Category: Island Update

Community Housing & Resources (CHR) is gearing up for a month of excitement with two events designed to celebrate the season and support affordable housing initiatives.

Celebrity Bartending Night: Mingle with Local Stars!

Mark your calendars for CHR’s Celebrity Bartending Night on Saturday, April 13th, from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen (1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel). Witness a delightful role reversal as some of Sanibel and Captiva’s most admired leaders swap their suits for aprons and mix up your favorite drinks! A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go towards CHR’s mission of providing accessible housing options.

Here’s your chance to rub shoulders with these remarkable individuals:

• Emily Hess Ankerson, Executive Director, Captiva Civic Association
• Sam Ankerson, Executive Director, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
• Nicole Decker-McHale, Executive Director, CHR
• Maria Espinoza, Executive Director, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva
• Lee Ellen Harder, Executive Director, BIG ARTS
• Bill Harkey, President, Board of Directors, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge
• Alison Charney Hussey, Executive Director, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
• John Lai, President & CEO, SanCap Chamber of Commerce

Join the April Extravaganza: A Community Celebration

The festivities continue on Sunday, April 14th, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at The Community House (2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel) for the CHR’s April Extravaganza. This afternoon gathering promises an abundance of fun, food, and music. Indulge in delectable treats courtesy of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, and quench your thirst at the cash bar offering beer, wine, and sangria.

The Chicago Heat will keep your feet tapping with their lively renditions of classic rock, doo-wop, and blues. The band even features the legendary Grammy Award winner, Jim Freeman, an original member of The Five Satins and the iconic voice behind “In the Still of the Night.”

CHR looks forward to celebrating with you this April!

San Cap Pink Project, also known as Pink Out for nearly 15 years on Sanibel Island, is proud to announce its first-ever event dedicated to celebrating the incredible caregivers who support loved ones battling cancer.

The Pink Cares Celebration Tea will be held on Tuesday, April 23rd at noon at Cielo Restaurant. This special event aims to shine a light on these often-overlooked heroes who provide unwavering support throughout a cancer journey.

“We’re known for our mammogram access campaigns, the annual Pink Out Picnic at the Sanibel Fire Station, and other October events,” says Mary Bondurant, founder of San Cap Pink Project. “But our mission to support our community goes beyond October. We’re thrilled to be adding this special spring event at Cielo Restaurant.”

NBC2 News Today Anchor Lisa Spooner will serve as the emcee for the Pink Cares Celebration Tea.

“Having a family history of breast cancer, I’m passionate about supporting organizations like San Cap Pink Project,” says Spooner. “Working with them is a true highlight for me.”

The LeAne Suarez Group of John R. Wood Properties Christie’s International Real Estate is the title sponsor for the Pink Cares Celebration Tea. LeAne Suarez and her family are longtime Southwest Florida residents known for their dedication to the community.

“It’s an honor to be involved with such an incredible group,” says Suarez. “They not only help those facing cancer battles, but they do it with such positivity. It inspires hope.”

Tickets for the Pink Cares Celebration Tea are $50 each and can be purchased online at [invalid URL removed] or by mailing a check to San Cap Pink Project, P.O. Box 125 Sanibel, Florida 33957. The event will be held from noon to 2 pm on Tuesday, April 23rd at Cielo Restaurant, located at 1244 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel.

Mark your calendars! This fall, the annual Pink Out Picnic at the Firehouse will be held on Thursday, October 24th. Don’t miss San Cap Pink Project’s other signature events in October, including the Dink for Pink pickleball tournament and the spectacular Pink Tea at Cielo (dates and times to be announced).

All San Cap Pink Project events are designed to honor, remember, and support those affected by cancer. Proceeds from ticket sales, raffles, auctions, donations, and merchandise sales go towards helping uninsured and underinsured community members with cancer-related needs.

To request reservations for any event, make a contribution, or volunteer, please contact PinkOutSanibel@gmail.com

Calling all golfers! The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual Doc Ford’s Invitational “King of the Rock” tournament on Saturday, April 20th.

This exciting event offers a chance to:

• Play 18 holes of scenic golf at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club on Sanibel.
• Support the SanCap Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship Fund, which aids deserving local high school graduates.
• Compete for prizes and trophies alongside fellow golfers.

Tournament Details:

• Date: April 20th
• Location: The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel
• Format: Single round, two-person scramble. Men’s and Ladies’ divisions available.
• Registration: Opens at 7:30 AM, Shotgun Start at 9:00 AM.
• Cost: $150 per golfer
• Deadline: April 12th

Highlights:

• 18 holes of tournament golf
• Range balls
• Lunch following the round
• Prizes and trophies for top finishers

Team Formation and Flight Assignments:

Team assignments and flights will be announced at a social gathering on Friday, April 19th at 6:00 PM at The Dunes’ Clubhouse. Food will be served, but drinks are not included. All participants are encouraged to attend.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

If you’re interested in supporting the event through sponsorship, please contact the organizers.

Register Now!

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day on the course, compete with friends, and give back to the community.

For more information or to register, visit Sanibel Kiwanis Club: https://sanibelkiwanis.org/ or stop by The Dunes Golf Shop. Registration forms and fees can be submitted to Chris Pais at the golf shop (239-472-3355) or event Co-Chair Eric Pfeifer at Pfeifer Realty Group (239-472-0004).

The Ding Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge has announced several upcoming events:

• Roving Ranger: The Roving Ranger exhibit will be on display at various locations throughout April. See it at the Visitor & Education Center parking lot (April 8-10), the SanCap Chamber of Commerce (April 11), and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille (April 12).
• Ding Darling Day Conservation Carnival: Join the fun at the “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival on April 20th at Lakes Park in Fort Myers.
• Ding Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament: The 12th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament takes place on May 10th.
• Art in the Wild: Mark your calendars! Art in the Wild returns on October 19th.
• Photographer-Artist Niki Butcher Exhibit: Please note that Photographer-artist Niki Butcher’s “Daydreaming” exhibition kickoff has been postponed until late fall or early 2025.

Summer and rainy season are just around the corner, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center Manager Becca Grotrian has some tips to help you prepare your native landscape.

Planting for Seasonal Residents

Many seasonal residents leave between April and June. If you’re leaving early in that window, it might be best to hold off on planting new landscaping. Newly planted natives, even those adapted to our region, need regular watering to establish themselves – up to a month for smaller plants and a year for larger ones. While summer brings rain, it’s not always frequent or consistent enough to rely on solely for new plantings.

Mulching Unplanted Areas

For areas that won’t be planted yet, consider mulching to suppress weeds and enrich the soil as it decomposes. Fallen leaves are a free, nutrient-rich option! However, avoid mulching in flood-prone areas, as heavy rains can wash it away. Seagrapes, strangler figs, and gumbo limbos are all shedding leaves right now – a perfect opportunity to use nature’s bounty for mulch!

Pruning for Hurricane Season

While we generally encourage letting native plants grow naturally to benefit wildlife, there are some exceptions. Keep an eye on your larger trees for any dead or broken branches that could pose a threat during a storm. Especially since many trees are still recovering from Hurricane Ian, consider consulting a tree company or arborist to examine them.

Pruning palms is discouraged, as their fronds provide valuable habitat for wildlife. If you do prune palms, only remove the older, brown fronds. Avoid the “hurricane prune” – cutting green fronds can harm the palm’s health.

Planting Guide and More Resources

To download our planting guide, which includes specific guidelines on watering to establish plants, best practices for planting and more tips, visit https://issuu.com/sccf3/docs/sccf_replanting_guide-final

There’s exciting news for the future of East Fort Myers! On March 27th, the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) commissioners unanimously approved the findings of a slum and blight analysis for a designated 1,100-acre area in eastern Fort Myers. This vote also greenlit the East Fort Myers Redevelopment Area Plan, both of which are now headed to City Council for final approval.

This initiative marks the first step in a series designed to breathe new life into East Fort Myers. The plan aims to stimulate economic development, enhance existing neighborhoods, and encourage redevelopment activities within the designated zone.

Why the Focus on East Fort Myers?

As Commissioner Frankie explained, the area has remained stagnant for decades. “This area has been the same, looked the same, built the same for the last 20, 30 or 40 years and nothing’s happened,” he said. The CRA believes this program presents an opportunity to try a fresh approach to revitalize the neighborhood.

What’s Next?

The approval by the CRA commissioners is just the beginning. The plan now awaits final approval by the City Council. Stay tuned for further updates on the East Fort Myers Redevelopment Plan as it progresses!

Click here for more info

Sanibel Island is witnessing a significant milestone – the groundbreaking of the Shalimar Beach Resort! This marks the first resort project to begin construction on the island in years, symbolizing hope and progress after the devastation of Hurricane Ian 18 months ago.

A Family Legacy Reborn

The ceremony was a heartwarming occasion for owner Sean Niesel. He expressed his gratitude to his grandmother, acknowledging her unwavering support. The Niesel family purchased Shalimar in 2005 and envisioned transforming it into a condo complex. However, the Great Recession intervened, and their love for the resort deepened, leading them to preserve its legacy.

Hurricane Ian, though destructive, ignited a renewed purpose in Sean. He was determined to rebuild Shalimar and continue the family tradition.

Pioneering a New Era

The vacant lot where Shalimar once stood will be buzzing with activity for the next 18 months. The new resort will boast a smaller footprint (33 rooms) due to updated federal guidelines. The design, crafted by Joyce Owens Architects, prioritizes aesthetics while adhering to strict building codes.

Challenges and Collaboration

Being the first mover comes with its share of obstacles. Sean highlighted the challenges of navigating new city codes implemented due to the island’s long hiatus from resort construction. However, Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson emphasized the importance of collaboration. He commended the Shalimar team for their spirit and expressed optimism for the island’s complete recovery.

Stevens Construction, led by Mark Stevens and Tom Porter, will spearhead this groundbreaking project. They’ll be driving hundreds of pilons into the ground, utilizing thousands of concrete blocks, and employing a workforce of around 50 at peak construction. Strategic planning will be crucial for managing logistics, particularly considering the time-sensitive nature of concrete.

Financing for this roughly $14 million project was secured with the help of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.

Looking Forward

Excitement filled the air as Sean expressed his eagerness to get started. The hard work and dedication have finally paid off, and the wait for the finished product is bittersweet.

Estimated completion aligns with the 2025-26 tourist season, with 2026 marking the first year of welcoming guests. Larry and Linda Engen, loyal vacationers at Shalimar for 35 years, have already declared themselves the resort’s first official guests. Their sentiment perfectly captures the essence of this momentous occasion – Shalimar Beach Resort is truly “home” for many.

Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina on Captiva Island is delighted to announce the opening of its doors to guests starting June 29th, 2024.

The resort’s charming cottages and marina have undergone a refreshing renovation, and they’re eager to share the magic of Captiva Island with visitors once again. Imagine yourself unwinding in a dream island cottage, the anticipation building as you count down the days to pure relaxation in paradise.

Booking Your Escape

Reservations for the island cottages are now open! Head over to Royal Shell’s website at https://www.royalshell.com/ or call 866-341-7799 to secure your spot.

Location

Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina awaits you at 15107 Captiva Drive, Captiva.

We’re thrilled to share that Captiva’s beloved Mucky Duck has been recognized by Southern Living as one of the “The 18 Best Beach Bars in the South” in their recent March issue!

The editors at Southern Living personally visit and evaluate beach destinations across the South, ensuring their picks offer the perfect blend of atmosphere, food, and of course, beachfront bliss. Here’s what they had to say about our very own Mucky Duck:

“Everything about this tiny pub on Captiva Island is surprising. In the 1970s when two entrepreneurs bought it, it was set to become a rental home. Somehow plans changed and the Mucky Duck, a British-inspired pub was born. The spot is known for its menu that combines a bit of everything—fried seafood platters you’d expect from a place on the water, favorite appetizers you’d expect from a pub, and even a few white-tablecloth additions like duck a l’orange. This spot is known for its sunset views so grab a table early.”

Looking for a taste of the tropics? The Mucky Duck isn’t the only Sunshine State gem to make the list. Joining them are Florida favorites like:

• Flora-Bama in Perdido Key
• Aruba Beach Café in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
• Square Grouper in Jupiter
• The SandBar in Delray Beach
• Peg Leg Pete’s in Pensacola Beach
• Jimmy B’s Beach Bar in St. Pete Beach
• Kane Tiki Bar & Grill in Marco Island

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Southern Living also highlighted fantastic beach bars throughout the South, including:

• The Windjammer (Isle of Palms, South Carolina)
• Clayton’s Beach Bar (South Padre Island, Texas)
• Pink Pony Pub (Gulf Shores, Alabama)
• Franky & Louie’s Beachfront Bar & Grill (Sunrise Beach, Missouri)
• Seacrets (Ocean City, Maryland)
• The Gulf (Orange Beach, Alabama)
• Pirates Cove (Elberta, Alabama)
• Brogen’s South (St. Simons, Georgia)
• Shaggy’s Harbor Bar & Grill (Coastal Mississippi)
• The Spot (Galveston, Texas)

So if  you’re on Captiva, be sure to swing by the Mucky Duck at 11546 Andy Rosse Lane for an unforgettable beachfront experience!

Mark your calendars! The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s (SCCF) highly anticipated Beer in the Bushes returns for its 10th year on March 30th from 6 to 10 p.m. This beloved event is the unofficial end-of-season celebration for the islands, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Unforgettable Music and Island Ambiance

Get ready to groove under the stars as Railroad Earth, a bluegrass band known for their electrifying live shows, headlines the festivities. The SCCF promises a top-notch production with lighting and surprises that will make this 10th anniversary truly unforgettable.

Craft Beers, Food Trucks, and More!

The event wouldn’t be complete without its namesake: delicious craft beers from regional breweries. Indulge in a diverse selection from nine breweries like Bone Hook Brewing Co. and Fort Myers Brewing Co., alongside offerings from the island’s very own The Great White Grill.

No need to worry about going hungry! Food Truck Alley, sponsored by The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, will be brimming with delectable dishes from Price Panzarotti’s, Sweet Cheesus, and other local favorites.

Celebrate Conservation in Style

This year’s theme is “Back to the Bushes,” so dust off your camo cool or safari chic attire! Tickets are $125 and include beer samples, wine, soft drinks, water, light snacks, and $15 in “TruxBux” to spend on food trucks.

More Than Just a Party

Beer in the Bushes is more than just a fun night out; it’s a chance to give back. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the SCCF’s vital mission to protect Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

Ready to Join the Fun?

Head over to the SCCF website (https://sccf.org/events-programs/fundraising-events/beer-in-the-bushes/) to learn more and secure your tickets. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the islands, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and support a great cause!

Event Details

• What: 10th Annual Beer in the Bushes
• When: March 30th from 6 to 10 p.m.
• Where: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Headquarters, 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
• Tickets: $125 per person
• Website: https://sccf.org/events-programs/fundraising-events/beer-in-the-bushes/