Business Notes
CEPD OFFICE TEMPORARILY CLOSED
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District reported that its office is closed for renovations due to damages caused by Hurricane Ian.
Until the work is completed, it will hold office hours on Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar, at 11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.
The CEPD office is at 11513 Andy Rosse Lane, Unit 4, Captiva.
NATURE STORE TEMPORARILY CLOSED
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) reported that to accommodate completing the annual inventory, the Refuge Nature Store will be closed now through Sept. 30.
It will reopen on Oct. 1 at 9 a.m.
In the meantime, the public can shop the online store at https://shopdingdarling.com/.
KADUK SELECTED FOR 40 UNDER 40
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank announced that residential loan officer Rachel Kaduk has been named a 2024 Gulfshore Business 40 Under 40 honoree.
The award recognizes Southwest Florida rising stars who have made a unique contribution through their careers and in their communities, as well as a commitment to enriching the areas where they live and work.
Kaduk joined the bank in 2020 as an interim loan operations specialist to assist with the Small Business Administration Payroll Protection Program and was instrumental in helping to administer the program. She quickly earned a permanent position as a residential loan coordinator responsible for reviewing loan applications and preparing mortgage files for delivery to underwriting.
In April, Kaduk was promoted to residential loan officer at the Bridge Branch in Fort Myers.
She has been heavily involved in the community for many years, dedicating countless hours to several local, nonprofit organizations serving Southwest Florida, such as the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, Guardian Angels for Special Populations, Southwest Florida Symphony, Chamber of Southwest Florida, Lee County Republican Liberty Caucus and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast.
‘DING’ REPRESENTED AT E-AWARDS
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) reported that staff and volunteers from it, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE) were honored at the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s E-Awards breakfast on Aug. 23.
The nominees for the 24th annual award recognizing standouts in the local tourism industry were:
– DDWS: April Boehnen, Melissa Maher, Ashley McGovern, Joy Robertson and Chelle Walton
– Refuge: Ranger Jessica Barry, volunteer Ruth Brooks, Ranger Yvette Carrasco and volunteer Karl Werner
- TBE: Charlie Frese, Wendy Schnapp and Adam Sauerland
CHR FINAL APARTMENT COMPLETED
Community Housing and Resources recently announced the reopening of all its apartments.
Its final unit has been completed following the damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022.
“We are thrilled to welcome our newest resident home,” Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale said. “This is a testament to the resilience of our community and the unwavering support from the city of Sanibel, our dedicated board of directors, amazing volunteers and exceptional staff. Together, we have made it possible for our residents to have a safe and welcoming place to call home.”
CHR reported that it is committed to providing affordable housing solutions and resources to support individuals and families on Sanibel.
For more information about CHR, visit sancapchr.org.
SOUTH SEAS WELCOMES EXECUTIVE CHEF
South Seas on Captiva announced Chef Thomas Cook as executive chef.
He will oversee the resort’s culinary program, while opening new and re-concepted restaurants. Cook’s oversight will include the current Island Tacos and Shell City Burgers food trucks, along with Scoops & Slices, Harborside, the Redfish Grill and Beach House.
He joins the resort with a background that includes executive chef positions at The Boca Raton Resort & Club, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, The Union Station Nashville Yards, Autograph Collection, Hilton Downtown Nashville and King and Prince Beach & Golf.