by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel City Council issued four proclamations on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the start of its regular meeting. They were as follows:
Breast Cancer Awareness Proclamation: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, promoted annually to increase awareness of the disease, the most common cancer among women in the United States, with approximately one in eight American women developing breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. Continued awareness, education, and support are essential to reduce the impact of this disease further.
The City Proclamation states, in part, “We encourage all residents to participate in educational sessions, classes, and events throughout the month of October, particularly those scheduled at the Sanibel Recreation Center … We encourage all residents to attend the San Cap Pink Project Inc. “Let’s Pink Out!” Celebration for Life Picnic Lunch, founded by breast cancer survivor Mary Bondurant, to help fund mammograms and cancer-related needs for the uninsured, which will be held at the Sanibel Fire Rescue District, 2351 Palm Ridge Road, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 11:30 to 1:30.”
25-Year Service Award: Scott Krawczuk, Public Works Deputy Director, was honored with a Proclamation for his years of service. This city hired Krawczuk as an Engineering Technician in 2000, and in 2003 was promoted to Engineering Intern. In 2006, the city promoted him to his current position of Deputy Public Works Director.
The Proclamation states, in part, “Scott worked tirelessly leading and working side-by-side with his staff before, during, and after Hurricanes Charley, Wilma, Irma, Ian, and most recently Helene and Milton, to maintain the City’s infrastructure and emergency management of the community during these weather emergencies.”
Further, Krawczuk has taken on the roles of design and project management for many projects throughout the years, including the Sanibel-Captiva road improvements, Periwinkle Way improvements, culvert replacement at Lindgren Boulevard with the new bridge, and many other projects.
City Manager Dana Souza said, “Scott’s the unsung hero of this operation. I’m proud to be affiliated with him.”
2025 Florida Native Plant Month on Sanibel: More than 3,000 species of native plants inhabit Florida, and more than 250 occur nowhere else in the world. Native plants are specifically adapted to Florida’s rainfall patterns and soil conditions, making them more resistant to pests and diseases.
That reduces the need for irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides, thereby promoting water conservation and water quality protection. Native plants effectively combat erosional forces, strengthening coastal resiliency.
They serve as the foundation for wildlife habitat and improve biodiversity by providing critical resources for pollinators and other native and migratory wildlife.
The Proclamation reads, in part, “The Sanibel Plan preserves the unique and natural characteristics of our Sanctuary Island through protection of native plants, environmentally responsible development, and the prohibition of invasive plant species. Sanibel residents can show appreciation for Florida’s native plants by choosing natives for landscaping projects and supporting efforts to restore and enhance native plant communities on Sanibel.”
Florida City Week: The Florida League of Cities, of which Sanibel Vice-Mayor Holly Smith is president, and its 411 member cities, towns, and villages, have joined together during October to inform citizens about the essential services delivered by local government through a variety of engagement and educational activities.
Smith said, “I couldn’t be more proud of how engaged the Sanibel community is.”
City government is the level of government closest to most citizens and the one with the most direct impact on its residents’ daily lives. Municipal governments provide services and programs that are essential to the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for residents.
The Proclamation reads, in part, “Through home rule authority, city government establishes laws, resolutions, policies, and regulations that allow a local community to create qualities and characteristics that define its unique sense of place. On November 4, 1974, the citizens of Sanibel Island voted to incorporate as the City of Sanibel to protect their quality of life from overdevelopment and to preserve the unique sanctuary barrier island qualities that continue to serve as Sanibel’s character-defining features 50 years later.”
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