Business Notes
BANK OF THE ISLANDS TO PRESENT SESSION
Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands will host a fraud, scams and identity theft session with local law enforcement on Jan. 24 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at its Sanibel location.
Presented by a Sanibel Police Department representative, it will entail an open discussion and question-and-answer session to help residents recognize and report scams and detect, protect and report fraud and abuse.
Seating is limited.
To RSVP or for more information, contact Liz LaForce at 239-466-1800.
Bank of the Islands is at 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
SCBWA TO HOLD MONTHLY LUNCHEON
The Sanibel Captiva Business Women’s Association (SCBWA) will hold its monthly luncheon on Jan. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
Part of its 2026 Program Series, the guest speaker will be Captiva Civic Association Director Lauren McCraney on “Leading With Care: Women, Community, and the Power of Showing Up.”
She will share her inspiring journey through community leadership, women’s advocacy and disaster relief. Through vivid stories and video clips, McCraney will connect her work on Captiva with her efforts supporting women’s cooperatives in Guatemala and providing hurricane relief with World Central Kitchen, highlighting how purpose-driven leadership and compassion create lasting impact.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva is sponsoring the luncheon.
The cost is $35 per person and includes lunch.
To register or more information, visit https://bit.ly/SCBWAJAN.
FLORIDA TRUST TO OFFER SEMINAR SERIES
Florida Trust Wealth Management will offer Domicile Day — a seminar series on establishing Florida residency, domicile status and estate planning — on Jan. 22 from 1 to 2 p.m. at its office at the Bell Tower in Fort Myers.
The session will be simulcast at its office on Sanibel.
It will include a presentation and Q&A led by the company’s team members, along with guest presenter and local estate planning attorney Jennifer Hammond. Attendees will also learn about tax, asset protection and creditor benefits of Florida domicile.
Afterward, the presenters will be available answer additional individual questions.
Seating is limited, and reservations are required.
To register, contact Andrea McKiddie at amckiddie@floridatrust.com or 239-472-8300.
Florida Trust Wealth Management is at 13525 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, and at 2450 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
CITY INTRODUCES QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
The city of Sanibel announced the launch of the Sanibel Current, a quarterly newsletter created in partnership with the SanCap Chamber.
Designed to keep residents, business owners and visitors informed, it will highlight important updates from city departments, along with news and information from around the community.
The first edition, Winter 2026, offers a fresh way to stay connected with what is happening on Sanibel, from city initiatives and services to community highlights and local updates.
To read the newsletter, visit https://indd.adobe.com/view/3316c41b-63f8-457d-bee0-e31afe4f8eeb or https://www.mysanibel.com/611/Sanibel-Current-Newsletter.
Print copies are available at locations throughout the community, including City Hall, the chamber, Sanibel Recreation Center and various local businesses.
SCIAR HOLDS MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR) held its monthly Membership Breakfast & West Caravan Meeting on Dec. 18 at its office on Sanibel.
The guest speaker was Captiva Civic Association Director Lauren McCraney. She shared insights from her more than decade-long career in nonprofit leadership, public programming and grassroots advocacy.
The event combined professional updates and networking with seasonal fun, including an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest that invited members to showcase their most festive and outrageous attire.
Bank of the Islands and Noack & Company sponsored the meeting.
CHR MEETS WITH SANIBEL FIRE DISTRICT
Community Housing & Resources (CHR) recently met with the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District to share information about affordable housing opportunities available through its organization.
The presentation was led by Executive Administrative Assistant Anna Johnson, who provided resources, answered questions and encouraged employees to connect with CHR.
CHR reported that this type of outreach reflects its ongoing commitment to partnering with local nonprofits and public safety departments to support the essential workforce that keeps Sanibel running. By building these relationships, CHR continues to strengthen the island community.
It thanked the fire district for the opportunity and looks forward to continued collaboration.
ISLANDS MAKE NYT’S ‘PLACES TO GO’ LIST
The New York Times listed Sanibel and Captiva among its “52 Places to Go in 2026.”
The islands came in at No. 26 on the list.
The newspaper noted that after the destruction in recent years from Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton, Sanibel and Captiva are “embracing visitors who want to be part of their comeback story.”
It reported establishments that “had not modernized in decades” were forced to renovate as a result, citing the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Bubble Room and more.
The newspaper added that “though reminders of trauma linger, the ‘now open’ signs everywhere may better describe the celebratory mood.”
To view the list, visit https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2026.html.
EVANS NAMED ALUMNUS OF DISTINCTION
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) recently announced Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Chief Executive Officer James Evans as its 2026 Alumnus of Distinction.
As the most prestigious award FGCU’s Alumni Association bestows upon a graduate, it honors alumni who have upheld the tradition of excellence through their personal accomplishment, professional achievement and/or humanitarian service.
“James Evans exemplifies the leadership, vision and dedication needed to guide Southwest Florida and the FGCU community toward a sustainable future,” association President Bonie Montalvo shared. “A proud FGCU alumnus, James has built a career rooted in environmental stewardship, collaborative leadership, and community resilience.”
Evans earned an undergraduate degree in environmental studies in 1999, making him one of FGCU’s earliest graduates after the university opened in August 1997. He also received a master’s degree in environmental science in 2011.
“I am deeply honored to serve as this year’s Alumnus of Distinction,” Evans shared. “I credit FGCU and the long list of mentors that I had during my graduate and undergraduate work with my success as an environmental professional. I am proud to be a double-degree Eagle and to represent such a great institution that gave me my start.”
He, along with seven Soaring Eagle Alumni Award recipients, was selected from a field of 135 nominees. They were to be honored at the Alumni Awards Celebration Dinner on Feb. 17.
DECICCO LISTED AMONG ‘PEOPLE TO KNOW’
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank President and Chef Executive Officer Kyle DeCicco has been named to Florida Trend magazine’s 2025 “People to Know in Southwest Florida” list.
It features business and civic leaders whose expertise, influence and forward-thinking leadership are helping shape the future of Southwest Florida. Honorees represent key sectors including finance, healthcare, education, development and community service.
DeCicco was selected for guiding the bank through a period of significant growth, including surpassing the $1 billion total asset milestone. Under his direction, the bank has continued to strengthen its financial position, expand its lending portfolio, and deepen its investment in the region’s long-term recovery and economic vitality.
Beyond financial leadership, DeCicco is recognized for his commitment to service, philanthropy and community partnerships. Under his guidance, the bank continues to prioritize local giving, collaborate with nonprofits and maintain a high loan-to-deposit ratio in the region.