Category: Island Update

The vibrant spirit of invention and community shines bright this weekend as the Edison Festival of Light continues its 86th year in Fort Myers, Florida. This beloved tradition pays homage to Thomas Alva Edison, who built his winter home in the city near the Caloosahatchee River in 1885.

For 50 years, Edison wintered in Fort Myers, generously supporting local charities and projects. Following his passing in 1931, the community established the Edison Pageant of Light in 1938, featuring a coronation ball, parade, band concert, and a memorial service. Over time, the event evolved into the exciting annual celebration it is today.

Get ready to spark your curiosity and ignite your spirit with these highlights from the festival’s remaining events:

STEMtastic Day of Discovery: Immerse yourself and your family in the wonders of science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts at this award-winning event. Explore interactive exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and discover the magic of innovation. Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM.

Mutt Strutt: Calling all dog lovers! Dress up your furry companions and join the “Mutt Strutt” for a day of pawsome fun. Witness the adorable spectacle of weiner dog races and a pet parade celebrating our four-legged friends. Saturday, 11 AM – 3 PM.

Edison Garden Festival: Indulge your senses with a vibrant blend of food, music, and activities at the Edison Garden Festival. Browse through booths showcasing exquisite plants and handcrafted goods from local vendors, all set against a backdrop of live music and entertainment. Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM – 4 PM.

Junior Fun Run and Parade: Witness the future leaders of Southwest Florida shine at the Junior Fun Run and Parade. Watch young participants compete in a playful run, followed by a spectacular parade showcasing the talents of hundreds of children and their families. Sunday, Noon – 3:30 PM. Cap off the day with the Junior Coronation and Awards ceremony, where the newly crowned junior king and queen will be honored.

The grand finale arrives on February 17th with the dazzling Grand Parade, featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, and community groups paying tribute to Edison’s legacy of innovation.

Don’t miss this electrifying opportunity to celebrate history, creativity, and community spirit at the Edison Festival of Light. Let the festivities illuminate your weekend and spark your own journey of discovery!

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Just over three months after celebrating the reopening of her Sanibel Island gallery following Hurricane Ian, artist Rachel Pierce has unveiled a second location at the Bell Tower in Fort Myers. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on February 2nd, was officiated by the SanCap Chamber of Commerce, highlighting Pierce’s positive impact on the community.

“Rachel’s energy and spirit go beyond one gallery,” said John Lai, Chamber President and CEO. “Her contributions to the islands, especially during their recovery, are invaluable. We’re thrilled to see her branch out.”

The new Center Court location offers a wider range of art experiences, including glass painting, photography, and children’s art classes. With three dedicated teachers on board, the gallery caters to various artistic interests.

“The extended hours at the Bell Tower give art lovers more flexibility,” Pierce explained. “The positive response on Sanibel encouraged me to expand, and with the island still recovering, it’s the perfect time to branch out.”

Beyond her artistry, Pierce is known for her unwavering support for island nonprofits and local businesses. She has been a vocal advocate for the chamber’s role in the islands’ swift recovery.

The Bell Tower Gallery is located at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, offering another vibrant destination for art enthusiasts in Southwest Florida.

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Sunshine and shopping are returning to Sanibel Island, and Beach Daisy Boutique is at the forefront of the revival! The beloved boutique officially reopened its doors with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 1st, marking a joyous occasion for the island’s vibrant retail scene.

The SanCap Chamber of Commerce President, John Lai, expressed his enthusiasm: “Sanibel’s renowned shopping spirit is blossoming again, and welcoming Beach Daisy back strengthens the fabric of our local businesses. We’re delighted to see them thriving once more!”

For nearly a decade, Keelie and Brian Bloom have cultivated a cherished shopping haven at Periwinkle Place Shops, offering both Beach Daisy Boutique and My Friend’s Place. Now, they’ve embarked on an exciting new chapter, reopening a portion of Beach Daisy with the same curated selection of women’s and men’s apparel, along with charming home goods. The full reopening of the entire space is eagerly anticipated by fall!

But the blooming doesn’t stop there! My Friend’s Place is undergoing a stylish transformation, soon to be unveiled as Coast Clothing, focusing primarily on men’s fashion. With this fresh concept, the Blooms continue to cater to diverse tastes and styles.

Beyond their dedication to providing a delightful shopping experience, the Blooms are deeply committed to giving back to the community. Their “Models & Mutts” fashion show is a testament to their passion, raising valuable funds for the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

“The boutique remains committed to supporting island nonprofits and fostering connections within our local communities,” shared Keelie Bloom.

Join the celebration of Sanibel Island’s vibrant spirit! Visit Beach Daisy Boutique at 2075 Periwinkle Way and discover a treasure trove of fashion finds, warm hospitality, and a commitment to making a difference. The team eagerly awaits your arrival!

Mark your calendars for March 8th and 9th, 2024, as the Sanibel Shell Show gears up for another spectacular event at its brand-new venue, the Marriott Sanibel Harbour. The show promises an enhanced experience for shell enthusiasts, with more exhibitors, top-quality vendors, and captivating displays of artistic and scientific competitive exhibits.

The Move to Marriott Sanibel Harbour

Nestled conveniently just before the Sanibel Causeway, the Marriott Sanibel Harbour provides a picturesque setting for the show. Attendees can look forward to easy access to world-class shell exhibits, interactions with esteemed authors signing their books (many of whom are Sanibel residents), and premium shopping opportunities with marine-oriented vendors.

Supporting a Worthy Cause

As the primary fundraiser for the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club, the Sanibel Shell Show plays a crucial role in supporting conchology and malacology research, public education, and conservation efforts. With a rich history as one of the world’s finest shell shows, the event has evolved to accommodate more participants and generate essential funds. Over the years, an average of $30,000 annually has been raised, contributing to grants for groundbreaking research in water quality and local environmental issues. Recipients include educational institutions advancing the understanding of shell malacology, with significant contributions to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Commission (SCCF).

Join the Excitement!

Be a part of this extraordinary event on March 8th and 9th, 2024, and witness the best Sanibel Shell Show to date. The organizers extend a warm welcome to all shell enthusiasts to participate in The 2024 Sanibel Shell Show, celebrating the beauty and significance of shells while supporting vital research and conservation initiatives.

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The LeeCares Hurricane Ian Housing Recovery Program has officially opened its application portal as of February 1. The outreach efforts of LeeCares encompass a variety of channels, including community events, presentations, door-to-door interactions, and the presence of in-person case managers at different locations.

Funding for the housing program is made possible through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery, allocated to Lee County to address the recovery needs of residents affected by Hurricane Ian.

The program offers three avenues for individuals to apply. The Housing Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Elevation initiative may aid income-eligible property owners in repairing, replacing, and/or elevating properties damaged by the hurricane. The Home Purchase Assistance program is designed to help income-eligible home buyers acquire a qualifying primary residence outside of the flood zone in Lee County. The Voluntary Residential Acquisition program is available to assist income-eligible homeowners of repetitive loss properties in relocating outside of flood-prone areas in Lee County.

For a comprehensive list of eligibility requirements and necessary documents, you can click here. Questions can be directed to [email protected], or individuals can call 239-382-5453.

Upon submission of an application, individuals will be assigned a dedicated LeeCares case manager for updates. If approved, the funding is in the form of a grant, not a loan, and does not require repayment as long as applicants adhere to the grant’s terms.

To facilitate the application process, LeeCares intake staff, in collaboration with the Harry Chapin Food Bank and Lee County Libraries, will be available at upcoming food distribution events on specific dates and locations.

Residents can also apply in person at designated locations, with varying operating hours throughout the week. Additionally, LeeCares is conducting door-to-door outreach efforts and distributing information via the U.S. Postal Service, with mailers sent to potentially eligible residents in various areas.

LeeCares is committed to supporting hurricane-affected individuals, and its outreach staff, easily recognizable with the LeeCares logo on their shirts, will continue door-to-door efforts throughout February in specific areas.

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Get ready to dive deeper into the wonders of Tarpon Bay with exciting new tour expansions at Tarpon Bay Explorers! Starting mid-February, we’re thrilled to announce more opportunities to experience the unique coastal ecosystem surrounding Sanibel Island.

Kayak Trail Tours: Paddle through the vibrant mangrove forests and discover the hidden secrets of Tarpon Bay with our guided Kayak Trail Tours. These tours will now be available four days a week – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – with a typical start time of 10 a.m. (adjusting for the tides).

Tram Tours: Explore the diverse landscapes of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge aboard our comfortable tram tours. Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays for two convenient tour times: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Special Surprise Coming Soon: General Manager Adam Sauerland hints at the return of a beloved tour, not offered since the storm, set to make a comeback in March! Stay tuned for the exciting announcement next month.

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Good news! The lap pool and slide at the Sanibel Recreation Center is now open. However, the water features pool will remain closed as they await parts for the chlorination system. There’s no update on the reopening date for the water features pool yet, but they will provide updates soon.

The water exercise class has resumed as on Thursday, February 1st at 10:30 am.

The City of Sanibel received the following update from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) regarding the completion of roadwork on the Sanibel Causeway:

Crews have moved traffic to the permanent lanes on the Sanibel Causeway. The causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and are currently closed for public access, including from the water.

• Crews continue earthwork and debris removal along the causeway islands. Please expect construction equipment periodically entering/leaving the travel lanes when necessary. The contractor is limiting this interruption during peak hours.
• The westbound merge location is now west of the toll plaza. Motorists are urged to use caution and obey the 20 MPH speed limit. Construction vehicles and equipment continue to enter/exit the staging area near this location.
• Upcoming work: Beginning early February, motorists traveling eastbound from Sanibel should expect one lane of travel to continue from the toll plaza to Port Comfort Road to allow the contractor to perform shoulder work. Significant traffic delays are not expected during this operation. The lane closure is expected to last for 90 days while crews work to install underground devices to reinforce the shoreline. During this work, beach access from McGregor Boulevard will be unavailable.

Many oversized vehicles are crossing the causeway to assist with recovery efforts on the island. Please be patient as travel may be slower than usual. Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway and pedestrians are not permitted on the Sanibel Causeway.

MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED TO OBEY THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 20 MPH. Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway.

For further questions, please contact Jennifer Dorning by email at [email protected] or by phone at (239) 338-7723. Please visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway for additional information.

Blind Pass Condominiums on Sanibel is gearing up to welcome guests once again this summer.

Reservations are now open for the second floor, featuring two- and three-bedroom units, with stays beginning on June 1. The ongoing renovation efforts are focused on fully restoring the first-floor units at this expansive 107-unit resort, and enhancements to landscaping and amenities will be in progress throughout the year.

Rental Manager Tom Henecker expressed excitement, stating, “We can’t wait to welcome all our guests, both returning and new, to Blind Pass as we continue to improve the paradise our visitors have come to know and love.”

For additional details, please visit www.blind-pass.com or reach out at 239-472-6981 or [email protected].

Blind Pass Condominiums is conveniently located at 5117 Sea Bell Road, Sanibel. Get ready for a rejuvenating stay at this tropical haven!

Iimuro is widely recognized for her distinctive Valentine creations that evoke the charm of kaleidoscopes, showcasing a deep appreciation for various forms of shell art. Alongside her students, they will be presenting a total of nine captivating works of art.

The exhibition hours for the show are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and attendees are kindly requested to make a cash donation of $5 for entry.

The event marks the club’s annual fundraiser, with proceeds dedicated to research and education grants for local non-profits. Beneficiaries include esteemed organizations such as the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Commission. These grants contribute to essential initiatives in water quality, conservation, malacology, and conchology.

Attendees can find the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa at 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers, providing an opportunity to appreciate shell art while supporting significant community causes.