WEEK OF MARCH 26, 2025
VOLUME 63, NUMBER 19
COTI to hold annual meeting with guest speaker Three sworn in
The Committee of the Islands (COTI) will hold its annual meeting on March 30 at 4 p.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, with the presentation set for 4:30 p.m. Speaker Dr. Thomas Ankersen will present “Shifting Sands and Shifted Baselines: The Once and Future Sanibel Plan.” With the impending update of the Sanibel Plan — a critical blueprint for the island’s future — the talk will be a key learning opportunity for all who have an interest in Sanibel. COTI reported that the Sanibel Plan has a history like few others and is a National Planning Landmark. Its origin story dovetails with a broader national and state historical context; its authors are revered planning illuminati. Backed by a committed community, the Plan — and the city that it guides — have stood the test of time, distinguishing Sanibel from the overdevelopment that characterizes most other barrier islands. But time marches on. A changing climate has created new, and perhaps existential, challenges for the island, its inhabitants and its natural resources. After recounting the Sanibel Plan’s venerable history, Ankersen will address the challenges — and opportunities — Sanibel and its sister islands face as they seek a pathway to climate adaptation. Ankersen is emeritus professor at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law and director emeritus of the Florida Sea Grant Legal Program. During the program, COTI will also announce its Citizen of the Year. In addition, there will be information available about the organization and the chance to join or renew membership. Beverages and appetizers will be served. While the event is free, registration is requested. To register or for more information, visit Dr. Thomas Ankersen https://bit.ly/41mMMSJ or www.COTI.org.
on city council, leaders selected By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
Three incumbents reelected to the Sanibel City Council earlier this month by the island’s voters were sworn in at the council’s recent meeting, then the council selected the new mayor and vice mayor. On March 18, Vice Mayor Mike Miller and Councilmembers Laura DeBruce and John Henshaw took the oath of office. They were reelected during the city’s Regular Election that was held on March 4. After all three were sworn in, Miller was nominated to serve as mayor for the year. The council voted unanimously 5-0 to elect him to the position. “I’m honored to be reelected to council by the citizens of our wonderful community, and I’m humbled to be elected See CITY COUNCIL, page 17
ISLANDERINSIDE
COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS
Island encouraged to attend prescribed burn meeting
By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
An upcoming event will focus on the plan for this year’s prescribed burn operations on Sanibel. The Sanibel Island Prescribed Fire Task Force will hold a Community Meeting on March 27 at 11:30 a.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel. Open to the public, the task force members will present information about prescribed burns, what the plan is and their role, plus answer any questions. “It’s been going on for over a decade,”
Eric Jackson, public information officer for the city — one member of the task force — said of the annual informational meeting held for the community. The Sanibel Island Prescribed Fire Task Force also includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), Sanibel Fire and Rescue District and Lee County Mosquito Control District. “The task force is going to present information to the public — and explain the purSee PRESCRIBED BURN, page 19
If you go What Community Meeting Who Sanibel Island Prescribed Fire Task Force When March 27 at 11:30 a.m. Where Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
ALSOINSIDETODAY Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll...........................................4 Captiva Current...............................6 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island Living..................................14 Sports.........................................16 Classifieds 47
Residential Customer ECRWSS
Ft MYERS, FL Permit #5733
PRSTD STD US POSTAGE PAID