Category: Island Update

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club is offering its 2024 Diner’s Delight coupon books at a discounted rate of $20. These books, valid through December, provide two-for-one dining coupons for various island restaurants, including:

• Boops By The Bubble Room
• Cielo
• Gramma Dot’s
• Jerry’s Foods
• MudBugs Cajun Kitchen
• RC Otter’s Island Eats
• Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory
• Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar
• The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club
• The Sanibel Cafe
• The Shack of Sanibel
• The Shipyard
• Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
• Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen

Purchasing a coupon book not only offers dining savings but also supports the club’s scholarship program and grants for local youth education and recreation. For more information or to purchase a book, visit the SanCap Kiwanis Club’s website

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has concluded the 2024 sea turtle nesting season, marked by notable milestones and unique challenges. Among the highlights was a rare leatherback nest producing 40 hatchlings, a first since 2020 and only the third recorded since 2009.

Lee County has achieved a significant win for residents in unincorporated areas, including Captiva, by securing a FEMA waiver to assist commercial properties impacted by Hurricane Milton. This change allows the county to collect storm debris that previously could not be addressed due to federal restrictions.

The Challenge: FEMA Rules and Debris Collection

Prior to the waiver, FEMA regulations prevented the county from collecting storm debris from commercial properties like apartments, condominiums, and trailer parks. These property owners were required to coordinate debris removal through their insurance providers. As a result, debris left in the right-of-way (ROW) near these properties could not be cleared by the county’s contracted hauler without incurring non-reimbursable expenses, placing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

The Solution: A Collaborative Effort

In partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), Lee County successfully obtained a waiver from FEMA. This waiver permits the county’s debris hauler to conduct a single pass to collect debris placed at the ROW in front of these commercial properties.

Lee County expressed gratitude to FDEM for its support in securing the waiver, which is essential for easing the cleanup process after Hurricane Milton.

Key Details for Commercial Property Owners

• Collection Timeline: The debris hauler began operations on Nov. 9-10 and will continue until the single pass is complete, which may take several weeks.
• Important Restrictions:
  • Additional debris placed after the hauler’s single pass will not be collected by the county. Owners must arrange for private removal using insurance providers.
• Gated Communities:
  • Properties with gated access must submit a Right of Entry (ROE) and Indemnification form to allow debris collection.
  • Forms are available online for property managers and HOA presidents at the ROE Communities page or through the county’s hurricane resource page at www.leegov.com/solidwaste/hurricane.

Timely Action by the County

Securing a FEMA waiver typically takes time. For comparison, after Hurricane Ian in 2022, the waiver process took about a month. The Milton waiver was granted just shy of a month post-landfall, reflecting the county’s proactive efforts.

Need Assistance?

Residents with questions about debris collection can contact Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000. Additional resources and updates are available at www.leegov.com/storm.

This achievement underscores Lee County’s commitment to supporting its residents and streamlining recovery efforts after natural disasters.

The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) is excited to launch this season’s Porch & Patio series with a Kick Off Party on November 11 from 5-7 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center. This casual outdoor cocktail gathering offers live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and a relaxed setting for the island community to connect.

Event Highlights

• Live Music: Guitarist and steel pan musician Mark Dupuy will perform.
• Food & Refreshments: Hors d’oeuvres and a cash donation bar to support future CCA events.
• Community Gathering: An opportunity to mingle, make new connections, and enjoy the island’s vibrant community atmosphere.

This event is the first of five Porch & Patio gatherings planned for the 2024-25 season, generously sponsored by the Pfeifer Realty Group. Tickets are required, so be sure to reserve your spot.

For tickets and details, visit CCA Captiva or call 239-472-2111.

If you live in an area impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton, FEMA has outlined assistance options available to support recovery. Here are answers to frequently asked questions:

Key Questions and Answers

• What Assistance is Available?
  FEMA’s Individual Assistance can help cover temporary lodging, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related expenses that aren’t covered by insurance.
• Home Inspection Process
  FEMA may schedule an inspection to assess structural safety and essential systems (electric, plumbing, heating). Inspectors only verify information and don’t request bank details or charge fees.
• Not Approved?
  A “not approved” status may mean additional info is needed, like insurance documents or proof of residency. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center or check online at FEMA’s FAQ page.
• Vacation Homes
  Only primary residences are eligible for FEMA assistance.
• Applying Before Insurance Claim Denial
  Apply for FEMA aid even if your insurance claim isn’t finalized. Upload any insurance settlements or denial letters when available.
• What Repairs are Covered?
  FEMA may fund repairs for essential structures like wells, septic systems, and HVAC, not to restore pre-disaster conditions but to make homes safe and functional.
• Renters and Self-Employed
  Renters can apply for temporary housing assistance and personal item replacement. Self-employed individuals may receive help for essential work tools and equipment.
• Repayment of FEMA Aid
  FEMA grants are not loans; they don’t need to be repaid, are not taxable, and won’t affect other federal benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App, call 800-621-3362, or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Be ready with personal info, proof of damages, and banking details if choosing direct deposit.

For more details, visit FEMA’s Home Inspections Info or find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center at fema.gov/drc.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has made significant progress on the Sanibel Causeway project, with traffic now shifted to permanent lanes. The surrounding causeway islands remain an active work zone and are closed to public access, including from the water.

Current and Upcoming Work

East of the Toll Plaza

• Traffic Shift on McGregor Boulevard: As of Nov. 1, traffic on McGregor Boulevard shifted to the south side for both directions, allowing crews to work on underground pipe reconstruction. Reduced to one lane each way, this arrangement will remain in place through early 2025.
• Shoulder Access Closure: The eastbound shoulder on McGregor is closed for shoreline reinforcement work, scheduled for completion by late November.
• Temporary Lane Closures: Daytime lane closures on McGregor are expected as crews move equipment and materials.

West of the Toll Plaza

• Intermittent Traffic Stops: Drivers may experience brief stops at the staging area as equipment crosses to work zones. Efforts are made to limit delays during peak hours.
• Sod Installation and Pond Construction: Crews are stabilizing the roadway with sod and constructing ponds. Earthwork and debris clearing are ongoing along the causeway islands.
• Westbound Merge: The merge point for westbound traffic is just beyond the toll plaza. A 20 mph speed limit is enforced, and construction vehicles frequently enter/exit the staging area.

Safety Reminders

FDOT encourages drivers to remain patient and cautious in this active work zone. Oversized vehicles are common on the causeway to support island recovery efforts. Bicyclists and pedestrians should avoid using the causeway for safety reasons.

For project updates, visit FDOT Sanibel Causeway Project.

The Sanibel Recreation Center has announced a range of upcoming programs and activities for all ages. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening:

Sports and Fitness

• Pick-Up Tennis: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8-11:30 a.m.
• Indoor Pick-Up Pickleball: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Saturdays, noon-3 p.m.
• Outdoor Pick-Up Pickleball: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8-11:30 a.m.
• Adult Pick-Up Softball: Mondays, 6-8 p.m. (ages 18+). Bring a glove; closed-toe shoes required.

Special Programs

• Sanibel Soccer Clinic: For grades K-3 and 4-8 on Nov. 8, 15, 22, Dec. 13, and 20 from 5-6 p.m. ($26 for members, $32 for non-members).
• 3D Mammogram Screening: Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Covered 100% by insurance for women ages 40+; no prescription required.

Additional Services

• Sanibel Beach Parking Permits and Dog Licenses are available for purchase.
• Membership Assistance: New and existing members can set up or manage their CivicRec accounts at the front desk.

Center Hours

• Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information on classes, memberships, or to register, visit Sanibel Rec Center or call 239-472-0345. The center is located at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

The 2024 sea turtle nesting season in Florida officially came to a close on October 31, marking another active year for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s (SCCF) sea turtle team. Dedicated volunteers and conservationists spent months protecting and monitoring nests across Sanibel and Captiva islands, resulting in impressive totals.

2024 Nesting Season Highlights

As of October 30, SCCF reported the following preliminary counts for the season on Sanibel and Captiva:

• Loggerhead Turtles:
  • 839 nests
  • 16,722 emerged hatchlings
• Green Turtles:
  • 3 nests
  • 34 emerged hatchlings
• Leatherback Turtles:
  • 1 nest
  • 40 emerged hatchlings

Statewide, loggerhead and leatherback nests reflected a robust year, while green turtle numbers saw a slight decrease, which is part of normal cyclical patterns. Meanwhile, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles might be on the brink of a record-breaking season across Florida.

The SCCF extended heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers who contributed countless hours to safeguard and document sea turtle activity on the islands. Their efforts are crucial to the success of conservation initiatives and the protection of these remarkable marine animals.

For more updates on SCCF’s conservation efforts and ways to get involved, visit SCCF.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is set to launch the season’s first Pine Island Sounds concert aboard the Lady Chadwick on November 17. This year’s opener features The Suitcase Junket, an innovative one-man band led by Matt Lorenz, known for his unique fusion of thrift and craftsmanship. With homemade instruments and a solo performance that evokes the sound of a full band, Lorenz brings a truly original music experience.

About Pine Island Sounds

Since its inception in 2019, the Pine Island Sounds concert series has served as a vibrant celebration of live music while supporting SCCF’s mission to protect local water quality. Held monthly, these concerts bring together music lovers on the water, providing an intimate sunset concert experience with a scenic cruise from McCarthy’s Marina.

“We’re thrilled to present another season of Pine Island Sounds in partnership with Captiva Cruises and the Marcums,” says SCCF Event Director Jeff Siwicke. “Our goal is to offer a diverse lineup of both established and emerging artists from across the country, creating a memorable experience for all attendees.”

Event Details

• Date and Time: November 17, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Lady Chadwick, departing from McCarthy’s Marina, 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva
• Artist: The Suitcase Junket (Matt Lorenz)
• Tickets: $125, including a light bites buffet and one complimentary drink coupon, sponsored by Jack Thomas and Janie Howland.

Tickets are limited, so reserve your spot soon! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SCCF Pine Island Sounds.

Join SCCF for an unforgettable evening of music on the water in support of local conservation efforts.

BIG ARTS is set to host its first-ever Fall Film Festival on November 15-16, a unique opportunity for film enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of documentaries with renowned filmmaker Andrew Rossi. This two-day event offers screenings of three of Rossi’s acclaimed works, followed by exclusive Q&A sessions where attendees can engage directly with the Emmy-nominated filmmaker himself.

Festival Highlights

Held at the elegant Christensen Performance Hall, this festival promises an inspiring blend of film, conversation, and community. Here’s what attendees can look forward to:

• Exclusive Q&A Sessions with Andrew Rossi after each screening
• Opening Reception, Boxed Dinner, and Closing Reception for a complete festival experience
• Film Screenings of Rossi’s powerful documentaries, including “The First Monday in May,” “Page One,” and “The Andy Warhol Diaries”

Festival Schedule

November 15

• 6:00 p.m. – Opening Reception with lite bites and cash bar
• 7:00 p.m. – Screening of The First Monday in May (2016)
  • Followed by Q&A with Andrew Rossi

November 16

• 4:00 p.m. – Screening of Page One (2011)
• 5:30 p.m. – Boxed dinner reception by Wickie’s Lighthouse Restaurant
• 6:30 p.m. – Q&A with Andrew Rossi
• 7:00 p.m. – Screening of The Andy Warhol Diaries, Season 1, Episode 1 (2022)
  • Post-screening closing reception with coffee and dessert

Ticket Information

• Full Festival Package: $80 (includes all three screenings, boxed dinner, and Q&A sessions)
• Single Film Tickets: Available through the BIG ARTS box office at 239-395-0900

Sponsors of the festival include Dorothy and Seth Hemming, the Lee County Tourist Development Council, and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.

Don’t miss this special event to gain insights into the art of documentary filmmaking and meet Andrew Rossi in an intimate setting.

For more information or to secure tickets, visit BIG ARTS Fall Film Festival or call 239-395-0900.