Category: Island Update

Set sail for Easter fun with Adventures in Paradise! Our annual Easter Egg Hunt Cruise is back on March 31st, departing from three convenient locations.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly adventure:

• Cruise the scenic San Carlos Bay, with opportunities to spot playful dolphins!
• Learn interesting facts from our knowledgeable captain and naturalist who will narrate the cruise.
• Arrive at “Easter Island” (better known as Picnic Island) where a massive Easter egg hunt awaits! Over 1,000 eggs will be hidden for children 11 and under to find.
• Meet the Easter Bunny in person for photo ops and Easter cheer!
• We’ll provide Easter pails for all the little egg hunters.

Departure Times and Locations:

• 10:30 AM: Sanibel Marina (634 N. Yachtsman Drive, Sanibel)
• 9:00 AM & 10:00 AM: Port Sanibel Marina (14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers)
• 9:45 AM: Snug Harbor Marina (645 Old San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach)

Ticket Information:

• $69 for ages 12 and over
• $59 for ages 11 and under

Reservations Required! Don’t miss out on the fun, book your spots today!

• Visit Website: https://www.adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/
• Call us: 239-472-8443

Let’s hop aboard for an unforgettable Easter celebration!

SanCap Resilience is hosting a free community event on Building Affordable, Efficient, and Sustainable Homes on April 8th from 6:30 to 8 PM. The event will be held at The Community House on Sanibel and livestreamed via Zoom.

What you’ll learn:

• How to improve your home’s efficiency, reduce energy costs, and conserve water.
• Ways to create a healthier indoor environment.
• Sustainable building practices that minimize environmental impact.
• How to achieve these goals while keeping costs comparable to traditional construction.

Who should attend:

• Homeowners
• Contractors
• Anyone interested in rebuilding or improving their home

Speakers:

• Dr. Jennifer Languell, President and Founder of Trifecta Construction Solutions, will discuss practical building and design techniques.
• James Evans, CEO of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), will explain how SCCF incorporates resilience and sustainability into their reconstruction efforts.
• Nicole Decker-McHale, Executive Director of Community Housing & Resources (CHR), will share how CHR prioritizes safe and sustainable housing.

Why attend?

Building a more resilient and sustainable community is crucial. This event will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your home, contribute to a stronger Sanibel, and potentially save money in the long run.

Register now!

Space is limited, so register for free at https://bit.ly/3v6zXzK.

Location:

The Community House 2173 Periwinkle Way Sanibel

Spread the word!

Click here for more info

Environmental Win: A recent court decision safeguards Florida’s wetlands and endangered species by striking down the state’s authority to issue Clean Water Act Section 404 permits.

Background: In late 2020, Florida took over responsibility for issuing these permits, normally handled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This move sparked concern from environmental groups who worried the state wouldn’t uphold strict environmental protections.

Legal Challenge: EarthJustice, on behalf of conservation organizations, sued to challenge the transfer of authority. The lawsuit argued that Florida’s program bypassed key requirements of the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act.

Court Decision: On February 16, 2024, Judge Randolph Moss ruled in favor of the environmental groups. This decision revokes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval for Florida to manage the permitting process.

Impact: The ruling protects nearly 1,000 acres of wetlands and over 8,000 acres of critical Florida panther habitat from potential development threats.

Moving Forward: Florida must now either re-evaluate its permitting process to meet federal standards or allow the Army Corps to resume issuing permits.

Importance: This decision upholds the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act, ensuring responsible development that considers environmental impacts. Florida’s economy and way of life depend on a healthy environment, and this ruling promotes balanced growth.

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Perspective: SCCF applauds the court’s decision, highlighting the importance of thorough environmental reviews for projects impacting waterways and endangered species.

Looking Ahead: This victory for conservation strengthens environmental protections in Florida.

Get ready to celebrate Sanibel’s incorporation anniversary in style! The City of Sanibel, in partnership with the SanCap Chamber of Commerce, has launched its first wave of commemorative merchandise.

“We know everyone’s been excited to get their hands on some cool keepsakes featuring the new 50th anniversary logo,” said Chamber President and CEO John Lai. “The wait is over!”

The SanCap Chamber is handling all merchandise sales and shipping. They’ve made it easy to order logo shirts, mugs, hats, and tumblers online. And there’s more to come!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s available now:

• Long-sleeved performance shirts in white, light blue, and melon
• Short-sleeved T-shirts in white and ivory (all in adult unisex sizes)
• Baseball caps in blue and cream
• 26-ounce black Yeti bottle
• 30-ounce black tumbler
• 40-ounce pink travel tumbler
• Teal or blue campfire mugs

Visit 50YearsofSanibel.com to learn more and place your order today! Be a part of Sanibel’s year-long celebration!

The Sanibel Community House (TCH) hosted the 87th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival in early March, and it was a resounding success! The event, presented by the Sanibel Community Association and the Shellcrafters, brought together residents and visitors for a celebration of all things shell-related.

This year’s festival boasted record-breaking attendance across all three days. Attendees enjoyed browsing a wide variety of exhibits featuring shells, shell art, crafts, and local artwork. They also had the opportunity to vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice Awards.

Congratulations to the Winners!

The winners of the People’s Choice Awards are:

• Class 1 – Flower Arrangements Made of Shells:
  • 1st Place: Barb Walling (Sanibel)
  • 2nd Place: Barb Walling (Sanibel)
  • 3rd Place: Mary Hennemann (Fort Myers)
• Class 2 – Animals:
  • 1st Place: Barb Walling (Sanibel)
  • 2nd Place: Gina Panzer (Fort Myers)
• Class 8 – Mirror/Pictures/Shadowboxes:
  • 1st Place: Linda Harrell (Fort Myers)
  • 2nd Place: Linda Harrell (Fort Myers)
  • 3rd Place: Denise Moore (Fort Myers)
• Class 9 – Wreath:
  • 1st Place: Deb Determan (Sanibel)
  • 2nd Place: Linda Ledel (Cape Coral)
  • 3rd Place: Barb Walling (Sanibel)
• Class 13 – Tabletop Display:
  • 1st Place: Marvin and Mary Hennemann (Fort Myers)
  • 2nd Place (tie): Denise Moore (Fort Myers) & Leslie Anding (Sanibel)
  • 3rd Place: Cheri Bailey (Fort Myers)
• Class 14 – Miscellaneous:
  • 1st Place: Sandra Hotaling (Fort Myers)
  • 2nd Place: Marvin and Mary Hennemann (Fort Myers)

A Big Thank You!

TCH extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who made this event possible. This includes the many volunteers and vendors who contributed their time and talent. A special thanks goes to The Sanibel School students and the Bailey-Matthew National Shell Museum & Aquarium staff who volunteered at the “Shell Shed,” educating attendees about fascinating live mollusks.

Of course, the festival wouldn’t have been the same without the generous support of everyone who contributed, donated, sponsored, and attended. Thank you for helping to make the 87th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival a memorable event!

The SanCap Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to celebrate the return of two island staples, MacIntosh Books + Paper and John Grey Painting, both of which recently held ribbon-cutting ceremonies to mark their grand re-openings after Hurricane Ian.

MacIntosh Books + Paper: A Community Hub Reborn

A Sanibel institution since 1960, MacIntosh Books + Paper has weathered its share of storms, both literal and figurative. After losing its Village Shops location in the hurricane, owner Rebecca Binkowski, a beloved figure in the community, persevered. She temporarily relocated to the Bell Tower in Fort Myers while rebuilding at a new location in the Heart of the Islands shopping center.

The new store boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere, offering a wider selection of books, stationery, and hosting community events. Binkowski emphasizes the importance of MacIntosh Books + Paper as a gathering place for islanders to connect and share stories.

New Location, Same Commitment to Quality: John Grey Painting

John Grey Painting, a family-owned business serving Sanibel since 1972, has also made a successful comeback. Following the destruction of their previous location, the team temporarily operated from co-owner Nate Grey’s home before settling into a new office and warehouse on Pine Ridge Road.

Despite the challenges, John Grey Painting has remained dedicated to providing exceptional service to the island community. Since the hurricane, their crews have completed work on nearly 900 homes and businesses, with several teams continuing the recovery effort daily. They prioritize clear communication with clients to ensure every project meets their specific needs.

The new, bright, and accessible office reflects John Grey Painting’s commitment to a smooth and positive customer experience.

Sanibel’s Optimistic Future

SanCap Chamber President John Lai sees the return of these businesses as a positive sign for Sanibel’s recovery. Both MacIntosh Books + Paper and John Grey Painting represent the island’s spirit of resilience and community.

Stop by and welcome back these cherished businesses:

• MacIntosh Books + Paper: 1620 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
• John Grey Painting: 695 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

Calling all adult adventurers with special needs! Trailways Camp is excited to announce that registration is now open for their upcoming camping sessions.

Camp Dates:

• October 14-17, 2024
• November 18-21, 2024
• January 20-23, 2025
• February 17-20, 2025

Location: Riverside Retreat, 7305 County Road 78, Labelle

Unforgettable Experiences Await

Trailways Camp offers unique overnight camping experiences designed specifically for adults with special needs. Each session is packed with exciting activities that promote fun, friendship, and a sense of community among the camp’s diverse group of participants.

Ready to Register?

Head over to the Trailways Camp website at https://www.trailwayscamps.org/ to register today!

Questions?

For more information about upcoming sessions or the registration process, contact Camp Director Jamie Senkeleski at [email protected]

Calling all sunset enthusiasts! Captiva Cruises is teaming up with The Island Store and Bailey’s General Store for a special wine-tasting sunset cruise aboard the Lady Chadwick.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Dates: March 18th and April 8th
• Time:
  • Cruise: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (March 18th) & 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM (April 8th)
  • Boarding: 6:15 PM (March 18th) & 6:30 PM (April 8th)
• Location: Departs from McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva
• Highlights:
  • 90-minute cruise through Pine Island Sound to the Gulf of Mexico
  • Guided by a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain
  • Dolphin and bird watching
  • Curated wine tasting of four unique selections presented by Calli Johnson, wine steward for Bailey’s and The Island Store
  • Opportunity to order your favorite wines for pickup at The Island Store after the cruise
  • Full bar and snacks available for purchase on board (not included in ticket price)

Tickets: $55 per person (parking $5 extra)

For more information or tickets, visit CaptivaCrusies.com or call 239-472-5300.

SanCap Chamber hosted a joyous ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 12th to celebrate the grand reopening of MacIntosh Books + Paper at its new location: 1620 Periwinkle Way!

A Sanibel tradition since 1960, MacIntosh Books has become a beloved fixture in the community. Founded by William and Dorothy MacIntosh, the bookstore has seen a few charming locations and several dedicated owners over its impressive 64-year history.

Rebecca Binkowski, who managed the bookstore for six years before purchasing it in 2017, has steered the shop through its recent challenges. Hurricane Ian in September 2022 severely impacted the previous location at The Village Shops. However, Rebecca’s resilience shone through. She temporarily relocated to Bell Tower Shops in south Fort Myers alongside other island businesses while rebuilding efforts commenced at the new Sanibel location.

The new space at Heart of the Islands shopping center offers exciting possibilities for MacIntosh Books. With a target date of fall 2024 for full completion, the store is steadily expanding its inventory of books, stationery, and hosting a wider range of events.

Stop by and welcome MacIntosh Books back to Sanibel! They’re open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.