Category: Island Update

You’ve heard it before—“April showers bring May flowers.” But in Florida, that usually means one thing: hurricane season is right around the corner.

Last month’s heavy rainfall may have temporarily eased drought concerns in some parts of the state, but the resulting flash floods served as a sobering reminder—storm season is here. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Florida’s rainy season stretches through October, overlapping with hurricane season from June 1 to November 30.

This year, experts warn it’s going to be a rough one.

 What the Forecast Says

Colorado State University (CSU) is predicting another above-average hurricane season, with:

• 17 named storms

• 9 hurricanes

• 4 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher – winds of 111+ mph)

Florida tops the list of states at risk, with:

• A 92% chance of being impacted by a named storm

• A 65% chance of a hurricane making landfall

• A 35% chance of a major hurricane striking the state

Now is the Time to Finalize Your Preparations

The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) is urging all residents to prepare now—before the peak of storm activity arrives.

️Key Resources to Help You Prepare

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
www.noaa.gov/take-action-today
Topics include:

• Understanding your wind and flood risk

• How to prepare your home and family

• Decoding hurricane alerts and forecasts

• What to do before, during, and after a storm

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist
Checklists and info on:

• Emergency contacts and evacuation planning

• Food, water, first aid, and clothing

• Pet care and special needs items

• Vehicle readiness and important documents

How FGUA Prepares for Storms

At FGUA, we work year-round to strengthen our infrastructure and prepare for extreme weather. This includes:

• Upgrading water and wastewater systems

• Coordinating with electric utilities for rapid power restoration

• Sharing timely updates through fgua.com and local news channels

Despite every effort, Mother Nature can still disrupt water pressure and service. Storms can cause:

• Water main breaks from uprooted trees

• Flooding of pumping stations

• Power outages that affect service delivery

If service is interrupted, you can find real-time updates, boil water notices, and outage maps on our website at fgua.com .

CAPTIVA ISLAND, FL – The wait is finally over for residents and visitors alike. The beloved and whimsical Bubble Room Restaurant has officially announced its long-awaited grand reopening, setting the date for Monday, July 14th, 2025.

After three years of anticipation and rebuilding, the iconic Captiva landmark is ready to welcome the public back through its doors. The restaurant will resume its normal operating hours, serving lunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

For those eager to experience the magic again, The Bubble Room has stated that it will be operating on a first-come, first-served basis, and will not be accepting reservations until a later date.

In its announcement, The Bubble Room expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering community support it has received. The restaurant extended special thanks to several key partners who were instrumental in the rebuilding process and in keeping the spirit of The Bubble Room alive.

A significant acknowledgment was given to DBK Industries from Fort Lauderdale for their consistent and efficient on-site work that was crucial to the restoration project.

The Bubble Room also sent a heartfelt shout-out to two local establishments, The Great White Grill on Sanibel and The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. These businesses graciously allowed the use of their kitchen facilities, which enabled the continued production of the restaurant’s famous cakes, available at Boop’s. The restaurant encourages the community to support these generous neighbors (and highly recommends the Steel Curtain Pizza at The Great White Grill).

For those who can’t wait until the grand reopening, Boop’s by The Bubble Room remains open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and The Bubble Room Emporium is open for shopping from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

The reopening marks a significant and joyous milestone for the island community, signaling a return to the cherished traditions and unique charm that only The Bubble Room can offer.

South Seas Files Lawsuit Against CCA and Targets Community Communications

The new owners of South Seas Resort — Timbers Resorts, The Ronto Group, and Wheelock Street Capital — have filed a baseless lawsuit against the Captiva Civic Association (CCA). Simultaneously, they’ve issued sweeping public records requests to both the Captiva Community Panel and the City of Sanibel, demanding emails and texts related to their proposed development.

These actions are widely seen as attempts to intimidate community members, escalate legal costs, and distract from critical appeals already underway. They do nothing to resolve the real issue: protecting Captiva’s fragile, historic development pattern from overdevelopment.

The Lawsuit: South Seas vs. CCA & CCA Foundation

South Seas claims CCA misled the public by stating that the recent Circuit Court ruling limiting the resort to 912 total dwelling units includes hotel rooms. The resort now demands a retraction and refund of donations received based on that claim.

Here are the facts:

• The 2003 Settlement Agreement, upheld as “valid and binding” by the Court, clearly limits South Seas to 912 total dwelling units.

• Paragraph 3 of the agreement explicitly prohibits the County from issuing any permits that exceed this limit.

• Contrary to South Seas’ claim, the court determined that hotel units are included in the 912-unit cap.

• Multiple sources support this interpretation, including the 1973 Zoning Resolution, 2002 Administrative Interpretation, sworn testimony from County planning officials, and even South Seas’ own chief planner.

In short: This lawsuit has no legal merit. CCA will seek full reimbursement of legal fees and costs once the case is dismissed.

Interestingly, South Seas is also appealing the very court ruling it now disputes — suggesting they know full well the 435 hotel rooms they propose would violate the 912-unit limit.

Public Records Requests Targeting Community Leaders

Around the same time, South Seas submitted extensive public records requests to the Captiva Community Panel and the City of Sanibel, seeking communications related to the proposed redevelopment.

These requests target a wide range of community members, including over 40 individuals who testified at the rezoning hearings. The goal appears to be a fishing expedition for any sign of impropriety.

However:

• Opposing a land-use proposal is a protected right under the First Amendment.

• Attempts to retaliate against citizens for speaking out could violate both state and federal laws.

• The Captiva Community Panel is not a public agency and therefore not subject to public records laws. Nevertheless, their documents and meeting minutes are publicly available on their website.

Ongoing Appeals: Protecting Captiva’s Density and Height Limits

Circuit Court Decision: 912 Units Max – Including Hotels

Both South Seas and Lee County have appealed the ruling upholding the 2003 Settlement Agreement. Notably:

• South Seas argues the agreement is unenforceable against them as new owners — an argument not raised in the trial court, and thus likely to be dismissed.

• Lee County now claims the agreement wasn’t legally authorized — an argument already rejected by the Circuit Court.

CCA’s responses to both appeals are on file and will be shared in upcoming updates.

Challenging the DOAH Ruling on Increased Density & Height

CCA has also filed an appeal challenging the Administrative Law Judge’s decision to allow changes to the Land Development Code, which would increase building height and hotel room density on South Seas.

• The Lee Plan requires Lee County to maintain historic development patterns.

• The proposed amendments violate this by repealing long-standing height and density limits.

• If successful, the appeal could restore the 28-foot height cap and limit development to two habitable floors, consistent with Captiva’s historic character.

The City of Sanibel has fully adopted CCA’s legal brief, reinforcing regional unity on this issue.

Rezoning Decision Pending: Height, Density, and Safety Concerns

The Hearing Examiner will soon issue a recommendation on South Seas’ rezoning application, which includes:

• Buildings 20+ feet taller than any existing structure on Captiva

• New condos replacing open space

• A 175-room hotel along Captiva Drive (where no hotel ever existed)

• A 435-room total hotel expansion (from 107 existing units)

• Up to 150 new boat slips

• A Disney-style water park

• Outdoor dining within earshot of residential homes

South Seas purchased the property with the right to develop 272 units. Their proposal seeks to more than double that — to 628 units — with minimal County resistance, despite:

• Evacuation and road capacity concerns

• Insufficient sewer infrastructure

• Inadequate parking

• A local fire department unequipped to handle taller buildings

Recommending approval would be in direct violation of the Lee Plan — and a public safety risk.

What Happens Next?

Once the Hearing Examiner makes her recommendation, the matter will proceed to the Lee County Board of Commissioners for a final vote.

We will continue to provide updates on hearing dates, decisions, and opportunities for public input.

Support the Legal Effort: Help Protect Captiva

South Seas may have deep pockets — but Captiva and Sanibel have deep community spirit. These legal battles require experienced attorneys, and your tax-deductible contributions directly fund that vital work.

Every dollar helps us uphold the principles that make our islands so unique: low density, modest height, and environmental harmony.

Click here to contribute to the Protect Captiva Legal Fund.

Let’s continue to stand strong — together.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel recently unveiled its latest exhibit, “Brilliant Colors of the Sea: Nudibranchs and Their Relatives,” which opened on May 29. This exhibition features 21 stunning underwater photographs of nudibranchs, marine gastropod mollusks known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. These creatures lack a shell in their adult form and are often celebrated for their vivid hues.

Nudibranchs are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, with the most colorful species thriving in warm, coral reef ecosystems. The exhibit highlights about 3,000 known species and explores how their colors are linked to their defense mechanisms, conservation status, and more. The photographs were captured by Gabriel Jensen and Scott Johnson in South Florida and the South Pacific.

Curator and Science Director Dr. José H. Leal, who organized the exhibition, shared his excitement: “We are glad to display these stunning images. Their portrayal of these unfamiliar mollusks complements each other in a unique way.”

Scott Johnson, a long-time collaborator with the museum, has spent nearly 40 years photographing marine life in the Marshall Islands, and his work has been widely acclaimed. Gabriel Jensen’s award-winning photography has been featured by prominent organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Geographic Wild, and Smithsonian Magazine.

This exhibit is made possible by a gift from the McQueen family and a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation.

Additional Special Exhibitions at the Museum:

• “All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Amazing Abalone Shells” features 60 varieties of abalone shells, highlighting their stunning colors, patterns, and iridescence. These shells are prized for their beauty and have been used in jewelry and decorative objects. The exhibit is sponsored by a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation.

• “Adorned by the Sea: Shells in Fashion” explores the use of sea shells and mollusks in fashion throughout history. From ancient dyes made from snails to contemporary designs by Christian Dior and Gucci, this exhibit shows how shells have been used to embellish garments, represent value, and symbolize nature and faith. The exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation and a gift from Mark and Kathy Helge.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission fees as follows:

• $18 for adults

• $15 for seniors and veterans

• $10 for ages 12-17, students, and educators

• $5 for ages 5-11

• Free for ages under 5, museum members, and active military

For more information, visit ShellMuseum.org or call 239-395-2233. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) commission received a project update at its recent meeting on June 9, covering the upcoming beach renourishment efforts, dune staking, and other developments.

Nicole Sharp, APTIM Coastal Market Lead, provided the commission with an update on the beach renourishment project, which is still on track to begin in mid-August. The project will involve placing approximately 800,000 cubic yards of fill along 4.85 miles of the Gulf shoreline, as well as rehabilitating existing dunes between Redfish Pass and Blind Pass.

Mobilization for the project is expected to begin in mid- to late August, with the necessary equipment and large steel pipes being brought to staging sites at Turner Beach Park and Alison Hagerup Beach Park. At the request of Commissioner Bob Walter, Sharp submitted a request for the contractor to start work on the north end of Captiva. However, Sharp noted that the equipment is easier to mobilize at the south end, and the north end will likely be the more complicated area to build.

Sharp also shared that the contractor is expected to finalize the project plan in the next few weeks and that she would push for an update on the start location.

Chairman John Wade also provided updates, reporting that the final phase of dune staking is taking place. This involves staking areas where dunes are currently absent.

In addition, Wade mentioned that the public records request received from South Seas is being addressed. He is working with the CEPD’s attorneys to respond to this request.

In Other News:

• General Manager Brighton Heard announced the hiring of Petra Grassl as the new administrative assistant-bookkeeper for the CEPD.

Registrations are now open for the 32nd Annual Independence Day Parade, scheduled for July 4 at 9:30 a.m. The parade will follow its traditional route, starting at Tarpon Bay Road, traveling to Periwinkle Way on Sanibel, and continuing east to Casa Ybel Road.

Lineup will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on Island Inn Road, with late entries positioned at the end of the line.

Parade categories include:

• Best Float — Commercial

• Best Float — Not-For-Profit

• Most Patriotic

• Best Original Design

• Best Music

The entry fee is $15 for non-commercial entries and $30 for commercial entries, with a maximum of three vehicles per entry.

Participants are encouraged to register early as parade positions are based on registration order. Entry forms and payments must be received by June 27 at 4 p.m.

A mandatory parade meeting will be held on July 1 at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at Bank of the Islands, located at 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Each participant must have a representative attend one of the meetings.

2025 parade shirts are also available for purchase at the bank.

For the entry form or more information, visit Parade Application.

For questions, contact Trish Phillips at 239-246-2981

At its recent meeting on June 12, the Sanibel City Council voted 4-1 in favor of a resolution declaring its intent to establish the Wulfert Channel Area Dredging Assessment District and a special assessment to finance public improvements for maintenance dredging within the channel. Councilmember Richard Johnson cast the dissenting vote.

The council had two resolutions to consider: one for just the Wulfert Channel and another that included Sunset Bay and Dinkins Bayou. City Manager Dana Souza explained that based on previous council direction, staff revised the options to remove the annual $1,200 assessment for future maintenance dredging and to allow the assessments to be paid over up to five years. Additionally, the dredging area for the Wulfert Channel was reduced to only include the city’s jurisdictional boundaries, excluding the county’s area, which lowered the overall project cost.

The revised project cost for just the Wulfert Channel is estimated at $446,065, with the city covering 33.33% of the cost ($148,673.46). The remaining 66.67% ($297,391.50) would be shared among 196 properties, amounting to $1,517.30 each.

For the broader Wulfert Channel, Sunset Bay, and Dinkins Bayou area, the project cost was initially estimated at $2,231,947.50. In this scenario, the city would pay 33.33% ($743,908.10), while the remaining 66.67% ($1,488,039.40) would be divided among the same 196 properties, totaling $7,592.04 each.

City Attorney John Agnew clarified that this vote was only the first step in the process and that staff would need to finalize a preliminary assessment role, followed by hearings and further approval stages.

Councilmember Richard Johnson explained his dissenting vote, emphasizing his desire for the community to work together. “It’s not that I didn’t support it,” he said of the Wulfert Channel resolution. “I wanted that recognition that I want to keep our community working together.”

To view the updated presentation from staff on the Wulfert Channel project, including the revised dredging plan for the reduced area, click on DREDGING PROJECT PRESENTATION and DREDGING PROJECT PLAN.

IN OTHER NEWS:

• The council voted unanimously (5-0) to amend the special event schedule of fees, including additional fees for substantial changes to approved permits and new rental fees for City Hall grounds and Sanibel Community Park.

• The council approved a five-year memorandum of understanding between the city, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to streamline the management of conservation lands and facilitate responses to natural disasters.

• A first reading of an ordinance to amend the Code regarding Shared Path Use violations was held. The second reading will take place on July 15.

• The council also held a budget workshop, where Deputy City Manager and CFO Steve Chaipel presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26.

To view the budget presentation, click on BUDGET PRESENTATION.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided an update on the ongoing work to restore the Sanibel Causeway. Crews are completing the final tasks west of the toll plaza, with the 35 mph speed limit reinstated in this area. However, reduced speed limits are still in place east of the plaza, and pedestrians are not allowed on the causeway.

Upcoming work activities include:

• Motorists are advised to use extreme caution as crews complete final work very close to traffic along the shoulder of the causeway travel lanes.

• The contractor is working to restore the staging area at Punta Rassa, in preparation for transferring the area back to Lee County later this summer.

• Bay 3 remains closed as Lee County continues work on the toll equipment.

• Installation of signage is ongoing east of the toll plaza.

All road users are encouraged to be mindful of bicyclists sharing the road and vehicles entering and exiting at the public beach access points of Causeway Islands Park.

For more information, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway or contact Jennifer Dorning at Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us or 239-338-7723.

BIG ARTS is showcasing several exciting exhibitions this summer, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences.

• “Signals and Forms” is on display now through July 25 in the Dunham Family Gallery. This exhibition features student work from Florida SouthWestern State College’s Digital Art and Multimedia Production program. The pieces explore the expressive and material possibilities of digital media, including sound, simulation, digital fabrication, virtual reality, and video installation.

• “K-8 Artists” is available now through August 31 in the Mezzanine Gallery, highlighting the creativity of students from The Sanibel School.

• “A Shell of a Time” can be seen through June 30 in the West Gallery. This mural, created by Cypress Lake High School’s National Honors Society Art Class, is a vibrant representation of the community’s artistic talent.

The BIG ARTS Fine Arts Series is generously sponsored by Jim and Gaye Pigott.

The galleries are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit BIG ARTS or call 239-395-0900. BIG ARTS is located at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is making strides to reopen additional loops of the William and Ruth Brooks Nature Trail, following significant damage from Hurricane Ian. With one loop already open, the SCCF’s habitat management team is focused on clearing and restoring two more loops set to open later this year.

Located in the Erick Lindblad Preserve behind the SCCF headquarters on Sanibel-Captiva Road, the trail was severely impacted by the hurricane, which destroyed boardwalks and downed many trees.

One of the trails to be reopened is the former Sabal Palm Trail, which leads out to Alligator Hole and the High Ridge Trail. Both sections are currently being cleared to form a second hiking loop.

“We’re excited to restore this beautiful trail for visitors,” said Chris Lechowicz, SCCF’s Wildlife & Habitat Management Director. “After clearing, signage and some landscaping will be required before we can officially open this loop. Parts of the trail pass through low areas and will be accessible only during the dry season, but most of it runs along a ridge, which should make for a scenic hike.”

The second loop to be reopened will be the East River Trail, a special section that follows the Sanibel River and winds through a buttonwood forest. Like the Sabal Palm Trail, this trail also traverses low areas and will be fully accessible only during the dry season to avoid walking in water.

Restoration efforts also include replacing the boardwalks lost during Hurricane Ian.

For now, access to the trail will be limited to the headquarters’ parking lot. Once the new trail entrance on the east side of the building is completed, the parking lot entrance will be permanently closed.

The SCCF is committed to bringing more of this beautiful nature trail back to life, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Sanibel once again.