Category: Island Update

The Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is inviting locals and visitors to enjoy a day of music and relaxation for a good cause. On January 10, the resort will host Rock for the Rescue, a special fundraising event designed to support the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Running from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the event is being billed as a “Daycation,” offering attendees the chance to enjoy the resort atmosphere while contributing to animal welfare.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

The event promises a festive environment on Sanibel Island. The highlight of the afternoon will be a live performance by The House Band, scheduled to play from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Guests can expect a relaxed vibe accompanied by drink specials featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Supporting a Vital Cause

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go directly to the Gulf Coast Humane Society. These funds are critical for maintaining shelter operations, funding essential programs, and providing lifesaving care for animals throughout the Southwest Florida region.

“Giving back to the community and supporting organizations that make a real difference is central to who we are at Sundial,” said General Manager Becky Miller. “Rock for the Rescue is a meaningful way for us to bring people together for a day of great music and connection, while helping the Gulf Coast Humane Society continue its lifesaving work for animals in need.”

Ticket Information

The ticket structure includes dining vouchers, allowing guests to enjoy food and beverages during their visit.

• Adults: $50 (Includes a $30 dining voucher)

• Children (Ages 3-12): $30 (Includes a $15 dining voucher)

Event Snapshot: Rock for the Rescue

• Date: January 10

• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Live music from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.)

• Location: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel

• Beneficiary: Gulf Coast Humane Society

• Tickets & Info: Call 866-565-5093 to reserve.

The Santiva Islanders, an organization dedicated to serving all adult islanders and visitors on Sanibel and Captiva, has released its updated schedule of events for early January. From fitness classes to social gatherings and book discussions, here is what is on the agenda for the coming weeks.

Fitness & Outdoor Activities

Cardio & Strength with Mahnaz Bassiri Held at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ (2050 Periwinkle Way), these sessions focus on fitness for all levels. Participants should bring water and a towel (no mat required). Light weights are optional.

• Dates & Times:

  • Jan. 7: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

  • Jan. 9: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

  • Jan. 12: Classes at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

  • Jan. 14: Classes at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

• Cost: Members: $5/class (or $60/month); Non-members: $10/class (or $120/month).

Walking Group

• When: Jan. 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

• Where: Meet at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead Preserve (1300 Periwinkle Way, front parking lot).

• Details: The group will explore the Shipley and Pond Apple trails. Parking is free. Following the walk, participants may join the group for lunch at a local restaurant.

Social & Dining

Social Hour A casual gathering for conversation and community. Attendees order and pay individually.

• When: Jan. 7 & Jan. 14 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• Where: American Legion Post 123 (4249 Sanibel-Captiva Road).

Breakfast Club Start the morning with coffee and conversation. Attendees order and pay individually.

• When: Jan. 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

• Where: Jerry’s Cafe (1700 Periwinkle Way).

• Contact: Bernard Arroyo at 239-295-5463.

Brown Bag Lunch

• When: Jan. 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Where: Santiva Islanders Place (SIP), 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 17.

• Details: Attendees are asked to bring their own lunch.

Games & Hobbies

Social Bridge

• When: Jan. 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Where: Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (2304 Periwinkle Way).

• Cost: $5.

• Contact: Bryant Korn at bryantekorn@gmail.com.

Social Mahjong

• When: Jan. 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Where: Santiva Islanders Place (SIP), 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 17.

• Cost: $5.

• Contact: sanidona@gmail.com.

Euchre

• When: Jan. 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Where: Santiva Islanders Place (SIP).

• Cost: $5.

• Contact: Beth Funderburg at bfundy4648@gmail.com.

Page Turners Book Club

• When: Jan. 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Where: Virtual via Zoom.

• Selection: “The River Is Waiting” by Wally Lamb.

• Details: To receive the Zoom login, email santivaislanders@gmail.com.

About the Santiva Islanders

The Santiva Islanders group welcomes all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age.

• Membership Cost: $25 annually.

• Website: santivaislanders.org

• General Inquiries: santivaislanders@gmail.com

The Captiva Island Historical Society (CIHS) has announced a new date for its seasonal program that was previously postponed due to weather. The event, titled “Rediscover Cabbage Key,” is now officially scheduled for January 12.

This unique event offers attendees a blend of local history, nature, and dining, all set against the backdrop of the Pine Island Sound. Here are the details for the rescheduled itinerary.

The Experience: History on the Water

The evening begins at McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva. Guests will board Captiva Cruises’ Lady Chadwick, with departure set for 4:30 p.m.

During the roundtrip cruise, attendees will be treated to expert commentary from two distinguished local figures:

• Betty Anholt: A CIHS Director and the “unofficial island historian,” Anholt will share insights on the region’s history, including the legacy of the Calusa Indians.

• Capt. Brian Holaway: A fellow CIHS Director, expert shelling and nature guide, and master navigator, Holaway will discuss the local waters and ecology.

Destination: Cabbage Key

Upon arrival at Cabbage Key, guests will have the opportunity to explore the island’s walking trails and view the historic water tower. The evening includes a casual dinner at the Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant.

Before the meal, Rob Wells, the second-generation owner of the Inn, will host the group. Wells is expected to share stories regarding the history of the island and his family-owned establishment.

Ticket Information

Tickets for this exclusive event are $100 per person. The price includes the cruise, dinner, soft drinks, and one alcoholic beverage.

• Sponsorship: The CIHS season is presented by Florida Trust Wealth Management.

Event Snapshot: Rediscover Cabbage Key

• Date: January 12

• Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Departing at 4:30 p.m.)

• Meeting Point: McCarthy’s Marina, 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

• Vessel: Captiva Cruises’ Lady Chadwick

• Tickets: Visit CIHS Website or call 239-472-2323.

• Inquiries: mail@captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org

The City of Sanibel is preparing to mark the grand finale of its 18-month-long 50th Anniversary celebration. On Saturday, January 10, the community will gather at City Hall to honor the island’s history and look forward to its future with two major events: the sealing of a new time capsule and a community-wide luncheon.

Here is an overview of the upcoming festivities presented by the City and Bank of the Islands.

Part 1: Honoring Our Past, Charting Our Future

• Time: 11:00 a.m. – Noon

• Location: Front of City Hall

The day begins with a ceremony focused on the city’s legacy. This event brings the anniversary celebration full circle; the festivities began in November 2024 with the unearthing of a time capsule buried 40 years prior. Now, the city will seal a new time capsule, scheduled to be reopened in 2049 during Sanibel’s 75th anniversary.

What’s Inside the Capsule? According to Recreation Department Director Andrea Miller, the new capsule will contain a mix of history and future hopes, including:

• Items from the original capsule (including a rare Junonia shell and vintage causeway tickets).

• A piece of a brick from the Sanibel Lighthouse keeper’s cottages lost during Hurricane Ian.

• Submissions from local nonprofits and organizations.

Community Participation: “My Future Wish for Sanibel” Residents have a unique opportunity to include their own voices in the capsule. 250 postcards are currently available at the Sanibel Recreation Center and Bank of the Islands. Participants can write their vision for the city on these cards.

• Note: Completed postcards must be returned by January 8 to be included.

The ceremony will feature remarks from City Manager Dana Souza, Mayor Mike Miller, and representatives from the National Junior Honor Society and Sanibel Captiva Young Professionals. The BIG ARTS Community Chorus and students from the Children’s Education Center of the Islands will provide musical performances.

Part 2: Lunch & Legacy — Together At The Table

• Time: Noon – 2:00 p.m.

• Location: Behind City Hall

Immediately following the ceremony, the celebration moves behind City Hall for a free event open to the public. “Lunch & Legacy” will feature food, live music by Danny Morgan, and family-friendly games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and Connect 4.

Food & Refreshments: Local favorites will be providing the menu for the afternoon:

• Bailey’s: Hot dogs and bratwursts

• Tacos La Isla: Food truck service

• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille: Chips, iced tea, and lemonade

• Jerry’s Foods: Custom commemorative cookies

• Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream: Ice cream service

Attendees can also visit tables set up by various community partners, including the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, San Cap Pink Project, and the Sanibel Public Library, among others.

Event Snapshot

Event: Sanibel 50th Anniversary Finale & Time Capsule Sealing Date: Saturday, January 10 Schedule:

• 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Ceremony (Front of City Hall)

• 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Lunch & Legacy Party (Behind City Hall) Location: Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road Admission: Free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a commemorative button. Contact: For more information, contact the Sanibel Recreation Center at 239-472-0345.

The Sanibel Community House is set to welcome residents and visitors for its January Arts & Crafts Fair on Sunday, January 11.

Held indoors at 2173 Periwinkle Way, the event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a perfect opportunity to support the island’s creative community. The fair is free and open to the public.

What to Expect Attendees can browse a wide selection of unique, handmade items. The vendor list includes original paintings by local artists, tropical decor, jewelry, purses, and hand-sewn accessories. Other finds include greeting cards, pottery, shell crafts, and an assortment of delicious baked goods.

Important Note for Vendors The organizers—Sanibel Community House and The Island Octopus—have announced that vendor spaces for this show are officially sold out. They also advise that all official communication comes directly from them; artists should be wary of scams and should never send payment to anyone via Facebook Messenger claiming to be an organizer.

As the year draws to a close, the Protect Captiva coalition has released a critical update regarding its ongoing efforts to maintain the island’s long-standing building height and density limitations.

On December 15, the coalition announced that its legal actions are “coming to a head,” with the community currently front and center in four separate legal proceedings. According to the update, each case is moving toward a decision following upcoming oral arguments and final briefs.

Key Legal Developments The litigation involves multiple fronts, including an appeal by Lee County and South Seas regarding the court decision that limits the resort to 912 units. Additionally, the Captiva Civic Association (CCA), the City of Sanibel, and various condominium associations have filed petitions and appeals challenging recent rezoning decisions and amendments that they argue violate the historic Lee Plan.

The coalition emphasized that if the current appeals are successful, recent county actions favoring the new owners of South Seas could be called into question.

Funding the Fight The legal defense of Captiva’s density limits has been costly but well-supported. To date, over 1,600 donors have contributed $1.5 million to the legal fund. With expenses already reaching $1.3 million, Protect Captiva projects it will need to raise an additional $300,000 in the coming months to see these efforts through to completion.

In one of the largest retail transactions in Collier County this year, Island Plaza has sold for $26.6 million. The deal marks a significant shift in the typical commercial real estate narrative, as the prominent 70,823-square-foot shopping center moves from a national billionaire’s portfolio back into the hands of an owner with deep local ties.

A Shift to Local Investment

The property at 3058-3078 Bald Eagle Drive was purchased by Island Plaza 2025 LLC. Luigi Carvelli—whose family operates several of Marco Island’s most iconic restaurants, including Snook Inn, DaVinci’s, and Marco Prime—is listed as an authorized agent for the new ownership group.

This transaction reverses a common trend where local properties are sold to national entities. The seller, Island Plaza Investments LLC, is managed by Konya Shuh, daughter of billionaire entrepreneur Diane Hendricks. The Hendricks family, known for their revitalization efforts in Wisconsin, originally purchased the plaza in 2013 for $12.5 million and completed major renovations in 2018.

Seamless Transition for Tenants

Despite the change in ownership, the brokers behind the off-market deal emphasize that it remains “business as usual” for the plaza’s diverse mix of tenants. The shopping center currently hosts a blend of national and local businesses, including:

• Retail & Pharmacy: Bealls Outlet, CVS Pharmacy, and Jetset Surf Shop.

• Services: Quest Diagnostics, T-Mobile, and Pinch-A-Penny.

• Dining & Personal Care: Davide Italian Café & Deli and Modern Nails.

Brokers Cody Shadley and Bryan Flores of KOVA Commercial Group, who facilitated the sale, confirmed that existing leases and daily operations will not be impacted by the Dec. 5 transaction.

Strategic Market Impact

The sale highlights the continued strength and competitiveness of the Marco Island commercial market. By timing the exit strategically, the previous owners were able to capitalize on the property’s significant appreciation, while the new owners secured a stabilized asset with high visibility at the entrance to the island.

According to the brokerage team, the deal was born out of long-term leasing relationships and the buyer’s existing familiarity with the plaza’s prominence in the community.

The Naples Airport Authority Board of Commissioners has officially cleared the way for the next stage of modernization at the North Road Terminal. In a unanimous 4-0 vote, the board awarded key contracts to Curran Young Construction, Garland, and Schenkel Schultz to begin Phase II of the facility’s renovation.

Building on Recent Progress

This announcement follows the successful completion of Phase I, which focused on the building’s exterior. Those initial improvements included hardening the building envelope for increased storm resilience, updating canopies, and refreshing the surrounding landscaping and site work.

Enhancing the Passenger Experience

Phase II shifts the focus toward the interior and infrastructure. With a total project cost capped at $4,409,761, the upcoming renovations will include:

• Public Spaces: Complete redesign of the lobby and waiting areas.

• Amenities: Upgrades to the car rental spaces and the grab-and-go cafe.

• Infrastructure: Installation of new air-conditioning systems and critical roof repairs.

• Aesthetics: Modernized interior finishes and new furnishings throughout.

In addition to the construction costs, the board approved a $136,080 contract with Schenkel Schultz for design and construction administration to ensure the project meets its specifications.

A Historic Milestone

This project represents the first major overhaul of the North Road Terminal since its original construction in 1983. By the time Phase II reaches its estimated completion in December 2026, the terminal will be fully equipped to provide a more efficient and comfortable experience for modern travelers.

As 2025 draws to a close, the Protect Captiva coalition has released a comprehensive update regarding the ongoing legal battles to preserve the island’s building height and density standards. Currently, the community is involved in four distinct legal proceedings that will shape the future of Captiva’s development.

Key Litigation Summaries:

• Unit Density Limits: Lee County and South Seas are currently appealing a Circuit Court decision that limits the resort to 912 units. While waiting for oral arguments, South Seas must notify the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) before requesting building permits, allowing the community time to act.

• Zoning Invalidations: A petition has been filed by a broad coalition—including the CCA, R.L.R. Investments, Royal Shell Vacations, and 20 South Seas associations—seeking to invalidate the county’s decision to rezone South Seas for increased height and density.

• Land Development Code Appeal: The CCA and the City of Sanibel are appealing an administrative judge’s ruling. The coalition argues that exempting South Seas from local height limits is inconsistent with the Lee Plan’s requirement to maintain Captiva’s historic development pattern.

• Sanctions and Fees: The CCA is awaiting a court review for sanctions against the resort regarding a lawsuit over the definition of “units” in a 2003 settlement.

Fundraising Status: The community has shown historic support, with more than 1,600 donors contributing $1.5 million to the legal fund. With legal costs currently at $1.3 million, the coalition anticipates needing an additional $300,000 to sustain these efforts through the coming months.

Following the passing of Commissioner Mike Greenwell, Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Patricia “Trish” Petrosky to fill the vacant District 5 seat. Petrosky was officially sworn into office on December 15, representing the communities of Lehigh Acres, Alva, Buckingham, and parts of North Fort Myers.

A 34-year-old Republican and former Realtor, Petrosky moves into public service from a previous role as an executive assistant at Evangelical Christian School. While her political experience is fresh, she has deep roots in the region, having lived in Lee County for 15 years.

Strategic Priorities and District Focus:

• Infrastructure: In Lehigh Acres, Petrosky is prioritizing road improvements, pothole repairs, and the addition of sidewalks to support economic development.

• Development Scrutiny: Now a resident of Alva, she has expressed a commitment to preserving the area’s rural character and bringing closer scrutiny to large-scale development projects.

• Fiscal Responsibility: Her broader platform includes fiscal conservatism, clean water initiatives, and addressing county-wide traffic congestion.

Petrosky plans to launch listening tours throughout District 5 to engage directly with residents. Chairman Cecil Pendergrass welcomed the appointment, noting that Petrosky is the first woman to serve on the board in 12 years.

Petrosky will hold the seat through the 2026 election cycle, where she will need to run for a full term to remain in office.