WEEk OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
VOLuME 62, NuMBER 45
Fire board OKs budget, millage rate By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District's commission recently adopted the final millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2024-25 at its second and final budget hearing, as well as held its monthly meeting. On Sept. 18, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to approve an operating rate of 1.3915 mills, which is equal to the rolled-back rate and does not exceed it, meaning no tax increase for residents. See FIRE BOARD, page 24 Then & Now All of Southwest Florida continues to rebuild and renew after Hurricane Ian — INSIDE
Early registration nearing for F.I.S.H. race, concert By STAFF REPORT
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
he deadline to sign up early for F.I.S.H. of T Sanibel-Captiva's 2024 JOG N JAM is approaching. Runner registration and concert ticket sales for this year's annual race and music concert opened
IslanderInsIde
in June. Scheduled for Dec. 7 on the islands, JOG N JAM will raise funds to support F.I.S.H.'s programs and services and will celebrate and recognize the city of Sanibel's 50th anniversary set for this year. In addition, this year's JOG N JAM is being See F.I.S.H., page 22
City working to optimize stormwater system performance By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
With a record-breaking 58.55 inches of rain so far this year, many islanders have been inquiring about the standing water on the roadways and Shared Use Path system on Sanibel. “We are getting rainfall totals we have not been seeing for a very long time,” Public Works Assistant City Engineer Oisin Dolley said. “The vast majority of the areas I have looked at are saturated from
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record rainfalls.” According to city staff, it is the highest amount of rainfall on Sanibel in 20 years — even with 8 more inches over the next four months, Sanibel will set a 10-year record for the year. There are several areas that have localized drainage and do not have design overflow. The areas were full and overflowing, causing major impacts. See STORMWATER SYSTEM, page 24
Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll..........................................4 Captiva Current..............................6 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island Living................................14 Sports.........................................16 CITY OF SANIBEL
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