Category: Island Update

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working hard to bring the Sanibel Causeway back to its former glory, and they’re pushing for substantial completion of the roadway work before the end of the year!

Here’s what you need to know:

• Nighttime Work & Traffic Shifts: To accelerate progress, expect lane closures and traffic shifts between 7 pm and 6 am throughout the week. Flaggers will be on hand to guide the way, but be prepared for delays and allow extra travel time.
• McGregor Boulevard Lane Closure: The weekday closure between 6 am and noon on eastbound McGregor Boulevard remains in effect for material delivery. Don’t worry, it’s not expected to impact traffic flow and will be lifted if it does.
• Smooth Sailing Ahead (Soon!): Asphalt crews are paving the remaining sections, weather permitting. Once complete, traffic will shift to the permanent roadway, and two westbound lanes through the toll plaza are expected to open!
• Friendly Reminders:
  • Bicyclists, please use alternative routes. Pedestrians are not allowed on the causeway during construction hours.
  • Narrowed lanes (10 feet) and shoulder closures are in effect.
  • Stay safe! Obey the 20 mph speed limit, watch for workers and construction vehicles, and enjoy the progress!

We know this final push means some temporary inconveniences, but the payoff is just around the corner – a beautiful, rebuilt Sanibel Causeway ready to welcome you back!

Stay tuned for updates and celebrate with us as the completion date approaches!

Florida’s median annual salary reached $51,900 in November, representing a 6.2% increase compared to the previous year, according to ADP National Employment Report’s Pay Insights. This data indicates continued wage growth for Florida’s workforce.

Key findings:

• Year-over-year median change in annual pay: 6.2%
• Median annual salary: $51,900
• National year-over-year median change in annual pay: 5.6% (slowest since September 2021)
• Median change in annual pay for job switchers: 8.1% (smallest year-over-year increase since June 2021)

The report highlights:

• The positive wage growth in Florida, exceeding the national average of 5.6%.
• The slower wage growth nationally, marking the lowest since September 2021.
• The higher wage growth for job switchers (8.1%) compared to those who remained in their roles.

Overall, the data suggests a healthy and growing job market in Florida, with wages increasing for employees despite national trends.

Click here for thee full report

he Santiva Islanders are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing social, recreational, and educational opportunities for adults on Sanibel and Captiva islands. They offer a variety of events and activities throughout the year, and I’m excited to share some of their upcoming offerings with you!

Happy Hour at MudBugs

Join the Santiva Islanders for a fun and festive Happy Hour at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen on December 11th from 4-6 PM. Enjoy delicious appetizers and drink specials in a lively atmosphere.

Coffee Bistro

Start your day off right with the Coffee Bistro on December 12th from 10 AM to 2:30 PM at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s. Enjoy coffee, tea, and other beverages, meet fellow islanders, and learn more about the Santiva Islanders organization.

Cardio & Strength Class

Stay active with Mahnaz Bassir’s Cardio & Strength class on December 12th from 10:30-11:30 AM at The Gathering Place. This class is suitable for all fitness levels and includes light aerobics, strength training, and stretching.

Page Turners Book Club

Join the Page Turners Book Club on December 12th from 1-2 PM via Zoom to discuss “The Girl With the Louding Voice” by Abi Dare. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers and share your thoughts on the latest reads.

Christmas Leisure Lunch

Celebrate the holidays with the Christmas Leisure Lunch on December 13th from noon to 1 PM at Traders. Enjoy a delicious meal and festive atmosphere with friends and neighbors.

The Santiva Islanders offer an annual membership for only $25, which allows you to participate in all of their events and activities. You can learn more about them and find more information on their website: https://santivaislanders.org/

Captiva Island residents and stakeholders voiced overwhelming support for a proposed bill that would designate the island as a conservation area. The bill, currently in its early stages, would protect Captiva’s unique character and fragile environment by limiting future development and safeguarding existing regulations on building height and density. It remains to be seen whether policymakers will heed their call and protect this irreplaceable gem of Southwest Florida.

Captiva Island residents and stakeholders resoundingly voiced support for a proposed bill that would designate the island as a conservation area. This groundbreaking legislation, currently in its early stages, aims to safeguard Captiva’s unique character and fragile environment by limiting future development and preserving existing regulations on building height and density.

The tide of public opinion overwhelmingly favored the proposed bill. Nearly 40 speakers took the podium at a recent Lee County Legislative Delegation meeting, representing diverse organizations and individual voices. Their message was clear: preserve Captiva’s charm and beauty for generations to come.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact of unchecked development on the island’s infrastructure, delicate ecosystem, and the very essence of its character. Speakers highlighted the need to protect the island’s natural beauty, tranquility, and unique low-density atmosphere that sets it apart from other tourist destinations.

The bill is viewed by many as a way to “cement” existing land use policies that have been in place for over a decade. These regulations have proven successful in maintaining Captiva’s special character and ensuring its ecological sustainability.

While the proposed bill received widespread support, there were some dissenting voices. The South Seas resort, represented by owners and legal counsel, argued that the legislation infringes upon property rights and hinders economic development. However, these arguments were met with strong counterpoints from the Captiva Community Panel. They emphasized that the bill merely “ratifies” existing regulations and in fact provides greater flexibility for South Seas development compared to current administrative interpretations.

The future of Captiva Island hangs in the balance. The proposed conservation area bill is currently under review by the Lee County Legislative Delegation, and public hearings and further discussions are likely to follow. The outcome of this process will determine the fate of this precious island and its unique way of life.

dditional details:

• The bill was proposed by Rep. Adam Botana (R-District 80) in response to concerns about the Lee County’s proposed amendments to the Lee Plan and Land Development Code.
• The proposed amendments would remove existing regulations on building height and density, potentially allowing for increased development on Captiva.
• The Captiva Community Panel, a group of residents and stakeholders, has been working for years to draft the Captiva chapters of the Lee Plan and LDC.
• The panel argues that the proposed legislation simply “ratifies” existing regulations and does not violate any property rights.

This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available

Click here for more information

The festive season is upon us, and the islands are buzzing with holiday cheer. While the SanCap Chamber’s annual Holiday Luminary has been postponed to 2024, there’s no shortage of events to keep the spirit alive.

December 8th is a day packed with Luminary celebrations:

Adventures in Paradise Outfitters: Enjoy complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres from 4 to 8 p.m. in their Tahitian Gardens.

Jerry’s Foods: From 5 to 8 p.m., join Christmas caroling, ornament decorating, and a visit from Santa. Food and wine samples will be available, and the Boy Scouts will serve hot dogs and sodas for donations.

Whitney’s Bait & Tackle: Starting around 5 p.m., shop for holiday gifts and enjoy festive cheer.

The CCA is pleased to present a full slate of holiday events, perfect for getting into the festive spirit. Join us for a mix of community events, art, music, and holiday cheer.

Holiday Bazaar

On December 4th and 5th, the CCA will host its first annual Holiday Bazaar. The bazaar will feature around 20 local artists and their work. This is a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping while supporting local artists. The bazaar will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on December 4th and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 5th.

Program

In conjunction with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, the CCA will present “Resilient Landscapes — Part I” on November 30th. This program will cover how Captiva’s natural habitats help protect it when faced with extreme weather events. The program will be held at the Captiva Civic Center at 2 p.m.

Cocktail Party

On December 4th, the CCA will also host a “Jingle & Mingle” Porch & Patio Party. This event will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, and bar refreshments. The party will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

We hope to see you at one of our holiday events!

About the Captiva Civic Association

The CCA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Captiva residents. The CCA offers a variety of programs and services, including community events, advocacy, and support for local businesses.

We hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions.

The Captiva Community Panel (CCP) is strongly opposed to recent changes made to the Lee County Land Development Code and Plan. The panel believes that the changes will allow for increased density and building heights on the island, which will have a negative impact on the environment and the quality of life for residents.

The CCP is particularly concerned about the changes to the future land use map, which would allow for more intensive development in some areas of the island. The panel is also concerned about the changes to the density and height regulations, which would allow for taller buildings and more units per acre.

The CCP believes that the changes to the Lee County Land Development Code and Plan are not in line with the comprehensive plan for Captiva Island, which calls for low-density development and the preservation of the island’s natural resources. The panel is also concerned that the changes were made without adequate public input.

The CCP is considering alternative governance options for Captiva Island, such as incorporation or the creation of a special district. The panel believes that these options would give Captiva residents more control over their island’s future.

The CCP is urging Lee County Commissioners to reconsider the changes to the Land Development Code and Plan. The panel is also asking residents to contact their commissioners and express their opposition to the changes.

In addition to the CCP’s concerns, there are a number of other reasons why the changes to the Lee County Land Development Code and Plan are a bad idea. First, the changes would lead to increased traffic congestion and pollution. Second, the changes would make it more difficult for Captiva to maintain its unique character and charm. Third, the changes would make it more difficult for Captiva to protect its natural resources.

For all of these reasons, the CCP is urging Lee County Commissioners to reconsider the changes to the Land Development Code and Plan. The panel is also asking residents to contact their commissioners and express their opposition to the changes.

Sanibel moves forward with resilient build-back efforts

In an effort to support resilient build-back efforts following Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance adjusting maximum building heights within ecological zones. This decision paves the way for more resilient structures that can better withstand future storms.

The approved ordinance removes the limitation for residential or institutional/civic structures of 35 feet above predevelopment grade, while maintaining the maximum height of 45 feet NAVD. Additionally, the primary angle of light measurement is changed from 20 feet above predevelopment grade to 30 feet NAVD, and the secondary angle of light measurement is changed from 25 feet above predevelopment grade to 35 feet NAVD.

Why the Changes Were Necessary

The previous building height restrictions made it challenging for homeowners to rebuild their properties after Hurricane Ian, particularly for single-family homes. Recognizing this need for flexibility, the City Council sought to adjust the regulations to allow for more resilient construction practices.

Community Engagement and Input

The decision to modify building height regulations was not taken lightly. The City Council engaged in extensive discussions with the community, including public hearings and workshops, to gather input and feedback. This transparent approach ensured that the community’s concerns were heard and considered.

Moving Forward with Resilience

The approved building height changes represent a significant step forward in Sanibel’s efforts to build back better and more resiliently. By allowing for taller structures and more flexible design options, the City is empowering homeowners to protect their properties from future storms while preserving the island’s unique character.

Sanibel and Captiva residents can safely dispose of unwanted chemicals

Island residents will be able to safely and responsibly dispose of household chemical waste—leftover paints, cleaners, herbicides, pesticides, automotive fluids, and pool chemicals—on December 6, 2023.

Hosted in partnership with Lee County Solid Waste, a household chemical waste collection event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road Sanibel. Drop off of items will be an easy drive-thru process available to all residents—at no charge.

What can be brought to the event:

Leftover paints, thinners, and paint removers
Household cleaners, such as oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and drain cleaners
Yard and garden chemicals, such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers
Pool chemicals
Automotive fluids, such as antifreeze, motor oil, and brake fluid
Other household hazardous wastes, such as batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and propane tanks
What cannot be brought to the event:

Empty paint cans and dried paint
Empty automotive fluid containers
Small-engine equipment, such as pressure washers, lawnmowers, and weed eaters
Small electronic parts, such as routers, mice, and keyboards
Small appliances
Tires
How to prepare items for disposal:

Keep containers in their original packaging if possible.
If the original packaging is not available, label the containers clearly with the contents.
Do not mix chemicals together.
Place containers in a sturdy box or bag to prevent spills.
For more information:

Please visit the Lee County Solid Waste website or call 239-533-8000.
Additional tips for safely disposing of household chemicals:

If you have a small amount of hazardous waste, you can dispose of it at a hazardous waste collection event or a household hazardous waste recycling facility.
If you have a large amount of hazardous waste, you may need to contact a professional hazardous waste disposal company.
Never pour hazardous waste down the drain or into storm sewers.
Store hazardous waste in a safe place, away from children and pets.
By properly disposing of household chemical waste, we can help protect our environment and our health.