Category: Island Update

The highly anticipated Bay Street Yard is set to open on May 30 in downtown Fort Myers, offering an exciting new venue for live entertainment, craft beers, artisan beverages, and diverse food trucks. Situated at 2136 Bay St., this casual yet upscale outdoor venue boasts seating for over 300 guests, two full-service bars, and three food trucks serving up specialized menu options.

Designed with entertainment in mind, Bay Street Yard features a covered stage for live performances, an 8-by-13-foot LED screen for sports and shows, and outdoor games like cornhole, Ping-Pong, and bocce. The urban-chic venue, enhanced with shipping containers and greenery, includes a VIP area called The Loft, offering exclusive experiences.

Bay Street Yard can host up to 451 guests and is available for private events, corporate functions, nonprofit fundraisers, and weddings.

A record-breaking thirteen bald eagle chicks have successfully fledged from their nests on Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, and nearby islands this year. This surpasses last year’s total of nine chicks, signifying a thriving local eagle population.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) plays a critical role in monitoring these majestic birds. Dedicated volunteers collaborate with SCCF throughout the nesting season (October 1st through May 15th) to observe the nests and contribute valuable data to the Audubon Society’s EagleWatch program.

A particularly heartwarming story unfolds at Sanibel’s well-known “Dairy Queen” nest. After years of dormancy, the nest finally produced a chick in the 2021-2022 season. Unfortunately, the female eagle went missing before Hurricane Ian struck in September 2022. However, the male found a new mate, a younger female with distinctive brown feathers on her head. Though the pair rebuilt the nest in 2022-2023, they were unsuccessful in raising young. This year, however, to everyone’s surprise, they hatched and successfully fledged two eaglets!

Protecting these magnificent birds is paramount. Bald eagles are shielded by various laws, including the Florida Eagle Rule, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

The SCCF highlights a significant threat to bald eagles and other wildlife: rodenticides. These poisons can infiltrate the food chain and harm animals that prey on rodents, such as eagles, barn owls, hawks, and bobcats.

The SCCF encourages exploring wildlife-safe alternatives to rodenticides. For more information on these alternatives, please refer to the SCCF document [link to SCCF document on rodenticide alternatives].

Finally, a heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated SCCF volunteers who tirelessly monitor the nests and to our partners at Audubon Florida for managing the EagleWatch Database. If you have any questions regarding our local eagles, feel free to email eagles@sccf.org.

Let’s celebrate this achievement and continue to safeguard these soaring symbols of freedom!

The Cape Coral Yacht Club is embarking on a new chapter! In the wake of Hurricane Ian’s destruction, this beloved community hub is rising from the ashes, promising a future filled with vibrancy.

While the demolition of the old building may evoke a sense of loss for some, the Yacht Club’s legacy stretches back to the 1960s, holding countless memories for Cape Coral residents. However, a wave of excitement complements the nostalgia. Unveiled renderings showcase a vision for a dynamic future. More boat slips, a convenient parking garage, a sparkling pool, and a brand new restaurant are just a glimpse of what’s to come.

The demolition process is being undertaken with a touch of sentimentality. Richard Fox, leading the project, acknowledges the Yacht Club’s deep roots in the community. The demolition team, some with their own childhood memories of the Yacht Club, understands the emotional significance of their work. As a tribute to the past, they’re salvaging precious artifacts from the rubble. Imagine a piece of the old ballroom incorporated into the new facility – a subtle homage to the rich history!

The coming weeks will see the completion of the demolition. Construction will then commence on a brand new Yacht Club, boasting a modern community center, a spacious ballroom, and ample parking for boat owners.

For those eager to learn more about the city’s plans and share their voices, a public hearing.

Click here to delve deeper into the city’s vision for the Cape Coral Yacht Club’s exciting future!

Island Therapy Center is back on Sanibel! After Hurricane Ian forced them to relocate temporarily, the therapy center recently celebrated its official return to the island with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the SanCap Chamber of Commerce.

The new location, which opened its doors for patients on April 15th, replaces the original Periwinkle Place therapy center that was destroyed by storm surge in September 2022. While rebuilding, the dedicated Island Therapy staff continued serving the community by offering home visits and operating from a partner location in Fort Myers. They will maintain this second location at 16880 McGregor Blvd. to ensure convenient access to services for a wider range of residents.

“We knew how important it was to restore wellness and therapy services to the islands,” said founder Rachel Tritaik, a Sanibel resident and physical therapist. “Despite the challenges, we’re back with brand-new equipment and a renewed commitment to exceptional patient care. We offer personalized physical therapy, massage therapy, and personal training in a boutique clinic setting, ensuring patients receive consistent one-on-one attention throughout their treatment.”

John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber of Commerce, echoed the significance of Island Therapy’s return. “Having essential medical services available on-island is a crucial step towards full recovery for our community,” he said. “We’re thrilled to celebrate Rachel’s perseverance and congratulate the entire Island Therapy team on their successful return.”

The new Island Therapy Center is located at 695 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has been closely monitoring gopher tortoise populations on Sanibel Island preserves since 2000. These fascinating reptiles are a keystone species, meaning their presence plays a vital role in the island’s ecosystem.

Long-Term Stability, Impacted by Hurricane Ian

Prior to Hurricane Ian in September 2022, burrow surveys conducted by SCCF showed a relatively stable population with a slight decrease (2.3%) in active burrows over a 14-year period (2007-2021). Unfortunately, the hurricane’s powerful storm surge significantly impacted the landscape.

“The storm surge caused significant changes,” says SCCF wildlife biologist Mike Mills. “Dead trees and shrubs littered the ground, flooding altered the soil composition, and many gopher tortoise burrows were collapsed or filled in.”

These changes resulted in a substantial loss (59.2%) of active burrows across all SCCF preserves, with the Dayton Preserve losing all burrows entirely.

Signs of Recovery Offer Hope

Despite the initial setback, there are promising signs for Sanibel’s gopher tortoise population. The most recent survey, conducted after the hurricane, revealed that some tortoises are adapting.

“An inactive burrow doesn’t necessarily mean the tortoise is gone,” explains Mills. “They may simply be using a different burrow.”

Encouragingly, fourteen burrows previously considered inactive in 2022 are now showing signs of renewed activity, and eight entirely new burrows were discovered.

Habitat Restoration Efforts Aid Recovery

Gopher tortoises thrive in open-canopy habitats with abundant grasses and low-growing plants. Historically, Sanibel Island provided this ideal environment. However, changes in natural fire regimes and island hydrology led to a dominance of closed-canopy hardwood hammocks.

SCCF’s ongoing habitat management efforts are playing a crucial role in the tortoise recovery process. “Since the hurricane, we’ve been removing large amounts of dead vegetation,” says Mills. “This exposes areas that haven’t received sunlight for decades, allowing natural grasslands to return and creating more suitable habitat for gopher tortoises.”

Additionally, SCCF’s team is actively thinning out dense vegetation to create a more inviting environment for these important island residents.

The future of Sanibel’s gopher tortoise population appears cautiously optimistic. By continuing habitat restoration efforts and monitoring populations, SCCF is committed to ensuring these fascinating creatures continue to thrive on Sanibel Island.

South Seas is thrilled to unveil The Clutch, our captivating new 12-hole short course! Masterfully designed by Beau Welling, The Clutch offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, strategic challenges, and a welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

Family Fun for All

The Clutch is the perfect place for families to create lasting memories. Whether you’re introducing your kids to the game or honing your own skills, the course is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Elevate Your Group Outing

Looking for an exciting group activity? The Clutch offers Group Sessions, perfect for incentive programs or team building. Engage in friendly competition with new game formats, leaving ample time to explore other resort amenities and create unforgettable moments with your group. Tailor the experience to your preferences, choosing a style of play that matches your desired level of challenge.

Stay and Play in Paradise

Experience The Clutch exclusively as a South Seas resort guest! We offer a variety of comfortable accommodations, from convenient villas to stunning beach homes overlooking the turquoise Gulf waters. Book your stay today by calling (800) 931-7700 or clicking the link below.

Tee Times & Hours

• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM (closed Mondays for maintenance). Subject to change.
• Tee Times: Reserve your spot online or call the resort.

Embrace the challenge, soak in the beauty, and experience the joy of golf at The Clutch at South Seas!

The bond referendum that is to be voted on during the May 21st Special Election is seeking to approve the CEPD’s ability to finance a Beach Nourishment for up to $25,000,000.

It is important to note that all funding opportunities will be exhausted before any property assessment is levied against the property owners of Captiva. Currently, the District has secured $13.2 million in grants from the state of Florida.

The CEPD is in the application process for additional funding opportunities to further reduce the residual project cost and minimize the burden to the property owners of Captiva.

The Vote Explained:

For the most up to date information regarding the upcoming referendum, please visit our website at: www.mycepd.com/referendums.

To continue recovery from Hurricane Ian, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District is set to perform a beach nourishment to restore Captiva’s beaches and enhance the dune system that protected many properties from the storm. As part of the process to proceed, the district is required to obtain approval through a special election referendum.

The SanCap Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand reopening of a familiar location on Sanibel Island! A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 2353 Periwinkle Way to mark the occasion for both the Sanibel Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR) and its tenant, Finnimore’s Bike & Beach Rentals.

Rising Stronger After Hurricane Ian

The building sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ian. But instead of simply rebuilding, SCIAR took the opportunity to create a more resilient structure for the future. The renovations included a brand new metal roof, improved railings, and a fresh exterior design with updated colors. Importantly, all windows and storefronts were replaced with impact-resistant versions, offering additional protection against future storms.

A Well-Established Partnership

SCIAR has called this location home since 2009, serving as a chartered Realtor association for the islands since 1985. They’re thrilled to continue providing exceptional service to the community in this enhanced space.

Finnimore’s: Your One-Stop Shop for Island Fun

Joining SCIAR in the newly renovated space is Finnimore’s Bike & Beach Rentals, a beloved island institution since the 1980s. They offer everything you need to explore Sanibel and Captiva in style, from bicycle rentals, repairs, and sales to watersports equipment and beach essentials.

A Celebration of Recovery and Collaboration

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a joyous event, celebrating the resilience of Sanibel businesses and the continued collaboration between the SanCap Chamber, SCIAR, and Finnimore’s Bike & Beach Rentals. This revitalized space is sure to be a hub for both residents and visitors for years to come.

BIG ARTS is thrilled to announce the opening of two new gallery exhibitions, kicking off with a special multi-artist reception on Friday, May 3rd from 5 pm to 7 pm.

The Mezzanine Gallery will unveil The Inaugural Artists Collective, showcasing the talents of BIG ARTS’ own instructors. This exhibition promises an eclectic mix of artistic expression, featuring a wide range of mediums like oil painting, watercolor pencils, acrylics, mixed media, fused glass, and even poetry.

Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience the depth and breadth of the artistic expertise BIG ARTS instructors bring to the table. The Inaugural Artists Collective offers a unique glimpse into the very skills and creative vision these instructors share with students in their classes and workshops.

Join the celebration on May 3rd! Mingle with the artists, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and be among the first to experience these exciting new exhibitions.

BIG ARTS looks forward to celebrating art with you!

The Sanibel Recreation Center is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its Outdoor Courts!

Dual Fun Under the Sun!

The all-new courts boast dual-lined surfaces, catering to both tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. Active recreation center members can reserve a court for an hour each day, completely free of charge! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity – contact the Sanibel Recreation Center front desk at 239-472-0345 to secure your court time.

From Devastation to Celebration

The path to reopening wasn’t easy. Hurricane damage necessitated a complete overhaul of the courts. Light poles, fixtures, fencing, and the asphalt courts themselves were all replaced and rejuvenated. A brand new subsurface and a whopping 24,000 square feet of fresh asphalt and surfacing ensure these courts are ready for years of community enjoyment.

A Community Triumph

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the momentous occasion. Mayor Richard Johnson declared the reopening “a huge step towards normalcy,” expressing immense pride in the project’s completion. The event brought together community members, staff, and students from The Sanibel School for a celebratory atmosphere. Mayor Johnson, City Manager Dana Souza, and Sanibel School Tennis Team students even faced off in a friendly match to mark the occasion.

“This reopening holds extra special meaning,” shared Sanibel School Principal Jennifer Lusk. “Now parents can come cheer on their student athletes right here on these courts. It’s a true testament to the resilience of our community – we’re back, and better than ever!”