Business Notes
CFI’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM NOW OPEN
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is accepting applications and nominations for its Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Class of 2027.
The program brings together individuals who are passionate about the future of the islands and interested in becoming more engaged in the community through volunteerism, civic involvement, board service and leadership opportunities.
Through a series of immersive sessions, participants gain a deeper understanding of the issues, organizations, businesses, and people shaping Sanibel and Captiva.
They will explore topics including local government, resiliency and recovery, environmental stewardship, arts and culture, healthcare, nonprofits, tourism, and economic vitality, while building relationships with fellow class members and community leaders.
The program is intended for individuals who live, work, volunteer or serve within the island community and who are interested in becoming future board members, committee leaders, advocates and community champions.
Ideal candidates are individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the islands and desire to become more involved in shaping the future of the community.
The program will begin in January, with a class meet-and-greet scheduled for December.
The deadline for applications and nominations is Aug. 1.
To apply or to submit a nomination, visit mycfi.org/leadership.
For more information, contact CFI Director of Community Engagement Savannah Kelly at skelly@sancapcfi.org.
CHR CONDUCTING WORKFORCE SURVEY
Community Housing & Resources (CHR) is conducting an anonymous survey to better understand the workforce, housing and commuting needs of individuals employed on Sanibel and Captiva.
It reported that the information collected will help support community planning efforts, workforce housing initiatives, public awareness campaigns, economic development discussions, advocacy efforts and future grant funding opportunities.
Participation is completely voluntary. No personally identifiable information, including names, exact addresses or employer-specific identifying information, is required or intended to be collected.
CHR added that all responses will remain strictly confidential and will only be reviewed and reported in aggregate, anonymous form. Individual responses will never be shared publicly, provided to employers or disclosed to third parties in a manner that could reasonably identify any participant.
Survey findings may be summarized through statistics, charts, reports, presentations, grant applications or public communications; however, all published data will reflect combined group responses only.
To take the survey, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScU3K6yf8bUtCPJTV-bJmVvGS1gggBFFd8sTHXiAsDgat7zsA/viewform.
For questions, contact CHR at 239-472-1189 or info@sanibelchr.org.
SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL WELCOMES STAFFERS
The Sanibel Sea School recently introduced its new camp counselors for summer.
They are: Tom Bredlau, Kaley Junkin, Maddie Lovell, Alissa Maenner, Bella Moon, Jazmin Ramirez, Jake Raterman, Elisabeth Ressler, Monika Schneider, Jack Sergeant and Riley Stevens.
They will teach at its flagship campus and Bailey Homestead, as well as at the Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI).
The Sanibel Sea School reported that the counselors are an integral part of its mission to improve the ocean’s future one person at a time. They will teach children of different age groups and help share their love of the ocean.
CAPTIVA NOMINATED FOR BEACH CONTEST
Captiva Island is a nominee for the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association’s (ASBPA) “Best of the Best Restored Beaches” contest.
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) reported that the island was recognized by the ASBPA as a Best Restored Beach in 2006.
For decades, the ASBPA has celebrated the nation’s restored beaches to build awareness of their value. The annual Best Restored Beach award honors coastal communities that are relatively new to the process and those with a long history of successful renourishment projects.
Marking its 100th year, the ASBPA is hosting the “Best of the Best” contest for the first time and inviting the public to vote on their favorite out of 100 past Best Restored Beach awardees.
“Our beach is one of the island’s most valuable natural, recreational, environmental and economic resources, and continued recognition helps highlight the importance of responsible beach preservation,” the CEPD shared. “We encourage residents, property owners, visitors and friends of Captiva to cast their vote in support of our beach.”
The “Best of the Best” will be recognized at the ASBPA’s National Coastal Conference on Oct. 5-8 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
To vote or for more information, visit asbpa.org/2026/01/13/vote-for-the-best-of-the-best-restored-beaches.
CITY DESIGNATED AS FLORIDA TRAIL TOWN
The city of Sanibel announced that it has been designated as a Florida Trail Town by the Office of Greenways and Trails within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The designation recognizes communities that embrace and support trail users through exceptional recreational opportunities, connectivity, amenities and outdoor experiences.
Sanibel joins a growing statewide network of more than 20 Florida Trail Towns. It is the first in Lee County, with the nearest to the north being Venice and nearest to the south being Marco Island.
The city reported that the designation highlights Sanibel’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, recreation, conservation and healthy outdoor living, values that continue to make the island one of Florida’s most unique and treasured communities.
It added that the designation helps place Sanibel on the map for trail enthusiasts planning cycling and walking adventures throughout the state.
Sanibel will soon be featured on the Florida Trail Town Program website, where visitors can explore designated Trail Towns, access maps and resources, and plan future trips and outdoor adventures.
For more information, visit https://floridadep.gov/parks/ogt/content/trail-town-program.
LEGION AUXILIARY HONORED WITH AWARDS
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 123 on Sanibel was recognized with multiple awards at the District 13’s Constitutional Conference and Award Ceremony on May 17 at Post 103 in Punta Gorda.
It received two awards at the district level, Best Poppy Program and Best Juniors Program.
In addition, Auxiliary Unit 123 received its Membership Pin for achieving 105% membership.
President Heather Silbar also received a Certificate of Appreciation.
Additionally, a memorial ceremony was held in honor of recently passed Auxiliary Unit 123 member Mary Hickey, who once served as the administrator for the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District.
ISLANDER NAMED APEX AWARD NOMINEE
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee hosted its Fourth Annual Level HER Up Women’s Conference on May 5 at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) in Fort Myers.
The one-day event was designed to empower and support women in business through keynote speakers, health experts, professional workshops, and networking opportunities.
A highlight included the announcement of the 2026 APEX Award nominees and finalists, recognizing exceptional women leaders across Southwest Florida with outstanding reputations for professionalism, philanthropy and leadership.
Mary Bondurant, with the Bondurant Realty Group and San Cap Pink Project, was a nominee.
The award finalists were: Gina Dengler, with Collaboratory; Alicia Shannon, with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida; and Anjali Van Drie, with Family Initiative.
The conference featured nearly 25 sponsors, a Vendor Village, and an agenda of breakout sessions covering leadership, wellness, ambition, communication, career growth and financial confidence.
Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in raffles throughout the day.
The event raised over $44,000 to benefit the Women in Business Scholarship Fund, part of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which supports nontraditional students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and FSW.
It was supported by Lee Health as the presenting sponsor and hosted by the FSW Foundation.
SAN CAP BANK EXPANDS OFFICE HOURS
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank recently expanded the operating hours of its Fort Myers Beach temporary office to better serve residents and businesses.
Effective April 29, the office is open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services offered include account opening, check cashing, coin orders, notary services, and cashier and counter checks.
The location allows the bank to maintain a presence on the island and provide essential banking services while development continues on its future permanent full-service branch at 2670 Estero Blvd.
For more information, visit sancapbank.com/fmb.
The Fort Myers Beach temporary office is at 100 Lovers Lane, Fort Myers Beach.
It is located on the third floor of the Access Title Agency building.