Business Notes
CHAMBER TO HOLD BUSINESS LUNCHEON
In partnership with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the SanCap Chamber will hold its business luncheon meeting on May 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, at 17260 Harbour Point Drive, Fort Myers.
The guest speaker will be Florida TaxWatch President and Chief Executive Officer and former Florida Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp. He will report on the impact of recent legislative actions on Florida taxes.
Kottkamp has served on the TaxWatch board of trustees for 10 years and as Florida’s 17th lieutenant governor from 2007-11. During that time, he oversaw the Governor’s Office of Drug Control, Office of Adoption and Child Protection, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and Governor’s Film and Entertainment Office.
Kottkamp served in the Florida House from 2000-06, during which time he chaired the Judiciary Appropriations Committee, Government Operations Committee, and Judiciary Committee. He also served as Deputy Majority Whip.
Kottkamp served as co-chair of the TaxPayer Protection Caucus.
HBKS Wealth Advisors, FGCU, and McKinnis Roofing & Sheet Metal are sponsoring the luncheon.
The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members through May 8.
After May 8, it is $50 for members and $60 for non-members.
To register or for more information, visit tinyurl.com/SCFMchamberlunch.
HM RESTAURANT GROUP OFFERS DRAWING
In recognition of National Yucatán Shrimp Day on May 24, the HM Restaurant Group is offering a drawing for a YETI cooler filled with restaurant swag at its various locations.
In May, customers who purchase a Yucatán menu item or bottle of Gloria’s Yucatán sauce at the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel, Doc Ford’s on Fort Myers Beach, the Dixie Fish Company and Bonita Fish Company will be entered for a chance to win.
The restaurant swag will include T-shirts, koozies, a bottle of Yucatán sauce and $100 gift card.
Each restaurant will draw a winner on May 24.
In addition, chefs from Doc Ford’s, the Dixie Fish Company and Bonita Fish Company will take part in a tasting competition on May 24 from 2 to 5 p.m. in front of Doc’s House on the Fisherman’s Wharf on Fort Myers Beach. They will each present an original Yucatán shrimp-inspired dish. Attendees can sample each bite and vote for their favorite, which will also enter them in a raffle to win a YETI cooler.
Doc Ford’s two St. Petersburg locations are also celebrating National Yucatán Shrimp Day.
On Sanibel, Doc Ford’s is at 2500 Island Inn Road.
FIRE DISTRICT MOVES TO TEMPORARY SITES
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District reported that it has vacated Station 171 on Palm Ridge Road.
During construction of the more resilient building, firefighters will operate from the temporary mobile home station located on-site. Access to firefighters and the temporary station is available through Library Way and the old Senior Center parking lot.
The district’s temporary administrative offices are at 1456 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
For more information, visit https://www.sanibelfire.com/.
CFI RELEASES IMPACT REPORT FOR 2025
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) announced the release of its 2025 Community Impact Report, highlighting a year of progress made possible through the generosity and partnership of the Sanibel and Captiva community.
In 2025, CFI distributed more than $1.9 million in grants, supporting 76 nonprofit programs and projects across Southwest Florida. The investments reflect its continued commitment to strengthening local organizations and addressing the evolving needs of the community.
The report also underscores the growing impact of CFI’s Leadership Sanibel-Captiva program, with 80% of alumni serving on nonprofit boards — bringing leadership, insight and engagement to organizations throughout the region.
CFI expanded its nonprofit engagement efforts in 2025, including facilitating the 100+ Women Who Care Sanibel-Captiva giving circle and hosting 10 nonprofit training sessions to build capacity and foster collaboration among local organizations.
Bank of the Islands underwrote the 2025 Community Impact Report.
CFI extended its gratitude to donors, partners and community members whose support continues to inspire philanthropy, leadership and collaboration for the vitality of the island community.
To view the report, visit MyCFI.org.
To request a copy, contact info@sancapcfi.org.
SCIAR HOLDS WEST CARAVAN MEETING
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR) held its West Caravan Meeting on April 9 at its office on Sanibel.
The guest speaker was Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium Director of Education Jorden Falker. She shared insights into the museum’s educational programs and its unique role in marine science and shell conservation.
TRAILWAYS ADDS TO BOARD, COMMITTEE
Trailways Camps announced the appointment of Kelly Niesel and Elizabeth Smith to its board of directors, along with Shannon Gafgen as an advisor on its Advisory Committee.
Co-owner and co-operator of the Shalimar Beach Resort, Niesel is a graduate of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program. She is a registered nurse, experienced with delivery of nursing care to populations such as those served by Trailways Camps. The Niesel family has volunteered in Trailways Camps activities and projects over the past 10 years. She will join the board as a member of the Development Committee.
Smith is an island resident educated in business administration. She has an exemplary career in health care administration, including serving as executive administrator of Thomas Jefferson University’s Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. Smith has served as a volunteer in many Trailways Camps events and activities. She will join the board as treasurer of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Development Committee.
Gafgen is an island resident with both private sector business experience and service delivery to individuals with special needs and their families.
KINGFISHER WELCOMES NEW ASSOCIATE
Kingfisher Real Estate announced the addition of Kiersten Royal Capo as a sales associate.
She is fifth generation Southwest Florida local and fourth generation Realtor specializing in luxury, waterfront and historic properties across Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers and the surrounding coastal markets. With over $50 million in career sales, Capo is known for blending deep local roots with a strategic, data-driven approach that positions her clients for success in every market.
She offers a highly personalized, white-glove experience rooted in discretion, elevated marketing and intentional results. Her approach goes beyond the transaction, helping clients build wealth, lifestyle and legacy through real estate. Every detail is handled with precision, care and a deep understanding of the Southwest Florida market.
A former award-winning sales director at Mary Kay who led a team of over 150, Capo brings leadership, vision and next-level negotiation to every deal.