Category: Island Update

The owners of the Island Cow and The Mad Hatter have teamed up to open two new restaurants on Sanibel Island: Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant and The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine. The restaurants are scheduled to open in November 2023 and will be located in the former Lighthouse Café space at 362 Periwinkle Way.

Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant will feature a casual dining atmosphere with a menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. The restaurant will also have a full bar and signature cocktails. The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine will be a family-friendly spot with a vintage VW-inspired décor, offering ice cream, coffee, and other snacks.

The two restaurants are the brainchild of longtime island restaurateurs Brian and Elke Podlasek and Max and Bridget Kolshak. The couples teamed up after the Podlasek’s Island Cow restaurant was destroyed by fire and the Kolshak’s Mad Hatter was lost to Hurricane Ian.

“We’re excited to bring two new dining options to Sanibel Island,” said Brian Podlasek. “We think Wickies and The Magic Bus will be a great addition to the community.”

The restaurants are currently under construction and are expected to open in November 2023.

In July of 2023, Sanibel Police responded to a report of identity theft by a Sanibel resident. Initially, the victim’s identity had been used to open multiple accounts at online retailers and withdraw cash from the victim’s bank account. It was later discovered that more than 50 fraudulent transactions were made using the victim’s identity and funds at various online retailers, including multiple purchases of gold bars from a business in Nevada.

During the course of the investigation, Sanibel Police Detective John Eicher was able to identify several suspects at a residence in Miami Gardens, Florida. Detective Eicher then contacted Miami Gardens Police Department whose jurisdiction the home is located in.

Miami Gardens Police detectives immediately began assisting with the investigation, including placing the residence under surveillance and obtaining a search warrant. It was decided to execute the search warrant immediately after the pending delivery of another fraudulent gold bar purchase. Miami Gardens Police detectives executed a controlled delivery and observed a suspect signing the Sanibel victim’s name and taking possession of the delivery.

Upon execution of the search warrant, one suspect was arrested, and the following material was seized:
Identity theft material related to the Sanibel victim including a counterfeit driver’s license.
Identity theft material related to numerous other potential victims including South West Florida residents.
Five (5) firearms and numerous parts for building additional firearms.
Three (3) switches for converting Glock handguns to fully automatic firearms.
Nine (9) cell phones with additional SIM cards.

This is still an active investigation and no further information can be provided at this time. There are potentially additional victims, suspects, and offenses involving additional state and federal agencies. The Sanibel Police Department would like to thank the Miami Gardens Police Department for their prompt and thorough actions while taking over the investigation. The Sanibel Police Department would also like to thank Detective Eicher for his dedication in serving our residents, which in this case led to an investigation spreading much farther than just Sanibel.

Frontier Airlines is adding 14 new routes to warm-weather destinations this winter, the low-cost carrier announced on Thursday. The new routes will connect travelers from cold-weather cities like Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia to popular destinations in Florida, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

The new routes include:

• Daily service from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Cancun International Airport (CUN)
• Daily service from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Cancun International Airport (CUN)
• Daily service from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Cancun International Airport (CUN)
• Three flights per week from DTW to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) near Fort Myers
• Daily service from MSP to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) near Fort Myers
• Daily service from MSP to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Daily service from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Tampa International Airport (TPA)
• Three flights per week from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) near Santo Domingo

Frontier is also resuming service on seven routes that were suspended during the pandemic:

• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) near Fort Myers (four flights per week)
• Long Island MacArthur Airport near Islip, New York (ISP) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) near Fort Myers (daily)
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), New York to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) near Fort Myers (three flights per week)
• Miami International Airport (MIA) to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) (three flights per week)
• Miami International Airport (MIA) to Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) near Santo Domingo (three flights per week)
• Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) in Florida to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) (daily)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO) to MSP (daily)

“We are excited to expand our network with these new routes to warm-weather destinations,” said Daniel Shurz, Frontier’s senior vice president of commercial. “These new flights will provide our customers with even more affordable options to escape the cold weather and enjoy a winter getaway.”

The new routes are available for booking now on Frontier’s website.

This is a great opportunity for travelers to take advantage of Frontier’s low fares and fly to some of the most popular warm-weather destinations this winter. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach in Cancun or explore the culture of Santo Domingo, Frontier has a flight that can get you there.

Mark your calendars! Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sep 22, 2023 – Oct 1, 2023. The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest has enchanted the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers for nine years, inviting music lovers to enjoy over a hundred free performances in intimate island venues showcasing some of BMI’s best singer-songwriters.

This extraordinary event invites music enthusiasts to revel in the enchanting melodies of numerous talented singer-songwriters, delivering an unforgettable experience. The festival is divided into three locations with the first weekend kicking off on Captiva Island, then moving to downtown Fort Myers during the week, and ending with a weekend on Fort Myers Beach. The 2023 festival will look a bit different.

This 10 days festival takes place across three distinct locations, beginning with a captivating weekend on Captiva Island. It then moves to the vibrant downtown area of Fort Myers during the week, culminating in an exhilarating weekend on Fort Myers Beach. While most shows are free of charge, we also offer a selection of ticketed experiences, including our highly anticipated headliner shows.

Join through Sept 22 – Oct 1, 2023 for the return of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest!

IF YOU GO

What

9th Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

When

Sept. 22 through Oct. 1

Where

Captiva, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach

On Captiva, the festival will run from Sept. 22-24 at the South Seas Island Resort performance tent, The Mucky Duck, The Green Flash, ‘Tween Waters, RC Otter’s Island Eats and Keylime Bistro. The Captiva Cruises performance were already sold out as of last week. Below are the venues

‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, 15951 Captiva Drive

SEPT. 22

– 7 p.m.: Adam Ezra and Ben Burgess

– 8:30 p.m.: Dylan Altman and Bobby Tomberlin

SEPT. 23

– 2 p.m.: Tyler James Bellinger and Stevie Rees

– 3:30 p.m.: Sheena Brook, Sonia Leigh and Angie K

– 6:30 p.m.: Kat Higgins and Stevie Rees

– 8 p.m.: Tim James and Frank Myers

SEPT. 24

– 10 a.m. Tim James and Kat Higgins

– 1:30 p.m. Clint Daniels and Catie Offerman

– 2:45 p.m. Tyler James Bellinger and Kat Higgins

Keylime Bistro, 11509 Andy Rosse Lane

SEPT. 22

– 7 p.m.: Monallo and Stevie Rees

– 8:30 p.m.: Sheena Brook and Ava Suppelsa

SEPT. 23

– 2:15 p.m.: Clint Daniels and Adam Ezra

– 3:45 p.m.: Dylan Altman and Tim James

– 6:45 p.m.: Sarah Hardwig and Alan Bradford

– 8:15 p.m.: Tyler James Bellinger and Sonia Leigh

SEPT. 24

– 1:30 p.m.: Alan Bradford and Emily Shackleton

– 2:45 p.m.: Holt and Cabe and Ben Burgess

The Mucky Duck, 11546 Andy Rosse Lane

SEPT. 22

– 7:15 p.m.: Tyler James Bellinger and Sonia Leigh

– 8:45 pm.: Angie K and Tim James

SEPT. 23

– 2:15 p.m.: Emily Shackleton, Monallo and Coretta King

– 3:45 p.m.: Bobby Tomberlin and Kat Higgins

– 6:30 p.m.: Sheena Brook and Adriana McDonald

– 8 p.m.: Clint Daniels and Coretta King

SEPT. 24

– 1:30 p.m.: Bobby Tomberlin and Sonia Leigh

– 2:45 p.m.: Frank Myers and Dylan Altman

RC Otter’s Island Eats, 11506 Andy Rosse Lane

SEPT. 23

– 2 p.m.: Sarah Hardwig and Adriana McDonald

– 3:30 p.m.: Holt and Cabe

– 6 p.m.: Ben Burgess and Adam Ezra

SEPT. 24

– 1:15 p.m.: Ava Suppelsa and Adriana McDonald

– 2:30 p.m.: Stevie Rees and Monallo

South Seas Island Resort performance tent, 5400 Plantation Road

SEPT. 22

– 7:15 p.m.: Kat Higgins, Coretta King and Alan Bradford

– 8:45 p.m.: Frank Myers and Clint Daniels

SEPT. 23

– 6:30 p.m.: Ava Suppelsa and Emily Shackleton

– 8 p.m.: Dylan Altman and Angie K

The Green Flash, 15183 Captiva Drive

SEPT. 22

– 7 p.m.: Sarah Hardwig and Emily Shackleton

– 8:30 p.m.: Holt and Cabe and Adriana McDonald

SEPT. 23

– 2:15 p.m.: Ben Burgess and Ava Suppelsa

– 3:45 p.m.: Frank Myers and Alan Bradford

– 6:30 p.m.: Holt and Cabe and Monallo

– 8 p.m.: Bobby Tomberlin and Barbara Chamberlain

SEPT. 24

– 1:15 p.m.: Sarah Hardig and Adam Ezra

– 2:30 p.m.: Coretta King and Sheena Brook

Click here for venue info

Click here for more info

Support the legal fund: Checks should be made out to Captiva Civic Association (in the memo please write Legal Fund) and mailed to P.O. Box 778, Captiva, FL 33924. Also, please include your name, address, phone number and email address for our recordkeeping. In the event that more funds are collected than are necessary, a mechanism with be established to proportionally refund any excess funds. Any contributions made will not be tax deductible, and all monies raised will be kept in a separate account only for the legal services. If you have any questions regarding a contribution, call CCA Executive Director Emily Ankerson at (239) 472-2111.

After a 2.5-hour public hearing with more than 50 speakers presenting, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 (Ruane opposed) to approve the county Land Development Code amendments as originally presented in June. The coalition of island organizations which opposed these land use changes will be meeting to discuss next steps and possible legal options, and more information on those will be forthcoming soon and at the Sept. 12 meeting of the Captiva Community Panel.

Please note this vote allows the resort (Timbers) to apply for changes to the Administrative Interpretation for South Seas Island Resort (ADD2002-00098) as adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 2002. The resort will still have to go through public hearings, zoning, permitting, etc. for any new construction.

We thank all the island residents, owners, businesses and visitors that gave their support and their voice to oppose these changes. We will let you know what comes next soon.

Beach Advisory issued for Blind Pass/Turner Beach by Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee)

Lighthouse and Turner Beach Parks will be closed this weekend due to moderate damage that was sustained during Hurricane Idalia. The moderate damages consist of sand displacement on beaches and in parking areas. Public Works personnel are working hard to reopen Lighthouse and Turner Beach Parks by the end of next week. Please watch for further updates.

Additionally, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) has issued a Beach Advisory for Blind Pass/Turner Beach advising the public not to enter the water due to high levels of bacteria identified in routine testing. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. New test results should be available for Blind Pass/Turner Beach on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Click here to read the September 1, 2023 Beach Advisory from DOH-Lee.

As a reminder, The Florida Department of Health (FDH) Lee County has issued a precautionary “Swim Advisory” for public beaches and swimming pools. Click here to read the August 30, 2023 FDH Lee County advisory.

A new upscale airline is coming to Fort Myers International Airport (RSW) this fall, offering travelers a more comfortable and convenient way to fly between the United States and Canada.

Porter Airlines, a Canadian carrier, will begin daily service to RSW on November 10, 2023. The airline will fly from Toronto Pearson Airport to RSW, as well as from RSW to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.

Porter Airlines is known for its premium service, which includes spacious seats, free beer and wine, and fast WiFi. The airline also uses a new Embraer E195-E2 jet, which is said to be one of the most comfortable and quiet aircraft in its class.

The arrival of Porter Airlines is a welcome addition to RSW, which is the second busiest airport in Florida. The new airline will provide travelers with more options and a more comfortable way to fly, especially those who are traveling between the United States and Canada.

ere are some of the key details about the new service:

• Starting date: November 10, 2023
• Destinations: Toronto Pearson Airport to RSW, as well as from RSW to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa
• Aircraft: Embraer E195-E2 jet
• Service: Premium, with spacious seats, free beer and wine, and fast WiFi

Trucks began hauling sand to northwest Sanibel on August 21, 2023, to replace sand lost to erosion due to Hurricanes Ian and Nicole last year. The project is expected to take about 90 days to complete.

The sand will be obtained from the Stewart mine in Immokalee, which was approved as beach compatible by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The route will be from Immokalee to Sanibel, avoiding Corkscrew Road between Alico Road and Interstate 75.

About 25 trucks will deliver sand each day, which means fewer trucks on the road compared with other recent sand-hauling operations in Southwest Florida.

The sand will be placed on the beach south of Blind Pass, which is an important nesting area for sea turtles. The project is designed to reduce the vulnerability of Sanibel-Captiva Road, which serves as an evacuation route for the islands.

Engineering estimates from the city of Sanibel determined that the site needs about 70,000 tons of sand. The work hours will be from dawn to dusk on weekdays.

The city and county ask that motorists and beach-goers be aware and abide by all signs and instructions provided by traffic control personnel in the area.

This is a critical project to protect Sanibel Island’s beaches and infrastructure from future storms. The sand replenishment will help to restore the beach’s natural beauty and recreational value, and it will also help to protect the island’s wildlife.