Category: Island Update

The Friends of Randy of Sanibel (FOROS) has confirmed that the island’s beloved tradition will continue, with the 45th Annual 4th of July Road Rally officially set to return.

This year’s rally coincides with Sanibel’s 50th anniversary of incorporation as a city, making the event a double celebration. As one of the island’s longest-running fundraisers, it invites the community to rally together for fun and for a cause.

FOROS, a state-registered nonprofit led by long-time resident and “rally master” Randy Carson, stepped in to preserve this community staple after previous organizers disbanded. Each year, the event supports a different local cause, and this year’s proceeds will benefit the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW).

Additionally, FOROS will continue its initiative to support school-aged children living in Community Housing & Resources rental homes by donating funds for back-to-school supplies this fall.

How to Get Involved

Sponsorship opportunities are currently available, and organizers are also seeking donations for goody bag items distributed during the event.

For more details or to get involved:

• Contact Randy Carson: (239) 699-8739 | rcarsonsan@gmail.com
• Contact Allen Dunham: (239) 699-9474 | cougar3_33@yahoo.com

Join in the celebration and help carry forward one of Sanibel’s longest-standing, feel-good summer traditions!

After nearly two years of setbacks and heartache, The Sanibel Sprout has reopened—reigniting a spark of hope and healing in the Sanibel community.

Owner Jianna Senkeleski officially reopened the health-conscious eatery, this time operating with both a brick-and-mortar store and a food truck, just in time for hurricane season.

“For so long, I was like, ‘Is this ever going to happen?’ Just because there were a lot of setbacks,” Senkeleski told WINK News. Her journey has been marked by resilience, patience, and an unwavering commitment to rebuilding not only a business, but a sense of normalcy for locals.

The store’s doors remained closed for 723 days after Hurricane Ian. In December, Senkeleski’s story was shared publicly, capturing the emotional weight of starting over. Now, with doors open and shelves stocked, the Sanibel Sprout represents a fresh start.

“A lot of people have said it feels like Sanibel is coming back,” she said. “That makes me feel so happy—that they can feel like things aren’t all taken from Hurricane Ian.”

The reopening comes with a thoughtful emergency plan. If another storm threatens the island, Senkeleski plans to pack everything into a truck and remove it ahead of time to protect her investment. “It’s not fun, but it’s necessary,” she said.

What began as a dream while she was still in college has evolved into a resilient symbol of community and renewal. “If you asked me a couple of years ago if I’d have a food truck and a store, I’d say no way,” she reflected.

Sanibel Sprout’s return marks another step in the island’s recovery—and one more reason locals are feeling like home is being restored, one business at a time.

“Resilient spirit” carries profound meaning for Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, whose restaurants have overcome substantial hurdles, reopening after devastating hurricane impacts in recent years.

After 971 days—nearly 1,000—Key Lime Bistro at 11509 Andy Rosse Lane on Captiva Island reopened its doors, following renovations costing approximately $2 million. Stilwell Youngquist, who started operating the restaurant in 2002, remarked, “Everything’s brand new. The kitchen’s redesigned for greater efficiency, and we’ve upgraded to hurricane-resilient furniture.”

Simultaneously, Key Lime Bistro’s Boca Grande location, situated in the historic train depot at 433 Fourth St. W., also celebrated reopening after a thorough five-month renovation involving total removal and replacement of furniture and equipment.

A third Key Lime Bistro is currently under construction at Southwest Florida International Airport, set to open in November. It promises to be the airport’s largest dining spot, offering travelers a chance to experience and even carry home their renowned Key Lime Pie.

Regarding the signature pie, Stilwell Youngquist hinted at its special appeal, noting it features “several layers with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness,” without divulging her secret recipe.

Additionally, Stilwell Youngquist has engaged MHK Architecture and Stevens Construction to rebuild 10 historic cottages on Captiva destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The cottages will be replaced by elevated, hurricane-resilient structures, with construction anticipated to begin this summer.

Reflecting her dedication and tenacity, Stilwell Youngquist recently published a book, Resilient Spirit, co-authored with Craig Handel, highlighting entrepreneurial insights and the drive necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

“I just have the passion to get these up and running again and to make them profitable again,” she emphasized, embodying her resilient spirit.

The Caloosa Shores Homeowners Association (HOA) announced the start of construction on the community’s new bridge, located on Caloosa Drive off Wildlife Drive on Sanibel.

This reconstruction marks an exciting milestone for Caloosa Shores residents, who lost their previous bridge during Hurricane Ian over two and a half years ago. The modernized bridge will provide essential roadway access to the private community of 24 canal-front homes.

“The new bridge will once again provide direct roadway access to our coveted and unique enclave,” said HOA President Evan duPont.

Since Hurricane Ian in 2022, residents have accessed their homes through the exit roadway of the neighboring J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The HOA expressed deep appreciation for the refuge’s management team and their support over the last 32 months.

“We are extremely grateful to Kevin Godsea, Bob Gerwig, and their entire team for their dedication,” duPont stated. “The new bridge will relieve pressure on the refuge road and offer homeowners quick, direct access.”

Funded entirely by the 24 property owners, the nearly $1 million project required extensive coordination. The community handled hiring engineers, surveyors, and construction professionals without financial support from Sanibel or Lee County.

Chris Denick, Bridge Committee Chairperson, former HOA President Wendy Kindig, and Board Member Julie Hayles led the efforts to secure qualified contractors and expedite permitting. J.R. Evans Engineering and Acros Bridge provided design oversight, and Thomas Marine Construction is handling the construction.

“It was challenging to find a qualified contractor willing to take on this smaller-scale project,” Denick explained. “We were fortunate to hire a local contractor familiar with Sanibel’s unique conditions. The permitting alone took over ten months.”

Utilizing the latest construction technology, the bridge features an 18-foot main slab and two additional 16-foot approach slabs, totaling just over 53 feet in length. Kevin Shimp of Thomas Marine Construction anticipates completion by early fall.

For further details, contact Evan duPont at CaloosaShoresHOA@gmail.com.

Every year, Sanibel Island collaborates with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and dedicated volunteers to safeguard its precious shorelines, crucial habitats for nesting shorebirds and endangered sea turtles. Beachgoers and boaters play a vital role in ensuring these species can thrive safely.

Protecting Shorebirds

The shorebird nesting season spans from February through August. Shorebirds lay their eggs in shallow, camouflaged scrapes in the sand or seashells, making them vulnerable to unintentional disturbances.

To protect these birds:

• Respect Posted Areas: Always avoid marked nesting and resting zones. Stick to designated beach paths and dune walkovers.
• Keep a Safe Distance: If your presence causes birds to fly away, step back immediately. Eggs and chicks left unattended are vulnerable to predators and extreme temperatures.
• Avoid Disturbances: Never intentionally scare or chase birds. Unnecessary flight wastes their vital energy needed for nesting and migration.
• Control Pets: Even friendly pets can threaten nesting birds. Keep pets restrained or leashed (maximum 8 feet as per Sanibel Code Section 10-62).
• Maintain Clean Beaches: Dispose of all waste properly. Food scraps attract predators, and litter can harm wildlife.

Watch the city’s informative video on protecting shorebirds here.

For additional resources, visit SanCap Lifesavers.

Protecting Sea Turtles

Sea turtle nesting occurs from mid-April through October. Nesting turtles face threats such as boat collisions, fishing line entanglements, and disorientation caused by artificial lighting.

To help sea turtles:

• Follow Beachfront Lighting Rules: Gulf-front property owners must adhere to Sanibel’s marine turtle protection lighting ordinances (Sanibel Code Sections 74-181 to 74-183 and 126-996 to 126-1002).
• Avoid Artificial Lights: Refrain from using flashlights, flash photography, or phone lights near nesting sites, as these can disorient turtles.
• Remove Beach Items: Clear the beach of furniture, toys, and trash between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. to prevent hindering nesting turtles and hatchlings (Sanibel Code Section 126-638).
• Leave No Trace: Flatten sandcastles and fill holes before leaving, ensuring turtles have clear paths to and from the water.

Report violations immediately to:

• Sanibel Police: 239-472-3111
• Sanibel Code Enforcement: 239-472-4555
• Natural Resources Department: 239-472-3700

For queries about beachfront lighting, contact sandnr@mysanibel.com.

Your cooperation helps preserve Sanibel Island’s incredible wildlife for generations to come.

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club announced that the 2025 Diner’s Delight coupon books are available for purchase. These coupon books, valid through mid-December, offer two-for-one deals at 23 participating island restaurants. The books can be acquired with a $40 contribution from Kiwanis members or at various local locations including Bank of the Islands, Chase Bank, Jerry’s Foods, MacIntosh Books + Paper, Periwinkle Park front office, SanCap Chamber, SanCap Pak-N-Ship, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Community House, and The Shack of Sanibel. They are also available online. Proceeds support the Kiwanis Club’s community service initiatives, including educational, recreational, and wellness grants, and its scholarship program. For more details or to purchase a book, visit Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club.

The Bubble Room on Captiva is nearing the end of its long recovery journey and is preparing to reopen. “It has been a very long road to recovery, obviously way longer than we ever expected,” officials shared, citing challenges from three hurricanes in two years and other unforeseen obstacles. Currently, the restaurant team is finalizing details and awaiting final permits. The reopening date will be announced a few days in advance, and the restaurant will operate on a first come, first served basis without reservations.

“We can’t wait to welcome you all back to create some fun and filling memories! We appreciate your patience and support,” officials added.

Meanwhile, guests can enjoy shopping at The Bubble Room Emporium daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 15000 Captiva Drive. Additionally, Boop’s by The Bubble Room serves the restaurant’s famous cakes and more daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 15001 Captiva Drive. Visit The Bubble Room Restaurant on Facebook for more information.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is gearing up for peak sea turtle nesting season, which runs from May through July. During these months, SCCF’s dedicated night-tagging team patrols local beaches nightly to identify, tag, and collect valuable data on nesting turtles. This essential tagging helps researchers track nesting habits, migration paths, and the overall reproductive health of Sanibel-Captiva’s turtle populations.

As of June 3, SCCF has documented 120 turtle nesting encounters this season. Of these, 42 turtles are new visitors to Sanibel, while 78 are returning nesters. Each year, SCCF staff selects a creative naming theme for newly tagged turtles—2025’s playful theme is “space.”

Sea turtle biologist Savannah Weber highlights the importance of this ongoing research: “Tracking individual turtles each season allows us to learn each turtle’s unique nesting story—her preferred nesting spots, return frequency, nest success rates, and the challenges she might face. These details are vital for the protection and conservation of Sanibel’s turtle populations.”

This season’s noteworthy turtles include “Taurus,” a newly tagged loggerhead named after the zodiac constellation. Taurus first appeared during a beautifully moonlit night in mid-May, providing researchers with a rare and clear glimpse of her nesting. She returned just 11 nights later, though this time she only left false crawl tracks. Researchers eagerly await her next nesting attempt.

Another beloved turtle, Cherry Vanilla, has become a local favorite. Initially tagged during the “ice cream flavors” theme in 2017, she has consistently returned every two years, establishing nests that have successfully produced 474 hatchlings since her first appearance. Cherry Vanilla has shown a strong preference for nesting on Sanibel’s west end and has already been spotted twice this season.

As of June 4, the SCCF team recorded 287 loggerhead nests and three green turtle nests on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.

If you encounter any issues involving sea turtles or their nests, please immediately contact the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.

For guidelines on helping nesting sea turtles, visit SanCap Life Savers.

To support SCCF’s sea turtle conservation efforts through the Adopt a Sea Turtle or Lifetime Adoption programs, please visit SCCF’s Species Adoption Programs.

Exciting news for seafood enthusiasts and Sanibel residents alike—Lazy Flamingo has officially reopened its doors, bringing back its cherished island charm after extensive renovations following damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Located at 1036 Periwinkle Way, the beloved eatery is once again welcoming guests with its signature laid-back atmosphere and mouthwatering seafood favorites. Whether you’re craving their famous fish tacos topped with fresh mango salsa, mesquite-grilled grouper sandwiches, or their iconic conch chowder, Lazy Flamingo promises to delight taste buds and revive island traditions.

Guests can also enjoy the popular “hook and cook” service, allowing patrons to bring their own freshly caught and filleted fish, cooked to perfection by Lazy Flamingo’s talented chefs.

The reopening signifies a joyful milestone in Sanibel’s ongoing recovery, a true testament to the resilience and strength of our island community.

Visit Lazy Flamingo at:

1036 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

• Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

• Sunday: Closed

Come on down, soak in the island vibes, and savor the taste of Sanibel’s favorite seafood spot—back and better than ever!

The City of Sanibel has announced that the Sanibel Police Department (SPD) will continue to utilize the 2024 hurricane re-entry passes for both residential and commercial use during the upcoming 2025 hurricane season. Passes issued in previous years are no longer valid.

Residential Permits:

• Residential (green) permits are designated for residents and property owners on Sanibel and Captiva.
• Permits can be obtained by presenting a valid ID with an island address or another accepted proof of residence outlined on the application.
• Access the residential application here.
• Submit completed forms and required documents via email to hurricanepass@mysanibel.com, or deliver them in person at SPD at City Hall or the Sanibel Recreation Center.

Commercial Permits:

• Commercial (red) permits are intended for businesses operating physically on Sanibel and Captiva.
• Required documentation listed on the application must be provided.
• Access the commercial application here.
• Email completed forms and documentation to hurricanepass@mysanibel.com, or submit them in person at SPD at City Hall.

For additional information, please contact the SPD at (239) 472-3111.

Locations:

• Sanibel Police Department: 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
• Sanibel Recreation Center: 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel