Community Corner

🌱 How big will Sanibel’s new FISH Resiliency Hub actually be?

Be sure to catch GMF Online Auction on the Sanibel Patch calendar

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Hi there, Sanibel! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How big will Sanibel's new FISH Resiliency Hub actually be?
  • What does Sanibel's new fire district tax rate mean for you?
  • Want your kids to bike safely to The Sanibel School?

Also on today's calendar: GMF Online Auction and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 85 and low of 78 degrees.
  • Friday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 86, low: 79. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 90 and low of 78 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. FISH of SanCap Resiliency Hub's variance application approved (captivasanibel.com) — Sanibel's Planning Commission has approved a key variance and conditional use permit allowing FISH of SanCap's planned Resiliency Hub on Periwinkle Way to be significantly larger than normally allowed. Supporters say the expanded facility will better serve residents year‑round and during hurricanes, while two commissioners opposed the size and tax implications. FISH will now finalize design and continue working with the city and Lee County.
   

2. Sanibel Fire and Rescue District sets final millage rate, budget (captivasanibel.com) — Sanibel's Fire and Rescue District has finalized next year's property tax rate at 1.3016 mills, keeping it level with the rolled-back rate for 2026-27. With a total budget just under $30.9 million, funded by more than $6 billion in taxable value, the district says nothing changed from the preliminary plan, giving Sanibel homeowners clarity on fire services funding.
   

3. The Sanibel School students to participate in National Walk & Roll to School event (captivasanibel.com) — Families with students at The Sanibel School can join next week's early‑morning National Walk & Roll to School event, biking or walking from the Rosalita's and Bailey's lot to campus with police escorts. Local partners like the Sanibel Bike Club, Billy's Bikes, and "Ding" Darling will provide safety gear, bike support, and snacks, turning the ride into a fun community celebration of safe cycling.
   

4. Celebrate Florida Native Plant Month This October! (mysanibel.com) — Sanibel's Vegetation Committee is inviting residents to celebrate Florida Native Plant Month in October, including a native‑plant information booth at the Farmers Market on Sunday, October 25. Locals can learn which plants thrive in Sanibel's barrier‑island conditions, explore extensive guides on MySanibel.com, and join free seasonal tours of City Hall grounds to see low‑maintenance native landscaping in action.
   

5. Use of Scat DNA to Estimate Coyote Abundance on a Newly Colonized Barrier Island (usu.edu) — Researchers closely examined Sanibel Island's growing coyote population and found about 39 animals, more than double earlier estimates based on sightings and cameras. Using DNA from scat collected across the island, they showed how quickly coyotes have spread since arriving in 2011, underscoring the need for better management to protect sensitive wildlife on Sanibel.
   

📸 Around Sanibel

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Best pizza on Sanibel.
    And the owner is a really good dude. Nice little bar with cold draft beer while waiting for your pizza, or dine in. Also, if you like the Steelers,… (Nextdoor Central Sanibel)
  • In case anyone is interested in why salvia coccinea or tropical sage is no longer considered native.
    Alan is the botanist who manages the herbarium and the Florida Plant Atlas. https://experts.ufl.edu/experts/alan.franck/ https://www.floridamuseum… (Nextdoor North Sanibel)
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Food/Consumables Team Supervisor in Fort Myers Beach. Apply here.
  • Culver's posted a job opening for Full Time Team Member in Cape Coral. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sanibel here.

Ok Sanibel! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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