Business Notes
ON ISLAND MOVES TO NEW LOCATION
On Island recently relocated to a brand new location in The Village Shops plaza on Sanibel.
Previously at 630 Tarpon Bay Road, the store is now at 2340 Periwinkle Way.
It expressed deep gratitude to the community for its continued support and good wishes.
On Island extended a special thank you to Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, which stopped by to welcome it with a gift basket.
The shop is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, visit onislandsanibel.com.
SHELL MUSEUM OFFERING BIRTHDAY PARTIES
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel announced the launch of fun and educational children’s birthday party experiences.
They are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for two hours.
The birthday child can choose one of the following adventures: Mollusk Mission, an aquarium scavenger hunt; Shell Detectives, a shells scavenger hunt; or Shell Storytime.
Also, partygoers can choose one of the following make-and-take activities: Slime Time, make a jar of slime; Dosinia Decorating, make a shell magnet; or Octo-Arm Art, decorate an octopus arm.
The party concludes with pizza and dessert in a private room.
The cost is $270 for members and $300 for non-members for the standard package or $395 for members and $425 for non-members for the premium package.
All materials and prizes for the activities are included, along with a goodie bag for the birthday child.
Reservations are required a minimum of three weeks in advance.
To make a reservation, contact Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum.org.
For more information, visit ShellMuseum.org/facility-rental.
CROW THANKS VCB FOR VISIT, SUPPORT
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) reported that the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s (VCB) team recently visited its campus on Sanibel.
It toured the facilities and learned more about CROW’s mission.
CROW extended a thank you to the team for its visit and for helping to share the work being done to rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife in Southwest Florida.
MEMBERS COMPLETE SCIAR PROGRAM
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR) announced that four professionals completed the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist (SCIS) Program.
The new designees are Iris Aloia, Patricia Biehl, Aron Hubers and Marilyn Worley.
SCIAR reported that the education series is designed to deepen the understanding of the unique features, history and conservation efforts that define Sanibel and Captiva.
In May, the participants attended 12 sessions that featured guest speakers from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, BIG ARTS, Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD), city of Sanibel, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and that focused on Differences: Selling the Islands vs. Mainland Lee County, History of the Islands, Marketing Condominiums on the Islands, Resorts and Second Homes, and Waterways and Beaches.
SCIAR noted that the SCIS designation is an achievement that underscores its commitment to professionalism and in-depth local knowledge — further elevating the level of service on the islands.
SCCF JOINS AMERICA’S EVERGLADES SUMMIT
On June 10-11, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) attended the America’s Everglades Summit in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Everglades Foundation.
It brought together stakeholders, restoration managers and leaders from every level of government to advocate for Everglades restoration.
SCCF Chief Executive Officer James Evans and Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis joined colleagues to bring the message of the summit, “It’s Worth It,” to the halls of Congress.
Other partners included Audubon Florida, Captains for Clean Water, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Florida Oceanographic Society, MHK Architecture, SanCap Chamber and more.
After a day of panels and presentations discussing the importance of the largest restoration effort in the country to the environment and economy of Florida, stakeholders met with over 80 legislators and their staff to confirm their support for Everglades restoration within the upcoming budget.
Prior to the summit, the federal administration released its budget ask, which contained a record $446 million for Everglades restoration.
PLANS FOR BONITA FISH COMPANY UNVEILED
The HM Restaurant Group announced that a large center bar, daily music and fresh seafood-forward menu are among the plans for the new Bonita Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach
The group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and the Dixie Fish Company, purchased Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Restaurant & Bar in January.
Featuring about 300 indoor and outdoor seats, the restaurant’s coastal-inspired menu will complement the Dixie Fish Company by offering local seafood, creative dishes and drinks. It will feature items unique to the Bonita Fish Company, including smoked dishes.
“We’re making several upgrades customers will really appreciate, while paying homage to the building’s rich history and waterfront charm,” Joe Harrity, a partner with the group, said. “We’re toying around with bringing back smoked mullet, which was a household staple on San Carlos Island.”
Customers will enjoy entertainment seven days a week, a scenic waterfront setting and the relocation of the main bar to the center of the dining room. Also, there will be dedicated waterfront event space.
The restaurant is projected to open in late 2025.
The Bonita Fish Company is at 702 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR INDUSTRY AWARDS
Sponsored by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development, the 2025 Industry Appreciation Awards is accepting nominations.
In its 33rd year, the awards recognize Lee County’s top businesses and business leaders that drive the local economy, employ the workforce and shape their industries.
This year’s categories include Large Manufacturer of the Year, Small Manufacturer of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Start Up of the Year, Elevate Award, and Tech Catalyst Award.
Applications will be accepted through June 30; self-nominations are allowed.
The Industry Appreciation Awards event will be held on Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, at 1375 Monroe St., Fort Myers.
To apply or for more information, visit IndustryAppreciationAwards.com.