Category: Island Update

Sanibel Island is back on the map, thanks to an $80,000 marketing campaign launched on May 1, aimed at attracting regional and national visitors impacted by Hurricanes Ian, Helen, and Milton.

“We’re letting the world know that we’re back,” said Sanibel Vice Mayor Holly Smith, highlighting the campaign’s focus on restoring the island’s appeal.

Nearly three-quarters of the restaurants, retail shops, and accommodations affected by the storms have reopened, according to Sanibel & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce CEO, John Lai. This includes legacy businesses as well as those that have reopened under new names but with similar services.

The collaborative effort between the Sanibel City Council and the Chamber is targeting tourism in the Northeast and Midwest, along with local areas like Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties, plus a broader regional market including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties. The campaign utilizes a mix of print, social media, and paid digital advertising, with a dual goal of boosting tourism and real estate sales on the island.

“There’s a synergistic nature between visitation and becoming a resident and real estate development,” Lai shared during a Sept. 8 City Council meeting.

With a budget of $19,109 spent on online promotion so far, the campaign has already exceeded its goals, generating over 50,000 ad clicks and 1.5 million impressions. Google ads alone have accumulated 20,322 clicks and 516,000 impressions, while Meta’s Facebook and Instagram ads have seen 28,553 clicks and 1.59 million impressions. The ads have been especially effective post-summer break, driving interest in both accommodations and real estate listings.

Visitors who clicked on the ads were directed to sites encouraging them to book a stay on the islands or explore available properties. Interestingly, mobile users outnumbered desktop and tablet users when it came to engaging with the ads.

Despite a slight decline in visitors from Canada, Lai reported an increase in tourists from Brazil, further highlighting the growing success of the campaign.

Sanibel Island’s campaign is not just about revitalizing tourism; it’s a testament to the island’s resilience and its commitment to welcoming new residents and businesses.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) has confirmed that the long-awaited Captiva Beach Renourishment Project will officially begin on Saturday, Sept. 20, starting at Turner Beach. This essential effort is designed to restore and protect Captiva’s shoreline, providing greater resilience against erosion, storm surge, and rising sea levels—while preserving the beach for residents, visitors, wildlife, and the local economy.

Project Details

• Timeline & Scope: Work will progress northward along the island, averaging 400–500 feet per day, over an estimated 56-day period.

• Sand Placement: Approximately 1.2 million cubic yards of sand will be added to Captiva’s beaches.

• Contractor: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock will oversee the project, operating 24 hours a day.

• Technology: The project will use the Amelia Island dredge, the highest-capacity dredge ever deployed on Captiva, now completing sea trials in Louisiana.

Parking & Access Impacts

• Turner Beach Parking Lot: Closed Sept. 5 – Oct. 12 for staging.

• Alison Hagerup Beach Parking Lot: Will also serve as a staging area during the second phase of the project. Closure dates will be announced as work progresses northward.

Important Notes:

• Beach access will be restricted in active construction zones.

• The rest of the beach will remain open to the public.

• Night work may result in temporary light and noise in nearby areas.

Environmental Protections

To safeguard the natural ecosystem, CEPD has implemented strict environmental measures:

• On-site wildlife monitors to protect sea turtles, shorebirds, and other species.

• Turbidity monitors to ensure water quality remains safe during dredging and sand placement.

Stay Updated

CEPD will continue to share updates as the project advances.

For details, contact the Captiva Erosion Prevention District at (239) 472-2472 or visit www.mycepd.com.

The City will begin the Periwinkle Way Milling & Resurfacing Project on Monday, Sept. 15. Work spans from 500 feet west of Casa Ybel Road to roughly one-third of a mile east of Donax Street.

What’s happening first

• Drainage upgrades (north side of Periwinkle Way): crews will install swales and concrete pipe on Main St., Fitzhugh St., Palm St., and Center St.

• Work hours for drainage: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Paving schedule (coming weeks)

• Milling & paving of Periwinkle Way will follow during evening/overnight hours: 7:00 PM – 6:00 AM.

• The City will announce the exact start date for this phase via news release, Facebook, and the City website before night work begins.

Getting around during construction

• Access stays open: homes and businesses within the project area will remain accessible at all times.

• Drive carefully: slow down and use caution when workers are present.

• Traffic control: expect signs and flaggers to direct vehicles through active work zones.

Project timeline

• Estimated duration: about 120 days, weather permitting.

Questions?

Contact the Sanibel Public Works Department:

• Email: sanpw@mysanibel.com

• Phone: (239) 472-6397

We’ll continue sharing updates as the project moves through each phase.

Community Housing & Resources (CHR) celebrated a major milestone on Sept. 4 with a groundbreaking ceremony for their new $7 million affordable housing apartment complex on Sanibel. This new Riverview building will rise from the ashes of the original Riverview apartments, which were heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

CHR demolished the old building and launched a capital campaign to fund the reconstruction. The new Riverview will feature 15 modern, one-bedroom, one-bath units designed to better withstand severe weather conditions.

“This project is more than just a replacement for what was lost—it’s a testament to resilience,” said CHR Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale. “Our vision is to rebuild stronger homes for those who make this community thrive, and to ensure seniors can age in place with dignity.”

Decker-McHale also shared that the capital campaign has already raised an impressive $6.8 million, with support coming from individuals, businesses, and volunteers alike. “What truly matters is the spirit of this community—the families, businesses, and volunteers who have supported this cause, even while facing their own challenges,” she said.

CHR Board Chair Roger Grogman credited the nonprofit’s supporters and the “community of doers” for their contributions to the success of the project. “Sanibel is fortunate to have such great leadership. The real challenge isn’t having a vision, it’s making it happen,” he remarked.

Among the key supporters were Bill and Laurie Harkey, local donors who contributed $1 million to the campaign. “This project will make a real difference in the lives of people right here on the island,” Bill Harkey said.

Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller emphasized the importance of affordable housing for local workers, noting that the city provides nearly $500,000 in funding to CHR. “CHR is essential to the community—providing homes for the people who are the backbone of our economy,” he said.

Wanda McKittrick, a preschool teacher at the Children’s Education Center of the Island (CECI), shared her personal connection to Riverview. After losing her apartment due to Hurricane Ian, McKittrick found new housing through CHR. “Even when I was displaced, CHR kept checking in on me. They truly care about the people they serve,” she said.

The groundbreaking ceremony featured refreshments from A Bit of Bailey’s, including chicken salad, bagels, fruit, and beverages.

Construction of the new Riverview complex is expected to take approximately one year. For more information or to contribute to the capital campaign, visit sancapchr.org or call 239-472-1189.

Location: Riverview, 1517 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Attention boaters! The Florida Freedom Boater law officially went into effect on July 1, and it’s important to know the new requirements for your vessel. The law requires boat owners to complete a Vessel Safety Equipment Attestation form when registering, renewing, or transferring vessel ownership. This form confirms that your boat is equipped with all the necessary safety gear as mandated by the United States Coast Guard and federal regulations.

What Does This Mean for You?
The form asks you to attest that your vessel has the required safety equipment and to acknowledge your legal responsibility for compliance with maritime safety laws. If you’re unsure whether your boat meets all the safety requirements, America’s Boating Clubs are here to help!

The Sanibel-Captiva America’s Boating Club offers free Vessel Safety Checks to ensure you have all the proper equipment and help you identify anything that needs to be replaced. With the new regulations, it’s a great idea to get a Vessel Safety Check annually, as some equipment may expire or wear out.

Take Advantage of Free Vessel Safety Checks:
Boaters can schedule a free Vessel Safety Check through the Sanibel-Captiva or Cape Coral clubs. Trained Vessel Examiners will inspect your boat’s safety equipment and ensure everything is up to date. The club’s examiners are also well-versed in recent changes to safety regulations and are happy to help keep you informed.

Stay Informed on the Rules of the Water:
Boating regulations can be complex, but America’s Boating Clubs offer comprehensive classes to ensure you’re fully prepared. The America’s Boating Course covers all the state and federal requirements, and upon passing the exam, you’ll receive a Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card. This card is valid in all states that require boating safety education.

Additionally, the Rules of the Road seminar is perfect for boaters navigating the Florida coast. This two-hour seminar explores the inland and international rules, highlighting the differences between them—a crucial distinction for boaters on the Gulf Coast.

Classes and Seminars Coming Soon:
The Sanibel-Captiva club will resume its classes and seminars in the fall, so be sure to sign up and stay ahead of the game!

For more info, visit SanCap Boating Club or contact Education Officer Mary Holden at 720-260-0225.

The Cape Coral club also offers free Vessel Safety Checks and will resume boating classes and seminars in September. Visit Cape Coral Boating Club or call 239-549-9754 for more details.

Attention amateur photographers! The deadline to submit your stunning nature and wildlife shots for the 33rd Annual “Ding” Darling Amateur Photo Contest is quickly approaching—Sept. 15!

Hosted by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society – Friends of the Refuge, this contest is open to all non-professional photographers who capture the beauty of nature. This year’s cash prizes have been nearly doubled:

• $500 for 1st place

• $300 for 2nd place

• $200 for 3rd place

• $50 for honorable mentions

How to Enter:

• Entry Fee: $25 (includes a DDWS membership and covers two entries)

• Eligibility: Open to amateur photographers (no professional tax ID)

• Photo Requirements: Must be taken at the refuge within the last two years. JPEG file, minimum 3000 x 2400 pixels or 4MB. No panoramas.

• Submission: Send your photo electronically to ddamateurphotocontest@dingdarlingsociety.org by Sept. 15.

Judging Criteria:

• Technical excellence: sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure

• Originality/creativity

• Interest

• Reproducibility for publication

Additional Rules:

• Limited image manipulation allowed (cropping and minor edits for natural look).

• Photos that have won in previous DDWS contests cannot be resubmitted.

• Judging will be anonymous—don’t include your name on the photo.

• All submitted photos become the property of the DDWS and may be used for promotional purposes with credit to the photographer.

Prizes & Awards:
Winners will be announced in late October. The three judges will include a refuge staff member, a professional photographer, and a community member from Sanibel.

For entry forms, contest rules, and more details, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/photo-contests.

Submit your entries by Sept. 15—don’t miss your chance to showcase your talent and earn amazing prizes!

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has issued a reminder regarding ongoing work on the Sanibel Causeway. Reduced speed limits remain in effect east of the toll plaza, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway for safety reasons.

Here’s an update on the planned activities, although unforeseen conditions and weather may impact the timeline:

• The Punta Rassa Boat Ramp is currently open to the public with limited amenities, including the ramp, partial docks, parking, and restrooms. Construction crews are still working on lighting at the toll plaza, and the parking area is being used by construction vehicles, which has reduced the number of boat parking spaces. Visitors should exercise caution around construction zones.

• Crews continue the installation of sod and signage to the east of the toll plaza. Motorists can expect occasional shoulder closures as the work progresses.

Please be mindful of bicyclists sharing the road on the causeway and vehicles entering and exiting at the public beach access points of Causeway Islands Park.

For more information, please visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway, or reach out to Jennifer Dorning at Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us or 239-338-7723.

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club has announced that the 2025 Diner’s Delight coupon books are now available for purchase. Valid from now through mid-December, the books feature two-for-one coupons for 23 local eateries on the islands.

The books are available for a $40 contribution and can be purchased from Kiwanis members or at various local businesses, including Bank of the Islands, Chase Bank, Jerry’s Foods, MacIntosh Books + Paper, Periwinkle Park front office, SanCap Chamber, SanCap Pak-N-Ship, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Community House, and The Shack of Sanibel. They are also available for purchase online.

Proceeds from the sale of the books support the Kiwanis Club’s community service programs, including educational, recreational, and wellness grants to local organizations, as well as the club’s scholarship program.

For more information or to obtain a book, visit SanCap Kiwanis.