Category: Island Update

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently held its Annual Awards and Employee Appreciation Dinner to honor the men and women who serve our community.

2025 Award Recipients:

• Bryan Clement was named Firefighter of the Year for his exceptional work in advancing the district’s life-saving water rescue capabilities.

• Mike Basora received the Fire Chief’s Award for his compassion and “public servant first” mentality, notably during the recent hurricane season.

• Larry Williams received Special Recognition for his monumental efforts in fire prevention and community rebuilding post-Ian.

Fire Chief Kevin Barbot emphasized that while the awards highlight specific achievements, the dinner is a celebration of the entire team—including retirees and commissioners—whose collective work ensures the safety of Sanibel’s residents and visitors.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) has launched a new initiative to help protect our island’s delicate coastal environment. Thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), property owners can now have invasive Australian pines removed from their land at no cost.

Why remove Australian pines? While they are a common sight, these invasive trees pose a threat to Captiva. Unlike native vegetation, they do not stabilize dunes. Instead, their shallow root systems make them prone to storm damage and increase erosion. They also displace native plants and can interfere with sea turtle nesting sites.

Program Details:

• Full Service: The grant covers tree cutting, stump grinding, and debris removal.

• Professional Work: Removals are performed by Joshua Tree, a licensed and insured contractor.

• No Cost: This service is entirely free for Captiva property owners.

Participation is voluntary. If you have Australian pines on your property and would like to help protect the island’s long-term beach renourishment efforts, please contact the CEPD to schedule a consultation.

Please note: Trees currently hosting active osprey or eagle nests are not eligible for removal. The program runs through June or until funds are fully allocated.

Contact to participate: Email: info@mycepd.com Phone: 239-472-2472

Looking for a unique way to celebrate between Christmas and New Year’s? The Community House is bringing a “Seinfeld” twist to our next Monthly Social on December 30. From 5 to 8 p.m., join us for a night of “Festivus” fun that focuses on community connection and lighthearted traditions.

Expect a “Festivus pole,” a station for the “airing of grievances” (perfect for venting about those no-see-ums), and even a “feats of strength” arm-wrestling station. If you prefer something more relaxed, we will have a shell-decorating craft table and live music by island favorite Danny Morgan.

The Details:

• Attire: Wear your favorite holiday festive gear or an ugly sweater for a chance to win prizes.

• Food & Drink: ACT Catering and Boards will serve sliders and hot dogs. Tickets include one meal and one drink. A cash bar featuring a themed specialty cocktail will also be available.

• Cost: $10 for members | $20 for nonmembers.

This is a casual, affordable way to gather with neighbors before the New Year. Thank you to R.L.R. Investments for sponsoring our 2025-26 season and making these programs possible.

Secure your tickets now at www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net or call 239-472-2155.

The SanCap Chamber recently celebrated the resilience of the island’s cultural scene with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Odessa Art Gallery. Located in the Palm Ridge Plaza on Sanibel, the new gallery officially opened its doors on December 18, marking a unique addition to the local business community.

Born from the Storm

Owner and artist Ilie Ruby describes the gallery as a project “born from the storm.” A lifelong oil painter and novelist, Ruby returned to a daily studio practice following Hurricane Ian as a way to restore beauty and form to her surroundings. She intends for the gallery to serve as a space where art and language meet. Ruby expressed her thrill at sharing the space with the community, hoping it stands as a testament to the strength of the islands and the healing power of art.

A Unique Intersection of Art and History

The gallery’s current collections feature contemporary poetic figurative paintings known for their expressive light and narrative depth. The subjects—including muses, mermaids, and angels—are emblematic of transformation.

In addition to fine art, the gallery features works drawn from historical island photographs. These pieces highlight scenes and unsung heroes that Ruby encountered while researching a historical novel. Visitors will also find handcrafted sterling silver and semi-precious gemstone jewelry.

Community Support

SanCap Chamber President and CEO John Lai welcomed the new business, noting that the chamber is always pleased to further the islands’ reputation for art and culture. He highlighted that Odessa represents an intriguing intersection of visual and literary art.

Ruby credits her participation in the Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program for helping to bring her vision to life. The program provided a framework of community insight and inspiration that helped shape the gallery’s mission.

Location

The Odessa Art Gallery is located at 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.

Visitors and residents of Sanibel have fresh reasons to visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium for the 2026 season. The renowned local institution has officially opened two new temporary exhibitions and welcomed a fascinating new resident to its aquariums: a Giant Pacific Octopus.

Executive Director Sam Ankerson notes that these additions offer a fresh, engaging, and educational experience, inviting the community to discover or rediscover the museum this season.

A New Resident in the Living Gallery

In the Living Gallery of Aquariums, a new Giant Pacific Octopus has successfully settled into his habitat. Known as the largest octopus species, these highly intelligent creatures possess three hearts, blue blood, and eight arms. The museum’s aquarists worked closely with the animal during his arrival to establish a relationship, ensuring a seamless transition. Visitors can view the octopus now and learn more about him during Keeper Chats, held daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

New Exhibition: The Giant Squid

The first of the new displays, titled “A Wondrous Phenomenon: Truth and Legend of the Giant Squid,” spotlights the biology and behavior of the Earth’s largest invertebrate. Capable of reaching lengths over 40 feet, the giant squid is one of the most elusive marine animals. This exhibit explores how this deep-water creature has inspired pop culture and literature, from “Moby Dick” and “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas” to legends of the Kraken.

New Exhibition: Caribbean Treasures

The second exhibition, “Paradise Found: Seashells of the Caribbean,” features a selection curated by museum Science Director Dr. José H. Leal. Displayed together for the first time, these specimens from the permanent collection range from iconic to rare, representing the rich marine biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea.

Visit Details

Both new exhibitions are made possible by a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation and will be on view through the summer. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel. For more information, please call 239-395-2233 or visit ShellMuseum.org.

A comprehensive study conducted by marine engineering firm Cummins Cederberg has identified several of Sanibel Island’s most critical assets at risk from future flooding. The assessment analyzed vulnerabilities related to sea level rise, high tides, storm surge, rainfall, and compound flooding events.

The City of Sanibel Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment was made possible by a $124,000 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Resilient Florida Grant Program. This study is a mandatory step for the city to qualify for future state funding aimed at hardening infrastructure and protecting local landmarks.

Key Assets at Risk

The report identifies dozens of locations that require resiliency planning, including:

• Roadways: Major thoroughfares like Periwinkle Way.

• Public Facilities: The Sanibel Recreation Center.

• Natural Resources: J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the Tarpon Bay Weir.

Next Steps for Resiliency

On December 16, the Sanibel City Council voted unanimously to integrate these findings into a formal adaptation plan. This plan, scheduled for completion in March 2027, will serve as a roadmap for minimizing flood impacts and protecting the community’s infrastructure and cultural heritage.

Residents and stakeholders can now view the full results of the study through the city’s official portal to better understand the long-term strategy for island preservation.

On December 17, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet authorized the protection of over 21,500 acres of conservation and agricultural lands across the state. This initiative, representing a $27.4 million investment, utilizes the Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands Protection programs to preserve vital natural resources.

A significant portion of this approval includes two conservation easements totaling nearly 11,000 acres within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor. Located in Collier and Hendry counties, these specific acquisitions will:

• Enhance Connectivity: Create vital links between the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area.

• Protect Wildlife: Provide essential habitat for imperiled species, most notably the Florida panther.

• Support Local Industry: Ensure the continued operation of agricultural lands while preventing urban sprawl.

• Preserve Ecosystems: Protect land within the Big Cypress Area of Critical State Concern and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

By securing these easements, the state continues to prioritize the long-term health of Florida’s environment while maintaining the state’s agricultural heritage.

Florida Gulf Coast University’s premier athletics fundraising event, Night at the Nest, has achieved a remarkable milestone by generating nearly $1.5 million in gross revenue. The total includes approximately $1 million raised during the December 5 event, bolstered by an additional $500,000 from a matching-gift campaign launched by the FGCU Foundation.

These funds will provide critical support for more than 270 student-athletes competing across 15 different sports. This year, the university placed a special emphasis on enhancing its comprehensive nutrition program, which is vital for student-athlete training, performance, and recovery.

The success of this event underscores the deepening investment from the community and donors in the holistic success of FGCU students. By prioritizing health and wellness, the university continues to ensure its athletes have the tools they need to excel both in their sport and in the classroom.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) invites the community to The Cause, a special gala dedicated to the protection and preservation of Sanibel, Captiva, and Southwest Florida’s vital coastal ecosystems.

Taking place at 5:30 p.m. on January 17, this sunset event will be held under a grand tent at the SCCF Bailey Homestead Preserve. Guests will enjoy an evening featuring:

• Island-Inspired Dining: A global buffet highlighting fresh, local flavors.

• Entertainment: Signature cocktails and live music throughout the evening.

• Mission-Driven Programming: A special video premiere and a streamlined auction focused on direct conservation impact.

All proceeds from the evening will go directly toward SCCF’s pillars of science, education, advocacy, and conservation. It is an opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of our islands while ensuring their health for future generations.

Event Details:

• When: January 17, 5:30 p.m.

• Where: SCCF Bailey Homestead Preserve

• Purpose: Supporting regional coastal ecosystem protection

Tickets are available now. Visit the SCCF website to secure your spot for this premier island event.

Amanda Cochran has officially filed to run in the August Republican primary for the Lee County Board of County Commissioners District 5 seat. This follows the passing of Commissioner Mike Greenwell in October. Cochran, who earned 45% of the vote in last year’s primary and led within District 5, aims to fill the vacancy through the upcoming November special election.

A sixth-generation resident and co-owner of RE/MAX River & Ranch, Cochran is centering her campaign on addressing “unchecked development.” She has been a vocal critic of zoning changes that conflict with the county’s comprehensive plan, specifically citing concerns over projects in Captiva, Alva, and the Cammaratta Kingston development.

Key priorities for her campaign include:

• Controlled Growth: Opposing urban sprawl and protecting rural lands from overdevelopment.

• Infrastructure Safety: Opposing the $162 million Alva school project, citing safety risks and the lack of local infrastructure.

• Government Transparency: Closing the “disconnect” between residents and local officials.

Cochran has also applied for a gubernatorial appointment to the seat but maintains she will remain in the race regardless of the Governor’s decision.