Category: Island Update

The SanCap Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to celebrate the return of two island staples, MacIntosh Books + Paper and John Grey Painting, both of which recently held ribbon-cutting ceremonies to mark their grand re-openings after Hurricane Ian.

MacIntosh Books + Paper: A Community Hub Reborn

A Sanibel institution since 1960, MacIntosh Books + Paper has weathered its share of storms, both literal and figurative. After losing its Village Shops location in the hurricane, owner Rebecca Binkowski, a beloved figure in the community, persevered. She temporarily relocated to the Bell Tower in Fort Myers while rebuilding at a new location in the Heart of the Islands shopping center.

The new store boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere, offering a wider selection of books, stationery, and hosting community events. Binkowski emphasizes the importance of MacIntosh Books + Paper as a gathering place for islanders to connect and share stories.

New Location, Same Commitment to Quality: John Grey Painting

John Grey Painting, a family-owned business serving Sanibel since 1972, has also made a successful comeback. Following the destruction of their previous location, the team temporarily operated from co-owner Nate Grey’s home before settling into a new office and warehouse on Pine Ridge Road.

Despite the challenges, John Grey Painting has remained dedicated to providing exceptional service to the island community. Since the hurricane, their crews have completed work on nearly 900 homes and businesses, with several teams continuing the recovery effort daily. They prioritize clear communication with clients to ensure every project meets their specific needs.

The new, bright, and accessible office reflects John Grey Painting’s commitment to a smooth and positive customer experience.

Sanibel’s Optimistic Future

SanCap Chamber President John Lai sees the return of these businesses as a positive sign for Sanibel’s recovery. Both MacIntosh Books + Paper and John Grey Painting represent the island’s spirit of resilience and community.

Stop by and welcome back these cherished businesses:

• MacIntosh Books + Paper: 1620 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
• John Grey Painting: 695 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

Calling all adult adventurers with special needs! Trailways Camp is excited to announce that registration is now open for their upcoming camping sessions.

Camp Dates:

• October 14-17, 2024
• November 18-21, 2024
• January 20-23, 2025
• February 17-20, 2025

Location: Riverside Retreat, 7305 County Road 78, Labelle

Unforgettable Experiences Await

Trailways Camp offers unique overnight camping experiences designed specifically for adults with special needs. Each session is packed with exciting activities that promote fun, friendship, and a sense of community among the camp’s diverse group of participants.

Ready to Register?

Head over to the Trailways Camp website at https://www.trailwayscamps.org/ to register today!

Questions?

For more information about upcoming sessions or the registration process, contact Camp Director Jamie Senkeleski at trailwayscampsdirector@gmail.com

Calling all sunset enthusiasts! Captiva Cruises is teaming up with The Island Store and Bailey’s General Store for a special wine-tasting sunset cruise aboard the Lady Chadwick.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Dates: March 18th and April 8th
• Time:
  • Cruise: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (March 18th) & 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM (April 8th)
  • Boarding: 6:15 PM (March 18th) & 6:30 PM (April 8th)
• Location: Departs from McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva
• Highlights:
  • 90-minute cruise through Pine Island Sound to the Gulf of Mexico
  • Guided by a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain
  • Dolphin and bird watching
  • Curated wine tasting of four unique selections presented by Calli Johnson, wine steward for Bailey’s and The Island Store
  • Opportunity to order your favorite wines for pickup at The Island Store after the cruise
  • Full bar and snacks available for purchase on board (not included in ticket price)

Tickets: $55 per person (parking $5 extra)

For more information or tickets, visit CaptivaCrusies.com or call 239-472-5300.

SanCap Chamber hosted a joyous ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 12th to celebrate the grand reopening of MacIntosh Books + Paper at its new location: 1620 Periwinkle Way!

A Sanibel tradition since 1960, MacIntosh Books has become a beloved fixture in the community. Founded by William and Dorothy MacIntosh, the bookstore has seen a few charming locations and several dedicated owners over its impressive 64-year history.

Rebecca Binkowski, who managed the bookstore for six years before purchasing it in 2017, has steered the shop through its recent challenges. Hurricane Ian in September 2022 severely impacted the previous location at The Village Shops. However, Rebecca’s resilience shone through. She temporarily relocated to Bell Tower Shops in south Fort Myers alongside other island businesses while rebuilding efforts commenced at the new Sanibel location.

The new space at Heart of the Islands shopping center offers exciting possibilities for MacIntosh Books. With a target date of fall 2024 for full completion, the store is steadily expanding its inventory of books, stationery, and hosting a wider range of events.

Stop by and welcome MacIntosh Books back to Sanibel! They’re open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Get ready for some island fun and community spirit! The SanCap Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of the 31st Annual Sam Bailey’s Islands Night to Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Wednesday, April 17th. This beloved tradition brings islanders together for a night of baseball, celebration, and supporting local businesses.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• A lively parade showcasing Sanibel and Captiva businesses and organizations kicks things off at 6:15 PM.
• Cheer on the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels as they take on the Jupiter Hammerheads in a Minor League Baseball game starting at 7:05 PM.

Don’t miss the 2024 Annual Meeting!

While Islands Night focuses on fun, the Chamber will also be hosting its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 15th. This event celebrates the Chamber’s 62 years of service to the community and features presentations, awards for outstanding businesses and citizens, and more. Stay tuned for details on the meeting time and location.

Be a Part of the Celebration!

The Chamber is seeking sponsors for both Islands Night and the Annual Meeting. Sponsorship is a fantastic way to gain exposure for your business while supporting island charities. Benefits include unlimited game tickets, a spot in the parade, and various levels of publicity.

Want to Participate?

If you’re interested in being part of the Islands Night parade or sponsorship opportunities, contact Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759.

Game On!

The fun takes place at Hammond Stadium located at 14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers.

Get ready for a night of community, baseball, and celebrating the spirit of Sanibel and Captiva!

The SCCF’s Native Landscape & Garden Center has reopened its beloved Honey House after repairs from Hurricane Ian’s damage.

Honey House Reopens After Storm Surge

The charming cottage, named after the pioneering Bailey family’s beekeeping history on the property, suffered significant damage during the hurricane. Over a year and a half later, it’s back in business, offering gift shop items, educational resources on native plants, and a convenient checkout area.

Find Garden Essentials and Local Support

Stock up on essential gardening tools, neem oil, informative books on native plants, and stylish SCCF and sea turtle t-shirts. They also offer Coastal Watch long-sleeved sun shirts – perfect for protecting yourself while working outdoors. While hats and children’s shirts aren’t currently available, they’re expected to arrive soon.

High Demand for Native Plants

The SCCF reports a surge in demand for native plants as islanders restore their landscapes post-hurricane. House calls, a valuable SCCF membership benefit, are booked through mid-May. These consultations help homeowners choose the right plants for their property and establish proper watering routines for successful plant growth.

Find the Plants You Need

With high demand, the center’s inventory is constantly turning over. They offer a wide variety of native plants, including shrubs, hedges, palms, palmettos, trees, grasses, wildflowers, flowering shrubs, and ground covers.

Can’t find what you’re looking for right away? No problem! Sign up for their “Request List” by providing your contact information and desired plants. The SCCF will do their best to fulfill your needs as quickly as possible.

Garden Center Details

Visit the Native Landscape & Garden Center at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. They’re open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. Saturday appointments can be arranged by calling 239-472-1932.

Learn More About Native Planting

For valuable information on using native plants to enhance storm resiliency, visit the SCCF’s Post-Hurricane Ian Replanting Guide: https://issuu.com/sccf3/docs/sccf_replanting_guide-final. Have questions? Contact the SCCF at info@sccf.org.

Breeze Airways is adding some sunshine to your travel plans with new seasonal flights from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Manchester, NH (MHT). Starting October 2nd, Breeze will offer convenient twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it easier than ever to escape the fall chill and head north.

This will be the airline’s first airport in New Hampshire and 51st city nationally. The new routes will operate twice a week with fares starting from $69* one way.

From Manchester, NH to:

• Charleston, SC (Seasonal, Mon and Fri, starting June 14, Nice from $69* one way);
• Fort Myers, FL (Seasonal, Wed and Sat, starting October 2, Nice from $99* one way);
• Orlando, FL (Mon and Fri, starting June 14, Nice from $89* one way); and
• Tampa, FL (One stop/no change of plane BreezeThru service, Thurs and Sun, Starting September 5).

All routes will be served on Breeze’s Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Breeze has also extended its selling schedule through January 7, 2025, allowing Guests to get a head start on their Fall and holiday travel plans.

Click here for more info

The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club is excited to announce that all 18 holes are now open for play, effective March 1st! This means golfers can experience the breathtaking scenery and challenging course that Sanibel Island is known for.

Book Your Tee Time and Enjoy the Best Rates

Tee times can be conveniently booked online at the Dunes website, https://dunesgolfsanibel.com/, or through GolfNow. For the best non-member rates, booking online is recommended. The Dunes also offers a prepay option for added convenience.

Assistance Booking or Questions?

The Dunes’ friendly staff is happy to assist with any booking inquiries. Simply contact cpais@theinnsofsanibel.com and a representative will be happy to help.

Important Information for Your Round

• Tee Times: Book online at https://dunesgolfsanibel.com/ or GolfNow.
• Hours of Operation:
  • Golf Course & Aqua Range: 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Golf Pro-Shop: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Contact:
  • Golf Pro-Shop: 239-472-3355 (Press 1)
• Location: 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel

The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club looks forward to welcoming you back to the course!