Category: Island Update

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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On Friday, November 24, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa will host its annual Tree Lighting Celebration. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season on Captiva Island.

More than 200,000 holiday lights will twinkle in musical synchronicity, and a majestic 30-foot Christmas tree will light up the threshold to the Gulf of Mexico. Live holiday music will fill the air, and a spectacular fireworks show will light up the beach. Even real snow will fall from the palm trees!

Grandparents, parents, children, and grandkids alike will enjoy all the festive fun. The Official Beach Resort of Captiva Island and its parent corporation, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, are extending a hearty and heartfelt thank you to all of their guests from around the world, and this event is their way of showing their appreciation.

The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Admission is free and open to the public.

Parking and Dockage

• Due to traffic, safety and limited capacity, on-property parking is available ONLY for pre-purchased Day Pass, VIP Luxury Boxes, VIP Crow’s Nest Skybox and weekend accommodations guests.
• Off-site complimentary parking and shuttle service will be available at nearby locations to be announced.
• Note to boaters: All dockage at ‘Tween Waters Marina is sold out for the event.

We hope to see you there!

Bleu Provence, a popular French restaurant in Old Naples, and the McCabe family’s retail portion of The Residences at 5th and 5th are not part of the Hoffmann Family of Companies portfolio or its recent historic real estate sale.

In June, Hoffmann founder David Hoffmann said his company was expected to close in late July or early August on the Bleu Provence restaurant and that part of the longtime local restaurant’s retail wine shop would be converted into a private club. However, the restaurant sale did not close as planned, according to Jacques Cariot, who co-founded Bleu Provence with his wife, Lysielle, in 1999. The Cariots and their two sons will continue to operate the award-winning restaurant.

No reason for the failed sale has been given.

The Residences at 5th and 5th is a mixed-use development with luxury condominiums, retail space, and restaurants. The Hoffmann Family of Companies purchased the majority of the development in July 2023.

The McCabe family’s retail portion of The Residences at 5th and 5th is not part of the Hoffmann Family of Companies portfolio. The McCabe family will continue to operate their retail business in the development.

Captiva Cruises is celebrating the return of its flagship boat, the Lady Chadwick, after Hurricane Ian repairs. The 65-foot boat was relaunched into service on October 10, 2023, after undergoing extensive repairs at Gulf Marine Yacht Works on Fort Myers Beach.

The Lady Chadwick was in dry dock for its biannual Coast Guard inspection when Hurricane Ian struck. The storm surge lifted the boat off its pilings and carried it about 450 feet away. The boat was eventually tangled up in a bunch of other boats and became lodged under a building.

Despite the damage, the Lady Chadwick was able to be repaired and returned to service. The boat’s hull was patched up, the propeller shafts were replaced, and the interior was gutted and rebuilt.

The Lady Chadwick is now back in action, offering cruises to Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, and other popular destinations in Southwest Florida. The boat is also available for private charters.

Captiva Cruises owner Bob Rando is excited to have the Lady Chadwick back in service.

“The Lady Chadwick is a beloved member of our community, and we’re so glad to have her back on the water,” Rando said. “We’re looking forward to providing our guests with the same high-quality cruises that they’ve come to expect from Captiva Cruises.”

The return of the Lady Chadwick is a welcome sign of recovery for Southwest Florida after Hurricane Ian. The storm caused widespread damage to the region, but businesses and residents are working hard to rebuild.

Captiva Cruises is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving Southwest Florida for over 25 years. The company offers a variety of cruises, including dolphin watching cruises, sunset cruises, and dinner cruises. Captiva Cruises also offers a variety of private charter options.

The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club is thrilled to announce its T-shirt Design Contest in anticipation of the upcoming annual Sanibel Shell Show, scheduled for March 8-9, hosted at the elegant Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort in Fort Myers.

To be considered, designs must adhere to the following criteria:

• Incorporate the phrases “Sanibel Shell Show” and “2024”
• Display original artwork
• Utilize a palette of three to five colors
• The chosen artwork will need to be print-ready, meeting the standard of “camera ready.”
• In recognition of their creativity, the winner will be awarded a $100 stipend along with a complimentary T-shirt showcasing their winning design.

Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your artistic talent! The deadline for entries is set for October 30. Submit your designs to t-shirts@sanibelshellclub.com.

For additional details and contest rules, please visit https://sanibelshellclub.com.

Get inspired and be a part of this exciting event!

The Tower Gallery on Sanibel Island is hosting its 17th Annual Art From The Attic Sale on Oct. 20-22, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This once-a-year event gives visitors the opportunity to purchase artwork from Tower Gallery’s member artists at discounted prices. The sale will feature a variety of mediums, including paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

The Art From The Attic Sale is also a great chance to meet the artists and learn about their work. Many of the artists will be on hand to answer questions and discuss their pieces.

The Tower Gallery is located at 751 Tarpon Bay Road on Sanibel Island. For more information, call 239-579-0659 or visit www.towergallery.net 

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The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that the 14th annual Wines in the Wild is sold out. Names are being taken for a waitlist. To be added to the waitlist, visit sccf.org/wines-in-the-wild.

The event be held from 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 at the SCCF’s Bailey Homestead Preserve on Sanibel.

Wines in the Wild is a unique and popular event that offers guests the opportunity to sample a variety of wines from around the world, paired with signature tastings from favorite local chefs, all while enjoying a beautiful evening setting amidst revitalized native plantings at the Bailey Homestead Preserve.

In addition to wine and food, Wines in the Wild will also feature live music, a silent auction, and other fun activities. All proceeds from the event support SCCF’s mission to conserve the natural resources of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge reported that the current gate times on Wildlife Drive are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday through Thursday (closed Friday). As they did pre-hurricane, hours will now change to accommodate daylight hours and savings time. The admission for Wildlife Drive is $10 for vehicles and $1 for hikers and bikers. The refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel.

On September 28, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $338 million from the Hurricane Recovery Program to communities impacted by Hurricane Ian to support long-term recovery efforts and resiliency. Sanibel and Captiva were among the communities to receive funding, with the following allocations:

• City of Sanibel: $28 million
• Sanibel Fire Rescue District: $8 million
• Captiva Erosion Prevention District: $1 million
• Captiva Fire District: $350,000

The funds will be used to assist with storm repairs and recovery efforts for schools, sheriff’s offices, fire stations, parks and recreation centers, roads, wastewater treatment plants, beach renourishment, and to assist local governments with loss of revenue since the storm.

In addition to the recovery funding, Sanibel also received a Cybersecurity Grant Award from the state’s Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program. The $30 million program, funded by 2022-23 budget appropriations, equipped 194 local governments with solutions that enhance their cybersecurity capabilities and integrate with state cybersecurity operations.

The Cybersecurity Grant Award will help Sanibel to improve its cybersecurity defenses and protect its residents and businesses from cyberattacks.

The recovery funding and cybersecurity grant are both welcome news for Sanibel and Captiva as they continue to recover from Hurricane Ian. The funds will help to rebuild the islands’ infrastructure, support local businesses, and make the communities more resilient to future storms.