Category: Island Update

The Island Coalition, a group of residents and businesses on Captiva Island, is continuing to fight changes to the island’s zoning and land use regulations that were proposed by the Lee County Commission. The coalition argues that the changes would allow for more development on the island, which could have negative impacts on the environment, infrastructure, and quality of life.

The county commission is scheduled to vote on the proposed changes on October 10th. In the meantime, the Island Coalition is urging residents to contact their commissioners and express their opposition to the changes. The coalition has also sent a memo to state agencies asking them to weigh in on the issue.

The memo argues that the proposed changes are not supported by the data and analysis required by the Community Planning Act. The coalition also claims that the county failed to analyze the potential impacts of the changes on the island’s infrastructure, roads, hurricane evacuation routes, water resources, septic systems, sewer project, and environmental resources.

The Island Coalition has stated that if the county commission adopts the proposed changes without change, they will evaluate and pursue the best legal options to protect Captiva Island.

What you can do

If you are concerned about the proposed changes to Captiva Island’s zoning and land use regulations, there are a few things you can do:

• Contact your Lee County commissioner and express your opposition to the changes.
• Send a letter to the editor of the Captiva-Sanibel Reporter or the Islander and Current stating your concerns.
• Attend the county commission meeting on October 10th and speak out against the changes.
• Donate to the Island Coalition to help support their fight to protect Captiva Island.

Together, we can make a difference in protecting the island we love.

Bringing back the potluck by popular demand!

The CCA will be hosting a Halloween Party & Potluck Social on Tuesday, October 31, 5:00-7:00pm. This event will be geared more toward adults, with bar refreshments and candy treats provided by the CCA. Guests are asked to bring a dish to share if they are able, and costumes are encouraged, of course!

To RSVP Click here. The event is free and open to the public, but these help us know how many to plan for.

Sanibel Causeway Emergency Restoration: As a part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Emergency Restoration of the Sanibel Causeway, crews continue work on McGregor Boulevard and the Sanibel Causeway from Port Comfort Road to Sanibel Island. The causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and are currently closed for public access, including from the water.

• Motorists should be aware that through October and November, portions of the travel lanes near the bridges on the Causeway will be narrowed to 10 feet with a one-foot shoulder and barrier wall on each side. Oversized loads will only be permitted during the nighttime/overnight hours with this restriction.
• During the overnight/nighttime hours on Sunday, Oct. 1, crews will shift the travel lanes on the first causeway island to the temporary roadway. Motorists should expect delays during the overnight hours. This shift is necessary for crews to raise the elevation of the existing/permanent road approximately 2 feet.
• During the hours of 6:30-11 a.m., motorists leaving Sanibel should expect eastbound McGregor Boulevard to be reduced to one lane from just east of the toll plaza to Port Comfort Road. This closed lane will be used as a dedicated lane for concrete delivery trucks arriving to the project. Concrete trucks will be escorted by FHP when using this lane. During this time, motorists traveling to Sanibel should expect FHP to intermittently stop traffic to allow concrete trucks to cross westbound travel lanes to reach the staging area.
• Motorists should expect isolated flagging operations on the Causeway. Crews anticipate opening all lanes between the hours of 7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.
• Motorists should expect uneven road surface on the causeway through the end of the year. The contractor continuously monitors road conditions and is prepared to make repairs as needed.
• Crews are relocating utilities along McGregor Boulevard. Motorists are asked to use caution as work activities may be close to the roadway.
• Crews continue driving sheet pile on the causeway islands.
• Motorists should expect numerous dump trucks entering and exiting Punta Rassa. They are delivering armor stone to be used throughout the project.
• Motorists should expect periodic daytime delays for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment, and for crews to remove trash from the roadway.
• Many oversized vehicles are crossing the causeway to assist with recovery efforts on the island. Please be patient as travel may be slower than usual. Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway, and pedestrians are not permitted on the Sanibel Causeway. Expect shoulder closures throughout the project.

MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED TO OBEY THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 20 MPH. Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway.

For further questions, please contact Jennifer Dorning by email at [email protected] or by phone at (239) 338-7723. Please visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway for additional information.

A new clock was unveiled in Fort Myers Beach, Florida on September 28, 2023, one year after Hurricane Ian destroyed the original clock that stood in Times Square. The new clock was produced in Cincinnati, Ohio by The Verdin Company, who have been making clocks and bells since 1842. The clock was donated by George and Linda Merschman.

The original clock was a beloved landmark on Fort Myers Beach, and its loss was a major blow to the community. The new clock is a replica of the original, and it is a symbol of the community’s resilience and determination to rebuild.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by hundreds of people, including community members, elected officials, and donors. The ceremony began with a moment of silence for the victims of Hurricane Ian. Then, George and Linda Merschman were presented with a plaque of appreciation for their donation.

The unveiling of the new clock is a significant milestone in the recovery of Fort Myers Beach. It is a reminder of the community’s strength and resilience, and it is a symbol of hope for the future

Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage to Sanibel Island, Florida, in September 2022. One of the most heavily damaged structures was Fire Station 172, which served as the island’s primary fire station.

The station was flooded with over 10 feet of water, and the damage was so extensive that it had to be demolished. The Sanibel Fire Department has been operating out of a temporary facility since the storm, but the need for a new fire station is urgent.

The construction of a new Fire Station 172 is underway, and it is expected to be completed in 2024. The new station will be located on the same site as the old one, but it will be elevated to protect it from future flooding.

The new station will also be equipped with state-of-the-art fire and rescue equipment. This will ensure that the Sanibel Fire Department is able to continue to provide the best possible service to the island’s residents and visitors.

The rebuilding of Fire Station 172 is a symbol of the Sanibel community’s resilience in the face of adversity. It is also a reminder of the importance of investing in public safety infrastructure.

The early registration deadline for the 10K/5K Race4FISH is approaching quickly! Runners who register by September 30, 2023 will save on their registration fee.

The race will be held on October 22, 2023 at The Community House on Sanibel. There will also be a kids’ race and family fun day taking place on the same day.

In-person early registration is open now through September 25 for $45. From September 26 through December 1, the in-person fee will be $50; ages 18 and under can register for $35 from now until December 1. On race day, the in-person fee will be $55. The virtual fee is $50.

To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH.

The Sanibel Island Beach Resort has reopened its doors, just days before the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. The resort was heavily damaged by the storm, but has been rebuilt and is now ready to welcome guests.

The reopening is a major milestone for the island’s recovery from Hurricane Ian. The resort is a major employer and a significant contributor to the island’s economy. Its reopening is expected to boost tourism and bring back jobs.

The resort has made a number of improvements since Hurricane Ian. It has installed new storm-hardened windows and doors, and it has elevated the resort’s electrical and mechanical systems to reduce the risk of flooding.

The resort is also offering a number of special packages to celebrate its reopening. Guests can book a stay in a newly renovated room or suite, and they can enjoy a variety of dining and activity options.

The reopening of the Sanibel Island Beach Resort is a sign of hope for the island. It is a reminder that Sanibel is still a beautiful and vibrant place, and it is ready to welcome visitors back.

Click here for the full article

Country music fans rejoice! The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is back for its 10th year, and it’s bigger and better than ever. The festival kicks off on Friday, September 22nd, and runs through Sunday, October 1st, with dozens of singer-songwriters performing at various venues throughout Lee County.

One of the biggest headliners this year is Chris Janson. Janson is a Grammy-nominated country singer-songwriter who has scored many hits of his own, including “Buy Me a Boat,” “Good Vibes,” and “Fix a Drink.” He’ll be performing a poolside concert with Kristian Bush of Sugarland on Sunday, October 1st at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.

Also, there is no tolls for the Sanibel Island bridge for two days of the fest, courtesy of the nonprofit Collaboratory and the Lee County Tourist Development Council. They’re paying for the tolls to be waived Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24, according to a Collaboratory news release. Tolls still apply for Island Fest shows Friday, Sept. 22.

Other highlights this year include:

• Grammy-winning songwriter Tim James, who co-wrote Toby Keith’s “My List” and The Lost Trailers’ “Holler Back” (Various Captiva Island venues, Sept. 22-24. Free.)
• Ben Burgess, who co-wrote The Jonas Brothers’ “Chillin in the Summertime” and Morgan Wallen’s “Whiskey Glasses” (Various Captiva Island venues, Sept. 22-24. Free.)
• Emily Shackelton, co-writer of Carly Pearce’s No. 1 single “Every Little Thing” (Various Captiva Island venues, Sept. 22-24. Free.)
• Chris Bepko, grand prize winner of Davis Art Center’s annual singer-songwriter competition in Fort Myers (three shows scheduled for Sept. 26-29 in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. Free.)
• Kristian Bush, the Sugarland singer-songwriter is an Island Hopper regular. He’ll play the headlining show with Chris Janson, but he also performs two free Fort Myers Beach shows (9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at Bayside Park, 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille)
• And local singer-songwriters Sheena Brook and Brian Sutherland, playing the outdoor concert Music on the Mound (2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at The Mound House on Fort Myers Beach. $45 includes beer, wine, soft drinks, water, appetizers and museum admission. Brook and Sutherland also play several free shows separately at other venues during the festival).

Most shows are free, although there are several ticketed events this year. Tickets for the Janson and Bush pool party are $45. For tickets and information, download the Island Hopper app or visit IslandHopperFest.com.

Whether you’re a fan of country music, or you just want to enjoy a fun weekend in Lee County, be sure to check out the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest!

The Sanibel Farmers Market is Returning of its 16^th Season. Located at City Hall it will open every Sunday, starting October 1^st to May 26^6th  from 9am to 1pm . The Sanibel Farmers Market is a vibrant and colorful weekly event that showcases the best of local produce, prepared foods, and artisanal goods. It’s a great place to find fresh, seasonal ingredients for your next meal, or to simply browse and sample the many offering.

Sanibel city hall is located at 800 Dunlop Road Sanibel, FL 33957.

Tt’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike, and it’s easy to see why. The market has a wide variety of vendors, selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to baked goods, meats, seafood, flowers, and prepared foods.

Here are just a few of the things you can find at the Sanibel Farmers Market:

• Fresh, seasonal produce from local farms
• Baked goods, including breads, pastries, and pies
• Meats and seafood from local farmers and fishermen
• Flowers and plants
• Prepared foods, such as sandwiches, salads, and soups
• Artisanal goods, such as jewelry, pottery, and candles

In addition to shopping, the market is also a great place to socialize and enjoy the outdoors. There are often live music performances and other events happening, and there are plenty of places to sit and relax with a cup of coffee or a snack.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your visit to the Sanibel Farmers Market:

• Arrive early to beat the crowds and get the best selection of produce.
• Bring cash, as many of the vendors do not accept credit cards.
• Bring your own reusable bags to reduce waste.
• Don’t be afraid to sample the different foods and drinks on offer. Most of the vendors are happy to let you try their products before you buy.
• Take some time to browse the artisanal goods and crafts. You’re sure to find some unique and beautiful items to take home.

No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at the Sanibel Farmers Market. It’s a great place to support local businesses, enjoy fresh, delicious food, and soak up the island atmosphere.

For more info visit this link