070925 Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

Fund created to help islander, community member

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

Afundraiser has been set up to help a Sanibel resident and member of the island and business community with her husband’s medical expenses following his passing last month.

Robert “Rob” William Walton, 74, passed away on June 9 — succumbing to his brave struggle with Parkinson’s disease. His family shared that it was an end to a life well-lived by a man wellloved.

Walton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 and then with bladder cancer shortly after.

Friends and former coworkers of his wife, Chelle Walton, have set up a GoFundMe to try to help.

Before Hurricane Ian in 2022, Walton owned and operated Grounds by Green Ways, a landscape and yard maintenance business on Sanibel that he founded. A freelance travel and cuisine writer and award-winning author, she is the media liaison for the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS), and she provides public relations for various island entities, including the SanCap Chamber.

“She’s a longtime resident and friend,” recently retired J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland, who organized the fundraiser with former DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller and islander MaryBeth Greenplate, said of Chelle Walton.

“It’s just something that we needed to do to help her,” she added. “Just knowing financially this has been a hardship on

left,

residents Chelle and Robert

Friends of the couple have set up a GoFundMe to help Chelle Walton with medical expenses following the loss of her husband on June 9. He was diagnosed in 2019 with Parkinson’s disease and then with bladder cancer shortly after.

everything, and then with the hurricanes — it’s just been a long struggle.”

Chelle Walton reported that she cannot begin to express what the gesture means to her.

“Toni, MaryBeth and Toni are such wonderful friends. Their initiative and generous spirit motivated so many to help us out at this time of loss,” she said. “I am beyond grateful to them and each and every gift. So profoundly touched.”

The organizers shared via the GoFundMe that Rob Walton passed away after years of fighting to live and repeated episodes of falling and emergency transport and assistance. In his final days, he was suffering from pneumonia, severe pressure wounds and heart attacks caused by the significant toll on his body and health from the cancer and Parkinson’s.

Despite having medical insurance, the Walton family is facing medical bills amounting to many thousands of dollars, and more expenses are expected from his final weeks in the hospital.

Buzzy season in Southwest Florida takes flight

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

With the rainy season officially upon Southwest Florida, have you noticed yourself swatting those annoying, biting, teensy insects away more often?

While mosquitoes are present in Lee County all year, when the rain comes, the larvae develop, causing an explosion of literal billions of insects to roam across the region.

Lee County Mosquito Control District officials say they have been working at a fervent pace to mitigate the 54 differ-

ent species of mosquitoes that call the county home.

“We never stop spraying,” LCMCD Communications Director Jen McBride said. “Mosquito season is year-round in Southwest Florida. Typically we think of (the height of) mosquito season as the start of rainy season.”

McBride said the start to rain season this year was very different from last year in that it started off very significantly, whereas last year was more of a

Tax roll values rise again for Sanibel, Captiva

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

Preliminary property tax valuations for the islands have increased over the earlier estimates.

The Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office released its 2025 preliminary tax roll values on July 1, which now indicate a 20.20% jump for the city of Sanibel, along with a 8.17% rise for Captiva — as part of unincorporated Lee County. The valuations for both islands’ fire districts also saw increases.

“The release of the tax roll values starts the process that allows jurisdictions and other taxing authorities to hold public hearings and set proposed ad valorem tax rates that will apply to property in Lee County,” Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell reported in a prepared statement.

PHOTO PROVIDED

From

Sanibel

“Rob” Walton.

Robert “Rob” William Walton

Matt Caldwell

Previous Question

Hurricane season began on June 1. How prepared are you?

∫ All/mostly prepared, 75% (3)

∫ Somewhat prepared, 25% (1)

∫ Have not started yet, 0% (0)

Current Question

What do you think about the U.S. bombing of nuclear sites in Iran?

∫ Approve.

∫ Disapprove.

∫ Not sure.

∫ No opinion

Message from Mayor Miller

Dear Sanibelians, Lots of good news coming up!

My friend and council colleague Richard Johnson has given me permission to report that the new “Bit of Bailey’s” on Rabbit Road will be opening in August, and he anticipates a groundbreaking for Bailey Center at Periwinkle-Tarpon Bay to occur this coming fall. These will be welcome signs of progress, and we thank the Bailey-Johnson family for their multi-generational commitment to our community.

The approved State budget for the new fiscal year includes a $2.5 million appropriation for Sanibel’s shared use path improvements. Added to a previous $1 million appropriation and Lee County Tourist

The failings of Lee County, South Seas

To the editor:

The snowbirds have flown north for the summer, leaving behind locals, lizards, and (thanks to relentless Lee County/South Seas efforts to bloat the once-legendary Captiva resort) a whole lot of lawyers. In keeping with the season, some of their legal efforts are downright silly, and will be given the scant attention they deserve. Then we can move on to more serious fare, and sink our teeth into important, interesting issues affecting the future of Captiva.

Working from the bottom up, Item #1 is a new lawsuit brought by the owners of South Seas against the Captiva Civic Association (CCA), a venerable community group opposing the resort’s proposed hyperdevelopment. The suit alleges that the CCA solicited donations to its Protect Captiva arm by stating that hotel rooms are counted toward the resort’s longstanding 912-unit limit, which the CCA is defending. South Seas wants any funds garnered using this supposed misinformation returned to their donors.

The problem for South Seas is that hotel rooms have in fact been included in the resort’s unit count for a half-century. That fact is unmistakably displayed in county documents governing the resort, publicly conceded by county and resort officials, and recently confirmed by state administrative and Circuit Court judges. Its obvious truth is implicitly acknowledged by South Seas’ fight to overturn the 912-unit limit in court: that wouldn’t be necessary if hotel rooms weren’t included in the unit count. Item #1 appears to be a frivolous lawsuit on stilts, and the CCA will be seeking costs and fees upon its dismissal.

Item #2 is an appeal by South Seas of a trial

Development Council’s pending $500,000 grant, we’ll have a minimum of $4 million to invest in the paths. That amount may increase as the City progresses with our budget for the fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1. This new funding will enable us to significantly repair and improve the paths, and we anticipate the actual path work to begin before the end of 2025.

The State budget also includes a $1 million appropriation for the construction of the new police station. The police station construction fund now has $2 million provided by the State. We are actively pursuing other funding sources that could provide sufficient funding for completion of the station. These are exciting developments!

Letters to the Editor

court order upholding the permanent 912-unit limit for the resort. The limit was agreed to in 2003 through a legal settlement between the resort, county and CCA. Its enforcement mechanism is a prohibition against the county ever issuing building permits for the resort that would result in more than 912 units. Last year — as the county prepared to consider a resort application for far more than 912 units — the CCA asked the Circuit Court to declare the validity and enforceability of the 2003 agreement, and succeeded.

The South Seas appeal argues that the 2003 agreement only applied to the resort owners of that time, and not to subsequent owners. The text and context of the settlement agreement do not support the resort’s position. If it were true, the 2003 resort owners could simply have changed nominal ownership as the ink dried, voiding the contract. The South Seas appeal is so unfounded, the county in its separate but concurrent appeal of the settlement agreement prudently submits to the court that it “is taking essentially a neutral position on the issue” the resort has lamely raised. Item #2 appears to be a frivolous appeal on stilts.

Item #3 is the county’s appeal of the trial court’s order upholding the 2003 settlement agreement. Rather than use its own attorneys, the county tapped a prominent statewide appellate law firm to do the heavy lifting. The county’s original trial strategy was to throw everything at the wall, to see what might stick. The new attorneys have instead shed some of the less tenable arguments, narrowing their appeal to three basic prongs.

Let’s take a look at the three different paths the county is offering for the appeals court to find in its favor:

∫ Door #1: Reinterpret the language of the settlement agreement

The City continues to make progress addressing distressed and dangerous buildings. The rear building on the Tipsy Turtle property has been demolished and the property is for sale. A dilapidated house on Par View has been recently demolished. The yellow Castaway’s A-frame on San-Cap Road is scheduled to be demolished during the week after the Fourth and razing of the pink barn on Coconut will follow soon after. The need to remediate distressed and dangerous structures is paramount, and while the rights of property owners must be considered, City staff is pursuing abatement actions that can be taken by the City should property owners fail to address code violations.

The agenda for the July 15th council meeting will include the possible approval of an amendment to an existing ordinance related to gas-powered leaf blowers. Use of such blowers were prohibited several years ago, but with a

See COMMENTARY, page 17

Readers may recall that in the June 5, 2024, issue of the Island Reporter, I wrote a letter to the editor analyzing the county’s defense against the CCA’s lawsuit (“County to CCA: Heads We Win, Tails You Lose”). Since the county’s trial and appellate briefs share so much content, in order not to repeat my rebuttals, I’ll offer a link here to last year’s letter and focus on the new elements in the county’s appeal: https://www. captivasanibel.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2024/06/county-to-cca-heads-we-win-tailsyou-lose/.

My letter took a deep dive into paragraph 3 of the settlement agreement, whose interpretation is the crux of the textual dispute and reads in relevant part:

“The total number of dwelling units on South Seas Resort is limited to 912. No building permits may be issued by County for dwelling units within South Seas Resort that will cause that number to be exceeded at any time. CCA and Kelly (a co-plaintiff) agree that the unit count in Determination #1 of the July 30, 2002 Administrative Interpretation will control and is the basis for future development of South Seas Resort.” (emphasis added)

The county’s appeal concentrates its textual arguments on the contention that “at any time” is an “isolated phrase” that only referred to the period during which the then-existing zoning — capping resort units at 912 — remained in effect. In other words, if the county passed new zoning for South Seas (as it did in 2023), paragraph 3’s limitations no longer apply:

“The second sentence addresses only the ‘building permits’ that could be lawfully issued ‘at any time’ under the then-existing ordinances.”

The problem with this interpretation is the dearth of supporting language. The plain lanSee LETTERS, page 5

Mike Miller Guest Commentary

From page 4

guage of paragraph 3 is, well, plain enough, and would need some countervailing passages to convince us otherwise. The third sentence of the paragraph further contradicts the notion that a zoning change could erase the 912-unit limit. It states without qualification that the county’s official 912-unit count “will control and is the basis for future development of South Seas Resort.”

The county attempts to explain away the third sentence by misrepresenting it: “Indeed, the next sentence merely explains that the parties to this contract will rely on the unit count in the Administrative Interpretation that was disputed in the lawsuit to determine the number of existing dwelling units.” If the purpose of the sentence is simply “to determine the number of existing dwelling units,” why does it say that “the unit count … will control and is the basis for future development” at the resort? The sentence doesn’t “merely explain” an agreement on the existing unit count: the count is clearly prescriptive of the resort’s future, its “basis for future development.”

Moreover, if paragraph 3 means something very different from its plain English, one must ask: why didn’t anyone — especially the county — add clarifying language spelling out that the 912-unit limit was only dictated by the existing zoning, and that the zoning and unit limit can be changed through a public-hearing process?

The county commissioners publicly reviewed and accepted the settlement agreement without making any changes to the mediated language. There was no deadline for the commissioners and county attorneys to complete the process, and therefore every opportunity to tweak the text. If all parties to the agreement understood that the 912-unit limit was only applicable to the existing zoning, which could be changed over time, there would be no reason for anyone not to accordingly agree to clarify the language. And yet there is no evidence of even a discussion of altering the text to spell out the meaning that the county would now, 23 years later, attempt to graft onto the document.

In the absence of textual support for their interpretation, the county’s appeal resorts to disparaging the concise, unadorned document that the county was mutually responsible for creating. It is repeatedly diminished as a “private contract,” when one of the signatories is Lee County, a public agency. The attorneys take exception to its being filed with circuit court, but not with the county recorder’s office:

“The Mediation Agreement is simply a private contract between CCA, Mr. Kelly, and Lee County that is filed in a closed court file.”

They also question why the Circuit Court would retain jurisdiction over enforcement of the settlement: “ … it makes little sense that the circuit court would, apparently, have continuing jurisdiction over any enforcement of the Mediation Agreement in perpetuity.” Other loose ends are noted: “It provides for the preparation of a ‘Final Judgment’ for the judge to sign. But that was never done.” What the appellate attorneys fail to acknowledge is that the county was equally responsible for all aspects of the final product, and as co-equal signatories cannot blame others for the contract’s supposed deficiencies in order to belatedly diminish its validity.

∫ Door #2: Declare the settlement agreement an illegal contract

At trial, and again on appeal, the county argues that it unlawfully exceeded its own authority in two different ways when entering the settlement agreement. First, it alleges it wrongly ceded planning authority over

Letters to the Editor

South Seas (one of its police powers) to the CCA. Second, that it engaged in “contract zoning.” Both of these arguments are answered at some length in my letter from last year, and will be dealt with more briefly here. We will begin with a very important point, that neither of these wrongs — ceding police powers or contract zoning — depends on a temporal aspect. That is, each practice is unlawful regardless of its duration: whether for all of eternity or a New York minute, the practices are impermissible. The timeframe is irrelevant.

This introductory point is so important because the county is using the permanence of the prohibition against South Seas having more than 912 units as an extra-legal red herring. By my count, not including direct quotes from or references to the actual language of the settlement agreement, the county’s appeal includes 38 separate locutions emphasizing the permanence of the prohibition. Words and phrases such as “never,” “ever,” “perpetual,” “forever,” “indefinite future,” “permanent,” “in perpetuity,” “unamendable,” “never, for the rest of eternity” and so on are sprinkled throughout the document. The appeal describes the settlement’s consequences as “drastic,” “extraordinary” and “absurd,” terms that are emotional and inflammatory, but without legal value.

The purpose of this handwaving is to create a smokescreen, distracting the appellate judges from the fact that the illegalities the county accuses itself of committing — and thus getting off the hook of its contractual obligations — should be considered irrespective of the duration of their commitments or consequences. So let’s look at each alleged illegality that would invalidate the settlement agreement.

First up is the assertion that the county wrongly gave (or ceded, or transferred) the CCA its sovereign police powers (in this case, authority over development at South Seas). The legal fallacy here is conflating an agreement to make changes to the exercise of police powers, with giving the exercise of those police powers away to someone else. The CCA did not acquire police powers through the settlement agreement. It did acquire the legal power to enforce the promises the county made in the settlement agreement. I gave a few examples in my prior piece distinguishing between a government agency agreeing to modify exercise of its police powers, versus giving away exercise of those police powers to someone else. Here’s a simple situation many American cities have faced, to illustrate the distinction:

Imagine that a driver is pulled over by a police cruiser, and dies in the resulting interaction. An investigation ensues. Witnesses and physical evidence indicate the police officers may have been culpable, but no charges are brought. The family of the deceased sues the city. They’re offered a financial settlement, but they want more. They want to know this will be less likely to occur again. And what really eats away at them is they’ll never know exactly what happened. As a corrective, the city offers to mandate police bodycams and dashcams. The family agrees, but wants some way to enforce the new rules. They’re just a family, so they suggest a community watchdog group be given oversight of the new bodycam/dashcam practices, with a straightforward legal process to compel enforcement. The city agrees.

What just happened? As in almost all lawsuits against a government agency over exercise of its police powers that end in a settlement agreement, the government voluntarily agreed to modify (and hopefully improve) exercise of those powers. There

must be some legal enforcement mechanism, delegated either to a specific individual or organization, or to the general public, to ensure the government keeps its promises. Otherwise, it’s all hot air. In the case at hand, the CCA didn’t acquire any police powers. It did acquire — through agreement with the county and resort — the legal ability to compel obedience to the promises made therein.

“Contract zoning” is the second illegality the county accuses itself of committing, in order to invalidate the settlement agreement. To begin, how are zoning approvals properly accomplished? A jurisdiction publicly considers an application for a zoning change, compares it to relevant codes and regulations, factors in special circumstances, takes public comment, then approves or denies the application. If approved, a number of conditions for completion are typically attached.

Contract zoning subverts this public process: the jurisdiction comes to a private agreement with the applicant; the approval will be granted in return for certain measures taken by the applicant. In common parlance, they cut a deal, a bargain, based on a quid pro quo.

That bears no resemblance to what happened here. Now the reader will see why the county repeatedly calls the settlement agreement a “private contract,” when in fact it involved a public agency, a public trial, and public approvals by the county commissioners and Circuit Court judge. There wasn’t anything private at all about the agreement, but tarring it with that brush helps to mischaracterize it as contract zoning.

The differences between the settlement agreement and examples of contract zoning are so rife, the county appeal at one point admits “ … CCA is technically correct that

its contract falls outside the literal definition of ‘contract zoning’ …” ‘Nuff said. Before going to Door #3, let’s circle back to the “forever” component of the settlement agreement, where the county is permanently barred “at any time” from permitting more than 912 units at South Seas. We’ve seen that the duration of that provision has no bearing on whether the county unlawfully ceded its police powers or engaged in contract zoning. The county appeal waves around the “forever” component for dramatic — not legal — effect. But we should ask an important question anyway: can counties, or any other federal, state or local agencies, ever voluntarily (and lawfully) agree to “forever” limitations on their powers to regulate property development? The answer is that they’ve done so many thousands of times, with plenty more to come. Here’s why: It’s hard to find much in this life that lasts forever, until we consider real estate, where our society has deeply woven “forever” into property law for centuries. The most ubiquitous example is the easement, which allows a property owner to grant a perpetual right or interest in land to someone else. The beneficiary is the “easement holder,” with the legal ability to enforce the provisions of the easement. The beneficiary may assign a third party as the easement holder. Easements “run with the land,” that is, they’re intended to last forever, binding all successor owners of the property to the terms of the easement. Easements are protected from contravention by government: no government agency may lawfully regulate development of any property such that the provisions of its easements are ever violated.

See LETTERS, page 20

Next relocation continues in advance of project

As of July 1, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s (SCCF) sea turtle team had relocated 40 nests on Captiva in advance of the Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s (CEPD) beach renourishment.

The project is slated to begin on the south end of the island in August.

The SCCF reported that nests are relo-

See PROJECT, page 18

THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, in collaboration with the School District of Lee County, held its 36th Annual Collegium for the Advancement of Education in June 9-14 on Captiva.

School foundation hosts annual Collegium on island

In collaboration with the School District of Lee County, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools hosted its 36th Annual Collegium for the Advancement of Education in June 9-14 on Captiva.

The professional development retreat brought together a group of outstanding educators for an experience dedicated to growth, connection and appreciation.

Twenty-three teachers, including the six 2025 Golden Apple Award recipients, and two administrators took part in the event designed to empower and recognize teachers who go above and beyond in their classrooms. Held at a beachfront resort, Collegium offered a blend of professional enrichment and well-earned relaxation in a supportive, inspiring environment.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in a series of workshops and collaborative sessions focused on innovative teaching strategies, student engagement, and educational leadership. Each attendee earned 40 hours of service learning, contributing to their professional development goals.

“Spending time with this awesome group of teachers reminds me of how lucky we are as a community to have such dedicated, smart, fun and resourceful professionals working with our stu-

Sunset Captiva Lane, just north of the Captiva Chapel by the Sea. The relocation zone will expand again on July 12, and -

cate all nests laid on the island to Sanibel.

The CEPD has funded five SCCF staff — one biologist and four interns — to assist with the massive nest relocation effort. It is also providing housing for the

dents,” foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Marshall T. Bower said. “The time was well spent learning, sharing, networking and growing.”

In the evenings, participants enjoyed beachside relaxation and social events, including dinners at local restaurants such as RC Otter’s Island Eats and Cantina Captiva, along with a memorable cruise to Cabbage Key.

The retreat concluded with a celebratory dinner that brought together current and former Golden Apple recipients, foundation board members, business partners, and sponsors — Suncoast Credit Union, The Community Foundation, and Fred & Jean Allegretti Foundation — all united in their support of Lee County’s educators.

The foundation extended a special thank you to Stilwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group owner and Chief Executive Officer Sandy Stilwell Youngquist for her hospitality and continued support of Collegium. Her commitment ensures that educators are not only welcomed warmly but treated to an unforgettable weeklong experience.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District has funded five SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation staff to assist with the nest relocation effort in advance of its beach renourishment project.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

County earns HEARTSafe designation

Lee County was recently designated a HEARTSafe Community by the Citizen CPR Foundation, recognizing a countywide commitment to improving survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest through strategic partnerships, education and community engagement.

It reported that the national distinction highlights the leadership of Lee County Public Safety in building a culture of cardiac preparedness through Heart Smart Lee County, a multi-agency initiative aimed at strengthening every link in the chain of survival. The designation is awarded to municipalities that meet rigorous benchmarks in public access defibrillation, widespread CPR training, coordinated emergency response and public-awareness efforts.

Lee is the first county in Florida and the third one in the nation to receive the designation.

“The designation reflects years of collaboration among our EMS providers, public health officials, schools, fire departments and hospitals,” the county reported. “Heart Smart Lee County engages residents in a system that empowers bystanders, supports first responders and ultimately saves lives.”

To earn the designation, Lee County met all 13 key criteria set by the foundation. These included establishing Lee County Public Safety as the lead agency to coordinate countywide efforts, training a meaningful percentage of the population in CPR each year, and placing and registering Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in easily accessible public locations.

The county also ensured that 911 dispatchers are equipped to provide CPR instructions over the phone, implemented public education initiatives to help residents recognize and respond to cardiac arrest, and developed systems for data collection, citizen rescuer recognition and long-term program sustainability.

The Heart Smart Lee County initiative played a critical role in securing the desig-

Business Notes

Chamber seeking business feedback

In collaboration with Florida Gulf Coast University and the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, the SanCap Chamber is developing a comprehensive Recovery Dashboard for the community as it continues to rebound from Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton.

The chamber reported that a key component of the initiative is a short business climate survey, designed to gather vital insights and help guide informed recovery efforts.

The online survey takes less than 90 seconds to complete and will be distributed monthly to track ongoing progress.

The chamber noted that all information shared is strictly confidential and will only be used to support local business needs.

“Your participation is essential in helping us accurately assess and respond to the evolving needs of our community,” it shared. “We sincerely appreciate your time and continued support — thank you for all that you do.”

To take the June survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7YKGMPJ.

CROW launches new magnet campaign

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel (CROW) announced a new campaign.

Thanks to support from Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC), it can now provide informative magnets to resort, rental and Realtor partners across Southwest Florida.

CROW reported that the magnets offer quick, essential information if someone finds injured, orphaned or distressed wildlife.

CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE

It added that the initiative will help expand its reach and raises awareness about wildlife care in the community — all while making it simple for residents and visitors to do the right thing to help protect local wildlife.

“Together, with the support of our community and partners like LCEC, we’re making it easier for everyone to play a part in protecting Florida’s wildlife,” CROW shared. “Every magnet placed is a chance to educate, empower and possibly save a life.”

Properties and offices interested in receiving magnets can contact Director of Development & Communications Grace Murphy at development@ crowclinic.org.

Bank of the Islands program hits milestone

Bank of the Islands recently reached a milestone in its “We Love Our Islands” giving program.

The corporate philanthropy program has surpassed over $150,000 in total donations to 45 nonprofits,

See BUSINESS NOTES, page 10

Summer campaign supports businesses

The next week of Love Sanibel Back will be held on July 13-19 on Sanibel. Gatherings will take place on July 14 at noon at the Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory, at 2330 Palm Ridge Road, and on July 19 at 6 p.m. at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, at 2500 Island Inn Road. Campaign buttons will be handed and the first

20 customers will receive a reusable tote bag. Also, open houses will be held by the Santiva Islanders and The Grog Shop on July 14 and Bubbly Latitude, SanCap PakN-Ship & Island Gift Shop, Tarpon Bay Explorers and Tower Gallery on July 19. Additional participants

include the Sanibel Skin Spa & Salt Cave and Stoked Flamingo. Running now through August, the campaign was initiated by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, in partnership with the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, SanCap Chamber and city of Sanibel, to connect the island community and support businesses. For more information, visit https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/love-sanibel-back. To support the participants from afar online, visit https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/lsb-online.

LOVE SANIBEL BACK

The mascot at the Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory.

Manny Betancourt at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille.

From left, Bubbly Latitude owners Sarah Jacobsen and Kate Zembrodt.

From left, Dan O’Leary, Jessica Feldman, Laurie O’Leary and Terri Tufte at the SanCap Pak-N-Ship & Island Gift Shop.

From left, owners Chris, Holly and Joel Torres at the Sanibel Skin Spa & Salt Cave.

From left, Santiva Islanders Laura Korn, Bernard Arroyo, Robyn Moran, Robin Christian and Margie Peters.

Owner Matthew Peterson at the Stoked Flamingo.

From left, Tarpon Bay Explorers staffers Austyn Feigenbaum and Ashton Capozzi, General Manager Adam Sauerland, and staffers Charlie Frese and Cathy Loyola.

From left, Bob Jansen, Justin DeWalt and Rich Bennett at The Grog Shop.

Tower Gallery Manager Kelly Morrison.

Islanders welcomed back a Captiva landmark on June 27 at the SanCap Chamber’s ribbon-cutting for the Keylime Bistro.

SANCAP CHAMBER

Keylime Bistro reopening merits chamber ribbon-cutting

After numerous setbacks due to permitting and Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Keylime Bistro on Captiva finally welcomed back guests yearning for its legendary key lime pie and other tropically inspired cuisine on May 24. The SanCap Chamber celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on June 27.

“We are so proud of owner Sandy Stilwell Youngquist for arriving to this peak achievement at the flagship property in her kingdom of Captiva hospitality,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “She has set a remarkable example for fellow island businesses to work hard, believe and endure. Congratulations!”

“The chamber has been invaluable in keeping the business community together and celebrating each opening of businesses,” Youngquist said. “We’ve all been through a lot, and I appreciate having the chamber as our voice to the community.”

Her team was instrumental in supporting the community in the days after Hurricane Ian in September 2022, with three boats running workers and residents

to the islands to begin the recovery process.

“Initially, when the hurricane hit, the firemen on the island didn’t have vehicles, so I loaned them my jeep and my S Car Go Trolley that pulls the tram,” Youngquist said. “It was pretty funny to see the first responders running around the island in my Jeep that looks like a snail.”

Since Ian, she opened a second Keylime Bistro in Boca Grande, which was in the planning before the storm hit. Youngquist reopened the sister location last month following Helene and Milton damage.

On Captiva, she has also reopened RC Otter’s Island Eats, Cantina Captiva, the Sunshine Seafood Café, and two houses and some rooms at the Captiva Island Inn. The Latte Da Coffee Shop is due to open this summer, and construction on two new inn buildings is set to start later this year.

A third Keylime Bistro is under construction at the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers and is expected to be open by November.

The Keylime Bistro is at 11509 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.

BIG ARTS awards annual scholarships

BIG ARTS recently announced its 2025 Performing and Creative Arts Scholarship recipients.

This year, the program awarded six local students, recognizing their outstanding dedication and artistic promise. The scholarship recipients were recognized at the Annual Art Vibe on June 14 on Sanibel.

“It’s an honor to support these outstanding students,” BIG ARTS Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder said. “Their creativity and drive are truly inspiring, and we look forward to the impact they’ll make in the arts world ahead.”

This year’s recipients are:

∫ Jordyn Barrett, Point Park University, pursuing a degree in dance

∫ Kareema Colson, University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, pursuing a degree in music

∫ Sarah Conley, Lynn Conservatory, pursuing a Bachelor of Music

∫ Hazel Fitzpatrick, University of Central Florida, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in music

∫ José Antonio Gonzalez, Florida Southwestern State College, pursuing associate’s degrees in science and art

∫ Kathleen Ireland, Boston University, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting

Since 1998, the scholarship program has supported high school and college students from Lee County in their pursuit of higher education in the visual and performing arts. Each recipient exemplifies the commitment to excellence and creativity that BIG ARTS aims to foster in the community.

For more information, visit https:// bigarts.org/programs/scholarships/.

C0-OP CONNECTIONS

AT LCEC, MEMBERSHIP MEANS EVERYTHING

Membership Matters

BIG ARTS

From left, BIG ARTS Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder, recipients Sarah Conley, José Antonio Gonzalez, Hazel Fitzpatrick and Kareema Colson, and Gallery Director Wilson McCray.

Business Notes

From page 8

houses of worship, first responders and service organizations working to enrich the island community.

Created by Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Roepstorff, it is a proprietary program that supplements the community support the bank provides through event sponsorships and other charitable donations.

“We Love Our Islands” involves placing the program decal on one’s vehicle. Each week, a bank officer randomly notes a license plate number off a passing vehicle with a decal. The tag number is posted in the bank lobbies and on the bank’s website at www. BankoftheIslands.com.

The driver has one week to claim their tag number before it rolls over to another potential winner. If claimed, the winner designates which island nonprofit or charity will receive the bank’s contribution. Gifts begin at $200 and increase by that amount each week until a winner claims their tag number.

Top row, center, Bank of the Islands President Robbie Roepstorff and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Roepstorff with the Sanibel and Captiva office teams.

“Without question, the ‘We Love Our Islands’ program is our favorite demonstration of corporate citizenship here at the bank,” President Robbie Roepstorff said. “It is such a great way for us to show how much we appreciate being your island bank and working closely with the nonprofits on Sanibel and Captiva.”

All islanders are invited to visit the bank’s branches to pick up a free decal.

Legion Auxiliary honored with awards

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 123 on Sanibel announced its 2024-25 awards.

It received the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Florida’s Public Relations “Building the House” Most Outstanding Media Placement, Dorothy Duke Award “Best All Around Press Book” and Public Relations Best Media Placement for Member Group 2.

It also received awards for 100% membership for the national and state department and the Membership Chairman 105% Membership recognition.

“These are all Department of Florida level awards, so they are something to be proud of,” the Auxiliary shared. “Getting the word out in our community was our goal, and public relations is how to make it happen.”

Mayor meets with Botana representative

The city of Sanibel reported that Mayor Mike Miller recently sat down with Annabella Romano, legislative aide to state Rep. Adam Botana, at the Sanibel Community Park on Sanibel.

They talked about island resiliency, and he shared the great things happening around the island as the city celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The city thanked Romano for coming out to learn more about how Sanibel is building back.

It added that Botana continues to advocate for the island community and he has been instrumental in securing funding to support Sanibel’s recovery.

From left, state Rep. Adam

legislative

Annabella Romano, and city of Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller.

Restaurant group announces promotion

HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, the Dixie Fish Company and coming-soon Bonita Fish Company, announced the promotion of Joe Sletten to private events manager.

He will oversee rentals and catering at the Doc Ford’s Lounge at the Fort Myers Beach location, as well as the new waterfront space planned for the Bonita Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach.

Sletten will also manage rental opportunities at the private event space at the Bonita Fish Company adjacent to the Dixie Fish Company and Doc Ford’s.

A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, he has previous private event and catering experience in Wisconsin. Sletten started as a seasonal employee for the restaurant group, working winters in Southwest Florida. He had held various roles in the company during the past 10 years.

THE BUBBLE ROOM Bubble Room

The Bubble Room on Captiva reported that its official grand reopening will take place on July 14. “The restaurant is thrilled to welcome you all back, and we would like to thank you all for your unwavering support over the last three years,” officials shared on June 26. “We couldn’t have accomplished this without the consistent support from DBK Industries, out of Fort Lauderdale, staying on-site throughout the week for efficient and reliable service.” It also extended a special thank you to The Great White Grill on Sanibel and Broadway

Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers for allowing it to use their kitchens to keep customers’ favorite cakes in stock at Boop’s by The Bubble Room. “Please head on out and show them the same love they’ve shown us,” officials added. The Bubble Room will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and from 4:30 to 9 p.m. for dinner. It will operate on a first come, first served basis, and it will not accept reservations until further notice. For more information, visit The Bubble Room Restaurant on Facebook.

BANK OF THE ISLANDS

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 123

CITY OF SANIBEL

Botana’s

aide,

Joe Sletten

With sincere appreciation for all our customers and neighbors, we hope you will take a moment to vote for Bank of the Islands, Your Island Bank, to be the 2025 Best Bank, Best Financial Services, and Best Mortgage Broker!

Why Vote for Us?

• Outstanding customer service for 28 years

• Customized loan products with low rates

• Expedited local decision-making

• We Love Our Islands and support non-profit island organizations

• A 5-Star Superior Rating from BauerFinancial for over a decade

SCCF: First loggerhead hatchlings of season

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that it is mid-sea turtle nesting season on Sanibel and Captiva, and the first loggerhead hatchlings of the year emerged on June 26.

As of June 30, there were 614 nests laid on the islands — 467 on Sanibel and 147 on Captiva. Ten of the nests are green sea turtle nests, and the remaining nests are from loggerheads. A total of 124 loggerhead hatchlings had emerged.

In addition, the SCCF’s team has been able to deploy two more satellite tags on nesting loggerheads since it launched its new Sea Turtle Tracking Portal. The site — created by Hammerhead Technology — now shows the path of four loggerhead females: Emory, Harper, MumSea and Queen Tutt.

The SCCF thanked the donors who helped support the cost of the tags — John Dubuque, Weezie and Tim Huyck, Linda and Nick Linsmayer, John and Kathy McCabe, and Frances and Simon Tutt.

To report issues with sea turtle nests, nesting turtles or hatchlings, contact the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.

To view the SCCF Sea Turtle Tracking Portal, visit https://sccf.hammerhead360.com/.

SCCF: Conservation 20/20 meeting moved

The SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that the Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) meeting last month, where the 34-acre Sanibel Community Church property nomination was to be reviewed, was canceled.

Have you seen a cottontail rabbit on Sanibel?

Over the last few years, a major focus of the SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation’s (SCCF) Wildlife & Habitat Management team has been assessing how both fauna and flora were impacted by Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton, and the three storm surge events that washed over the island.

“We have been re-documenting species that were present pre-Ian and monitoring how habitats and species richness and abundance have changed,” Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz said.

The SCCF reported that one noteworthy change to Sanibel has been the change in rabbit abundance, namely the marsh rabbit.

“Prior to the storms, marsh rabbits were considered abundant and even ‘over-abundant’ by many, as they could be seen throughout the island in numbers with little effort,” he said. “Many residents considered them a nuisance as they devoured gardens and decorative flowers around their house due to their abundance.”

Post-Ian, marsh rabbits became uncommon on the island.

New rabbit species on island?

The SCCF reported that a recent discovery of an eastern cottontail rabbit on the island marks an interesting addition to Sanibel’s fauna.

“Cottontails are not as aquatic as the marsh rabbits and are a little larger in size. We only have one documented animal, so it will be interesting to find out if there are more,” Lechowicz said.

After looking through iNaturalist, the SCCF found a record of an eastern cottontail at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in 2007.

“We were previously unaware of that record. So, now we think this species may have had a small established population for some time, but it wasn’t noticed due to the abundance of marsh rabbits across the island,” he said.

Why did marsh rabbits surge?

The SCCF reported that prior to Ian, residents often asked why marsh rabbits became so abundant over the last decade. A logical theory to the question has to do with the arrival of the coyote to Sanibel in 2011.

Prior to the coyote’s arrival, the sole mammalian predators for marsh rabbits were bobcats, among the other species that preyed on them, such as raptors and eastern coachwhip snakes.

“Bobcats eat rats, rabbits and other small prey. After the coyote arrived, more pressure was put on small mammal populations, and rabbits likely had to overproduce to keep their species sustainable as the carrying capacity of

the island was reevaluated. This balance between predator and prey takes time to adjust,” Lechowicz said.

The small aquatic marsh rabbit, with its short ears and hind feet and lack of a white tail, was the only rabbit species known on the island, at least in writings and previous species lists.

There is even a chapter in George R. Campbell’s book, “The Nature of Things on Sanibel” (1978), named “Chapter 7: Sanibel’s Marsh Rabbit. Don’t Look for a Cottontail.”

“This book is an important record of the wildlife that occurred on the island in the 1970s and before,” he said.

Ian mostly decimated the marsh rabbit populations throughout the island. It took several months to document just one rabbit, and new sightings were sparse until late 2023.

The wildlife team will take a closer look at the recovering rabbit populations to see if both species persist in the future.

If you see a rabbit on Sanibel, especially a cottontail, take a photo and report it using the SCCF’s Wildlife Sighting App at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ b80b4626d9e64a15ab3faa1cf04708eb.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

The property nomination is now tentatively scheduled to be on the July 16 meeting agenda — the second time that it has been rescheduled. The property was originally planned to be presented at the Conservation 20/20 meeting in May.

This evaluation is the first step toward being acquired by Lee County for conservation.

The SCCF reported that the property is approved for up to 24 development units (houses) and could instead be preserved and restored to provide important ecosystem and stormwater functions for Sanibel.

This nomination is not related to the Beachview Golf Course one, which was withdrawn from consideration by the Conservation 20/20 program.

The CLASAC meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. in Room 118 at 2201 Second St., Fort Myers.

Shell museum to offer program

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium will offer an educational program, “Ocean Pollution and Its Impact on Marine Animals,” on July 12 at 11 a.m. at 3075 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel. It will be led by marine biology education interns. Also, participants will have the opportunity to decorate their own make-and-take, reusable grocery bag. The program is free with paid admission, but registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum.org.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

—a Sanibel mom on FISH's Fresh Meal Kits

As the tourist season slows, and seasonal residents have left, FISH of SANCAP is experiencing higher demand than ever at our Food Pantry with already more visits this year than in all of 2024. Many are service workers our community relies on and families who may be facing a decrease in hours and wages, while struggling with increased summer costs such as child care. We’re doing our best to meet the need, including offering Fresh Meal Kits —ingredients for a complete and healthy meal for a family to enjoy together.

Still, we need your help. Please consider donating food or funds to support our much-needed Food Pantry and meal programs. You can turn summer hunger into summer happiness! That’s what neighbors helping neighbors is all about.

Climate change’s role in extreme heat days

By ALLIE PECENKA

As Southwest Florida residents and visitors know, hot days are par for the course during summer. Some days, though, push the threshold of expected summer temperatures and can be classified as “extreme heat days.”

While there are several ways to define extreme heat, a qualifying event is often based on temperature and humidity deviations from historic, seasonal averages in a given area. As global climate change contributes to higher average temperatures, the likelihood of extreme heat days and prolonged heat waves increases.

A 2025 study conducted by the World Weather Attribution, Climate Central, and Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center highlights the role of anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change on producing more global heatwaves and the scope of people impacted by these events over a 12-month period (May 1, 2024, to May 1, 2025). The report explains that this 12-month period of analysis spanned Earth’s hottest year on record, surpassing 2023, which previously earned that title. Key findings from this study include the following:

∫ From May 1, 2024, to May 1, 2025, 4 billion people — about 49% of the global population — experienced at least 30 days of extreme heat (hotter than 90% of temperatures observed in their local area from 1991-2020).

∫ In 195 countries and territories, climate change at least doubled the number of extreme heat days, as compared to a world without climate change.

∫ All 67 extreme heat events — identified as significant based on record-setting temperatures or major impacts to people or property — were found to be influenced by climate change.

The report mentions the critical importance of strong systems for tracking and reporting on extreme heat impacts as they become more commonplace.

Heat waves and the associated health complications from these events comprise the single highest cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, leading to an estimated 1,300 fatalities each year. Children, older individuals, and those with chronic diseases are at the highest risk for heat related complications, though no population is immune to these impacts.

Extreme heat also affects plants and wildlife, on both immediate and longterm scales. Individual extreme heat events may harm wildlife causing dehydration and energy loss, disrupting foraging behavior, and increasing predation risk, among many other impacts. At large, climate change threatens global biodiversity by shifting the ranges of species and habitats and creating food chain disruptions.

To help wildlife in extreme heat, you can provide small water sources in your yard and create spaces with shade. Planting native plants is one of the most effective ways to create shade — native trees, shrubs and ground covers naturally provide refuge to many insects, birds and other animals.

Increased global temperatures also introduce higher chances of extreme weather such as stronger rainfall events, stronger hurricanes or prolonged droughts. A 2024 study published in “Environmental Research: Climate” displayed the link between ocean warming as

See HEAT, page 15

Sanibel library offers range of programs and topics

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

Book Club Discussion will be held on July 10 from 3 to 4 p.m. Open to adults, attendees will discuss “Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson. A staffer will lead the discussion.

On July 10, Tween/Teen Dinner & D.I.Y. Spa Night will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Open to tweens and teens, come hang out for a pizza dinner and a spa night. Attendees will get to create make-and-take spa goodies.

Science Saturday will be held on July 12 from 11 a.m. to noon. Youths of all ages can participate in hands-on activities that are educational and entertaining. The program will be ocean-themed.

On July 15, Island Adventures Storytime & Dinosaur Carnival will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Designed for children of all ages, attendees will step into a world where ancient giants come to life through stories, crafts and interactive activities.

Edison & Ford — Make a Movie! will be held on

A Tween/Teen Dinner & D.I.Y. Spa Night will take place on July 10 at the Sanibel Public Library.

July 15 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Attendees will join Edison and Ford Winter Estates staffers to learn the art of stop motion animation, basic editing and how to structure a simple scene.

Fire district to provide sand, bags all season long

In collaboration with the city of Sanibel and Lee County Public Safety, the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District is providing sand and sandbags throughout storm season, not just during states of emergency.

“Let’s be proactive, not reactive this hurricane season,” the district shared. “This is a great opportunity to get ahead of the storm and have supplies in place before the rush.”

The sand is behind the old Senior Center, at 2401 Library Way, Sanibel.

Sandbags can be picked up from Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.

Sand and sandbags are available to island residents and business owners only.

The sandbags are limited to 25 per person.

The district noted that while sandbags can help deter flooding, they may not fully stop water intrusion.

Way, Sanibel.

“Stay prepared, stay safe, and let’s get ahead of the next storm,” it shared.

For more information, including how to pack sandbags and prop-

erly place them, watch the district’s video on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/SANIBELFIRE/videos/2229467744150553.

SPD welcomes new officers

The Sanibel Police Department (SPD) announced the addition of two new staffers. Officers Justin Mullins and Benjamin Stefan recently joined the

and will be serving the community.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

SANIBEL POLICE DEPARTMENT Sanibel Police Department Officer Justin Mullins is sworn in by Police Chief William Dalton.

From left, front, Sanibel Police Department Officer Justin Mullins Benjamin Stefan and Police Chief William Dalton with other members of the department.

team

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

The sand located is behind the old Senior Center, at 2401 Library

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

American Legion and Auxiliary

American Legion Post 123 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 123 reported that Florida District 13 Cmdr. Laurene Allen-Flower led the installation ceremony for their 2025 leadership on June 16 on Sanibel. Installed were: Cmdr. Tim Moore, 1st Vice Cmdr. Bob Booth, 2nd Vice Cmdr. John Hird, 3rd Vice Cmdr. Bill Cook, Finance Officer

Craig Helmen, Sergeant-at-Arms David Zumbrum, Service Officer Karen Shutway and Adjutant Erich Pfanzelt for the Legion; Cmdr. James Russell, Vice Cmdr. Ken Williams and Adjutant James Silbar for the Sons of the American Legion; and President Heather Silbar, 1st Vice President Mellisa White, 2nd Vice President Erin Deal, Junior President Annabelle Williams, Treasurer and Secretary Colleen Seeger, Chaplain Carrie Toothman and Historian Martha Corcoran for the Auxiliary. In addition, Moore recognized past Legion Cmdr. Randy Carson for all of his hard work in rebuilding the Post after the recent storms. Memberships are available. For more information, contact alpost123@ scalpost123.com. Post 123 is open on Monday and Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Open to the public, it serves burgers, hotdogs and other specials, and there are TVs available for sports. The Post is at 4249 Sanibel-Captiva Road.

Heat

From page 14

a result of climate change and the intensification of recent hurricanes. One key finding was that “30 of 38 hurricanes studied reached intensities roughly 1 category higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale than their expected strength in a world without climate change.”

their impacts. Informed individuals can act to protect themselves, their communities and wildlife from complications of extreme heat.

Library

Weekly

Understanding the far-reaching impacts of extreme heat and warming ocean temperatures as a result of climate change can serve as the first step towards combating

At a local scale, this summer has a 50% chance of being hotter than average in much of Florida, based on data from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center.

From page 14

∫ Crafternoon: Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Make a fun and engaging craft with staff guidance. All supplies provided. Open to all ages.

One of the most powerful actions you can take is to advocate for policies that support strong scientific monitoring of climate impacts, as well as those leading to de-

creased carbon emissions on local, national and global scales.

Allie Pecenka is policy and advocacy associate for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).

An engaging, interactive program that supports early literacy through reading, singing, talking and playing. It is rooted in the Every Child Can Read principles and builds foundational skills. Open to babies,

∫ Island Adventures Storytime: Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

We’re proud to bring beautifully crafted window treatments and textile décor to Sanibel! From blinds, drapes, and shades to custom bedding,

toddlers and children and their caregivers.

Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge. Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.

For more information, visit https://sanlib.org/ or call 239-472-2483.

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

The library is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VERO DRAPES – NOW OPEN ON SANIBEL ISLAND!

PHOTOS PROVIDED

City accepting fitness and enrichment instructor proposals

The city of Sanibel is accepting proposals from fitness instructors for fiscal year 2026, which will run from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026.

Instructors are sought who can deliver high-quality fitness classes at the Sanibel Recreation Center in one or more of the fol lowing areas:

∫ All types of cycling classes: Power, endurance, HIIT, cycle sculpt, express ride

∫ Yoga: All practices and varieties for all ages and levels, including chair, slow flow, children’s, gentle, vinyasa, and restorative

∫ Dance fitness including but not limited to Zumba, LaBlast, WERQ, groove, country heat, and salsa-Latin

∫ Stretching, balance, low impact classes for less-mobile patrons

∫ Dance instruction for both youth and adults, including line dancing

∫ Water aerobics and instruction

∫ Land aerobics and cardio, bootcamp style classes, and circuit training

∫ Body sculpting, pilates, barre, barre fusion, and above barre

∫ Small group weight room instruction/personal training

∫ Pickleball and tennis group and private instruction, and agility and stretch racquet sport focused

∫ Adult and children’s enrichment classes, including music lessons, gardening, foreign language, photography, art instruction, self defense, martial arts, and Tai Chi

Instructors are sought to not only teach classes that will be included with membership, but also specialty, small group classes in which members will pay to participate. If interested, submit class concepts with proposal.

Instructors must be able to meet the diverse needs, interests and fitness levels of members.

Selected instructors will be required to submit to and pass a criminal background check.

Proposals must include the following information for consideration:

∫ Copy of current group fitness and/or specialty training certification(s)

∫ Copy of current AED/CPR/First Aid Certification

∫ Copy of current liability insurance

∫ A minimum of three professional references

∫ College degree in a health/fitness-related field or equivalent work experience in the field

∫ Proposed class offerings, including class type(s) and description, preferred days of the week, and times

The deadline for proposals is Aug. 8.

Proposals may be emailed to denise.dillon@mysanibel.com, or mailed or submitted in person to: City of Sanibel Recreation Department, Attn: Denise Dillon, Fitness Scheduling & Contracts, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957.

Special early pricing available for JOG N JAM

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva’s 2025 JOG N JAM — its annual fundraising event — will take place Nov. 1 at The Community House on Sanibel and on Dec. 6 at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva.

Set for November, the 10K, 5K and Kids Fun Run will invite runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to enjoy a scenic island race filled with energy, connection and community spirit. The next month, the concert on the beach will feature the popular Ben Allen Band and a fireworks display.

Each runner will receive a finisher medal, T-shirt and the chance to place in their age group to receive a special island-focused award. The Kids Fun Run is free but requires registration, and it includes a finisher’s ribbon and treat.

The concert will feature food and drinks for purchase, with shuttle services for easy access.

Special early pricing is available for race registration and concert tickets.

The cost is $45 for the 10K or 5K and $35 for ages 16 and under, which will increase after Aug. 30.

The concert is $75 or $50 for ages 7-18, with a fourpack for $200 while supplies last.

The net proceeds will support FISH’s service pillars — Food, Island-Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hands — plus long-term disaster recovery efforts after the recent storms.

Sponsorship opportunities and more are available for island and local businesses.

To register for the 10K, 5K or Kids Fun Run or for more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/ Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH.

For concert tickets or more information, visit https:// jamwithfish.rsvpify.com/.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact events@fishofsancap.org.

For more information about FISH, visit https://fishofsancap.org/.

DDWS reports on refuge programming and more

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge provided the following updates for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel:

∫ The ref -

uge’s free Summer Programs will take place from now through Aug. 2 and include Caravan Tour on Wildlife Drive on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., Refuge Reading & Nature Craft at The Roost on Saturdays at 1 p.m., and Ranger’s

Choice at The Roost on Mondays at 11 a.m.

∫ The 2026 Winter Lecture Series will run from January through April.

∫ The 14th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament will be held on May 15.

Islands group holding weekly runs

Established this year, the SanCap Running Club is holding a weekly Run Meet Up on Saturdays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at the Lighthouse Beach Park, at 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. All paces are welcome. For more information, visit https://www.runsancap.com/.

Rec center provides update on activities, events

The Sanibel Recreation Center reported on upcoming programs and activities.

The Fall Aftercare Program will be held from Aug. 11 through Nov. 7. Open to kindergarten through eighth grade, it provides a safe, fun and enriching environment. The program will include supervised homework time, active play,

arts and crafts, swimming, and a variety of engaging activities designed to support social and emotional growth. The cost is $390 for members and $490 for non-members per child; financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Registration is required.

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.

New and current members can call 239-472-0345 or stop by the front desk for help with setting up their CivicRec account. A variety of memberships, passes and punch cards are available.

For more information about fitness classes and activities or to register, visit https://secure.rec1.com/FL/sanibel-fl/catalog.

For questions, call 239-472-0345. The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

Nature-based learning in early education

Throughout our island communities of Sanibel and Captiva, we are continually reminded of the natural beauty that surrounds us and how important it is for us to preserve it.

At the Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI) on Sanibel, it has been our mission for 50 years to educate children ages 2-5 through an immersive nature-based, hands-on and exploratory learning experience. In each domain of child development, our nature-based program promotes healthy learning environments, such as outdoor classrooms and nature trails, where children can improve their social-emotional, language and cognitive growth, while using their fine and gross motor skills, for example, to plant, pour, climb, explore, build and run.

As we continue to engage in our extraordinary surroundings, we also use nature to teach literacy and mathematics, and encourage individual creativity, while we observe an excitement for learning, engagement and increased attention. Whether we are interacting with animals and natural items with Ms. Sherry, our very own professional naturalist for over 25 years; or sitting with Miss Shannon, our Sanibel Public Library’s youth services coordinator, engaging in a story about a fish who learns the importance of

Commentary From page 4

caveat that the prohibition of use would be automatically suspended during states of local emergency. As a result of Hurricane Ian, Sanibel remains today in a state of local emergency as does the State and the County. The proposed ordinance amendment to be considered on the 15th would change how the prohibition is suspended from occurring automatically during a state of emergency to a mayor/council decision. If the City Council approves this amendment, it will

Commentary

sharing and friendship; or discovering things we never knew about sea turtles and starfish from our visiting Sanibel Sea School staff; our students have meaningful and inspiring experiences that promote a love and care for the natural world around us.

Our educational practices include reducing, reusing and recycling materials, conserving water, turning off lights when not needed, and participating in special projects such as raising man-

result in the use of gas-powered leaf blowers being, once again, prohibited on the island on the effective date approved by the council.

The council meeting on July 15th will also include continued actions on establishing a special assessment district to partially fund dredging in the Wulfert Channel. There’ll be many other topics of interest. I encourage you to review the meeting agenda when it is posted on the City website and, as

groves and replanting native shrubbery and flowers around our campus that were destroyed by recent hurricanes.

CECI is committed to strengthening and enhancing each student’s learning journey by preparing them for their future steps in education, as we strive to inspire a passion for nature and understanding of environmental stewardship to last a lifetime.

Laura Miltner is executive director of the Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI) on Sanibel. CECI is a preschool that employs nature-based curriculum. For more information, contact 239-472-4538 or cecidirector@gmail. com.

always, we welcome your participation and input.

Your mayor and neighbor,

Report your news to THE ISLANDER:

captivasanibel.com

Mike

With air conditioners, fans, and appliances running full blast to beat the heat, your old electrical panel might be working overtime and ready to quit.

Upgrade now with certified electricians who ensure your system is safe, efficient, and future-ready!

Laura Miltner Guest

This guest commentary has been provided by Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller.

In addition, at the time of Rob Walton’s passing, the couple were still recovering from the financial strain from Ian, which destroyed their home and forced them to rebuild. They faced subsequent flooding destruction from Hurricane Milton last year.

“The funds are going to help with medical expenses — she has a lot of medical expenses,” Westland said, adding that if there are any remaining funds, they could be used for needed storm recovery.

The fundraiser has a goal of $10,000. As of July 2, $6,030 had been raised.

“I want to thank everyone. There’s not a donation too small or too large,” Westland said, noting that even past refuge interns have given to the cause. “It just shows that Chelle has touched so many lives.”

The organizers shared that Chelle Walton has been a dedicated member of the community, serving as a Sanibel Public Library board member, The Sanibel School volunteer and member of the city’s Historical Preservation Committee. She has worked with Sanibel Cares and other charitable causes.

“Chelle and I worked together as long as I worked at ‘Ding’ Darling, so 23-plus years,” Westland said. “She’s also helped the chamber of commerce. She’s helped Sanibel Island promote Sanibel Island.”

She noted that the couple’s son grew up in the community.

“She’s helped so many other people. She’s been a part of this community for so long,” Westland said. “Chelle’s given to our community — it’s our time to help give back to her in her time of need.”

She added that the community-mindfulness and giving back did not stop with her.

Westland reported that in 2014, the refuge was faced with the issue of visitors carving graffiti into gumbo limbo trees on the Calusa Shell Mound Trail. As a landscaper, Rob Walton stepped in to help.

“Rob was that kind of guy,” she said. “Rob was the type of guy to come up with a solution.”

He donated his expertise, time and materials to mask the trees in landscape fabric.

“And it fixed the trees,” Westland said. “They were able to heal themselves.”

Born on March 13, 1951, in Richmond, Virginia, to William and Mary Walton, Walton lived most of his life in Florida. He attended Manatee Technical School in Bradenton and later moved to Captiva, where he worked as a restaurant captain at the South Seas Resort. Walton continued in the hospitality industry until he started Grounds by Green Ways.

“His customers knew him as an honest, dependable, hard-working and affable friend,” his family shared in his obituary.

In 1981, Walton met Chelle Koster, and their love culminated in a beach wedding on July 7, 1984. Through their 40 years of marriage, they traveled the world — from Canada and Jamaica, to New Zealand, Iceland and Croatia. Their travels continued after the birth of their son, Aaron, in 1990.

In May 2022, the couple celebrated the ultimate gift of joy with the birth of Layla June to their son and daughter-in-law, Laura. She brought golden sunshine, love and pure laughter to Walton’s final years.

Walton retired after Ian destroyed much of his equipment and office, and his health declined.

“He and his family continued traveling, mostly by road trip to visit family and the hundreds of people Robert touched with his loyal friendship, kindness, sense of humor and love of fun,” the family shared.

Walton was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife; son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter; brothers, Joel (Julie) Walton and Gary Walton; nephews, Matthew Walton, Parker Walton, Philip (Stephanie) Walton, and Alec Walton; and grandnephews, Declan, Thatcher and Levi.

Those unable to donate to the fundraiser are encouraged to share the GoFundMe link.

“Sharing her story might spark something, that someone might want to help,” Westland said.

To donate to the “Help Chelle Walton with Medical Expenses” fundraiser, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ help-chelle-walton-with-medical-expenses.

Tax

trees in 2014 at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in order to protect and save them.

roll From page 1

According to the new valuations, the city’s taxable value climbed about $946.82 million from $4.69 billion — 20.20% — to $5.63 billion. Assessed value rose 19.11% to $5.98 billion, up $959.31 million from $5.02 billion. Just value increased 17.45% to $7.12 billion, up $1.06 billion from $6.07 billion.

Also for Sanibel, taxable new construction increased from approximately $23.34 million to $34.43 million. In addition, just new construction saw a climb from $431.61 million to $971.74 million.

County valuations, including Captiva, saw about a $11.28 billion jump in taxable value from $138.13 billion — 8.17% — to $149.41 billion. Assessed value rose 7.96% to $172.25 billion, up $12.70 billion from $159.55 billion. Just value increased 0.24% to $219.99 billion, up $522.93 million from $219.47 billion.

Also for the county, taxable new construction increased from approximately $4.59 billion to $5.23 billion. Just new construction dropped from $9.41 billion to $7.27 billion. As for the county’s tax-

Project

From page 6

The SCCF reported that staff will continue to monitor all remaining nests on Captiva, as well as relocated nests, through the rest of sea turtle nesting season.

able school value, it climbed $6.79 billion to $169.13 billion — up 4.19% — from $162.33 billion.

In addition, values for the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District and Captiva Island Fire Control District, plus the Upper Captiva Fire District, increased year-overyear, according to the preliminary valuations.

The Sanibel fire district experienced a 20.19% rise to about $5.64 billion, up $946.85 million from $4.69 billion. The Captiva fire district saw a 10.31% increase to $1.73 billion, up $161.97 million from $1.57 billion. The Upper Captiva fire district rose 4.06% to $336.38 million, up $13.13 million from $323.25 million. Caldwell reminded the public that the Property Appraiser’s Office will send out individual Notices of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM Notices) in mid-August once the proposed tax rates are set. The final figures will be sent to Tallahassee for approval.

For more information or questions, contact trim@leepa.org or 239-533-6100.

FILE PHOTO

From left, then Sanibel-based Grounds by Green Ways owner Robert “Rob” Walton with now-retired Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland and former intern Davis Horton wrapping graffitied

Mosquitoes

gradual start.

“We do have a lot of mosquitos this season, and that has to do with our dry winter,” she said. “All it took was that egg bank to accumulate over a dry winter. We still have mosquitoes out there. They’re still laying eggs. They’re laying eggs in places where until we get a high tide or a lot of rain, they’re not going to come off. That rainy week we just experienced started things very quickly.”

Out of the myriad of species of mosquitoes in the county, McBride said the one that typically starts the year off and sticks around all year is the salt marsh mosquito.

They usually lay eggs around the coastal areas of Sanibel, Captiva — anywhere along the coast.

“The one thing that people don’t realize is how close they are to salt marsh areas,” she said. “These species of mosquitoes will fly anywhere to 20 miles away for a blood meal. So we’re living next to this tremendous, really prolific growing area for salt marsh mosquitoes.”

LCMCD officials are getting an influx in calls currently, and McBride said other agencies throughout the region are experiencing the same thing.

Where LCMCD sprays is entirely based on activity.

“We go where the mosquitos are,” she said.

According to LCMCD officials, treatment plans are scheduled on a day-to-day basis. The mapping system that can be viewed online is where the district plans to treat, but it is not always accurate for determining if an area was treated. If an area is scheduled and it is not treated due to weather or technical difficulties, it will not be removed from the system and will continue to show as a planned treatment area.

“People call in and ask what our spray schedule is. We don’t have a spray schedule,” McBride said. “Where we spray is based on mosquito activity. We have to have data, we have to have proof that there is a mosquito issue.”

Residents often worry about how the district’s spray impacts pollinators and other insects. She said the treatment they use does not cause harm.

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

“Our spray does not impact the butterflies and bees,” McBride said. “All of our treatments are EPA approved, which also includes not harming non-target insects. Also, the adulticiding — treating the air column where mosquitoes fly — is done in the evening when those insects are not foraging. There’s lots of research to support it does not harm non-target insects. We have great relationships with local beekeepers and butterfly gardens. They get notification of our adultiiciding spray so if they want can take extra precautions to protect their hives.”

Read the full article for free by visiting www.captivasanibel.com.

page 5

Conservation easements are a special type of restriction intended to preserve property. When a property owner wishes to conserve their land in perpetuity, they can create a conservation easement, with the assigned holder (i.e., overseer and enforcer) being usually a government agency or conservation group.

Federal and state government is very keen to encourage conservation easements: the IRS and a number of state tax agencies have longstanding policies offering massive tax benefits to property owners in return for creating conservation easements. This is a glaring example of government voluntarily accepting limitations on its police powers of regulating property development. Every time government financially induces a property owner to create a conservation easement, government willingly ties its hands forever (i.e., limits its police powers) with respect to what development decisions it can make concerning that property.

There can be no clearer proof of government’s lawful ability to voluntarily and permanently limit its power to regulate property development than the existence of tax laws that financially benefit property owners for doing exactly that, through the creation of conservation easements. Government programs to financially incentivize conservation easements are basically paying property owners to forever restrict their police powers to regulate development.

Government agencies also voluntarily restrict their powers to regulate development on properties they own or acquire, by placing conservation easements on the government-owned property, designating themselves or someone else as the easement holder. In these types of conservation easement situations, government is voluntarily creating perpetual development restrictions on public lands it owns. Government creating conservation easements on properties it owns, or incentivizing private property owners to create conservation easements, are both common practices wherein government is willingly — and permanently —limiting its power to regulate property development.

∫ Door #3: Remand the case to trial court for evidentiary hearings

This is a new twist. At trial court, the county and the CCA didn’t dispute the facts surrounding the settlement agreement, arguing solely over its interpretation and legality. No oral testimony was taken. County appellate attorneys are now saying that if the judges don’t find the county acted unlawfully, thereby creating an illegal contract, and the meaning of the settlement’s text is uncertain, send the case back down for evidentiary

Letters to the Editor

hearings “to explain its meaning.”

The most important question an evidentiary hearing would attempt to answer is how paragraph 3 came into existence during mediation. More exactly, which party introduced its crucial second sentence, the one that restricts the county from permitting more than 912 resort units “at any time.” It is unlikely any physical record of the sentence’s origins will ever surface, and oral testimony on events from 23 years ago is unreliable. We will need to proceed from inference.

Fortunately, there are only three possibilities, and two of them are improbable. First, the county would not have been motivated to offer a permanent cap on resort development. Then as now, the county has always been reliably pro-development. What the county wanted out of the settlement was an assurance that its latest agreements with the resort, and interpretations of its development, would avoid going through public hearings.

As the county’s appeal emphasizes, the CCA’s complaint had just two counts: lockout units breach the 912-unit limit and should be disallowed; and the county’s agreements with the resort and interpretations of its development should go through public hearings. The CCA was worried about contract zoning, that the county and resort were making agreements about development approvals without public participation.

The mediator was court-appointed and (we may assume) professionally trained. The first task of a court mediator is to keep the participants focused on the subjects at issue in the lawsuit. Any attempts to introduce fresh demands would predictably be shut down as out-of-bounds. That is why it’s improbable that the CCA introduced a new demand that the 912-unit limit become permanent. And as the county’s appeal observes, any attempt by the CCA to make such a demand as a third count in the lawsuit would have been a long shot.

That leaves the resort. An evidentiary hearing would certainly uncover the reasons for the flurry of development activity at the resort around the turn of the century. The original longtime owner/developers had sold to another outfit, who then teamed up with deep-pockets investors to spend some real money and bring the resort roaring into the new century. Hence their elaborate discussions with the county over what was and wasn’t allowed, and what the future of the resort would look like.

The CCA’s lawsuit was sand in the gears. Their first demand, to eliminate lock-out units, was an easy giveaway for the resort: it had built those condos and sold them off; no skin off its back. The second demand, to sub-

ject the agreements and interpretations the resort had been working on with the county to public hearings, was a big problem. It would set the improvements project back timewise, and who knows what might crawl out from underneath the rocks the CCA and the public would turn over.

South Seas’ new owners, like its original owner/developers, were convinced of the historic low-rise, low-density development concept of the resort. They planned to build new pools, restaurants, and other amenities; the only new units they wanted were some larger timeshare units. None of the planned new development risked exceeding the 912unit limit.

It makes the most sense that it was the resort’s idea to make the 912-unit cap permanent. They already believed in it, were committing millions to the resort’s modernization without seeking a rezoning, and it would certainly make the CCA go away. That’s why the settlement agreement has specific language wherein the CCA retracts its demand for the county/resort agreements and development interpretations to go through public hearings. The CCA also specifically promises not to oppose permits for the new timeshares. In short, by offering something they already believed in, the resort greenlighted everything they were trying to accomplish. Enforcement was ensured by the county agreeing not to issue permits that would ever violate the 912-unit cap.

The inferences that the resort introduced the “at any time” sentence are persuasive, and their plausibility helps to flesh out what probably transpired in mediation. The resort’s key role in the negotiations is now being overlooked in large part because the current lawsuit under appeal is between the county and CCA (the resort can only participate as intervenor). For example, the county’s appeal twice states that “There is no dispute that the Mediation Agreement is a private contract between CCA and Lee County settling that lawsuit,” with no mention of the resort, which is treated like the poor cousin in this saga, along for the ride. But that doesn’t matter: the resort, like the county and CCA, signed on to the “forever” provision, most likely at its own behest.

A large irony in overlooking the resort’s fulcrum role in 2003 is that the poor cousin had an impeccable authority to restrict South Seas’ future development, precisely because it was the owner. As we saw above with conservation easements, property owners can encumber their properties, and future owners, with restrictions and limitations that run with the land in perpetuity. In fact, the settlement agreement closely conforms with Florida’s statutory definition of a conserva-

tion easement, which lists “maintaining existing land uses” that “limits construction or placing of buildings” as one of its accepted purposes.

One could counter that while the settlement agreement might be the functional equivalent of a conservation easement, it doesn’t declare itself as such. The statutory language is however quite flexible concerning the form by which the easement may be created:

“Conservation easements are perpetual, undivided interests in property and may be created or stated in the form of a restriction, easement, covenant, or condition in any deed, will, or other instrument executed by or on behalf of the owner of the property.”

(emphasis added)

The “other instrument” in this case is not a handwritten note found in a shoebox: it is a legal settlement agreement whose authenticity no one has yet had the temerity to question. Florida law states without qualification that “Conservation easements shall run with the land and be binding on all subsequent owners.”

The settlement agreement has other structural similarities with a conservation easement, in that the CCA and county are the functional equivalents of easement holders: “Conservation easements may provide for a third-party right of enforcement,” which may be “enforced by injunction or proceeding in equity or at law.”

On that subject, the county speculates that the CCA as an overseer in the settlement agreement could choose to selectively enforce its strictures. The county even suggests that the CCA might extort property owners whose building projects would violate the 912-unit limit: if the CCA’s extortionate demands aren’t met, it will enforce the agreement; if the property owner plays ball, the CCA will look the other way.

Of course this is an utterly baseless suggestion, coming from a county that is practicing selective enforcement before our very eyes. Does the county not have a mirror, to see that disregarding the settlement agreement, passing ordinances violating its provisions without mentioning its existence, and then spending millions in court attempting to have it invalidated, is in itself selective non-enforcement?Finally, based on the evidence before us, is the agreement the county attempts to ignore and erase not a de facto conservation easement in all but name, a functional equivalent that shares all its essential characteristics? And if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, is it not indeed a duck?

Don Bacon Montara, California

Captiva library and county system offering programs

The Captiva Memorial Library, which is part of the Lee County Library System, is offering the following free programming:

Adult programs

∫ Today, July 9: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including coloring pages.

∫ July 11: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including coloring pages.

∫ July 14: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including coloring pages.

∫ July 16: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including coloring pages.

Teen programs

∫ Today, July 9: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

HEARTSafe

From page 6

nation, spearheading efforts to bring CPR and AED training to schools, community centers, government offices and local organizations. A countywide policy now ensures that all public employees are trained in hands-only CPR, and students across Lee County schools receive CPR education before graduation.

The county promoted the initiative last summer during Lee County Public Safety’s “Summer of Safety” campaign, which partnered with other county departments such

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including a watercolor accordion fan.

∫ July 11: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including a watercolor accordion fan.

∫ July 14: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including a watercolor accordion fan.

∫ July 16: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including a watercolor accordion fan.

as Lee County Parks & Recreation. The Summer of Safety event highlighted AED use with a live demonstration, addressing a life-saving tool that remains underused during cardiac arrest. The goal was to empower the public with the knowledge and confidence to act when it matters most.

“Lee County’s application stood out for its comprehensive, grassroots approach,” Jim Suozzi, member of the foundation’s Program Advisory Committee who was involved in the peer review process, said.

Children programs

∫ Today, July 9: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including a watercolor accordion fan.

∫ July 11: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including a watercolor accordion fan.

∫ July 14: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including a watercolor accordion fan.

∫ July 16: Summer Reading Program Crafts (during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of table-top crafts and activities, including a watercolor accordion fan.

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

For more information, call 239-533-4890 or visit https://www.leegov.com/library/programs.

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

“They’ve woven cardiac preparedness into the fabric of the community — from first responders to area citizens of all ages. It’s a model other municipalities can learn from.”

The county reported that the designation not only honors current efforts, but also positions Lee as a leader in building a resilient, lifesaving infrastructure for the future.

“Communities like Lee County remind us that real change happens when leadership, education and citizen action come together,” HEARTSafe Program Chair Rich Shok said.

“This designation is more than symbolic — it reflects systems that will save lives today and for years to come.”

As a HEARTSafe Community, Lee County joins a growing national network dedicated to reducing deaths from sudden cardiac arrest through prevention, empowerment and system-wide collaboration.

To watch a video about the HeartSmart program, visit https://youtu.be/8WF_0K1fODU.

The Community House will host a Breakfast at Wimbledon Brunch on July 13 starting at 9:30 a.m. on Sanibel.

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

TCH to host Breakfast at Wimbledon Brunch

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

Tickets are available for a new Wimbledon-focused event at The Community House (TCH).

TCH will host a Breakfast at Wimbledon Brunch on July 13 on Sanibel, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. It will feature the Gentlemen’s Singles Final on the big screen, along with food, drinks and more.

“It’s just a fun community event. Something different to bring people together,” Executive Director Emily Ankerson said, adding that it might appeal to tennis fans or those who just want to get together.

At about 11 a.m., the championship match will be livestreamed on the projector in Great Hall.

“It’s going to be up on our big screen,” she said. “It’s our big movie-sized projector.”

Ankerson explained that the Wimbledon 2025 Championships are taking place over 14 days.

“I kind of just picked the last day of the event because it’s the finale,” she said, adding that if the new event is popular, they will consider doing it again next year, but covering more than just one day.

Before the match starts, attendees can enjoy a championship-worthy breakfast spread.

“This whole ‘Breakfast at Wimbledon’ is a tradition,” Ankerson said, explaining that strawberries and cream is a feature because is symbolizes the start of the summer and excitement of the tournament.

“We’re going to do bagels with the fixings,” she said.

There will be cream cheese, lox and smoked salmon and most likely strawberries and whipped cream.

Attendees can also partake in a bubbly bar.

“We’ll do coffee and juice, with options to make mimosas or have champagne,” Ankerson said.

In addition, a Pingpong table will be set up for those who want to play table tennis.

“We’re going to have a couple of door or raffle prizes,” she added.

Attendees are encouraged to wear white.

“That’s the tradition for Wimbledon,” Ankerson said. “But people don’t have to. It’s just for fun.”

TCH expressed its appreciation to the supporters of the event, which include the Beachview Tennis Club, The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, Sanibel Carts, and the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa.

“Thank you for trying out this new idea with us and getting behind it,” she said.

Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

If you go

What Breakfast at Wimbledon Brunch

When July 13 starting at 9:30 a.m.

Where

The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Details

Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members

“It’s all inclusive,” Ankerson said of the breakfast, drinks and fun.

The community is invited to reserve a seat.

“It’s an opportunity to do some thing different to socialize with peo ple in the community,” she said. “If you’re a tennis enthusiast, it gives you a chance to watch it on the big screen, but it’s also causal for those who simply want to get together.”

“And it’s a very affordable brunch,” Ankerson added.

For tickets or more information, sanibelcommunityhouse.net.

For questions, call TCH at 239-472-2155.

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

TCH holds happy hour social

The Community House hosted Happy Hour at the House on June 17 on Sanibel. The tropical summer social featured specialty cocktails, music, discounted drinks, popcorn and a children’s craft table. In addition, door prizes for attendees were sponsored by A Little Adventure, Bubbly Latitude and Sanibel Fly Outfitters. A grand prize drawing will be held for a half-day fishing charter with Capt. Whitney Jones, provided by Whitney’s Bait & Tackle and Sanibel Fly Outfitters. One entry will be received for every Happy Hour at the House attended. Also, five more entries can be purchased for $5 each at the events, plus the weekly Shellcrafters class and the Breakfast at Wimbledon Brunch set for July 13.

Shell Find

PHOTO PROVIDED

Junonia found on Sanibel

Angela Hensley, of Pendleton, Indiana, found a junonia on the morning of June 27 at Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel. It was her fourth trip to the island. “We were celebrating my friend, Kris, and her 60th birthday, so I gifted

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

Door prize winners at Happy Hour at the House on June 17 at The Community House on Sanibel.

the shell to her,” Hensley said. “She was the person who took me to Sanibel for the first time back in 1999.” To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.

IN

THE GARDEN

Dutchman’s pipe

Dutchman’s pipe is woody vine with flowers

The Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia durior) is a woody vine that produces flowers shaped like curved pipes with heart-shaped leaves. The S-shaped flowers are produced in late spring and early summer. While the vine is considered a native, it has actually naturalized throughout the east coast of the United States, ranging from Maine to Florida, including Canada.

The unique vine has a fast growth rate that can reach a height of 20-30 feet, grows best in full sun to part shade, and is best suited for growing on a trellis in a South Florida garden.

Aside from its beautiful flowers, the unique specimen is the host plant to the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. This caterpillar has specifically evolved to feed on the vine, which is actually extremely distasteful and toxic to other butterfly species that might try to feed on the plant. In addition, the caterpillar stores the toxins from the plant in its body to make itself toxic to predators. Small flies and gnats are attracted to the open throat of the flower, directing them down the tube to pollinate the plant.

The Dutchman’s pipe vine seems to have created a very unique environment for itself and the special butterfly that has made this plant its haven for both food and protection.

In The Garden is provided by In The Garden, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-395-5859 or visit www. facebook.com/rswalshinthegarden.

Summer slowdown hits hard for those in need

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva reported that as the summer season settles in and visitor traffic slows in Lee County, many local families, seniors and workers are facing another kind of slowdown — access to food.

Visits to FISH’s food pantry have remained high, even as seasonal activity decreases. From January through June, it saw more visits this year than last. Staff and volunteers continue to see a steady stream of neighbors needing help, especially as the off-season brings fewer work hours for service industry workers and higher electricity and grocery bills from summer heat.

“Tourists may be gone, but our community still needs to eat — and many just can’t make ends meet right now,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said. “Seniors on fixed incomes, families juggling summer childcare, and storm-impacted residents still trying to rebuild, workforce in the service and retail industries — these are the people walking through our doors.”

The food pantry offers shelf-stable goods, fresh produce, dairy, frozen meats, hygiene items and heat-and-eat meals.

See SLOWDOWN, page 29

FISH OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva food pantry volunteers prepare for incoming shoppers.

Painting auction to benefit CHR

Community Housing and Resources (CHR) reported that a painting by Sanibel artist Myra Roberts is up for auction from now through July 17 at 10 p.m. The proceeds will support CHR’s mission to provide essential housing for essential people. “Bicycle on Sanibel” is a 40-by-30-inch first edition of Roberts’ original embellished giclee canvas. Valued at $4,000, the bids start at $500. While the online auction is live, the piece will be on display at Jerry’s Foods, at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. To place a bid or for more information, visit https://chr.auctionsnap.com/jerrys-foods-auction/. For questions, contact CHR Communications Crisis Director Angela Luallen at 239-472-1189.

COMMUNITY HOUSING AND RESOURCES

County: Storm-related aid available for households

Lee County reported that homeowners impacted by Hurricanes Ian, Helene and/or Milton may be eligible for up to $10,000 in help with insurance deductibles.

Requirements include:

∫ Home must be in Lee County and your primary residence

∫ Property taxes must be current

∫ Income limits apply

∫ Payments go directly to licensed contractors

Funding may be prioritized for very-low-income and special needs households.

For more information, visit https:// www.leegov.com/dcd/planning/ship.

In addition, the county reported that assistance is available for low-income households experiencing ongoing financial challenges related to Hurricane Ian.

Assistance includes:

∫ Past-due rent or mortgage payments

∫ Moving expenses

∫ Temporary emergency housing

For more information, visit leegov.com/dhs/assistance/financial.

Recipe of the Week: Apple Torta Della Nonna (Apple Cake)

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

This cake is best when made with freshly picked, firm juicy apples. Nonna Maria made this cake with apples from her orchard, and I loved to peek in the oven door and watch the dough rise and make the apples disappear. It is my husband’s favorite dessert; it reminds him of an apple cake that his grandmother used to make. This is the perfect dessert for fall. Serves eight.

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whole milk

2 teaspoon vanilla sugar or extract

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

5-6 Rome apples peeled, cored and sliced

1/2 cup golden raisins soaked in Amaretto liquor

1/4 cup slivered toasted almonds

Chef Loretta Paganini

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift the flour with salt and baking powder. Add the flour and milk to batter. Add vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. With a spatula, fold in the prepared apples, raisins that reserved the liquor that they were soaking in, and almonds.

Grease with butter and flour a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove and let it cool. Brush with reserved liquor. Cool and serve with Amaretto gelato.

Amaretto Gelato

1/4 pint heavy cream

1 3/4 pints milk

3/4 cup sugar

9 egg yolks

1/4 cup Amaretto liquor

1 pinch of salt

1 vanilla bean, split in half

Heat cream, milk, vanilla bean and sugar for four to five minutes and let cool slightly. With a wooden spoon, beat eggs with a pinch of salt until released, then add to milk mixture.

In an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat until pale yellow and ribbons form.

CROW Calendar

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife’s Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

∫ Today, July 9

Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be on “A Day In The Life.”

∫ Thursday, July 10

Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be on “A Day In The Life.”

∫ Friday, July 11

Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be on “If You Care, Leave It There.”

∫ Monday, July 14

Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be on “Baby Season.”

∫ Tuesday, July 15

Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be on “Endangered Wildlife.”

∫ Wednesday, July 16

Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be on “Snakes.”

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 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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 239-472-3644.

BIG ARTS Calendar

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

Arts Education

Matisse Collage Cut-Outs with Erica Sharp will be held today, July 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. Open to students in first through 12th grade, it is part of the fourclass summer series. Cost is $36 for donors and $45 for non-donors per class, or $132 for donors and $160 for non-donors for the series.

Arts Education

Warhol Pop-Art Prints with Erica Sharp will be held on July 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. Open to students in first through 12th grade, it is part of the four-class summer series. Cost is $36 for donors and $45 for non-donors per class, or $132 for donors and $160 for non-donors for the series.

For more information or to register, visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-3950900.

Heat the mixture until it coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the amaretto liquor. Chill mixture in the refrigerator, then place into ice cream machine and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Island Worship

∫ 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. Torah (Bible) Study on Saturday at 10 a.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 Services will return for season in November. Videos of services from the past season can be found on the chapel’s website and Facebook page.

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida P.O. Box 722, Sanibel, www.chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida.org Shabbat service on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Torah Talk on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. There are also speakers, discussions and informal “schmoozes.” 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 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC’s YouTube channel.

∫ 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 the Sanctuary.

∫ 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. Saturday Mass at 5 p.m. Sunday Mass at 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 9:30 a.m., with socials to follow; services are available via livestream and the link on the website.

The Santiva Islanders will present the following:

Cardio & Strength

Mahnaz Bassiri will host Cardio & Strength today, July 9, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 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.

Social Mahjong

Social Mahjong will be held on July 10 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Santiva Islanders Place (SIP), at 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 17, Sanibel. Cost is $5. For more information, contact Beth Funderburg at bfundy4648@gmail.com.

Cardio & Strength

Mahnaz Bassiri will host Cardio & Strength on July 11 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle

Way, Sanibel. 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.

Saturday Brunch

Saturday Brunch will be held on July 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Lighthouse Cafe, at 1020 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Attendees will order and pay individually. RSVPs requested. To RSVP, visit https://santivaislanders.org/events/hbhkwr76c95mnfn1r69mbo37bfse77-ask6x-

73fr2-2s2jy-zjlec-kbrzt-efjdk. For more information, contact Beth Funderburg at bfundy4648@gmail.com.

Cardio & Strength

Mahnaz Bassiri will host Cardio & Strength on July 14 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $60 per

Santiva Islanders Calendar

MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

RC Otter’s Island Eats, 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

The Community House Calendar

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

Sanibel Hearts Club

The Sanibel Hearts Club will meet on July 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. New players, from beginners to experts, are welcome. Suggested donation of $5. The winners on June 27 were: Jim Liichow, first place; and Jim Marianski and Mary Beth Zerby, tied for second place.

Shellcrafters

The Shellcrafters will meet on July 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a.m.; it is free, and supplies cost $3-5 per shell flower. Items will also be available for sale; all sales benefit the operations of TCH.

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 239-472-2155.

TCH office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings

Are you concerned with a friend or family member’s drinking? Let us help.

Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-564-5098 or visit www.SouthFloridaAl-Anon.org. Meetings are held every day in Lee County.

Al-Ateen meetings are also offered for ages 10-18.

From page 27

month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members.

Lunch and Dessert

Lunch and Dessert will be held on July 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santiva Islanders Place (SIP), at 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 17, Sanibel. Bring your own lunch. Dessert will be provided for the Love Sanibel Back event.

Social Hour

Social Hour will be held on July 14

Santiva Islanders Calendar

from 4 to 6 p.m. at Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, at 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials. Attendees will order and pay individually.

Leisure Lunch

A Leisure Lunch will be held on July 15 from noon to 1 p.m. at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, at 2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel. Attendees will order and pay individually. RSVPs requested by July 14. To RSVP, contact Erika Arnowitz at 239-472-4775, ext. 107, or

erika@fishofsancap.org.

Euchre

Euchre will be held on July 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santiva Islanders Place (SIP), at 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 17, Sanibel. Cost is $5. For more information, contact Les Carlson at 860983-0155 or lescarlson@comcast.net.

Cardio & Strength

Mahnaz Bassiri will host Cardio & Strength on July 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Sanibel Congregational United

Doc Ford’s announce winners

Four people won a YETI cooler filled with Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille swag, courtesy of the restaurant’s monthlong celebration of National Yucatan Shrimp Day on May 24. All from Florida, the winners were: Erica Greskoviak at the Doc Ford’s Sanibel; Danny Brito at the Doc Ford’s Fort Myers Beach; Tanya Duffy at the Doc Ford’s St. Petersburg Pier; and Terri Amick at the Doc Ford’s Jungle Terrace. The winners were drawn from a pool of 12,350 entries. Customers qualified by purchasing a signature Yucatan menu item or retail Yucatan sauce between May 1-24. The customized coolers were filled with T-shirts, koozies, bottles of Yucatán sauce and $100 gift cards.

Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 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. For more information, visit https:// santivaislanders.org/ or contact santivaislanders@gmail.com.

The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel

DANNY MORGAN

Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel CHRIS WORKMAN 7 to 10 p.m.

The Green Flash, 15183 Captiva Drive, Captiva

DOC FORD’S RUM BAR & GRILLE

Terri Amick won the National Yucatán Shrimp Day cooler at the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Jungle Terrace location in St. Petersburg.

CFI, Sundial host celebration for nonprofits

In partnership with the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) hosted an End-of-Season Nonprofit Pool Party on June 18 on Sanibel. The event celebrated and thanked more than 75 nonprofit professionals serving Sanibel and Captiva. Attendees enjoyed a full daycation experience at the resort, including pool and beach access, beach chairs and umbrella service, poolside games, beach volleyball, bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, and use of tennis and pickleball courts. CFI reported the party offered nonprofit staff the opportunity to relax and recharge, as well as reconnect with one another, as the season winds down. It extended its thanks to the Sundial and all the nonprofit professionals whose dedication continues to uplift the island community, along with a special thank you to Community Housing & Resources (CHR) for coming up with the idea and the Clinic for Rehabilitation and Wildlife (CROW) for arranging for the inkind donation.

Slowdown

From page 26

In 2024, FISH provided over 7,000 pantry visits to individuals and families in need — and 2025 may surpass those numbers by year’s end.

However, with need at an all-time high, the pantry is struggling to keep pace. FISH reported that shelves sit nearly empty week after week, and the current pantry budget is stretched thin. Donations of food and funds are welcome, especially in the summer months when shelves can quickly run low.

In addition to the food pantry, FISH offers Fresh Meal Boxes. Available generally during the second week of each month, the boxes contain all the ingredients needed to prepare a full meal for a family, plus a simple recipe card.

“We hear from families that the Fresh Meal Boxes make a huge difference,” she said. “They get to try something new, cook together and know they’ll have a well-

rounded dinner that night.”

The program is made possible through grant funding from the Lee County Unmet Needs Long Term Recovery Group’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR), under a micro-grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice serving as the grant recipient.

Also, FISH delivers meals to homebound residents and provides support for those managing health issues, job loss or reduced hours. FISH reported that many clients are still feeling the economic impact of Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton.

Anyone in need of assistance in encouraged to reach out.

For more information, visit www.fishofsancap.org or contact 239-472-4775.

CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS

SCIAR raises funds for RPAC

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR) raised more than $15,000 at its 28th Annual RPAC Golf Tournament & Auction on May 14 at The Sanctuary Golf Club to benefit the REALTORS Political Action Committee (RPAC). The SCIAR reported that the RPAC plays a role in promoting legislation that protects the interests of homeowners and real estate professionals across the state. Funds raised are used to support elected officials and initiatives that align with the values of property ownership, smart growth and environmental responsibility. The RPAC has supported projects that benefit Southwest Florida, including funding for Everglades restoration, water infrastructure improvements, beach renourishment and responsible land-use policies. The funds raised at the SCIAR event will support those efforts, helping to ensure that property rights and water quality remain top priorities for decision-makers in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

From left, Alec Suarez with Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors Chief Executive Officer Bill Robinson and Past President Brendan Albright.

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Doc Ford’s staff volunteer at food pantry

Team members from the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Fort Myers Beach recently spent a June afternoon volunteering at the Gladiolus Food Pantry in Fort Myers. They loaded pantry clients’ vehicles, as well as shucked and bagged corn. It was the second time that staffers have partnered with the pantry, donating their time and energy to impact the community in a meaningful way.

Decal program results in donation

Bank of the Islands recently made a donation through its We Love Our Islands program. Winner Karen Storjohann was spotted with the program’s decal on her vehicle, winning her the chance to decide which local non-profit would receive a charitable contribution. She chose to donate the $3,200 to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). The bank has donated $151,800 to date through the program. All islanders are invited to visit the bank’s branches to pick up a decal and learn more about the We Love Our Islands program.

From left, Bank of the Islands Vice President David Lowden, bankers Cloie Heinan, Heather Harrison and Kelsey Hamilton, winner Karen Storjohann, and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Chief Executive Officer James Evans.

BANK OF THE ISLANDS

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille team members at the Gladiolus Food Pantry in Fort Myers.

Community takes part in summer campaign

Love Sanibel Back continued the week of June 29 through July 5 at Adventures in Paradise Outfitters, A Little Adventure, Coco y Cabana, Sanibel Pilates & Spa, Sanibel Sole, Shiny Objects, Synergy, The Original Cheeburger Cheeburger, The Sanibel Café, and Wilford & Lee Home Accents on Sanibel. The Sanibel

Café hosted a gathering on June 30, and Cheeburger Cheeburger hosted one on July 2. Residents and visitors were joined by local officials, including Mayor Mike Miller and his wife, Mary, Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William Dalton and Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Fire Chief Kevin Barbot. Campaign buttons

and tote bags were handed out. Running now through August, the campaign was initiated by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, in partnership with the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, SanCap Chamber and city of Sanibel, to connect the island community and support businesses.

A group outside of The

and

Sanibel Café. From left, Doreen

Mark Bolhuis, Ali Kendall, Mayor Mike and Mary Miller, Charlie Ball, Bonnie McCurry and owner Richard McCurry, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Fire Chief Kevin Barbot, Shawn Dumas, Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William Dalton and Josh Stewart.

LOVE SANIBEL BACK

Diners at The Original Cheeburger Cheeburger on Sanibel.

Robyn and Don Marker at Adventures in Paradise Outfitters on Sanibel.

From left, Steve Lutke, Synergy Manager Rachel Henley and Wendy McGhaha on Sanibel.

Chris and Dana Berresford at A Little Adventure on Sanibel. Shoppers visit Coco y Cabana on Sanibel.

‘Drinking Buddies’

(From “Sanibel Joe’s Songbook”)

We nicknamed him “Negative Phil” because he had learned to substitute the military form of denial for the simple word “No.”

At three o’clock every afternoon, he sat in the same corner stool at Dresner’s Other, a bar on 88th and 2nd, welcoming each new arrival with a nod and lift of his beer stein and if they responded, added “at ease, men” then waited for a reciprocal nod, an offer of drink or conversation.

Negative and I, hit it off from the start and we became friendly dueling-banjos factoid mavens, playing barroom Jeopardy:

“First player to play for three New York teams?” “Who is Waite Hoyt, of course.”

“Quarterback against the Giants when game broadcast was interrupted by Pearl Harbor? “Who is how can I forget Ace Parker?”

“Comedian composer of ‘Sam, You Made The Pants Too Long’”

“Who else but Uncle Miltie”

Some of the other regulars told me he spent a lot of time in the Yorkville library reference room looking up questions with which to trap me.

I didn’t mind, our bouts entertained the regulars, occasional patrons and Freddie the bartender, all of whom joined in occasionally with trivia traps of their own.

But when we ran out of questions, he would begin talking about the city in the good old days and how things would never be the same again, Jimmy Walker and LaGuardia, they were real mayors and characters and everyone was an American then and not this minority crap, affirmative BS, something for nothing, Vito Marcantonio giving Puerto Ricans 29 dollars airfare, putting them on welfare so they could keep re-electing him to Congress — until one day I corrected him, “Eighty dollars, Negative, my mother paid eighty dollars to come over on the banana boat from Puerto Rico.”

His face flushed for a few seconds, then with the biggest s--- eating grin I’ve ever seen he asked me, “So you know Roberto Clemente, Rita Moreno and Herman Badillo?

I lied and answered, “Negative, Phil,”

and we never played Jeopardy or drinking buddies again.

San Cap Bank collecting donations for FISH

In partnership with FISH of SanibelCaptiva, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is accepting school supply donations from now through Aug. 2 at its branches on Sanibel.

The donations will support students and families who live or work on the islands.

Donations may be dropped off at:

∫ Main Office, at 2406 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Periwinkle Office, at 1910 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

In addition, FISH is accepting monetary donations to help purchase supplies and provide socks, undergarments and gift cards for clothing and specialized items, like scientific calculators and uniforms.

For more information, visit fishofsancap.org.

Joe Pacheco

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA KIWANIS CLUB Kiwanis holds monthly social

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club recently held its monthly social at the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel. Attendees enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and community spirit. The club extended its thanks to the restaurant and its staff for their warm hospitality and excellent service.

Zonta celebrates relationship with Habitat

The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva reported that its collaborative relationship with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties goes back at least 10 years, when the club awarded its first grant in support of Habitat’s then-new Women Build program.

It raises funds for construction or rehabbing of homes for single mothers and their families.

Recently, several events continued to strengthen Zonta’s connection with the program, beginning with Habitat’s annual Women Build Kickoff party in March. It launched the 2025 program and honored a number of major contributors, including

the club.

Every spring, Zonta provides a volunteer crew for one or more Women Build sites, where members engage in painting, flooring or whatever is the greatest need, as a home is readied for a new owner. In June, President Taryn Manning attended the dedication of a home in Cape Coral and had the honor of presenting a symbolic key to a new homeowner.

“We have seen through our partnership with Habitat and the Women Build program what can be accomplished with hard work and determination,” she said.

For more information, visit www.zontasancap.com.

From

President Taryn Manning presents a symbolic key to new homeowners at a Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry

dedication in June.

right, Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva

Counties’

Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva members volunteering at a Women Build work site in April.

ZONTA CLUB OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

From left, Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva member Karen Pati with a future homeowner at Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties’ annual Women Build Kickoff party in March.

The Heights Center in Fort

BIG ARTS provides outreach update

BIG ARTS on Sanibel recently welcome more than 120 students from The Heights Center in Fort Myers as part of its annual summer visual arts field trips.

Youths from kindergarten through seventh grade explored the galleries, participated in a lively scavenger hunt, and created their own masterpieces through hands-on, make-and-take art activities.

Gallery Director Wilson McCray and Arts Education

Director Aimee Harrison led the camps.

“This is an annual event now. These kids come out and they remember last year, which is really fun,” McCray said. “We do two groups — some art activities in each gallery. They have a lot of fun, and it’s art education. What could be better?”

The special retreat is part of BIG ARTS Outreach, an initiative that builds partnerships with educational, com-

munity development and healthcare organizations across Lee County.

“Through these collaborations, we aim to open pathways for communication, healing and self-expression by providing opportunities for creative engagement to underserved members of our community and local healthcare workers,” it shared.