting the Land Development Code (LDC) Amendments

The second appeal targets a panel decision that upheld a Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) ruling. The DOAH judge previously decided that calculating the exact volume of development allowed under new Land Development Code amendments was irrelevant when assessing consistency with Lee County’s Comprehensive Plan. The CCA strongly contends that the panel failed to uphold the core terms of the Comprehensive Plan, which explicitly mandates that Lee County “maintain the historic low-density residential development pattern of Captiva.”

August 4 Hearing Set to Invalidate South Seas Rezoning

While appellate motions circulate in higher courts, a major localized victory was achieved in the pending Petition for Writ of Certiorari. A massive alliance comprising the CCA, RLR Investments, Royal Shell Vacations, 12 South Seas Condominium Associations, and 8 Timeshare Associations has formally petitioned the court to “quash” (invalidate) the county-approved rezoning.

• The Developer’s Move: In an attempt to stifle the court’s review, South Seas and Lee County filed a joint motion to strike crucial portions of the petition regarding density limits.

• The Judge’s Ruling: On June 22, 2026, Circuit Judge Shenko signed the CCA’s proposed order, denying South Seas’ motion to strike and ensuring a full judicial review of the LDC density protections.

• The Big Date: A definitive two-hour oral argument has been locked into the court calendar for August 4, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.

If the island petitioners prevail on August 4, the county’s decision to hand South Seas 356 additional units—some at building heights exceeding anything currently standing on Captiva—will be completely quashed. The property would immediately revert to its protective 1973 Rezoning Resolution guidelines.

South Seas Retaliatory Lawsuits Suffer Setbacks

The legal update further highlights a series of aggressive collateral lawsuits launched by South Seas that are struggling to find footing in the courts:

                     SOUTH SEAS AUXILIARY LAWSUITS
  
  [ DISQUALIFY JUDGE ]  ──► Rejected twice by the Court of Appeal as "not legally sufficient."
  [ CCA SANCTIONS ]     ──► CCA files counter-motions seeking attorneys' fees for meritless claims.
  [ CCP PUBLIC RECORDS] ──► Postponed; Court must evaluate if the Panel is even subject to the Act.

Attempts to Disqualify Judge Shenko Denied

South Seas has repeatedly tried to remove Judge Shenko from an ongoing lawsuit, claiming he has pre-judged their case. The Sixth District Court of Appeal completely rejected the developer’s disqualification efforts, ruling them “not legally sufficient.” In response, the CCA has filed motions to dispose of the case entirely and is actively seeking financial sanctions and attorneys’ fees against South Seas and its counsel for bringing a meritless suit.

Public Records Conflict with the Captiva Community Panel

In a separate suit against the Captiva Community Panel (CCP), South Seas alleges that the community planning organization failed to comply with a expansive Public Records Act request. While the CCP is a volunteer advisory group that may not even fall under the legal jurisdiction of the Public Records Act, it has already acted in good faith by handing over more than 1,000 pages of planning documents. South Seas claims to hold documents proving the panel withheld files but refuses to show them to the panel’s legal team, placing the case in a strict holding pattern with all depositions postponed.

Are All of These Complex Cases Interconnected?

Yes, they form a single, massive structural chain. For the developer’s expansion to succeed, multiple dominoes had to fall: the County had to amend its LDC to exempt South Seas from historical height caps, a DOAH judge had to certify those amendments, the County Commissioners had to approve a rezoning application for 356 extra units, and the Court of Appeal had to strike down the 2003 unit limits.

However, because every single one of those decisions is currently under active appeal or judicial review, a victory by the CCA or the 20 island petitioners in any of these individual tracks will force an immediate, top-down reconsideration of the entire South Seas redevelopment scheme.

To review the filed briefs or to make a tax-deductible contribution to safeguard our barrier island’s low-density limits, visit the official Protect Captiva Legal Fund Portal.

The 2026 nesting season is shattering records on Southwest Florida’s sanctuary islands. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) announced that as of June 17, 2026, its dedicated sea turtle monitoring team had officially documented an incredible 664 loggerhead nests and seven green sea turtle nests lining local shores.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we watch these wildlife metrics closely. A thriving marine turtle population is a beautiful testament to the undisturbed, eco-conscious environment that our island homeowners and real estate investors deeply cherish.

In a nutshell: Local sea turtle nesting counts have drastically surged compared to this time last year, totaling over 671 active nests. While predator pressures from coyotes are down significantly percentage-wise, conservationists are urging extreme caution out on the water following a tragic, fatal vessel strike on a beloved island nester.

The 2026 Nesting Data: A Year-Over-Year Surge

The current surge in nesting activity marks a dramatic upward trend from the 450 loggerhead nests and six green sea turtle nests documented by this exact date in 2025.

Even better news for regional conservationists: coyote depredation percentages have plummeted. To date, 113 nests (16.8%) have been impacted by coyotes, which is a significant drop from the 143 nests (31.4%) lost to predators by this mid-June baseline last year.

               SANIBEL & CAPTIVA NEST METRICS (AS OF JUNE 17)
  
  [ CAPTIVA ISLAND ] ──► 136 Total Nests  │  36 Nests Depredated by Coyotes
  [ SANIBEL ISLAND ]  ──► 535 Total Nests  │  77 Nests Depredated by Coyotes

Expanding the Roster: New Turtles Added to the Satellite Tracking Portal

In a major win for regional oceanic research, SCCF’s nighttime monitoring team has successfully deployed two additional satellite transmitters, allowing the public to map out deep-sea migratory journeys.

• Reina del Marisol: Discovered nesting on Sanibel’s east end on June 3, this mature female loggerhead was previously tagged in 2016 and encountered again in 2022. Her state-of-the-art satellite tag was sponsored by the students of Naples-based Parkside Elementary School through their annual Parkside Everglades Week program, earning the youth the honor of naming her.

• Aidan: Encountered nesting on Sanibel’s west end on June 10, this highly active mother has become a familiar sight to researchers. First tagged in June 2024, she has already been encountered seven times on the island, including four separate nesting appearances this season alone. Her tracking tag was generously sponsored by local supporters John and Kathy McCabe.

You can watch the real-time marine movements of Reina del Marisol, Aidan, and Lila by visiting the live SCCF Sea Turtle Tracking Portal.

A Heartbreaking Loss: The Legacy of “Pat Benatar”

Amid the record-setting numbers, the island conservation community is mourning a profound loss. On May 27, wildlife biologists responded to a deceased loggerhead that had washed ashore on Captiva with severe trauma consistent with a watercraft vessel strike.

Further microchip and flipper tag evaluation revealed the turtle was a treasured staple of the night-tagging program. First tagged in May 2023 under a legendary female singers naming theme, she was named “Pat Benatar” due to her compact size and remarkably spunky attitude. Pat was encountered eight times in 2023 alone, making her one of the most frequently tracked turtles of that cycle.

                       HONORING "PAT BENATAR" THE LOGGERHEAD
  
  [ MAY 2023 ] ──► First documented and named for her small size and spunky behavior.
  [ MAY 2024 ] ──► Returned to local shores to lay a highly successful nest.
  [ MAY 2026 ] ──► Laid her final known nest on May 12 before passing away on May 27.

“As we watched her lay her eggs and make her way back to the ocean [on May 12], I thought to myself, ‘Bye Pat, I hope to see you again when you come back to lay another nest.’ Sadly, the next time I saw her, she had washed ashore deceased… We watch them return year after year, witness their nesting journeys and celebrate their contributions to future generations. Losing one is always difficult.” — Savannah Weber, SCCF Sea Turtle Biologist

A Vital Call to Action for Holiday Boaters

Because sea turtles must surface at regular intervals to breathe, they are extraordinarily vulnerable to propeller and hull impacts in shallow coastal shelf waters. Pat’s tragic story serves as a powerful regional reminder for all boaters to practice strict coastal safety guidelines:

1. Obey Speed Regulations: Strictly follow all reduced-speed and no-wake zones near passes, channels, and shorelines.

2. Wear Polarized Lenses: Always wear high-quality polarized sunglasses to cut through surface glare and dramatically improve your underwater visibility.

3. Assign a Dedicated Spotter: When cruising or traveling at speed, designate a specific passenger to scan the surface ahead for marine life.

Though her life ended far too soon, Pat successfully laid at least one robust nest this season on May 12. SCCF crews are closely protecting the site and anticipate that healthy hatchlings will emerge later this summer, ensuring her spunky legacy lives on in the next generation of island turtles.

To report any issues relating to stranded marine life, active hatchlings, or nest disruptions, immediately call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663. Let’s keep our boat speeds down and our beaches dark!

The grandest display of community spirit on the barrier islands is officially calling for participants. Registrations are now being accepted for the highly anticipated Annual Independence Day Parade on Sanibel Island.

Organized by the Friends of Don, the 2026 parade carries an incredibly historic theme: “America 250,” honoring the United States’ Semiquincentennial birthday.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we know that the annual parade down Periwinkle Way is the absolute emotional high point of summer on the island. Whether you represent a local business, a neighborhood association, an island non-profit, or just a group of passionate patriots, entering a float is the ultimate way to celebrate our country’s milestone anniversary.

In a nutshell: Registrations are officially open for Sanibel’s July 4th Parade, themed “America 250”. The parade kicks off at 9:30 AM from Tarpon Bay Road. Entry forms and fees must be submitted before June 29 at 2:00 PM to lock in your starting position.

Route Dynamics & Morning Line-Up Schedule

To ensure a smooth flow of traffic for spectator safety, organizers have established a tight timeline for Tuesday, July 4, 2026:

• The Line-Up window: Participating vehicles and floats must line up between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM along Island Inn Road. To incentivize punctuality, any entries arriving after 8:45 AM will automatically be placed at the very end of the procession line.

• The Parade Route: The parade officially gets moving at 9:30 AM. It will follow its beloved traditional path, beginning at the intersection of Tarpon Bay Road and Periwinkle Way, traveling eastbound down Periwinkle, and concluding at Casa Ybel Road.

Entry Categories, Fees & Rules

Creative design is highly encouraged, as entries will be actively judged across several fun competitive brackets.

                       PARADE AWARD CATEGORIES
  
  [ BEST FLOAT ]  ──► Commercial Sector & Not-For-Profit Sector
  [ STYLE ]       ──► Most Patriotic & Best Original Design
  [ SOUND ]       ──► Best Music

Registration Details:

• Non-Commercial Teams: $15 entry fee.

• Commercial Teams: $30 entry fee.

• Vehicle Allotment: Each paid registration covers a maximum allocation of three vehicles per entry.

• Starting Order Strategy: Starting spots along the route are designated entirely on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning early applicants secure prime spots near the front of the procession.

Deadlines and Mandatory Pre-Parade Meetings

The window to join the official line-up closes firmly on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM. All completed entry forms and accompanying payments must be received by this time.

Additionally, a mandatory participant safety meeting will be held on July 1 at the Bank of the Islands (1699 Periwinkle Way). To accommodate busy schedules, two sessions are available—one at 10:00 AM and another at 5:00 PM. Every registered group must send at least one representative to either session to participate in the parade.

Bonus tip: While stopping by the Bank of the Islands for your mandatory meeting, you can pick up the official collectible 2026 Sanibel Parade Shirts, which are currently on sale inside the lobby!

To download your paperwork directly, pull up the Official City of Sanibel 2026 Parade Entry Form. If you have technical questions regarding safety rules or vehicle dimensions, you can reach out directly to Friends of Don President Trish Phillips at 239-246-2981.

Let’s pull out all the stops, deck our vehicles in red, white, and blue, and show the world how much we love our community and our country!

Key structural changes and financial planning updates are underway for Captiva Island’s shoreline defense systems. During its recent monthly meeting, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) commission advanced critical components of its beach renourishment framework while preparing for an upcoming leadership transition.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we watch these municipal updates closely. Protecting our shorelines through proactive erosion prevention directly preserves the structural integrity, property values, and natural beauty of Captiva’s premium real estate market.

In a nutshell: The CEPD has unanimously appointed a new economic consulting firm to finalize the cost apportionment for last year’s beach renourishment project, following the retirement of their long-time consultant. Additionally, the commission accepted the resignation of General Manager Brighton Heard and secured state funding for vital dune reinforcement.

New Firm Appointed to Certify Beach Renourishment Apportionment

A primary focus of the recent meeting centered on finalizing the financial apportionment—the formal distribution of project costs among benefited properties—for last year’s comprehensive beach renourishment project.

For over twelve years, noted economist Dr. William Stronge managed and certified this specialized economic data for the CEPD. With Dr. Stronge retiring from his consulting role, the district was tasked with finding a qualified replacement.

• The Transition: Outgoing General Manager Brighton Heard recommended contracting with Governmental Management Services (GMS) to step in and finalize the economic assessments.

• The Vote: The commission voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the contract with GMS.

• Next Steps: Staff expect to have the final cost apportionment ready for the board’s formal review at the upcoming July meeting.

General Manager Brighton Heard Submits Resignation

The meeting also brought significant internal staffing news as General Manager Brighton Heard officially submitted his two weeks’ notice to the commission. Heard has accepted a new professional opportunity located in Louisiana, concluding a tenure highly praised by the board.

His final day with the district is June 19, 2026. Expressing the board’s gratitude, Chairman Bob Walter noted, “I want to thank you. I think you’ve done an incredible job. I wish you the best.”

Funding Wins: State Grants & Future Federal Requests

Beyond staffing shifts, the CEPD successfully advanced several funding mechanisms designed to insulate local taxpayers from the full brunt of future coastal engineering costs:

Dune Vegetation Funding

Consultant Nick Matthews delivered a positive legislative update, revealing that the CEPD successfully secured $250,000 within the state’s General Appropriations Act. While the district originally requested $500,000, this secured state funding will be heavily utilized to enforce and stabilize the island’s protective dunes using a robust mix of native vegetation. The funding allocation is currently awaiting the governor’s final signature.

Looking Ahead to 2027-28

The commissioners approved a 4-0 resolution greenlighting a $37,847 agreement with APTIM Coastal Planning & Engineering. APTIM will assist the district in compiling and filing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Local Government Funding Request (LGFR) for the 2027-28 cycle.

                     CEPD STRATEGIC VOTES AT A GLANCE
  
  [ ECONOMIST SWITCH ]   ──► GMS replaces retiring Dr. William Stronge (Passed 4-0)
  [ STATE FUNDING ]      ──► $250,000 secured for mixed dune vegetation
  [ ENVIRONMENTAL AID ]  ──► APTIM hired for FDEP funding requests (Passed 4-0)
  [ EXPANDED SCOPE ]     ──► Matthews directed to explore new federal funding (Passed 4-0)

To further maximize capital options, the board concluded by passing a 4-0 motion directing Matthews to aggressively research potential federal funding programs for future beach renourishment lifecycles. These responsibilities were previously managed by a separate part-time consultant.

An island tradition that perfectly blends history, competition, and community charity is gearing up for its biggest year yet. The Friends of Randy of Sanibel (FOROS) have officially opened team registration for the 46th Annual 4th of July Road Rally.

Scheduled to kick off on Saturday, July 4, 2026, this year’s highly anticipated edition will double as a spectacular tribute to the 250th Semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we love celebrating the unique traditions that define island life. The Road Rally is the ultimate post-parade event, bringing families and friends together for a hilarious, strategic drive across Sanibel—all while raising critical funds for local island non-profits.

In a nutshell: Registration is officially open for the 46th Annual 4th of July Road Rally, starting at noon at The Timbers Restaurant. The $50-per-team event is a visual scavenger hunt that honors America’s 250th birthday, with this year’s proceeds directly benefiting the Sanibel Sea School and island families.

How the Rally Works: Brains Over Speed

For those new to this six-decade island staple, it is important to know that this is not a speed race. Instead, the Road Rally is a meticulously planned, in-vehicle visual scavenger hunt.

• The Logistics: The rally officially gets underway at noon on July 4, starting at The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market (703 Tarpon Bay Road).

• The Challenge: Upon arrival, each team is handed a packet containing unique route instructions, a set of cryptic questions, and driving directions. Teams must navigate the island to find hidden visual clues and solve the riddles.

• The Scoring: Winners are determined by a precise scoring matrix that evaluates correct answers, total time, and odometer mileage. The entire driving route is designed to be completed in under two hours.

• The After-Party: The course loops back and finishes right where it started at The Timbers, where a lively post-rally party will be hosted for all competing teams to swap stories and celebrate.

Driving for a Cause: Supporting Island Youth and Education

FOROS is a state-registered non-profit entity, and 100% of the event’s momentum is aimed at local philanthropy.

                    2026 ROAD RALLY BENEFACTOR BREAKDOWN
  
  [ SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL ] ──► Receives event proceeds to support marine education.
  [ CHR FAMILIES ]       ──► Receives back-to-school supply donations for local kids.

This year’s team proceeds will directly benefit the Sanibel Sea School to support their hands-on marine conservation programs. Additionally, a dedicated donation will be made to Community Housing & Resources (CHR) families to help local island children gear up with essential back-to-school supplies.

Registration Fees, Sponsorships & Sign-Up Info

The entry fee is $50 per team. Because this is a cornerstone event for America’s 250th birthday, slots are expected to fill up rapidly.

FOROS is also actively seeking corporate sponsors to back the event, as well as local businesses willing to donate small promotional items or prizes to stock the official participant goody bags.

How to Lock In Your Team Spot:

To register your vehicle, secure a sponsorship level, or donate promotional items, reach out directly to the event coordinators:

• Randy Carson: Call 239-699-8739 or email rcarsonsan@gmail.com.

• Allen Dunham: Call 239-699-9474 or email cougar3_33@yahoo.com.

Gather your cleverest co-pilots, decorate your vehicle in your finest red, white, and blue, and let’s make the 46th Road Rally an unforgettable milestone for the island!

As a vital piece of the City of Sanibel’s ongoing storm recovery and infrastructure enhancement efforts, the Department of Public Works is moving forward with important upgrades at one of the island’s most visited recreational destinations. Starting this month, crews are executing targeted improvements to the Lighthouse Beach Park Fishing Pier parking lot.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we are incredibly excited to see these continuing steps toward restoring and elevating our public spaces. While the historic fishing pier itself is currently undergoing an extensive, multi-million dollar phased reconstruction plan following Hurricane Ian, maintaining superior, safe access to the surrounding beach parks and world-class shelling amenities remains a top priority for our island community.

In a nutshell: The City of Sanibel is adding specialized pit shell material to the Lighthouse Beach Fishing Pier parking lot to enhance traffic flow, grading, and drainage. The work will take approximately two weeks, causing intermittent partial parking closures. Access to the beach and the smaller western overflow lot will remain open throughout the project.

The Scope of Improvements: Better Circulation & Drainage

The targeted maintenance operation focuses heavily on long-term durability and day-to-day usability for residents and vacationers. Heavy construction personnel and grading equipment are on-site to shape, level, and distribute high-grade pit shell material across the expanse of the lot.

                   LOT UPGRADE BENEFIT BREAKDOWN
  
  [ TRAFFIC CIRCULATION ] ──► Reshaped lanes optimize vehicles entering and exiting.
  [ ENHANCED DRAINAGE ]   ──► Proper elevation grading prevents standing rain pools.
  [ VISITOR SAFETY ]      ──► A uniform, newly rolled surface minimizes trip hazards.

The introduction of compacted pit shell material is highly intentional; it is a time-tested regional substrate that naturally fortifies unpaved parking surfaces against heavy coastal vehicle volume while simultaneously facilitating superior rainwater percolation back into the local water table.

Project Timelines and Parking Disruptions

Barring significant shifts in tropical weather or unexpected site conditions, the entire grading project is anticipated to take approximately two weeks to fully wrap up.

To safely accommodate the heavy hauling trucks delivering fresh aggregate material, alongside the large grading equipment actively shaping the surface, portions of the parking lot will experience temporary closures at various times throughout the day. Visitors heading down to the eastern tip of the island should expect reduced parking space availability and minor, intermittent delays to traffic flow within the immediate project footprint.

Tips for Island Beachgoers and Visitors

Access to the beautiful shorelines of Lighthouse Beach Park and its surrounding park amenities will remain fully available to the public without interruption throughout the construction cycle. If you are planning an island beach excursion over the next two weeks, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Utilize the Overflow Lot: When the main Fishing Pier parking lot is experiencing temporary segment closures, visitors are highly encouraged to park in the smaller public overflow lot located immediately to the west.

• Exercise High Caution: Drive slowly, obey all newly posted traffic directional signs, and remain completely alert to ground crews and heavy construction machinery moving through the area.

• Have Questions? If you have specific inquiries regarding daily project zones, accessibility accommodations, or commercial parking rules, you can connect directly with the Sanibel Department of Public Works at (239) 472-6397.

The City appreciates the community’s continued patience and cooperation as we take another significant step forward in building a more resilient, accessible, and beautiful sanctuary island!

The island’s collective push to support our local business economy is heading straight into the kitchen. Following a highly successful week of welcoming summer with friends, the popular “Love Sanibel Back” community initiative officially enters Week 3, running from June 15 through June 21, 2026.

Themed “Eat Local,” this week’s activation shifts its entire spotlight toward celebrating the incredible restaurants, cafes, and sweet shops that give Sanibel Island its unforgettable culinary character.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we know that our resilient food and hospitality workers are the heartbeat of our island’s vibrant culture. Dining out locally this week is a delicious, simple way to provide critical support to these hardworking teams during our quieter summer months.

In a nutshell: Week 3 of the “Love Sanibel Back” campaign challenges residents and visitors to dine at island restaurants from June 15–21. By sharing your meals on social media with #LoveSanibelBack, you can win local gift cards while helping businesses grow through online reviews.

The Week 3 Challenge: Dine Out and Spread the Word

The objective for the week of June 15–21 is simple: Skip cooking, head out to your favorite island dining spot, and support Sanibel’s food and hospitality scene.

Whether you are grabbing breakfast at a cozy cafe, enjoying a fresh seafood lunch, or picking up treats at a local sweet shop, your patronage directly helps maintain stable year-round operations for our local establishments.

How to Participate and Win Restaurant Gift Cards:

To amplify the impact of your meals and get a chance to win local rewards, campaign organizers encourage everyone to complete these steps:

• Share Your Plate: Snap a photo enjoying your food or dining experience and post it to social media using the official hashtag #LoveSanibelBack. Randomly selected photos will receive local restaurant gift cards as a thank-you from the community!

• Leave a Glowing Review: Take two minutes to share your positive experiences on platforms like Google, Tripadvisor, and Yelp. High-quality digital reviews are absolutely essential for helping summer tourists find and support open island eateries.

About the “Love Sanibel Back” Initiative

Running now through August, this sweeping community-wide rally point is structured around three powerful pillars: “Buy Local — Spread Joy — Give Back.”

The entire program is proudly presented by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in close collaboration with an active network of dedicated community partners. For a look at upcoming weekly themes, partner business directories, or digital resources, you can explore the official Love Sanibel Back Campaign Linktree.

Let’s grab a table, order local, and show our island chefs, servers, and bakers just how much we appreciate them!

The Sanibel Causeway is hosting some incredibly special seasonal residents once again. Coming off a highly successful 2025 season, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) announced that state-threatened least terns have officially returned to nest on the causeway islands.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that these protected birds have claimed the causeway as a breeding ground following a prolonged 30-year absence from the site. Adding to the excitement, black skimmers—which successfully nested alongside the terns on the causeway islands last year—have also returned to establish their nests for the season.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we know that the vibrant, protected wildlife is a core part of what makes our coastal communities so deeply special. Seeing these vulnerable species reclaim historic nesting grounds is a true testament to the ongoing conservation efforts driving Southwest Florida’s ecosystem forward.

In a nutshell: State-threatened least terns and black skimmers have returned to the Sanibel Causeway for another critical nesting season. As of early June, the colony is thriving with dozens of nests under close supervision by the SCCF and state wildlife partners.

The Unique Dynamics of Colonial Nesters

Least terns are migratory seabirds that arrive in Southwest Florida every April and depart by August. They are strict colonial nesters, meaning they intentionally lay their eggs in large, synchronized groups to help deter local predators and collectively defend their territory. Because they require massive, open areas with minimal vegetation to scrape out their nests, the sandy expanses of our coastal environments are highly ideal—yet heavily vulnerable.

A Look at the Numbers (As of June 3, 2026):

• Least Terns: The terns began nesting right before Memorial Day weekend. There are approximately 80 adult least terns managing 40 active nests on the causeway islands.

• Black Skimmers: Roughly 60 adult black skimmers have integrated directly into the causeway colony alongside the terns.

Overcoming a Turbulent History on the Causeway

The return of these birds is a massive conservation victory when looking at the historical timeline. Following the original construction of the Sanibel Causeway in 1963, both least terns and black skimmers regularly attempted to nest on the newly formed islands. However, heavy summer storms and constant vehicle traffic historically decimated the colonies, leading to decades of failed nesting attempts.

“There are several newspaper articles detailing the struggles that least terns and black skimmers on the causeway historically faced from nest washovers and car strikes. Despite the best efforts of our local conservation organizations to protect them and lure them to other nesting sites away from the causeway, the birds continued to fall victim to traffic and the weather. They turned to other nearby beaches and rooftops but struggled to find suitable nesting habitat.” — Audrey Albrecht, SCCF Shorebird Biologist

The generational pattern finally broke in 2023 when the least terns successfully nested on the causeway for the first time in three decades, paving the way for 2025 to become an absolute banner year for the species.

A “Tern” of Events: Shifting Colonies & Predator Pressures

If you have driven past the causeway recently and noticed a slightly lower density of shorebirds than last summer, there is a fascinating ecological reason why. The terns have split their forces into three separate colonies across the region this year.

The SCCF coastal wildlife team is working diligently to monitor all three sites simultaneously, ensuring adequate protection as the fragile chicks begin to hatch. Shifting colony locations on the west end of Sanibel have been heavily influenced by coyote activity:

• West Gulf Colony: Initially started strong with 40 laid nests, but severe coyote depredation left only seven remaining as of June 3.

• Clam Bayou Colony: Originally documented 13 nests, dropped to four due to coyotes, rebounded beautifully back up to 21, and was sitting at about 10 active nests by June 3 following subsequent predator pressures.

Because of the intense, ongoing predator disruptions at the West Gulf and Clam Bayou beach fronts, biologists anticipate that least tern numbers on the protected causeway islands will continue to climb as the summer progresses.

To ensure these vulnerable nests remain safe from car strikes and human disruption, the SCCF works in close coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Lee County. Please respect all posted wildlife signage and temporary fencing when visiting the causeway beaches this summer!

Whether you are looking to enhance your summer wellness routine, coordinate your community activities, or lock in your local beach access, the Sanibel Recreation Center has released its latest structural updates and programming calendar.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we view the recreation center as a true cornerstone of our island’s high quality of life. From premier fitness equipment and family events to essential municipal parking services, this facility keeps our community connected, active, and healthy year-round.

In a nutshell: The Sanibel Recreation Center is currently highlighting its updated summer facility hours, essential beach parking permit availability, and a relaxing upcoming Sound Bowl Healing workshop on June 17.

Upcoming Spotlight: Sound Bowl Healing with Dani

If the hustle and bustle of the season has you looking for a quiet space to reset, the center is hosting a specialized evening of deep relaxation and meditation.

• Date & Time: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

• The Experience: Participants will experience immersive, therapeutic sound frequencies designed to lower stress, calm the nervous system, and restore internal harmony.

• The Cost: Registration is $15 for active members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is strictly required to secure your spot.

Summer Facility Hours & Account Management

To better accommodate both early-morning workouts and post-work wind-downs, the recreation center maintains an expansive weekly operational window:

• Mondays through Thursdays: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Fridays: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

                     FACILITY SERVICE QUICK ACCESS
  
  [ MEMBERSHIPS ] ──► Options range from full-year memberships to flexible passes.
  [ CIVICREC ]    ──► Front desk staff can assist with setting up online accounts.
  [ PARKING ]     ──► Official Sanibel beach parking permits are sold on-site.

Both new and current members can swing by the front desk or call 239-472-0345 for personalized, step-by-step help with setting up their updated CivicRec portal account. This secure digital dashboard allows you to seamlessly track your membership status, manage day passes, or buy punch cards for specialized classes.

To reserve your space for the upcoming healing workshop or to view the full catalog of aquatic classes, gym schedules, and sports leagues, log on directly to the Official Sanibel CivicRec Catalog. For general inquiries or directions to the main campus located at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, contact the service team at 239-472-0345.

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The seasonal wildlife monitoring teams on Sanibel and Captiva Islands are reporting an exceptionally busy start to the summer. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) announced that as of June 3, 2026, its sea turtle team had officially documented a total of 340 loggerhead nests and two green sea turtle nests across our local shores.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we are incredibly proud to support our island’s dedicated conservationists. Tracking these nesting metrics is crucial for evaluating the health of our coastal ecosystem, which directly shapes the beautiful natural environment that property owners cherish here in Southwest Florida.

In a nutshell: Sea turtle nesting counts are significantly outperforming last year’s baseline, with 342 total nests documented so far. However, local conservationists are actively working to protect these clutches from a sharp increase in coyote depredations and recent high-tide washouts.

The 2026 Environmental Data: Progress and Natural Pressures

The current count of 340 loggerhead nests marks a noticeable upward trend compared to the 264 loggerhead nests recorded by the exact same date in 2025. Green sea turtle nest counts have remained perfectly steady year-over-year at two nests.

Despite the encouraging surge in nesting activity, local conservation teams are facing heightened environmental and predatory challenges this summer. High tides recently caused 19 nest washouts, a steep spike from the single washout recorded by this date last year. Additionally, local wildlife teams are implementing extra protective measures to combat an increase in coyote activity.

               SANIBEL & CAPTIVA NESTING PARAMETERS (AS OF JUNE 3)
  
  [ TOTAL NESTS TO DATE ]  ──► 2025: 266 Nests  │ 2026: 342 Nests
  [ COYOTE DEPREDATIONS ]  ──► 2025: 38 Nests   │ 2026: 53 Nests
  [ HIGH-TIDE WASHOUTS ]   ──► 2025: 1 Nest     │ 2026: 19 Nests

A Detailed Look at Local Nesting Impact Metrics:

• Sanibel Island Metrics: Sanibel remains the primary hub for nesting activity but has also absorbed the highest share of environmental pressures. To date, Sanibel has recorded 15 washouts (up from 1 last year) and 39 coyote depredations (up from 30 last year).

• Captiva Island Metrics: Captiva’s narrower shorelines have also experienced an uptick in activity and challenges. The island has documented 4 washouts (up from 0 last year) and 14 coyote depredations (up from 8 last year).

Meet “Lila”: First Satellite-Tagged Loggerhead of the Season

In a major milestone for regional marine research, the SCCF team successfully encountered and satellite-tagged their first adult female loggerhead of the summer. Spotted nesting on the quiet west end of Sanibel during the early morning hours of May 19, the nesting mother showed absolutely no signs of prior PIT or flipper tags, confirming this was her first formal research encounter on the island.

The research team affectionately named the turtle Lila, whose satellite tag was generously sponsored by local supporter Norman Robertson. Lila’s transmitter is officially live on the interactive SCCF Sea Turtle Tracking Portal, an initiative that successfully tracked five nesting loggerheads after launching last season.

                         THE IMPORTANCE OF SATELLITE TAGGING
  
  [ SHORELINE TRACKING ] ──► Access is easy on beaches, but only captures nesting habits.
  [ OCEANIC TRACKING ]   ──► Satellite tags map location data while turtles are at sea.

“A lot of the research on sea turtles is conducted while they’re nesting because they’re much easier to access on beaches, but since they spend most of their lives at sea, there is still so much we don’t know. Satellite tags provide location data for the turtles even when they aren’t observed again on the nesting beach, which allows us to track their movements at sea.” — Kelly Sloan, SCCF Coastal Wildlife Director

You can follow Lila’s deep-sea journeys yourself by visiting the live SCCF Hammerhead Sea Turtle Tracking Portal. Let’s keep our beaches dark, flat, and clear to ensure our record-breaking numbers turn into a highly successful hatching season!