Category: Island Update

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Captiva Cruises invite nature enthusiasts to a Sunset Birding Cruise on February 25 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., departing from McCarthy’s Marina at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.

While cruising through Pine Island Sound, participants will:

• Learn about the ecology of the back bay estuary
• Hear about the SCCF’s shorebird monitoring program
• Observe birds coming in to roost
• Identify various bird species along the way
• Get updates on island bird populations

Ticket Prices:

• $45 per person
• $35 for children (ages 2-12)

All proceeds support SCCF’s conservation programs.

For more details or to register, call Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5300 or visit SCCF Sunset Birding Cruise.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Captiva’s stunning wildlife at sunset!

The Sanibel Music Festival is making a grand return to the island with its first-ever Gala Benefit, “Celebrating Sanibel Music Festival’s Return to the Island,” on March 1 at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The evening will feature world-renowned musicians pianist Wu Han and cellist David Finckel, promising an unforgettable performance to mark the festival’s 38th year.

Silver sponsors for the event include McCallion & McCallion Realty and Uhler Vertich White Advisors.

Ticket Information:

• Gala Concert Tickets: $50 for adults, $25 for students
• Gala Benefit Pass ($250): Includes a private cocktail party with the artists on Feb. 28, the March 1 concert, and an AfterGlo Reception
• Gala & Reception Tickets: $75

For tickets and more information, visit www.sanibelmusicfestival.org, call 404-226-3842, or stop by Bank of the Islands.

Don’t miss this special night celebrating music, community, and the return of the Sanibel Music Festival!

On February 19, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) officially lifted the health alerts previously issued on December 13, January 23, January 29, February 4, and February 5 for red tide presence near several Sanibel locations, including:

• Bowman’s Beach
• Bowman’s Beach (9.5 miles southwest of the mainland)
• Tarpon Bay Road Beach (1 mile south of the mainland)
• Tarpon Bay Road Beach (5.1 miles southwest of the mainland)
• Tarpon Bay Road Beach (9 miles southwest of the mainland)

Recent water samples collected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed that red tide levels in these areas have either dissipated or returned to background levels, making it safe for the public to resume water-related activities.

Stay Cautious: Red Tide Conditions Can Change
While this is welcome news, DOH-Lee advises residents and visitors to remain cautious, as red tide conditions can change depending on environmental factors. If you experience eye or respiratory irritation, it’s best to leave the area or seek relief indoors in an air-conditioned space.

For the latest updates on water quality and red tide conditions, visit:
Protecting Florida Together

What is Red Tide?
Red tide is caused by high concentrations of Karenia brevis (K. brevis), a microscopic algae naturally found in the Gulf of Mexico. Under certain conditions, this algae can multiply rapidly and discolor the water, often giving it a red or brown hue.

Red tide blooms typically form offshore in late summer or early fall and move toward the coast due to wind and currents. Learn more here:
Red Tide Information

Is Red Tide Harmful?
Yes. K. brevis produces brevetoxins, which can harm humans, pets, marine life, and wildlife.

Potential Health Effects:

• Airborne toxins can cause respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing, throat irritation).
• Direct skin contact may lead to itchiness or rashes.
• Sensitive individuals (children, the elderly, those with respiratory issues) may experience more severe symptoms.

For more details on health effects, visit:
Florida DOH Algae Bloom Information

Where to Find Current Water Status Updates

• Red tide sample reports & water quality updates:
  Protecting Florida Together
• Red tide conditions hotline: Call 866-300-9399
• Shellfish harvesting status:
  FDACS Shellfish Information

Sign up for notifications on water quality changes in your area:
Receive Updates

How to Report Red Tide-Related Issues

Human Health Concerns: Report red tide-related symptoms to the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.

Pet Health Concerns: Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows symptoms after exposure to red tide.

Fish Kills & Wildlife Issues: Report dead or sick marine life to the FWC Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511 or online at:
FWC Fish Kill Report

For general red tide health questions, call DOH-Lee at 239-252-8200.

Stay Informed & Stay Safe
The lifting of the Sanibel red tide alert is a positive development, but conditions can shift. Keep monitoring water quality updates and take precautions when visiting affected areas.

For more information and updates, stay connected with Protect Captiva.

The coalition dedicated to preserving Captiva’s longstanding building height and density restrictions has shared an update on the ongoing legal proceedings.

The third day of the South Seas rezoning hearing is set to continue today, February 21, as the proposal to develop 435 hotel units and 193 two- to four-bedroom condominiums remains under review.

On February 20, the Captiva resort and Lee County staff completed their presentations before the Hearing Examiner. That afternoon, the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) and the coalition began presenting testimony from expert witnesses, a process that will continue today.

The hearing is scheduled to reconvene on February 26 and 28, with opportunities for the general public to speak and provide comments expected on one of those days.

For those interested in following the proceedings, the hearing is being broadcast live on Lee TV and streamed on YouTube at @LeeCountyFLBOCC.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue advocating to protect Captiva’s unique character and environment.

When Thomas Edison first arrived in Southwest Florida, he wasn’t looking to make history—he was simply following his doctor’s advice to escape the harsh winters of the Northeast. But his 1885 purchase of land along the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers would mark the beginning of a profound and lasting impact on the region.

A Visionary Resident and Fort Myers Advocate

At the time, Fort Myers was a small, developing town, but Edison’s annual visits turned his arrival into a celebrated local event. The town’s newspaper would print the exact date of his arrival, and crowds gathered at the train station to welcome him each year.

Beyond being a winter retreat, Fort Myers became a place where Edison invested his energy, influence, and innovation. He:

• Promoted sport fishing in the region, attracting tourists and putting Fort Myers on the map as a premier travel destination.
• Encouraged influential friends to join him, including Standard Oil executive Ambrose McGregor and automobile pioneer Henry Ford, who became his neighbors.
• Launched scientific research projects, co-founding the Edison Botanic Research Corporation with Ford and Harvey Firestone to develop domestic sources of rubber.

Contributions to the Community

Edison and his wife, Mina, made lasting contributions to Fort Myers that are still felt today. They:

• Donated funds to establish a volunteer fire department and library.
• Planted the royal palms that still shade McGregor Boulevard, earning Fort Myers the nickname “City of Palms.”
• Supported civic beautification projects, ensuring the town’s development reflected its growing reputation.

A Legacy That Lives On

One of Edison’s final acts in Fort Myers was cutting the ribbon at the opening of the Edison Bridge in 1931. He passed away later that year, but his impact on Fort Myers continued. In 1938, the town launched the Edison Pageant of Light, an annual celebration honoring his achievements.

Mina Edison remained active in the community, dedicating herself to civic organizations and beautification efforts. In 1947, she donated the Edison Estate to the city. Today, it is preserved as part of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, a museum and botanical garden that continues to honor Fort Myers’ most famous winter resident.

The City of Fort Myers has been awarded $14,988,750 from the Lee Board of County Commissioners through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. This funding will support a critical wellfield expansion project, aimed at improving the city’s water supply infrastructure and enhancing reliability for residents.

Enhancing Water Security for the Community

The wellfield expansion project will focus on design, permitting, and construction of two Lower Hawthorn water supply wells. These additional wells will:

• Supplement the city’s current water system
• Provide high-quality potable water to residents
• Improve wellfield reliability
• Prevent service interruptions in emergencies

The project is particularly significant for an area where 51.99% of households are low-to-moderate income, ensuring that essential water infrastructure improvements reach those who need them most.

Funding for Hurricane Recovery and Infrastructure Development

This investment is part of the $1.1 billion allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2023 to support long-term disaster recovery in Lee County following Hurricane Ian. The funds are managed by the Office of Disaster Recovery within the Office of Community Planning and Development.

The City of Fort Myers applied for this funding in May 2024, and in accordance with CDBG-DR funding compliance, the project will be implemented within 24 months.

A Step Toward a More Resilient Future

With this major funding award, Fort Myers is taking proactive steps to secure and strengthen its water supply for the future. By expanding its wellfield infrastructure, the city ensures sustainable, high-quality water access, especially for vulnerable communities, while enhancing its ability to withstand future emergencies.

The future of Captiva Island’s South Seas Resort is at the center of a growing debate as the resort’s owners prepare to present their nearly $1 billion redevelopment plan to Lee County officials. The first of at least three public hearings was scheduled for February 14, where stakeholders will weigh in on the project that has divided residents and developers.

A Controversial Redevelopment Plan

The proposed redevelopment includes:

• A new 435-room hotel split between two locations
• 193 multifamily residential units, designed to reflect Captiva’s coastal charm
• FEMA-compliant structures built at higher elevations for storm resilience
• A reduction of 79 dwellings from the current zoning allowance

The Timbers Co., Wheelock Street Capital, and The Ronto Group—the resort’s ownership team—argue that their plans align with existing zoning regulations while modernizing the property after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian.

However, some residents and conservationists strongly oppose the project, forming the Protect Captiva Coalition to fight against what they see as a threat to the island’s character, environmental stability, and low-density appeal.

Legal Battles and Opposition

The dispute has already led to court rulings on both sides.

• On February 3, Florida’s Division of Administrative Hearings ruled in favor of the developers, exempting the resort from Captiva’s density and height restrictions.
• On February 5, a Circuit Court judge capped the number of dwellings on the property at 912, a partial win for opponents.

Both sides have vowed to appeal these decisions, ensuring that the fight over South Seas’ future will continue long after the public hearings.

A Shift in Resort Access Adds to Tensions

Beyond construction concerns, longtime homeowners at the resort are frustrated by the new membership rules imposed by Timbers Co.

• In the past, property owners and renters had full access to South Seas amenities.
• Now, only those who rent through the resort’s network or pay a $50,000 membership fee can use facilities.

This move has intensified resentment among residents, many of whom have joined the opposition movement.

What’s Next?

The public hearings will begin on February 14, with additional sessions on February 20, 21, 26, and 27 if necessary. Once the Hearing Examiner delivers a ruling, the Lee County Commission will make the final decision.

However, given the legal challenges and deep divisions surrounding the project, the battle over South Seas Resort is far from over. Whether through zoning boards, court appeals, or community activism, both sides remain determined to shape the future of Captiva Island.

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Families looking for an immersive, hands-on ocean experience for their children this summer can mark their calendars—Sanibel Sea School’s 2024 summer camp registration will open on February 22 at 11 a.m. Offering a mix of exploration, education, and adventure, the program provides children and teens with a unique opportunity to learn about marine life while having fun on the water.

Running from June 9 to August 22, the camp lineup includes:

• Sea Squirts (Ages 4-6) – A gentle introduction to ocean exploration
• Island Skills (Ages 6-13) – Engaging activities that teach essential outdoor skills
• Camps for Teens (Ages 13+) – Including the Counselors in Training (CIT) Program for ages 13-17

Camp sessions will take place at both the Flagship Campus (455 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel) and the Homestead Campus (1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel), ensuring plenty of space for adventure and discovery.

Celebrating 20 Years of Ocean Exploration

This summer marks a special milestone for Sanibel Sea School—20 years of camp memories, friendships, and marine discoveries. To celebrate, the school will be reviving some of its most cherished themes and traditions from past years, offering campers a nostalgic and enriching experience.

How to Register

With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged. Families can sign up starting February 22 at 11 a.m. by visiting:
Sanibel Sea School Summer Camps

Scholarship Opportunities

Sanibel Sea School is committed to making its programs accessible to all children, regardless of financial circumstances. A scholarship program, funded by generous donors, is available for families in need. Those interested should email sanibelseaschool@sccf.org before registration opens on February 22 with the following details:

• Preferred three weeks of camp
• Full names and ages of campers
• Contact phone number

Assistance and Questions

For help with the registration process, families can reach out to Sanibel Sea School at:
239-472-8585
sanibelseaschool@sccf.org

With two decades of experience fostering a love for the ocean, Sanibel Sea School continues to provide a one-of-a-kind summer experience for young explorers. This year’s lineup promises fun, adventure, and a deeper connection to the natural world, making it a perfect way for children to spend their summer.

Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE), the official concession for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, is expanding its operations and introducing a new Sunset Rookery Paddle Tour for the season.

From Feb. 14 through April, TBE will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with rentals closing at 3 p.m.

Expanded Tour Offerings

• Kayak Tours will run multiple times per day, with schedules based on tide levels.
• Tram Tours will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and/or Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Bike rentals are available daily, and fishing charters are offered throughout the week.

New: Sunset Rookery Paddle Tour

Launching this season, the Sunset Rookery Paddle Tour offers guests the chance to witness birds returning to the Rookery Islands as the sun sets over the mangroves.

• Tour Length: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Distance: 3 to 4 miles
• Kayaking experience is required
• Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (departure times adjust based on sunset)

Additional Offerings

TBE also rents kayaks and Hobie fishing kayaks for those looking to explore at their own pace.

Reservations are required or recommended, depending on the activity.

For reservations or more information, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900.

Tarpon Bay Explorers is located at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.

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The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has reported a significant decrease in sea turtle strandings on Sanibel and Captiva in 2024, marking the lowest count in 15 years. Alongside its daily nesting surveys from April through October, SCCF actively responds to and documents all sea turtle strandings on the islands.

“Sea turtle strandings consist of both dead and live turtles, with the latter usually stranded due to an injury, illness, or other debilitating condition,” explained SCCF sea turtle biologist Jack Brzoza.

In 2024, SCCF recorded 17 total strandings, including two live turtles—a green sea turtle and a loggerhead—both of which were transported to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for rehabilitation. The remaining 15 strandings involved deceased turtles: 10 loggerheads, two green turtles, and two Kemp’s ridleys.

This count is well below the 15-year average of 33 annual strandings, excluding 2018, when a severe red tide event caused an unusually high number of cases.

Responding to Strandings

For live strandings, SCCF coordinates rescues and transport to nearby rehabilitation facilities, depending on the turtle’s condition and available resources. Deceased turtles undergo a full external examination before being removed and buried off-site in partnership with the city of Sanibel.

Some deceased turtles are also selected for necropsies or sample collection as part of research projects, conducted by either SCCF or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists.

“Stranding response plays a crucial role in sea turtle conservation,” Brzoza emphasized. “Tracking these events helps local, state, and national agencies monitor mortality trends, identify emerging threats, and shape conservation strategies.”

Cold-Stunning Events in Winter

During winter, some strandings are linked to cold-stunning events, where turtles become lethargic due to prolonged exposure to frigid water temperatures. Since sea turtles are ectotherms (cold-blooded), they rely on their surroundings—like water temperature and sunlight—to regulate body heat. When water temperatures drop below 50°F, turtles risk becoming cold-stunned and may float lifelessly at the surface or wash ashore.

In severe cases, turtles require rehabilitation and veterinary care to recover from cold-induced internal conditions. The 2010 cold-stunning event in Florida saw a mass rescue effort, with SCCF and conservation partners aiding in saving numerous affected turtles across Southwest Florida.

So far in 2025, SCCF has documented two strandings, both deceased.

Ongoing Conservation Efforts

Sea turtle monitoring and stranding response remain essential to understanding mortality trends and protecting sea turtle populations. The SCCF continues its mission to document, research, and respond to strandings while working to mitigate environmental threats to these marine creatures.

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