The beloved community initiative Love Sanibel Back is officially returning for summer 2025, bringing with it a renewed spirit of local support, connection, and celebration across Sanibel and Captiva.
First launched in 2024, Love Sanibel Back was created to spotlight and uplift the small businesses that form the heart of the islands. Each week, the initiative highlights a group of local shops, restaurants, and services, inviting the community to come together — shopping, dining, and gathering — to strengthen island ties and show gratitude for the people and places that make Sanibel and Captiva so special.
As Fr. Bill Van Oss of St. Michael’s Church explains,
“Our mission is to encourage one another in daily life, showing everyone they are loved, equally valued, and that they belong.”
What’s New This Year
For 2025, Love Sanibel Back will journey from the East End to the West End, finishing in Captiva and running through August. The program will culminate with a Love Sanibel Community Gathering on Sunday, November 2, from noon–3 pm at The Community House — an island-wide celebration that promises to bring neighbors and visitors together for an afternoon of fun, gratitude, and community spirit.
Kick-Off Event
The official opening ceremony will take place on:
Wednesday, May 28, at 11:30 am
362 Periwinkle Way (Wickie’s Parking Lot)
The first businesses spotlighted for the 2025 campaign are:
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Wickie’s (restaurant)
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Magic Bus Ice Cream (dessert shop)
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Tuttles Seahorse Shop (local retail)
At the kickoff, visitors can pick up Love Sanibel Back buttons, reusable shopping bags, and stickers — perfect keepsakes to show off their support. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy a meal or treat at the featured businesses and continue shopping and dining at neighboring spots throughout the week.
Community Thanks
St. Michael’s expresses deep gratitude to The Charitable Foundation of the Islands, which has generously provided a $5,000 grant from the Hurricane Recovery Fund as well as in-kind social media services, and to the SanCap Chamber of Commerce for its collaboration in bringing this initiative to life.
Why It Matters
Love Sanibel Back 2025 invites all who love the islands to join together once again in showing appreciation for the businesses, owners, and workers who help make Sanibel and Captiva such vibrant, welcoming places.
With the rallying cry “Let’s spread the love — one week, one business, one neighborhood at a time,” the initiative continues to strengthen community ties and remind everyone that we belong here, together.
Stay tuned for the full summer schedule and weekly business highlights — and follow along on social media using #LoveSanibelBack2025 for the latest updates, photos, and stories from around the islands.
