WEEK OF JANUARY 25, 2023
VOLUME 61, NUMBER 10
City council talks post-storm policies, more By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
Historical village provides post-storm update on buildings ecently, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village provided a post-hurricane update on three buildings — Morning Glories, Shore Haven and the Caretakers' Cottage — as well as their histories. Officials reported that Morning Glories (1926) is a Sears & Roebuck prefabrication. At a cost of $2,211, Martin Mayer ordered it delivered in 1925. The building arrived on the island in 30,000 pieces on a flatbed truck aboard a
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barge. Originally located on the San Carlos Bay, it represents a typical winter home on Sanibel in the 1920s and 1930s. Morning Glories sustained minimal storm damage and requires drying and dehumidification. Officials reported that Shore Haven (1924), which serves as the welcome center and administration building, sustained moderate damage to See HISTORICAL VILLAGE, page 2
Morning Glories at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village sustained minimal storm damage from Hurricane Ian and requires drying and dehumidification.
The Sanibel City Council approved changes to post-hurricane policies including the curfew and recreation center use after hearing recovery updates from staff at its recent meeting, as well as agreed on a raise for the city manager and received an update from Community Housing and Resources. On Jan. 17, the council discussed a range of post-storm topics with city department officials. City Manager Dana Souza asked for direction on whether the city's curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 p.m. should remain in place or be amended. Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton recommended changing it to midnight to 6 a.m, along with eliminating the causeway checkpoint. The council voted 5-0 to proceed with the staff suggestions. Souza also asked for direction on when the city should resume requiring a membership to use the Sanibel Recreation Center. Recreation Department Director Andrea Miller provided an update on the facilities and an overview for January. She proposed reinstating the requirement for memberships in February, expanding See CITY COUNCIL, page 3
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SANIBEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND VILLAGE
Candidates qualify for Sanibel City Council election By TIFFANY REPECKI
Important voter information
With the qualifying period for the city of Sanibel’s March 7 election closing as of Jan. 13, four candidates are now in the running for two city council seats that will appear on the ballot. The candidates are aiming to win the seats currently held by Mayor Holly Smith and Vice Mayor Richard Johnson, who are both seeking re-election. Both of their terms will expire on March 6. The other two candidates seeking office are Jude Sincoskie and Troy Cobb. Elections held for Sanibel City Council seats are non-partisan races. During its regular meeting on Jan. 17, the council voted unanimously 5-0 to approve a resolution designating the four candidates for the office of the city council for the municipal election in March.
∫ Feb. 6: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation ∫ Feb. 25: Deadline to request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot ∫ March 7: Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ∫ March 7 before 7 p.m.: Deadline to return a Vote-by-Mail Ballot The Lee County Elections Office noted that those who plan to return their Vote-by-Mail Ballot in the mail should do so no later than Feb. 28. Ballots received after 7 p.m. on March 7 will be ineligible. On Election Day, both of the island's precincts will vote at the Sanibel Recreation Center. For more information visit https://www.lee.vote or call 239-5338683.
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
alsOInsIdetOday Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll.........................................4 Captiva Current..........................6-7 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise....................12 Island Living................................13 Sports.........................................14