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Council approves purchase of lighthouse - City to buy landmark, property for $447.70

Council approves purchase of lighthouse

City to buy landmark, property for $447.70

After waiting more than five and a half years, the City of Sanibel has finally been given the opportunity to purchase the most recognizable landmark on the island.

And without hesitation, local leaders immediately opened up their wallets and bought the Sanibel Lighthouse - and the surrounding 44.7 acres of property - from the United States Department of the Interior for $10 per acre, or a total cost of $447.70.

"I'm hoping to see some good things from the lighthouse," councilman Jim Jennings said after the resolution to purchase the landmark was unanimously approved. "I think there are some good ideas in use around the country with other lighthouses."

On Feb. 5, the city received a letter from the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management, which stated that the land on which the lighthouse sits has been classified suitable for use under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1926.

"The Sanibel Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places," the letter states. "All future rehabilitation of buildings and/or structures on the site must be carried out in a manner that is compatible with their historic and architectural qualities and consistent with the recommended approaches for rehabilitation set forth in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines."

Among the conditions of approval for the sale, which must be completed within 30 days of the official notice, is requiring a licensed archaeologist to be present during any an all ground-disturbing activities and requiring revenue generated through usage fees or lease of the facility to be utilized in the management and maintenance of the properties.

According to City Manager Judie Zimomra, the city will now be able to apply for historical preservation grants to assist in the funding of repainting the Sanibel Lighthouse. The city is also working on developing a long-term master plan for the property and cottages at the site.

In other business, councilors continued their discussions of issued related to land development regulations which may affect redevelopment in the resort housing sector, which is expected to be handed over to the city's Planning Commission in the coming weeks.

"We're not going to go into grand detail about this," said Mayor Mick Denham. "I think we'd prefer to leave that to the Planning Commission to handle. I think what we are doing is painting a broad brushstroke of the issues."

The six primary issues brought up for debate included density, short-term occupancy, lot coverage of impermeable areas, setbacks, height limits and coastal construction.

Denham suggested that the city maintain the existing density for all hotels, motels, condominiums and resort properties, as long as the structures remained within their current 3-D footprint. Fellow councilor Peter Pappas offered that extending "grandfathered" policies to the owners of those properties might encourage investors to keep their short-term stay units the same.

"I think we're all in agreement that we don't want to see any density increases," added Marty Harrity.

One topic that will likely become an issue is maintaining the city's height restrictions for commercial properties. Since the release of the new Flood Insurance Maps in 2008, some properties - especially three- and four-floor structures - may require a variance to exceed the current 45-foot restriction.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, several members of the audience offered their suggestions on resort housing redevelopment. Resident Herb Rubin noted that the presence of swimming pools on a property may affect density but added, "I think this is a wonderful way to start."

Planning Commissioner Holly Smith also reiterated her request for a map indicating all properties affected by the upcoming discussions, and submitted an additional request for clarification on "redevelopment vs. modernization."

Lee Olsen, a Pointe Santo resident for the past 35 years, offered that the council should "think as broadly as you can."

"I appreciate your point of view," he added. "And I think you're right on the money."

Planning Department Director Jimmy Jordan told the council that his staff will consider the suggestions posed by the council and prepare a report in time for their next session, on Tuesday, March 2.

The council also unanimously approved the re-allocation of $65,000 from the city's Shared Use Path maintenance budget in order to extend Sanibel's bike path to Captiva, the final step in connecting the pathway between the adjoining islands.

An estimated $80,000 is required to complete the work, which will extend the path along Sanibel Captiva Road between Pine Avenue and the bridge at Blind Pass. The Sanibel Bicycle Club has agreed to pay the remaining $15,000 portion through its Trails In Motion fund.

On Jan. 28, Sanibel's Parks and Recreation Committee approved staff recommendations to move forward with the path extension due to safety concerns for people who use the roadway to travel from one island to the other.

By JEFF LYSIAK

Only dress rehearsal tickets remain for Dancing with the Islands’ Stars

With all tickets sold for the first annual Dancing with the Islands Stars, the committee chair has made the decision to have dress rehearsal night added to this exciting fundraising event.

Dress rehearsal night will be held Friday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House as an additional opportunity to watch the event in a dress rehearsal setting. Marge Meek, event chair has said "This event has been so well received, we are pleased to offer an additional attendance night and please don't forget to support your favorite dancer and vote (donate)."

This fundraising event is becoming more fun and more competitive and your votes are essential in supporting your favorite islands' star dancer. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards much needed facility improvements and programs for the Sanibel Community House. Visit one of the blue boxes for voting (donating) located around the islands: Bank of the Islands, Bailey's General Store, Billy's Rentals, Head To Toes by Tina, Lily & Co., Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, The Mucky Duck, VIP Realty and the Sanibel Community House.

The six islands star dancers preparing to dance for you are Craig Albert, Karen Bell, Liddy Johnson, Billy Kirkland, Linda Naton and Susan Scott. The dancers and their professional dance partners from Fred Astaire Studios, emcee Richard Johnson, judges Rick Zurbriggen, Marjorie Nordstrom and Bobby Logue, videographer Rusty Farst, hostess Evette Zurbriggen and DJ Frederick Sunde will all be part of the dress rehearsal night.

Drinks will be available for purchase and dress rehearsal night tickets are available for $25 each. Call 472-2155 or come in to the Sanibel Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way.

Thanks to the event sponsor, the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, for making this event possible.

Submitted by KIMBERLY LA BAR

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"

Holiday decorations across island evoke the true spirit of the season

 "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"

Some folks may have noticed an increased amount of red and green around the islands of late, a handful of wreaths, ribbons and bunting, plus an assortment of inflatable decorations featuring shapes and faces familiar to both young and old.

Looks like the holidays have arrived!

Residences and businesses have joined forces in welcoming the Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa season to Sanibel and Captiva, with the return of the traditional Lions Club tree lot to Bailey's Center, scores of characters - Santa Claus and his elves, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the sort - adorning lawns and storefronts, plus twinkling lights of all colors and styles wrapped around the trunks of palm trees.

The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village is all decked out for the holidays, too, after a group of spirited volunteers spent two days decorating each building in The Village.

"They're all volunteers, and they'll be decorating each of the seven buildings within the museum," Blair Wyatt, coordinator of the decorating committee, said on Monday. "They are simple decorations like the ones that might have been seen on early Sanibel."

Many decades ago, Brazilian peppers, Spanish moss, shells and garland made from paper were used in holiday decor, Wyatt noted.

The Village Christmas tree, located in the Old Bailey General Store, is a seven-foot Douglas fir, again donated this year by the Sanibel Lions Club.

In keeping with the holiday season, the museum is selling an exclusive Luc Century etched glass Sanibel Lighthouse ornament/suncatcher as well as beautiful, handcrafted shell wreaths fabricated by Joan Emilius and Peggy Henward.

"There are only about 30 wreaths, and they completely sold out in minutes last year," Wyatt added.

This Friday, Dec. 4, the Museum & Village will offer a free tour to those who purchase an ornament ($45) or wreath (priced from $60 to $75). The Village Gift Shop is in the Bailey Store; shoppers may go directly to the store without paying museum admission.

The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Sanibel history, is located at 950 Dunlop Road and open on Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, call 472-4648 during normal business hours.

Also on Friday, Sanibel Mayor Mick Denham, Vice Mayor Kevin Ruane and members of City Council will officiate at the Bailey's Center tree lighting starting at 6:30 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will take place during the Bailey's Center Merchants' Association (BCMA) "Silver Luminary Celebration" at the corner of Periwinkle Way and Tarpon Bay Road.

Live music will be performed throughout the evening. Santa will be at the Bailey's Center from 5:30 to 5:45 p.m. to take photos with children and families. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks will also be served while many BCMA merchants will be welcoming their customers, clients and guests with extra festivities to mark the occasion.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Luminary Festival of the Islands, guests are invited to wear their finest silver attire and accessories. All are welcome to attend this free community event.

Other Luminary Festival details (SUBHEAD - BOLD)

The 25th Annual Luminary Festival is an islands-wide holiday event that brings together residents, visitors, businesses and organizations, promoting goodwill and community spirit.

As participants "travel the trail," look for several fun and festive places to stop and enjoy. Once again, there will be complimentary trolley service, visits and photos with Santa, a live nativity scene, music and activities for the entire family.

On Sanibel, Luminary Festival participants include:

East End/Seahorse Shops - Reggae band and refreshments

Sanibel Island Book Shop - Book signing, music and refreshments

Jerry's Center - Pictures with Santa and refreshments

Sanibel Community Church - Live nativity, music and refreshments

Tahitian Gardens - Cracker Blues Band and refreshments

Forever Green - Refreshments

Periwinkle Place - Pictures with Santa, entertainment and refreshments

Sanibel Congregational Church - Boutique, music and refreshments

Sanibel Community House - Santa's Workshop, Cypress Lakes Choir and cookie decorating

The Village Shops - Guitarist Michael David and refreshments

Hungry Heron Plaza - Refreshments

Tower Gallery - Refreshments

Olde Sanibel Shoppes - The Sanibel School Choir and refreshments

Bailey's Center - Gospel choir, music and refreshments

Participants on Captiva will include South Seas Island Resort, R.C. Otters, Keylime Bistro, Cantina Captiva, The Bubble Room, The Mucky Duck, Island Store, Royal Shell, Captiva Pizza & Yogurt and The Green Flash.

There will be 13 trolley stops along the trail, including East End/Seahorse Shops, Jerry's Center, Tahitian Gardens, The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater/Sanibel Community House, The Village Shops, Hungry Heron Plaza, Tower Gallery, Olde Sanibel Shoppes and Bailey's Center. Trolleys will operate from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Sponsors and special contributors for this year's Luminary Festival include ShopOnSanibel.com, SandCastles, The Cedar Chest, CROW, the City of Sanibel, Waste Pro, Sanibel Fire Rescue District, Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, ABWA, Zonta, Tarpon Bay Explorers, Adventures In Paradise, South Seas Island Resort, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, Hillgate Communications, Sanibel Community Church, Sanibel Congregational Church, St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 'Tween Waters Inn, Giggles, Sanibel Air Conditioning, Sanctuary Island Electric, chamber staff, ambassadors and volunteers as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

For additional information, call the Islands of Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce at 472-1966 or visit http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/.

By JEFF LYSIAK, jlysiak@breezenewspapers.com