Category: Island Update

Get ready for some island fun and community spirit! The SanCap Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of the 31st Annual Sam Bailey’s Islands Night to Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Wednesday, April 17th. This beloved tradition brings islanders together for a night of baseball, celebration, and supporting local businesses.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• A lively parade showcasing Sanibel and Captiva businesses and organizations kicks things off at 6:15 PM.
• Cheer on the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels as they take on the Jupiter Hammerheads in a Minor League Baseball game starting at 7:05 PM.

Don’t miss the 2024 Annual Meeting!

While Islands Night focuses on fun, the Chamber will also be hosting its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 15th. This event celebrates the Chamber’s 62 years of service to the community and features presentations, awards for outstanding businesses and citizens, and more. Stay tuned for details on the meeting time and location.

Be a Part of the Celebration!

The Chamber is seeking sponsors for both Islands Night and the Annual Meeting. Sponsorship is a fantastic way to gain exposure for your business while supporting island charities. Benefits include unlimited game tickets, a spot in the parade, and various levels of publicity.

Want to Participate?

If you’re interested in being part of the Islands Night parade or sponsorship opportunities, contact Aaron Walton at [email protected] or 239-472-8759.

Game On!

The fun takes place at Hammond Stadium located at 14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers.

Get ready for a night of community, baseball, and celebrating the spirit of Sanibel and Captiva!

The SCCF’s Native Landscape & Garden Center has reopened its beloved Honey House after repairs from Hurricane Ian’s damage.

Honey House Reopens After Storm Surge

The charming cottage, named after the pioneering Bailey family’s beekeeping history on the property, suffered significant damage during the hurricane. Over a year and a half later, it’s back in business, offering gift shop items, educational resources on native plants, and a convenient checkout area.

Find Garden Essentials and Local Support

Stock up on essential gardening tools, neem oil, informative books on native plants, and stylish SCCF and sea turtle t-shirts. They also offer Coastal Watch long-sleeved sun shirts – perfect for protecting yourself while working outdoors. While hats and children’s shirts aren’t currently available, they’re expected to arrive soon.

High Demand for Native Plants

The SCCF reports a surge in demand for native plants as islanders restore their landscapes post-hurricane. House calls, a valuable SCCF membership benefit, are booked through mid-May. These consultations help homeowners choose the right plants for their property and establish proper watering routines for successful plant growth.

Find the Plants You Need

With high demand, the center’s inventory is constantly turning over. They offer a wide variety of native plants, including shrubs, hedges, palms, palmettos, trees, grasses, wildflowers, flowering shrubs, and ground covers.

Can’t find what you’re looking for right away? No problem! Sign up for their “Request List” by providing your contact information and desired plants. The SCCF will do their best to fulfill your needs as quickly as possible.

Garden Center Details

Visit the Native Landscape & Garden Center at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. They’re open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. Saturday appointments can be arranged by calling 239-472-1932.

Learn More About Native Planting

For valuable information on using native plants to enhance storm resiliency, visit the SCCF’s Post-Hurricane Ian Replanting Guide: https://issuu.com/sccf3/docs/sccf_replanting_guide-final. Have questions? Contact the SCCF at [email protected].

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

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 [email protected] 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!

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.

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.

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.

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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!

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.