WEEK OF OCTOBER 15, 2025
Volume 63, number 48
Touch-a-Truck
City to host first-ever Touch-a-Truck for community By TIFFANY REPECKI
A
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
free family-friendly event this weekend will kick off the city of Sanibel’s Florida City Week. The Sanibel Recreation Center will host a Touch-a-Truck event on Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Youths will have the chance to learn about and explore the vehicles that keep the island moving. “It’s important to connect the community to the essential services that keep Sanibel safe and thriving,” Recreation Department Marketing & Events Coordinator Denise Dillon said. She added that it will be the first of several events planned for Florida City Week. From Oct. 18-24, the city will join others throughout the state to mark the weeklong celebration that aims to raise awareness about the important role local government plays in shaping strong, vibrant communities. The annual week is sponsored by the Florida League of Cities — the unified voice for Florida’s municipal governments. “Throughout the week, the city of Sanibel will host special events and activities highlighting the importance of civic engagement, community connections and the unique spirit of Sanibel,” it
shared. “From interactive programs and educational opportunities, to family fun events, this is a chance to come together, learn and celebrate the city we call home.” For the hands-on Touch-a-Truck, children will have the opportunity to climb aboard fire engines, construction trucks, police cruisers, ambulances and more. Attendees will also meet the professionals who operate the machines and learn about their vital roles in keeping the island running smoothly. “It’s a family event that let’s kids and the community get an up-close look and feel of these larger fire trucks, police cruisers, construction vehicles,” Dillon said. The first hour from 10 to 11 a.m. will be sensory-friendly, with no flashing lights or sirens. It is intended for youths or adults with sensory sensitivities, so the experience is accessible to all. “So they can still attend and be included and it doesn’t affect them,” she said. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees will enjoy the full event with lights, sounds and demonstrations. “Let it rip,” Dillon said of the sirens and flashing lights. The participating agencies will include the Sanibel Police See TOUCH-A-TRUCK, page 18
Sanibel fire board hears update on two station projects
By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission received updates on the construction of one fire station and the design of the second one during its recent meeting, plus heard about grant funds. On Oct. 8, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson provided an update on the ongoing reconstruction of Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road. He reported that the work is in the final couple of weeks. The contractor was redoing the epoxy in the bathrooms because they did not
like it, and the electrical work continues. Motorola was expected to be out the following week to hook up the station tower. The tentative punch out date was set for Oct. 15. “Hopefully, we can keep on that schedule and we won’t de delayed again,” he said. Jackson added that if they meet the punch out, the crew can move in the next week. Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported that the plan was to hold the grand opening ceremony for the new station in November
and invite state elected officials, given the support received from them. However, they will be back in session in Tallahassee that month, so their schedules and days will be restricted. Because of that, they will likely push the ceremony to December. Also at the meeting, Barbot gave an update on the design and development of Station 171 on Palm Ridge Road. He reported that they are about 95% done with the construction design. They were supposed to have it 100% completed for See FIRE BOARD, page 21
BOUTIQUE OFFICE, BIG RESULTS.
School board affirms ‘right of parents’ to make health decisions
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
Lee County parents can decide what vaccines, if any, their school-age children will receive. The Lee County School Board adopted a resolution on Oct. 7 that proponents say further supports parental rights concerning medical decisions. The resolution, brought forward by Board Member Armor Persons, received both support and opposition from both the board and community. The resolution states that parents can determine, with consultation of health care providers, the course of action they believe is best for their children. Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said the resolution affirms parental rights with language that says they should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss what is in the best interest of their child. “The school board really has no standing to dictate law,” she said. “The Legislature See SCHOOL BOARD, page 18
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