Join the continued celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the City of Sanibel’s incorporation with a holiday tree lighting event at Community Park this Saturday, November 30th, beginning at 5pm!
The magnificent 20-foot tree and other decorations will be on display throughout the month of December for the community to enjoy. Light refreshments will be provided after the tree lighting at the Sanibel Community House. Snap a photo with Santa and his crew while enjoying cookies and crafts!
A new chapter is beginning for the Lee Anne Tauck Conservation Tract on Sanibel Island. The 68-acre parcel, part of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, is set to undergo a major habitat restoration project.
A Brighter Future for Wildlife
The restoration project aims to:
A Collaborative Effort This ambitious project is a collaborative effort between the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and Lee County Conservation 20/20.
Work has already begun with surveying and geotechnical borings. As the project progresses, we can look forward to a healthier, more resilient ecosystem for generations to come.
The sandy shores of Sanibel Island are getting a much-needed facelift as the second phase of the island’s Beach Renourishment Project officially kicked off this week at Lighthouse Beach Park. After months of rebuilding efforts and a challenging summer that saw hurricanes Helene and Milton, island residents and visitors alike are thrilled to see the project moving forward and the beaches slowly returning to their former beauty.
“We need to get people back to enjoying what this island is all about,” said Jackson, a local involved with the project. And that means moving a lot of sand—approximately 100,000 tons to be exact.
While the island has faced its share of challenges with natural disasters over the years, it has proven its resilience. This renourishment effort is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the island’s beaches, ensuring they remain a safe and attractive destination for visitors and residents alike. The project will not only rebuild the beach but also help reinforce the interior structures of Sanibel, making the island more resilient to future storms and rising sea levels.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the holiday season approaching, tourists are excited to see the progress. Aaron Morrow, a visitor from Ohio, shared his enthusiasm for the island’s recovery: “We love coming down here. We always make the drive to save money on flights and spend more on staying at nicer places. Overall, I feel like they’ve done a good job rebuilding. It’s a real team effort to bring the whole island back.”
Morrow’s sentiment reflects a shared feeling among many who have long loved Sanibel for its natural beauty, unique wildlife, and community spirit. Even with the ongoing construction, visitors are excited to see the beach returning to its pristine state.
Crews are hard at work from sunrise to sunset, moving sand and completing vital work to rebuild the beach. Jackson emphasized the importance of safety during this phase of the project: “It’s so important that as you’re out here enjoying this, please listen to the workers on site. If they ask you to stay back while they’re moving the sand, please do so.”
Though the construction is ongoing, visitors can still enjoy much of the island, with the construction zones being clearly marked and separated from recreational areas.
For the community, the renourishment project represents more than just a rebuild of the beach. It’s part of a larger vision to restore Sanibel’s beauty and safeguard its future as a premier destination. After enduring the impacts of hurricanes, tropical storms, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this restoration is an important step toward recovery and growth.
“After such a rough summer, with the storms and the challenges we’ve faced, it’s inspiring to see the island bounce back. This project is helping not just the beach, but the entire community,” Jackson added.
Visitors are already noticing the improvements. One commented, “So far, I feel like the beach looks great. I haven’t seen any debris, and it’s so pretty here. Especially after tough times, it’s amazing to get back out here, have fun, and soak up the sun. It’s definitely a good thing for the island.”
While the renourishment project is still underway, it’s clear that the Sanibel Beach Renourishment Project is on the path to success. As the island continues to recover, both residents and visitors can look forward to enjoying a stronger, more resilient beach in the years to come.
Stay Informed and Support the Effort
The beach renourishment project is ongoing, and updates are regularly posted for those planning to visit or learn more about the progress. If you’re planning a trip to Sanibel soon, be sure to stay informed about areas under construction and always follow safety guidelines from workers on-site.
If you’re looking to enhance your boating skills or get started on the right foot, America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva has a fantastic opportunity for you. They are offering the U.S. Power Squadron’s “America’s Boating Course”, which is perfect for anyone new to boating or seasoned boaters who want to refresh and strengthen their skills.
This comprehensive course will be offered in two sessions: one evening session on December 5, from 6 to 9 p.m., and one full-day session on December 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both sessions will take place at the Sanibel Public Library, located at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
The course is designed to cover the essential knowledge and skills needed for safe and effective boating, with a specific focus on the unique waters around Sanibel and Captiva. Whether you’re a first-time boater or an experienced mariner looking to fine-tune your skills, this course will provide valuable insights for everyone.
The America’s Boating Course covers a wide range of topics, including:
This course is ideal for both new boaters and experienced captains who want to improve their boating skills and knowledge of the local waters.
Whether you’re looking to start your boating journey or refresh your skills, this course is an excellent way to gain the knowledge you need to navigate the waters safely. With expert instruction and a focus on the unique waterways around Sanibel and Captiva, you’ll leave the course feeling confident and prepared for any boating adventure.
For more information or any questions about the course, feel free to reach out to Bob Orr, the lead instructor, at 313-909-0584 or via email at [email protected].
Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your boating skills and enjoy the beautiful waters of Sanibel and Captiva with confidence. Register today and get ready to set sail!
If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking to explore the beautiful landscapes of Sanibel and Fort Myers, you won’t want to miss the upcoming bird walks hosted by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Florida’s unique bird species while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of our local preserves and beaches.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, these walks are designed to help you discover the fascinating world of local birds. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:
Location: Bailey Homestead Preserve, 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
On November 30, join birding experts at the Bailey Homestead Preserve for a morning walk through one of Sanibel’s most treasured natural areas. Sanibel is home to a variety of avian species that make this island their year-round or seasonal residence. During the walk, you’ll have the chance to observe:
This walk offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Sanibel’s unique ecosystems while learning about the diverse birdlife that thrives here, particularly during the fall and winter months.
Location: Bunche Beach, 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers
On December 4, head over to Bunche Beach in Fort Myers, a great spot to learn about the shorebirds that migrate to Florida during the fall and winter months. Bunche Beach’s diverse coastal habitats make it a prime location for spotting a variety of shorebirds and other coastal species.
Whether you’re new to birdwatching or a seasoned pro, this walk will help you distinguish between the different species of shorebirds and provide helpful tips on identifying them in the wild. Get ready to spot species like sandpipers, plovers, and other coastal avians.
These bird walks are a wonderful way to spend time in nature, learn more about the local ecosystem, and connect with fellow nature lovers. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, these events are an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of Sanibel and Fort Myers from a new perspective.
So mark your calendars for November 30 and December 4, gather your family or friends, and get ready to explore the wonders of Florida’s avian world!
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva and the Zonta Foundation of Southwest Florida are excited to announce the inaugural Peekleball Volley Against Violence tournament, taking place December 14-15 at the Sundial Resort & Spa on Sanibel Island. This event combines the competitive spirit of pickleball with a mission to support women and girls impacted by gender-based violence.
The name “Peekleball” pays homage to Zonta’s signature fundraising event, the Peek at the Unique home tour. This new initiative aims to engage the community in a fun, interactive way while raising awareness for a critical cause.
The tournament is part of Zonta’s participation in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign dedicated to ending violence against women and girls. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund local grants supporting Zonta’s mission to halt gender-based violence and provide aid to survivors. The scope of gender-based violence includes psychological, physical, and sexual violence, sexual harassment, child marriage, and human trafficking.
The two-day tournament is open to players of all skill levels, featuring doubles, mixed, and singles matches. In addition to competitive play, attendees can enjoy:
Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast or a first-time player, this tournament offers an exciting opportunity to support Zonta’s mission while having fun.
This event is made possible with support from CPX Pickleball, Engage Pickleball, Kingfisher Real Estate, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, On Island, Paddletek, PickleBelle, Rauch Brands, Sanibel Carts, Selkirk Sport, Tunaskin, and others.
Be part of this unique event that merges community, sport, and philanthropy. For more information, to register, or to explore sponsorship opportunities, visit zontasancap.com or email [email protected].
Together, let’s volley against violence and make a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in our community.
South Seas Resort is set to welcome guests once again starting December 19, 2024, marking the beginning of a vibrant Festive Season. Visitors can look forward to experiencing a host of reopened resort amenities, including:
From December 20–31, the resort will host a variety of holiday activities designed to create memorable experiences for families and friends. Highlights include:
Guests of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit while enjoying the scenic beauty of South Seas Resort.
Reservations for the Festive Season are available. Guests can book their stays at southseas.com/accommodations or by calling 1.866.565.5089.
South Seas Resort extends heartfelt gratitude to its owners and guests for their unwavering support during the storm recovery period. Their encouragement has fueled the resort’s resilience and optimism for the future.
The year 2025 promises to be filled with excitement, featuring the anticipated openings of:
Details on upcoming amenities and developments can be found at southseas.com/coming-soon.
The Sanibel Outlets, once a bustling retail hub at the corner of McGregor Boulevard and Summerlin Road, has remained vacant for over two years. Now, a promising transformation is on the horizon.
The development group, Fort Myers Future, plans to turn the site into a cutting-edge, sustainable community known as Grande Calusa. Renderings now offer a glimpse into the future of this exciting project.
Grande Calusa will feature two 20-story, energy-efficient towers with a total of 500 apartments, including 200 workforce housing units—about 40% of the total. The community will also include a 20,000-square-foot performing arts center, a 200-room hotel, public parks, and a variety of restaurants.
“This is unlike anything Florida has seen before,” said Thomas Spiegelhalter, the architect and master planner of the project. “At 15 feet above sea level, it will be resilient, off the grid, and carbon-neutral, with its own power supply.”
The design is inspired by the local Calusa Indian heritage, with features like shell sediment ground, rooftop gardens, and expansive green spaces. While some former outlet shoppers may be disappointed by the limited retail offerings in the new development, many believe the community-driven project will offer far greater long-term benefits.
“I think it’s going to be great for the economy,” said Fort Myers resident Tammy Clements. “With workforce housing included, it’s a great opportunity for those who are starting over.”
However, concerns about traffic congestion and job availability for new residents remain. “The traffic is going to be a challenge,” said local resident Izzy Armstrong, “but it will create jobs and foster a sense of community.”
The demolition of the Sanibel Outlets, which was originally scheduled to be completed by January, has been delayed as materials are being salvaged for use in the new development.
Construction of Grande Calusa is slated to begin early next year, pending county approval. Developers have also hinted that some favorite restaurants from the original outlets may return.
After over 60 years of serving the Sanibel community, Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop, a ministry of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, is set to reopen its doors to customers on December 3. Known for its diverse selection of affordable treasures and commitment to supporting local nonprofits, this beloved thrift shop is more than just a place to shop—it’s a community cornerstone.
The thrift shop offers a wide array of items, including:
The 38th Annual Sanibel Music Festival is set to captivate audiences with a stellar lineup of globally acclaimed performers. Running from March 1–22, the festival will host six exceptional performances on select Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ.
This year’s festival also marks a milestone in the region’s recovery following Hurricane Ian. “We believe the arts are a compelling force in the positive recovery of our region,” stated festival organizers.
Ahead of the March series, the festival will host the 50th Anniversary Luminary Concert, All is Bright, on December 6 from 4–6 p.m. at the church. Featuring Florida Gulf Coast University musicians, this event is part of Sanibel’s yearlong anniversary celebrations.
The festival officially opens on March 1 with a Gala Benefit titled Celebrating Sanibel Music Festival’s Return to the Island. This special evening features cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han, recipients of the prestigious Musical America’s Musicians of the Year Award. Known for their unparalleled artistry, the duo has performed at top venues worldwide, showcasing an extensive repertoire that spans classical masterpieces to contemporary works.
Additional Gala Activities:
Gala Benefit passes are available for $250 per person, including access to the private cocktail party, performance, and reception. Tickets for the performance and reception alone are $75.
Gold medalist of the 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Nakamatsu has performed with leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide. His repertoire spans solo, chamber, and orchestral works, and he has released 13 highly praised recordings.
Renowned for their dynamic performances and innovative programming, the Horszowski Trio has toured extensively across North America, Europe, and Asia. Named in honor of legendary pianist Mieczysław Horszowski, their music bridges traditional and contemporary compositions.
Experience the brilliance of the 11th National Chopin Piano Competition gold medalist, offering one of their first performances following the prestigious Miami competition. The event celebrates emerging talent and the enduring legacy of Chopin’s music.
This performance showcases the works of Broadway legends John Kander and Fred Ebb, creators of iconic musicals like Chicago and Cabaret. Their compositions have defined generations of theatre and cinema, including collaborations with stars like Liza Minnelli and Frank Sinatra.
Winners of the 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant and 14th Banff International String Quartet Competition, the quartet brings fresh interpretations of classical works. Inspired by the legendary Juilliard String Quartet, they are redefining the string quartet tradition for modern audiences.
For more details or to purchase tickets, visit the official website at www.sanibelmusicfestival.org.
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ
2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL
The Sanibel Music Festival continues to enrich the region with world-class performances, celebrating the resilience and vibrancy of the community. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy unforgettable music in the heart of Sanibel!
