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Island Update

Breeze Airways to Start Fort Myers-Manchester, NH Service this Fall

Breeze Airways is adding some sunshine to your travel plans with new seasonal flights from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Manchester, NH (MHT). Starting October 2nd, Breeze will offer convenient twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it easier than ever to escape the fall chill and head north.

This will be the airline’s first airport in New Hampshire and 51st city nationally. The new routes will operate twice a week with fares starting from $69* one way.

From Manchester, NH to:

  • Charleston, SC (Seasonal, Mon and Fri, starting June 14, Nice from $69* one way);
  • Fort Myers, FL (Seasonal, Wed and Sat, starting October 2, Nice from $99* one way);
  • Orlando, FL (Mon and Fri, starting June 14, Nice from $89* one way); and
  • Tampa, FL (One stop/no change of plane BreezeThru service, Thurs and Sun, Starting September 5).

All routes will be served on Breeze’s Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Breeze has also extended its selling schedule through January 7, 2025, allowing Guests to get a head start on their Fall and holiday travel plans.

Click here for more info

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Island Update

Friday’s Furry Friends: Rocco, Emma

Are you looking to add a furry friend to your family? Look no further than the Gulf Coast Humane Society! They have two adorable dogs waiting for their forever homes: Rocco and Emma.

Rocco, a playful 4-year-old black lab, is brimming with energy. He’d be the perfect companion for someone who enjoys an active lifestyle. Whether you’re going for a jog or a hike, Rocco will be happy to join you on your adventures.

Emma

Emma, a curious 6-year-old terrier mix, is all about cuddles and attention. She’s the perfect lapdog for someone who wants a loving companion. She’s also quite playful and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Both Rocco and Emma are eager to please and would make wonderful additions to any family. If you’re interested in learning more about these special dogs, please contact the Gulf Coast Humane Society today.

Click here here for more info

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Island Update

Great News! All 18 Holes at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club Are Now Open!

The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club is excited to announce that all 18 holes are now open for play, effective March 1st! This means golfers can experience the breathtaking scenery and challenging course that Sanibel Island is known for.

Book Your Tee Time and Enjoy the Best Rates

Tee times can be conveniently booked online at the Dunes website, https://dunesgolfsanibel.com/, or through GolfNow. For the best non-member rates, booking online is recommended. The Dunes also offers a prepay option for added convenience.

Assistance Booking or Questions?

The Dunes’ friendly staff is happy to assist with any booking inquiries. Simply contact cpais@theinnsofsanibel.com and a representative will be happy to help.

Important Information for Your Round

  • Tee Times: Book online at https://dunesgolfsanibel.com/ or GolfNow.
  • Hours of Operation:
    • Golf Course & Aqua Range: 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
    • Golf Pro-Shop: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Contact:
    • Golf Pro-Shop: 239-472-3355 (Press 1)
  • Location: 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel

The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club looks forward to welcoming you back to the course!

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Island Update

Sanibel’s Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium Reopens After Hurricane Ian

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel Island is back! After facing immense challenges following Hurricane Ian in 2022, the museum celebrated the complete restoration of its aquariums and museum store on March 4th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The museum’s second level is slated to reopen later this spring, marking a significant milestone in the recovery process.

Hurricane’s Impact and Rebuilding Efforts

Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to the museum in 2022, destroying most of its exhibits and marine life. Despite the setbacks, the museum’s staff persevered. Just four days after the storm, they were able to return surviving native mollusks to their habitat and relocate exotic species to The Florida Aquarium in Tampa for safekeeping.

Museum Director Sam Ankerson acknowledges the difficulties faced during the rebuilding process. He emphasizes the importance of community support, which included philanthropic contributions, volunteer work, and assistance from local governments.

Revamped Aquariums and New Exhibits

The restored aquariums showcase a diverse collection of 60 mollusk species, including crowd favorites like the two-spot octopus, junonia, giant clam, seahorses, and flamboyant cuttlefish. While the giant Pacific octopus won’t be returning immediately, visitors can expect expanded exhibit space featuring informative displays about the animals’ biology and the museum’s conservation efforts. Nine new educational videos have also been added to enhance the visitor experience.

Looking Forward

The temporary reopening of the second-level Great Hall of Shells last year provided a glimpse into the future. The museum will now take this opportunity to implement a planned redesign of the space.

John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber of Commerce, highlights the museum’s significance to Sanibel Island. “The reopening is huge for the islands’ overall recovery and economic outlook,” he states. “The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a pillar of our conservation ethic and tourism industry, and we are thrilled to see its ongoing progress.”

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

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Island Update

Zurbriggen Financial Celebrates 20 Years and Reopens on Sanibel!

Zurbriggen Financial is celebrating two momentous occasions! 2023 marks their 20th year of providing financial services to the Sanibel community. To add to the excitement, they recently reopened their island office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the SanCap Chamber of Commerce.

Hurricane Ian presented significant challenges, and unfortunately, Zurbriggen Financial’s Sanibel office wasn’t spared. The flooding caused substantial damage, requiring nearly everything to be replaced or repaired. For over a year, the dedicated team continued serving clients from their Fort Myers office while the Sanibel location underwent reconstruction.

Being private wealth managers, the inability to meet clients face-to-face on Sanibel posed a major obstacle. “We are incredibly grateful for our clients’ understanding,” expressed owner Rick Zurbriggen. “Many continued consultations virtually via Zoom.” This commitment to the community is a two-way street. “Sanibel is a special place,” Rick continued. “They believe in this island and its resilient people who consistently look out for each other.”

Impatient with the bureaucratic delays, Zurbriggen Financial took a proactive approach. They hired their own contractors to expedite repairs, allowing them to reopen ahead of neighboring businesses. This initiative impressed the SanCap Chamber. “Congratulations to Rick and Kyle Zurbriggen,” said Chamber President John Lai. “Their dedication to serving clients quickly after the hurricane is commendable. They’ve instilled trust not only in their clients but also in the future of island services. Their efforts perfectly align with our goal of accelerating Sanibel’s recovery.”

Zurbriggen Financial is back on Sanibel and eager to serve the community again! Visit them at their new-and-improved location at 695 Tarpon Bay Road.

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Island Update

Sunseeker Resort’s Newest Eatery: Blue Lime Opens its Doors with Baja Flair

Sunseeker Resort’s Newest Eatery: Blue Lime Opens its Doors with Baja Flair

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor welcomes its latest culinary gem – Blue Lime! After a brief delay due to a construction hiccup, this modern Mexican restaurant officially opened its doors on February 22nd, joining the resort’s impressive line-up of 19 other food and beverage venues.

Helmed by Chef Juan Ramos, Blue Lime offers a delightful twist on south-of-the-border classics. The menu boasts a vibrant selection of dishes featuring beans, rice, chicken, beef, seafood, and more. Familiar favorites are reimagined with Chef Ramos’s unique “Baja-inspired” touches.

A Feast for the Senses

Beyond the flavorful food, Blue Lime offers a captivating ambiance. This 250-seat restaurant caters to both indoor and outdoor dining preferences, with a dedicated 66-seat semi-private area perfect for group gatherings. The restaurant even showcases over 100 different tequilas, enticing those seeking a taste of Mexico’s signature spirit.

Hours of Operation

Blue Lime caters to evening dining, with its doors open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, guests can indulge a little later, with extended hours until 11:00 PM.

Sunseeker Resort’s Culinary Canvas

Blue Lime adds another vibrant stroke to Sunseeker Resort’s already impressive culinary canvas. With 20 distinct dining experiences encompassing everything from a sprawling food court to upscale steakhouses and poolside options, Sunseeker offers a flavor for every palate.

Experience Blue Lime at Sunseeker Resort

Located at Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, Blue Lime invites you to embark on a delicious culinary adventure. For more information about Sunseeker Resort and its vast array of dining options, visit their website.

Click here for the entire article

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Island Update

Sanibel Music Festival Returns with World-Renowned Musicians

Get ready for a harmonious spring on Sanibel Island! The 37th annual Sanibel Music Festival returns in March, featuring a stellar lineup of six concerts showcasing globally-praised performers.

Unforgettable Evenings Await

The festival unfolds across select Tuesdays and Saturdays, from March 5th to March 23rd, at 7:30 PM. Each evening promises an unforgettable musical journey at Peace Lutheran Church in Fort Myers.

Acclaimed Performers Take the Stage

This year’s festival boasts an impressive roster of talent. Classical music enthusiasts can delight in performances by the esteemed Manhattan Chamber Players, the captivating pianist Avery Gagliano, the virtuosic Boston Trio, and the acclaimed Viano String Quartet. Additionally, chamber music power couple David Finckel and Wu Han will grace the stage. Opera lovers are in for a treat with a performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Memorable Music, Madness, and Mayhem by the Opera Theater of Connecticut.

Ticketing and Special Offers

Concert tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for students, ensuring an accessible and enriching experience for all. For those seeking a deeper dive into the festival, discounted performance packages and an Encore Club membership with exclusive artist meet-and-greets are available.

Embrace the magic of music and celebrate the 37th annual Sanibel Music Festival. Visit https://www.captivasanibel.com/2024/02/26/sanibel-music-festival-to-return-with-globally-praised-performers/ to learn more and secure your tickets today!

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Island Update

Sunset birding cruise planned

Captiva Cruises, in partnership with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), presents an enriching educational sunset birding cruise scheduled for March 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. Departing from McCarthy’s Marina, located at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, this cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the Pine Island Sound while delving into the region’s ecology.

During the journey, participants will immerse themselves in insightful commentary about the back bay estuary’s ecology, gain knowledge about SCCF’s shorebird monitoring program, observe birds returning to their roosts, and engage in bird identification activities. Additionally, they will receive updates on the islands’ bird populations, enhancing their understanding of local avian life.

Tickets for this exceptional experience are priced at $45 per person and $35 for ages 2-12, with proceeds contributing to the support of SCCF’s programs.

To secure your spot or for further information, please contact Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5300 or visit https://sccf.org/calendar/. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a memorable journey while contributing to the conservation efforts of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.

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Island Update

TBE to add to expanded offerings

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge recently expanded its seasonal tour offerings, and Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge’s recreation concession, has exciting news to share. They’re reintroducing their Sunset Rookery Paddle experience on four Wednesdays: March 13, 20, and 27, and April 3.

Tarpon Bay Explorers provides a range of activities including guided tours, kayak and paddlecraft rentals, and operates from Mondays to Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rental services cease at 3 p.m. daily. Additionally, they have a nature-themed gift shop for visitors to explore. Reservations are encouraged for tours.

For more details or to make reservations, interested individuals can visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900. Tarpon Bay Explorers is conveniently located at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.

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Island Update

The Magic Bus Sweetens Sanibel’s East End

Sanibel Island’s east end has a new resident – The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine! Officially opened on February 9th, this delightful shop is just the first course in a delicious future. The Magic Bus is part of a planned foodie complex that includes Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant, expected to arrive in early March.

This delightful venture is a collaboration between four seasoned island restaurateurs. Bridget and Max Kolshak, formerly of The Mad Hatter (tragically lost to Hurricane Ian in September 2022), have joined forces with Brian and Elke Podlasek, whose beloved Island Cow succumbed to fire in August 2022.

“Partnering with The Island Cow has been fantastic,” said Bridget Kolshak. “Our loyal customers have been incredibly supportive, cheering us on and expressing their excitement.”

While both couples plan to rebuild their original restaurants, The Magic Bus and Wickies offered a perfect opportunity to stay engaged with the community.

Step inside The Magic Bus and be greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee alongside a tempting display of sweet treats. Ice cream, smoothies, pastries, and candy are all on the menu, with signature offerings like the Magic Milkshake, the Too Groovy Sundae, and the Beach Bucket (a real sand pail overflowing with ice cream, sunglasses, a shovel, and your choice of toppings!).

“The Magic Bus brings a smile to your face with its delicious treats and fun theme,” said John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber. “We applaud the Kolshaks and Podlaseks, and eagerly await the opening of Wickies and the return of their legendary restaurants.”

The Magic Bus awaits your visit at 362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Get ready for a taste of magic!