1 / 3
CITY OF SANIBEL
The Sanibel City Council recognized November as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month through a proclamation at its meeting on Nov. 4.
2 / 3
CITY OF SANIBEL
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva and Zonta International’s Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, was recognized by the Sanibel City Council through a proclamation at its meeting on Nov. 4.
3 / 3
CITY OF SANIBEL
The Sanibel City Council recognized Public Works Department Chief Wastewater Operator Joe Gudina as the Employee of the Fourth Quarter for the fiscal year at its meeting on Nov. 4.
[expand]
close
The Sanibel City Council approved beach renourishment on the island’s north end and the installation of more wildlife crossing signage at its recent meeting, as well as received the annual Golf Course Report Program report.
On Nov. 4, the council voted unanimously 5-0 to approve the North Sanibel Beach Nourishment Project. The city will piggyback off of the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD)’s project and agreement with contractor Great Lakes Dredge & Dock to have about 300,000 cubic yards of sand placed roughly from the former Mad Hatter to the western boundary of Bowman’s Beach Park.
Appropriate dune vegetation will be installed immediately after the placement of sand.
The project is expected to begin at the end of November, with completion by the end of December.
The estimated total cost is $8,694,171, including $142,046 to the CEPD for cost-share.
Also during the meeting, staff gave an update on Wildlife Mortality Monitoring and Reporting.
Natural Resources documented 1,159 wildlife mortality events on Sanibel’s roads from January 2022 through December 2024 and 441 events year-to-date (YTD) for 2025 through September. There were 1,600 total incidents, representing 90 species. Invasive or nonnative species accounted for about 30% of the reported incidents each year.
Staff reported the following key findings from the Wildlife Mortality Monitoring (WMR):
– Most frequent species: Eastern screech owl with 60 YTD (14%) and 199 total (12%)
– Road with most incidents: Sanibel-Captiva Road with 147 YTD (33%) and 570 total (36%)
“Recent analysis of WMR data indicates several roadway segments where driver speed and wildlife movement intersect, creating potential safety risks for motorists, cyclists and wildlife. These areas correspond to known wildlife corridors and high-traffic routes where posted speed limits are more likely to be exceeded,” staff said in its report. “Ensuring driver compliance with posted speed limits and increasing public awareness of wildlife movement patterns with outreach initiatives are key to reducing collision incidents and maintaining roadway safety standards.”
Staff recommended deploying wildlife crossing signage in the following areas:
– Sanibel-Captiva Road near the Tarpon Bay Road four-way stop
– Sanibel-Captiva Road near the Rabbit Road intersection
– Sanibel-Captiva Road near the Wulfert Road and Wildlife Drive access
– Tarpon Bay Road near the entrance to the Bailey Tract
Following questions for staff and some discussion, the council voted 3-2 to approve the signage for the four locations, as well as installing a three-way stop sign at Sanibel-Captiva Road and Rabbit Road.
To view the Wildlife Mortality Monitoring and Reporting presentation, click on WILDLIFE MORTALITY MONITORING AND REPORTING.
Also at the meeting, staff provided a summary of each site visit for the Golf Course Report Program for the Sanibel Island Golf Club, The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club and The Sanctuary Golf Club, covering turf management, irrigation management and water quality, and discussions had with the courses’ staff.
According to staff’s report, in an effort to improve the quality of water discharged from the golf courses, city council adopted in 2008 a list of Nutrient Management Recommendations that were based on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Best Management Practices for the Enhancement of Environmental Quality on Florida Golf Courses. They provide guidance for course managers on how to reduce fertilizer use and improve water quality within the golf course lakes.
Since their adoption, staff has worked with the golf courses to provide technical assistance to help implement the recommendations. A report card is provided annually to each to help track progress and guide implementation of the recommendations. To allow course staff to focus on their post-storms recovery, the program has been put on hold for the last three years (October 2022 through September).
Staff reported that they, however, met with each golf course superintendent to discuss the challenges each has faced and observe the progress that they have made during recovery. Additionally, staff informed the courses that over the next reporting year, the plan is to return to typical scoring format.
To view the Golf Course Report Program summary, click on GOLF COURSE REPORT PROGRAM.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The council voted 5-0 on a resolution to set a public hearing for Dec. 16 to consider establishing and implementing the Sanibel Harbours Inlet Dredging Assessment District.
– The council voted 5-0 to approve an ordinance to amend the Code related to the types of beach parking permits and civil penalties for Code violations at the Sanibel Boat Ramp. Based on staff’s recommendations, a first offense will be $250, plus a $10 filing fee, and a second and subsequent offenses will be $500, plus a $10 filing fee.
– The council voted 5-0 on a resolution approving a temporary waiver, requested by Community Housing and Resources (CHR), to allow on-duty Lee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel serving Sanibel to utilize a CHR unit on Whitehall Drive for housing.
– Following a discussion of the draft legislation, the council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the Code to update subdivision provisions related to plats and replats for consistency with recent amendments to state statutes. The second reading will be held on Dec. 6.
– The council recognized November as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month through a proclamation.
– The council recognized the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva and Zonta International’s Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10.
– The council recognized Public Works Department Chief Wastewater Operator Joe Gudina as the Employee of the Fourth Quarter for the fiscal year.
– Staff gave a presentation and update on the city’s Hurricane Ian Recovery Dashboard. To view the presentation, visit https://mysanibel.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14898845&GUID=CEE198AC-30B6-46D6-B46B-453537ABE108.
– SanCap Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai gave a presentation and update on the Business Sector Hurricane Ian Recovery. To view the presentation, visit https://mysanibel.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14909665&GUID=E40DF148-6C03-4643-9EB0-FCD48158F4A1.