Category: Island Update

The Sanibel Outlets shopping center is undergoing a significant transformation. As demolition progresses, exciting details are emerging about the site’s future – Calusa Grande. This mixed-use development promises to address a critical need in the area: affordable housing.

A Blend of Residential, Commercial, and Community Spaces

Calusa Grande, planned for a 22.6-acre plot at 20350 Summerlin Road, will encompass a 498-unit apartment complex. Notably, 200 of these units will be designated as affordable housing, providing much-needed relief for the community’s workforce.

Beyond residences, Calusa Grande offers a compelling mix of commercial and community spaces. Plans include:

• 72,025 square feet of office space
• 52,418 square feet of retail space, featuring:
  • 21,209 square feet dedicated to restaurants
• The potential inclusion of a performing arts center

This blend of residential and commercial offerings creates a vibrant, self-contained environment. Residents will have convenient access to shops, restaurants, and potentially, cultural experiences, right at their doorstep.

Addressing Workforce Housing Needs

The project’s commitment to affordable housing is a major positive. Tourism is a cornerstone of the local economy, and a reliable workforce is essential to maintaining its success. These affordable units will provide essential housing options for workers in the tourism and hospitality sectors. This, in turn, can contribute to a more stable and dependable workforce, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

Calusa Grande promises to be a transformative development, offering much-needed housing options, commercial spaces, and potentially, a cultural hub. Stay tuned for further updates as this exciting project progresses!

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The Santiva Islanders offer a variety of activities for adults of all ages. This week’s schedule includes:

• Cardio & Strength: Led by Mahnaz Bassir on Wednesdays (July 17th & 24th) and Thursdays (July 19th) from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel). Bring water and a towel; a mat is not required. Light weights are optional. Cost: $5 per class or $60 per month (members), $10 per class or $120 per month (non-members).
• Social Mahjong: Play Mahjong with other Islanders on Thursday, July 18th, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM in the library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel). Cost: $5. Contact Beth Funderburg at bfundy4648@gmail.com for more information.
• Happy Hour: Mingle with fellow Islanders and enjoy drink and appetizer specials on Monday, July 22nd, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen (1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel). Attendees will order and pay individually.
• Quarterly Book Review: Discuss “Seduced by the Light: The Mina Miller Edison Story” by Alexander Rimmer on Tuesday, July 23rd, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel). Feel free to bring a sack lunch. Contact Susan Talmage at 214-206-6822 with any questions.

General Information:

• The Santiva Islanders welcome all adults on Sanibel and Captiva.
• A yearly membership costs $25.

Learn More:

• Visit the website: https://santivaislanders.org/calendar for a full calendar of events.
• Contact the Santiva Islanders at santivaislanders@gmail.com

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reports high activity for the 2024 sea turtle nesting season on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. As of July 9th, a total of 723 nests have been documented, with the majority laid by loggerhead turtles. Hatchling emergence has also been significant, with over 2,200 hatchlings making their way to the sea.

Lights Out for Hatchling Safety

Artificial lights can disorient hatchlings as they instinctively navigate towards the moonlit horizon to reach the water. The SCCF reminds beachgoers to turn off or shield all lights visible from the beach after 9 pm throughout the nesting season.

Nesting Season Update

Total numbers as of July 9th

• Sea Turtle Nests: 723
  • Loggerhead: 721
  • Leatherback: 1
  • Green: 1
• Emerged Hatchlings: 2,204
  • Loggerhead: 2,164
  • Leatherback: 40
• False Crawls: 1,401
  • Loggerhead: 1,398
  • Green: 2
  • Leatherback: 1

How to Help

The public can contribute to a successful nesting season by following these guidelines:

• Turn off lights near the beach at night.
• Remove trash and equipment from the beach before nightfall.
• Fill in holes and flatten sandcastles to avoid obstacles for nesting females and hatchlings.
• Respect posted nesting areas.

Report Any Concerns

If you encounter any issues with nests, sea turtles, hatchlings, or lighting compliance, contact the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.

Additional Resources

For further information on sea turtle protection, visit SanCap Lifesavers

Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) is participating in the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s nationwide “Empty the Shelters” initiative. This program aims to increase pet adoption rates.

Reduced Adoption Fees Throughout July

From July 8th to July 31st, adoption fees for all cats, dogs, and other companions at LCDAS will be waived thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation’s sponsorship. This creates a significant opportunity to adopt a deserving pet.

Long-Standing Commitment to Adoption

“Empty the Shelters” is the largest funded adoption event in the country, and LCDAS is a long-time partner. The program has successfully placed countless animals in loving homes since its inception in 2016. It serves as a reminder of the importance of pet adoption.

Find Your Perfect Companion

LCDAS staff and volunteers can assist you in finding the perfect furry friend, whether you prefer a playful pup or a cuddly cat. While pet ownership comes with responsibility, the rewards are substantial. Studies even suggest adopting a pet can positively impact your life expectancy.

Ready to Adopt?

• Visit LeeLostPets.com to browse adoptable pets and learn more about the adoption process.
• Explore the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” program at www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters for additional resources.
• The LCDAS adoption center is open Monday-Saturday from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers.

Let’s work together to find loving homes for all the animals at the shelter.

Protect Captiva, a coalition dedicated to preserving Captiva’s character, recently provided an update on their ongoing legal efforts to fight increased building heights and density on the island.

Hearing on Settlement Agreement:

• On July 9th, the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) went before Judge James Shenko to argue against Lee County’s motion to dismiss their complaint. To view the CCA’s opposition to the motion to dismiss, click on CCA OPPOSITION MOTION TO DISMISS.
• The CCA’s complaint centers around a 2003 agreement between the county and CCA, which they believe restricts Lee County from issuing building permits for South Seas that exceed a 912-unit limit.
• Judge Shenko will issue a decision on the dismissal motion by July 16th.

Upcoming Trial on Land Development Code:

• An administrative law judge will hear the CCA’s challenge to Lee County’s amendments to the Land Development Code (LDC) regarding building heights, density, and intensity on Captiva and South Seas. The trial is scheduled for August 19th-22nd and 26th.
• Protect Captiva is confident their expert witnesses will demonstrate how the LDC amendments contradict Captiva’s established development patterns.
• The City of Sanibel is intervening on the CCA’s behalf, while the new owners of South Seas are siding with the county.

South Seas Resort’s Development Plans On Hold:

• South Seas’ latest plan for 196 new condos and two new hotels (435 rooms) was deemed insufficient by Lee County’s Zoning Section.
• The county requires South Seas to address concerns about water availability for existing properties, parking for the new development, and transportation for future employees.
• No hearing will be scheduled until a complete application is submitted.

Stay Informed:

• Links to the CCA’s legal documents (opposition to dismissal motion, response to motion to strike) and Lee County’s insufficiency letter are available on the Protect Captiva website.

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The Community House (TCH) invites residents and visitors to an afternoon of socializing, art, and local flair at their Summer Salutations series. This free, monthly event is a perfect way to relax, have fun, and connect with the Sanibel community.

The third Summer Salutations takes place on July 18th from 3 to 5 p.m. Here’s what attendees can look forward to:

• Bubbles and Brews: Witness a unique artistic demonstration by Sanibel-Captiva Art League President Joleen Mercedes-Raho. Her technique incorporates bubbles, a hairdryer, and even her own teeth and feet!
• Meet the Artists: Mingle with local artists, including members of the Sanibel-Captiva Art League, who will be showcasing their work.
• Postcard Fun: Share Sanibel with loved ones! Write a postcard featuring the Sanibel Lighthouse and roseate spoonbill, designed by Melissa Gindling of The Island Octopus. TCH will mail the postcards out after the event.
• Cheers and Shopping: Enjoy complimentary champagne and cake, with beer and wine available for purchase. Browse handcrafted treasures from the Shellcrafters, including jewelry, centerpieces, and fun Shell Critter Kits.

Summer Salutations is a great opportunity to:

• Reconnect with friends and neighbors after a busy summer.
• Meet new people and build friendships.
• Discover the talents of local artists.
• Take home a piece of Sanibel with a handcrafted souvenir.

Event Details:

• Date: July 18th
• Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Location: The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
• Cost: Free and open to the public

For more information:

• Visit the Community House website: Sanibel Community House website
• Contact Kyle Wilson: operations@sanibelcommunityhouse.net or 239-293-9448

The Community House looks forward to seeing you there!

HEARING DATES ARE SET — JUDGES TO DECIDE MOTIONS

Captiva Civic Association’s legal challenges to increased building heights and density on Captiva continue on the three separate fronts discussed in prior emails. There have been some significant developments and here is the latest update.

1. Captiva Civic Association’s (“CCA”) challenge to the Land Development Code (“LDC”) amendments that increase building heights, density and intensity on Captiva and South Seas has been scheduled for trial from August 19 through August 22, and then continuing on August 26. Our planning and evacuation expert witnesses are lined up to testify and prepared to show why the LDC amendments are inconsistent with the longstanding historical development pattern on Captiva that the County must maintain under the Lee Plan. The original Petition was filed by CCA against Lee County, and the new owners of South Seas have intervened on behalf of the County and the City of Sanibel is intervening on behalf of CCA. Almost immediately upon intervening, South Seas filed a motion to strike 24 paragraphs of our Petition – paragraphs that relate to “density” and go directly to the heart of the issue. Our attorneys believe that the South Seas motion is “borderline frivolous” and should be summarily denied. Our Response to the South Seas motion to strike is attached here.
2. CCA’s legal action to enforce the 2003 Settlement Agreement which confirmed the 912-unit density cap on South Seas will soon meet its first test before Judge Shenko in the Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial District. The Settlement Agreement provides that “the total number of dwelling units on South Seas Resorts 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 County has moved to dismiss the complaint claiming in various ways that the County exceeded its authority when it entered into that agreement back in 2003. Our attorneys disagree and our Opposition to the County’s Motion to Dismiss is attached here. The hearing before Judge Shenko on the Motion is set for July 9.
3. South Seas’ third revised Plan Application to build 196 new condominiums and two new hotels with a total of 435 rooms has again been rejected as insufficient by the County. The County continues to require that South Seas provide a potable water availability letter from Island Water Association, to explain how its increase in hotel rooms will impact existing properties on the resort, to document how parking demands associated with the new development will be met, and to clarify how future employees of the resort will get to and from Captiva. The County also advised South Seas that a hearing on the Plan Application will not be scheduled until a complete application is submitted. The County’s new Insufficiency Letter is attached here.
4. The “Protect Captiva” legal fund which supports all of our legal work (and only our legal work) has reached the $600,000 mark. Now that South Seas and its attorneys have intervened on behalf of the County wherever possible, we expect our legal work and associated costs to increase. We thank everyone for their incredibly generous contributions so far. If you are able, please continue to contribute to the tax deductible legal fund here.

DONATE to the “PROTECT CAPTIVA” LEGAL FUND

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) held its second virtual public outreach meeting on June 27th to discuss the Captiva Bayside Adaptation Plan. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Flooding Concerns:

• The meeting focused on flood risks and potential shoreline protection solutions.
• Residents shared their experiences with flooding impacts, including disruptions, utility outages, property damage, and financial losses.
• Flood elevations for the bayside were presented, highlighting areas vulnerable to tidal flooding and storm surge.

Shoreline Protection Options:

• APTIM, the firm leading the project, presented a range of potential solutions:
  • Policy changes to regulate shoreline modifications and establish minimum standards.
  • Project options for individual properties and collective efforts, such as breakwater or mangrove enhancements, seagrass restoration, and improved drainage.
  • The goal is to create a “menu” of options for residents and the CEPD to consider.

Project Considerations:

• Residents expressed concerns about maintaining property rights, scenic views, and mangrove maintenance costs during discussions about collective projects.
• The meeting also highlighted resident preferences gathered earlier, including road drainage improvements, design standard updates, and mangrove enhancement.

How to Get Involved:

• The CEPD encourages residents to participate in the ongoing Resident Engagement Survey on the project website https://www.mycepd.com/bayside-adaptation.
• APTIM will hold in-person office hours on Captiva at the CEPD on the third Thursday of each month (July 18th, August 15th, September 19th) from 10:00 AM to noon.
• The next virtual public outreach meeting will be held on August 15th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday kicks off
The Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday will take place in July and will make items such as fishing supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, admissions to state parks and museums sales tax free.

Sales tax will be removed from the following items:

BOATING AND WATER ACTIVITY SUPPLIES:

• Goggles and snorkels ($25 or less)
• Pool toys ($35 or less)
• Coolers, life jackets and paddles ($75 or less)
• Inflatable water tubes and floats and wakeboards ($150 or less)
• Paddleboards and surfboards ($300 or less)
• Canoes and kayaks ($500 or less)

FISHING SUPPLIES:

• Bait and tackle ($5 or less for individual items and $10 or less for multiple items sold together)
• Tackle boxes ($30 or less)
• Reels and rods ($75 or less)
• CAMPING SUPPLIES:
• Flashlights ($30 or less)
• Sleeping bags and camping chairs ($50 or less)
• Tents ($200 or less)

OUTDOOR SUPPLIES:

• Sunscreen ($15 or less)
• Water bottles ($30 or less)
• Bicycle helmets ($50 or less)
• Outdoor grills ($250 or less)
• Bicycles ($500 or less)

ADMISSIONS:

• Museums, including annual passes
• State parks, including annual passes
• Season tickets for ballets, plays, music events and musical theater performances

ADMISSIONS SCHEDULED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND DEC. 31:

• Live music events
• Live sporting events
• Movies to be shown in a movie theater
• Ballets
• Plays
• Fairs
• Festivals

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided an update on the Sanibel Causeway restoration project. Here’s what you need to know:

• Good News! Traffic is now flowing on the permanent lanes of the Sanibel Causeway.
• Causeway Islands Remain Closed: While the main road is open, the causeway islands remain an active construction zone and are inaccessible to the public, including access from the water.
• Lane Closures and Delays:
  • Expect occasional traffic stops as construction equipment enters and exits the work zone.
  • Eastbound traffic from the toll plaza to Shell Point Road will experience a single lane closure on the south side of McGregor Boulevard. This closure is necessary for shoreline reinforcement and is expected to last throughout the summer.
  • Westbound traffic on McGregor Boulevard may experience short delays due to material deliveries.
• Construction Activity:
  • Crews are busy reinforcing the shoreline, seawall, and retaining wall along the causeway.
  • Earthwork and debris removal from the causeway islands are ongoing.
• Important Information for Drivers:
  • The westbound merge lane has been relocated west of the toll plaza.
  • Obey the reduced speed limit of 20 mph and watch out for construction vehicles.
  • Be patient as oversized vehicles supporting recovery efforts may cause slower travel times.
  • Bicycles are not permitted on the causeway at this time. Pedestrians are strictly prohibited.
• Stay Informed: For the latest information on the Sanibel Causeway construction project, please visit the FDOT website: https://www.mysanibel.com/news-announcements/news/fdot-announces-sanibel-causeway-construction-update.