WEEK OF MAY 28, 2025
VOLUME 63, NUMBER 28
City and FISH to present storm seminars with panel of experts
By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The community encouraged to attend two island events in preparation for hurricane season. The city of Sanibel will host its annual Hurricane Seminar on May 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. In addition, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva will hold a Hurricane Preparedness Seminar on June 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. Both are free and open to the public.
T
Sanibel library to kick off summer reading program
he Sanibel Public Library invites islanders and island visitors to dive into its “Island Adventures: A Summer Reading Journey through Sanibel” program, which will run from June 1 through Aug. 1. The library reported that its annual Summer Reading Program has been reimagined this year to reflect the spirit of Sanibel, encouraging daily reading habits and promoting lifelong literacy throughout the community. It will feature engaging guests, fun activities and prizes valued over $200 for participants. In addition, the program will be open to all ages — including adults — for the first time. “What’s even more special is that we’re inviting adults to
participate this year,” Youth Services Coordinator Shannon Gafgen said. “When children see grown-ups reading for fun, it reinforces the idea that reading is valuable, joyful and lifelong. It makes them want to read even more.” The program will launch with the Island Adventures Summer Reading Kickoff Party on May 31 from 10 a.m. to noon. Open to all ages, the fun-filled celebration will feature carnival games, tasty treats, exciting prizes and surprise guests. Attendees will also have an opportunity to sign up for the program. Over the summer months, participants can also take part in a special island-themed scavenger hunt, which features vibrant See SUMMER READING PROGRAM, page 17
Officials offer tips for National Water Safety Month
By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
With temperatures heating up around Southwest Florida, bodies of water — from beachside to poolside — will see much more activity in the coming months. With more people in the water comes a greater chance of accidental drownings and other water-related incidents. May serves as National Water Safety Month, with a history of highlighting water awareness and
swim safety starting in 2003, when the World Waterpark Association launched its National Water Safety Week. The coalition is made up of organizations such as the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, American Red Cross, National Drowning
Prevention Alliance (NDPA), National Recreation and Park Association and World Waterpark Association. According to the NDPA, there are more than 4,500 unintentional drowning deaths each year in the United States. It added that drowning is fast, silent and can happen in as little as 20 to 60 seconds. Even a good swimmer can drown. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. No other single cause See WATER SAFETY, page 18
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Hurricane Seminar The city’s annual Hurricane Seminar will be an informative event featuring a panel of speakers. “It’s an impetus for the community to start planning and to make their own hurricane plan,” Sanibel Police Department Police Chief Bill Dalton, who will serve as the moderator and a See STORM SEMINARS, page 17
ISLANDERINSIDE
ALSOINSIDETODAY Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll...........................................4 Captiva Current...............................6 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island Living..................................14 Sports.........................................16 Classifieds 35
SANDALFOOT UNIT: 5D3 Full Furnished, Gulf-Front, Top-Floor, End Unit
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