{"id":72810,"date":"2025-12-05T19:25:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T19:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/72810\/"},"modified":"2025-12-05T19:25:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T19:25:09","slug":"citys-tree-lighting-sets-community-spirit-aglow-sanibel-captiva","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/72810\/","title":{"rendered":"City\u2019s tree lighting sets community spirit aglow – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA"},"content":{"rendered":"


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CASEY BRADLEY GENT
\nIn partnership with the city of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary Workgroup, the Sanibel Recreation Center hosted the Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting on Nov. 29 at the Sanibel Community Park.<\/p>\n

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CASEY BRADLEY GENT
\nFestive Mayor Mike Miller greets those gathered on Nov. 29 for the Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting at the Sanibel Community Park.<\/p>\n

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\nJael Pulgarin-Leon, with the The Sanibel Sugarplums, points her family out in the crowd for fellow dancer Amelia Phillips.<\/p>\n

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CASEY BRADLEY GENT
\nA crowd of community and neighbors gathered on Nov. 29 at the Sanibel Community Park for the Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting.<\/p>\n

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CASEY BRADLEY GENT
\nSanta Claus was on hand to see that Sanibel’s Christmas tree was lit at the perfect moment.<\/p>\n

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Neighbors and community members streamed into the Sanibel Community Park on Nov. 29. Music by The Keys Duo filed the evening air as families gathered for the Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting.<\/p>\n

Organized by the Sanibel Recreation Center, in partnership with the city of Sanibel\u2019s 50th Anniversary Workgroup, the park\u2019s lawns were filled with onlookers \u2014 young and old, alike \u2014 by 6 p.m. as they awaited the official lighting of the island\u2019s Christmas tree.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have owned a home here for 30 years,\u201d attendee William Brooks said. \u201cI was one of the first homeowners to get a permit to repair my home after (Hurricane) Ian. So, this celebration is a fun thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The topic of Ian was a prominent theme throughout the event. From the families who came to watch the tree lighting, to Mayor Mike Miller in his address before the crowd, one sentiment remained clear: Sanibel and her people are stronger than a 100-year storm.<\/p>\n

\u201cTonight, we are here to celebrate how far we have come since Hurricane Ian, and then Milton and Helene,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are about neighbors helping neighbors. It is the spirit of Sanibel. Strong. Compassionate. Unbreakable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miller added that the island is the only place on Earth where gopher tortoises cross the main roads, and every single vehicle on the road will sit and wait for them to safely pass. He said the people and the wildlife of Sanibel make the island an incredible place to live.<\/p>\n

Attendee Ryan Lambert, one of the engineers tasked with renourishing the island following the devastation of Ian, agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy family and I have only lived here for six months now. But I have fished off the island my whole life,\u201d he said as his daughter tumbled in the lawn next to him, eagerly waiting for the tall tree in the center of the park to come alive with light. \u201cIt\u2019s good to be home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Santa Claus and Miller counted down the tree lighting, The Sanibel Sugarplums \u2014 a group of 7-year-old dancers from the rec center, under the direction of the Coastal Dance \u2014 performed to a tune from \u201cThe Polar Express.\u201d The BIG ARTS Community Chorus also took the stage to sing carols with attendees. In an ode to island life, the lyrics to \u201cSilver Bells\u201d were amended to read, \u201cSanibel, Sanibel \u2026 It\u2019s paradise with a smile.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then, the countdown began. Children gathered with Miller, Recreation Department Director Andrea Miller and Santa Claus to see the island\u2019s Christmas tree come to life. Nearly everyone cheered as the tree, circled by snowflake lights and poinsettias, blossomed into a bright beacon of light and holiday resilience.<\/p>\n

Following the lighting ceremony, The Community House welcomed inside those in attendance.<\/p>\n

Treats by Pinocchio\u2019s Original Italian Ice Cream, appetizers from Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen and A Bit of Bailey\u2019s, and a handful of craft stations continued the holiday spirit indoors. Through the windows, views of the island Christmas tree and adjoining bike pathway \u2014 also awash in light \u2014 danced in gold.<\/p>\n

Smiles and laughter bounded off the walls as families posed for pictures in front of the tree.<\/p>\n

Blingle Premier Lighting was hired to decorate it and the city\u2019s Shared Use Path.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love Christmas and I love lights,\u201d owner Cheryl Alker said. \u201cOwning a company that makes people happy, it is joyous.\u201d<\/p>\n


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