Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

WEEk OF FEBRUARY 21, 2024

VOLUME 62, NUMBER 14

Fire board hears about new station

Sanibel Sea School taking signups for after school, courses

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District's commission received an update on the Station 172 project at its recent meeting, as well as approved a resolution that enables the district to access its grant funding.

On Feb. 14, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson reported that demolition commenced the prior week on the Hurricane Ian-damaged fire station on SanibelCaptiva Road. It should take about three weeks.

“The demolition is fast and furious right now,” he said.

Once the demolition is complete, the next step will be to schedule a survey company to visit the property. Jackson

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

T

he Sanibel Sea School recently opened registration for a variety of its youth programming.

Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation family, it is once again signing up participants for its afterschool programs and day courses, with its summer camp registration set to open on Feb. 24.

“After school programs and day courses are back and better than ever,” the school reported.

Due to the ongoing renovation at its flagship campus on Periwinkle Way as a result of the Hurricane Ian damage, both programming will temporarily be hosted out of its Kennedy Building on the property.

Its weeklong summer camps will again operate out of the SCCF Bailey Homestead Preserve.

“We've got Sea Squirts weeks for the little adventurers, Island Skills weeks for the explorers and CIT weeks for the cool teens,” the school reported. “And oh boy, do we have an epic lineup of teen camps — think fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, research experiences and even some overnight camping.”

See NEW STATION, page 20

IslanderInsIde

See SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL, page 19 SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL

Protect Captiva provides update, readies to petition state

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

A coalition seeking to maintain the longtime building height and density limitations on Captiva recently gave a legal update, adding that the state will soon receive a petition challenging the county's changes.

On Feb. 12, the Protect Captiva coalition — the group established by citizens and organizations opposed to increased building heights and density — provided its update for the community.

“The Protect Captiva coalition continues to make its case against increased density

and building heights on two separate fronts — in a petition with the state challenging the Code amendments that allow for increased density and building heights on South Seas, and against the South Seas rezoning application filed with the county that seeks to rezone its property to include 272 condo-

miniums and 435 hotel rooms,” the group said in a prepared statement.

The coalition reported that its petition challenging Lee County's Land Development Code amendments that exempt the resort from the island's density and height limitations as inconsistent with the Lee Plan is now ready to be submitted to the state land planning agency for its review.

“Since the county has not agreed to voluntarily repeal the challenged Code amendments,” the group said.

See UPDATE, page 20

alsOInsIdetOday Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll.........................................4 Captiva Current..........................6-7 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island Living................................14 Sports.........................................16 Classifieds 31

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Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 2 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

Corps adjusts releases from Lake Okeechobee The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Jacksonville District reported that it would make releases east, west and south out of Lake Okeechobee starting on Feb. 17 due to heavier-than-normal El Ni o rainfall that has kept the lake at an abnormally high level this dry season.

Releases are being made now to lower the lake level as much as possible before the wet season and to avoid high-volume releases, if possible, during oyster-spawning season or peak algal-bloom months.

Corps water managers are targeting the maximum allowable flows under the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule 2008 (LORS08), at an average of 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the Julian Keen Jr. Lock and Dam (S-77), 1,800 cfs at the St. Lucie Lock and Dam (S-80) and up to 500 cfs to the Lake Worth Lagoon through the C-51 canal. If continued additional rainfall is received, flow rates could increase higher if LORS08 recommends a higher maximum allowable flow based on conditions. LORS08 is equivalent to a vehicle operation manual for operating the lake water release struc+tures.

Prior to increasing releases, the district planned to consult with partners and stakeholders for their input on the best way to conduct the target flows from the lake to minimize impact on the communities served around the lake and along the estuaries.

For more information on water level and flows data for Lake Okeechobee, visit the Corps' water management website at www.saj.usace.army.mil/ Missions/CivilWorks/WaterManagement.aspx.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Bloom from last July near the U.S. 41 bridges in downtown Fort Myers.

HAB research focuses on tidal tributaries Since 2018, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Marine Lab has sampled the Caloosahatchee and C-43 canal to document and study harmful algal blooms (HABs). The SCCF reported the research has found that identifying the water source into the estuary is important.

“The challenge is that besides Lake Okeechobee, the potential sources, such as tidal creeks, have 'nonpoint' pollution and factors such as the season, rainfall,and mixing with the tides,” Marine Lab Director Dr. Eric Milbrandt said. “All of these aspects are important drivers of blooms.”

The SCCF research has shown that certain conditions, including warm water greater than 86 degrees, a lower lake stage and excess nitrogen, lead to cyanobacterial blooms.

“While blooms in Lake Okeechobee can be monitored from satellite imagery, those tools can’t be applied to the Caloosahatchee estuary because it is too narrow using today’s technology,” he said.

The SCCF research has now shifted to the tributaries of the tidal Caloosahatchee.

“The cyanobacterial bloom that occurred in July 2023 was not triggered by Lake O releases because there were no flows from the lake,” Milbrandt said. “Our hypothesis is that the tributaries may provide the conditions to initiate a bloom.”

The lab continues to use the SCCF's River, Estuary and Coastal Network (RECON) to provide hourly temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll — algae biomass — to monitor the system.

Through its existing partnerships with the Center for Coastal Solutions at the University of Florida and a new partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the lab is now sampling the tributaries in the tidal portion of the Caloosahatchee, along with the estuary itself.

“We are focused on Popash Creek, the Orange River, Hancock Creek and Whiskey Creek,” he said. “From this routine monthly sampling and sampling when a bloom occurs, we will understand which creeks can be targeted for further nutrient reductions.”

Application open for RARE Scholarship Executive Option is accepting applications for its Remarkable Achievements Recognized Everyday (RARE) Scholarship program, in partnership with the School District of Lee County.

Applications are open for college bound

seniors from the district's high schools.

The program will award one student with a $10,000 scholarship. Applications are being accepting through Feb. 29. For more information or to apply, visit https://executiveoption.com/rare/.

Lee County Public Meetings The following public meetings/hearings are scheduled: ∫ Feb. 27: Lee County Charter Review Commission public hearing at 5

p.m. at the Veterans Park and Recreation Center, at 55 Homestead Road S., Lehigh Acres. For more information, visit https://www.leegov.com/charterreview.

Page 3 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Report your news to CAPTIvASAnIbEL.COm

SCCF provides Week 6 legislative update Environmental bill updates from the sixth week of Florida's legislative session include: ∫ Stormwater bills pass through committees with floor amendments to come ∫ Anti-Clean Energy bill temporarily postponed but rescheduled ∫ Single-Use Plastics bill is temporarily postponed due to lack of committee time (as was the Senate companion bill the prior week) The last three weeks of session will see an increased focus on budget negotiations and the potential for bills that haven’t cleared their

captivasanibel.com

Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 4

OPINIONS

Holly Schwartz

Guest Commentary

committees to be amended on to bills that are moving. The S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a Conservation Foundation is diligently monitoring our priority issues as we approach the height of legislative activity this session.

State Ratification of Stormwater Rules — SB 7040, introduced by Sen. Gayle Harrell, passed unanimously through its final committee stop in the Senate Rules Committee. The bill will be heard next by the full Senate.

Controversial amendments were added in its previous committee that allowed

for developments currently in the Development of Regional Impact or rezoning process to be exempt from the new stormwater requirements. Clean water advocates opposed the amendments as far too broad and not in line with the intent of the new rules. Committee leadership acknowledged the concern and said they would work to address it through upcoming floor amendments. The House version, HB 7053, has passed its two committees and will be heard next by the full House.

The new stormwater rules will only address discharges from new developments and do not require any post-construction monitoring as requested by clean water advocates. While any improvement is good, these gains can be considered minimal considering the legislators themselves See SCCF, page 7

Island Reporter

Together, our schools can rise to new heights

Debbie Jordan

Guest Commentary

I am deeply honored to serve as a school board member for the School District of Lee County, representing the interests of our students, families and dedicated staff. It fills me with immense pride to witness the unwavering commitment of our district towards fostering student success.

Achieving excellence in education, empowering our students to reach their full potential, is indeed a formidable endeavor. Yet, our collective determination, demonstrated by our district and school leaders, teachers and support staff, persists in propelling us towards

our goal of becoming a worldclass school district.

In collaboration with the board, our district recently revitalized our Strategic Plan, Envision 2030.

This initiative has outlined five crucial district priorities: ∫ Preparing all students for life after graduation ∫ Enhancing a safe learning and workplace culture ∫ Recruiting, developing and retaining highly effective staff ∫ Strengthening student, family and community partnerships ∫ Improving internal operating

systems Under each of these priorities, our district staff has meticulously crafted objectives with associated actions, all of which will be closely monitored through key performance indicators. To delve deeper into the details of our Strategic Plan, stay updated by attending board meetings and visiting our website at leeschools.net.

In the face of adversity, we often speak of grit and determination. Our students and staff have demonstrated their resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, See SCHOOLS, page 18

Letter to the Editor Traffic crisis on Sanibel

Web Poll Previous Web Poll Question How much post-storm recovery work does your home/business require? ∫ None, fully recovered, 27% ∫ Much/some still needed, 47% ∫ All, nothing recovered, 26%

Current Web Poll Question Did you attend the SanCap Resilience's community event on Feb. 1 at bIG ARTS? ∫ Yes, in person. ∫ Yes, via livestream. ∫ No. Share your opinion at captivasanibel.com

To the editor: The Committee of the Islands' transportation program today, Feb. 21, at The Community House is long overdue. Sanibel's transportation crisis shows no sign of improvement and will only worsen when the overdevelopment at South Seas begins, thanks to the faulty decision by all but one of the Lee County commissioners.

Our city government is trying various methods to try to improve the traffic crisis.

While all efforts are appreciated, traffic backups now begin even earlier and extend farther west.

On Feb. 7, there was a five-vehicle pile up in front of the SanCap Chamber of Commerce. The usual traffic tie up was worse because tow trucks had to make their

way to the accident scene. The Lee County Sheriff's Office neither enforce the Sanibel Causeway's 20 mph speed limit, nor the restriction against bicyclists on the causeway.

Although they have authority for the causeway, they need to establish a presence to take responsibility for it instead of just remotely collecting tolls. Does someone need to be seriously injured or die in a fatal accident for the LCSO to enforce causeway traffic laws?

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, city government and island residents pride themselves upon placing high priority upon our healthy environment. But, this has become jeopardized on our sanctuary island by the noxious fumes and emissions put out by several hundreds of work trucks and cars stuck in heavy traffic daily, coming onto the island each morning and leaving

each afternoon. This negatively impacts both humans and wildlife.

Various programs are being explored, e.g., encouraging drivers to park their cars near the causeway exit and using bicycles on the island.

We cannot expect non-residents to care as deeply about Sanibel as those of us who live here. The hurricane 17 months ago devastated our island home, and we are slowly coming back. But this current traffic crisis prevents us from rebuilding and returning to a new normal.

Unfortunately, many people cannot be expected to do the right thing or follow our ordinances. The Sanibel Police Department and its traffic aides are understaffed and can only do so much. If we aren't part of the solution, we're part of the problem.

Alison Ward Sanibel

We want your opinion The views expressed on the Opinions Pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of The Island Reporter. Opposing views are welcome. All letters must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. Letters considered for publication must relate to subjects of public interest. Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed to Tiffany Repecki at trepecki@breezenewspapers.com; posted to the virtual newsroom at captivasanibel.com; or mailed to 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Letters are due no later than noon Thursday. The Island Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.

Page 5 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 21, 2024

CEPD proceeds with contract for bayside plan

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District's commission approved the Bayside Adaptation project contract at its recent meeting, as well as heard staff's plan for getting the beach nourishment going.

On Feb. 12, the commissioners voted 4-0 on the contract for

APTIM to conduct the adaption and resiliency project for the island's bayside. It was selected as the winning bidder in December.

During a workshop in November, APTIM and a second bidder presented their proposals for the Bayside Adaptation Plan to the commission and staff. APTIM's project approach included:

∫ Task 1 — Kick off and project steering committee: To include a kick-off meeting and three steering committee progress meetings. ∫ Task 2 — Acquire background data: To develop the adaption plan. ∫ Task 3 — Public-private implementation analysis: Due to the extensive privately-owned land. To involve identifying ownership

and jurisdiction; strategic analysis; policy considerations; and stakeholder engagement, incentives and standards. ∫ Task 4 — Adaption plan: The approach and initial perception of the necessary elements to be included in the plan were listed as: prioritization of adaptation needs; identification of adaptation strategies and prioritization of projects; potential strategies — living shoreSee CEPD, page 7

CCP resumes talk on options for governance

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The Captiva Community Panel continued its discussion on alternative governance options for the island, rather than remaining a part of unincorporated Lee County, during its recent meeting.

On Feb. 13, President Jay Brown reiterated that the panel had previously directed him and and Panel Member Linda Laird to research alternative forms of governance and they presented their findings. He reported that one option of creating a Captiva Island Conservation Area through state legislation is not moving forward and incorporation would likely be difficult due to the limited population on Captiva.

See CCP, page 7

Fire board OKs retirement changes and hears updates

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

LEE COUNTY

Captiva library, county system providing programs Part of the Lee County Library System, the Captiva Memorial Library is offering the following free programming:

colored our perception of those events. Registration is required before Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.

Adult programs

The library is open on Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information about a program or to register, call 239-533-4890.

Download books, stream video and other online content at www.leelibrary.net.

The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva.

∫ Feb. 22: Frida and Diego, The Lives and Times of Kahlo and Rivera from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

These historical characters lived exciting lives in exciting times: the Mexican Revolution; mural movement; birth of communism; a love relationship; a horrible accident and chronic pain; extramarital affairs; and more. The lecture will show how these events influenced the characters and how they

The Captiva Island Fire Control District's commission signed off on a resolution regarding the staff retirement plan at its recent meeting, plus got updates on a fire boat lift and proposed state laws.

On Feb. 13, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to approve amendments to the Mission Square Retirement 457b plan documents and structure. Before the vote, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul explained that the changes are to the employee documents and enable staff in the plan to take out loans on their own.

Also during the meeting, he reported that the district is continuing to explore the possibility with the county of installing a lift at McCarthy's Marina for the fire boat to get it out of the water and help extended its lifetime. On the financial side, Pawul has located a 50/50 grant that would be available.

See FIRE BOARD, page 7

line with resilient engineered features, minimum shoreline elevation policy for properties, mangrove adaptation plan and resilient dune strategy — feasibility analysis; and prioritized projects for each asset class. ∫ Task 5 — Public outreach meetings: To include four bimonthly public outreach meetings. ∫ Task 6 — Engineering report with conceptual adaptation drawings: As many as 10-15 drawings with renderings included, along with construction cost estimates.

APTIM estimated that the proposed plan will take about one year to complete.

Also during the meeting, Executive Director Daniel Munt provided a presentation on the “Beach Nourishment Path Forward.” He worked with staff, APTIM and the CEPD chair on the plan.

“To get this project rolling,” Munt said.

He outlined the steps for the critical path forward on the project as:

∫ Contract a bond attorney (estimated start in February) ∫ Beach nourishment to bid (estimated start in March) ∫ Beach nourishment bid response evaluation (estimated start in April) ∫ Referendum (estimated start in May) ∫ Certificate for referendum (estimated start in May) ∫ Bond loan to bid (estimated start in May) ∫ Beach nourishment bid award (estimated start in May) ∫ Apportionment workshop (estimated start in June) ∫ Bond loan bid response evaluation (estimated start in June) ∫ Bond loan bid award (estimated start in July) ∫ Bond loan closing (estimated start in July) Munt also explained that a total of three bid alternatives would be sought: ∫ Fall of 2024, with a start date of Oct. 15 (60 days

to complete) ∫ Winter of 2025, with a start date of Jan. 15 (60 days to complete) ∫ Spring of 2025, with a start date of May 1 (60 days to complete)

In other news ∫ Deputy Director John Riegert gave a presentation on “Coastal Construction Control Lines” and “Erosion Control Lines.” He noted that a map of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) for the island has been added to the CEPD's website for the public and can be searched using an address.

To view the Captiva Overview Map, visit https://www.mycepd.com/captiva-overview-map. ∫ The commission voted 3-0 to extend the CEPD's contract and services with accounting firm Wiltshire, Whitley, Richardson & English. Prior to the vote, the engagement letter was presented.

CCP From page 6 worry as what Suarez said. However, Gill expressed support for participating in the research with the city in order to have all the facts.

Panel Member John Jensen agreed with Suarez's viewpoint.

“They have a lot of their own rules that we don't have,” he said of the city. “I've felt like Captiva's never wanted to go that route.”

Panel Member Sandy Stilwell echoed the concern of the island losing its character and charm. She noted that she would not do it at first blush, but questioned if Captiva might be able maintain its rules.

Vice President David Mintz pointed out that Captiva is facing the possibility of incorporation or annexation versus con-

tinued increased development such as is being proposed at South Seas.

“I think we're faced with a choice,” he said.

Mintz added that he does not know where the South Seas proposal will go or how the county will respond to other possible proposals, but he supports the research to know what is and is not possible.

Laird agreed with continuing with the research, adding that they may “need a contingency plan.”

“I'd rather be part of Sanibel than where Lee County is going,” she said.

At the end of the discussion, Brown proposed continuing forward with meet-

ing with city staff on the fact finding. At that time, he will share the panel and community's concerns and try to get answers.

In other news ∫ Mintz provided an update on the South Seas redevelopment rezoning and the county, along with a legal and legislative update on behalf of the Protect Captiva coalition, of which the panel is a member. ∫ Mintz reported that the county recently sent out a team to look at the equipment needed to clean up the vegetation along Captiva Drive. He expects workers will be out soon to clean up the shoulder.

breezenewspapers.com

Another option was annexation with the city of Sanibel. Brown continued that at the city council's recent meeting, it agreed to having the administrative staff engage in discussions with the panel on fact finding regarding annexation and what is possible. He asked for the panel's appetite on that option.

Panel Member Ken Suarez voiced concern about Captiva losing its identity with annexation.

“I just see major complications,” he said.

Panel Member Ken Gill reported that he has asked community members about the possibility of annexation with Sanibel and those surveyed expressed the same

Page 7 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024

CEPD From page 6

Fire board From page 6 have required special districts, like Captiva fire, to hold a ballot referendum in 2026 to keep collecting taxes to operate. A new referendum would then be needed every 10 years.

He previously explained that voter approval each decade raises concerns, especially for financing for capital projects like replacing a fire truck. Financial institutions said they would be hesitant to lend.

Pawul reported that the Senate bill's

sponsor has deleted the referendum language.

“He made it clear that was never the intention of that bill,” he said, adding that the sponsor acknowledged he never intended to “handcuff” special districts to 10-year terms with it.

The bills would also require special districts to conduct the new, state-mandated performance review annually versus every five years. The district had to budg-

sive plans to consider them a permitted use in commercial, industrial and manufacturing categories and their corresponding zones throughout all Florida jurisdictions. ∫ Discourage state agencies and local governments from purchasing electric vehicles by striking the requirement that the most fuel-efficient models be selected. ∫ Reduce public input on and review of natural gas pipelines by extending the exemption from the certification process for pipelines up to 100 miles in length (up from the current 15-mile threshold). ∫ Strike the genuine clean renewable energy grant programs in the state and, at the same time, provide cost recovery for the natural gas industry (which will be billed to ratepayers).

The House version, HB 1645 by Rep. Bobby Payne, has cleared all three of its committees and is headed for a House floor vote next.

At a time when clean energy advo-

cates have shown the dangers and expense of fracking and the benefits of job-creating clean energy alternatives, the bill advances mandates that will only add to increased use of toxic greenhouse gasses at the expense of our health and our communities' ability to regulate their own land use.

Regulation of Auxiliary Containers — HB 1641 by Rep. Brad Yeager was scheduled to be heard in the House State Affairs Committee — the second committee of its three assigned committees. The committee agenda was packed, and just as its Senate companion bill, SB 1126 by Sen. Jonathan Martin, got bumped the prior week, so did HB 1641, which was the only bill to get temporarily postponed from the agenda.

This bad bill preempts local governments from regulating re-usable or single use plastics or packaging and requires any regulation to be done by the state. The bill doesn’t just preempt local governments but all state agen-

et $50,000 for the first one that it just did.

Pawul reported that the sponsor is not willing to remove the review requirement.

However, it would require the district to do its own review annually, then hire an outside firm every five years for it.

In other news ∫ The district responded to 49 calls in January, compared to 33 for the same month last year.

SCCF From page 4 cite that 40% of Florida's waters are currently too polluted for fishing or swimming. The SCCF and its partners will continue to advocate for stronger legislation to prevent nutrient pollution and protect the waters of our state.

Energy — SB 1624 by Sen. Jay Collins was temporarily postponed as the first action of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. Though sometimes a “temporary postponement” can mean a bill is meeting resistance, the bill had a secured agenda date on Feb. 20 in the subcommittee's next meeting.

The anti-clean energy preemption bill seeks to: ∫ Make “resiliency facilities” to store and distribute natural gas a permitted land use in every county and municipality in Florida. It would include Compressed and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). No community could refuse to allow the facilities, because the bill rewrites all comprehen-

cies, including state parks, from implementing strategies to prevent pollutants from getting into the environment before it becomes a threat to wildlife and clogs stormwater systems.

The SCCF supports the Department of Environmental Protection’s recommendations on regulating “auxiliary containers” and encourages the Legislature to adopt those controls rather than preempting communities from addressing these important protection measures themselves.

Visit the 2024 SCCF Legislative Tracker at https://sccf.org/what-wedo/environmental-policy/.

Holly Schwartz is policy associate for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. Founded in 1967, the SCCF's mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. For more information, visit www.sccf.org.

Captiva Current

“The dock does qualify under that grant,” he said. “We could also use impact fees.”

The grant and the impact fees, which total about $12,000, would pay for the majority of the lift.

“So, hopefully, that can cover a lot of that cost,” Pawul said.

Also at the meeting, the commission heard an update on SB 1058/HB 7013 — “Special Districts.” They initially would

Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 8 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

BUSINESS

Report your news to CaPTivaSaNiBel.CoM

Business Notes John R. Wood leads in performance John R. Wood Christie's International Real Estate recently announced a 2023 closed sales volume of $4.5 billion, more than $1.4 billion ahead of its nearest competitor.

The company is owned by the founding Wood family and led by President and Chief Executive Officer Phil Wood. It specializes in Southwest Florida, conducting business in Collier and Lee counties.

Throughout the year, John R. Wood welcomed 109 new top-performing real estate professionals. It now has approximately 850 real estate agents in 21 offices.

Kouril joins CFI as operations director The Charitable Foundation of the Islands doubled its fulltime staff in January with the hiring of Kimberly Kouril as director of operations.

Working closely with Executive Director Dolly Farrell, she will plan and monitor daily operations, assist with event planning, attend community events, manage financials and Kimberly Kouril assist with database management.

Kouril brings wide-ranging skills to the new position. She has a record of successful fundraising management and experience in community outreach, engagement activities and event planning, as well as varied volunteer experience.

A Sanibel resident, she was the board president and fundraising chair of the Children's Education Center of the Islands and The Sanibel School. Kouril started Boy Scouts Pack and Troop 1740, and she serves as the Boy Scout Council Unit Commissioner for Sanibel.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Arizona and a master’s in English from Iona College, and she is a certified yoga instructor.

CHR welcomes new staffer C o m m u n i t y Housing & Resources recently welcomed Kate Stone Pujol to the team.

She grew up on Sanibel and attended The Sanibel School.

Pujol returned to Southwest Florida immediately after graduating from Florida State University.

She brings her Kate Stone Pujol experience in fundraising, networking, philanthropy and island familiarity to CHR. Pujol has been an active participant in the SanCap Chamber of Commerce, Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors and Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva. She has fundraised for There is Hope for Haiti, and she has taken part in mission trips to Ecuador and Haiti with the Sanibel Community Church.

SANCAP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Friends, family and SanCap Chamber of Commerce representatives gathered on Feb. 2 to celebrate Rachel Pierce's latest gallery opening at the Bell Tower in Fort Myers.

Chamber cuts ribbon at Bell Tower art gallery branch A little over three months after the SanCap Chamber of Commerce celebrated the post-hurricane reopening of the Rachel Pierce Art Gallery on Sanibel, it cut the ribbon on Feb. 2 at the artist's second gallery at the Bell Tower in Fort Myers.

“Rachel has been such a force in the Southwest Florida community, one gallery cannot contain her energy and positive spirit,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “She has done so much for the islands and beyond, and specifically for the chamber, we can’t be more excited about her branching out.”

The new location at the Center Court will offer art

Reminder on residential property rentals The city of Sanibel's Planning Department reminded the public about residential property rentals.

CITY OF SANIBEL

classes ranging from glass painting and photography lessons to children’s art and everything in between. Pierce has hired three teachers for the classes.

“The hours are also much longer at the Bell Tower Gallery than Sanibel, giving shoppers more options,” she said. “Business has been great on Sanibel, enough where I knew I wanted to expand and now is a great time to branch out while the island continues to heal.”

Pierce has been instrumental in supporting island nonprofits and a cheerleader for local businesses and the role of the chamber in the islands' swift recovery.

The Bell Tower is at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers.

Chamber holds ribbon-cuttings for two condos being completely replaced and upgraded to a five-layer cushion surface that is less stressful on the knees, plus designated pickle ball courts. They all will be ready for use in March.”

First opened in fall 1974, Loggerhead Cay celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as a family-oriented condo and vacation rental destination. Following Ian, owner occupancy began on Dec. 16, and rentals were available

by Dec. 30.

“We support the community by sharing our lessons learned with other complexes like ours, which helped them avoid some of the pitfalls we experienced,” Pilibosian said. “The community, in turn, has participated in our ongoing fundraising bricks campaign to help pay for landscaping costs.”

An island fixture since 1978, Sandpiper Beach will officially open to owners and renters on March 2. Out of its 27 condominiums, 22 rent to guests with a seven-day rental minimum. The secluded beachfront community has private access to the beach.

“We have 13 acres of lush vegetation, both new and existing, that nestles up to Gulfside City Park,” Heidi Johnson, vice president of reconstruction for the Sandpiper Beach Condo Association board of directors, said. “The community offers a heated pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and shuffleboard. All areas will be available with the exception of direct access to the beach.

Our boardwalk permit is hung up at DEP (Department of Environmental Protection). All criteria have been met; we are just waiting on approval. After permitting, the boardwalk will be completed in approximately 30 days.”

The condo complex suffered roof damage to two buildings and first-floor beach-storage closets, plus minor flooding to second-floor units. The board has built stronger with new hurricane- resistant roofing, doors and windows, plus fully replanted landscape, new signag, and gathering spots such as a new grilling station.

Loggerhead Cay is at 979 E. Gulf Drive, Sanibel.

Sandpiper Beach is at 1919 Olde Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel.

captivasanibel.com

The robust rebound of businesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian continued with two SanCap Chamber of Commerce condominium complex ribbon-cuttings on Sanibel: Loggerhead Cay on Feb. 5 and Sandpiper Beach on Feb. 6.

“As our traditional season comes into full swing, we are seeing more and more business members reopening their doors to welcome our seasonal guests,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said.

“This week we were thrilled to welcome two more condo communities.”

The bulk of Loggerhead Cay's 168 units have been restored after Ian required gutting all the first-floor units, the office and nine units on the second floor. Currently, 75 rental units are available with more opening up weekly. Roofs on all five buildings and the clubhouse have been replaced.

“The pool, shuffleboard courts, sitting area, grills and shell washing stations are all open,” board President Phil Pilibosian said. “Our tennis and pickleball courts are

Page 9 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024

SANCAP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Loggerhead Cay on Sanibel celebrated its condo complex reopening with Sandpiper Beach on Sanibel celebrated its condo complex reopening with a SanCap Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting on Feb. 5 a SanCap Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting on Feb. 6.

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Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 10 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

CFI announces changes SCIAR installs new officers to board leadership

From left, Tina DiCharia, Becky Mulka, Bryan Hall, Kelly Huguenin, Connie Walters, Greg Demaras, Bob Berning and Brendan Albright.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands will see several changes in 2024 as the board's Executive Committee transitions to a new slate of officers, including Chair Charles “Chip” Roach, Vice Chair and Chair-Elect Lisa Riordan, Secretary John Morse and Treasurer Doug Congress.

“The leadership team of CFI embodies all that is good about Sanibel and Captiva,” CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell said.

“Individually their exceptional experience and skills provide innovative leadership and creativity to our work. Collectively they are smart, dedicated, and willing to do what it takes to make sure our community thrives. Without them, CFI wouldn't be the force that it is today.”

Chair since 2018, Roach will continue in the role through this year and then transition to immediate past board chair in 2025. A native of suburban Philadelphia and a graduate of Notre Dame, Roach has

an extensive background in real estate. He also served on the board of the Captiva Chapel by the Sea and recently completed his service on the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation board. Roach and his wife have been Sanibel residents since 2007.

Previously serving as secretary, Riordan replaces Melissa Congress, who recently completed a decade of service. She also chairs the Nonprofit Education and Engagement Committee. Riordan spent many years in the communications industry before beginning her 25-year career in labor representation. A New York native, she has been a Captiva resident since 2012 and serves on the SCCF board. Riordan has served as the chair of the Captiva Civic Association, currently chairs its Land Use Committee and is president of the CCA Foundation Board.

Morse also chairs the Nominating and

and awards winners The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors held its annual installation of officers and directors on Jan. 3 at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club on Sanibel. In addition, the 2023 award winners were announced, and the Realtor and Affiliate Honor Society Members and the new SCIS graduates were recognized.

The 2024 officers are: President Brendan Albright, President-elect Becky Mulka, Past President Greg Demaras,

Treasurer Tina DiCharia and Secretary Bob Berning. The directors are Bryan Hall, Kelly Huguenin, George Kohlbrenner and Connie Walters.

The 2023 award winners are: Demaras, Realtor of the Year; Amanda Curran, Affiliate of the Year; Kim Alexander, Administrative Assistants of the Year; Cathie Lewis, Community Service Award; and Kohlbrenner, President’s Award.

Governance Committee. He practiced corporate and real estate law for 49 years, having recently retired. Morse currently serves on the boards of F.I.S.H. of SanibelCaptiva — returning this year as its chair — F.I.S.H. Foundation and the SCCF, and he has served as president or board chair of all three organizations. Morse and his wife

have been full-time Sanibel residents since 2005.

Congress will remain as treasurer for a second three-year term. With over 30 years of experience serving as an executive officer and owner of several businesses, his background includes business operations, See CFI, page 11

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SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

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For the first time since Hurricane Ian, students from The Sanibel School were recently able to use the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Pick Preserve as a space to learn about environmental science, ecology and habitat management.

SCCF environmental educator Richard Finkel led the third- and fourth-grade classes to the preserve nature trail for a close-up look at Sanibel's interior freshwater wetlands and midisland ridges.

After studying the structure of plants and flowers in the classroom, the third-

graders inventoried the different types of plants along the trail and wrote about their adaptations to fit into the native environment. The SCCF reported that the fourth-graders took note of how the ecosystem within the preserve has adapted to the stresses of Ian. “Students assessed the general health of the freshwater wetland habitat and overall water quality by looking at its inhabitants,” Finkel said.

“Small fish, beetle larvae, water beetles and fishing spiders were some of the life they recorded and wrote about from sampling the freshwater habitat.”

CFI From page 10 finance, administration and public accounting. Congress has also served on The Sanibel School Foundation board, SanibelCaptiva Kiwanis Club and Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce board, and he was elected to the Sanibel City Council and served as vice mayor.

There will also be changes to the leadership of the CFI's committees: ∫ Jeff Muddell will take over as

Fundraising Committee chair for recently retired and founding Board Member Tony Lapi. ∫ Rachel Pierce will take on the role of Marketing Committee chair, replacing Tom Libonate who remains on the board. ∫ Eric Pfeifer will take on the role of chair for the newly-formed Economic Revitalization Committee.

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Preserve again serves as outdoor classroom

Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 12

PRESERVING PARADISE Lesser black-backed gulls increasing on islands

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SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

SCCF attends annual Everglades Conference On Jan. 25-27, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff attended the 39th annual Everglades Coalition Conference in Bonita Springs. It provided people working to restore the Everglades an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in the past year, while connecting over the work still being done. This year’s theme was “Restoration Rewards,” highlighting the benefits restoration has on ecosystems, economies and communities across South Florida.

Chief Executive Officer James Evans spoke on the first panel on Jan. 26 and discussed the SCCF's new water quality economic report — released in conjunction with Captains for Clean Water and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida — and how clean water through Everglades restoration projects and other measures are essential to a way of life.

The panel, “Clean H2O: A Formula for Ecological Health and Economic Success,” also included Florida International University PhD student Chloe Vorseth, SanCap Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai, Captains for Clean Water Executive Director Daniel Andrews and Greene Economics principal economist Gretchen Greene, which conducted the water quality study.

Moderated by Conservancy of Southwest Florida Water Policy Manager Michele Arquette-Palermo, the panel explored how the economies of coastal communities are linked to their water quality, using the economic report as a backdrop.

“It’s not just the low taxes that draw people to Florida — it’s the water. The water can draw people to Florida, and it can also drive people away,” Evans said. “If we’re not thinking about our impact on water quality and what we can do to improve water quality, then we’re not thinking about the future of Florida.”

In partnership with the Florida Oceanographic Society, the SCCF sponsored the conference breakfast on Jan. 27, during which Evans and Florida Oceanographic Chief Executive Officer Mark Perry spoke of the importance of collaboration between the northern estuaries. Both highlighted the need for a united front when addressing water quality concerns and how, by working together, they can provide solutions that will benefit both coasts.

The conference's keynote speakers included U.S. Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton.

By SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION Every winter, Sanibel and Captiva are home to a larger variety and number of gull species than in the summer.

We see herring gulls (Larus smithsonianus), Franklin’s gulls (Leucophaeus pipixcan), Bonaparte’s gulls (Chroicocephalus philadelphia), laughing gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla), ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis), and lesser black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus) — this article’s highlight species. Lesser blackbacked gulls can be found across much of the globe, but it hasn’t always been that way.

America’s recent uptick in lesser black-backed gulls is evident on Sanibel and Captiva. The gulls are primarily seen November to March on the islands, and according to the last five years of SCCF’s monthly survey data, lesser black-backed gull counts have been steadily on the rise.

“Historically, lesser black-backed gulls have nested in Siberia, Scandinavia, and parts of the United Kingdom and Europe. While they’re still primarily present in these areas, their range has been slowly expanding over the past century,” SCCF shorebird technician Aaron White said. “Lesser black-backed gulls have been considered vagrants in North America for quite some time, but their numbers seem to be steadily increasing.”

Cross-continental expansion The first record of a lesser black-backed gull in North America was in 1850 in Greenland, but the first record in North America outside of Greenland was not until 1934 in New Jersey. Records began to slowly accumulate after that point until the 1970s, when reports of lesser blackbacked gulls began to rise rapidly.

“By the 1980s, lesser black-backed gulls had been observed across all the Great Lakes and the entirety of the Atlantic and Gulf coast of the U.S.,” he said. “Today, these birds have been observed in every U.S. state and Canadian province.”

In the 1920s, lesser black-backed gulls established breeding grounds in Iceland, which by 2004 had reached 40,000 breeding pairs. In the 1990s, lesser black-backed gulls (likely from Iceland) were confirmed breeding in Greenland, where there is now an established breeding population, including an estimated 2,060 breeding pairs in 2016.

Boertmann (2008) suggests that the increasingly large source population in Iceland — in combination with the

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

migratory tendencies of the species — were the primary causes of range expansion into Greenland.

“Climate change is also a known factor contributing to avian range expansion, since it can affect the timing and availability of food and suitable breeding habitat,” White said.

Boertmann predicts that lesser black-backed gulls will further expand their breeding range in Greenland and into eastern Canada over the next few decades in response to climate change.

Research published in 2021 by Zawadzki et al. also considers the expansion of lesser black-backed gulls and suggests Iceland’s population likely contributed to vagrancy in the U.S. before 2005. The study also notes the recent upsurge in reports of lesser black-backed gulls in the states over the past two decades is likely attributed to the growth of Greenland’s breeding population.

The researchers drew these conclusions based on reports of banded individuals (or lack thereof). There’s been a substantial color banding effort in parts of Iceland, Netherlands and the British Isles, yet only two banded lesser black-backed gulls have been re-sighted in North America — one in 1997, and one in 2002.

“There have been no other band sightings in North America since then, despite thousands of observations of these gulls year after year,” he said.

Since there have not been any recent band sightings in North America, and there has not been a banding project in western Iceland or Greenland, the researchers propose that most lesser black-backed gulls seen in North America come from western Iceland and Greenland.

“It’s fascinating to see this species undergoing substantial range expansion,” White said. “SCCF will continue to monitor gulls and other shorebirds and seabirds on the islands and educate residents and visitors about how to respect these birds on the beach, including not feeding or flushing them.”

Monofilament busters at the refuge

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Volunteers with Florida Gulf Coast University's Honors Class recently spent two days with Ranger Jessica Barry clearing monofilament fishing line and gear from the waters and mangroves off of Wildlife Drive and at the Bailey Tract at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. Officials thanked the group for its ongoing efforts to help clean up the refuge, remove invasive plant species and assist in other ways. The refuge regularly holds monofilament cleanups with school and other groups to keep wildlife safe. It is also establishing a new monofilament removal team to clean abandoned fishing gear out of the mangroves on Fridays. For more information, contact Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland at toni_westland@fws.gov.

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REFUGE/DDWS

energetically demanding and costly,” Brzoza said. “Energy is needed to fuel sea turtles’ migration from foraging grounds to nesting grounds, as well as mating, egg formation, and about four to six iterations of nesting activity — crawling on the beach, digging an egg chamber, laying eggs, covering the nest, and crawling back along the beach.”

Sea turtles may also make extremely long migrations from nesting grounds to foraging grounds and back again.

“Not every turtle uses the same foraging area, and tracking turtles with satellite telemetry has allowed scientists to learn where some turtles go,” he said.

“From transmitters placed on loggerheads, SCCF and our regional partners like Mote Marine Lab and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida have been able to learn the foraging areas for multiple turtles that nest on our islands.

They forage along the Florida Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico, along the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Florida Keys, and in the Caribbean in the Bahamas and off the Cuban coast.”

Right now, many sea turtles who nest on Sanibel and Captiva may still be in these areas or elsewhere amassing resources to nest again. But in just a couple months, some of those turtles will begin making their way to our local waters.

“A short while after that, as they begin expending energy during the nesting process, we’ll be encountering them, or the signs they leave behind, on our beaches,” Brzoza said.

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SanibelThe C a p t i v a Conservation Foundation and The E v e r g l a d e s Foundation will host the annual Everglades Update on Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the pavilion at the SCCF Bailey Homestead Preserve, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Focused on the imporeconomic tance that natural resources, clean water and the Everglades have for coastal communities, this year's program will be a panel discussion to provide SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION the community with Chief Executive Officer John Lai and an update on Everglades restoration and SCCF Environmental Policy Director how it directly relates to the viability of Matt DePaolis. the region's economy.

The event is free, but reservations are SCCF Chief Executive Officer James required.

Evans will moderate the panel, which For more information or to register, will feature The Everglades Foundation visit https://sccf.org/blog/2024/02/14/ Chief Economist Paul Hindsley, SanCap everglades-update-to-focus-on-economChamber of Commerce President and ic-importance/.

By SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION If you spend any time on Sanibel or Captiva’s beaches during May to October, you’ll likely never question where the sea turtles are. Wooden stakes and yellow flagging tape mark off hundreds of sea turtle nests, and there’s usually sets of tracks still visible in the sand from a turtle’s appearance on a previous night.

Florida’s sea turtle nesting season spans May through October. Yet, spend any amount of time on our beaches outside those months, say from November to March, and you’d be forgiven in not knowing that sea turtles frequent these islands at all.

So where are the turtles during winter and early spring? When they’re not nesting, where do they go?

“The short answer is at their foraging grounds,” SCCF sea turtle biologist Jack Brzoza said. “After a long, resource-demanding nesting season, turtles need to spend time feeding and building back up their energy stores to complete the whole process again in another one to three years typically.”

Sea turtles are capital breeders, meaning the energy they need for reproduction is acquired in advance and stored in reserve to fuel this process, he explained. During the months a sea turtle spends nesting, it’s believed they do not allocate time to forage for food, but may instead only forage opportunistically.

“The nesting process is extremely

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SCCF, foundation to hold annual program

Where are the sea turtles?

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 14 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

Island lIvIng

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SPD releases Sanibel library offers range weekly blotter of programs and topics As Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure. To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued on Tuesday that will include real time information about law enforcement response to criminal activity.

Other enforcement actions ∫ On. Feb. 8, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for running a stop sign. The driver was subsequently issued a warning for running the stop sign and a notice to appear for failure for never having a driver’s license issued. ∫ On. Feb. 9, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for failure for criminal speed (66 mph in a 35 mph zone) and a warning for possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams. The marijuana was taken in for destruction. ∫ On. Feb. 10, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for failure for criminal speed (62 mph in a 30 mph zone) and a citation for expired registration. ∫ On. Feb. 12, officers responded to a two-vehicle crash with no reported injuries. One of the drivers was subsequently issued a notice to appear for failure for never having a driver’s license issued. ∫ On. Feb. 12, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle with an expired tag. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for failure for knowingly driving with a suspended license and a warning for the expired tag.

Enforcement operations statistics From Feb. 6-12: ∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 5 ∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 11 ∫ Traffic crashes: 4 ∫ Radar details: 54 ∫ Traffic stops: 80 — Citations issued: 28 — Written warnings issued: 2 — Verbal warnings issued: 56 ∫ Residential area checks: 411 ∫ Business area checks: 193 ∫ Total area checks: 939 ∫ Reported burglaries: 0 ∫ Reported thefts: 0 ∫ Total CAD calls: 1,269 February 2024 to date: ∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 6 ∫ Non-emergency calls: 17 ∫ Traffic crashes: 6 ∫ Radar details: 79 ∫ Traffic stops: 123 — Citations issued: 46 — Written warnings issued: 9 — Verbal warnings issued: 76 ∫ Residential area checks: 679 ∫ Business area checks: 300 ∫ Total area checks: 1,550 ∫ Reported burglaries: 1 ∫ Reported thefts: 1 ∫ Total CAD calls: 2,071

Important reminders When leaving Sanibel, motorists are encouraged to travel east on Periwinkle Way. In order to minimize See BLOTTER, page 15

The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children.

With support from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders. The next one will take place on Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. with New York Times bestseller Kim Scott, author of “Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity” and “Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better.” She will explain the Radical Candor feedback framework and how to practice it, offer practical tips and more.

Scott co-founded the company Radical Candor. She was a chief executive officer coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter and other tech companies. Scott was a member of the faculty at Apple University and before that led AdSense, YouTube and DoubleClick teams at Google. Earlier in her career, she was an analyst at the Soviet Companies Fund, started a diamond cutting factory in Moscow, and was director of operations of a pediatric clinic in Kosovo.

A question-and-answer session with the author will follow.

To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc.org/sanlib/upcoming.

For help setting up or logging into webinars, contact islandlibrary@sanlib.org or 239-472-2483.

Partnering with the foundation, the library is hosting

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on Feb. 28 with Kim Scott. the 2024 Author Series. Each of the intimate events are followed by a champagne reception and book signing.

The next speaker will be Nathaniel Philbrick on March 14. A lottery for the event tickets is running through today, Feb. 21.

Names of those requesting tickets will be placed in the lottery and selected at random, with those selected notified by email. Requests made before or after that time will not be honored. The tickets are distributed at no charge to library cardholders. It is one card per person and two tickets per card.

See LIBRARY, page 15

COTI Conversation to focus on island transportation The Committee of resilient will require the Islands will host its more than just attennext COTI tion to the physical Conversation today, aspects of the roadFeb. 21, from 4 to 6 ways. Under considerp.m. at The Community ation are improving House, at 2173 traffic flow, encouragPeriwinkle Way, ing walking and bikSanibel. ing, determining The program will whether any form of be “It’s Time to Talk public transportation Transportation,” led by service should be Transportation introduced in the comCommittee Chair Bill munity and examining Millar. COTI recently what steps could be Bill Millar released a paper about taken to accommodate transportation on the premise that the growing use of electrically-powrebuilding and making Sanibel more ered vehicles by the public.

Millar holds a Master of Arts in urban and regional planning. Among other positions, he served as developer of statewide public transit programs at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and chief executive officer of the American Public Transportation Association.

There will be time for questions at the end of the program.

Complimentary wine, cheese and other refreshments will be served.

COTI Conversations are a member benefit; non-members are welcome, as seating permits.

For more information, visit coti.org or contact coti33957@gmail.com.

Education Notes Dix makes Dean's List Maximilian Dix, of Sanibel, was named to the Dean's List at the College of the Holy Cross for the spring semester.

A member of the Class of 2025, he was named to the list for his outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2023-24 academic year.

To qualify, students must pass four or more letter-graded courses with no failing grades during the semester and earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Sanibel Public Meetings The following public meetings/hearings are scheduled: ∫ Feb. 22: Sanibel Public Library District meeting at 9 a.m. at the library, at 770 Dunlop Road,

Sanibel. For more information or the agenda, visit https://spldboard.specialdistrict.org/governance. ∫ Feb. 27: Sanibel Planning Commission meeting at 9 a.m. at

BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, and via Facebook Live. For more information or the agenda, visit www.mysanibel.com.

People can request tickets on the library's homepage at https://sanlib.org/, by calling the library at 239-472-2483 or coming into the library. A current library card will be required in order to request tickets.

Additionally, the library has the following programs scheduled.

On Feb. 22, a Teen Study Session will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Come to the library after school for study hall.

Snacks will be provided. To learn about earning volunteer hours for school, contact staffer Megan Willis at mwillis@sanlib.org or 239-472-2483.

Executive Director Duane Shaffer will present “America at War: The Guadalcanal Campaign” on Feb. 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. From Aug. 7, 1942, to Feb. 9, 1943, American forces were pitted against the Japanese in a bitter life or death struggle for the mastery of Guadalcanal. When it was done, the U.S.

had lost 7,000 dead but it was clear that the tide was turning against the Japanese Empire. Shaffer will discuss the strategy and tactics of the campaign.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at https://sanlib.org/.

From now through March 23, the “Sanibel-Captiva Art League Invitational Exhibit” is on display at the library. It features pieces by Kathy Taylor, Marcy Calkins and Dave Tompkins.

Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge.

Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.

The Sanibel Public Library is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 239-4722483 or visit https://sanlib.org/.

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Executive Director Duane Shaffer will present “America at War: The Guadalcanal Campaign” on Feb. 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Sanibel Public Library.

the number of vehicles driving through residential neighborhoods and increase traffic flow, priority is being given to vehicles eastbound on Periwinkle.

Motorists using Bailey Road southbound, Lindgren northbound and Periwinkle westbound may experience additional delays as traffic flows are adjusted for efficiency.

The 2024 Annual Beach Parking Permits are available at the Sanibel Recreation Center and are valid from the date of purchase through Nov. 30. The 2023 permits have expired and are no

longer valid.

The city of Sanibel's 2021 and 2022 Hurricane Re-entry Passes are still valid.

If you have one, you do not need to reapply for a new pass.

Information on the Sanibel Boat Ramp: ∫ The boat ramp is open to permit holders on weekdays, weekends and holidays. ∫ The boat ramp is open to the public (non-permit holders) on weekdays that are not holidays for a $40 daily fee. ∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited.

∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250.

Roadside parking on Sanibel is not allowed except in the case of special events requiring a permit. It is enforced and can result in a $150 fine.

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel.

Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel.com or use Tip411.

Reporting suspicious activity

Tip411: ∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411. ∫ Web tips can be submitted at https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_g roup_id=22450. ∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device.

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239472-3111.

Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SanibelPolice.

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Blotter From page 14

Page 15 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Library From page 14

Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via

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Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 16 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

SPORTS

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Rec center provides update on activities, events

AMERICA'S BOATING CLUB OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

Safe at Sea

Borrow life jackets for free

By ED HOLDEN The season is upon us! Here on the islands, this means a gradual but steady increase in the number of visitors we will all have.

Thanks to the Life Jacket Loaner program, centrally located at Sanibel Fire and Rescue District's Station 171 at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, everyone can get “suited up for safety” for a day on the water.

Years ago, the America’s Boating Club of SanibelCaptiva received a grant from the SeaTow Foundation to establish the program on the islands. If you are not familiar with the program, here are the details: ∫ Life jackets of all sizes are available to everyone who temporarily needs one. ∫ They are located right inside the fire station. ∫ There is no “sign up/sign out.” In fact, all that you need to do is return the jacket or jackets whenever you no longer need the equipment.

So, if you have family or guests in town and need an extra jacket, or if your life jackets are not in good repair, or grandchildren have outgrown the life jackets you have, you can borrow one for the day or week.

The sizes available range from infant to extra large adult.

Remember, the U.S. Coast Guard requires that a properly fitting life jacket be available for every member aboard your boat and that anyone under age 13 must wear a jacket at all times while on board, unless they are in an enclosed cabin. Actually, the Coast Guard recommends that everyone wear a life jacket while the boat is underway.

The Sea Tow Foundation also rents EPIRBs and PLB Beacons. For more information, visit https://www.boatingsafety.com/.

Be safe on the waters and be sure you have the proper safety equipment on board to deal with any on the-water emergencies.

Ed Holden is a member of America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva. For more information, visit www.sancapboating.club.

The Sanibel Recreation Center reported on the following upcoming programming.

Throughout February, Wild Card Wednesday will be offered on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Access an array of card and board games. Free for members; non-members must purchase a pass.

Lee Health will hold complimentary body composition screenings on Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Body composition testing is a method of describing what the body is made of, including fat, protein, minerals and body water. It also describes weight more accurately for an individual than BMI. Body composition analysis can show changes in fat mass, muscle mass, and body fat percentage over time and can provide a benchmark for improving health.

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District will offer complimentary blood pressure screenings on Feb. 26 from 9 and 11 a.m. in the lobby. High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and even blindness in some cases. The screenings are offered as a first step in determining if further examination by a health care professional is necessary.

OnSpot Dermatology will offer complimentary screenings on Feb. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

CITY OF SANIBEL

Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment, visit https://onspotdermatology .com/cityofsanibel or call 941-444-0011.

The center is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A variety of memberships, passes and punch cards are available.

For more information, visit https://www.mysanibel .com/government/recreation2.

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel.

Refuge reopens revamped Indigo Trail On Feb. 17, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Indigo Trail reopened ahead of schedule after a temporary closure for resurfacing and stabilization.

Thanks to refuge maintenance and the Region 3 Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge GAOA (Great American Outdoors Act) Team, the trail from Wildlife Drive to the Wildlife Education Boardwalk and beyond has new shell paving and has been trimmed and spruced up. The portion of the trail between the Visitor & Education Center parking lot and Wildlife Drive is scheduled for a summer reopening with new boardwalks.

REFUGE/DDWS

Weeds ‘n’ Seeds plant walk planned The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will host a Weeds 'n' Seeds caravan ride on Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. along Wildlife Drive at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel.

No reservations or fees are required.

Participants will meet in the overflow parking area to the left of the entrance gate at 8:45 a.m.. to carpool and form a caravan. Each vehicle will need to have a pass or pay $10 to enter Wildlife Drive. For more information, visit https://sccf.org/.

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Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 18

FSW accepting proposals for refuge concession contact The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will award a concession contract at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge for the operation of the tram tours, kayak tours, rental equipment, nature outfitting retail store and fee collection at the Tarpon Bay Recreation Area on Sanibel.

Proposals are sought for existing business operations and future business opportunities for the facilities and services. The contract will be awarded for 10 years, with the possibility of a five-year extension.

The concession facility includes a

building with about 1,503 square feet of retail space, 500 square feet of office space including a break room, public restrooms, 697 square feet of storage space and a two-bedroom, one-bath attached caretakers apartment that is 800 square feet. Other facilities include a boat ramp,

kayak launch, boat dock, six boat slips, an education pavilion, parking lot with security gate, entrance fee booth, tram ticket booth and tram parking lot.

For more information and the prospectus, visit fws.gov/refuge/jn-ding-darling.

The deadline for proposals is Feb. 28.

Local high schoolers canoe estuary at refuge The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Education Team, led by John Bailey — a shared educator with the School District of Lee County School’s Curriculum & Instructional Innovation Department — recently led a first-time high school canoe trip through the refuge estuary.

Nearly 60 South Fort Myers Advanced

International Certificate of Education (AICE) program and Cape Coral High School International Baccalaureate (IB) program students participated.

“Both programs focus on biodiversity, marine estuarian systems and marine sciences,” Bailey said. “We were able to not only explore the estuaries, but also discuss adaptation of various organisms and see a

variety of animals, including alligators, dolphins and, of course, all of the beautiful birds that have made 'Ding' home.”

Students also cleaned up monofilament line and other trash during the field trip.

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge funds half of Bailey’s position in its partnership with the school district.

“The school bus field trip program is funded by an endowment established by Lee Anne Tauck, aka 'the bus lady,' and the remaining amount needed for 202324 came in memory of Sue Tray, who loved the refuge,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said. “The goal is to bring 3,500 to 4,000 students each school year for field trips.”

tinued success.

As our graduates embark on their futures, our district remains committed to shaping the future of our community.

With our population steadily increasing, our responsibility to serve more students continues to grow. This underscores the significance of the half penny sales tax, which benefits our entire community. It enables us to construct new schools, revamp aging facilities, upgrade technology and enhance security across all our campuses.

As we march forward, I urge our fam-

ilies to remain informed and engaged.

Here are some essential points to consider: ∫ Get involved: Explore the various committees within the district, and become an active participant. ∫ Engage with your child’s school: Volunteer, join PTA and participate in various school activities such as Parent University. ∫ Stay focused: Keep yourself updated on your student’s progress and involvement. ∫ Be aware of the upcoming Student

Code of Conduct: Read it thoroughly and don’t hesitate to seek clarification if you have questions. For additional information, visit leeschools.net.

I am confident that our district will persist in its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and community development. Reach out to your schools, get involved, and together, let’s elevate our school district to new heights.

Island Reporter

captivasanibel.com

Schools From page 4 and their unwavering commitment to excellence shines through in our latest state scores and the remarkable 2023 graduation rate. These achievements, in the face of daunting challenges, underscore the progress we make as we personalize each student’s educational journey, equipping them with the tools needed for success. The upcoming months will pass swiftly, and we will soon witness the 2024 graduating class take center stage. Our students and staff are toiling relentlessly to reach that milestone, and we take immense pride in their con-

Debbie Jordan holds the District 4 seat on the Lee County School Board.

Page 19 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Sanibel Sea School From page 1 After-school programs Open to residents and visitors, the after-school programs resumed in midFebruary. For ages 6-13, the sessions take place on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and cover a mix of topics and activities.

“Come disconnect from technology and decompress after a long day at school,” it reported. “There's no better way to do that than in nature, swimming in the Gulf or combing the beach for treasures.”

The offerings include Surf Paddle, Seining & Dip Netting, Ocean Art, Beachcombing and Birding.

The cost is $30 per session.

To register, visit https://sanibelseaschool.org/programs/after-schoolprograms/.

Day courses

SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL

Island Reporter

Summer camp For ages 4-6, ages 6-13 and ages 13 and older, the summer camps will run from June through August.

Registration will open on Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. at http://www.sanibelseaschool.org /registerforcamp.

“Each week of camp has its own theme and activities, but there are some things we do every week,” the school reported.

“Every day includes surfing, friendship, macrame and team bonding. Then there's always artwork, journaling, beach time, seining and snorkeling.”

Designed for ages 4-6, Sea Squirts For Little Explorers will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year's themes include: Twinkle Twinkle Periwinkle Week; Swimmin' with Mom — Baby Manatee Week; and Life in Reverse — Mole Crab Week. The cost is $375 per week.

Island Skills, intended for ages 6 to 13, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The themes are: You Gotta Be Squid-ding Me Week; Measuring a Meadow — Seagrass Week; The Art of Shelling; Red, White, and Blue Crab Week; Calusa Week; You Are What You Eat — Green Turtle Week; Plunging Plumage — Belted Kingfisher Week; Squished Fish — Flounder Week; and Stuck Like Glue — Barnacle Week.

captivasanibel.com

Also having resumed in mid-February, the day courses are broken down into age categories.

Designed for ages 6-13, the half-day courses are three-hour marine science adventures that combine interactive learning and hands-on exploration. There are over 30 topics offered, from dolphins and seahorses, to mangroves, and participants will enjoy games, experiments and shoreline explorations.

“Our field-based approach transforms the ocean into a natural classroom, fostering a deep connection with marine life,” the school reported, pointing out that the courses are both educational and fun.

The cost is $60 per session.

The Sea Squirts day courses are intended to serve as ocean education for children ages 4-6.

“Like our classes for the big kids, we'll have a different theme each week to explore — there will be crabbing, rock flipping and traipsing through mangrove muck,” it reported. “We're going to learn about our favorite sea creatures like sharks and sea turtles and, of course, go on field trips during each class.”

The cost is $40 per session.

To register, visit https://sanibelseaschool.org/day-courses/.

The cost is $375 per week.

There are Teen Camps available for ages 13 and older. The options include: Counselor in Training (CIT) Program; The Art of Fishing Week; Wahine Toa; Have Paddle, Will Survive; Keys Coral Reef Week; and A Week in the Field. The cost varies depending on the camp.

The school offers a scholarship program, which is funded by donors. Those who need a scholarship should email sanibelseaschool@sccf.org before the registration opens on Feb. 24. In the request, include the top three weeks of camp of interest, full names and ages of campers, and phone number.

For assistance with registration, contact 239-472-8585 or sanibelseaschool@sccf.org.

For more information about the programs, visit https://sanibelseaschool.org/.

The Sanibel Sea School's mission is to improve the ocean's future, one person at a time.

Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 20 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

New station From page 1 explained that it will stake the site, new driveway and such for the new building.

He added that the district continues to work on permits.

“The city has approved some permitting,” Jackson said.

On Feb. 9 — the first day of the demolition — Fire Chief Kevin Barbot released a statement.

“Today marks a significant yet bittersweet milestone for our community as we bid farewell to Fire Station 172. A fire station that weathered many storms and has been a home to the dedicated men and women who have served our district 172 island residents for over 50 years,” he said. “As we stand witness to the demolition of what many considered a second home, our current firefighters, alongside the dedicated board of fire commissioners, reflect on the numerous lives touched and saved from responding out of Fire Station 172.”

“Over the next 18 months, you will see ongoing work such as: our demolition, the construction of our new fire station, and the beginning of a new chapter for Sanibel Fire and Rescue District,” Barbot added. “During this time, our dedicated staff will continue to serve and respond from that location out of our temporary fire station. Our promise to you is that our services to our residents will not be interrupted, you can expect the same level of rapid high class service in district 172.”

Also during the meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to amend the budget and fund balances for the 2023-24 fiscal year. It increased the total revenues to about $8,433,084, resulting in an increase of about $2,760,042, which increased the ending fund balance reserve to about $9,475,896.

Prior to the vote, Barbot reported that the district has received multiple FEMA funds through public assistance grants, along with state grants that include $2

JIM ANDERSON

Demolition on the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District's Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road, which was severely damaged during Hurricane Ian in September of 2022, commenced on Feb. 9.

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

million for its revenue losses as a result of Ian. However, the district cannot access and utilize the funds until they have been officially budgeted for.

On a related note, he also provided an update on the district's finances. Barbot reported that with the budget cuts made, tapping into reserves and receiving the grants, the district is in good standing.

“We are exactly on track on the budget,” he said. “Everything has kind of played out in our favor.”

In other news

The coalition noted that on Feb. 6, its attorney provided the Zoning Section with a 16-point letter explaining why the resort's application was insufficient and why it should not be approved.

The letter outlined the following: ∫ Why the resort is limited to 912 units and why the additional 435 hotel units violate prior zoning agreements and rulings ∫ Why building heights upwards of 65 feet are unacceptable and violate the Lee

Plan ∫ Why the applicant failed to show that available potable water and sewage treatment could handle the increased density ∫ Why its request for deviations violate the Lee Plan ∫ Why its traffic analysis and parking plans are inadequate ∫ Why its evacuation plans are not realistic

∫ Barbot reported that the district is moving through the final step to receive reimbursement from FEMA for the hurricane-damaged Station 172. It will likely be in the range of 90-100%. ∫ Barbot reported that the district is seeking a state appropriation to cover the remaining unfunded balance for the Station 172 rebuild project. ∫ Jackson provided an update on the replacement brush truck. Warrior

Manufacturing was waiting on the chassis. It estimated that it will take 90 days to build and deliver the truck once it receives that. ∫ The district responded to 134 calls in January, compared to 93 for the same month last year.

“It's about a 35% increase year over year,” Barbot said. ∫ Barbot reported that firefighterEMT Carl Johanson retired effective Jan. 31.

Update From page 1 The coalition continued that South Seas has filed an application with the county to rezone its property “to allow for a maximum of 272 multi-family dwelling units … and 435 hotel/motel rooms with accessory uses and structures.”

“After initial review, the county's Zoning Section advised South Seas that its application was insufficient and provided a nine-page letter explaining the insufficiencies,” the group said.

“Our attorney also advised the county that the coalition intends to fully participate in the Hearing Examiner process to formally oppose the rezoning application if and when the South Seas application is deemed sufficient,” the group added.

To view the coalition's petition and letter to the county, along with the county's letter to the resort regarding its rezoning application, visit this article online for free at http://www.captivasanibel.com/.

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 21, 2024

Kiwanis Club Page to host annual spaghetti dinner 22 aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday Shell Shocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Island Worship . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Island Beat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 In the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Recipe of the Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Santiva Islanders Calendar . . . . . . . . 26 CROW Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 BIG ARTS Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The Community House Calendar . . . . 26

Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 22 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander

Wild wonders Island club ready to serve again of Sanibel: Why at Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner we need our quirky wildlife

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

Welcome to Sanibel, Florida, where the sun shines bright, the sand is soft, and the wildlife is … well, let's just say, it's not your typical backyard menagerie.

Here on our little slice of paradise, we have some of the most peculiar and endearing creatures you'll ever encounter. From the majestic manatees to the sassy spoonbills, our wildlife is as much a part of our identity as key lime pie and seashells.

Now, some may argue that we could do without our feathery and furry friends. They might say, “Why do we need all Art Stevens these critters anyway?

Can't we just pave over everything and turn it into another strip mall?” But those people clearly haven't experienced the joy of waking up to the sound of a symphony of bird calls or the excitement of spotting a family of dolphins playing in the waves. So, allow me to present the case for why we need our wild neighbors here on Sanibel: First and foremost, they keep things interesting.

Sure, you could spend your days lounging on the beach, sipping margaritas and working on your tan (not that there's anything wrong with that), but where's the fun in that? With our diverse wildlife population, every day is like a scavenger hunt for exotic creatures. Will you spot a pelican diving for fish? Or maybe catch a glimpse of an elusive bobcat slinking through the mangroves? The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes life here so exciting.

But it's not just about entertainment value; our wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystem. Take, for example, our beloved manatees. These gentle giants may not be the most graceful swimmers, but they serve as important grazers, munching on aquatic vegetation and keeping our waterways clear. Plus, they're basically the ocean's version of big, squishy teddy bears, and who wouldn't want to protect those?

Then there are our feathered friends, the real MVPs of mosquito control. Let's face it; no one likes those pesky bloodsuckers buzzing around, ruining our outdoor adventures. But fear not, for the birds are here to save the day! With their insatiable appetite for mosquitoes, they're like tiny, avian superheroes, keeping our insect population in check one bug at a time. So, the next time you see a flock of egrets or herons hanging out by the water's edge, be sure to give them a round of applause (or maybe just a respectful nod; I don't think they understand clapping).

Of course, it wouldn't be a proper ode to Sanibel's wildlife without mentioning our most famous residents: the seashells. Yes, you heard that right. While technically not animals, these colorful treasures are an integral part of our ecosystem, providing homes for countless marine creatures and delighting beachcombers of all ages. Plus, they make excellent souvenirs, so it's a win-win for everyone involved.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to cherish our wildlife is the sense of wonder and connection it brings to our lives. In a world where technology reigns supreme and urban sprawl continues to encroach on the natural world, places like Sanibel serve as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of life on Earth. Whether you're watching a family of dol-

Shell Shocked

See WILD WONDERS, page 23

After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic and then Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club will once again cook up and serve thousands of meatballs, hundreds of pounds of spaghetti and dozens of gallons of sauce in a longstanding tradition.

The annual Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner will return on Feb. 24 from 4 to 10 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel.

One of the club's major fundraisers, it will feature an all-youcan-eat Italian feast of salad, pasta and meatballs — using a special Kiwanis recipe sauce — garlic bread, wine and soda.

Following dinner, attendees will enjoy music, dancing, a raffle and an auction.

Wine, coffee and three kinds of The Bubble Room's popular cakes will also be available.

“Islanders will again be able to gather with family, neighbors and friends for what has long been known as the 'social event of the season,'” the club reported. “The spaghetti dinner has been a fixture on the local social calendar since the earliest days.”

The event proceeds will support local youth recreation and education programs.

Founded in 1973, the club's early years focused on projects supporting the island school.

“When it first opened the Sanibel school had no air con-

If you go What Annual Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner When Feb. 24 from 4 to 10 p.m.

Where The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Details Tickets are $20 per person; ages under 10 are free

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA KIWANIS CLUB

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club will host its annual Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner on Feb. 24 from 4 to 10 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. ditioning, and the new Kiwanis Club went to work and raised $9,000 to help install the first A/C units,” the club reported. “That early fundraising effort included the first spaghetti dinner, held at a local restaurant, with the Kiwanis members taking over cooking, serving and clean up.”

The early effort later became an annual fundraiser held at TCH. Over the years, the club's support for island youth has expanded to include assisting a variety of recreational and educational programs.

“These have included island Little League baseball, girls' softball, swimming program, Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops, grants to other nonprofit organizations serving youth, and a major focus on scholarships to island youth headed to college and trade schools,” the club reported.

Tickets are $20 per person; children under age 10 are free. Tickets are available from any Kiwanis member and at Bank of the Islands, the Captiva Civic Association, Jerry's Foods, SanCap Pak-N-Ship, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and the Sanibel Island Farmers Market.

“Tickets will be limited this year, so those interested in attending are encouraged to get them early,” the club reported.

For more information, visit sanibelkiwanis.org or www.facebook.com/sanibelkiwanis.

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Shell show to feature speciality piece, Australian competitor Set for March 8-9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, the Sanibel Shell Show will feature a piece of art created especially for the event, along with an Australian competitor in the Artistic Division.

The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club announced that “Shelly” is a full-size mannequin dressed entirely in shells. It was made by Sanibel artists Andrea Schopf and Linda Graves Arnold, who used many different shells that were collected on the island's beaches. “Shelly” will be an official show greeter, stationed Inga Archer next to the entrance of the Shell Show Exhibit Hall. Also, the piece will be part of a live auction on March 9 at 2 p.m. Those interested in bidding but cannot attend can contact club President Karen Silverstein at newtard1234@gmail.com to place their bid.

In addition, the club announced that one of Inga Archer's artistic creations will compete in the show. Archer grew up on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia. Living by the sea, she always loved everything to do with the beach, including surfing, swimming, snorkeling, fishing and beachcombing. Archer's love of the sea shaped her hobbies, daily activities and artwork. She began her artistic career trying to make flowers out of shells. Archer's primary forte has

“Shelly”

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA SHELL CLUB

become creating floral bouquets, table decorations, candle holders and jewelry.

Entry is a requested $5 cash donation. Free parking will be available.

The show is the club's annual fundraiser, which provides research and education grants to local non-profits, such as the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Commission. The grants support work in water quality, conservation, malacology and conchology.

The Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa is at 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers.

Junonia found on Captiva

Kiwanis Club awards grant to symphony The Southwest Florida Symphony reported that it received a $2,500 grant from the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club,

along with a $3,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Fort Myers, to support its Youth Orchestra and music education initiatives.

captivasanibel.com

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY

The Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Bob Frederick, of Stow, Massachusetts, found a junonia on Feb. 5 at about 4:20 p.m. in a water pool of shells in front of Angels on the Gulf on Captiva.

It is the fifth year that he and his wife, Barb, have vacationed on the island, and it was their first junonia find. To report a shell find, contact 239-4721587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Wild wonders From page 22 in your trash cans or a flock of seagulls eyeing your beach picnic, take a moment to appreciate the unique charm and character they bring to our island. After all, life would be a lot less interesting without them. And who knows, maybe you'll even

find yourself becoming a wildlife enthusiast, eagerly searching for signs of our furry and feathered neighbors wherever you go. Just remember to pack some bug spray; those mosquitoes are no joke.

Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander. His tonguein-cheek humor is always offered with a smile.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

phins frolic in the waves or marveling at the intricate patterns of a seashell, there's something truly magical about being in the presence of wild creatures.

So, the next time you find yourself lamenting the presence of a pesky raccoon

Page 23 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Shell Find

Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 24

islander

ISLAND HOME

Sanibel Captiva

Report your news to CAPTivASANiBEl.COM

New hours announced for recycling center The city of Sanibel reported that the Sanibel Recycling Center on Dunlop Road has a new operation schedule effective last week. The hours are from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The center is for residential use only; commercial/contractor use is strictly prohibited. Those who violate city rules may be subject to fines for illegally disposing of materials at the center.

City staff will check IDs to enforce resident-only use.

Permitted items include: ∫ Trash: Only sealed household trash bags are to be placed into the trash dumpsters. ∫ Cardboard: All cardboard must be broken down and

placed in the cardboard dumpsters. ∫ Recycling: Only recycling items are to be placed in the recycle dumpsters. No plastic bags are permitted.

Prohibited items include: ∫ Bulk items, such as appliances, electronics and construction materials ∫ Vegetative waste ∫ Hazardous waste of any kind, such as paint, oil and car batteries All trash, cardboard and recyclable materials must be placed inside the dumpsters. Any person who discards items outside of the dumpsters or leaves any prohibited items is subject to potential fines and criminal penalties.

captivasanibel.com

Bank of the Islands to hold holiday drive

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

Spider lily

PHOTO PROVIDED

Bank of the Islands will host an Easter bunny basket gift drive from Feb. 22 to March 15 at its branch at 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, to benefit F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva.

Unwrapped, unopened toy donations for ages 0-18 will be accepted.

Suggested items include small toys, sweets, Peeps, colorful tooth brushes, coloring books and such. In addi-

tion, the bank collects new, unopened and non-perishable items for the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry yearround. If you or a family you know is in need of assistance for the holiday, contact Community Outreach Manager Merari Salines at 239-4724775 or merari@fishofsancap.org.

For more information about F.I.S.H., visit https://www.fishofsancap.org/.

Spider lily is County Master Gardeners to hold free program great addition to island gardens The American spider lily (Hymenocallis latifolia) is a Florida native, as well as a native of the West Indies. It is popular for its foliage and “spidery” snow-white flowers.

The perennial species forms clumps of flowers that range from 2-3 feet in height. The spider lily grows from a single bulb and readily reseeds itself.

The plant does best in full sun/partial shade, well drained and sandy loam soil. It is very tolerant of drought as well as salt, making it a great species to use on our islands with its salt spray along the beaches and dry conditions during the winter months. The spider lily can be found naturally on shell mounds, maritime hammocks, coast strand, beach dunes, mangrove swamp edges and brackish swamps.

If one wants to propagate the plant, bulb division is the most effective way of spreading the plant. The spider lily can form a dense ground cover of plants within two years after planting, making the species perfect for clusters as well as specimen species within small tropical gardens of Florida.

Another element that makes the species highly sought after is its low maintenance quality within the garden. The spider lily also blooms throughout the year and is very long living. This lily with its interesting blooms makes a great addition to an island garden.

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www.facebook.com/rswalshinthegarden.

In partnership with the Sanibel Public Library, the Lee County Master Gardener volunteers will host a Native Plant Session and Guided Plant Walk on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. at the library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

It will begin with a 30-minute presentation by Master Gardeners, who will introduce some of Sanibel's

native plants. Attendees will learn about the role native plants play in the ecosystem, benefits of incorporating them into landscapes and tips for successful identification and care.

A 30-minute guided plant walk through the nearby gardens will follow the presentation. Led by Master Gardeners, it will provide a firsthand opportunity to see and identify the

native plants discussed.

The program is free and open to all ages and levels of experience.

Registration is required via Eventbrite.

For more information or to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com /e/sanibel-native-vegetation-seminar-plant-walk-tickets797976498187.

BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM & AQUARIUM

From left, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium Director of Marketing and Development Stephanie Muddell and Executive Director Sam Ankerson with The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company founder and Chairman Al Hanser, Bell Tower Office President Megan Marquardt and Sanibel Office President Jeff Muddell.

Shell museum presents sponsor The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium announced that The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is presenting sponsor for its annual benefit gala, “A Night at the Museum,” on March 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the

facility, at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. It will feature cocktails in the Living Gallery of Aquariums with live music by Danny Morgan and Amy Sbarra, dinner catered by Artichoke & Co. in the Great Hall of Shells, an auc-

tion of original items and experiences, and a paddle raise. The proceeds will support the final stages of post-hurricane rebuilding and improvements at the museum. For more information or tickets, visit ShellMuseum.org/gala.

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI I love serving homemade pasta to my family and friends and watching their reaction as they sample the delicious delicate flavor. Making pasta can be very easy, especially if you use a food processor. Place all the ingredients into the bowl fitted with the metal blade and process until a ball is formed, adding more flour or liquid as needed. Roll it out and cut it into the desire shape and cook it right away in a large pot of salted water or freeze it until ready to use. Serves six. (Chef tip: Use frozen spinach in this recipe because it makes a better dough with a deeper color. Cook the spinach in the microwave or on top of the stove without using any water.)

2 cups “00” flour 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained 1 large egg 1 teaspoon sea salt

Gather the dough into a ball, place in mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. (To test for doneness, punch dough with your index finger. If it springs back, it is done.)

Roll out dough using either a rolling pin or a pasta machine, and cut into fettuccini shape.

Loretta Paganini

CROW Calendar President Kathryn Brint will present “Ospreys” in-person and via Zoom. Cost is $10. To register, visit http://www.crowclinic.org/. ∫ Wednesday, Feb. 28 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be about “One Health.”

Lecture Series

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www.batyam.org/, https://www.facebook.com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p.m. and via Zoom. For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail.com. ∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www.captivachapel.com/, www.facebook.com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch Bible Study on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the chapel yard. In-person service on Sunday at 11 a.m. through April. Services will be videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page. Services from the past season can also be found online. ∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www.chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida.org Classes and discussion on Thursday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. An informal “schmooze” session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail.com. ∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch.com/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne Sunday service at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. in the SCC Sanctuary. Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday. ∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www.sanibelucc.org/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelucc/ Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Mark Boyea Sunday service at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. ∫ Saint Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www.saintisabel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Edward Martin Friday Mass at 9 a.m., followed by Stations of the Cross for Lent. Saturday Vigil Mass at 4 p.m. Sunday Mass at 8:30 and 10 a.m. ∫ Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss Saturday service at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary, with a social to follow. Sunday service at 8 and 10:30 a.m., with a coffee hour to follow each.

The FORUM will be held on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m., with a livestream option available. Admiral Harry Harris will speak on “The Indo-Pacific: Challenges and Opportunities.” Tickets are $55 for adults

and students are free.

Registration is required for workshops by calling 239-395-0900.

Admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, $7 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under.

In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Mondays through Fridays after the daily presentation.

Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older. The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required. To register, contact 239-4723644 ext. 229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.

For more information, visit http://www.crowclinic.org/ or call 239472-3644.

BIG ARTS Calendar BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

also include “Winter Moons” by Jerod Tate. Tickets are $69 for adults and $20 for students.

Workshop Zentangle White-on-Black Tiles with Donna Lee Cole will be held today, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $39 for donors and $48 for non-donors.

Film Series

Lecture Series

Workshop

The FORUM will be held today, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m., with a livestream option available. Dr. Stephanie Edgerly will speak on “The End of News? How Media Audiences Are Changing.” Tickets are $55 for adults and students are free.

Color, Composition, & Collage with Kathleen Conover will be held on Feb. 28-29 and March 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $660 for donors and $825 for non-donors.

Community Artists The Gulf Coast Symphony and Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers will perform Joseph Haydn's “Lord Nelson Mass” on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. The program will

Island Worship

“God’s Country ” (2022) will be shown on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.

For more information or tickets, visit www.bigarts.org.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following: ∫ Today, Feb. 21 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be the presenter's choice. ∫ Thursday, Feb. 22 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be about CROW. ∫ Friday, Feb. 23 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be about “If You Care Leave It There.” ∫ Monday, Feb. 26 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be about “Snakes.” ∫ Tuesday, Feb. 27 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be about CROW. Speaker Series at 4 p.m.

International Osprey Foundation Board

Combine porcini mushrooms and wine in a small bowl. Let stand until mushrooms soften, about 30 minutes.

Heat butter in sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add cremini mushrooms, peppers, shallots and garlic; saute until mushrooms are lightly brown, about seven minutes. Add porcini mushrooms and wine and cook until all wine is absorbed. Add cream and increase heat; boil until sauce thickens and reduces by about 1/3-1/2. Add parsley and remaining butter; season with salt and pepper.

Toss with spinach fettuccine and serve immediately.

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Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain and puree using food processor or blender. Set aside and let cool completely.

Place flour on wooden board and form into a mound. Make a deep well in the center and break egg into it. Add salt and cooked spinach. Use a fork to break up egg and mix contents of the well.

Slowly add flour, beginning at the top of the well so that the walls collapse and blend into the mixture. When the flour is almost totally absorbed, begin kneading, pressing with the palms of your hands. Knead dough for about 20 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. (If the dough is dry, add a few drops of water. If it is sticky, add a sprinkle of flour.)

Creamy mushroom porcini sauce: 1/4 cup dry white wine 2 ounces dried porcini mushrooms 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 red bell pepper, julienned 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 shallot, finely minced 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon chives, chopped 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced 1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature Salt and pepper

Page 25 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Recipe of the Week: Spinach Fettuccine with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 26 captivasanibel.com

islandBEAT islander Sanibel Captiva

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

SLIMTRONIC5000 5 to 8:30 p.m.

YARD DOG CHARLIE 5 to 8:30 p.m.

PRESTON HAMILTON 5 to 8:30 p.m.

BRIAN BEARDEN 5 to 8:30 p.m.

BOBBY BLAKEY 6 to 8 p.m.

JARROD ADKINS 6 to 8 p.m.

ARON SEYFFERTH noon to 4:30 p.m.

FRANK THOMSON 5:30 to 10 p.m.

ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m.

FACE2FACE RENITA AND PAUL 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Old Captiva House at 'Tween Waters, 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva RC Otter's Island Eats, 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m.

FRANK THOMSON 5:30 to 10 p.m.

The Shipyard at 'Tween Waters, 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva

MONDAY

TUESDAY SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

ROY SCHNEIDER 5 to 8:30 p.m.

J.D. INGALLS 5 to 8:30 p.m.

ANTHONY PICONE 5 to 8:30 p.m.

SAMUEL FELKER noon to 4:30 p.m.

GEO RODERICK 5:30 to 10 p.m.

ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m.

PAT MCCUNE 5:30 to 10 p.m.

ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m.

GEO RODERICK 5:30 to 10 p.m.

JOHN MCLANE 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

JARROD ADKINS 6 to 8 p.m.

Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

DANNY MORGAN AND JOHN MCLANE DUO 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

CHRIS WORKMAN 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

JENNY VE 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

MEAGAN ROSE AND AARON 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

BUCKEYE KEN 5:30 p.m.

KARAOKE 8:30 to 10 p.m.

MICHAEL DAVID 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

BUCKEYE KEN 6 to 9 p.m.

Santiva Islanders Calendar The Santiva Islanders will present the following:

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

SAMUEL FELKER noon to 4:30 p.m.

PAT MCCUNE 5:30 to 10 p.m.

SUNDAY

Cardio and Strength Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength today, Feb. 21, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members.

from noon to 2:30 p.m. in the library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Cost is $5. For more information, contact Bryant Korn at bryantekorn@gmail.com.

Social Mahjong Social Mahjong will be held on Feb. 22 from noon to 2:30 p.m. in the music room at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Cost is $5. For more information, contact Beth Funderburg at bfundy4648@gmail.com.

Coffee & Conversation Social Bridge Social Bridge will be held on Feb. 22

Coffee & Conversation will be held on Feb. 23 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the

The Community House The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:

Painting with Friends Painting with Friends will be held today, Feb. 21, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Bring you own supplies. Cost is a $10 donation at the door. For more information, contact Jane Hudson at janehudsonpainter@yahoo.com.

Line Dancing Valorie Wolf will teach Line Dancing on Feb. 23 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Cost is $8 at the door.

Shellcrafters The Shellcrafters will meet on Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby.

A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a.m.; it is free and supplies range from $5-10. Items will be available for sale. All sales benefit the operations of TCH.

Painting with Friends Painting with Friends will be held on Feb. 28 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bring you own supplies. Cost is a $10 donation at the door. For more information, contact Jane Hudson at janehudsonpainter@yahoo.com.

Shell Critter Kits are available for purchase in a variety of different options. Cost is $5 per kit with all of the supplies included, except for glue. Order them in-person at TCH or call 239-4722155.

TCH is accepting art vendors for the 87th Sanibel Historical Annual Shell Festival on March 7-9. Reservations are available for 8-foot tables for $150 and include all three days.

TCH office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net or contact 239-472-2155 or office@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.

library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, sign up for activities and more.

water and a towel; no mat is required.

Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members.

Cardio and Strength

Happy Hour at MudBugs

Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Feb. 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required.

Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members.

Happy Hour at MudBugs will be held on Feb. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials. Participants will order and pay individually.

Coffee & Conversation Coffee & Conversation will be held on Feb. 26 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, sign up for activities and more.

Cardio and Strength Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Feb. 26 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring

Cardio and Strength Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Feb. 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required.

Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members.

The Santiva Islanders serve all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age.

The cost is $25 for an annual membership. The Island Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities.

For more information, visit https://santivaislanders.org/ or contact santivaislanders@gmail.com.

Program in advance of music festival In advance of the Sanibel Music Festival, a free presentation will be held on Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Fellowship Hall at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Musicologists Erik Entwistle and Tom

Cimarusti will provide little-known and esoteric information about composers and eras tied to the works that will be performed during the festival. For more information, visit www.sanibelmusicfestival.org.

Junonia found on Sanibel

PHOTO PROVIDED

Joe Pacheco

Poetic License

‘February 14, 2001 AD: A Love Odyssey’ Our journey began in another century, In another millennium — in some other world A monolith sang the music of the spheres, And here on earth two of its creatures woke From dimness to discovery of each other, Opening wide a separate universe To live inside each other opening wide A separate universe to live inside …

Inhabitants inhibited the moon: We traveled through its eye of love to stars And quantum leaps instantly infinite Entangled them in a special space and time Far from the Hallmark hype, the diamond heart, The unopened box of chocolates left behind.

captivasanibel.com

Janet Perry, 55, of Parker, Colorado, found a junonia on Feb. 7 at sunset near the Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel. She reported that her family has been visiting Fort Myers and the island for 20 years and she has collected shells during every visit. They recently became property owners on Sanibel. “This was my very first!

So exciting to stumble across such a great find on the shore when I have been wading in at low tide for years to look,” Perry said. “Sanibel is a very special place to explore with friends and family.” She noted that her mother-in-law, who is also named Janet Perry, shells with her often and she had already found a junonia for her collection. To report a shell find, contact 239472-1587 or trepecki @breezenewspapers.com.

Page 27 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Shell Find

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 28 captivasanibel.com

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Pfeifer Realty Group broker-owner and team lead Eric Pfeifer and SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation Chief Executive Officer James Evans, center left and right, with some of the Pfeifer team.

SCCF presents sponsor The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation announced that the Pfeifer Realty Group is presenting sponsor for Cause for the Campus on March 2 at 6 p.m. at the Bailey Homestead Preserve, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The fundraiser will benefit the Sanibel Sea School. It will feature fine foods, libations, live entertainment and a new short SANIBEL CAPTIVA COMMUNITY BANK

San Cap Community Bank donates to PACE Sanibel Captiva Community Bank recently donated $25,000 to the Pace Center for Girls, Lee's capital improvement campaign, Every Girl Deserves.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

film capturing the Sanibel Sea School's impact on the children, families and individuals that it serves in spirit of improving the ocean's future, one person at a time.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, contact SCCF Development Director Cheryl Giattini at 239-822-6121 or cgiattini@sccf.org.

The goal is to raise $1 million over two years to address lingering damage from Hurricane Ian and the school's aging facilities.

PETER ZELL

“Paint Out”

Historical museum to host reception for exhibit The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village will hold an opening reception for a seasonal exhibit, “Changing Times: Art by the Sanibel-Captiva Art League,” on Feb. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. The event is

free and open to the public. There will be wine and cheese, with live music provided by Dan Confrey. The exhibit will be on display from Feb. 24 through March 2. For more information, visit https://sanibelmuseum.org/.

Page 29 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 captivasanibel.com

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 30 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander

Bank of the Islands serves as sponsor Bank of the Islands was a $500 sponsor and volunteer team for the Feed My Starving Children meal packing event on Feb. 9-10 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Fort Myers.

Richard Shera, Vanessa Flynt, Kelsey Hamilton and David Lowden, of Bank of the Islands, with volunteers from Feed My Starving Children.

BANK OF THE ISLANDS

Local youths receive adaptive tricycles Robbie’s Riders, Grampy’s Charities and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank recently presented four custom-made adaptive tricycles — each worth $3,000 to $5,000 — to Southwest Florida children with special needs at the bank's Bridge Branch in Fort Myers.

Between the ages of 3 and 8, all of the recipients have medical issues such as traumatic brain injuries, autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

The children will benefit from general strengthening, new proprioceptive sensory input and improved reciprocal coordination of the legs by riding the tricycles. They can also participate in activities with their families and SANIBEL CAPTIVA COMMUNITY BANK peers and enjoy the childhood experience of riding a Robbie’s Riders, Grampy’s Charities and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank present custom-made bike. adaptive tricycles to local children with special needs and their families.

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Week of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ■ Page 32