Category: Island Update

Sunsets on Captiva Island have always been something special, and now there’s a new way to enjoy them. On September 29, 2025, South Seas Resort welcomed guests for the soft opening of Beach House, a refined-yet-relaxed dining spot set directly on Sunset Beach.

This much-anticipated addition captures everything visitors love about dining on Captiva—panoramic ocean views, fresh flavors inspired by the Gulf, and an atmosphere that flows effortlessly from a casual daytime meal to a romantic evening under the stars.

A Setting That Defines Captiva

From the moment you approach, Beach House stands out. Its exterior is highlighted by a striking mosaic mural, an artistic touch that sets the tone for what’s inside. Step through the doors and you’ll find a breezy, open design with warm wood accents, creamy tones, and expansive windows. Roll-up doors invite the Gulf breeze inside, blending indoor comfort with the beauty of the beach.

Nearly every seat offers a view of Sunset Beach, with the Gulf stretching endlessly ahead. As day fades, the sky turns into a canvas of coral, lavender, and orange—a backdrop that makes every meal unforgettable. Whether you choose indoor or outdoor seating, you’re in for front-row views of one of nature’s most iconic shows.

A Gulf-Inspired Menu

The soft opening menu showcases a thoughtful mix of flavors from across the Gulf Coast, paired with South Seas’ signature island style.

Starters

• Conch Republic Fritters – golden and crisp, paired with an island dipping sauce.

• Blue Crab, Spinach & Artichoke Dip – served bubbling hot with blue corn tortilla chips.

• Royal Red Shrimp Bucket – steamed, buttered, seasoned, and brightened with key lime.

Handhelds

• Fish Tacos – blackened Mahi Mahi with pineapple salsa and chipotle-lime aioli.

• French Quarter Dip – prime rib layered with horseradish cream and provolone “fondue.”

Entrées

• Red Snapper Veracruz – paired with saffron rice, tomato, olives, and jalapeños.

• Coconut Shrimp Platter – sweet chili pineapple sauce, waffle fries, and coleslaw.

• Creamy Creole Chicken Penne – tossed with Tasso ham and peppadew peppers.

• Parmesan Primavera – a lighter option with seasonal vegetables and orzo.

Desserts

• Key Lime Pie – a Florida classic, bright and tangy.

• Tempura Banana Split – a playful twist on a nostalgic favorite.

Toasting the View

No Captiva dining experience is complete without something to sip. Beach House offers a curated mix of tropical cocktails, wine, and classics with a creative twist. A highlight of the opening menu is the Tipsy Millionaire, crafted with Don Julio 1942 Añejo, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. Smooth, citrusy, and indulgent—it’s the perfect way to toast the sunset.

Looking Ahead

The soft opening is just the beginning. Beach House will officially debut its full menu on October 15, 2025, cementing its place as South Seas’ signature beachfront dining destination.

Until then, the invitation is simple: head to Sunset Beach, gather with friends, enjoy the Gulf breeze, and let the colors of the evening sky enhance a meal that feels distinctly Captiva.

Explore Beach House and make your next Captiva sunset one to remember.

On September 28, exactly three years after Hurricane Ian devastated Sanibel Island, the Shalimar Beach Resort reopened its doors at 2823 West Gulf Drive. The property, completely rebuilt to modern hurricane codes, now welcomes guests back to its 33 redesigned rooms across seven buildings — marking the first new hotel to open on Sanibel since 1984.

A Legacy Rebuilt

Originally constructed in 1959, the Shalimar’s wood-frame cottages were swept away by Ian’s storm surge in 2022. Today, the resort stands stronger than ever. Owner Sean Niesel, whose grandparents first bought the property decades ago, reflected on the journey:

“We made it. We hope, we pray we don’t get another Hurricane Ian. But if we were to, this place can survive a Hurricane Ian, and we’d just be doing landscape and cleanup.”

The rebuilt property now includes 21 hotel rooms, 10 one-bedroom villas, and two two-bedroom villas, totaling more than 52,000 square feet. Each unit features a kitchenette with a full-size microwave, refrigerator, and stove — a modern upgrade designed with extended stays in mind.

Strengthening Sanibel’s Recovery

Shalimar’s reopening is a milestone for Sanibel’s tourism recovery. Since Ian, about 84.5% of hotel rooms in Lee County have returned, but Sanibel lags behind at 56.4%. With Shalimar’s 33 units coming online, that rate ticks upward to 58.4%, raising the island’s available rooms from 917 to 950 out of 1,626.

Resilience and Dedication

For longtime General Manager Romas Vaickus, who has worked at the Shalimar since 1997, the resort’s reopening is deeply personal. In the aftermath of Ian, he expected to lose his position. Instead, Niesel not only kept him on but continued his salary during the rebuilding process.

“I agreed to stay with Sean and help him to rebuild,” Vaickus said.

From there, a team assembled to bring the Shalimar back: architect Joyce Owens of Studio AJO, R.S. Landscaping, and Stevens Construction, which stepped in to keep the project under budget despite rising costs.

“This is our first resort build, and the first to meet Sanibel Island Resort Housing Development District Standards,” said Dan Adams, Executive Vice President of Stevens Construction. The project involved 559 concrete pilings, 3,000 cubic yards of concrete, 69,000 concrete blocks, and 35 subcontractors.

Adams credited Construction Superintendent Tom Porter, who managed the build while repairing his own hurricane-damaged home.

A New Chapter for Sanibel Hospitality

To about 50 community members, officials, and friends gathered for the reopening, Niesel summed up the day’s significance:

“It’s a surreal day for us, but also a really humbling one.”

With Shalimar Beach Resort officially welcoming back guests, Sanibel takes another important step forward in its recovery, blending resilience, innovation, and community spirit into the next chapter of the island’s hospitality story.

The Sanibel City Council approved the city’s final budget and millage rate for fiscal year 2025-26 during its second and final budget hearing on September 25.

Council members voted unanimously, 5-0, to adopt an operating millage rate of 2.5000 mills, which is 19.45% higher than the rolled-back rate of 2.0930 mills. The final millage also includes a 0.0169 mill levy for sewer debt service and a 0.1011 mill levy for the recreation center debt service.

In addition, the council approved a final city budget of $216,061,856 for the fiscal year. From the General Fund’s balance, the following amounts were committed: $5.9 million for emergency reserves, $600,000 for operational support reserves, and $737,500 for debt service reserves.

The Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office certified the city’s gross taxable value at $5.63 billion, which serves as the basis for operating and budgeting purposes.

Budget Adjustments and Loan Planning

Deputy City Manager and CFO Steve Chaipel provided an overview of budget adjustments made since the first hearing:

• The city manager’s budget increased by $75,000 to fund federal lobbying efforts, reducing the General Fund’s ending balance and slightly increasing the required cash flow reserve.

• The city’s 2023 state loan of $15.2 million included $5.9 million in appropriations. To address repayment, a reserve account has been created with an annual allocation of $737,500 beginning in FY 2026 to ensure repayment by the loan’s 2033 due date.

• Overall, the General Fund’s ending balance decreased by $825,251, though the total General Fund and citywide budget remain unchanged.

The full approved budget can be viewed here.

Regular Meeting Highlights

Following the budget hearing, the council moved into its regular session. Key actions included:

• Compensation & Classification Plan: Approved unanimously, this resolution amends job classes and reclassifications, updates salary bands for certain bargaining unit positions, and authorizes the city manager to update job descriptions as needed.

• Administrative Authority for Plats: Approved unanimously, granting the city manager or designee the authority to receive, review, and approve plats or replats in accordance with amended state statutes.

• School Zone Speed Detection Report: Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton presented the annual report, sharing statistics and compliance results with state statute requirements.

• BIG ARTS Recognition: The council issued a proclamation acknowledging BIG ARTS for its continued support of the Sanibel community.

The Sanibel Island Farmers Market is set to return on October 5, marking the beginning of its 18th season. The market will take place every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sanibel City Hall and run through May, offering residents and visitors a chance to shop local, enjoy fresh food, and connect with the community.

Organized by Local Roots, co-owned by island residents Jean Baer and Betsy Ventura, the market has grown into a staple of Sanibel life. With about 50 vendors participating this season, offerings will range from fresh produce, flowers, cheese, seafood, and prepared meals to handmade crafts, jewelry, and art.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

Opening day will begin with a flag ceremony at 9 a.m., celebrating the many cultures represented both at the market and within the community. Vendors and shoppers alike are invited to showcase their heritage with flags, attire, or cultural displays.

“Our goal has always been to create more than just a shopping experience,” shared Ventura. “It’s about quality, community, and supporting local growers, makers, and nonprofits.”

Vendors, Favorites, and New Additions

Longtime favorites like Aurora’s and Irene’s produce stands, Dominga’s Flowers, Dynasty Guacamole, Madagascar Hats, Sage and Indigo Juices, Stamper Cheese, Sweet Blendz Acai, and Twila Mae’s Chicken Salads will be returning.
New additions this year include Better Than a Bistro, Dockside Seafood, Korean Kitchen, Power Flour, San-Cap Sea Salt, Simply Savory Dips, and Twisted Acres.

A rotating booth will also feature a local artist each month, while other crafters such as jewelers, potters, and artisans will round out the market’s creative side.

Giving Back

Each Sunday, a different nonprofit organization will be given booth space to promote its mission and upcoming events. Local Roots also continues its longstanding partnership with FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, with vendors donating unsold products at the end of the day to help stock the food pantry.

In October and November, FISH will host a booth each week to highlight its Jog N Jam fundraiser and sell event tickets.

Sustainability and Accessibility

Shoppers are encouraged to bring reusable bags, though market-branded bags will be available for purchase at the Local Roots booth. Service animals with proper identification are permitted, but emotional support animals are not covered under ADA guidelines.

Parking will be available at the Sanibel Public Library, BIG ARTS, and the theater lots, with designated handicap parking at City Hall. Bicycle parking will also be offered at the library.

A Note of Thanks

On behalf of Local Roots, Ventura expressed gratitude to the City of Sanibel, BIG ARTS, and the Sanibel Public Library for their continued support and use of their facilities.

“A great farmers market connects people to fresh, healthy food, while keeping the island’s spirit vibrant and strong,” Ventura said. “We welcome everyone to come out, shop local, and be part of the community.”

IF YOU GO

What: Sanibel Island Farmers Market
When: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (October–May)
Where: Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Who: Local Roots
Details: Free and open to the community

For more details, visit buylocallee.com.

Note: The Captiva Island Farmers Market will begin on November 4 at The Shops at South Seas on Tuesdays, while a new ninth market location will open in December at the Hyatt Regency in Bonita Springs.

Protect Captiva has released an update on ongoing legal efforts to preserve Captiva’s longstanding building height and density restrictions.

On September 16, the organization reported that a petition was filed in court by a coalition that includes the Captiva Civic Association (CCA), R.L.R. Investments, Royal Shell Vacations, 12 South Seas condominium associations, and eight South Seas timeshare associations.

In its statement, Protect Captiva described the petition as “an unprecedented display of unity,” explaining that it seeks to nullify the rezoning of South Seas approved by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on August 6. The filing argues that the county’s decision violated the Land Development Code, Comprehensive Plan, and the due process rights of petitioners.

The coalition outlined multiple concerns, including the limited capacity of the Florida Governmental Utility Authority’s sewage treatment plant to handle increased density from 912 to 1,268 units. Additionally, the Captiva Island Fire Control District currently lacks the ground ladders and fire flow needed to service buildings 20 feet taller than existing structures on South Seas or Captiva.

Protect Captiva further noted that the county approved deviations related to easement rights and on property not owned by the resort. The group also highlighted procedural issues, stating that community members were denied the right to cross-examine the applicant’s witnesses or challenge testimony, while the applicant was permitted to question or interrupt community speakers.

According to the coalition, the complex network of shared infrastructure and property interests at South Seas required petitioners to have equal procedural rights during the hearing process.

“For over half a century, South Seas property owners and the Captiva community relied on the enforcement of zoning to protect open space, limit density, and safeguard the island’s character and safety,” Protect Captiva shared. “The county’s approval undermined that reliance, granting an advantage to one new property owner at the expense of long-standing owners, while increasing evacuation and environmental risks for all of Captiva and Sanibel.”

The petition asks the court to intervene in order to uphold the rights of the majority of South Seas property owners and the broader Captiva community.

In addition, Protect Captiva reported that all briefs in the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) case have been filed, and the coalition is awaiting the appellate court’s scheduling of oral arguments.

“If the appellate court reverses the DOAH judge and the code amendments are invalidated, everything the county has approved for the new owners of South Seas in the past two years will be called into question,” the organization shared.

To view the petition, click on PETITION.

The City of Sanibel has announced the start of repairs to its Shared Use Path (SUP) network, with work beginning on September 24.

Key Repair Locations

The project will focus on several heavily traveled areas, including:

• The loop beneath the C-Span of the Sanibel Causeway, connecting paths on either side of Causeway Boulevard

• Pathways along West Gulf Drive, Middle Gulf Drive, and East Gulf Drive

• The east end of Periwinkle Way

These routes are among the most frequently used by both residents and visitors, making their repair an important step toward maintaining safe and accessible travel across the island.

Safety Reminders for Users

City officials are urging all SUP users to exercise caution when approaching or moving through work zones. Cyclists are encouraged to walk their bikes in active construction areas, as uneven surfaces may be present during repairs.

Timeline and Contact Information

Repairs are expected to take several months to complete, as crews address areas across the island. The City’s Public Works Department is overseeing the project and will provide updates as progress continues.

For additional information, residents and visitors may contact the department by email at sanpw@mysanibel.com or by phone at 239-472-6397.

Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE) has announced it will reopen on October 1 after its temporary September closure. The Tarpon Bay recreational area, including the launch ramp, will also reopen on the same date.

As the official concession for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, TBE offers a wide range of outdoor experiences for residents and visitors:

• Tram tours through the refuge

• Guided kayak tours and rentals

• Bike and paddleboard rentals

• Hobie fishing kayak rentals

• Pontoon rentals and fishing charters

• A nature-inspired gift shop

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday–Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last rentals go out at 3 p.m.)

For reservations or more information, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900.

Location: 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

The Sanibel Recreation Center has shared details on upcoming activities, permits, and special opportunities for the community.

Pick Up Softball will return starting October 6, held Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Sanibel Ballfields. Open to ages 18 and older, the games are free to join for both residents and visitors. Participants should bring a glove and wear sneakers.

Sanibel Beach Parking Permits for residents and property owners also go on sale October 6.

• A (beach only) sticker: $14

• A/C (beach and boat ramp) sticker: $113
  To purchase, bring a valid ID, current vehicle registration, proof of residency or ownership, and payment. The first 50 paying customers on October 6 will receive a free gift.

Recreation Center Hours

• Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The center offers a variety of memberships, passes, and punch cards. New and current members can set up their CivicRec account online or by calling 239-472-0345.

Cookbook Reprint
In its fourth reprint, The Sanibel-Captiva Cookbook is available for purchase at $40. Originally created in 1981 by Mariel Goss and Eugenia Loughney, this limited edition includes recipes and stories from the islands. Proceeds benefit the Youth Financial Assistance Program and the Children’s Education Center of the Islands. Shipping options are available for non-local buyers.

For registration, program schedules, and more details, visit: secure.rec1.com/FL/sanibel-fl/catalog.

Location: 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
Phone: 239-472-0345

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva is gearing up for the 2025 JOG N JAM, its signature two-part fundraiser that brings the community together through fitness, music, and celebration.

The event begins on November 1 with the 10K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run at The Community House on Sanibel. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, the race is designed to showcase the island’s scenic beauty while building energy, connection, and community spirit.

On December 6, the second part of the event takes place with a beachfront concert at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva, featuring the Ben Allen Band and a fireworks finale.

Individual and Team Competition

The race offers both individual competition and a team division. Teams already registered include Gulf Pines Friends, Heidrick & Co Insurance, Pelican’s Landing, Roger’s Angels, SanCap Running Club, Sanibel Sistas, The Mollusk Milers, and Tropical Sunrise Captiva.

• Teams must have at least six members, with the top five finishers scoring.

• Team registration closes October 31 at 6 p.m. No additions will be accepted afterward.

• Runners already registered can still form or join a team by contacting event registrar Mark at linmarksports@linmarksports.com.

Registration and Pricing

• 10K/5K: $50 for adults, $40 for ages 16 and under (prices increase after October 31).

• Kids Fun Run: Free with registration. Includes a ribbon and treat.

• Concert Tickets: $75 for adults, $50 for ages 7–18, or $200 for a four-pack (while supplies last).

Every runner will receive a finisher medal, event T-shirt, and the chance to win an age-group award with an island-inspired theme. The concert will also feature food and drinks for purchase, plus shuttle services for convenience.

Giving Back

Proceeds from JOG N JAM will support FISH’s four service pillars — Food, Island-Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hands — as well as ongoing disaster recovery efforts in the community.

Event Details

• Race Location: The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

• Concert Location: ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva

Registration Links

• Race: runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH

• Concert: jamwithfish.rsvpify.com

• Learn more about FISH: fishofsancap.org

The 14th annual “Ding” Darling–Theodore Cross High School Photography Contest kicks off on October 1, with entries due by January 15. Open to high school students across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties, the contest offers prizes including cash awards, gift bags, and a $1,000 grand prize.

The contest honors Theodore Cross, a Sanibel part-time resident whose remarkable life included marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., advising U.S. presidents on anti-poverty programs, and writing influential works like Black Capitalism. Later in life, he pursued his passion for bird photography, traveling the world and often shooting at the Sanibel refuge. His celebrated book Waterbirds was published in 2009, just before his passing in 2010.

Thanks to a grant from The Theodore Cross Family Charitable Foundation, the contest continues to inspire young photographers. “We are so happy to support a contest in my father’s name, one that encourages youth to experience nature through a camera lens,” said his daughter Amanda Cross.

Contest Details

• Open to students in grades 9–12 from Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties.

• Submit up to two original digital photos of nature or wildlife taken outdoors in Florida.

• Photos must be JPEG/JPG format, minimum 2000×1500 pixels or 2MB resolution.

• Entries must include a 100-word description of the captured “moment” and what it means to the photographer.

• All submissions must be emailed to ddhsphotocontest@dingdarlingsociety.org with full name, school, grade, photo title, and description.

• Deadline: January 15, 2026.

Entries will be judged anonymously on technical excellence, creativity, and the written description. Winning images will become part of the refuge’s archive and may be used in future publications with credit.

For full guidelines, visit: dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/photo-contests.