WEEK OF JULY 30, 2025
Volume 63, number 37
Historical village prepares to wrap up season High temps predicted to go higher
By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
Time is running out to visit the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village before its annual closure. Open now through July 31, it is marking its 41st year of preserving, sharing and celebrating Sanibel’s history. The village will close from Aug. 1 through mid-October, reopening to visitors on Oct. 15. “All of our buildings, but the Rutland House, are open,” Executive Director Pamela Miner said, explaining that Rutland is still closed post-Hurricane Ian as they work with the city on its restoration. “Our other eight historic buildings are open,” she added. All handicap accessible, the buildings include the Burnap Cottage, Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, Morning Glories Cottage, Post Office, Old Bailey General Store, Sanibel School House for White Children, Shore Haven, and The Caretaker’s Cottage. Also known as the Sanibel Packing Company, the iconic 1927 Bailey store features an updated and revitalized display that showcases 16 new exhibits. Historic photographs, personal stories and timelines span the See HISTORICAL VILLAGE, page 18
By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Living in Southwest Florida, residents are no strangers to warm days and high temps. But last week, it was hot. Really hot. Last week, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued heat index advisories for all of the Sunshine State, with values topping out at a blistering 115, with temperatures in the high 90s to triple digits. July 25 saw the NWS’ HeatRisk map showing an “Orange 2” level for most of Southwest Florida. Orange 2 is described as “moderate — affects those who are sensitive to heat, especially those without cooling/hydration, and some health systems and industries.” The potential heat risks on July 26 was projected to jump to “Red 3,” or “major — affects anyone without cooling/hydration as well as health systems and indusSee HIGH TEMPS, page 18
ISLANDERINSIDE
The Old Bailey General Store at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village on Sanibel features an updated and revitalized display with new exhibits. SANIBEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND VILLAGE
Annual global cleanup to return to islands
By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
ALSOINSIDETODAY
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Coastal Watch is signing up volunteers to collect trash on Sept. 20 on the beaches as part of the Ocean Conservancy’s annual International Coastal Cleanup. The islands’ event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., with breakfast and gear pick up beforehand. “Every time we can organize an island-
Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll...........................................4 Captiva Current...............................6 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island Living..................................14 COASTAL WATCH Coastal Watch is signing up groups of volunteers and individuals to Sports.........................................16
See CLEANUP, page 20
Classifieds 35
collect trash on Sept. 20 on the islands’ beaches as part of the Ocean Conservancy’s annual International Coastal Cleanup.
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
Residential Customer ECRWSS
Ft MYERS, FL Permit #5733
Eric Pfeifer | 239.472.0004
1440 SANDPIPER CIRCLE 3 Bedroom Lakeview Duplex in The Dunes
PRSTD STD US POSTAGE PAID