Category: Island Update

The Captiva Chapel by the Sea has shared progress on its ongoing post-storm recovery efforts.

Following the conclusion of its season in April, the chapel benefited from decorative shrubbery donated by wedding benefactors, which temporarily concealed the restoration work beneath. Steel beams and railroad tie supports remain under the structure, which has now been raised and leveled after recent storms.

In collaboration with Davie Shoring and construction manager Bob Johnson, the team has obtained necessary permits, strengthened joists, and installed a new reinforced concrete foundation along with reinforced block columns. A new stairway now provides access to both the front and back entries.

Officials note that additional work this fall will include siding repairs, construction of a rear ramp, and a full paint job. Utilities will be reconnected, and video cameras for Sunday service coverage will be installed or reconnected in time for the first service on November 9.

For updates, visit captivachapel.com or follow the chapel on Facebook.

Location: 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva.

Throughout October, the San Cap Pink Project is turning the islands pink to raise awareness for breast cancer and promote local wellness, offering a full calendar of community events.

The celebration, which began on October 1, will run through October 31, inviting everyone to participate and celebrate health, hope, and community spirit.

Key events include:

• Oct. 17: Sanibel Pilates & Spa will host a thermography event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1979 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

• Oct. 18: The Pink Out Crew will bag groceries from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jerry’s Foods, located at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

• Oct. 23: The Annual Pink Out Picnic and Health & Wellness Expo will return from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s Station 171, located at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.

• Oct. 25: The Pink Out Crew will bag groceries again from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jerry’s Foods, 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

• Now through Oct. 31: Wickie’s Lighthouse Restaurant will offer special Pinktober menu items at 362 Periwinkle Way, Suite 2, Sanibel, with all proceeds benefiting the cause.

• Now through Oct. 31: Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens will feature a “Pinktober” celebration at 1415 Dean St., Suite 102, Fort Myers.

These events are made possible through the generous support of community partners and sponsors, including Bank of the Islands, Cypress Cove, Kingfisher Real Estate, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Sanibel Fire District, Superior Title Services, The Starr Team, and Wickie’s. Join in and wear pink to show your support for this important cause!

The City of Sanibel will observe Columbus Day on October 13, 2025. As a result, the Administrative Offices will be closed for the day and will resume regular hours on October 14. For further information, residents can contact City Hall at 239-472-3700.

In terms of waste management, Waste Management (WM) will continue refuse, recycling, and vegetation waste collection as scheduled on October 13. There will be no delays to the usual collection times. Residents can reach WM for more details at 239-334-1224.

Additionally, the Sanibel Recreation Center will be closed on October 13 but will reopen and resume regular operating hours on October 14. For any questions, the Recreation Center can be contacted at 239-472-0345.

The Captiva Island Fire Control District has finalized its financial plans for the upcoming year. During its second and final budget hearing on Sept. 25, the commission voted unanimously (3-0) to adopt both the millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2025-26.

Approved Millage Rate & Budget

• Final operating millage rate: 2.2900 mills

  • This is 10.36% above the rolled-back rate of 2.0750 mills.

• Final budget: $6,222,541

• Gross taxable value: $1,732,406,518 (certified by the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office)

Fire Chief Jeff Pawul recommended the 2.2900 mills as an alternative to the initially proposed 2.400 mills. He explained that the slightly lower rate would still cover critical needs, including:

• New staffing positions

• Cushion for potential property acquisitions

• Payment for the new ladder truck

• Step pay increases for staff

• Operational flexibility for future needs

The adjustment results in an additional $200,000 in revenue versus the $400,000 that would have come from the higher tentative rate.

Special Meeting: Exploring Property Needs

Following the budget hearing, the commission held a special meeting focused on long-term infrastructure planning.

Commissioner Jeff Brown and Chief Pawul provided an update on the Rauschenberg property, which the district is evaluating as a potential acquisition.

Key takeaways:

• The district has secured an appraisal of the property.

• Research confirms the district has authority under its charter to purchase land for public safety use.

• Discussions have begun with the district’s bank regarding borrowing options and credit impact.

Brown emphasized that the current fire station is at full capacity and lacks space for future staff or new equipment. He stressed the difficulty of finding suitable land on Captiva:

“There’s just so few locations where we can put another station,” Brown said.

Chief Pawul added that any new station would need to be centrally located. The Rauschenberg property also holds strategic value because:

• It currently serves as a landing zone for medical helicopters.

• It offers space for a training area, which the district has lost in recent years.

Calling it a “one-time opportunity”, Pawul and Brown concluded that moving forward with an offer on the property would be a prudent step for the district’s future.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025-26 budget in place, the Captiva Fire Board is now turning its attention to long-term infrastructure and land needs. The outcome of the Rauschenberg property discussions could play a key role in shaping the future of fire and emergency services on Captiva Island.

Sanibel’s stories are ready to be told once again. The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village will reopen its doors on Wednesday, October 15, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the island’s rich heritage. Entering its 42nd year, the Village continues its mission of preserving, sharing, and celebrating Sanibel’s history—and this season comes with updated schedules and ticket options.

Visiting Hours

The Village will be open Wednesdays through Sundays during the following dates:

• October 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026: 10 AM – 2 PM

• January 7 – April 30, 2026: 10 AM – 4 PM

• May 1 – July 31, 2026: 10 AM – 2 PM

Please note: The last tickets and gift shop sales are available one hour before closing.

Ticket Information

Guests can explore at their own pace or enjoy a guided experience (based on daily availability).

Self-Guided Tour

• Adults (19+): $15

• Teens (13–18): $10

• Youth (6–12): $5

• Children (5 & under): FREE

Guided Tour

• Adults (19+): $20

• Teens (13–18): $15

• Youth (6–12): $10

• Children (5 & under): FREE

Group tours can be scheduled in advance by calling 239-472-4648 or emailing info@sanibelmuseum.org.

What to Expect

Every visit begins with an orientation video, followed by time to explore eight historic buildings, each filled with artifacts and stories that bring Sanibel’s past to life. While most of the site is handicap accessible, please note that the Rutland House remains closed due to Hurricane Ian.

Membership & Support

Annual memberships start at $50 and include:

• Free self-guided visits

• 20% discount at the museum gift shop

• The opportunity to directly support the preservation of Sanibel’s history

Donations are always welcome and help continue the Village’s important mission.

The Village Gift Shop

Located in Shore Haven, the gift shop is open during regular hours, and admission is not required to shop. Guests will find books, art, and gifts created by local authors, artists, and entrepreneurs, making it a perfect stop for unique treasures.

Step Into Sanibel’s Story

Founded in 1984, the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village has been sharing the island’s stories for more than four decades. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this season’s reopening is the perfect chance to rediscover Sanibel’s past—and see how history continues to shape the island today.

Mark your calendar: The Village reopens October 15.

The holidays always feel a little more magical when you’re surrounded by sea breezes, golden sunsets, and the unmistakable charm of Captiva Island. This year, South Seas Resort is making the season brighter than ever with festive events for every age—from spooky Halloween fun to a stress-free Thanksgiving feast and twinkling holiday celebrations throughout December.

And just in time for the festivities, the resort’s long-awaited Captiva Landing water play area is scheduled to open in mid-December, giving families even more ways to splash, play, and make memories together.

Halloween: Spooks, Treats & Island Beats

October 31, 2025

Halloween at South Seas is all about fun with a Captiva twist. The celebration begins with the Bayview Boo Bash (11 AM – 1 PM), where families can decorate trick-or-treat bags, enjoy face painting, balloon art, and dive into playful games like candy corn bowling, monster can toss, and limbo.

At 1 PM, the Doomed Duck Race brings laughs and cheers, followed by poolside bingo at 3 PM and a photo scavenger hunt at 5 PM that’s just spooky enough.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without candy. Trick-or-treat stations will be set up across the resort all day long, giving kids (and parents) plenty of chances to collect sweet surprises.

Thanksgiving: A Feast Without the Fuss

November 27, 2025

This Thanksgiving, skip the kitchen and savor a stress-free holiday meal overlooking the marina. Harborside restaurant will host a family-style dinner that blends classic flavors with a touch of coastal elegance.

The menu features:

• Carved hickory-smoked turkey breast & turkey leg confit

• Focaccia & wild rice stuffing

• Whipped garlic potatoes

• Green bean & wild mushroom casserole

• Sweet potato soufflé

• Cranberry-orange relish & holiday crunch salad

For dessert, enjoy pumpkin cheesecake and bourbon pecan pie, all paired with your choice of champagne, cider, or hand-selected wine specials from Caymus, Daou, and Veuve Clicquot.

Pricing: $75 per adult | $35 per child (ages 4–12) | Complimentary for children 3 & under.

Holiday Season: Island Magic in Every Moment ✨

December 1, 2025 – January 3, 2026

From the first of December, South Seas transforms into a holiday wonderland by the sea. Guests can expect festive décor, movie nights under the stars, seasonal dining, and even a visit from Santa himself. Palm trees twinkle, the Gulf breeze carries holiday cheer, and every moment feels touched with island magic.

The season’s biggest highlight comes on New Year’s Eve, when guests gather along Sunset Beach to watch fireworks light up the Gulf. As the final sunset of 2025 melts into night, a dazzling show welcomes the new year in true Captiva style.

A Season to Remember

Whether it’s pumpkin carving with the kids, a Thanksgiving dinner you don’t have to cook, or watching fireworks reflect across the Gulf, South Seas Island Resort offers a holiday season filled with joy, connection, and unforgettable memories.

This year, let Captiva Island be the backdrop for your family’s holiday traditions—and discover just how magical the season can feel when celebrated by the sea.

There’s always been a certain magic to Captiva Island. It’s in the way the mangroves curl into whimsical shapes, the dolphins that glide beside boats, and the sunsets that paint the horizon in sherbet hues. Soon, families will have yet another reason to fall in love with this slice of paradise: Captiva Landing, a brand-new water play destination opening in late 2025 at South Seas Island Resort.

This upcoming addition is more than just a pool and slides—it’s a space where families can splash, relax, and discover the island together. Picture laughter echoing down waterslides, little ones learning about the island’s ecosystems, and parents unwinding in shaded cabanas while the Gulf breeze drifts by.

A Water Play Area with a Captiva Soul

Captiva Landing was designed to feel like an extension of the island itself—playful, refreshing, and connected to nature.

Yes, the slides and splash zones will bring plenty of thrills. But woven into the layout are quiet corners, open green spaces, and cabanas that encourage families to slow down and savor the day. The design strikes the perfect balance: energy for the kids, relaxation for the adults, and an atmosphere that feels authentically Captiva.

Highlights include:

• Interactive water play areas for endless fun.

• A lazy river for those who’d rather float than splash.

• Poolside cabanas that provide shaded comfort for regrouping and reconnecting.

• The Cove, a tranquil pool area reserved for those in search of pure relaxation.

A Vision Years in the Making

Guests have been asking for a family-friendly hub like this, and Captiva Landing delivers. This thoughtfully designed space blends seamlessly with the resort’s natural landscape while offering a central gathering point on the south side of South Seas.

It’s a place where kids beg for “one more slide” before the sun goes down, friends cool off after a day on the water, and parents sneak a moment of calm with the Gulf breeze as their soundtrack.

Camp-tiva Kids Club: Where Curiosity Leads the Way

At the heart of Captiva Landing sits the Camp-tiva Kids Club, a fresh take on island discovery. Here, children get more than just entertainment—they get experiences that inspire.

• Eco adventures introduce kids to the mangroves, wildlife, and island ecosystems.

• Creative activities like crafts and nature-based projects encourage imagination.

• Guided exploration helps young adventurers connect with Captiva’s environment in a meaningful way.

For parents, it’s peace of mind knowing the fun comes with a dose of learning and a lasting connection to nature.

Relax, Recharge, Repeat

While the kids are busy exploring, adults can retreat to The Cove or settle into a cabana with a cold drink and a good book. These shaded spaces are perfect for swapping stories from the day, planning tomorrow’s adventures, or simply doing nothing at all—sometimes the most rewarding part of island living.

Island Bites & Playful Dining

Splashing works up an appetite, and Captiva Landing makes meals part of the fun. Guests will find family-friendly bites with a tropical twist—snacks, meals, and refreshing treats that are fast, flavorful, and inspired by the island itself.

It’s dining that keeps the kids happy, satisfies parents, and fuels the next round of fun.

Arcade Fun & Family Competition

Inside, the arcade offers a different kind of excitement. Families can dive into games that spark laughter, light-hearted rivalries, and plenty of bragging rights. It’s the perfect complement to sun-soaked adventure, giving everyone a chance to cool off while keeping the fun going.

The Heart of Captiva, Reimagined

Captiva Landing isn’t just a water play area—it’s a new chapter for family connection at South Seas. From the first splash in the morning to the last golden sunset over the Gulf, every moment here is designed to celebrate nature, laughter, and togetherness.

Late 2025 can’t come soon enough. Until then, families can look forward to a space that brings the best of Captiva to life: fun, discovery, and island magic.

Sunsets on Captiva Island have always been something special, and now there’s a new way to enjoy them. On September 29, 2025, South Seas Resort welcomed guests for the soft opening of Beach House, a refined-yet-relaxed dining spot set directly on Sunset Beach.

This much-anticipated addition captures everything visitors love about dining on Captiva—panoramic ocean views, fresh flavors inspired by the Gulf, and an atmosphere that flows effortlessly from a casual daytime meal to a romantic evening under the stars.

A Setting That Defines Captiva

From the moment you approach, Beach House stands out. Its exterior is highlighted by a striking mosaic mural, an artistic touch that sets the tone for what’s inside. Step through the doors and you’ll find a breezy, open design with warm wood accents, creamy tones, and expansive windows. Roll-up doors invite the Gulf breeze inside, blending indoor comfort with the beauty of the beach.

Nearly every seat offers a view of Sunset Beach, with the Gulf stretching endlessly ahead. As day fades, the sky turns into a canvas of coral, lavender, and orange—a backdrop that makes every meal unforgettable. Whether you choose indoor or outdoor seating, you’re in for front-row views of one of nature’s most iconic shows.

A Gulf-Inspired Menu

The soft opening menu showcases a thoughtful mix of flavors from across the Gulf Coast, paired with South Seas’ signature island style.

Starters

• Conch Republic Fritters – golden and crisp, paired with an island dipping sauce.

• Blue Crab, Spinach & Artichoke Dip – served bubbling hot with blue corn tortilla chips.

• Royal Red Shrimp Bucket – steamed, buttered, seasoned, and brightened with key lime.

Handhelds

• Fish Tacos – blackened Mahi Mahi with pineapple salsa and chipotle-lime aioli.

• French Quarter Dip – prime rib layered with horseradish cream and provolone “fondue.”

Entrées

• Red Snapper Veracruz – paired with saffron rice, tomato, olives, and jalapeños.

• Coconut Shrimp Platter – sweet chili pineapple sauce, waffle fries, and coleslaw.

• Creamy Creole Chicken Penne – tossed with Tasso ham and peppadew peppers.

• Parmesan Primavera – a lighter option with seasonal vegetables and orzo.

Desserts

• Key Lime Pie – a Florida classic, bright and tangy.

• Tempura Banana Split – a playful twist on a nostalgic favorite.

Toasting the View

No Captiva dining experience is complete without something to sip. Beach House offers a curated mix of tropical cocktails, wine, and classics with a creative twist. A highlight of the opening menu is the Tipsy Millionaire, crafted with Don Julio 1942 Añejo, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. Smooth, citrusy, and indulgent—it’s the perfect way to toast the sunset.

Looking Ahead

The soft opening is just the beginning. Beach House will officially debut its full menu on October 15, 2025, cementing its place as South Seas’ signature beachfront dining destination.

Until then, the invitation is simple: head to Sunset Beach, gather with friends, enjoy the Gulf breeze, and let the colors of the evening sky enhance a meal that feels distinctly Captiva.

Explore Beach House and make your next Captiva sunset one to remember.