Week of noVember 27, 2024
Volume 63, number 2
Carlin sworn in as schools superintendent By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
For the first time in 50 years an elected superintendent — Dr. Denise Carlin — was sworn into office on Nov. 18 for the School District of Lee County. “It’s a special moment for the School District of Lee County as we witness the swearing in of our new leaders. These dedicated public servants will serve for the Dr. Denise Carlin next four years,” Lee County School Board Chair Sam Fisher said. Three board members were also sworn in as a result of the Nov. 5 election: incumbent Melisa Giovannelli, District 2; Bill Ribble, District 3; and Vanessa Chaviano, District 7, an at-large seat.
Anniversary celebration to continue with holiday tree lighting By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The island community is invited to kick off the holiday season — and continue to mark the yearlong celebration of the city of Sanibel's 50th anniversary — with a special event set for this weekend.
See CArlIn, page 20
IslanderInsIde
In partnership with Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and The Community House, the city will present the 50th Anniversary Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Park. See Tree lIGHTInG, page 10
SCCF: Impacts of surge events on freshwater habitats The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that it has been an up-and-down few years on Sanibel in many ways. For one thing, the salinity of the island's freshwater habitats has been a rollercoaster over the past two and a half years. Often called the Sanibel River, the Sanibel Slough is the centrally-located freshwater system, which is connected to the San Carlos Bay via the East Basin and the Tarpon Bay via the West Basin through a system of two weirs. “This central wetland system benefits and protects the island by providing habi-
Marine Lab Research Associate Mark Thompson said. “It also improves water quality, prevents saltwater intrusion through groundwater, and provides low salt conditions needed for residential vegetation plantings.”
New era in saltwater intrusion SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
tat to wildlife, replenishing fresh water to our groundwater aquifers, and by storing precipitation which would normally just pool and runoff causing flooding,” SCCF
In previous years, water releases from the slough through the weir system were few and saltwater surges over the weirs and into the slough were almost unheard See freSHWATer HAbITATS, page 20
alsOInsIdetOday Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll.........................................4 Captiva Current..........................6-7 business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island living................................14 Sports.........................................16 Classifieds 35
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