Category: Island Update

The Cape Coral City Council has denied a rezoning request that would have increased the density and height of a residential property. The council voted 7-1 to deny the request, following a recommendation from the city planning staff.

The staff recommended denial because the rezoning did not meet the land development code criteria. The staff also cited concerns about traffic and the impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Some residents spoke against the rezoning, and a petition opposing it was submitted.

The developer argued that the rezoning would allow for a high-end multifamily project. However, the council ultimately decided that the rezoning was not in the best interests of the community.

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Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is set to open on December 15, 2023, according to Allegiant Travel Co. officials. The 785-room resort, which has cost more than $653 million to build, is located on more than 22 acres on Charlotte Harbor. Reservations for Nov. 20 and beyond were previously accepted, but the opening date was pushed back.

The resort will feature 20 wholly owned and branded food and beverage concepts, including seven signature restaurants, 11 bars and lounges, and the 25,000-square-foot Harbor Yard’s Food Hall.

The opening of Sunseeker Resort has been eagerly anticipated by the Charlotte Harbor community and beyond. The resort is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs and generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the region.

The resort’s original opening date was in 2020, but construction was halted for 17 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hurricane Ian also damaged the construction site more than 13 months ago.

Despite the setbacks, Sunseeker Resort is now on track to open on December 15, 2023. The resort is expected to be a major tourist destination and a boon to the Charlotte Harbor economy.

What to Expect at Sunseeker Resort

Sunseeker Resort will offer a variety of amenities and activities for guests of all ages. The resort will feature:

• 785 guest rooms and suites
• 20 food and beverage concepts
• A 25,000-square-foot spa
• A fitness center
• A kids club
• A 10,000-square-foot pool deck
• A lazy river
• Multiple tennis courts
• A basketball court
• A golf simulator
• A bowling alley
• A movie theater
• A retail village

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The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (DDWS) has made significant progress in its storm recovery efforts since Hurricane Ian devastated the refuge in September 2022.

The refuge’s Visitor & Education Center has almost returned to pre-hurricane conditions, and school field trips have resumed. Habitat cleanup and trails and Visitor & Education Center restoration continue with the DDWS’s support. Intern housing to replace what the storm destroyed remains a top need. Since the storm, the DDWS has been supporting housing rentals until the refuge is able to build new accommodations.

The DDWS is also working to restore the refuge’s natural habitats, which were severely damaged by the storm. Mangroves, which play an important role in protecting the coast from erosion and storm surge, were especially hard hit. The DDWS is planting new mangrove seedlings and working to restore damaged mangrove stands.

The DDWS is grateful for the support of the community and its partners in its storm recovery efforts. The refuge is open to visitors, but some areas may be closed due to storm damage. Please check the DDWS website for the latest information.

Here are some specific examples of the DDWS’s storm recovery efforts:

• The DDWS has planted over 10,000 mangrove seedlings since Hurricane Ian.
• The DDWS has cleared over 50 miles of trails since the storm.
• The DDWS has repaired or replaced over 100 signs and markers since the storm.
• The DDWS has restored the Visitor & Education Center to near pre-hurricane conditions.
• The DDWS has resumed school field trips.

The DDWS is committed to restoring the refuge to its former glory. With the support of the community and its partners, the DDWS is confident that it will be able to achieve this goal.

Sanibel Sea School is excited to announce its Winter Camp 2023 program! This year’s camp will be held on December 27-29, 2023, and is open to children ages 6-13.

Campers will learn about the marine life of Sanibel and Captiva Islands through hands-on activities, games, and experiments. They will also have the opportunity to go surfing, seining, and snorkeling.

New for 2023:

• Campers will learn about the importance of coral reefs and how to protect them.
• They will also learn about the different types of marine mammals that call the Gulf of Mexico home.

Week 1: Jingle All the Way Week

• Date: December 27-29, 2023
• Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
• Location: Sanibel Sea School Homestead Campus (1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL)
• Age: 6-13
• Cost: $225 per camper
• CIT cost is $159 and camp runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Week 2: Chiton Countdown

• Jan. 2-5 at the Bailey Homestead campus
• Location: 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
• Camper cost is $300 and camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• CIT cost is $212 and camp runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The CIT program is designed to teach older campers the skills needed for leadership and future employment. CITs are a vital link between the younger campers and counselors in programs.

Registration for the camps will open on Nov. 4 at 10 a.m.

To register:

Please visit sanibelseaschool.org/registerforcamp/ to register online. Space is limited, so register early!

Registration Open for 30th Annual SCCF Tennis Tournament!

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is excited to announce that registration is now open for its 30th Annual Tennis Tournament! This year’s event will be held on November 11-12 at the Beachview Tennis Club, located at 1101 Par View Drive on Sanibel Island.

The tournament will feature men’s and women’s doubles 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 on the first day, followed by mixed doubles 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 on the second day. All entrants will receive an event T-shirt, as well as breakfast and lunch on both days. Winners and runners-up will receive Luc Century etched wine glasses.

The entry fee is $100 per day or $150 for both days. Entries and payment must be received by November 4, 2023. To register, please contact tournament director Toni Halski at 239-472-9099.

Proceeds from the tournament will support SCCF’s mission to protect and conserve the natural resources of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Don’t miss out on this fun and competitive event! Register today!

For more information about the event, please visit sccf.org/event/30th-sccf-tennis-tournament/

If you’re a Sanibel resident or property owner, it’s time to purchase your 2024 beach parking permit! Permits went on sale on October 30th and are available for purchase at the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road.

To qualify for a permit, you must bring the following:

• Valid vehicle registration or lease agreement for each vehicle
• Valid government-issued identification with a Sanibel address or proof of Sanibel property ownership

Payment may be made via cash, check, or credit card.

Permits are valid through November 30, 2024.

Here is a summary of the different types of beach parking permits available:

• Resident “A” sticker: For Sanibel residents and property owners. Fee: $14
• Resident “A/C” sticker: For Sanibel residents and property owners who purchase a permit for more than one vehicle. Fee: $113

Why purchase a beach parking permit?

There are several benefits to purchasing a Sanibel Beach Parking Permit:

• Save money: Permits are significantly cheaper than paying daily parking fees.
• Convenience: Permit holders can park in any public beach parking lot on Sanibel Island.
• Peace of mind: Permit holders are less likely to have to worry about finding a parking spot, especially during peak season.

How to purchase a beach parking permit:

To purchase a beach parking permit, simply visit the Sanibel Recreation Center during their regular business hours. The Recreation 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.

Tips for purchasing a beach parking permit:

• Purchase your permit early: Permits tend to sell out quickly, especially during the early bird period.
• Bring all required documentation: Make sure to bring your vehicle registration or lease agreement, proof of residency or property ownership, and valid government-issued identification.
• Pay in cash or check: Credit and debit cards are also accepted, but cash or check is often faster and easier.

If you have any questions about beach parking permits, please contact the Sanibel Recreation Center at (239) 472-0345.

The Santiva Islanders Calendar is a great way to stay up-to-date on upcoming events on the island. Here are some of the events happening in October:

• Coffee Bistro: October 26 and 31, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s. Coffee and other beverages will be served. Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, offer signups for activities and more. Enter off of Dunlop Road.
• Cardio and Strength Classes: October 26 and 31, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s. Mahnaz Bassir will host a Cardio and Strength class at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s. This class is a great way to get a full-body workout that includes light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Participants are encouraged to bring water and a towel, but a mat is not required. Light weights may also be brought, but they are not necessary.

  The cost of the class is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Members can also purchase a monthly membership for $40, which gives them unlimited access to all Cardio and Strength classes. Non-members can purchase a monthly membership for $80.

  The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s is located at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. To get there, take Dunlop Road and turn onto Periwinkle Way. The entrance to the church will be on your left

• Fun and Games: October 26, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s. This is a great opportunity to come out and have some fun with friends and family, while also meeting new people in the community. There will be a variety of games to choose from, including cards, board games, puzzles, Bridge, and Mahjong. If you’re new to any of the games, there will be experienced players available to teach you how to play. To get to The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s, take Dunlop Road and turn onto Periwinkle Way. The entrance to the church will be on your left. For more information about the event, please contact The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s at 239-472-2772.
• Stretch and Tone Class: October 26, 1 to 2 p.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s.

  Mahnaz Bassir will host a Stretch and Tone class at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s. This class is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance. The exercises are done standing or sitting in chairs, so no mat is needed. Participants are encouraged to bring water and a towel.

  The cost of the class is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Members can also purchase a monthly membership for $40, which gives them unlimited access to all Stretch and Tone classes. Non-members can purchase a monthly membership for $80.

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The holiday season is just around the corner, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate on Captiva and Sanibel. Here are three upcoming events to mark your calendars for:

• Fall Festival and Candy Carnival: This event will be held on October 28th at The Community House on Sanibel. It will feature carnival games, a costume contest, and lots of candy.
• Fall Fest: This event will be held on October 29th at Woodhaven on Sanibel. It will feature a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating contest, games, and candy.
• Halloween Party & Potluck Social: This event will be held on October 31st at the Captiva Civic Center. It is a potluck event with a costume contest and bar refreshments.

All of these events are free and open to the public. So come on out and celebrate the holiday season with your island community!

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Concludes on Islands with Record-Breaking Loggerhead Season

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that the last remaining sea turtle nest on Sanibel and Captiva was inventoried on Oct. 13, concluding the islands’ record-breaking loggerhead nesting season.

This year, the islands had a record 1,177 loggerhead nests, as well as 24 green sea turtle nests — about average for Sanibel and Captiva. A total of 27,368 hatchlings emerged into the Gulf of Mexico.

SCCF sea turtle biologist Jack Brzoza said the record-breaking season is “a testament to the success of our conservation efforts.” He added that the islands’ beaches provide critical nesting habitat for loggerhead sea turtles, which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

“Loggerhead sea turtles play an important role in the marine ecosystem,” Brzoza said. “They help to keep seagrass beds healthy, which provides food and habitat for other marine life.”

Brzoza reminded beachgoers to continue to be mindful of sea turtles throughout the remainder of the year. Even though nesting season has ended, sea turtles still feed and migrate through the Gulf of Mexico.

The “Protect Captiva” coalition has been advised that the Board of County Commissioners may soon schedule a hearing to adopt the proposed amendments to the Captiva chapter of the Lee Plan which eliminate the Captiva height limitations from the Plan, notwithstanding the comments from the State’s Bureau of Community Planning and Growth calling the County amendments a “false flag” operation, and despite opposition from almost everyone on the islands of Captiva and Sanibel. Rarely has an elected political body so ignored the nearly unanimous views of the community it represents. Now, as part of the “Protect Captiva” coalition’s efforts to represent the Captiva community, our Attorney was asked to critically analyze the legal issues raised by the proposed amendments and to provide his legal opinion to the County.

The full legal opinion, which is available with this update, is summarized below:

Our Attorney’s legal opinion is that the current Captiva Code, the current Lee Plan, and the County’s current Build-back provisions already allow for property owners on Captiva to build new structures in compliance with updated federal flood elevation standards, and to rebuild damaged nonconforming structures in compliance with updated federal flood elevation standards without a reduction in use, density, intensity, size or square footage of their structures.

His legal analysis concludes that the proposed amendments to the Lee Plan and Land Development Code are unnecessary to allow property owners to build back their damaged properties, and have, ironically, compelled County Staff to endorse an interpretation of the County’s build back provisions which actually hinder the ability to build back.

The proposed amendments would instead allow for an increase in hotel and residential density on Captiva – a hurricane-prone Coastal High Hazard Area – without a full analysis of the impact on infrastructure, evacuation routes, and the environment in violation of Florida’s Community Planning Act. The proposed Plan and Code amendments are not required for resiliency, would make Captiva less resilient and less safe by increasing the density and intensity of use inside and outside of South Seas Island Resort, and unlawfully contradict important environmental policies and objectives of the Lee Plan.

The proposed amendments also grant special development benefits for one landowner on Captiva, thus subjecting the County to colorable federal equal protection claims. This discriminatory benefit for a single property owner also sets a precedent for more intense development over the entire island.

In light of these concerns, our Attorney requests that the Board of County Commissioners revisit this entire matter and cease any effort to amend the Lee Plan. It is hoped that the County will evaluate its liability associated with these legal issues, and agree that the proposed amendments discard long-held community standards on Captiva and allow for an ill-advised increase in hotel rooms and additional floors of buildable living space on a narrow barrier island within the Coastal High Hazard Area with limited evacuation capacity just one year after that island was devastated by Hurricane Ian.

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