Business Notes
SCIAR HOLDS WEST CARAVAN, BREAKFAST
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR) held its Membership Breakfast and West Caravan on April 23 at its office on Sanibel.
The guest speaker was America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva Cmdr. Kelly Seaman.
She informed and updated members about educational, social community and resource offerings. The club offers boat safety classes and certificate programs for adults and children.
FISH REPRESENTED AT VOLUNTEER EVENT
FISH of Sanibel-Captiva recently attended the “Reimagine” volunteer event at the Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers during National Volunteer Week.
FISH of Sanibel-Captiva Executive Assistant Kim Baker and FISH Foundation Board Member and marketing consultant Kathy Samson represented the organization.
FISH reported that the program brought together Shell Point residents and local nonprofits to strengthen volunteer connections and expand service across the region.
Shell Point shared the scale of its volunteer impact, reporting that 617 resident volunteers contribute over 88,100 hours of service last year. The event focused on how the effort can extend beyond its campus to support local organizations, such as FISH.
LOCAL YOUTHS RECEIVE ADAPTIVE TRICYCLES
Robbie’s Riders, Grampy’s Charities and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank presented eight adaptive bicycles — each worth $3,000 to $5,000 — to Southwest Florida children at the bank’s Bridge Branch in Fort Myers.
Between the ages of 3-17, all of the recipients have medical issues such as traumatic brain injuries, autism, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and development delays.
When riding the bicycles, they will benefit from general strengthening, new proprioceptive sensory input and improved reciprocal coordination of the legs. They can also participate in activities with their families and peers and enjoy riding a bike.
FOUNDATION HOLDS GOLDEN APPLE BANQUET
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools hosted its 39th Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet on April 24 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater in Fort Myers.
The black-tie event offered the community an opportunity to honor the six Lee County Golden Apple recipients, 24 finalists and 70 Teachers of Distinction.
The 2026 Golden Apple Teachers are: Cameron Brooks, of Tice Elementary School; Alisa Brown, of Diplomat Middle School; Darielle Callender, of Franklin Park Elementary School; Joseph Giangreco, of The Sanibel School; Elizabeth O’Connor, of Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School; and Quinn Schnabel, of Diplomat Middle School.
Nominated by students, parents and community members, the recipients were selected after completing a three-step process: a comprehensive application; observation of their classroom teaching skills; and a professional interview by the Selection Committee.
The selection criteria covered the art and science of teaching, focusing on effective communication of subject matter, deep concern for students’ needs, and the ability to inspire a love of learning.
CROW STAFF ATTENDS GLOBAL CONFERENCE
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) announced that wildlife rehabilitator Chris Gorman attended the 44th International Sea Turtle Society Symposium on Feb. 28 through March 6 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
The conference brought together experts in sea turtle research, conservation and rehabilitation.
He participated in presentations focused on a range of rehabilitation topics, including antibiotic usage, acupuncture, cold-laser therapy, lung procedures, and blood values in cold-stunned sea turtles.
Gorman gained new insights and techniques expected to benefit patients at CROW’s new Harkey Sea Turtle Complex on Sanibel.
CFI BOARD DIRECTOR HONORED BY FGCU
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) announced that Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) conferred an honorary doctorate upon CFI Board Secretary Brian Rist at its Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies on May 2 at Alico Arena in Fort Myers.
CFI reported that the recognition is one of FGCU’s highest honors and it celebrates Rist’s entrepreneurial leadership and growing impact on Southwest Florida communities.
A Sanibel resident, he is a member of CFI’s Economic Revitalization and Accelerate Small Business Loan Program committees and graduate of its Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Class of 2024. Rist also played a key role in launching the community’s Recovery Dashboard last year.
He is an adjunct professor at FGCU’s Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, home to the Rist Family Foundation Institute for Entrepreneurship and Rist Family Foundation Makerspace. Rist has mentored students, judged entrepreneurship competitions and shared real-world business experience in the classroom. He serves on the FGCU Foundation Board and chairs its Development Committee.
Rist is a supporter of BIG ARTS and the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium. Through the Rist Family Foundation, he has supported initiatives focused on education, economic and social impact, veterans, and everyday heroes throughout Southwest Florida.
Rist is founder of Storm Smart Industries and former executive chairman of The Smart Companies.
WIGFIELD NAMED MANAGER OF MARINA
The HM Restaurant Group announced that Steve Wigfield has been hired as the full-time manager for The Marina at Bonita Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach.
He will oversee full- and part-time rental reservations and marina operations.
Wigfield holds eight years of marina management experience in Southwest Florida and understands the nuances of the business. He is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service.
Wigfield has worked at the Sanibel Marina, Salty Sam’s Marina and, most recently, Moss Marina, serving in every capacity of operations. He counts boating and fishing among his hobbies.
The HM Restaurant Group manages the Bonita Fish Company, Dixie Fish Company, and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille.