Business Notes
SCCF ANNOUNCES SUMMER SCHEDULE
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that its Native Landscapes & Garden Center on Sanibel will be closed on Fridays through the end of summer.
It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, visit https://sccf.org/what-we-do/preserve-the-land/native-landscapes-garden-center/.
The Native Landscapes & Garden Center is at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
SCYP TO HOST WELCOME GATHERING
In partnership with the Sanibel Public Library and FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, the Sanibel Captiva Young Professionals (SCYP) will host a Welcome to the Islands event on June 16 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
Organized in an open-house format, it will offer a casual and welcoming environment for young people on the islands to connect with community resources, peers, and free or affordable ways to enjoy the island outside of work.
SCYP Advisory Board Member Skye McDonald developed the event with the hopes to bridge the gap that she experienced as an intern in the summer of 2022.
Refreshments and light bites will be provided.
The week of the event, the library and FISH will have resource information available for pick up.
For more information, contact scyprofessionals@gmail.com.
CROW WELCOMES STAFF VETERINARIAN
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife announced that Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher joined the team as a senior staff veterinarian in April.
A Missouri native, he is a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine, with extensive experience in clinical care, academic research and veterinary education.
Schnellbacher earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Missouri, where he built a foundation in wildlife and exotic animal care through clinical rotations at zoological and wildlife facilities.
After graduation, he completed a one-year anesthesia internship at Louisiana State University, followed by two one-year zoological medicine internships at Louisiana State University and Kansas State University. Schnellbacher later completed a three-year zoological medicine residency through a collaborative program between the University of Georgia and Georgia Aquarium.
He is an active contributor to the veterinary community, presenting at local and national conferences and authoring scientific publications and book chapters. Schnellbacher is particularly passionate about the treatment, rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife, and he continues to pursue research aimed at improving analgesic and anesthetic techniques for exotic species.
As a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM), he is recognized for his expertise in the specialized care of zoological and wildlife species. In addition to his clinical work, Schnellbacher has a passion for education, regularly mentoring veterinary students and interns.
REFUGE WOW STAFFER COMPLETES COURSE
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that Urban Education Leader Melissa Maher recently completed a graduate course through the Teaching Channel.
She oversees the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Wildlife on Wheels (WoW) mobile classroom educational team.
The course was Supporting Struggling Students through High Leverage Practices.
Maher reported that she took the class to learn new strategies to implement with students at the WoW, along with teaching her team new ideas to assist them in leading a small group of students.
She added that science needs to be an engaging experience for all students, regardless of their strengths and weaknesses, and implementation of best practices at the WoW will allow students to discover the world of science, along with sparking a love and passion in them as future stewards of conservation
STUDENTS CONTRIBUTING TO DASHBOARD
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) reported that students and faculty from the Ain Technology and Design Hub at Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Daveler-Kaunaui School of Entrepreneurship visited Sanibel to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.
They visited local business owners and city officials to get a first-hand perspective on the community.
Hosted by Sanibel Solutions, SanCap Chamber and CFI, the group is contributing to the creation of a Sanibel Recovery Dashboard — a tool designed to track progress and guide decision-making.
The CFI reported that through site visits, conversations with island leaders and collaboration with local businesses, the visit showcased how academic partnerships and innovation can support resilience and shape the future of long-term recovery.
For more information about the Sanibel Recovery Dashboard, visit https://sanibel-solutions.com/.
FOUNDATION HOSTS ANNUAL BREAKFAST
In collaboration with the School District of Lee County, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools hosted its 34th Annual Partners in Education/State of Our Schools Breakfast on May 16 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers.
It celebrated collaboration in public education and highlighted the progress of the district, as well as recognized individuals and organizations for their dedication and contributions to public education.
This year’s theme was inspired by the film “Inside Out,” symbolizing the emotions, challenges and triumphs that shape public education. Key figures from the district and community, including Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin, embraced the theme by dressing up as characters from the movie.
The 2025 awardees recognized were:
– Outstanding School Youth Volunteer Award: Gavin Dimaria
– Outstanding School Volunteer Award: Jeff Rennison, 2025 Florida Department of Education Volunteer of The Year finalist
– Outstanding School Senior Volunteer Award: Michael Pedersen
– Family & Community Involvement Awards: Dr. William Glover with Impact Franklin Park and Sanibel School Fund President Dorothy Plumb
– Business Partner of the Year Awards: Culver’s of North Fort Myers and Downtown House of Pizza
HISTORICAL VILLAGE THANKED BY VCB
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village received a thank you recognition from the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB).
It had welcomed and provided a tour for over 30 tourism ambassadors in January.
The ambassadors are the team located at the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.