provided to The Santiva Chronicle
More than 200 members and non-members attended the Committee of the Islands’ annual meeting at The Community House on March 30. The event celebrating COTI’s 50th anniversary featured Professor Tom Ankersen’s keynote address, “Shifting Sands and Shifted Baselines: The Once and Future Sanibel Plan.”
The Plan, which was also created 50 years ago, provided a critical blueprint for the island’s future. It enabled Sanibel to avoid the overdevelopment that characterizes many other barrier islands and has become a national planning landmark.
With graphics and commentary, Dr. Ankersen offered an overview and details of the Plan and provided context within broader planning efforts and research – past, present, and future.
Prior to the keynote presentation, the membership elected new directors. Then, continuing the board’s long-stand tradition of selecting someone they feel has contributed greatly to the civic and community life of Sanibel, President Bill Millar announced COTI’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, Maria Espinoza.
“Maria, as Executive Director of FISH, is not only the heart of that organization,” said Millar; “she is in many ways at the heart of our community. She has worked tirelessly to support the recovery from Hurricane Ian, as well as from last year’s hurricanes.”
He added, “She exemplifies the community service values that COTI’s Citizen of the Year Award is meant to recognize. Maria is known for her ability to bring people together, whether it’s collaborating with local and regional organizations, rallying volunteers, or personally ensuring that every person who comes to FISH feels heard and supported.”
Ms. Espinoza was lauded for her leadership after recent hurricanes, even while dealing with her own challenges. Millar noted, “Maria and her team sprang into action to provide supplies and services residents needed to start their recovery and even stay in their homes. She expedited applications for housing assistance, FEMA, and insurance and partnered with other professionals to provide mental health care.
“And Maria’s impact goes beyond emergency response at both the local and county level. She has expanded FISH’s reach, developed innovative programs, and strengthened relationships with donors, volunteers, and community leaders. She is also actively involved in local organizations, including the Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva, and has received multiple awards for her leadership and disaster-response efforts.
“Above all, Maria leads with empathy, intelligence, and a deep passion for serving others. Her ability to think strategically while prioritizing the human side of nonprofit work makes her an exceptional leader.”
For more information about COTI, visit coti.org or email COTI33957@gmail.com.
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