Category: Island Update

During the holiday season and the start of the New Year, increased online shopping and social activity provide more opportunities for bad actors to strike. At Florida Trust Wealth Management, we prioritize ongoing cybersecurity training to stay ahead of evolving scams. Unfortunately, cybercrime has moved beyond basic password theft and is now being amplified by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Understanding these modern threats is the first step in protecting your financial well-being.

Modern Cyber Threats to Watch For

• AI-Enhanced Phishing: Traditionally, we looked for typos or poor grammar to spot a fake email. Today, criminals use AI to generate flawless messages that perfectly mimic government agencies, banks, or even family members.

• AI-Driven Fraud (Deepfakes): Using just a few seconds of audio or video from social media, hackers can now replicate voices or faces to impersonate loved ones or officials in “emergency” phone calls.

• Ransomware: This malware locks your personal files or systems and demands a ransom payment to restore access.

• Identity Theft: Hackers continue to target Social Security numbers and banking data to open unauthorized accounts or loans.

Essential Best Practices for Protection

To safeguard your assets and identity, we recommend implementing the following security measures:

• Use a Password Manager: Avoid reusing passwords or writing them on paper. Use cloud-based tools like LastPass, NordPass, or Keeper to generate and store complex, unique passwords.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always activate 2FA for your email, banking, and social media accounts. This provides a critical second layer of defense even if a password is compromised.

• Be Skeptical of Communications: If you receive a suspicious text, email, or call, do not click links or use the phone number provided. Instead, look up the official contact information from a trusted source to verify the request.

• Freeze Your Credit: Consider placing a credit freeze with TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. This prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your explicit authorization.

• Update Software Regularly: Keep your operating systems, apps, and antivirus software up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches.

What to Do If You Are Targeted

If you believe you have been a victim of cybercrime, take immediate action:

1. Change all passwords and login credentials.

2. Run a full antivirus and anti-malware scan on your devices.

3. Notify your financial institutions and credit card companies.

4. Report the incident to the authorities and the major credit bureaus.

AI is a powerful tool for good, but in the wrong hands, it requires us all to be more observant. Stay safe and keep your financial future secure.

— Megan Marquardt, Fort Myers President for Florida Trust Wealth Management

The SanCap Chamber recently hosted a special business luncheon at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, where the team from Avalon Hill (a division of Hasbro) officially introduced a new board game dedicated to Sanibel Island.

What began as a project inspired by the island’s world-famous shelling has evolved into a tribute to the community’s resilience. During the panel, the development team shared that their visits to the island after recent challenges inspired them to create something that reflects the true spirit of Sanibel.

Authenticity in Design

The game was created by renowned designer Elizabeth Hargrave, who sought to capture the “universally beloved” activity of shelling. The development process involved deep research to ensure the game felt authentic to the local experience:

• Realistic Mechanics: Players navigate a beach-themed board where shells “wash up,” collecting them in a strategic, puzzle-like fashion.

• Accurate Artwork: Creative designer Samy Ventura described the visuals—ranging from the iconic lighthouse to the specific details of the shells—as a “love letter” to the island.

• Global Reach: While deeply local, the game is already gaining international attention, with editions in German, French, and Spanish currently in development.

Supporting the Island

The Avalon Hill team emphasized that they wanted the game to do more than just entertain. In a show of support for the island’s environment, the team presented a $10,000 check to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) to aid in their ongoing mission to protect the island’s natural beauty.

Availability and Details

If you are looking to bring a piece of Sanibel home, here is what you need to know:

• Release Date: The game begins rolling out in January, with an initial focus on local “mom-and-pop” retail shops.

• Specs: The game is designed for 2–4 players, ages 10 and up.

• Retail Price: $40.

• For Retailers: Island businesses interested in carrying the game can apply for distribution at tinyurl.com/sanibelgame.

This project stands as a testament to Sanibel’s unique culture, ensuring that whether you are on the island or miles away, the “Sanibel Stoop” is only a board game away.

As Sanibel nears the conclusion of its 15-month 50th-anniversary celebration, the City has officially revealed the contents of the new Sanibel Time Capsule. These curated items serve as a historical snapshot of the island’s milestones, resilience, and unique community spirit.

The capsule is designed to offer future generations a window into what makes Sanibel special today. From personal reflections to local treasures, the collection represents the heart of the island’s history.

What is Inside the Capsule?

The collection features a mix of cultural artifacts and personal records, including:

• Letters from the Community: Personal reflections from Sanibel’s nonprofit organizations and community leaders detailing the values and challenges of modern island life.

• The Junonia Shell: One of the island’s most legendary natural treasures, symbolizing Sanibel’s deep connection to the shoreline.

• “The Sanibel-Captiva Cookbook”: An updated reprint preserving the flavors and traditions that have defined island gatherings for decades.

• The Sanibel Board Game: A beach-themed game by designer Elizabeth Hargrave (set for wide release in 2026) that celebrates the island’s world-famous shelling culture.

How to Participate

The City will soon provide an opportunity for residents to contribute their own words, hopes, and reflections to be included in the capsule before it is sealed.

The official installation ceremony, “Sanibel Time Capsule: Honoring our Past, Charting Our Future,” will take place on January 10 at 11 a.m. in front of Sanibel City Hall. This event marks the grand finale of the 50th-anniversary festivities.

Following the ceremony, the community is invited to the “Lunch & Legacy: Gathering Together at the Table” event for food, fellowship, and continued celebration.

For more information regarding the ceremony or how to contribute your reflections, please contact the Sanibel Recreation Department at 239-472-0345.

Property fraud is a growing concern, and often, victims don’t realize their title has been compromised until months after the fact. Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes recently addressed the Cape Coral City Council to highlight just how easy it is for criminals to exploit the system by filing fraudulent deeds.

Under current laws, the Clerk’s Office is required to accept any document that meets basic statutory requirements, such as a notary stamp and witness signatures. Unfortunately, these elements are easily forged by bad actors. Once a fraudulent document is filed, the property title can technically transfer, leaving homeowners in a legal nightmare.

The 24-Hour Safety Net

To combat this, the Clerk’s Office offers a Free Fraud Alert service. This system provides a critical layer of protection by notifying you within 24 hours whenever a document is filed in your name.

Why early detection matters:

• Faster Investigations: Detecting fraud in days rather than months allows law enforcement to intervene while the trail is still fresh.

• Accountability: Quick action increases the chances of holding criminals responsible before they can sell or leverage the property.

• Peace of Mind: Your home is likely your largest investment; an automated alert ensures you aren’t left in the dark.

How to Register

Protecting your property takes less than a minute. The service is entirely free and requires only your name and email address.

1. Visit www.leeclerk.org/fraudalert

2. Enter your first and last name.

3. Provide your email address.

If you receive an alert regarding a document you did not authorize, your first step should be to contact your local police department immediately. While Clerk Karnes continues to work with the Legislature to strengthen property laws, this free tool remains your best immediate defense against title theft.

Sanibel Island is currently witnessing a massive effort to fortify its coastline, as crews work to deposit 450,000 tons of sand directly from the Gulf onto the island’s beaches.

The restoration initiative utilizes approximately 6,500 feet of pipe to transport sand, aiming to rebuild the shoreline to be stronger and more resilient against future weather events. The project transforms areas where waves once lapped against seawalls into full, wide beaches.

Assisting Nature Holly Milbrandt, the City of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Director, emphasized the importance of proactive restoration for the island’s ecosystem.

“Mother Nature can do a lot of it herself, but there are some instances in which she needs a bit of an assist, and so that’s what we’ve been doing here,” said Milbrandt. She noted that the current focus is on a section of the island that has historically been subject to higher rates of erosion than other parts of Sanibel.

The Restoration Process The operation involves a complex system of miles of pipe, bulldozers, and mountains of sand. A large hopper dredge collects sand offshore, which travels to a booster station located just off the coastline. From there, the sand is pumped through the piping system with water and deposited onto the beach.

Environmental Stewardship The project is being conducted under strict state regulations to ensure the safety of the local ecosystem.

“They also have to have special protective measures related to sea turtle protection and protection of other marine organisms that are out there so they’re not caught up into the dredge,” Milbrandt explained.

Timeline Viewing the project as a testament to Sanibel’s ongoing recovery, Milbrandt noted the effort has been a long road. Crews are currently working around the clock to ensure the project is completed by the end of the week.

A significant chapter in Sanibel Island’s post-Hurricane Ian recovery has been written with the official reopening of the historic Casa Ybel Resort and its acclaimed beachfront restaurant, Thistle Lodge.

Closed since September 2022, the iconic Gulf-front property has welcomed guests back following an extensive three-year period of recovery, restoration, and renovation. The resort returns with refreshed guest suites and updated amenities designed to elevate the guest experience while preserving the property’s historic charm.

Restoring a Sanibel Landmark General Manager JR Ramirez emphasized the emotion behind the reopening, noting the resort’s status as a landmark destination for generations of families and couples.

“We cannot tell you how excited we are to finally say we’re back open,” Ramirez stated. “Our team has poured their hearts into restoring and renovating this property, and the results are stunning. This island is home, and being able to once again welcome our guests, friends, and family means everything to us.”

Thistle Lodge Returns The reopening of Thistle Lodge marks a return to fine dining on the Gulf. Historically known for hosting luminaries such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the award-winning restaurant has been carefully restored. It continues its legacy of serving a refined blend of Floridian and European cuisine alongside a curated wine list.

“We’re thrilled to reopen Thistle Lodge and once again share this piece of Sanibel history with our guests,” said Ramirez. “This restaurant has been part of the island’s story for generations, and we’re proud to see it return with the same warmth, quality, and character people have always loved.”

Thistle Lodge is currently open for lunch and dinner service; reservations are highly recommended.

Amenities and Location In addition to the main dining room, Coconuts—the resort’s outdoor bar—has also resumed operations. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Coconuts offers tropical cocktails and Gulf views, providing a casual counterpart to the fine dining at Thistle Lodge.

The all-suite resort, featuring private beach access and family-friendly amenities, is located at 2255 W. Gulf Drive, Sanibel.

This reopening represents a pivotal step forward for the local community, restoring one of the island’s most recognized luxury destinations.

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is celebrating the holiday season with its unique display, “A Sanibel Cracker Christmas.” This special exhibit, available for viewing now through December 31, highlights decorations inspired by Florida’s rich Cracker culture, which is the village’s annual theme for 2025.

The term “Cracker” is primarily used today as a proud cultural identity for families who have lived in Florida for many generations, including early pioneers, cattlemen, and homesteaders. The name is believed to originate from the distinct cracking sound of whips used by early Florida cattle herders.

Village volunteers have beautifully trimmed various buildings—including Bailey’s General Store, the School House, and Shore Haven—with themed trees, wreaths, and garlands.

You can visit the village Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (tickets and gift shop sales close at 1 p.m.). Admission for the self-guided tour is $15 for adults (19+), $10 for teens (13-18), and $5 for youths (6-12), with free entry for members and children under 5. Guided tours are also available.

Come explore this historical gem at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. For more details, visit www.sanibelmuseum.org or call 239-472-4648.

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village invites you to its next Twilight Talk featuring the film “Secrets and Stories of the Sanibel Lighthouse.”

The special screening, titled “Remembering the Lighthouse,” takes place on December 16th from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Shore Haven at the Village.

The film, produced by award-winning documentarian Ken Sneeden, explores the iconic lighthouse’s history and its remarkable survival during Hurricane Ian. Sneeden is expected to attend for a Q&A session following the screening.

Executive Director Pamela Miner noted that telling the story of the complex is especially significant now, as the lighthouse remains the one structure standing after the storm.

Starting at 3:30 p.m., attendees can also view artifacts on display at the Village, including the cistern and “prosthetic” structure from the original lighthouse complex.

Tickets are $20. This is a great opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on the lighthouse’s history, and ask questions about its changes since the hurricane.

For tickets and more information, visit www.sanibelmuseum.org or call 239-472-4648.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society are hosting the annual Sanibel-Captiva Christmas Bird Count on December 20th, and they need your help!

This local event is part of the National Audubon Society’s 126th Christmas Bird Count. You do not need to be an expert birder to participate—volunteers are needed for various roles, including driving, spotting birds, recording data, and tallying numbers.

The home base will be SCCF headquarters (3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road), open as early as 6:30 a.m. for teams to pick up data sheets and refreshments. Teams will regroup throughout the day to compile sightings.

Live within the count circle but can’t go into the field? You can still contribute as a Bird Feeder Watcher! Simply spend at least 30 minutes watching your home feeder(s) and submit your sightings. This is an easy way for families or new birders to help collect crucial data on common backyard species.

The Sanibel-Captiva count dates back to 1961, following the tradition started in 1900, where people began counting birds instead of hunting them for sport during the Christmas season.

To get involved or for questions, contact SanCapCBC@gmail.com. Join this vital community science effort!

The SanCap Chamber Board of Directors has approved a six-month management contract with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. This temporary partnership is effective while the Fort Myers chamber searches for its next CEO.

SanCap Chamber President and CEO John Lai stressed this is           “a contract, not a merger.” Both organizations will remain separate with their own boards, finances, and memberships. The SanCap Chamber’s primary focus remains serving its Sanibel-Captiva members, while providing organizational oversight to ensure the Fort Myers chamber’s day-to-day operations continue.

This partnership offers benefits, including a stronger, unified advocacy presence in the upcoming legislative session, enhanced cross-promotion, and access to a wider regional network. SanCap Chamber members will also gain increased regional brand recognition.

Board Chair Katy Forret assured members the decision was deliberate, emphasizing their commitment to the Sanibel-Captiva business community first. She noted this contract is designed to strengthen the SanCap Chamber and create new value for members.

The Fort Myers Chamber sees this agreement as positioning them well for growth during their CEO transition, viewing SanCap’s involvement as a powerful testimonial to the resilience and leadership of the island’s business community.