WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
Volume 63, number 43
Entry deadline nearing for refuge’s photo contest
Fire board OKs proposed budget and millage rate
By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission set the tentative millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2025-26 at its first hearing, as well as received an update on Station 172 during its meeting. On Aug. 3, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to adopt an operating millage rate of 1.3915 mills — a 19.44% increase in ad valorem taxes compared to the rolledback rate of 1.1650 mills. The tentative 1.3915 mills is expected to generate proceeds of $7,841,718 for the district. The commission also voted 3-0 to approve a tentative budget of $28,125,694 for fiscal year 2025-26. The Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office has certified the gross taxable value for operating purposes not exempt See FIRE BOARD, page 19
By STAFF REPORT
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
T
he submission deadline for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s annual contest for amateur photographers who enjoy capturing shots of nature and wildlife is set for Sept. 15. Sponsored by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, the 33rd annual “Ding” Darling Amateur Photo Contest opened on July 15 to non-professional photographers. All entries must be submitted electronically. The cash award prizes have increased this year to $500 for first place, $300 for second place, $200 for third place and $50 for honorable mentions. Award payouts have nearly doubled from past years. The complete contest rules are as follows: ∫ There is a $25 per person entry fee that provides you with a membership to the DDWS and is used to defray the cost of the contest. One fee covers
ISLANDERINSIDE
See PHOTO CONTEST, page 18 First place last year went to Wayne Kliewer, of Clinton, New Jersey, for his photo titled “Pretty in Pink.” WAYNE KLIEWER
Roundtable group brings islands’ eateries together
By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
In the post-Hurricane Ian recovery years, over a dozen Sanibel and Captiva restaurants have come together to collaborate, brainstorm and share advice to help draw business back to the islands. Facilitated by the SanCap Chamber, the restaurant roundtable group formed after the 2022 storm as eateries began to reopen their doors, but customer foot traffic was an obstacle due to the lack of accommodation inventory on the islands. See ROUNDTABLE, page 21
ALSOINSIDETODAY
Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll...........................................4 Captiva Current...............................6 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island Living..................................14 SANCAP CHAMBER Facilitated by the SanCap Chamber, a restaurant roundtable group made Sports.........................................16 up of Sanibel and Captiva owners has been working together since Hurricane Ian in 2022 to revive business on the islands.
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