Campaign to feature first-ever Shell Stroll
Next week’s theme for the Love Sanibel Back initiative will include a special community event.
Organized by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, in partnership with the city and SanCap Chamber and with support from sponsors and businesses, the campaign’s theme for July 13-19 — Week 7 — will be “Beach Kindness Week.” On July 13, a Shell Stroll will be held from noon to 4 p.m.
Church Director of Communications, Community Engagement and Formation Sue Van Oss explained that the annual Luminary is a treasured island event, so they thought of what similar they could plan.
“That takes into account shelling, which makes Sanibel so unique,” she said.
For the first-ever Shell Stroll, participants will begin their adventure at Bubbly Latitude, where they will receive an event passport and a map. The map will feature 40 participating locations to visit.
“They can set out and go in any order,” Van Oss said. “They can choose to stop wherever.”
She noted that the locations are businesses, organizations and more.
“It’s everything from retail to the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s office,” Van Oss said. “There’s a couple of resorts.”
At each stop, they will receive a stamp on their passport.
“And at each location, they will receive a free shell. It might be a painted shell or a natural shell,” she said. “So they could end up with 40 different shells if they visit them all.”
In addition, some locations will offer shell activities or prizes. For example, the Shellcrafters at The Community House will be doing demonstrations or classes on what can be done with seashells.
Also from noon to 4 p.m., the church will host a family-friendly celebration. Once participants collect 10 stamps on their passport, they can head to Saint Michael and redeem it for shell-themed prizes.
“We have shell books,” Van Oss said. “We have painted shells from one of the shell fairies.”
She noted that those who want to collect more than 10 free shells can always stop by the church to redeem their passport and go back out, visiting as many of the remaining locations until 4 p.m.
The celebration will also feature activities and more.
“The Santiva Islanders will be staffing shell painting tables — the natural ones that they collect, they can come and decorate them,” she said. “We’ll have all the supplies provided.”
The Shack of Sanibel is donating beach-themed ice cream and Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream is donating seashell cookies. In addition, Saint Michael is providing snacks and refreshments to enjoy.
The public is invited to take part.
“Shells are so unique to Sanibel,” Van Oss said. “It’s a way to really engage in the uniqueness of Sanibel and travel the island collecting shells and connecting with residents and visitors.”
For more information, visit https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/love-sanibel-back or call 239-472-2173.
Running from now through August, Love Sanibel Back’s 2026 theme is “Buy Local — Spread Joy — Give Back.” The community initiative includes about 75 participating businesses and partners.
Bubbly Latitude is at 2400 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church is at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email