Category: Island Update

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has reported that in the last 10 days, maximum water temperatures have exceeded 90°F at several River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) sites within the Caloosahatchee Estuary and the Gulf of Mexico.

SCCF manages an extensive network of water quality sensors throughout the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary. These sensors provide real-time data to the public, measuring critical parameters such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll, collectively known as RECON.

Each week, the data from these stations are compiled and published in the SCCF’s Caloosahatchee Conditions Report. This is a collaborative effort between SCCF’s Marine Lab and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

“This data is crucial for informing stakeholders about local water quality conditions and for providing science-based recommendations for managing the broader Caloosahatchee system,” explained Policy Associate Allie Pecenka. “The Caloosahatchee Conditions Report displays these parameters, including the lowest and highest values recorded over the week.”

Pecenka noted that while such high water temperatures are typical during the summer, an early-season spike may indicate a broader trend of rising water temperatures in the Caloosahatchee and Gulf. Elevated water temperatures can increase the susceptibility of the river and estuary to harmful algal blooms, negatively impact aquatic life, and intensify storms in the Gulf and Atlantic.

Click here for more info

Join the Friends of Randy of Sanibel for the 4th of July Road Rally, starting at noon at The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market on Sanibel. Early registration is now open for this fun and exciting event.

Celebrating its 44th year, this year’s rally will benefit F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, with additional donations to Community Housing & Resources to assist families with back-to-school supplies.

The Road Rally is a unique in-vehicle scavenger hunt. Participants receive instructions, questions, and driving directions, and must locate clues along the route. It’s not a speed race but is scored based on correct answers, time, and mileage. The course will take less than two hours to complete.

After the rally, participants are invited to a celebratory party at Timbers.

We are seeking event sponsors and donations of prizes, gift cards, services, and other items to support this cause.

For registration, sponsorships, or to donate items, please contact Randy Carson at rcarsonsan@gmail.com or 239-699-8739, or Allen Dunham at cougar3_33@yahoo.com or 239-699-9474.

Friends of Randy of Sanibel (FOROS) is an all-volunteer, island non-profit group.

Are you a resident, property owner, or business operator on Sanibel or Captiva? Be prepared for hurricane season with a 2024 Hurricane Re-Entry Permit.

Residential Permits (Green)

• For residents and property owners on Sanibel or Captiva
• Apply Now: Click here to Download the application
• Verification Required: Valid ID with Sanibel/Captiva address or valid ID with additional proof of residency (listed on application)
• Submission Options:
  • Email completed form and documents to hurricanepass@mysanibel.com
  • Drop off completed form and documents at Sanibel Police Department (City Hall) at 800 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel

Commercial Permits (Red – Coming Soon)

• For businesses operating on Sanibel or Captiva
• Not Available Yet: Announcement will be made on website and social media when applications open.
• Required Documentation: Listed on application (available soon)

Stay Informed

• Call Sanibel Police Department at (239) 472-3111 for more information.
• Visit the Sanibel Police Department website for updates: [Sanibel Police Department](link to Sanibel Police Department website)

North Naples is no stranger to delicious Italian cuisine. But if you’re searching for something beyond the ordinary, Trulli Pizza & Pasta is a must-try.

This exciting new restaurant, launched in May 2024, promises a “new kind of pizza,” and that’s no understatement. Their secret lies in their commitment to high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques.

What Makes Trulli Different?

• Unique Pizza Dough: Trulli uses a recipe unlike any other in Naples. Their dough is crafted with 100% imported semolina flour, giving it a distinct texture and flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: They don’t skimp on the good stuff. Trulli uses only the finest extra virgin olive oil to create their flavorful base.
• Sous Vide Toppings: Freshness is key at Trulli. Their mouthwatering sauces, meats, and vegetables are all prepared using the sous vide method, ensuring perfect taste and texture in every bite.

Experienced Owners Deliver

Trulli Pizza & Pasta isn’t just another pizzeria. The husband-and-wife managing partners are veterans of the Naples culinary scene, and their passion for unique and delicious food shines through.

Ready to Try Trulli?

Located at 7700 Trial Blvd. next to The Crust Pizza, Trulli is conveniently situated on the east side of US-41 south of Vanderbilt Beach Road.

So ditch the ordinary and discover the delectable difference at Trulli Pizza & Pasta. Your taste buds will thank you!

Click here for the entire article

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has been closely monitoring sea turtle nesting activity on the islands. As of May 28th, a total of 178 nests have been documented:

• 177 loggerhead nests
• 1 leatherback nest

These nests are scattered across Sanibel and Captiva, with 44 loggerhead nests found on Captiva and 133 loggerheads (and the single leatherback) on Sanibel.

SCCF staff also encountered two loggerhead turtles during morning surveys last week. One had just finished nesting, while the other returned to the Gulf after a “false crawl.”

Protecting Sea Turtle Nests

Protecting these nests is vital for the future of sea turtles. SCCF implements several measures to ensure their success:

• Nest Marking and Screening: Once a nest is found, it is carefully marked off and screened to deter beachgoers and predators like coyotes.
• New Deterrent for Coyotes: To further protect the nests, SCCF has begun using habanero pepper around the eggs. The screen prevents digging, and the pepper discourages them with its smell.

Nighttime Tagging Program Update

Since May 1st, SCCF’s nighttime sea turtle team has been busy encountering nesting females 73 times! Interestingly, they’ve even seen some “familiar faces” – turtles they first tagged in previous years (2016-2022).

This nighttime tagging program is crucial for understanding sea turtle behavior. By tagging new turtles and identifying those previously tagged, valuable data is collected on how they respond to local conditions.

How You Can Help

If you see a suspected new nest or have concerns about nests, turtles, beach lighting, or furniture, please call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-SAVE-ONE (978-728-3663).

For more information on how you can help protect and care for sea turtles, visit the Sanibel-Captiva Lifesavers website: https://sancaplifesavers.org/

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers are offering exciting summer camps for children in grades K-5.

These camps are designed to be both educational and fun, with a strong focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Campers will have the unique opportunity to invent, design, build, and learn at the historic site where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford created some of their most famous inventions.

Available Camps for Grades 3-5:

July 1-3: Space and Rockets
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This camp combines space science with rocket science. Campers will explore their place in the universe while designing and launching water-powered rockets.
Cost: $135 for members, $150 for non-members.

July 22-26: Mechanical Marvels
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In this fast-paced camp, children will learn about simple machines, mechanical advantages, and gear systems.
Cost: $225 for members, $250 for non-members.

For more information or to register, please visit edisonford.org.

Location:
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting an “above-normal” hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year. There’s an 85% chance of experiencing a more active season than usual, with 17 to 25 named storms expected.

Here’s a breakdown of the forecast:

• Number of storms: 17 to 25 named storms (winds exceeding 39 mph)
• Hurricanes: 8 to 13 storms are predicted to become hurricanes (winds exceeding 74 mph)
• Major hurricanes: 4 to 7 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5 with winds exceeding 111 mph)

NOAA scientists point to several factors contributing to this active season:

• Warm ocean temperatures: The Atlantic Ocean is experiencing near-record warm temperatures, providing fuel for storm development.
• La Nina: The transition from El Nino to La Nina conditions is expected to reduce wind shear, creating a more favorable environment for hurricanes.
• Reduced trade winds: Weaker trade winds allow storms to organize and strengthen more easily.

Taking Action and Staying Prepared

While the forecast suggests a busy season, it’s important to remember that every hurricane season is unpredictable. Here are some resources to help you stay prepared:

• NOAA: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ provides the latest forecasts and hurricane preparedness information.
• FEMA: The Federal Emergency Management Agency https://www.fema.gov/ offers guidance on building an emergency plan and assembling a disaster kit.

Forecast Aligned with Other Experts

Predictions from other leading hurricane forecasters like Colorado State University (CSU) and AccuWeather also suggest an active season, highlighting the warm ocean temperatures and La Nina’s influence.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. Don’t wait until the last minute – take steps to prepare your home and family now!

Click here for more info