Category: Island Update

Porter Airlines will be launching a new seasonal route between Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) starting November 29th, 2024.

This convenient connection, offered up to four times a week, will be the only service between Fort Myers and Montreal, making winter getaways a breeze. Flyers can now easily experience the charm of Montreal – cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene – all within a short flight from Florida’s sunshine state.

This announcement comes alongside Porter Airlines’ previously announced increased service to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) starting October 25th, with up to 14 weekly flights. They’re also adding up to three weekly flights to Ottawa International Airport (YOW) starting November 28th.

The Ding Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) recently acquired a critical 21.5-acre parcel of land on Sanibel Island. Located between Isabel Drive and The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, the property was generously donated by the Pine Rock Foundation of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This acquisition adds to a historic 75-acre property along the bay shores that once belonged to the Symroski pioneer family. Over time, the family sold off portions of the land, forming the foundation of local neighborhoods.

“This acquisition embodies the 42-year legacy of the DDWS: conservation, protection, and education,” said Bill Harkey, DDWS Board President. “We are thrilled to permanently preserve this vital island green space, which provides essential habitat for wildlife.”

The new property connects two existing conservation plots, creating a critical wildlife corridor. The mostly undeveloped land is teeming with native vegetation like mangroves, and serves as a haven for gopher tortoises, bobcats, screech owls, and a diverse array of birds and reptiles. The DDWS plans to install a trail camera to observe and document wildlife activity for research and educational purposes.

“With ongoing development projects like the one at South Seas resort, it’s crucial that we work together to prevent overdevelopment,” said Harkey. “Sanibel’s commitment to conservation and nature is what makes it special. As the island approaches its 50th anniversary of incorporation, protecting these precious spaces becomes even more important.”

The DDWS welcomes donations and land offers that contribute to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge or DDWS holdings. To learn more, contact DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman at wildman@dingdarlingsociety.org

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) announced the successful hatching of the first loggerhead sea turtle nest of the season on June 26th. This marks the triumphant beginning of hatching season, with many more nests expected to follow suit.

The SCCF has documented a promising nesting season thus far. As of June 25th, they identified a total of 554 loggerhead nests and one leatherback nest. These nests are distributed across Sanibel (422) and Captiva (133).

Supporting a Safe Journey for Hatchlings

Beachgoers can play a vital role in ensuring the safety of nesting females and emerging hatchlings by following these simple guidelines:

• Minimize light pollution: Artificial lights on or near the beach after 9 pm can disorient hatchlings and deter nesting mothers. Keeping lights out or shielded creates a dark pathway for hatchlings to navigate towards the ocean.
• Maintain a flat landscape: Filling in holes, smoothing out sandcastles, and removing beach furniture before nightfall can prevent these obstacles from hindering hatchlings on their journey to the sea.
• Dispose of trash responsibly: Food scraps and litter can attract predators that may harm hatchlings. Always dispose of trash in designated bins.

Reporting Concerns

If you encounter any issues with nests, hatchlings, sea turtles, or beach furniture compliance, contact the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.

Learn More About Sea Turtle Conservation

For additional ways to protect and care for these magnificent creatures, visit the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation website: https://sancaplifesavers.org/

Passenger traffic at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) continued its upward trend in May, with an impressive 11% increase compared to May 2023. This marks the second-highest May in the airport’s 41-year history, showcasing continued strong demand for travel to Southwest Florida.

Here are some highlights from the Lee County Port Authority data:

• Over 843,270 passengers traveled through RSW in May.
• Year-to-date passenger traffic is up a significant 21%.
• Delta led the way in May with over 192,204 passengers.
• Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest, American, United, and JetBlue.

While aircraft operations at RSW saw a slight decrease of 0.2% compared to May 2023, the overall growth in passenger traffic paints a positive picture for the airport.

We’re excited to see this continued growth and the positive impact it has on our community. Looking to book your Southwest Florida getaway? Several airlines offer service to RSW, making it easy to find the perfect flight for your needs.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the 2024-25 state budget on June 12th, allocating significant funding for critical environmental projects.

While the final budget came in slightly lower than the proposed $117.4 billion at $116.5 billion, environmental programs secured over $975 million. This includes:

• Everglades Restoration: A substantial $740 million will be directed towards restoring the Everglades, a vital ecosystem for Florida.
• Land Acquisition: The budget allocates $100 million each for Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands programs, crucial for land conservation.
• Water Quality Initiatives: $10.8 million goes to the Blue/Green Algae Task Force, and $25 million to Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School to identify causes of water quality issues.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) points out that the legislative process isn’t quite over. Governor DeSantis has about 50 bills remaining to address before the new fiscal year begins on July 1st. These bills can be signed, vetoed, or allowed to become law without action.

The SCCF will continue to monitor the situation and provide a final evaluation of the legislative session’s impact on our coastal environment’s health and economic well-being.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has allocated $15 million from the state’s 2025 fiscal budget to support Fort Myers Beach.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach has announced that $8 million of this funding will be used to purchase 6231 Estero Blvd., which will serve as the new Town Hall. The remaining $7,547,805 will go towards revenue replacement.

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers expressed his gratitude for the state’s financial support.

“I would like to thank Governor DeSantis, FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, Senator Jonathan Martin, State Representative Adam Botana, the entire State Legislature, the entire Lee County delegation, and Lobbyist Ron Book and his staff, Rona Brown, Kelly Mallette, and Gaby Navarro for their continued support in our recovery from Hurricane Ian. I would also like to thank Town staff in their efforts in helping to make this a reality as we continue our rebuild,” said Allers.

Get ready for a summer celebration of music, sun, and sand! The Sixth Annual Captivaville Songwriters Weekend returns to ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island from June 14th to 16th.

This three-day event promises an unforgettable experience with live music from talented singer-songwriters. The weekend kicks off with a lively Kick Off Party at the Oasis Pool on Friday, June 14th, from 2 pm to 8 pm. Enjoy individual sets by the weekend’s artists, culminating in an exciting all-artist jam session.

The party continues on Saturday, June 15th, with a Pool Party at the Oasis Pool from noon to 5 pm. On Sunday, June 16th, wrap up the weekend with a delightful Brunch at The Shipyard restaurant, featuring additional musical performances from 11 am to 1 pm.

This year’s lineup boasts a variety of musical styles, from country and classic rock to reggae and blues. Featuring artists like Dean Alexander, Sheena Brook, Kristin Forbes/Lady Hatchet, Megan Linville, Claire Liparulo, Katie Lyon, Danny Myrick, Brian Sutherland, and Emma Zink, the weekend is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Free Admission for Resort Guests

‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa guests can enjoy all the Captivaville Songwriters Weekend festivities for free.

Limited Day Passes Available for the Public

General public can purchase day passes for a chance to experience the fun. Day passes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each pass costs $10 per vehicle and is valid for a single day. To reserve your day pass, contact the resort’s reservation desk.

Event Details

• What: Sixth Annual Captivaville Songwriters Weekend
• When: June 14-16
• Where: ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva
• Details: Free for resort guests, limited day passes available for the public ($10 per vehicle)

Ready to Immerse Yourself in Music and Paradise?

For more information about the Captivaville Songwriters Weekend, visit the resort’s website at https://tween-waters.com/captivaville/.

Make your resort reservations by visiting the website or calling 800-223-5865. Don’t miss this chance to create lasting summer memories at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa!

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village will host a special ceremony on June 18 at 9 a.m. to remount the bell in the Schoolhouse belfry.

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District will handle the installation, returning the bell to its rightful place after Hurricane Ian dislodged it. After the bell is securely mounted, a child aged 12 or under will be randomly chosen to be the first to ring it.

Attendees of all ages will then have the chance to ring the bell following the ceremony.

“This event showcases our community’s collaborative spirit,” said board President Ty Symroski. “The city repaired the building, volunteer Michael Galloway restored the bell, and now our fire department completes the effort.”

Additionally, Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room has reopened for tours, and new exhibits are being installed in Bailey’s General Store by Creative Arts Unlimited.

Please note, the village will close in August and reopen for the season on October 15.

For more information, visit Sanibel Museum or contact 239-472-4648.

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is located at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

As of June 12, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has documented a total of 372 sea turtle nests on Sanibel and Captiva since April 24. This includes 371 loggerhead nests and one leatherback nest.

Despite heavy rains and flooding from the wet season’s first tropical system, there is no immediate threat to the nests. Sea turtle eggs are permeable, so a bit of extra water is usually not a problem and may even have a beneficial cooling effect.

The SCCF explains that the most significant threats to incubating eggs from storms include prolonged inundation and beach erosion, which can wash out nests or alter their conditions. Fortunately, sea turtles lay multiple nests each season at different times, increasing the chances of successful hatchlings even if some nests are lost.

The public can assist in protecting nesting females and hatchlings by:

• Turning off beach-front lights after dark
• Filling in holes on the beach
• Flattening sandcastles
• Removing beach furniture and trash

If you need to report a new nest or issues with nests, turtles, beach lighting, or beach furniture, please call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.

For more information on how to protect and care for sea turtles, visit SanCap Lifesavers