Category: Island Update

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) recently announced that the Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) will review a major land conservation proposal at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m.

The committee will consider the nomination of the 34-acre Sanibel Community Church property for possible acquisition by Lee County’s Conservation 20/20 program. This is an important first step in protecting the land from development and preserving it for environmental benefit.

Why It Matters:

• The property is currently approved for up to 24 residential units.

• If preserved, the land could be restored for critical ecosystem functions, including natural stormwater management.

• This nomination is independent of the Beachview Golf Course proposal, which has been withdrawn.

SCCF is urging local residents and supporters of conservation to attend the CLASAC meeting and speak in favor of the nomination. Showing strong community backing can make a significant difference in the committee’s decision.

“Demonstrating community support will help CLASAC understand the importance of this acquisition,” SCCF shared. “We look forward to seeing you there!”

If You Go:

• What: CLASAC (Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee) Meeting

• When: Tuesday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m.

• Where: Room 118, Lee County Administration East Building
  2201 Second St., Fort Myers, FL

View the meeting agenda and backup documents here:
Lee County Event Page →

Captiva’s Beloved Bubble Room Reopens Its Doors – Here’s a First Look.

After nearly three years of restoration following Hurricane Ian, Captiva Island’s most iconic and delightfully eccentric restaurant is back! We got an exclusive first look before the official reopening on July 14, 2025. Step inside to explore the whimsical rooms, vintage holiday décor, and nostalgic charm that make the Bubble Room a true Southwest Florida treasure. Don’t miss this magical comeback!

In celebration of a shared 50th anniversary between the City of Sanibel and the Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI), a beloved island classic is making a flavorful comeback.

“The Sanibel-Captiva Cookbook” — first published in 1981 by island residents Mariel Goss and Eugenia Loughney — is back in a special limited-edition fourth reprint. This commemorative version honors decades of community, cuisine, and connection, capturing the heart of Sanibel’s culinary heritage.

A Taste of the Islands

Packed with time-honored recipes, local stories, and a dash of island charm, the cookbook remains a treasured piece of Sanibel history. In fact, an original copy was even placed in the city’s time capsule, which was opened during the anniversary celebration in November.

Giving Back Through Food

The reprint is a joint effort by the Sanibel Recreation Center and CECI, with proceeds benefiting:

• Sanibel Rec Center’s Youth Financial Assistance Program

• CECI’s preschool programs

How to Get Your Copy

• Price: $40

• Where: Available for purchase at the Sanibel Recreation Center

• Address: 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel

• Phone: 239-472-0345

Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the island, this cookbook is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Sanibel while supporting two vital community organizations.

Property values on Sanibel and Captiva are on the rise once again, according to the 2025 preliminary tax roll values released on July 1 by the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office. Both islands saw notable increases over earlier estimates, impacting municipalities, fire districts, and overall county figures.

Highlights at a Glance

City of Sanibel

• Taxable Value:
  Increased 20.20%, from $4.69B to $5.63B

• Assessed Value:
  Rose 19.11%, now at $5.98B

• Just (Market) Value:
  Up 17.45%, reaching $7.12B

• Taxable New Construction:
  Jumped from $23.34M to $34.43M

• Just New Construction:
  Rose dramatically from $431.61M to $971.74M

Captiva (Unincorporated Lee County)

• Taxable Value:
  Increased 8.17%, from $138.13B to $149.41B

• Assessed Value:
  Rose 7.96%, now at $172.25B

• Just Value:
  Slight uptick of 0.24%, now at $219.99B

• Taxable New Construction:
  Increased from $4.59B to $5.23B

• Just New Construction:
  Decreased from $9.41B to $7.27B

• School Taxable Value:
  Up 4.19%, now at $169.13B

Fire District Valuations Also Rise

• Sanibel Fire & Rescue District:
  Up 20.19% to $5.64B

• Captiva Island Fire Control District:
  Rose 10.31% to $1.73B

• Upper Captiva Fire District:
  Increased 4.06% to $336.38M

What’s Next?

Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell noted that the release of these values officially kicks off the budget process for local taxing authorities. They can now begin setting proposed ad valorem tax rates, which will be reviewed in public hearings over the coming months.

Residents can expect to receive their Notices of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM Notices) by mid-August, with final figures to be submitted to Tallahassee for state approval.

Questions?

For more information, contact:
trim@leepa.org
239-533-6100

Or visit the official Lee County Property Appraiser site: leepa.org

Cape Coral’s beloved SunSplash Family Waterpark just got a major upgrade — and it’s making waves.

Introducing Paradise Cove, a brand-new $4 million wave pool attraction now open at 500 W. Lake Kennedy Drive. This marks SunSplash’s first-ever wave pool, and it’s already making a splash with locals and visitors alike.

About Paradise Cove

• Size: 12,000 square feet

• Water volume: 160,000 gallons

• Capacity: Up to 200 swimmers

• Wave cycles: 15 minutes on, 7 minutes off

• Wave styles: 7 adjustable patterns

• Depth: Zero-depth entry to 4 ft. 6 in. max

• Amenities: 300+ lounge chairs and 8 private cabanas

The pool is designed for all ages, from little splashers to thrill-seekers, offering everything from gentle beach waves to more intense rolling swells.

What’s Next?

Future plans for Paradise Cove include:

• Dive-in movie nights on a 16-foot screen

• High-intensity wave sessions for added excitement

Privately Funded & Operated

Paradise Cove was developed by ProParks Attractions Group and fully privately funded — with no taxpayer dollars used.

Ready to cool off and ride the waves? Paradise Cove is now open and included with park admission.

Learn more at: https://sunsplashwaterpark.com

Get ready to race, jam, and give back! FISH of Sanibel-Captiva is bringing back its popular JOG N JAM fundraising event this fall, and early registration discounts are now live.

JOG — November 1 at The Community House, Sanibel

Join fellow runners and walkers for a scenic island run that celebrates fitness, fun, and community spirit. Whether you’re in it for the 10K, 5K, or the free Kids Fun Run, this event welcomes all ages and skill levels.

What’s Included:

• Finisher medal and race T-shirt

• Special island-themed awards for top age group finishers

• Kids Fun Run: Free registration (required), includes ribbon and post-race treat

Location: The Community House, Sanibel
Date: Friday, November 1, 2025

JAM — December 6 at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort, Captiva

Wrap up the JOG N JAM season with a beachside celebration featuring live music, great food, and fireworks!

Live Performance by: The Ben Allen Band
️ Food and drinks available for purchase
Shuttle service provided for easy access

Location: ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, Captiva
Date: Friday, December 6, 2025

Early Bird Pricing (Ends August 30)

• 10K or 5K: $45

• Youth (16 & under): $35

• Concert Ticket: $75 adults | $50 ages 7–18

• Family 4-Pack: $200 (limited availability)

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Why Participate?

Proceeds benefit FISH’s four service pillars:

• Food

• Island-Based Education

• Social and Senior Services

• Helping Hands
  Also supports long-term disaster recovery on Sanibel and Captiva.

 Get Involved

• Race registration: Register here

• Concert tickets: Buy here

• Sponsorship info: Email events@fishofsancap.org

• About FISH: fishofsancap.org

Let’s jog. Let’s jam. Let’s support our islands.

In a proactive move to keep the community storm-ready, the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, in partnership with the City of Sanibel and Lee County Public Safety, is providing sand and sandbags to residents and business owners throughout the entire hurricane season—not just during emergencies.

“Let’s be proactive, not reactive this hurricane season,” the district urged.
“This is a great opportunity to get ahead of the storm and have supplies in place before the rush.”

Sand & Sandbag Pickup Locations

• Sand Location:
  Behind the former Senior Center at 2401 Library Way, Sanibel

• Sandbags Pickup:
  At Station 171, located at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel

Important Details:

• Available only to Sanibel residents and business owners

• Limit of 25 sandbags per person

• Bring your own shovel for filling sandbags

• Sandbags can help reduce flooding, but do not guarantee full water protection

Need Help with Sandbags?

The district has also released a helpful video guide on how to properly fill and place sandbags.
Watch here: Sanibel Fire District on Facebook

Be Storm Ready

Take this opportunity to prepare ahead of any storm watches or warnings. Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner on the island, having your sandbags ready can make a difference.

Stay prepared. Stay safe. Let’s get ahead of the next storm together.

The Love Sanibel Back campaign continues its mission to uplift local businesses and bring the community together. The next celebration week will take place July 13–19 across Sanibel Island, with events and open houses happening throughout.

Community Gatherings:

• Sunday, July 14 at 12 PM
  Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory — 2330 Palm Ridge Road

• Friday, July 19 at 6 PM
  Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille — 2500 Island Inn Road

Free campaign buttons will be available at both events, and the first 20 attendees at each location will receive a free reusable tote bag!

Open Houses:

• July 14:
  • Santiva Islanders
  • The Grog Shop

• July 19:
  • Bubbly Latitude
  • SanCap Pak-N-Ship & Island Gift Shop
  • Tarpon Bay Explorers
  • Tower Gallery

Other local participants include:
Sanibel Skin Spa & Salt Cave and Stoked Flamingo

About the Campaign

Love Sanibel Back runs through August and 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. It’s all about strengthening community ties and supporting the businesses that make the island special.

Learn more or shop online from afar:

• Info: saintmichaels-sanibel.org/love-sanibel-back

• Support Online: saintmichaels-sanibel.org/lsb-online

Let’s rally together and show our island some love — one tote bag, coffee stop, and smile at a time.

A unique opportunity to own a piece of Sanibel art is now live — and it supports a great cause.

Community Housing and Resources (CHR) has announced an art auction featuring “Bicycle on Sanibel”, a striking 40-by-30-inch embellished giclée canvas by beloved local artist Myra Roberts. This first-edition piece is valued at $4,000, with bidding starting at just $500.

️ On Display
While the auction runs online, you can view the painting in person at Jerry’s Foods (1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel) now through Wednesday, July 17 at 10 p.m.

Support Essential Housing
Proceeds from the auction will directly benefit CHR’s mission to provide affordable housing for the people who make Sanibel run — teachers, service workers, nonprofit employees, and more.

Place Your Bid Here:
chr.auctionsnap.com/jerrys-foods-auction

Questions?
Contact CHR Communications Crisis Director Angela Luallen at 239-472-1189.

Don’t miss this chance to support local art and a vital community cause!

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has shared exciting news — the first loggerhead hatchlings of the 2025 season emerged on June 26! This milestone marks the halfway point of the sea turtle nesting season on Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

As of June 30, SCCF has documented a total of 614 sea turtle nests:

• 467 on Sanibel

• 147 on Captiva

Among them, 10 are green sea turtle nests, while the rest belong to loggerhead turtles. So far, 124 loggerhead hatchlings have safely made their journey to the Gulf waters.

Tracking Sea Turtles in Real Time

SCCF has also expanded its sea turtle research with the deployment of two new satellite tracking tags on nesting loggerheads. This is part of their innovative Sea Turtle Tracking Portal, developed in partnership with Hammerhead Technology. You can now follow the movements of four tracked loggerhead females:
Emory, Harper, MumSea, and Queen Tutt.

Explore the turtles’ journeys here:
SCCF Sea Turtle Tracking Portal

Gratitude for Community Support

SCCF extends heartfelt thanks to the generous donors who made this tracking initiative possible:
John Dubuque, Weezie & Tim Huyck, Linda & Nick Linsmayer, John & Kathy McCabe, and Frances & Simon Tutt.

Help Protect Sea Turtles

If you encounter any issues related to sea turtle nests, nesting mothers, or hatchlings, please report them immediately to the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at:
978-728-3663

Stay tuned for more updates as the season continues and more hatchlings begin their journey!