Category: Island Update

The San Cap Motor Club will hold its monthly event on October 8th from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Periwinkle Place Shops. There is no pre-registration required and the event is open to the public.

This is a great opportunity to see a variety of classic and antique cars, as well as meet other car enthusiasts. The event is also a great way to support the San Cap Motor Club, a local organization that promotes the hobby of car collecting and restoration.

For more information, contact Scot Congress at 239-472-4177 or scot@scongress.com.

The Island Coalition, a group of residents and businesses on Captiva Island, is continuing to fight changes to the island’s zoning and land use regulations that were proposed by the Lee County Commission. The coalition argues that the changes would allow for more development on the island, which could have negative impacts on the environment, infrastructure, and quality of life.

The county commission is scheduled to vote on the proposed changes on October 10th. In the meantime, the Island Coalition is urging residents to contact their commissioners and express their opposition to the changes. The coalition has also sent a memo to state agencies asking them to weigh in on the issue.

The memo argues that the proposed changes are not supported by the data and analysis required by the Community Planning Act. The coalition also claims that the county failed to analyze the potential impacts of the changes on the island’s infrastructure, roads, hurricane evacuation routes, water resources, septic systems, sewer project, and environmental resources.

The Island Coalition has stated that if the county commission adopts the proposed changes without change, they will evaluate and pursue the best legal options to protect Captiva Island.

What you can do

If you are concerned about the proposed changes to Captiva Island’s zoning and land use regulations, there are a few things you can do:

• Contact your Lee County commissioner and express your opposition to the changes.
• Send a letter to the editor of the Captiva-Sanibel Reporter or the Islander and Current stating your concerns.
• Attend the county commission meeting on October 10th and speak out against the changes.
• Donate to the Island Coalition to help support their fight to protect Captiva Island.

Together, we can make a difference in protecting the island we love.

Bringing back the potluck by popular demand!

The CCA will be hosting a Halloween Party & Potluck Social on Tuesday, October 31, 5:00-7:00pm. This event will be geared more toward adults, with bar refreshments and candy treats provided by the CCA. Guests are asked to bring a dish to share if they are able, and costumes are encouraged, of course!

To RSVP Click here. The event is free and open to the public, but these help us know how many to plan for.

Sanibel Causeway Emergency Restoration: As a part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Emergency Restoration of the Sanibel Causeway, crews continue work on McGregor Boulevard and the Sanibel Causeway from Port Comfort Road to Sanibel Island. The causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and are currently closed for public access, including from the water.

• Motorists should be aware that through October and November, portions of the travel lanes near the bridges on the Causeway will be narrowed to 10 feet with a one-foot shoulder and barrier wall on each side. Oversized loads will only be permitted during the nighttime/overnight hours with this restriction.
• During the overnight/nighttime hours on Sunday, Oct. 1, crews will shift the travel lanes on the first causeway island to the temporary roadway. Motorists should expect delays during the overnight hours. This shift is necessary for crews to raise the elevation of the existing/permanent road approximately 2 feet.
• During the hours of 6:30-11 a.m., motorists leaving Sanibel should expect eastbound McGregor Boulevard to be reduced to one lane from just east of the toll plaza to Port Comfort Road. This closed lane will be used as a dedicated lane for concrete delivery trucks arriving to the project. Concrete trucks will be escorted by FHP when using this lane. During this time, motorists traveling to Sanibel should expect FHP to intermittently stop traffic to allow concrete trucks to cross westbound travel lanes to reach the staging area.
• Motorists should expect isolated flagging operations on the Causeway. Crews anticipate opening all lanes between the hours of 7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.
• Motorists should expect uneven road surface on the causeway through the end of the year. The contractor continuously monitors road conditions and is prepared to make repairs as needed.
• Crews are relocating utilities along McGregor Boulevard. Motorists are asked to use caution as work activities may be close to the roadway.
• Crews continue driving sheet pile on the causeway islands.
• Motorists should expect numerous dump trucks entering and exiting Punta Rassa. They are delivering armor stone to be used throughout the project.
• Motorists should expect periodic daytime delays for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment, and for crews to remove trash from the roadway.
• Many oversized vehicles are crossing the causeway to assist with recovery efforts on the island. Please be patient as travel may be slower than usual. Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway, and pedestrians are not permitted on the Sanibel Causeway. Expect shoulder closures throughout the project.

MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED TO OBEY THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 20 MPH. Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway.

For further questions, please contact Jennifer Dorning by email at Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us or by phone at (239) 338-7723. Please visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway for additional information.

A new clock was unveiled in Fort Myers Beach, Florida on September 28, 2023, one year after Hurricane Ian destroyed the original clock that stood in Times Square. The new clock was produced in Cincinnati, Ohio by The Verdin Company, who have been making clocks and bells since 1842. The clock was donated by George and Linda Merschman.

The original clock was a beloved landmark on Fort Myers Beach, and its loss was a major blow to the community. The new clock is a replica of the original, and it is a symbol of the community’s resilience and determination to rebuild.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by hundreds of people, including community members, elected officials, and donors. The ceremony began with a moment of silence for the victims of Hurricane Ian. Then, George and Linda Merschman were presented with a plaque of appreciation for their donation.

The unveiling of the new clock is a significant milestone in the recovery of Fort Myers Beach. It is a reminder of the community’s strength and resilience, and it is a symbol of hope for the future

Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage to Sanibel Island, Florida, in September 2022. One of the most heavily damaged structures was Fire Station 172, which served as the island’s primary fire station.

The station was flooded with over 10 feet of water, and the damage was so extensive that it had to be demolished. The Sanibel Fire Department has been operating out of a temporary facility since the storm, but the need for a new fire station is urgent.

The construction of a new Fire Station 172 is underway, and it is expected to be completed in 2024. The new station will be located on the same site as the old one, but it will be elevated to protect it from future flooding.

The new station will also be equipped with state-of-the-art fire and rescue equipment. This will ensure that the Sanibel Fire Department is able to continue to provide the best possible service to the island’s residents and visitors.

The rebuilding of Fire Station 172 is a symbol of the Sanibel community’s resilience in the face of adversity. It is also a reminder of the importance of investing in public safety infrastructure.

The early registration deadline for the 10K/5K Race4FISH is approaching quickly! Runners who register by September 30, 2023 will save on their registration fee.

The race will be held on October 22, 2023 at The Community House on Sanibel. There will also be a kids’ race and family fun day taking place on the same day.

In-person early registration is open now through September 25 for $45. From September 26 through December 1, the in-person fee will be $50; ages 18 and under can register for $35 from now until December 1. On race day, the in-person fee will be $55. The virtual fee is $50.

To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH.

The Sanibel Island Beach Resort has reopened its doors, just days before the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. The resort was heavily damaged by the storm, but has been rebuilt and is now ready to welcome guests.

The reopening is a major milestone for the island’s recovery from Hurricane Ian. The resort is a major employer and a significant contributor to the island’s economy. Its reopening is expected to boost tourism and bring back jobs.

The resort has made a number of improvements since Hurricane Ian. It has installed new storm-hardened windows and doors, and it has elevated the resort’s electrical and mechanical systems to reduce the risk of flooding.

The resort is also offering a number of special packages to celebrate its reopening. Guests can book a stay in a newly renovated room or suite, and they can enjoy a variety of dining and activity options.

The reopening of the Sanibel Island Beach Resort is a sign of hope for the island. It is a reminder that Sanibel is still a beautiful and vibrant place, and it is ready to welcome visitors back.

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