Category: Island Update

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has officially opened its second Sanibel location at 1019 Periwinkle Way, located on the east end of the island. This new branch is just two buildings down from their former branch at 1037 Periwinkle Way. In 2021, the bank purchased the John R. Wood building to expand its presence on the island, offering a larger and more modern facility.

After completing construction in September 2022, the new location unfortunately sustained significant damage from Hurricane Ian, necessitating a full reconstruction. As of September 2023, John R. Wood Properties has been occupying a portion of the 5,200-square-foot building, and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is leasing additional office space to Coastal Title Services of Southwest Florida, which occupies 850 square feet in the rear of the building.

The new location, renovated by Benchmark Construction, boasts several upgraded features, including a drive-thru, electric car charging station, safety deposit boxes, and a small conference room with video conferencing capabilities. A drive-up ATM is also planned for the near future.

“We’re thrilled to have our new east-end location open for business,” said Kyle DeCicco, President and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. “Our customers have relied on this location for years, and we’re excited to welcome them back to an improved office space. This is an important step in regaining normalcy and providing a second convenient location on Sanibel.”

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, founded in 2003, operates eight branches across Lee County. The McGregor Branch in Fort Myers is temporarily operating out of a mobile banking unit due to flood damage, with a new building slated for completion in 2025. The bank is also planning to open a ninth branch on Fort Myers Beach in 2026.

Ranked in the top 2% of best-performing community banks by S&P Global Market Intelligence, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is recognized for its financial strength and community involvement. With over 120 employees—more than 60% of whom are shareholders—the bank has contributed over $4.5 million to local charities and community causes. The staff also volunteers nearly 1,000 hours annually.

The bank offers personalized banking services for individuals and businesses, specializing in residential and commercial lending. Their full suite of digital banking tools includes mobile apps, instant issue debit cards, online bill pay, Zelle®, Positive Pay, and ACH Manager. For more information, visit sancapbank.com.

The City of Sanibel, in collaboration with the SanCap Chamber and local organizations, is set to begin a 13-month celebration of Sanibel Island’s 50th anniversary, marking its incorporation as a city in 1974. The festivities will kick off on November 5, 2024, the official incorporation date, with a series of exciting community events.

Event 1: Time Capsule Opening – November 5, 2024
The celebration begins on November 5 at 4 p.m. with a free Time Capsule Opening at City Hall, located at 800 Dunlop Road. Mayor Richard Johnson and the city council will preside over this historic event. The time capsule, buried decades ago, symbolizes Sanibel’s successful grassroots movement to establish home rule and prevent overdevelopment, leading to the creation of the environmentally conscious Sanibel Plan.

Event 2: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 30, 2024
The festivities continue with a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30 at 5 p.m. in Sanibel Community Park. This free event will include refreshments, and the lighting of a majestic 20-foot tree adorned with festive decorations that will stay on display through December.

Event 3: Sanibel Luminary Holiday Stroll – December 6, 2024
One of the island’s most beloved traditions, the Sanibel Luminary Holiday Stroll, will return on December 6 at 5:30 p.m. after a two-year hiatus. This special event will light up the island’s pathways with luminary candles, holiday lights, and feature treats, Santa photos, a live nativity scene, and musical entertainment. The following evening, Captiva Island will host its own Luminary Stroll on December 7.

Looking Ahead: A Year-Long Celebration
As Sanibel moves into its 50th year as a city, a series of special events will take place throughout 2025. Historical presentations, art shows, and annual traditions like the Shell Festival in March and Islands Night in May will be part of the celebrations, leading up to Luminary 2025 on December 5, 2025, which will cap the anniversary festivities.

For a full list of events, 50th-anniversary merchandise, and ways to support the celebration, visit 50YearsofSanibel.com.

Twenty-three years have passed since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when terrorist attacks claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. This day left an indelible mark on the world, and across Southwest Florida, communities continue to come together to honor the victims, first responders, and their families.

Here are some of the key remembrance events happening across Southwest Florida on Wednesday, September 11, 2024:

Lee County

Cape Coral 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
The City of Cape Coral and the Cape Coral Fire Department will host a ceremony to honor the victims. Attendees will place 2,977 American flags on the front lawn of City Hall, each representing a life lost in the attacks.

• Location: 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990
• Time: 8:30 a.m.

Patriot Day on Fort Myers Beach
Join the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Coast Guard in a day of remembrance to honor the victims and first responders of 9/11.

• Location: 719 San Carlos Drive, Fort Myers Beach, FL
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Charlotte County

Remembrance Ceremony at ShorePoint Health
ShorePoint Health in Punta Gorda will host a remembrance ceremony, where participants are encouraged to wear patriotic attire. Light refreshments will be provided.

• Location: 809 E Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Collier County

Visit Freedom Park in Memory of 9/11
Take a quiet walk through Fred W. Coyle Freedom Park to reflect on the sacrifices made by the victims, veterans, and first responders of 9/11.

• Location: 1515 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, FL 34105
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Letters of Gratitude at Naples Regional Library
This heartfelt event invites the community to write letters of appreciation to the first responders who risked their lives on September 11th.

• Location: 650 Central Ave., Naples, FL 34102
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Hendry County

9/11 First Responders Lunch
The American Legion Post 130 will serve lunch, featuring homemade sloppy joes and dessert, for local first responders, whether they are on duty or off. Delivery is available for those unable to attend.

• Location: 699 W. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle, FL
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

DeSoto County

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
The DeSoto County Fire Rescue will host a ceremony at the DeSoto County Courthouse lawn. The community is encouraged to attend with family, friends, and colleagues to pay their respects.

• Location: 115 E Oak St., Arcadia, FL 34266
• Time: 9:00 a.m.

As we gather for these events, we honor the memories of those who were lost, and we continue to express our gratitude to the first responders and their families for their bravery and sacrifice. Southwest Florida stands united in remembrance and reflection on this solemn day.

Sanibel Sea School’s Homeschool at Sea program is back, offering an engaging marine science experience for homeschoolers. This immersive program allows students to explore the wonders of the ocean through hands-on, experiential learning. Students dive into marine ecosystems, coastal habitats, and the diverse species of the ocean.

Like Sanibel Sea School’s day courses, Homeschool at Sea includes field trips to Gulf beaches, mangrove forests, and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s preserves. Using marine biology as the foundation, the curriculum covers exciting topics like symbiotic relationships, lunar cycles, taxonomy, and more, with a focus on sea creatures and their ecosystems.

The program fosters environmental stewardship by teaching students about the importance of ocean conservation and human impact on marine habitats. Whether your child is passionate about the ocean or just starting to explore, Homeschool at Sea welcomes students of all levels.

Course Schedule

Homeschool at Sea runs from September to November, offering two classes per week for each age group: ages 4-6, 6-10, 10-13, and 13-17.

This year’s topics include:

• Week 1 (Sept. 10-13): Animal Behavior
• Week 2 (Sept. 16-20): Marine Food Webs
• Week 3 (Sept. 23-27): Habitats & Climate Change
• Week 4 (Sept. 30-Oct. 4): Predator-Prey Interactions
• Week 5 (Oct. 7-11): Form Fits Function
• Week 6 (Oct. 15-18): Marine Ecology
• Week 7 (Oct. 21-25): Marine Debris & Plastics
• Week 8 (Oct. 28-Nov. 1): Camouflage
• Week 9 (Nov. 4-8): Reptiles
• Week 10 (Nov. 12-15): Marine Invertebrates
• Week 11 (Nov. 18-22): Water Quality

Class Details

• Classes run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 6 and up.
• Ages 4-6 classes run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Students can choose morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions.
• Course fees range from $20-40 per session.

Special discounted rates are available, and Sanibel Sea School encourages families with financial concerns to reach out for assistance.

For more information or to register, visit Sanibel Sea School’s Homeschool at Sea.

The highly anticipated Sizzle Dining event returns for its 2024 edition, promising a month-long culinary journey across Southwest Florida. Running from September 5 to 25, this annual extravaganza invites food lovers to explore the vibrant flavors of the region while supporting a worthy cause: combating child hunger through the local nonprofit, Blessings in a Backpack.

Record Participation for 2024
This year, a record-breaking 114 restaurants are taking part, including 38 first-time participants, offering food enthusiasts the chance to experience a diverse range of cuisines for less. The event features specially curated, set-price menus with two-course lunches at $19 or $29 and three-course dinners at $29, $39, or $49. Additionally, new to the lineup this year are specialty brunches and interactive cooking demos with local chefs.

Support Local & Savor the Experience
The promotion spans across numerous locations, including Babcock Ranch, Boca Grande, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Captiva, Fort Myers, Immokalee, Marco Island, Naples, and Sanibel, offering a unique opportunity to discover both hidden gems and established favorites. Each restaurant offers a dedicated Sizzle Dining menu, allowing patrons to try dishes they may not typically order due to cost or unfamiliarity.

“We’re thrilled to bring Sizzle Dining back this year, especially with such a large number of participating restaurants,” said Guy Clarke, founder of the event. “September is typically a slow month for the restaurant industry in Southwest Florida, so it’s a great opportunity for diners to experience our region’s culinary scene at special prices without the long wait times.”

Clarke also highlighted the broader community impact: “When the restaurants are busier, everyone benefits. From the kitchen staff to local farmers, there’s a ripple effect throughout the entire community. It’s rewarding to see how something as simple as dining out can make such a difference.”

A Cause Beyond the Cuisine
In addition to offering great food at great prices, Sizzle Dining directly benefits Blessings in a Backpack, which provides meals for food-insecure elementary-aged children in Lee and Collier counties. For every lunch or dinner purchased during the event, $1 is donated to the nonprofit. Over the last three years, Sizzle Dining has raised over $91,000, with $48,000 contributed in 2023 alone.

“Events like Sizzle Dining not only raise awareness but also provide crucial support for our mission,” said Cecilia St. Arnold, Executive Director of Blessings in a Backpack. “By dining out, people are helping to feed local children who might otherwise go without food on weekends. It’s an incredible way to engage the community.”

Island Highlights
Among the 114 participating restaurants, four island spots are representing the local culinary scene:

• Cantina Captiva (14970 Captiva Drive, Captiva)
• RC Otter’s Island Eats (11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva)
• Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar (11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva)
• Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen (1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel)

These island restaurants will offer unique Sizzle Dining menus, inviting both residents and visitors to indulge in exceptional food with a purpose.

Exclusive Events
In addition to regular dining, Sizzle Dining features exclusive one-day brunch events and private chef-led experiences, offering a deeper dive into Southwest Florida’s culinary creativity. Tickets are required for these events, which range from cooking demos to special brunches hosted by renowned local chefs.

For a full list of participating restaurants, special event tickets, and menu updates, visit www.sizzledining.com. Make your reservations directly with each restaurant and be a part of this exciting and impactful dining experience.

Looking for a fun way to kick off your Thanksgiving holiday in sunny Florida? Look no further than the 45th Annual Fort Myers Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk! This beloved tradition, hosted by the Fort Myers Track Club and held at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, is the perfect way to celebrate with friends and family while getting some exercise.

More Than Just a Race

The Fort Myers Turkey Trot is more than just a race; it’s a community event that brings people together year after year. Whether you’re a seasoned runner aiming for a personal best or a casual walker enjoying the festive atmosphere, this 5K offers something for everyone.

Run or Walk Through History

The scenic course winds through the beautiful grounds of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, offering a unique glimpse into American history. Imagine yourself running or walking past the iconic winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, all while enjoying the cool November air.

Something for Everyone

Can’t make it to Fort Myers? No worries! The Turkey Trot also offers a virtual option, allowing you to participate from anywhere in the world. This is a great way to connect with friends and family who are far away, all while sharing the Thanksgiving spirit.

Register Now!

Don’t miss out on this fun and festive event! Head over to runsignup.com to register for the Fort Myers Turkey Trot 5K. Spots fill up fast, so sign up today and secure your place in this cherished Thanksgiving tradition!

In a recent meeting, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners established the tentative millage rates for the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice and upcoming budget hearings for the fiscal year 2024-25.

On July 30, the commissioners unanimously voted 4-0 to maintain the current ad valorem maximum millage rate for the countywide General Revenue at 3.7623, reflecting no change from the previous year.

“This decision sets the maximum millage rates for property taxes for the upcoming fiscal year, with adjustments possible in September,” stated Assistant County Manager and Chief Financial Officer Peter Winton.

Winton further emphasized that while these rates may be adjusted downward during the budget process, they cannot be increased.

The approved motion also includes the following proposed non-countywide millage rates:

• Lee County All Hazards — Unincorporated: 0.0693 (no change)
• Lee County Library Fund: 0.4714 (no change)
• Lee County Unincorporated — MSTU (Municipal Services Taxing Unit): 0.8398 (no change)

Additionally, the motion covers the maximum millage rates for various dependent districts — MSTUs, which Winton explained are tax levies agreed upon by neighborhoods for services like lighting, security, landscaping, and more.

Commissioner Brian Hamman was absent from the meeting.

It’s important to note that these millage rates can be reduced during the budget hearings scheduled for September 3 and September 17 at 5:05 p.m., but they cannot be raised.

On August 31, CVS Pharmacy will officially reopen its doors to the Sanibel community, nearly two years after Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact. The store has undergone significant renovations to restore and enhance the facility, which was heavily damaged by the storm.

The newly revamped CVS Pharmacy now features an expanded pharmacy section, a private vaccination area, an improved in-store delivery pickup space, and a modernized layout with updated decor and fixtures.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support our customers and patients have shown us throughout the rebuilding process,” said Store Manager Paul Cross. “We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to our new and improved Sanibel CVS, and we can’t wait to start serving the community once again.”

CVS Pharmacy continues to offer a wide range of products, from over-the-counter medications to beauty items and healthy food options. The store is also dedicated to providing innovative health solutions that make healthcare more accessible and convenient for patients, customers, and caregivers.

“It’s been a challenging journey, but we are fully prepared to meet our patients’ pharmacy needs,” said Pharmacy Manager Susie McClintock. “Our team is eager to start filling prescriptions, offering trusted health advice, and providing vaccinations just in time for the upcoming cold and flu season.”

Adding a unique touch to the store, local artist Rachel Pierce has created original artwork that captures the natural beauty and wildlife of Sanibel. The artwork is prominently displayed near the entrance, offering visitors a warm and welcoming view.

To celebrate the grand reopening, a community event will be held on September 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome to explore the newly remodeled store and enjoy the festivities.

The store will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CVS Pharmacy is located at 2331 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.

Stay tuned for more updates from Sanibel-Captiva News.

The iconic punk band Black Flag is set to electrify Fort Myers as part of their 2024 “The First Four Years” tour. This highly anticipated concert will take place at The Ranch on Thursday, December 12, and promises to be a monumental event celebrating the band’s early and influential years.

Black Flag, formed in 1976 during the peak of the punk rock movement in Southern California, has been a driving force in shaping the sound of punk, metal, and hardcore music. Known for their raw energy and groundbreaking tracks like “Nervous Breakdown” and “Rise Above,” Black Flag’s influence on the music scene is undeniable.

The concert at The Ranch will be a special tribute to the band’s formative years, though it’s worth noting that Henry Rollins, who became synonymous with Black Flag’s early sound, is no longer part of the lineup. The current band members include founding guitarist Greg Ginn, who continues to lead the group, along with singer Mike Vallely, who joined in 2013, bassist Austin Sears, and drummer Charles Wiley.

The Ranch, a venue traditionally known for country music and line-dancing events, is expanding its horizons by hosting a diverse range of concerts, including this legendary punk band. The venue’s willingness to embrace multiple genres has made it a hotspot for music lovers of all kinds.

This isn’t the only legendary act to hit The Ranch this year. T.S.O.L., another iconic California punk band from the late ’70s, is scheduled to perform on September 12, followed by The Exploited, a Scottish hardcore thrash punk band from the same era, on October 4. Joining Black Flag on December 12 will be The Queers, an American punk band that gained prominence in the ’80s.

For punk rock fans, this lineup is a must-see, offering a rare opportunity to witness some of the genre’s most legendary acts in one place.

Tickets for Black Flag’s performance at The Ranch are available now. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable night of punk history in Fort Myers. Grab your tickets here.