Category: Island Update

One year after the island began feeling the effects of COVID-19 traffic crossing the Sanibel Causeway has returned to pre-pandemic numbers and May set a new record. That is according to a report released in June by Lee County, which owns and operates the bridge.

The reports shows 1,582,182 vehicles were counted at the toll booth from January to May, up 26 percent over the first five months of last year even though traffic had continued to decline in January and February due to the pandemic.

The Causeway bridge was busy in May with a record 323,157 vehicles crossing it that month. The report shows it is the first time May reached 300,000 vehicles since 1975. The previous record was set two decades ago with 284,199 vehicles. Traffic was up by 45.79 percent in May compared to last year or 101,000 more vehicles.

April nearly broke a two-decade record with 330,664 vehicles counted that month. It was just 200 vehicles shy of the record set in 2001. Last year, a moderate 123,000 vehicles were counted in April resulting in a sizable 168.5 percent difference.

March also rebounded with 352,000 vehicles counted, a typical number before the pandemic. And it remains one of the busiest months of the year.

When learning the ropes — and rods — of saltwater fishing, thorough preparation involves more than just a rich arsenal of gear and the appropriate attire. Open-water fishing is challenging and requires technique and prior research.

If you’re embarking on an open-water adventure for the first time, keep the following saltwater fishing tips in mind.

RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION

The key to discovering a spot rich in saltwater fish is ample research. At least a week before your trip, you’ll want to read up on fishing reports, tide charts and weather forecasts.

Some areas are more crowded with fishing enthusiasts during different times of the year. Consider whether you are traveling in the spring, summer, fall or winter and do the appropriate research. You can get some ideas of where to go at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking “Where to Saltwater Fish.”

THINK ABOUT YOUR TARGET SPECIES

The type of catch you’re after will dictate where you anchor your boat. Targets, such as yellowfin or other tunas, for instance, are surface feeders. Thus, you’ll want to be on the lookout for weed lines and baitfish breaking the surface.

On the other hand, some species including groupers and snappers are bottom feeders and prefer structures including reefs and wrecks. Angling for these species can require special equipment, such as a fishfinder, circle hooks, dehooking tools, descending devices and more. MyFWC.com/FishHandling explains much of this fishing gear.

Stay up to date on the latest regulations for saltwater fishing at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations” or by downloading the Fish Rules app on your smart device. Learn about fish identification at MyFWC.com/FishingLines

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The State of Florida has notified the City consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax during the 2021 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Saturday, July 31, 2021 and extends through Monday, August 9, 2021

Items exempt from sales tax:

• Most school supplies selling for $15 or less
• Clothing, footwear, and accessories selling for $60 or less
• The first $1,000 of the sales price of computers and accessories (when purchased for noncommercial and personal use)

The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

For more information and a list of qualifying items, visit the following link: https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool or click through the following documents:

• 2021 Back to School Tax Holiday FAQs – Consumers
• 2021 Back to School Tax Holiday FAQs – Business

The 2021 Captiva Island Beach Renourishment project commencement is currently being coordinated with the resource agencies and contractor, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. Following recent and ongoing planning discussions, construction is now projected to start no earlier than August 26, 2021 pending all notice to proceed approvals from the agencies. Barring any unforeseen delays, it is estimated to take approximately 35 days to place the contracted 600,000 cubic yards once construction is underway; if additional sand is authorized by the CEPD, the number of construction days will be adjusted accordingly. Construction of the beach will first move south near 16141 Captiva Drive to Turner Beach, and then north toward Chapin Lane. Once the southern portion of the island is completed, construction operations will move north to fill the remainder of the island in a similar manner.

On Monday, July 12th, the City of Sanibel will begin surveying the island’s beaches to monitor coastal erosion and accretion. This work will not interfere with access or usage of any of the beaches and will take approximately three weeks to complete.

This year’s monitoring project has been awarded to Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC. This project is half funded by the Tourist Development Council with the remaining half being funded by Beach Parking fees. The project is part of a continuing effort to collect and analyze beach profile data.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Department of Community Services Public Works Operations at 239-472-6397 if you have any questions regarding the 2021 Beach Monitoring project.

On Monday, July 12, 2021 through Friday, July 30, 2021 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, the vegetation along Sanibel Captiva Road from Bowman’s Beach Road to Blind Pass will be trimmed on both sides of the road, including the Shared Use Path, weather permitting.

Due to the nature of the vegetation work, one lane of Sanibel Captiva Road may be intermittently closed to traffic. Please be prepared to expect delays. We request drivers and pedestrians to please PROCEED SLOWLY and CAUTIOUSLY through the area when workers are present.

Please contact the Department of Community Services Public Works Division at 239-472-6397 if you have any questions regarding the trimming work

CCP Government Affairs Committee Chair David Mintz reported that Vice President and Golf Cart Committee Chair Antje Baumgarten previously presented the panel with proposed changes to an existing county ordinance that regulates the use of golf carts on designated roads on Captiva. However, the panel’s position on the changes were unclear.

He explained that in beginning to work with county staff on the previously mentioned ordinance amendments, which includes the golf cart use revisions, an official stance from the panel would help.

There are two proposed additions to the ordinance, which are:

• No persons on a golf cart shall have any open alcoholic beverages in their possession.
• All golf carts that are leased or rented for use on Captiva, or that are provided by rental properties on Captiva for use by renters, must have a visible company or property identification and number on both sides of the golf cart and a permanent sticker on the dashboard or windshield advising clients that underaged drivers, open alcoholic beverages, driving on the beach, on road shoulders, and outside of permitted golf cart zones are strictly prohibited. Companies that lease or rent golf carts for use on Captiva must instruct their customers at the time of the rental of the rules set forth in this ordinance governing the use of golf carts on Captiva.

Panel Member John Jensen asked about the fine or punishment for violators. “It’s a non-criminal infraction,” Mintz said. “It’s a traffic offense.” A motion to approve the proposed additions to the existing ordinance passed.