Category: Island Update

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Captiva Cruises are excited to host a Sunset Birding Cruise on Jan. 22 from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. The cruise will depart from McCarthy’s Marina, located at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.

What to Expect

During this scenic cruise through Pine Island Sound, participants will:

• Learn about the ecology of the back bay estuary.
• Hear insights about the SCCF’s shorebird monitoring program.
• Observe birds as they come in to roost.
• Identify various bird species along the way.
• Receive updates on the islands’ bird populations.

Tickets

• $45 per person
• $35 for children ages 2-12
  Proceeds from the cruise will help support the SCCF’s shorebird monitoring program.

Registration

For more information or to reserve your spot, call Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5300 or visit sccf.org/event/sunset-birding-cruise-3/.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunset and connect with the wildlife and ecology of the islands!

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village invites the community to a Twilight Talk on Jan. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. This special event will honor Sanibel’s rich history and celebrate milestone anniversaries, offering an engaging evening of stories and connections to the island’s past.

Event Highlights

Enjoy fascinating tales from long-time Sanibel residents as they share insights about the island’s landmarks and history. Key anniversaries being celebrated include:

• Sanibel Lighthouse: 140 years
• School/Church on Tarpon Bay: 110 years
• Morning Glories and Shore Haven at the Village: 100 years
• City of Sanibel: 50 years
• Sanibel Historical Village: 40 years

The event will be emceed by Andrea Miller, Sanibel Recreation Department Director and chair of the city’s 50th Anniversary Committee. With deep ties to the island, Miller’s family history dates back to the 1940s when her great-grandparents arrived on Sanibel. Her grandparents lived near Bailey’s General Store in Miss Charlotta’s Teahouse, and her father, Ray Rhodes, served as Sanibel’s first police officer.

Additional Event Details

• Amenities:
  • Cash bar available.
  • The Shack of Sanibel will serve frozen custard.
• Tickets:
  • $20 per person.
  • A limited number of tickets will be available at the door (cash or check only).
• Location:
  The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sanibelmuseum.org/event/twil-talk-jan21.

Join us to celebrate Sanibel’s history, connect with the stories that shaped this unique community, and honor the milestones that define our island’s heritage!

Protect Captiva, a coalition dedicated to preserving the island’s long-standing building height and density limitations, shared updates on its ongoing legal actions.

On Jan. 8, the group reported that the Circuit Court recently ruled on the motion for a summary judgment filed by Lee County and South Seas Resort. Following a hearing last month, the judge requested both parties to submit proposed orders by Dec. 30.

On Jan. 7, the court issued its decision, siding with the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) and denying the county/South Seas motion for summary judgment. The court relied on the reasoning outlined in the CCA’s proposed order.

Key Findings:

• The judge ruled that Paragraph 3 of the settlement agreement is “clear and unambiguous.”
  It explicitly states:
  “The total number of units on South Seas Resort is limited to 912. No building permits may be issued by the county for dwelling units within South Seas Resort that will cause that number to be exceeded at any time.”
• The court found that the agreement is:
  • Not barred by alternative relief or the separation of powers.
  • Not an advisory opinion or a restrictive covenant.
  • Does not interfere with the county’s police powers or constitute contract zoning.
  • Not invalid under sovereign immunity principles.
• The county is estopped from denying the validity of the agreement, as the judge emphasized:
  

  “The county and CCA voluntarily negotiated and executed the settlement agreement whereby the county expressly agreed not to issue building permits in excess of 912 units at any time. CCA reasonably relied on that promise and, in return, dismissed its lawsuit with prejudice. The county cannot accept the benefits of the settlement agreement — the dismissal of a lawsuit — and then later argue that the same agreement is unenforceable.”

Next Steps:

The CCA was set to argue its motion for summary judgment on Jan. 10, requesting the court to uphold its motion for the same reasons the county’s motion was denied.

For more details, you can view the Court Order here.

Protect Captiva continues to advocate for the protection of Captiva’s unique character and the enforcement of longstanding agreements that preserve the island’s low-density development. Stay tuned for further updates as the case progresses.

On Dec. 6, the City of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Department announced that Phase II of the Lighthouse Beach Park renourishment project has resumed following a brief holiday break.

Crews are actively placing the remaining 105,000 tons of sand on the bayside of the park. This essential project aims to strengthen the beach coastline and protect the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse. The work is scheduled for completion by mid-February.

Key Project Details:

• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Bayside Parking Lot Closures: The two bayside parking lots will remain closed during sand placement activities.
• Gulfside Parking Lot Access: The Gulfside parking lot will stay open for visitors throughout the project.
• Temporary Beach Closures: Portions of the beach will be closed to the public during sand placement for safety.
• Public Safety Guidelines: Visitors are urged to follow all posted signage and verbal instructions from parking lot and beach attendants. Please avoid equipment and construction zones.

City officials expressed gratitude for the community’s patience during this critical resiliency effort, emphasizing the importance of robust beaches in protecting Sanibel’s coastline and infrastructure.

“As seen during this active hurricane season, our beaches play a crucial role in buffering storm surges and minimizing flood damage. The impact from events like Tropical Storm Debbie, Hurricane Helene, and Hurricane Milton could have been significantly worse without healthy and well-maintained beaches,” officials stated.

For those looking to visit other open beach parks on Sanibel, the following locations remain accessible:

• Gulfside City Beach Park (Algiers)
• Bowman’s Beach Park
• Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park
• Sanibel Boat Ramp Beach Park

Stay tuned for updates as the project progresses and thank you for supporting Sanibel’s efforts to protect its cherished coastline.

Get ready to tee off for a great cause! The Sanibel Captiva United Way Committee is excited to announce the Inaugural Sanibel Captiva United Way Golf Tournament — Scramble, happening on January 26 at 7 a.m. at the picturesque Sanibel Island Golf Club.

This premier event will benefit United Way-funded programs through a network of local and countywide agencies, providing essential resources to individuals, families, and seniors in need.

A Day of Golf with a Purpose

“This golf tournament is more than just a fun day on the greens,” shared Committee Chair Tony Lapi. “It’s a chance for our community to come together and support programs that make a real difference, from food assistance and mental health resources to education initiatives. Every dollar raised stays local to help those who need it most.”

Participants will enjoy a day of camaraderie and friendly competition, complete with exciting contests, raffles, and prizes. Beyond the golf course, this event is a powerful reminder of the difference we can make by working together.

Supporting Year-Round Impact

The Sanibel Captiva United Way Committee is dedicated to fostering a culture of giving through various events and initiatives. Proceeds from the tournament and other activities go directly to nonprofits that provide critical services like disaster recovery, youth development, healthcare access, and support for underserved populations.

Committee Member Bill Fellows emphasized the importance of community involvement: “It’s incredible to see the impact we can make together. Whether you participate in the tournament, volunteer, or simply help spread the word, your contribution strengthens our community.”

How You Can Get Involved

Join us for a meaningful day on the greens or support the cause by making a donation. For more information about the golf tournament, sponsorship opportunities, or ways to give back, visit UnitedWayLee.org/Sanibel-Captiva or contact Bill Fellows at 239-850-8948 or Fellows_Bill@comcast.net.

Event Details:

• When: January 26, 2025 | 7 a.m.
• Where: Sanibel Island Golf Club, 1100 Par View Drive, Sanibel

Let’s come together to make a difference in our community while enjoying a memorable day of golf!

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced updates on the ongoing Sanibel Causeway project. Traffic has been shifted to permanent lanes, but the causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway remain an active work zone and are closed to public access, including from the water. Limited work activities will occur over the holidays, with no new lane closures scheduled during this time.

Current and Upcoming Work Activities

East from the Toll Plaza

• Lane Closure: The outside eastbound lane of McGregor Boulevard will remain closed from the toll plaza to approximately 3/4 mile east. The shoulder also remains fully closed to access.
• Paving and Stabilization: Crews paved the area last week, with shoulder stabilization planned for early 2025.
• Daytime Flagging: Outside of the holidays, expect temporary daytime flagging for both eastbound and westbound traffic on McGregor Boulevard (from Shell Point Boulevard to Punta Rassa Road) as crews move equipment and materials.

West from the Toll Plaza

• Barrier Wall Removal: Crews will remove the barrier wall along the Causeway Islands in preparation for final asphalt paving.
• Recreational Facility Work: Lee County is installing a temporary post and rope system to guide pedestrian traffic during the reconstruction of recreational facilities.
• Traffic Stops: Motorists may experience intermittent stops as equipment crosses the road to support work on McGregor’s south side and near the toll plaza.
• Westbound Merge: The westbound merge location is just west of the toll plaza. Motorists are urged to use caution and adhere to the 20 mph speed limit. Construction vehicles and equipment will continue entering/exiting the staging area.

Crews are also working near the off-island U-turn under Span A as part of the project.

Additional Safety Reminders

• Expect oversized vehicles crossing the causeway as part of ongoing recovery efforts, which may slow traffic.
• Bicyclists are encouraged to use alternative transportation, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway.
• All motorists should strictly obey the 20 mph speed limit in the work zone for safety.

For further details on the project, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway.

Stay patient and cautious as work progresses to enhance the causeway for long-term use.

Starting January 7 through April 30, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village will operate with expanded hours, welcoming visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admissions will be sold until 3 p.m., and the cost for entry will be $15 for ages 19 and older.

As a special promotion, adults can enjoy discounted $10 admission through January 4, making it the perfect time to explore the village’s rich history. For those looking for year-round benefits, annual memberships start at just $40 and include free admission.

The Village Gift Shop, located in Shore Haven, will also be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is not required to browse the shop, making it a great spot to pick up unique souvenirs or gifts.

Location:
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, FL

Contact Information:

• Website: www.sanibelmuseum.org
• Phone: 239-472-4648
• Email: info@sanibelmuseum.org

Plan your visit and discover the charm and stories of Sanibel’s past!

The Captiva Island Historical Society (CIHS) has provided an important update regarding its beloved History Gallery. Nestled within the Captiva Memorial Library, the gallery is a faithful replica of the iconic mailboat Santiva, showcasing historical artifacts and interactive multimedia exhibits. This unique space draws thousands of visitors annually, serving as a cornerstone of CIHS’s mission to preserve and share the island’s rich history.

Unfortunately, the gallery sustained significant damage due to water intrusion during two consecutive storms, Hurricane Helene in late September and Hurricane Milton in early October. The hurricanes caused extensive damage to the library building, impacting the Santiva replica and its contents.

After consulting with construction experts, CIHS has made the difficult decision to disassemble the gallery to salvage and protect its artifacts. Items that can be saved will be dried and stored in climate-controlled containers, with plans to reassemble the gallery once the library undergoes necessary repairs.

While the news is disheartening, CIHS remains resilient. “We are an organization fueled by determination, community, visitors, and caring folks just like you,” shared CIHS Board President Tom Libonate. He added that many supporters have asked how they can assist during this challenging time.

How You Can Help

The CIHS is currently accepting donations to aid in the repair and restoration of the History Gallery. Contributions will ensure that this vital piece of Captiva’s heritage continues to educate and inspire future generations.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit the CIHS website at www.captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org.

Location Details

The Captiva Memorial Library, home to the CIHS History Gallery, is located at:
11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva, FL.

Your support is vital to bringing the History Gallery back to life. Together, we can preserve this treasured landmark for years to come.

The New Year New You Health Fair is your chance to kick off 2025 with a focus on health and wellness! Presented by the Sanibel Recreation Department in partnership with Lee Health and the Sanibel Captiva Business Women’s Association, this free community event is packed with activities, educational resources, and health screenings.

Event Highlights:

• Educational Booths: Over 25 booths providing valuable health and wellness information, including lung cancer awareness, chiropractic care, financial health, veterinary medicine, and more.
• Health Screenings:
  • Body Composition Screenings by Lee Health
  • Lung Cancer Screenings
  • Foot Screenings by Fleet Feet
  • Blood Pressure Screenings by the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District
  • Balance Screenings by Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers
  • Mobile Services:
    • 3D Mobile Mammography Bus
    • On Spot Dermatology
      (Appointments recommended, walk-ins welcome!)
• Interactive Demos and Services:
  • Chair massages by Sanibel Skin Spa and Sanibel Wellness
  • Energy strength testing
  • Medicine disposal drop-off provided by the Sanibel Police Department
• Fitness Classes:
  • 9:00 a.m.: Chair Yoga (Lorna) and Cycle Zone (Ginger)
  • 10:30 a.m.: Functional Strength & Endurance (Ginger)
  • 12:00 p.m.: LaBlast Dance Fitness (Tracy)

Special Participants:

• Barre Roots, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, GenesisCare, Humana, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and many more.
• Experts from Island Therapy Center, Sanibel Pilates & Spa, Island Wellness Pharmacy, and the United Way 211 will also be available.

Event Details:

• Date: January 4, 2025
• Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Location: Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
• Cost: Free and open to the public

Attendees will need to complete a waiver at the front desk upon arrival.

Advance Appointments:

• 3D Mobile Mammography Bus: Visit 3DMobileMammography.com or call 844-546-5871.
• On Spot Dermatology: Visit OnSpotDermatology.com/cityofsanibel or call 941-444-0011.

For additional information, contact the Sanibel Recreation Center at 239-472-0345.

Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with your community, take advantage of free preventive health measures, and set a healthy tone for the new year!

On December 17, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce joined friends and community members to celebrate the grand reopening of the Bleu Rendezvous French Bistro under its new owners, Laurence and Chef Pierre Bastien.

A Culinary Journey Back to Their Roots

Laurence and Pierre Bastien’s love story began at the Culinary School in Paris, where they met as teenagers. After a decade of working in restaurants and hotels across France, they decided to pursue new careers—Laurence opened an office design company, while Pierre served as a motorcycle police officer.

But their passion for the culinary arts never faded. “Last year, we decided to return to the restaurant industry,” Laurence shared. “We searched for a business to buy in Florida and found this charming French bistro last summer.”

Continuing a Sanibel Tradition

The Bleu Rendezvous was previously owned by Christian and Mari Vivet, who established it as a beloved local gem in 2015. After Hurricane Ian devastated Sanibel in 2022, the Vivets reopened the bistro at a new location but decided to retire after 50 years of dedication to the restaurant industry.

“They made a wonderful transition with us, freshly arrived from Paris in September, proud to continue this French story in Sanibel,” Laurence said.

Chamber President and CEO John Lai praised the Vivets’ legacy and expressed excitement for the bistro’s future:

“The Vivets made Bleu Rendezvous one of Sanibel’s most cherished restaurants. Chef Christian began the tradition of authentic French cuisine, and Chef Pierre is now carrying it forward.”

Visit Bleu Rendezvous

Located at 751 Tarpon Road, Bleu Rendezvous continues to serve authentic French cuisine with its signature charm and elegance. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a first-time visitor, the Bastiens invite you to experience the next chapter of this culinary tradition.

Stop by to celebrate this exciting new era for Bleu Rendezvous French Bistro!