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JOHN R. WOOD CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
Betsy Kimrey
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SANIBEL-CAPTIVA KIWANIS CLUB
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COSTAL VISTA DESIGN
Leigh A. Gevelinger
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REFUGE/DDWS
“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman attended the Raise One Cause Conference on Sept. 8-9 in Texas.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING & RESOURCES
From left, center, Community Housing and Resources Housing Administrator Bonnie McCurry and Executive Administrative Assistant Anna Johnson took part in a Florida Housing Coalition workshop on Oct. 15 in Kissimmee.
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BLUE GIRAFFE TO HOLD FUNDRAISER FOR CHR
The Blue Giraffe Island Bar & Grill will host a Terrifying Night fundraiser on Oct. 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Unit 14, Sanibel, to benefit Community Housing & Resources (CHR).
Open to ages 21 and older, it will feature a costume contest with cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $100 for third place.
Tickets are $50 per person includes admission and appetizers.
For tickets or more information, call CHR at 239-472-1189.
KIMREY JOINS JOHN R. WOOD ISLAND OFFICE
John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate announced that Betsy Kimrey has joined the Sanibel office.
A visitor to Southwest Florida since the 1970s, she grew up on the Jersey Shore. Kimrey holds a degree in environmental sciences from Rollins College and a master’s work in conservation ecology and sustainable development from the University of Georgia.
Her background spans nonprofit work in lobbying, advocacy, fundraising and event planning, including a leadership role at Maryland Therapeutic Riding in Annapolis. Kimrey later co-owned Bay to Gulf Interiors, a Sanibel-based staging and interiors company. She has exclusive access to the Naples Design Center and trusted relationships with local and national vendors.
A licensed Realtor for over a decade and former Rookie of the Year with a brokerage in Maryland, Kimrey is known for her keen eye for detail, creative staging and concierge-level service.
KIWANIS CLUB WELCOMES NEW MEMBER
The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club announced a new member.
Andy Lynch was recently inducted.
The club reported that it is always excited to grow its membership and continue building connections within the island community.
For more information, visit www.sanibelkiwanis.org.
PFEIFER APPOINTED VICE CHAIR OF COMMITTEE
The Pfeifer Realty Group announced that broker-owner Eric Pfeifer was elected vice chair of the Sanibel Plan Review Committee.
Calli Johnson-DuPont was elected to serve as chair.
The committee plays a vital role in shaping the island’s future by reviewing, updating and recommending changes to the Sanibel Plan — the city’s comprehensive land use and development plan first adopted in 1976 and nationally recognized for balancing environmental protection with responsible growth.
The Plan addresses: land use and zoning; density and building regulations; transportation and infrastructure; conservation of wetlands, beaches and wildlife habitat; and community services and overall quality of life.
As a living document, the Plan is periodically reviewed to ensure alignment with state mandates and evolving local needs.
Serving as a bridge between residents, city officials and technical staff, the committee will hold public meetings, gather community input, evaluate performance — including lessons learned from Hurricane Ian — and recommend amendments to the Sanibel City Council and Sanibel Planning Commission.
GEVELINGER TO SERVE AS CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Coastal Vista Design announced that founder Leigh A. Gevelinger assumed the presidency of the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) at the 2025 ASLA National Conference on Oct. 10-13 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
As chapter president, she will represent more than 600 landscape architects across Florida — the second largest chapter nationally — guiding statewide initiatives in advocacy, education and community engagement.
Gevelinger’s leadership will focus on strengthening professional collaboration and highlighting landscape architecture’s role in addressing climate, coastal and ecological challenges within the state.
Based on Sanibel, she is known for her ability to bring clarity and coordination to complex coastal projects. Gevelinger earned her degree in landscape architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has over 15 years of experience leading projects throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond.
DDWS DIRECTOR ATTENDS CONFERENCE
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) reported that Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman attended the Raise One Cause Conference on Sept. 8-9 in San Antonio, Texas.
The event was jam-packed with classes focused on leadership, fundraising and best practices for nonprofits. In addition to facilitating valuable connections with other nonprofit leaders, it provided top-notch training in the areas of leadership and resilience for nonprofits in changing times.
The DDWS extended a thank you to The Campbell Foundation, which supports continuing education for the DDWS staff to enhance their nonprofit positions.
CHR STAFF ATTEND WORKSHOP FOR TRAINING
Community Housing and Resources (CHR) reported that Executive Administrative Assistant Anna Johnson and Housing Administrator Bonnie McCurry recently attended training.
They took part in a Florida Housing Coalition workshop, “Proficiency in Income Qualification,” on Oct. 15 in Kissimmee.
The intensive training brought together professionals from across the state to strengthen their understanding of income compliance and eligibility within the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program.
CHR noted that by participating in the workshop, they continue CHR’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in affordable housing administration and ensuring that its programs serve the community with accuracy, transparency and care.
SAN CAP COMMUNITY BANK HIRES MITCHELL
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank welcomed Peggy Mitchell as a commercial loan closer.
Located at the Bridge Branch in Fort Myers, she will manage the end-to-end commercial loan closing process, ensuring smooth and timely execution.
In her prior role, Mitchell worked as a loan specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration. She processed, evaluated and managed loans for small businesses, ensuring compliance with U.S. Small Business Administration guidelines.