"South Seas welcomes community for ‘A Season of Celebration’"

South Seas welcomes community for ‘A Season of Celebration’

South Seas Island Resort is inviting members of the Captiva community to celebrate "A Season of Celebration" at Kings Crown, the historic resort banquet space, on Sunday, Dec. 6 through Thursday, Dec. 17 for holiday champagne brunches, lunches and dinners to benefit the Salvation Army's Family Services Unit in their residential shelter facility.

"South Seas invites locals to come back to the resort and visit Kings Crown overlooking Pine Island Sound. It's a special space with the old Florida feeling that for decades served as the locale for wedding receptions, family reunions and company parties" said Rick Hayduk, South Seas Island Resort managing director.

Kings Crown, once the warehouse that stored key limes when South Seas was the largest key lime plantation in the world, remains intact with the original fireplace, brick flooring and view of the t-dock over a lawn of palm trees.

The space will feature seasonal decor and offer locals festive holiday brunches, lunches and dinners.

Holiday menus - devised by South Seas' chef Sebastian Heil - will include brioche French toast with warm banana caramel sauce, pan roasted Jidori chicken, seared Florida black grouper, sugar crusted ham, pumpkin soup and traditional holiday sides and desserts such as apple pie, pineapple upside down cake and Yule logs.

A portion of the proceeds from all meals will be given to the Salvation Army.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with South Seas this holiday season for the second year in a row and appreciate that the resort is recognizing the importance of serving the local community," said Major Art Penhale, corps officer for the Salvation Army of Lee and Hendry Counties.

Island residents and guests interested in attending the "A Season of Celebration" can call 866-565-5089 to make reservations.
For parties of 20 or more, South Seas Island Resort will double the proceeds to the Salvation Army.
For more information on South Seas Island Resort visit www.southseas.com or call 472-5111.
By JANE BRICKLEY, jbrickley@breezenewspapers.com

"’Tween Waters tree lighting ceremony returns Nov. 27"

’Tween Waters tree lighting ceremony returns Nov. 27

If you've traveled past 'Tween Waters Inn lately, you might have noticed a familiar character scaling the palm tree in front of the historic resort, scanning the gulf waters for signs of the upcoming holiday season.

Santa Claus, of course, has resumed his post in front of 'Tween Waters, indicating that the resort's annual tree lighting ceremony is coming up soon - the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, to be exact.

"It will be another wonderful event with a couple of new secret elements. But you have to come out to see them," said 'Tween Waters general manager Jeff Shuff.

Carolers from the Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater will regale guests with holiday favorites as they mingle through the twinkling wonderland - and you can probably count on a visit from the man in red himself.

In addition to giant snowmen, hard-working elves and gravity-defying reindeer, approximately 120,000 lights have been strung up by 'Tween Waters staff to create the holiday haven.

To avoid traffic build up, Shuff recommends that folks get to the resort early, around 5:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

"It's our Christmas present to the islands," Shuff said.
By JANE BRICKLEY, jbrickley@breezenewspapers.com

CEPD discusses importance of beach renourishment, community involvement

 "CEPD discusses importance of beach renourishment, community involvement"
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District met last Wednesday for their regular meeting where beach renourishment and community education regarding beach erosion were thoroughly discussed.

CEPD administrator Kathy Rooker offered a report on her trip to the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association conference, saying that it was a wonderful learning experience and reinforced just how important beach renourishment is to coastal communities.

"One thing I did take away from the engineering meetings is that there is no one right way to do a project. You need to go back and examine projects that have been done around the country and find out what really works.

"We really need to study successful projects to know what works. We've been talking a lot about sand sources because sand sources are becoming very limited. One of the things that was stressed to us, and one of the most important things to a project, is how good your sand is. If your sand is not going to be good, your project won't be good. Don't forget that in your equation," Rooker said.

Rooker said she was able to look at pictures of the devastation caused by hurricanes along the Gulf coast of Florida and Louisiana.

"All of the speakers told us that the difference in the structures that were saved was the amount of sandy beach in front of it. Wide, sandy beaches protect, and that was stressed to us," Rooker said.

"That reminded me that we don't just do beach renourishments for recreational value, we are saving people's homes and businesses," Rooker said.

The topic of beach renourishment led into board members discussing the organization's community relations mission and their hopes of informing the Captiva population about the importance of beach nourishment.

"Overall, what we're trying to accomplish, is to recognize that the community in Captiva has changed dramatically in the last number of years," CEPD chairman Mike Mullins said, noting many people are property owners but are here infrequently or simply rent their properties and don't really understand the history of beach erosion and beach nourishment.

"We recognized at one point in time that to be successful in having community understanding and support, because they're ultimately the people that are paying for this, that we need to have a community relations plan that allows us to promulgate to the community, the historical information that most people miss," Mullins said.

"People don't really get that this group is fending for itself in a big way, but most importantly, however it gets done, if we don't maintain that beach we can't count on the County or the Feds or the State or anybody else to do it for us, and without the beach, the property values, the habitats, the recreational capabilities and so on and so forth are gone. So we feel, that we recognized the need going forward that we have to try to get this information out," Mullins said.

"We have a real problem, because when something works people don't really pay attention to it. When it breaks, people pay attention. We can't afford to let it break again like it was in the 1970s and 1980s," Mullins said.

Bob Gray of Partners in Progress presented a community relations update to the CEPD, informing the board members that he has found at least two potential candidates for researching and assembling educational, community presentations for the organization.

The CEPD will meet again at 'Tween Waters Inn, 15951 Captiva Drive, on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at noon.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District is located at 11513 Andy Rosse Lane, Unit 4. For more information, call 472-2472, or visit www.MyCEPD.com
By JANE BRICKLEY, jbrickley@breezenewspapers.com

Stilwell organizes effort to feed Lee hungry with leftover supplies

 "Stilwell organizes effort to feed Lee hungry with leftover supplies"

As the fears that accompany hurricane season begin to dwindle - the official end of hurricane season being Nov. 30 - for some families in Lee County, the worry that comes along with trying to feed themselves and their families is an everyday struggle.

Captiva resident and business owner Sandy Stilwell, a past chairman of the Board of the Salvation Army who currently serves the organization's Executive Committee, says she has an idea to help allay the fears of hungry people in Lee County, especially for the upcoming holiday season.

"We are so fortunate on Captiva. In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, why don't we celebrate the official closing of the 2009 hurricane season by donating our stock of hurricane food to a local food pantry?" Stilwell said.

"This year more than ever, we are in need of food. People who have never asked for assistance are in need now. With unemployment being so high, we are increasingly short of food on a daily basis," Stilwell said.

Rather than letting hurricane supplies expire and go to waste, Stilwell proposes that folks who don't need to hold onto their non-perishable food items donate them to a worthy cause - feeding the hungry in Lee County.

"If you are interested, we will make it easy for you," Stilwell said, noting that all Captivans have to do is gather up the food supplies that would otherwise go to waste and drop them off at the Captiva Island Inn. Stilwell and Captiva Island Inn manager Corban Chestnut will take care of the rest.

Interested Captivans can drop off their non-perishable food donations at the Captiva Island Inn, 11508 Andy Rosse Lane, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
 Island Reporter, Captiva Current, Sanibel-Captiva Islander

By JANE BRICKLEY, jbrickley@breezenewspapers.com

The future of Sanibel placed in young hands

The future of Sanibel placed in young hands

Vice Mayor Mark Thomas, left, and Mayor Rocco Smith sat at the front of MacKenzie Hall last week as the duly-elected local leaders on Student Government Day.


As the result of a narrow 4-3 vote from the sitting City Council, Sanibel will now be open for development by fast food hamburger chains and coffee mega-merchants.

That is, if Friday's acting council members had things go their way.

Last week, 44 eighth grade students from The Sanibel School visited MacKenzie Hall as part of Student Government Day. The annual outing included the mock election of a Mayor, Vice Mayor and three council members as well as appointments of a City Manager, City Clerk and City Attorney.

Following a brief introductory welcome by City Clerk Pamela Smith, councilmen Jim Jennings and Peter Pappas spoke to the teenagers and their teachers on several topics, including "How a citizen becomes a City Council member," "How citizens submit input to City Council," "How Sanibel laws are enforced" and "How Sanibel laws are made."

"Hopefully, you will all become involved voters," said Jennings, who described the election process to the group, "because that's the way citizens understand what is going on in their community."

Asking the students for their opinion on how their city is governed, as well as seeking comment or suggestions on what could be done to improve Sanibel yielded many responses.

Maxas Jankauskas, for example, noted where repairs to portions of the city's shared use paths would improve safety for walkers and bicycle riders alike.

Other students complained about vehicular traffic not stopping for pedestrians or bikers at crosswalks, garbage trucks who exceed the local speed limit, dead rodents on roadways and the poor taste of water at several fountains along the bike path.

"I've heard some very valid concerns today. It's nice to hear that so many of you have concerns about your city," said Jennings. "You did great with this. Not just great... excellent."

Next, the students staged a mock election, nominating three of their own - Kimberly Breece, Mark Thomas and Rocco Smith - for election to the Sanibel City Council.

Asked why her fellow pupils should vote for her, Breece boasted, "Because I'm awesome! I watch a lot of those law shows, too."

Nearly unanimously, Smith took the center chair as Mayor, with Thomas selected as Vice Mayor. Breece, Jankauskas and Dane Johnson rounded out the council. Later, students chose Lochlainn Kane to serve as City Clerk, Samantha Fowler as City Manager and Ronnie Griest as City Attorney.

After debating a number of suggested "hot topics," the acting City Council invited a discussion on whether to allow fast food eateries to develop on Sanibel. Several teens demanded the need for "fast and cheap" food on the island, while others noted that such competition could run long-established local eateries out of business.

Following public comment, the council offered their own "pros" and "cons" to allow such development, finally settling upon the go-ahead for McDonald's, Starbucks and all comers to add their services here on Sanibel. That "yes" nod elicited a loud round of applause from the audience, save for a few silent and disgruntled grown-ups.

"You live in a city that's unlike any other government in the world," said Pappas. "We operate with a unique form of government where citizens have an opportunity to participate in decision-making... maybe greater than anywhere else."

Before the students broke for lunch, which was generously donated by George Schnapp of Schnapper's Hots, the visitors were divided into smaller groups for tours of various departments represented at City Hall.

Island Reporter, Captiva Current, Sanibel-Captiva Islander
By JEFF LYSIAK

Westland promoted to Supervisory Ranger at 'Ding' Darling NWR

Westland promoted to Supervisory Ranger at 'Ding' Darling NWR
Ranger Toni Westland, the environmental education specialist at J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, was recently reassigned to the position of refuge Supervisory Ranger, which was vacated in August 2008 by Ranger Kevin Godsea.

Westland has worked in environmental education since she graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a major in natural resource management, emphasis on environmental education. She will continue to oversee the refuge's education program, which is heavily supported by "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS).

"It was a difficult choice among highly qualified applicants from near and far, but Toni has demonstrated a great capacity to bring energy, innovation, leadership, and inspiration to the Visitor Services program," said Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik.

"I had mixed emotions about giving up my work with the kids, but we have agreed that I will keep my hands on that aspect as I take on new roles such as media contact, liaison for both DDWS and Tarpon Bay Explorers concession, and head of Visitor Services at the refuge," said Westland.

DDWS is a non-profit, friends-of-the-refuge organization that supports the Education Center, "Ding" Darling Days, and other educational programs at the refuge.

To join DDWS and become a friend to the refuge, stop in at the Refuge Education Center or visit www.dingdarlingsociety.org.

CROW's Giving Tree Festival highlights Luminary Weekend

CROW's Giving Tree Festival highlights Luminary Weekend

CROW (The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc.) is putting the final touches on its spectacular Fourth Annual "Giving Tree Festival," so mark your calendars for Sunday, Dec. 6 at The Sanctuary Clubhouse.

Gaily decorated trees, wreaths and garlands will be featured in a silent auction, to raise philanthropic support while The Giving Tree offers guests the opportunity to donate to crucial needs for the hospital including food for patients, fellowship and student programs, as well as rescue and education.

CROW board member Daniel Moore-Thompson and chair of the event has been busy organizing a talented group of designers for this tremendous evening.

"The festival will showcase some of the most amazing talent this island has to offer," said Moore-Thompson. "Guests come every year to bid on trees to decorate their homes as well as to give as gifts."

According to Moore-Thompson, the event will also feature a fabulous "Boutique Unique" that will display exclusively designed stemware for CROW by Luc Century as well as other one-of-a kind gifts.

Tickets, priced at $100 each, are selling fast so make your reservations now. Call 395-0050 ext. 2 for credit card reservations. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with complimentary wine.

"A wonderful menu by The Sanctuary chefs, entertainment by Johnny Ray and a beautiful holiday setting all the ingredients that make a perfect evening while at the same time supporting CROW's important mission," said Carol Rothman, event committee member.

Our sincerest thanks go to The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, the premier event sponsor.

"CROW's Giving Tree Festival has become a tradition to kick off the holiday season, to celebrate CROW's service to area wildife and the recent opening of the new hospital," said Terry Igo, San Cap Trust Executive VP.

Other sponsors for the evening include Bank of the Islands, Coral Veterinary Hospital, Steve and Mandy Greenstein, Roberta and Phillip Puschel, Sanibel Island Taxi, Suncatcher's Dream and Susan and Bob Tucker. We thank them for their support.

The local artists and designers include Donna Sue Andazola, Jaye Boswell, Inga Bredahl, Luc Century and Dee Serage, Congress Jewelers, Greg and Diane Cortese, Mary DeMic and Zoe Cohen, Susan Gordon, Fran Grant, Liz Gresham, Liz Kennedy and Ann Potter, Lily & Co., Bonnie Moore and Carol Weissman, Kym Nader Interiors, Pandora's Box, Tom Service, Suncatcher's Dream, Surroundings by Melissa, Tarpon Bay Explorers, Birgie Vertesch and Anita Pinder, Kevin Vertesch and VIP's Jim and Karen Hall.

Island Reporter, Captiva Current, Sanibel-Captiva Islander
Submitted by CAROL ROTHMAN POSTED: November 18, 2009