By By MEGHAN BRADBURY/ mbradbury@breezenewspapers.com
The Captiva Island Fire Control District set its final millage rate and budget during last week’s meeting.
The commissioners approved 2.2900 mills, which is greater than the rollback rate of 2.532 mills by 6.85%.
The approved budget for fiscal year 2026-27 is $6,280,763.
At the first budget meeting, the commissioners set the tentative millage rate at 2.4500 mills and tentative approved budget at $6,681,469.
Fire Chief Jeff Pawul said they had a little more clarity and were able to reduce the millage rate to 2.2900 mills, which is the same millage rate the last two years.
After a lengthy discussion, the Sanibel Planning Commission approved a variance application and conditional use permit for FISH of SanCap’s Resiliency Hub, which allows the organization to expand its floor area ratio by more than 3,400 square feet.
“This was an important step for FISH and for a project that has required a tremendous amount of planning, coordination and collaboration,” FISH Executive Director Maria Espinoza said. “We appreciate the Planning Commission, city staff and everyone who took the time to learn more about the project, ask questions and participate in the process. We know there are different perspectives in our community, and we respect the public ...
Vote-by-mail ballots for the Nov. 3 General Election will start to hit Southwest Florida mailboxes this week.
The Lee County Elections Office is gearing up to mail out the initial batch of domestic vote-by-mail ballots on Sept. 29. Military and overseas vote-by-mail ballots went out on Sept. 18.
“We’re also ensuring our poll workers are thoroughly trained for the upcoming election; the first training class begins (Thursday),” said Lee County Supervisor of Elections Jenna Persons-Mulicka. “Our team is also gearing up for the public Logic and Accuracy Testing of the voting machines, scheduled for Oct. 9.”
As for the Primary, Persons-Mulicka called it ...
A story of giving back after being touched by those who helped her through her breast cancer journey has turned into not only a month of pink, but also into a nonprofit organization that continues to give to others going through that journey.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast ...
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District set its millage rate for next year, a zero change from the rolled-back rate.
The fiscal year 2026-27 operating millage rate was approved Monday, Sept. 21, for 1.3016 mills.
Fire Chief Kevin Barbot said the board approved to adopt the rollback rate at the last meeting, and if the mindset had not changed, to move forward with the millage rate.
The gross taxable value for operating purposes that are not exempt from taxation within Lee County, and has been certified by the Lee County Property Appriser to the district is $6,060,393,993.
The final budget adopted, which is for fiscal year commencing on Oct. 1, and running through Sept. 30, ...
The CAPTRUST Community Foundation recently awarded The Sanibel School Fund a $2,500 grant in support of The Sanibel School’s STEAM program.
As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, The Sanibel School Fund provides 100% of the funding for the school’s science, technology, engineering, arts, and ...
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s (CEPD) commission signed off on the final assessment apportionment for last year’s beach renourishment project during its recent special meeting.
On Aug. 31, the commissioners voted 4-0 on a resolution approving the final apportionment model for ...
The community is invited out for a day of fun wacky activities — all to support a great cause.
American Legion Post 123 will host its 18th Annual Redneck O'limp'ics on Sept. 5 from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sanibel. Free and open to the public, it will feature friendly competitions, live entertainment ...
Nate Steere, of Fort Myers, found a junonia on Aug. 15 at about 9:15 a.m. between Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach on Sanibel. He spotted the shell's signature pattern in the waves where the ledge of the shore was. “This is my first junonia,” Steere said. “Our family has loved the ...
On Sept. 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian gave Southwest Florida the most expensive stress test in the state’s history. In a matter of hours, the Category 4 storm showed exactly which buildings were ready for a major hurricane – and which were not.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Ian ...
Karen Bell and The Bell Team will return as Captiva Civic Association’s season presenting sponsor for the 2026–27 season.
“Some sponsorships put a name on a season. This one helps hold a community together,” CCA President Lisa Riordan said. “Karen has supported Captiva for decades. ...
