CITY OF SANIBEL
The Sanibel Recreation Center will host a Touch-a-Truck event on Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A free family-friendly event this weekend will kick off the city of Sanibel’s Florida City Week.

The Sanibel Recreation Center will host a Touch-a-Truck event on Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Youths will have the chance to learn about and explore the vehicles that keep the island moving.

“It’s important to connect the community to the essential services that keep Sanibel safe and thriving,” Recreation Department Marketing & Events Coordinator Denise Dillon said.

She added that it will be the first of several events planned for Florida City Week.

From Oct. 18-24, the city will join others throughout the state to mark the weeklong celebration that aims to raise awareness about the important role local government plays in shaping strong, vibrant communities. The annual week is sponsored by the Florida League of Cities — the unified voice for Florida’s municipal governments.

“Throughout the week, the city of Sanibel will host special events and activities highlighting the importance of civic engagement, community connections and the unique spirit of Sanibel,” it shared. “From interactive programs and educational opportunities, to family fun events, this is a chance to come together, learn and celebrate the city we call home.”

For the hands-on Touch-a-Truck, children will have the opportunity to climb aboard fire engines, construction trucks, police cruisers, ambulances and more. Attendees will also meet the professionals who operate the machines and learn about their vital roles in keeping the island running smoothly.

“It’s a family event that let’s kids and the community get an up-close look and feel of these larger fire trucks, police cruisers, construction vehicles,” Dillon said.

The first hour from 10 to 11 a.m. will be sensory-friendly, with no flashing lights or sirens. It is intended for youths or adults with sensory sensitivities, so the experience is accessible to all.

“So they can still attend and be included and it doesn’t affect them,” she said.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees will enjoy the full event with lights, sounds and demonstrations.

“Let it rip,” Dillon said of the sirens and flashing lights.

The participating agencies will include the Sanibel Police Department, Lee County Mosquito Control District with a larviciding truck and a tanker spray truck, Waste Management (WM) with a compressed natural gas-fueled garbage truck, the city’s Public Works Department, Lee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with a full-service ambulance, and Sanibel Fire and Rescue District.

“The fire department will be bringing their ladder truck, which is one of their biggest pieces of equipment,” she said.

Families are reminded to bring their camera to capture the memories.

“There will definitely be photo opportunities,” Dillon said.

Some of the agencies will have free giveaways for the children, and the Sanibel Firefighters Benevolent Fund will have its Sanibel Firefighters 2026 Calendars available for purchase, plus it will take photos.

The rest of the events scheduled for Florida City Week will include:

– Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. at City Hall: Wheels of Support — Meet the Sanibel Rangers

The Sanibel Bicycle Club will present a check to the Sanibel Police Department to support the purchase of e-bikes for the Sanibel Rangers. The bikes will enhance their ability to travel efficiently around the island, respond quickly when needed and continue their important work in keeping the community safe and accessible.

– Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. at City Hall: Sanibel City Council Meeting

– Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sanibel Recreation Center: Lights, Sirens & SPD Insights

Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton will share the State of Sanibel from a law enforcement perspective. Attendees will learn about current initiatives, community safety and the vision for keeping the island strong and secure. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are requested.

– Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sanibel Recreation Center: Code and Coffee Cafe

A casual coffee gathering with members of the city’s Planning Department. Attendees will receive an easy-to-understand overview of city Codes, followed by small breakout sessions where they can ask questions and get answers tailored to their interests. Light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are requested.

– Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center: City Chat

Chat with Mayor Mike Miller, City Manager Dana Souza and Deputy City Manager Steve Chaipel. Light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are requested.

The community is invited to come out for Touch-a-Truck to kick off Florida City Week.

“It should be a fun day,” she said. “And it’s great for the kids to meet the people behind the steering wheel of the vehicles driving through their neighborhood.”

For more information or to RSVP for another event, call 239-472-0345.

For more information about the city’s Florida City Week events, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/591/Florida-City-Week-2025.

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email