Category: Island Update

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva recently shared a vital update following its plea for assistance regarding the ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Thanks to incredible community generosity, the food pantry is well-stocked and ready to support island residents and workers facing increased strain.

A significant boost came from a generous grant provided by The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation. Executive Director Maria Espinoza noted, “This grant from The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation couldn’t have come at a better time. Their support helps us keep our shelves full so families don’t have to choose between groceries and other essentials.”

FISH also extended deep gratitude to individual donors, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and the SanCap Resilience Steering Committee for responding to and sharing their call for help.

With the islands still relatively quiet and many seasonal residents not yet back, donations have been slower, even as the need continues to grow. Many families who rely on SNAP still face uncertainty regarding the timely arrival of their monthly benefits. The approaching holiday season can be particularly difficult for households already struggling to stretch limited budgets.

FISH remains committed to ensuring every household that lives or works on Sanibel and Captiva has access to healthy, reliable food. They will continue to monitor the SNAP situation while preparing for a potential prolonged increase in need.

Community members can help by donating food, grocery store gift cards, or financial contributions to support the food pantry.

For drop-off information or current needs, contact Food Programs Manager Merari Salinas at merari@fishofsancap.org. Find out more at www.fishofsancap.org.

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) has released a fantastic lineup of events and programs for the coming season at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. Now is the time to mark your calendars!

The popular Free Winter Refuge Programs will return from January 5th through April 6th, offering numerous opportunities to explore and learn about the refuge’s natural wonders. Following this, the engaging Free Winter Lecture Series will run every week from January 22nd through April 16th.

Looking for a special way to support conservation? Secure your spot for the Go Wild for “Ding” — The Legacy fundraiser on February 4th at The Community House. Tickets and more details are available at dingdarlingsociety.org/go-wild.

The annual DDWS Distinguished Speaker Series will welcome renowned conservationist Jeff Corwin on March 13th at The Community House. Tickets for this highly anticipated event open on December 11th—plan ahead!

Anglers can prepare for the 14th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, set for May 15th. Registration and information can be found at https://dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament.

Plus, you can celebrate major milestones at the refuge, including the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4th and Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling’s 150th birthday on October 21st.

There is something for everyone to enjoy and support at the refuge this year. Don’t miss out!

Mark your calendars for a beautiful afternoon of music! The talented Sanibel Duo, featuring violinist Renata Arado and pianist Erik Entwistle, will present a special recital on December 6th at 3 p.m. at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel.

This performance offers a perfect opportunity for reflection and enjoyment during the Advent season, with an uplifting program that blends timeless masterworks and contemporary treasures. The duo will feature selections by renowned composers including Irving Berlin, Johannes Brahms, and Antonín Dvořák, alongside pieces by John Eccles, Valentin Silvestrov, and the duo’s own Erik Entwistle. This promises to be a meaningful and memorable musical experience for all attendees.

The recital is free and open to the public, inviting the entire community to share in this special event.

Don’t miss the chance to hear the Sanibel Duo perform this diverse and inspiring program.

For more information, please visit https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/

The Sanibel Recreation Center is gearing up for a busy start to December with several exciting activities and programs!

On December 3rd, get ready to move with Dance! Dance! Dance! With Ravah from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn to dance like a pro to contemporary Broadway show tunes. The cost is $20, and registration is required.

If you have a green thumb, don’t miss Island Roots: A Native Gardening Series presented by SanCap Native Plant Design. The session on December 8th from noon to 1:30 p.m. will cover “Planting A Seasonal Wetland.” Attendees will receive seeds, cuttings, or live plants tailored to the topic. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members per session. Registration is required.

Need a Medicare update? Author and the “Medicare Mama” Sylvia A. Gordon, JD, will provide an informative presentation on December 9th at noon discussing “What’s New In Medicare Drug Plans.” Registration is also required for this event.

The Rec Center is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

New or current members needing help setting up their CivicRec account can call 239-472-0345 or visit the front desk. A variety of memberships, passes, and punch cards are available!

To register for programs or view the full schedule, visit https://secure.rec1.com/FL/sanibel-fl/catalog.

The City of Sanibel is hosting a Mobile Blood Drive on Thursday, December 4, 2025, encouraging community members to contribute to a vital cause.

Event Details

The Lee Health Blood Center’s Bloodmobile will be available in the front parking lot of the Sanibel Public Library, located at 770 Dunlop Road.

• Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025

• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Location: Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Road (front parking lot)

Donor Eligibility and Benefits

Prospective donors play a critical role in serving the local community. Each person who donates will receive a mini-physical, which includes a check of their temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and hemoglobin levels.

To be eligible to donate, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Must be 17 years of age or older.

• Must weigh at least 115 pounds.

Scheduling an Appointment

To minimize wait times, potential donors are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance. Appointments are available starting at 8:30 a.m. and run in half-hour increments, with the final slot scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

Appointments are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis and are expected to fill quickly.

• To schedule an appointment, donors should send an email to patricia.hotton@mysanibel.com.

• The email should include the donor’s name, contact information, and preferred appointment times.

Walk-ins are also welcome on the day of the event and will be accommodated between those with confirmed appointments.

The Critical Need for Local Donations

The Lee Health System is currently experiencing a tremendous need for blood to meet the demands of the local community. Donating through Lee Health guarantees that the donation will stay within the community to help local patients.

A single pint of blood has the potential to help save the lives of several people, as it can be separated into different life-saving components:

• Platelets may benefit a child with leukemia.

• Plasma can assist a patient with a clotting disorder.

• Red blood cells are often given to accident victims.

The City of Sanibel invites everyone to be a blood donor hero and help save lives.

You’re invited to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting island firefighters and the broader community!

The Sanibel Firefighters Benevolent Fund is hosting its inaugural First Annual Pancake Breakfast on December 6th from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Fire Station 171. This is a chance to meet local firefighters and help launch this new initiative.

The Benevolent Fund, recently started by District 17 of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1826, raises funds to support firefighters and their families in times of need. The fund also plans to assist local organizations like CROW and FISH, and Sanibel residents.

Enjoy fluffy, freshly made pancakes, along with orange juice, water, and hot coffee, served right in the station’s apparatus bay.

As Ed Zarick, District Vice President, explains, this event is a crucial step to “jumpstart our fund” and raise awareness. A donation per plate is requested to contribute to the cause.

While you’re there, you can purchase the new Sanibel Firefighters 2026 Calendar (with signing opportunities!) and holiday-themed T-shirts, with all proceeds benefiting the fund.

Come out for a great breakfast and show your support for those who protect our community!

Location: Fire Station 171, 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.
More Information: Visit sanibelfirefighters.com.

The School District of Lee County is emphasizing student safety following the activation of new BusPatrol cameras on district buses. In the first week of the warning period alone, over 1,100 instances of illegal school bus passing were captured.

District Spokesperson Rob Spicker confirmed that 261 of these passes have been verified by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with over 850 still under review. Each verified illegal pass during this initial 30-day advisory period will result in a warning letter to the vehicle’s registered owner.

This advisory period began after a joint announcement by Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin, Sheriff Carmine Marceno, and BusPatrol. The District is conducting a comprehensive social media and outreach campaign, sharing reminders on school websites, and sending communications to families to ensure drivers are fully prepared for enforcement.

Enforcement begins on December 8th, at which point illegal passes will result in a $225 citation.

“Our goal is to change behavior,” said Spicker. “Every time a bus is illegally passed, the students getting on or off are put at risk. We would ask drivers to think about protecting children and coming to a stop when a bus has the stop arms extended and the lights flashing.”

The new system features 11 cameras per bus, utilizing Artificial Intelligence to detect potential violations. Videos are reviewed and verified by the Sheriff’s Office before a citation is issued. Statistics from BusPatrol suggest that 90% of drivers who receive a citation never receive a second one, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in modifying behavior.

Beyond catching illegal passes, the cameras also allow the Sheriff’s Office and the District to monitor buses in real-time for any disturbances or accidents, enhancing overall safety and response capabilities.

The message is clear: “Students lives are at stake. Act now, stop when a bus is stopped. Don’t wait for a $225 citation to change your behavior.”

The Sanibel Public Library is a hub for community engagement, offering diverse programs for all ages.

Special Event: Join Family Strengthen & Stretch with Ms. Robin on December 6th from 10 to 10:30 a.m. This program combines energetic movement, stretches, and calming breath work. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle and towel.

Weekly Activities Include:

• Crafternoon: Wednesdays, 3 – 4:30 p.m. All ages can enjoy making a fun craft with supplies provided.

• Family Storytime: Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Features stories, songs, movement, and early literacy play for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers.

Art Exhibition: View “Serendipity,” a collection of original works by the Sanibel-Captiva Art League (SCAL), on display through January 6th. Artwork is available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the library.

Technology Help: Library cardholders can book a Computer Coach appointment for assistance with devices and library apps like Hoopla, Kanopy, and Libby to access eBooks, movies, and more.

Library cards are free for Sanibel and Lee County residents. Visitors can obtain a card for a $10 annual fee.

The library is open Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit sanlib.org or call 239-472-2483.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are set to usher in the holiday season this weekend with the return of a cherished community favorite. Hosted by the SanCap Chamber, the 39th Annual Luminary Stroll will take place over two festive nights, serving as a glittering highlight to Sanibel’s 50th-anniversary celebration.

This year’s event promises to be a significant moment for the islands. According to Chamber President and CEO John Lai, over 70% of local restaurants, retailers, and accommodations have reopened.

“Our goal is to offer recognition to island businesses and encourage local shopping, while providing a fun-filled evening for family and friends,” Lai said. “We think this holiday season will kick off the most crucial visitor season that we’ve had.”

Event Schedule & Kick-Off

The festivities are free and open to the public, taking place from 4 to 9 p.m. on both nights.

• Thursday, Dec. 5: Periwinkle Way on Sanibel

• Friday, Dec. 6: Captiva Drive and Andy Rosse Lane on Captiva

The official kick-off is scheduled for Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. at Tahitian Gardens on Sanibel. Attendees can expect remarks from Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller and the island’s first mayor, Porter Goss. WINK News Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt will also be broadcasting live from the location.

A Trail of Holiday Fun on Sanibel

On Thursday night, candle-lined pathways—set up by the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs—will guide visitors to various landmarks, shopping centers, and businesses offering treats, refreshments, and entertainment.

Here is a look at what is happening along the trail:

• Tahitian Gardens: Watch for Santa and the Grinch arriving on a Harley at 5:30 p.m., along with kids’ games, door prizes, and live music. Adventures in Paradise Outfitters and Wilford & Lee Home Accents will also be offering specials and treats.

• The East End: Activities begin at the East End Shops with Santa, free hot dogs, and live music at Tuttle’s Seahorse Shell Shop. Don’t miss the roasted chestnuts at Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream—a perennial favorite.

• The Shops at Jerry’s: The local Boy Scouts will be handing out hot dogs, while visitors can enjoy caroling and photo ops with Santa.

• Heart of the Islands: MacIntosh Books + Paper and Home by Rachel Pierce will feature treats and a hot chocolate bar.

• Sanibel Community Church: A hub for families, the church will host a petting zoo, pony rides, and two performances of Handel’s “Messiah” by the Sanibel Choir and Orchestra (5:30 and 6:30 p.m.).

• Periwinkle Place: Look for special sales, free chili at Blue Giraffe Island Bar & Grill, and refreshments at Congress Jewelers and Her Sports Closet.

• Music & More: The Sanibel Music Festival kicks off at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ with a concert at 4 p.m., while The Village Shops and Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will offer live music, bounce houses, and refreshments.

Captiva Celebrates on Friday

The magic continues Friday, Dec. 6 on Captiva Island. The luminary trail will guide guests from ‘Tween Waters Inn & Marina, down Andy Rosse Lane, and out to South Seas. Participating businesses will feature live music, retail specials, and holiday cheer.

Logistics & Parking

 

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is the presenting sponsor for this year’s stroll, helping to cap off the 50th-anniversary year.

Parking for the Sanibel event (Dec. 5) is available at:

• Olde Sanibel Shoppes

• Periwinkle Place Shops

• Tahitian Gardens

• The Community House

• The Shops at Jerry’s

Maps will be available at the Chamber’s Visitor Center (1159 Causeway Blvd) and at sponsor locations.

With more retailers and restaurants open than in the past two years, this weekend offers the perfect opportunity to support the local island economy while enjoying the holiday spirit.

If You Go:

• What: 39th Annual Luminary Stroll

• When: Dec. 5 (Sanibel) & Dec. 6 (Captiva) | 4 to 9 p.m.

• Cost: Free and open to the public

• More Info: Visit sanibel-captiva.org/luminary