Business Notes
SCIAR HOLDS OPEN CARAVAN MEETING
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR) held its Open Caravan Meeting on June 11 at its office on Sanibel.
The guest speaker was SCIAR Marketing and Events Coordinator Grace McCoy.
She oversees SCIAR’s digital footprint, shared actionable strategies for Realtors and affiliate businesses to leverage social media platforms to market property listings, elevate brand awareness and strengthen community engagement.
WADE JOINS SCCF AS CFO AND COO
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) announced that Rebekka “Beka” Wade has joined the nonprofit as chief finance and operations officer.
In the role, she will provide leadership for the organization’s finance and operations, supporting SCCF’s mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
Wade brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit finance and operations.
Previously, she served as vice president of finance and chief operations officer for the Tallahassee Museum. She helped guide the institution’s financial and operational strategy, while supporting its long-term sustainability and mission-driven impact.
Throughout her career, Wade has partnered closely with boards of directors, executive leadership teams, staff, donors and community stakeholders to strengthen organizational effectiveness, support strategic growth and advance mission-focused work.
A Florida native, she first became aware of the islands through the SCCF interview process and understands how unique and special they are. Wade looks forward to contributing to the organization’s work protecting the natural resources and wildlife of the Sanibel and Captiva region.
SUMMER STAFF TAKE PART IN TRAININGS
The Sanibel Sea School reported that staff participated in a three-day American Red Cross Lifeguarding course at the end of May at the Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel.
It equipped the team with critical skills in water safety, emergency prevention, recognition and response. The counselors and educators also earned certifications in CPR, AED use and first aid.
In addition, the Sanibel Sea School partnered with the Children’s Advocacy Center on June 4 for the Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children training. The nationally recognized, evidence-informed program provides practical tools to help prevent, recognize and respond appropriately to child abuse.
The formal trainings were just one part of its summer preparation. The camp counselors also spent three weeks immersed in hands-on training alongside full-time staff. They shadowed programs, learned the Sanibel Sea School’s camp culture, became familiar with curriculum and daily operations, and participated in team-building activities that strengthened communication and collaboration.
The Sanibel Sea School noted that the investment in training reflects its commitment to providing exceptional camp experiences, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and care.
DOC FORD’S STAFF VOLUNTEER AT SHELTER
Team members from the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Fort Myers Beach recently spent a morning volunteering at the Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers.
The crew assisted with a variety of projects, including cleaning kennels, doing laundry, sorting food and helping maintain the shelter’s facilities.
The volunteer day also inspired a personal connection to the shelter’s mission when one employee’s sister-in-law adopted a dog. She plans to join Doc Ford’s next volunteer effort.
Employees first volunteered at the nonprofit in June 2025.
SAN CAP BANK HIRES MAXWELL
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank announced the hiring of Parker Maxwell as a compliance assistant based out of its Bridge Branch in Fort Myers.
In his new role, he will utilize his background in business management and financial analysis to monitor daily banking operations, audit transaction documentation and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, while mitigating risk for the bank and its customers.
Maxwell recently graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in management. He also holds an Associate of Arts degree from Tallahassee State College.