SANCAP CHAMBER
\nLee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane, who represents the islands’ district, catches attendees up on the county’s economic and environmental outlook at the SanCap Chamber’s third annual State of the Islands on Jan. 15 in Fort Myers.<\/p>\n
The islands need to preserve their wildlife and natural beauty and open more businesses to strengthen tourism. With tourism restored, property values and real estate sales will continue to increase.<\/p>\n
The state of the islands balances on those premises, according to a dozen representatives from various facets of island life who spoke at the SanCap Chamber\u2019s breakfast meeting on Jan. 15 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers.<\/p>\n
Hosted by the chamber, the third annual State of the Islands kicked off with a special State of the County summary by District 1 Lee County Commissioner and previous Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe TDC\u2019s (Tourist Development Council) got phenomenal opportunities to bring more people here, to be invested in our community and try to understand what paradise is like,\u201d the former chair of the county\u2019s TDC said.<\/p>\n
Ruane noted that despite post-catastrophic challenges, the county\u2019s Conservation 20\/20 program to purchase land for preservation still goes strong, despite rumors to the contrary.<\/p>\n
\u201cConservation is our brand,\u201d speaker and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Executive Director James Evans said. \u201cIt\u2019s the community and natural beauty of the islands that attracts visitors from all around the world. And we want to preserve that.\u201d<\/p>\n
He reported on new projects at all island conservation nonprofits, on the population status of birds, alligators, gopher tortoises, sea turtles, eagles and ospreys, and on the boon in shorebird nesting on the Sanibel Causeway.<\/p>\n
Representing the needs of the islands\u2019 human species, Community Housing & Resources (CHR) Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale and FISH of Sanibel-Captiva Executive Director Maria Espinoza updated attendees on the State of Social Services, with Jeff Muddell as moderator.<\/p>\n
Decker-McHale reported on the need for more housing for island employees and seniors to meet Sanibel Plan mandates for diversity. She talked about the imminent opening of Riverview units behind 7-Eleven and the potential purchase of adjacent property formerly occupied by the Fish House restaurant. The additions would mean meeting CHR\u2019s goal for 3% of island housing for the first time.<\/p>\n
Espinoza said FISH fills in the gaps for many of the CHR residents and others. Particularly following the recent hurricanes, it has widened its focus for helping island seniors with more services and counseling.<\/p>\n
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors Chief Executive Officer Bill Robinson introduced the State of Real Estate panel: Jeff Burns of Sotheby\u2019s International Realty, Greg Demaras of the Portside Property Group, and Eric Pfeifer of the Pfeifer Realty Group.<\/p>\n
The message from the three vis-a-vis residential and commercial real estate pointed to more supply than demand for lagging sales since Hurricane Ian and even more so since Helene and Milton undercut optimism. However, sales prices have seen an increase. They expressed some positivity for the future, but are hoping for changes to improve the market.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe definitely need more visitors to the islands,\u201d Pfeifer said. \u201cConstruction and interest rates: They\u2019re just not great, so hopefully they will come down \u2026 Prices will have to come down on most (commercial) properties.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you go up and down the Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are still a great value compared to our neighbors,\u201d Burns said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSanibel and Captiva are the largest gated communities in Southwest Florida as a result of that causeway tollbooth,\u201d Demaras said. \u201cThe feel of the island is completely different, the handshake is much, much more alive, vibrant and friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last up, Sanibel City Manager Dana Sousa and Planning Department Director Paula McMichael spoke on the State of the City, followed by a closing message from Mayor Mike Miller.<\/p>\n
Sousa addressed the city\u2019s financial stability and hit on other good-news items, such as stormwater and floodwater projects, forthcoming restoration of the city\u2019s fishing pier with private funding, and new citizen-participation initiatives to involve all generations of islanders.<\/p>\n
McMichael spoke on amendments the city has made since Ian, including commercial-friendly changes to the Town Center project, including extra allowed square footage for businesses providing affordable housing within, streetscaping improvements, on-street parking, allowance for front porches in lieu of setback, and pedestrian-friendly measures. She showed renderings of the area\u2019s new look, which is designed to expand buildable space for businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just listened to four hours of practical, actionable information for shaping the islands\u2019 commercial and residential future,\u201d chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. \u201cWhat we\u2019ve accomplished on these islands in the last three years is nothing short of monumental. What we have to look forward to is even more exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bank of the Islands was the title sponsor for the State of the Islands.<\/p>\n