Category: Island Update

The team behind Traditions on the Beach at Island Inn, a beloved Sanibel Island restaurant, is thrilled to announce the expansion of their culinary expertise to Fort Myers. The new restaurant, located at 13451 McGregor Blvd in the Cypress Square Plaza, will occupy the former Stillwater Grille location.

Bellini’s holds a special place in the hearts of many, with a rich history on Captiva Island. Now, they are bringing that cherished legacy to Fort Myers, promising to create an unforgettable dining experience.

With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a menu that reflects the flavors of the Gulf Coast, Traditions on the Beach at Island Inn has been a staple in the Sanibel Island dining scene for over two decades. Now, they are bringing their signature hospitality and culinary excellence to Fort Myers.

The new location will feature a similar menu to its Sanibel counterpart, with a focus on fresh seafood, prime steaks, and delectable pasta dishes. Guests can expect an inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and a commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Traditions on the Beach to Fort Myers,” said [name], co-owner of Traditions on the Beach at Island Inn. “We have always admired the Fort Myers community, and we believe that our restaurant will be a welcome addition to the local dining scene.”

The restaurant is expected to open in early 2024. For more information and to stay up-to-date on the latest developments, please visit the Traditions on the Beach at Island Inn website or social media pages.

Get ready for a day of music, food, and fun at the Sound+Waves Music Festival on December 2nd!

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is excited to announce that tickets are now available for the Sound+Waves Music Festival, a day of music, food, and fun on December 2nd from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva. The festival will take place in conjunction with the 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K, which is scheduled for the same day.

Proceeds from the festival will support F.I.S.H.’s continued efforts to help those affected by Hurricane Ian. The organization has been a vital resource for Sanibel residents in the aftermath of the storm, providing food, water, financial assistance, and other support services.

“Our community has endured a lot since Ian, and F.I.S.H. has been here every step of the way, offering recovery assistance to survivors,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of F.I.S.H. “We’re excited to plan this festival as a way to demonstrate our commitment to our community.”

The Sound+Waves Music Festival will feature a lineup of talented local musicians, including Jessica Jones, Joe Marcinek, Will Montgomery, Marcus White, Shane Platten, Will Neal, Rick Bennedetto, and Chris Sgammato. These musicians will perform a variety of acoustic sets, including songs from their respective bands, familiar favorites, and festive tunes.

In addition to the music, there will be food and beverages available for purchase. Advance tickets are required and can be purchased online at [https://FISHmusicfestival.rsvpify.com: https://FISHmusicfestival.rsvpify.com]. Tickets are $125 per person and there will be no on-site sales.

The F.I.S.H. 10K/5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. The Sanibel Recreation Center will also host a Holiday Event and Youth Reindeer Run from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information about the race, please visit [https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH].

We hope to see you there!

About F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of services to the Sanibel-Captiva community, including emergency assistance, food and nutrition programs, financial assistance, transportation services, and advocacy.

About the Sound+Waves Music Festival

The Sound+Waves Music Festival is a celebration of Sanibel’s resilience and a fundraiser to support F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva. The festival will feature a lineup of talented local musicians, food, beverages, and more.

Contact:

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva 239-472-1137

The City of Sanibel continues to gather input from residents on future housing needs.

The City of Sanibel has extended the deadline for its online Housing Needs Survey to November 17, 2023. The survey is being conducted in collaboration with the Bright Community Trust and FEMA Community Assistance Program to better understand the housing needs of the Sanibel community.

The survey is designed to gather information on the current housing situation of Sanibel residents, as well as their future housing needs. The survey also asks about the needs of the workforce and low-moderate income residents.

The information gathered from the survey will be used to:

• Develop a plan to meet the unmet affordable housing needs of the Sanibel community
• Inform decision-making for the Below Market Rate Housing (BMRH) Program administered by CHR
• Secure funding for city and local non-profits, like Community Housing and Resources and F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, to provide affordable housing solutions

Any member of the Sanibel community is encouraged to complete the survey, especially those on a fixed income or those who commute to their Sanibel place of work from off-island.

The survey can be accessed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sanibel-bmrh-20231002. Survey responses are limited to one per person.

For more information, please contact the Planning Department at 239-472-4136

The America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva will be offering a boating course on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The course will cover basic boat operation and safety, with an emphasis on boating the waters around Sanibel and Captiva.

The course will be held in two sessions, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on December 2 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 11. The classes will be held at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The course is designed for those new to boating or the area, as well as experienced boaters who would like to strengthen their skills. Senior, highly experienced instructors will present the material using lectures, videos, and presentations.

Completion of the course and passing a simple exam qualifies participants to receive a Boating Safety Education ID card from the state. The cost of the course is $75 and includes text and an educational sunset cruise.

To register for the course, please visit the America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva website at www.sancapboating.club.

Although the traditional Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce Holiday Luminary has been postponed until December 6-7, 2024, as part of the city of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary celebration, the holiday spirit remains alive on our beautiful islands.

“The holiday spirit thrives on these islands despite Luminary’s postponement this year,” said John Lai, chamber President and Chief Executive Officer. “The chamber is promoting activities that will keep the spirit alive and attract visitors during the days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The city of Sanibel will once again decorate the Periwinkle Way bike path canopy with lights to enhance the festivities.”

Here are a few highlights of the upcoming holiday season:

November 24:

• The ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva will host a tree-lighting ceremony with live music, snow, and fireworks. For more information and tickets, visit tween-waters.com/tree-lighting-celebration/.

November 29:

• The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel will offer Holiday Shopping after-hours at the Refuge Nature Store from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit dingdarlingsociety.org for more info

December 1:

• The Community House and Saint Michael and All Angels Church on Sanibel will jointly celebrate Sanibel Lights from 4 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit sanibelcommunityhouse.net and saintmichaels-sanibel.org.
• The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village on Sanibel will host “Deck the Shore” from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit sanibelmuseum.org for info. Visit sanibelmuseum.org for info
• BIG ARTS on Sanibel will hold an Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit https://bigarts.org/ for more info
• Bailey’s General Store and the Grog Shop will greet visitors with apple cider and beverage tastings at the historic service station at the Bailey Center on Sanibel from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit belltowerfl.com for more info
• Sanibel retail shops located at the Bell Tower shops in Fort Myers will participate in the Annual Bell Tower Tree Lighting & Luminary from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit fishofsancap.org

December 2:

• F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva will host its 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K on Sanibel, followed by the Sound+Waves Music Festival on the beach at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva. For more information, to register for the race or for festival tickets, visit fishofsancap.org
• The Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel will host a Holiday Event & Youth Reindeer Run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit mysanibel.com

December 8:

• Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel will celebrate from 5 to 8 p.m. with food and wine sampling, Boy Scout hot dogs by donation, ornament decorating, caroling, and Santa’s arrival. For more information, visit jerrysofsanibel.com
• The Sanibel Community Church on Sanibel will host its Luminary from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit sanibelchurch.com

December 13:

• The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge will host a free Holiday Ice Cream Social beginning at 2 p.m. at The Roost outdoor pavilion at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. Visit dingdarlingsociety.org more info

These are just a few of the many events and activities that are taking place on Sanibel and Captiva during the holiday season. For more information, please visit the websites of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season on Sanibel and Captiva!

Get ready for a dynamic warm-up at the 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K race on Sanibel! F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is pleased to announce that Maura Doherty, an experienced A.C.E. certified group fitness instructor, will lead the runners’ warm-up on December 2nd.

“We want everyone to be as prepared as possible to do their very best at our race,” said Leah Winkler, 10K/5K Race Committee Co-chair. “Maura is an amazing instructor and athlete, who will provide a thorough warm-up for our runners.”

With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Doherty is well-versed in a variety of modalities, including indoor cycling, yoga, strength training, and barre. She currently serves as the lead instructor at several barre studios and continues to seek out new learning opportunities in the health and wellness field.

“Anytime we can encourage fitness with the outdoors and pair that experience with a charitable cause, is a magic moment for our special island,” Doherty said. “In keeping with the goal of F.I.S.H. to enrich the lives of our island neighbors, I gladly support the 10K/5K race. The sense of community that this organization fosters and the resilience our residents have demonstrated is reason for celebration.”

The warm-up will take place approximately 20 minutes prior to the start of the 10K, ensuring that runners are well-prepared for the race. The event will begin and end at The Community House, with a virtual option also available.

All proceeds from the race will benefit F.I.S.H., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential services and support to individuals and families in need on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Your participation will help make a significant impact on the lives of your island neighbors.

For more information or to register for the race, please visit RunSignUp. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; visit http://fishofsancap.org/ to learn more.

Join us on December 2nd for a fun-filled day of fitness, community spirit, and support for a worthy cause!

The historic Kelly’s Fish House property is now on the market for $19 million. The property includes the restaurant, the attached Combs Fish Co. commercial fishery, and the freestanding Kelly’s Shell Shack gift shop.

Owner Kelly Ellis says he’s selling the property to take advantage of the expanding Naples market. He also says that he’s ready to retire.

The restaurant will remain open for business during the sale process. Ellis says he plans to continue operating the restaurant until he finds a buyer. The property is zoned C2-A, which allows for a variety of uses, including restaurants, retail, and mixed-use development. The property’s prime location on Naples Bay makes it an ideal spot for a high-end hotel or condominium complex. The property is currently being marketed by CRE Consultants. Ellis says he’s had a lot of interest in the property, but he’s in no rush to sell. He wants to find the right buyer who will appreciate the property’s history and significance.

Click here for more info

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is hosting its annual fundraiser, Go Wild for Ding, on February 7th, 2024. This year’s event will celebrate the refuge’s night herons, which have bounced back after Hurricane Ian.

The evening will feature dinner, an auction, and live entertainment. Tickets go on sale on November 9th.

The refuge’s night herons are a vital part of the ecosystem. They help to control mosquito populations and are a food source for other animals, such as owls and hawks.

Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to the refuge’s night heron rookery. However, thanks to the hard work of refuge staff and volunteers, the rookery is recovering.

The Go Wild for Ding fundraiser will help to support the refuge’s ongoing conservation efforts. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the refuge and its wildlife, and to support a worthy cause.

Click here to purchase tickets or call (239) 472-1100 ext. 23

After more than a year of closure due to Hurricane Ian, Cayo Costa State Park beach reopened to the public on October 25, 2023. The beach is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset for visitors with private vessels.

However, it is important to note that ferry services, docks, electricity, drinking water, and overnight accommodations remain unavailable at this time. Visitors are asked to adhere to all posted signs and to avoid closed areas.

“Please leave no trace of your visit,” the Friends of Cayo Costa (FoCC) added.

Cayo Costa State Park is a barrier island located in the Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Lee County, Florida. It is known for its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and lush vegetation.

The park was significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian, a devastating Category 4 storm that made landfall on September 28, 2022. The storm caused widespread damage to the park’s infrastructure, including its docks, restrooms, and ranger station.

Since the storm, park staff have been working hard to clean up and repair the damage. While much progress has been made, the park is still not fully operational.

The reopening of Cayo Costa State Park beach is a welcome sign of recovery for the park and the surrounding community. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the beach responsibly and to help protect its fragile ecosystem.

Here are some tips for visiting Cayo Costa State Park beach:

• Bring all of your own supplies, including food, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that are marked as closed.
• Leave no trace of your visit. Pack out all of your trash and dispose of it properly.
• Respect wildlife and do not disturb sea turtle nests.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at (850) 245-2157.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that sea turtle hatchling counts on Sanibel and Captiva Islands were the lowest recorded since 2016. This is despite a record-breaking season for the total number of loggerhead nests laid.

SCCF Coastal Wildlife Director and Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Kelly Sloan said that while the impressive nest numbers are encouraging, they only tell half the story. The low hatchling counts are due in part to storms, predation, and the hot and dry summer.

Hatch success on Captiva was alarmingly low, with only about 10% of hatchlings emerging from their nests. Sanibel’s hatch success was slightly higher at 32%.

The SCCF is working hard to protect sea turtles and their nests, but they need the public’s help. Here are a few things you can do to help:

• Keep beaches dark and quiet at night. Sea turtle hatchlings are guided to the ocean by moonlight, so bright lights can confuse them and lead them astray.
• Fill in any holes on the beach. Hatchlings can fall into these holes and become trapped.
• Don’t disturb sea turtle nests. If you see a nest, mark it off with a perimeter and contact the SCCF immediately.
• Reduce your use of plastics. Plastic pollution can harm sea turtles in a variety of ways.

By following these tips, you can help to protect sea turtles and ensure that future generations can enjoy these amazing creatures.