Business Notes
IWA INSTALLING SMART METERS
The Island Water Association reported that it is currently installing smart meters for customers.
The device provides real-time information on water use.
As of October, account numbers beginning with a 3 or a 4 can view their usage and set up leak and consumption alerts on their IWA account.
To enroll, visit www.islandwater.com and click on the “Member Account Portal” button.
For more information or assistance, visit www.islandwater.com/portalguide or call 239-472-1502.
VIP REALTY WELCOMES NEW AGENT
VIP Realty Group announced that Michael Billheimer has joined the team.
A Sanibel native and third generation island resident, his family discovered Sanibel in 1898. They purchased property and built the High Tide Cottages, now High Tide Condominium. Billheimer attended Sanibel elementary and worked at the Nutmeg House restaurant, now the Nutmeg Village, which was built and run by his aunts.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and restaurant management from Florida International University and worked in restaurant and hotel management for the Marriott Corporation before returning to Sanibel to take over the Lighthouse Cafe, eventually purchasing it in 1988. After a 32-year career at the eatery, Billheimer handed over the reins to his nephew.
His involvement in the island community includes serving as president of the SanCap Chamber and being appointed to the Sanibel Planning Commission.
CFI VICE CHAIR TO RECEIVE RECOGNITION
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands announced that Vice Chair Melissa Congress will be recognized as a 2023 Distinguished Volunteer of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Collier-Lee Chapter at its National Philanthropy Day Celebration on Nov. 14 in Naples.
In addition to the CFI, she serves on the F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva board and Children’s Education Center of the Islands advisory board. Congress has served on the boards of The Sanibel School Parent Teacher Association, BIG ARTS, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife and Sanibel Community Association. She was a founding member of Sanibel-Captiva Cares, supporting the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
Congress and her husband have lived on Sanibel for over 30 years and operate Congress Jewelers.
After more than a decade of service with the CFI, her term as vice chair will end in December.
F.I.S.H. TAKES PART IN ISLAND EVENT
F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva Executive Director Maria Espinoza attended the 2023 Sanctuary Golf Club Employee Seasonal Kick-off and Benefit Fair on Oct. 16.
She shared how F.I.S.H. assists the islands’ residents and workforce.
SAN CAP COMMUNITY BANK, PARTNER HELP FEED YOUTHS
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and The Extreme Team of Companies recently partnered to donate $18,000 to Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida.
The funds will support The Harlem Heights Community Charter School and Early Learning program and provide food for nearly 140 children in both programs for the 2023-24 school year.
The bank and the team each donated $9,000, which will enable Blessings in a Backpack in partnership with The Heights Foundation to provide food to students each weekend of the school year.
Every Friday afternoon during the school year, the children will each receive a backpack filled with kid-friendly, ready-to-eat food.