Category: Island Update

The City of Sanibel has announced a series of scheduled maintenance projects at the Sanibel Recreation Center over the coming weeks. These temporary closures are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure a clean, safe, and well-maintained facility for the community.

Closure Schedule:

• Pool Deck Resurfacing (Starts July 28):
  All pools will be closed during the resurfacing project. Construction activity may result in dust and debris in the parking lot—please use caution when visiting the area.

• Gymnasium Closure (July 30):
  The gym will be closed for the day. Open pickleball is canceled and will resume when the gym reopens on July 31.

• Annual Maintenance Shutdown (Aug. 2–10):
  The entire center will be closed during this period and will reopen on Aug. 11.

• Gymnasium Closure (Aug. 11–12):
  The gym will remain closed for additional work. All pickleball games are canceled, and fitness classes will be relocated. The gym will reopen on Aug. 13.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we complete these important maintenance projects to keep the Sanibel Recreation Center safe, clean, and ready for your return,” officials said.

For more information or real-time updates, contact the front desk at 239-472-0345.
Location: 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

Sanibel Island’s pristine beaches are more than just a beautiful escape—they’re vital nesting grounds for endangered shorebirds and sea turtles. Each year, the City of Sanibel partners with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and a team of dedicated volunteers to monitor and protect these vulnerable species.

As residents and visitors enjoy this barrier island sanctuary, the city encourages everyone to “Share the Shore” and help ensure these remarkable creatures can safely nest and thrive.

Shorebird Nesting: What You Need to Know

Nesting Season: February through August
Shorebirds lay their eggs in shallow, well-camouflaged nests called “scrapes” right on the sand or in shells—making them especially vulnerable to human activity.

How You Can Help:

• Respect nesting zones: Avoid posted areas and stick to designated beach paths or dune walkovers.

• Give them space: If birds take flight as you approach, you’re too close. Step back to avoid stressing them.

• Don’t force flight: Disturbing birds wastes their energy needed for nesting and migration.

• Leash your pets: Keep dogs on a leash no longer than 8 feet and away from nesting areas (Sanibel Code Sec. 10-62).

• Keep the beach clean: Trash and leftover food attract predators like raccoons and crows, which pose a threat to eggs and chicks. Always dispose of waste properly and never feed wildlife.

Watch the “Share the Shore” video here: YouTube – Share the Shore with Shorebirds
Learn more tips: SancapLifeSavers.org/shorebirds

Sea Turtle Nesting: What You Need to Know

Nesting Season: Mid-April through October
Sea turtles face many dangers as they come ashore to nest—ranging from bright lights and beach debris to vessel strikes and disorientation.

How You Can Help:

• Follow lighting ordinances: Gulf-front property owners must ensure lights are shielded and not visible from the beach at night (Sanibel Code Sec. 74-181 to 74-183; 126-996 to 126-1002).

• No flashlights or flash photography: Artificial light can disorient nesting turtles and hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean.

• Clear the beach at night: Remove furniture, toys, and other obstacles between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. (Sanibel Code Sec. 126-638). These items can block nesting paths or entangle turtles.

• Leave no trace: Level sandcastles and fill in holes before you leave. Smooth, clean sand helps hatchlings safely reach the water.

Report violations or concerns to:

• Sanibel Police Department: 239-472-3111

• Code Enforcement: 239-472-4136

• Natural Resources Department: 239-472-3700

For lighting questions, contact: sandnr@mysanibel.com

Together, we can protect the fragile wildlife that calls Sanibel home. Your small actions make a big difference in preserving our beaches for future generations—of both people and wildlife.

The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns for its 11th year—recently honored as one of the Top 5 Music Festivals in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This unique festival brings acclaimed singer-songwriters to intimate island venues, offering music lovers a chance to enjoy live performances in a relaxed, tropical setting.

The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) is proud to host a special evening of music and storytelling featuring Grammy Award-winning songwriter Frank Myers, best known for his smash hit “I Swear”. He’ll be joined by the talented Cut the Chord string quartet and acclaimed keyboardist Jimmy Nichols for an unforgettable performance.

️ Your ticket includes:

• Live performance in an intimate coastal setting

• Light fare to enjoy during the evening

• Two drink tickets per guest

This event promises heartfelt music, island charm, and an unforgettable night under the stars.

Tickets are limited—reserve your spot now!
Click here to purchase on Eventbrite

Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of Island Hopper on beautiful Captiva Island!

Five beloved Florida islands named among the top 15 in the U.S.—a powerful testament to their beauty, charm, and resilience.

Florida has once again proven it’s a paradise like no other. In Travel + Leisure’s highly anticipated 2025 World’s Best Awards, five Florida islands earned top spots among the best 15 islands in the U.S.—the most of any state. Nearly 200,000 global travelers cast their votes, highlighting the Sunshine State’s enduring appeal, even in the face of hurricanes and rebuilding.

Florida’s Winning Islands:

• #2 – Amelia Island

• #6 – Marco Island

• #8 – Florida Keys

• #11 – Sanibel Island

• #15 – Captiva Island

This year’s rankings underscore not only the natural beauty of these destinations but also their ability to bounce back stronger after being tested by nature.

Resilience Meets Paradise

Sanibel and Captiva Islands, both hard-hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and additional storms like Hurricane Helene and Milton in 2024, still found a spot in travelers’ hearts and this prestigious list. Their inclusion speaks volumes about the dedication of local communities and their commitment to rebuilding better, without losing the laid-back island magic.

Sanibel, famous for its shell-covered beaches and peaceful charm, slipped just one spot to #11. Captiva, a fishing favorite known for redfish, snook, and sunsets at The Mucky Duck, came in at #15, despite taking three major storm hits in just four years.

Florida Favorites That Captivated Travelers

• Amelia Island, nestled in Nassau County near Jacksonville, continues to charm with horseback rides on pristine beaches and historic appeal. It retained its #2 spot from last year.

• Marco Island, part of the Ten Thousand Islands near Naples, joined the list for the first time at #6. It’s known for rich wildlife, expansive beaches, and its local spirit—even famously pushing for beach reopenings in early 2020 during the pandemic.

• The Florida Keys dropped slightly to #8 but remain a reader favorite, praised for their Old Florida vibe, locally owned eateries, and down-home hospitality.

A Mixed Bag for the Rest of Florida

While Florida led in the island rankings, it didn’t fare as well in other categories:

• No Florida hotels made the Top 100 Hotels in the World list.

• No Florida cities placed in the Top 15 U.S. Cities to Visit.

By contrast, cities like Santa Fe (ranked #1), New York, Chicago, and Boston dominated. International destinations also made strong showings, with Paros in Greece named the world’s best island. Even Central and South American countries such as Mexico, Peru, and Costa Rica outpaced Florida in global hotel rankings.

What This Means for Florida Tourism

These results reflect a shifting tourism landscape. As post-pandemic travelers explore more far-flung, culturally rich destinations, Florida is facing growing competition—not just from within the U.S., but around the globe.

Still, the success of Florida’s islands in this year’s rankings is a bright spot. It reinforces their unique blend of natural beauty, coastal charm, and community spirit that continues to win over hearts, year after year.

“Our readers are seeking depth, character, and a strong sense of place,” said Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford.

And for that, Florida’s islands deliver.

Whether you’re craving quiet beach strolls, world-class fishing, or a warm dose of Southern hospitality, Florida’s island gems are ready to welcome you—storms, sunshine, and all.

The City of Sanibel has made it easier for residents and businesses to stay informed about ongoing infrastructure improvements by publishing interactive maps and itemized lists of current stormwater repair projects on the city’s official website.

These resources offer clear visuals and updates on where work is currently underway or scheduled to begin—promoting transparency and community awareness as the city continues its efforts to manage flood risks and improve drainage across the island.

“We encourage all residents and business owners to explore these tools to stay up to date on the important projects happening throughout Sanibel,” the city shared in a recent update.

To view the maps and learn more about the city’s Stormwater Master Plan Update, visit:
mysanibel.com/558/Stormwater-Management

For additional questions or project-related inquiries, please contact:
Oisin Dolley, City Engineer
239-472-6397
sanpw@mysanibel.com

Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop, located at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel, will be closed during the months of August and September.

Currently, the store is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offers a variety of items including clothing, jewelry, furniture, decor, art, shoes, books, and more. For over 60 years, the shop has been run by church volunteers, with all proceeds supporting non-profit organizations through a grant process.

For more information, visit Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop or call 239-799-7149.

Stay connected with Noah’s Ark on Facebook @noahsarksanibel and Instagram @noahsarkthrift.sanibel.

Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop is located at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The Love Sanibel Back campaign continues from July 20-26, bringing the island community together in support of local businesses. A special gathering will take place on July 24 at 5 p.m. at Captain’s Catch and Shima Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, located at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, 1451 Middle Gulf Drive. The first 20 guests will receive a tote bag, and campaign buttons will be distributed.

On July 21, enjoy a free pool and beach day at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, with access to amenities—RSVP required. Call 866-565-5093 and mention Love Sanibel Back.

On July 23, BIG ARTS is hosting an open house with swag bags, discounts, and a giveaway. The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village will offer free admission and goodies. Additional participating businesses include The Community House and Sanibel Sprout, both offering treats and discounts.

The campaign, running through August, was launched by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in partnership with the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, SanCap Chamber, and the City of Sanibel to foster community connection and support local businesses.

For more details, visit Love Sanibel Back Campaign. To support from afar, visit Love Sanibel Back Online.

It’s officially hatchling season on Sanibel and Captiva Islands! As of July 15, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has reported the emergence of baby sea turtles from their nests — and it’s one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events.

Since June 26, an incredible 2,862 loggerhead hatchlings have made their way to the ocean. The islands are home to 798 nests this season, including 14 green sea turtle nests. The rest belong to the beloved loggerhead species.

How Do Sea Turtles Hatch? The Science Explained

Unlike many animals, sea turtles do not provide any parental care. Once a female sea turtle lays her clutch of about 100 eggs, she returns to the ocean — never to see her hatchlings again.

Over the next 60 days, the eggs incubate beneath the sand. As hatching time nears, the tiny turtles begin to “pip” — breaking through their eggs using a special temporary tooth called a caruncle.

According to SCCF sea turtle biologist Jack Brzoza, this process is followed by a crucial waiting period:

“They stay partially in the egg while absorbing the remaining yolk sac,” Brzoza explains. “This yolk fuels their first big journey — crawling to the sea and swimming to the open ocean.”

Once the yolk is absorbed (over a few days to a week), the hatchlings start their emergence movements, wriggling together in a synchronized climb to the surface. By moving as a group, they compact the sand beneath them, making it easier for all to reach the surface.

Why Do Hatchlings Emerge at Night?

Nighttime emergence is critical to their survival. Cooler sand temperatures stimulate activity, and the darkness shields them from the heat and predators. Emerging together gives them a better shot at survival — there’s safety in numbers.

Once they break through the sand, the hatchlings instinctively crawl toward the ocean. This is where the real journey begins.

“Hatchlings use natural light cues — historically, the moon and stars reflecting off the water — to find their way,” Brzoza says.

The Threat of Artificial Light

Unfortunately, human-made lighting has disrupted this instinctual behavior. Residential lights, streetlights, and skyglow can confuse hatchlings, drawing them away from the water and toward dangerous areas like roads, pools, or storm drains.

How You Can Help Hatchlings Survive

SCCF urges all residents and visitors to protect these vulnerable creatures with a few simple actions:

• Turn off or shield lights visible from the beach

• Close curtains and blinds after 9 p.m.

• Avoid flashlights and never shine lights on hatchlings

• No flash photography or cell phone lights near hatchlings

• ️ Fill in holes, flatten sandcastles, and remove beach gear at night

• Give hatchlings space — never touch or pick them up

If you see hatchlings in trouble or spot disoriented ones heading away from the water, call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at (978) 728-3663.

️ Curious to see where Sanibel and Captiva’s sea turtles travel? Check out the SCCF Sea Turtle Tracking Portal for real-time updates.

Let’s all do our part to protect these tiny travelers as they begin their incredible journey.

After weathering multiple hurricanes and years of rebuilding, The Bubble Room — one of Captiva Island’s most beloved and whimsical landmarks — officially reopened its doors this past Monday at 11 a.m.
.

The restaurant, known for its eclectic decor, holiday cheer, and famous desserts, has been closed since Hurricane Ian swept through the region nearly three years ago. But now, it’s making a festive comeback — and it’s better than ever.

A Reopening Full of Resilience and Joy

General Manager Rachel Peach and her dedicated team have waited years for this day. “We’ve had three hurricanes in two years — and three floods to go with them,” she shared. The team has faced unimaginable challenges, but their determination never wavered.

During its downtime, The Bubble Room took the opportunity to enhance its already magical atmosphere. A brand-new Christmas section on the second floor is now home to original 1920s animatronics of Santa and his elves from Macy’s, blending vintage charm with holiday nostalgia. Longtime favorites like the Sweetheart Nook have also been lovingly restored.

“We’ve learned to handle anything thrown our way,” Rachel said. “This reopening is proof of our growth, our strength, and the heart behind this place.”

Boops and the Return of Iconic Cakes

Next door at Boops by the Bubble Room, General Manager Stephen Peach reflected on the journey. “It’s been a real test,” he said. “But what we discovered is that we have some of the most dedicated, hardworking people on our team — and many of them are back.”

Boops has been holding the fort with their signature desserts like the famous orange crunch and red velvet cakes, keeping Bubble Room fans satisfied during the long wait.

“The Bubble Room has always been about more than food,” Stephen added. “People come here to make memories.”

Here is the video of what it looks like from the inside. 

Lee County has taken a major step toward the future of Captiva’s iconic South Seas Resort, recommending approval of a sweeping redevelopment plan following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Both county staff and the Hearing Examiner have backed the proposed zoning application, which clears the way for a $1 billion redevelopment effort. The plan includes:

• Up to 193 multifamily residential units

• 435 hotel rooms

• All located within the resort’s existing 330-acre footprint

South Seas Ownership Group President Greg Spencer expressed appreciation for the county’s cooperation, especially regarding elevation standards aligned with FEMA requirements.

“This brings countywide conformance and consistency,” Spencer stated, “not just for South Seas, but to protect all of Lee County.”

The proposed redevelopment is seen as a critical opportunity to rebuild the resort sustainably, while meeting current zoning and safety standards under Lee County’s Land Development Code.

What’s Next:

The plan now heads to the Board of County Commissioners for a final decision at a public hearing on August 20. This meeting represents a crucial moment for community input and final review.

We’ll continue to monitor updates and share how residents and stakeholders can get involved.