The City of Sanibel is launching its celebration of Florida City Week with a new, free, family-friendly event. The first-ever Sanibel Touch-a-Truck will take place on Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center.
The hands-on event offers a unique opportunity for children and families to get an up-close look at the essential vehicles that keep the island community safe and running smoothly. Kids will be able to climb aboard fire engines, explore police cruisers, see construction trucks, and learn about ambulances directly from the professionals who operate them.
“It’s important to connect the community to the essential services that keep Sanibel safe and thriving,” said Denise Dillon, Marketing & Events Coordinator for the Sanibel Recreation Department. “It’s a family event that lets kids and the community get an up-close look and feel of these larger fire trucks, police cruisers, and construction vehicles.”
To ensure the event is accessible to everyone, the first hour, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., will be sensory-friendly, with no sirens or flashing lights. The full experience with lights, sounds, and demonstrations will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Participating agencies include the Sanibel Police and Public Works Departments, the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, Lee County EMS, the Lee County Mosquito Control District, and Waste Management (WM). Many agencies will offer free giveaways, and the Sanibel Firefighters Benevolent Fund will be selling its 2026 calendars.
This event serves as the kickoff for Florida City Week (Oct. 18-24), a statewide celebration highlighting the vital role local governments play in our communities. Throughout the week, the city will host a series of special events to promote civic engagement and community connection.
Florida City Week Schedule of Events
- Wheels of Support — Meet the Sanibel Rangers
- When: Monday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m.
- Where: City Hall
- Details: The Sanibel Bicycle Club will present a check to the Sanibel Police Department to support the purchase of e-bikes for the Sanibel Rangers.
- Sanibel City Council Meeting
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m.
- Where: City Hall
- Lights, Sirens & SPD Insights
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon
- Where: Sanibel Recreation Center
- Details: Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton will share a law enforcement perspective on the State of Sanibel. RSVPs are requested.
- Code and Coffee Cafe
- When: Thursday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon
- Where: Sanibel Recreation Center
- Details: A casual gathering with the city’s Planning Department to discuss city codes in an easy-to-understand format. RSVPs are requested.
- City Chat
- When: Friday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Sanibel Recreation Center
- Details: An open conversation with Mayor Mike Miller, City Manager Dana Souza, and Deputy City Manager Steve Chaipel. RSVPs are requested.
For more details on Florida City Week events, visit mysanibel.com. To RSVP for an event, please call 239-472-0345. The Sanibel Recreation Center is located at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road.
