Coastal Watch extends its gratitude to the snowbirds who have returned their mangrove seedlings. Those who have not yet returned their plantings can drop them off at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s headquarters, located at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. Full-time residents are welcome to wait until Coastal Watch’s next Adoption Day in the fall. For more information, please contact kmcneal@sccf.org. Coastal Watch is a proud member of the SCCF family
What could make a wine tasting more fun and memorable? Imagine sipping fine wines as dolphins play in the waves and the sun sets over the horizon. Guests are cordially invited to the next wine tasting cruise on Wednesday, May 22nd, in partnership with Captiva Cruises.
Due to popular demand, the sold-out wine cruises will continue this summer, providing a perfect way to beat the heat. The relaxed atmosphere of the cruise is the ideal setting to feature ready-to-drink wines at reasonable prices. This time, there’s an exciting new offering: charcuterie platters from Green Flash’s new catering service, perfectly paired with the wines.
Participants will experience the enchanting combination of delicious wines, delectable food, playful dolphins, and a breathtaking sunset. Those interested in joining can follow the link below to purchase “Special Event” tickets directly through Captiva Cruises:
Click here for Captiva Cruises Special Event Tickets
This unforgettable evening on the water promises to be an exceptional adventure!
The SanCap Chamber of Commerce celebrated the return of a beloved island treasure with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Suncatchers’ Dream on May 10th.
The popular jewelry and gift shop suffered significant damage during Hurricane Ian, but the team never gave up. They held a soft opening in March alongside their neighbor, Over Easy Cafe, and continued to offer their unique products to loyal customers throughout the rebuilding process.
“We basically had to start over,” said owner Daniel Thompson. “But we’re bringing back everything you love, along with exciting new items to refresh the store. It will have my signature touch, but with a modern gallery vibe. I’ll always be grateful to Rachel Pierce for creating a temporary marketplace for us during those tough times. It allowed us to stay connected to our community.”
Originally located at Periwinkle Place, Suncatchers’ Dream has been a Sanibel staple since 2005. They’re known for their whimsical selection of handmade gifts from small businesses, including their popular Dune Jewelry line and a vast array of greeting cards.
Thompson is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community throughout the recovery process.
“From the moment we reopened, people were eager to see us again, offering hugs and words of encouragement,” he shared. “The Chamber has been incredible, supporting us not just as a business, but also as a part of the island family. We all live and work here, and they had our backs the entire time. We’re especially grateful for their ongoing fight to improve water quality after Hurricane Ian.”
“Suncatchers’ Dream is an essential part of the Sanibel shopping experience,” said John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber of Commerce. “With Daniel and his island-inspired shop back in place, we feel like our community is finally whole again. A visit to Suncatchers’ Dream before or after grabbing a bite at Over Easy Cafe is a must-do for any Sanibel visitor.”
You can find Suncatchers’ Dream at their new location: 630 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.
As we approach the upcoming storm season, Sanibel and Captiva islands are implementing new 2024 hurricane passes. Sanibel Police Chief William Dalton recently announced that passes from 2021 and 2022 will no longer be valid.
As of today, May 14, the new passes are not yet available. The city will notify the community once the 2024 passes are ready for distribution.
Application Details:
Who Needs a Pass?
Property owners, residents, and businesses on Sanibel and Captiva islands must apply for the Hurricane Reentry Pass Program. These passes ensure authorized individuals can access their properties quickly and securely after an evacuation order.
Pass Limits:
Residents: One pass per address.
Businesses: One to two passes per address.
Discard Old Passes:
Please dispose of any old hurricane passes, as they are no longer valid.
Re-Entry Zones:
Sanibel and Captiva are divided into several re-entry zones, numbered starting from the Sanibel Causeway. Re-entry may be conducted zone by zone or as an all-zone re-entry, depending on the situation.
Re-Entry Requirements:
With a Pass:
Present your hurricane pass and a photo ID at the toll booth.
Without a Pass:
Provide a valid photo ID with an island address (P.O. Boxes are not accepted) and proof of island property ownership, such as a utility bill.
Application Process:
Applying for a pass requires a short application and specific documentation.
For more information and to apply, visit mysanibel.com.
In a heartwarming collaboration, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) and the Peace River Wildlife Center successfully released a great horned owl back into its natural habitat on May 12 at Rosen Park in Cape Coral.
The owl was found in distress and severely emaciated in a North Fort Myers backyard on April 16. CROW’s veterinarian, Dr. Robin Bast, explained, “Once the owl was stabilized, an X-ray revealed a pellet lodged in its shoulder. The pellet was safely removed while the owl was sedated.”
After a few days of rest and supportive care, the owl began to respond positively to treatment. Eleven days later, it was transferred to the Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda for additional care in one of its large outdoor enclosures, as CROW’s rehabilitation enclosures are currently under construction.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated partners supporting us during our recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian,” said CROW’s Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey. “As we work to rebuild our outdoor enclosures, our partners, like the Peace River Wildlife Center, are crucial in the final stages of our patients’ rehabilitation journey. Our commitment to providing the best possible care ensures that every step of the rehabilitation process is carefully managed, culminating in the owl’s return to the wild.”
Peace River Wildlife Center’s Executive Director Tricia LaPointe added, “Throughout its rehabilitation, the great horned owl showed continuous progress, steadily regaining its strength and vitality. Regular assessments and monitoring allowed our team to adjust the treatment plan as needed, ensuring the best outcomes for the owl’s health and well-being.”
This successful release highlights the importance of collaboration and dedication in wildlife rehabilitation, ensuring that injured animals receive the care they need to return to their natural habitats.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds, Captiva Island! Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Captiva is hosting a sizzling contest in honor of National Yucatan Shrimp Day.
Calling all home chefs! Doc Ford’s is searching for the most mouthwatering Yucatan sauce recipes. Do you have a tangy marinade that elevates shrimp to new heights? A zesty dipping sauce that adds a perfect beachside kick? Or perhaps a spicy cocktail to complete the entire Yucatan experience? Doc Ford’s wants to see your culinary creations!
Here’s how to join the fun:
The lucky winner will snag a FREE bottle of Doc Ford’s authentic Yucatan sauce, bringing a taste of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen!
Mark your calendars! Winners will be announced on May 24th. So, get saucy and share your creations!
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Captiva can’t wait to see what you cook up! Let’s celebrate National Yucatan Shrimp Day in true island style. Show us how YOU Yuca!
South Seas is thrilled to announce the premiere of its Tarpon Tournament, set to take place from May 16 to May 17, 2024, on the picturesque shores of Captiva Island, nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast. This exciting new event proudly supports Folds of Honor, a noble organization committed to providing scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled American military members and first responders. By merging the passion for sportfishing with the commitment to honor and support these brave families, the tournament ensures that all sponsorship proceeds will directly benefit Folds of Honor scholarship recipients in Lee County.
The tournament offers participants an opportunity to enjoy a fantastic day of fishing while making a meaningful impact on the lives of deserving individuals in the community. The event promises not only competitive fishing but also a celebratory reception featuring delicious food, exciting prizes, and live entertainment.
Tournament Details:
Interested parties can register in teams of four, with an entry fee of $1,000 per team. It’s important to note that each team is allowed only one captain. The entirety of the entry fees collected will be distributed as prizes to the tournament winners. Adding to the excitement, the tournament will be featured on the popular fishing show, “Reel Animals,” hosted by the renowned Capt. Mike Anderson.
Those eager to reel in excitement and make a difference can register and find more information at southseas.com/tarpon
Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE), the recreation concessionaire at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, has announced an updated tram tour schedule for the off-season, running now through August.
Tram Tours:
Explore More:
TBE isn’t just about tram tours! They offer a variety of ways to experience the refuge:
TBE Hours:
Ready to Book?
Location:
Tarpon Bay Explorers is located at 900 Tarpon Bay Road on Sanibel Island.
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported the exciting news of the first loggerhead sea turtle nest on Sanibel Island! This special mama turtle, identified as Turmeric thanks to her tags, was encountered by SCCF’s nighttime tagging team. Turmeric has a history with Sanibel, having returned to nest there in 2020, 2021, 2023, and now 2024! This nest also marks a tie for loggerhead nests between Sanibel and Captiva Islands, with both having one each.
SCCF highlighted the importance of supporting their work in protecting these threatened animals. You can adopt a sea turtle nest through their program: Click here to visit their website.
The announcement also served as a reminder for beachgoers to be mindful of nesting turtles. Please turn off lights and flashlights near the beach after 9 pm and avoid leaving obstacles on the sand, such as furniture, trash, sandcastles, or holes, which can hinder the turtles’ nesting process.
The “Protect Captiva” coalition wants to bring two linked documents to your attention. Both support the Captiva community’s contention (and continuing legal actions) that increasing building heights and density on Captiva and South Seas is unlawful and inappropriate on a fragile barrier island.
A public information request by our legal team uncovered a document entitled “South Seas Plantation Due Diligence Questions with DCD Responses July 2021.” (Attached here). The questions from the new owners of South Seas shortly before their purchase of the resort in September 2021 and the responses from the County’s Department of Community Development confirm (i) that County staff understood in July 2021 that the maximum allowable units at South Seas was 912 units (including hotel units) and (ii) that the new owners of South Seas were advised of, and clearly understood, the 912 dwelling unit cap on the resort prior to their purchase of the property. The current South Seas application to build 272 condominiums and 435 hotel units clearly violates the longstanding comprehensive development plan for South Seas and would increase density at South Seas from 912 units to 1347 units – a 48% increase.
Also, David Dorsey wrote a detailed article in the April 29th issue of Gulfshore Business. The article is based upon a review of numerous emails and logs obtained by the reporter through a public information request. Dorsey documents how the County and South Seas worked together to increase building heights and density at South Seas long before any efforts to increase development on Captiva became public. According to the article,
“South Seas resort ownership group’s engineer proposed a land-use amendment for Lee County’s government at least six months before the first public discussions and at least seven weeks before the County’s official timeline began. . . . The timeline contradicts what county government officials and South Seas resort owners and contractors said at public meetings, where they said county staff initiated the Land Development Code amendments January 17, 2023. The resort proposed a draft of one of the amendments for the County as early as November 2022 and inquired about doing so in February 2022.”
The article also documents the extensive number of meetings between agents of South Seas and the County. You can read the whole article here.
DONATE to the “PROTECT CAPTIVA” LEGAL FUND. Click here
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