by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The topic of speed limits was again before the Sanibel City Council at its May 5, 2026, meeting. The issue is still under discussion. Council has already determined that any change to speed limits on the island must be accomplished by ordinance rather than by resolution. An ordinance gives the public an opportunity to provide input.
City Council’s input from the meeting will now go back to City Manager Dana Souza to incorporate the information into another draft plan.
The following speed limit changes were discussed:
• East Periwinkle Way from Causeway Boulevard to Lighthouse Beach Park. Reduce the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph.
• Periwinkle Way from Causeway Boulevard to Tarpon Bay Road. Reduce the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph.
• Sanibel-Captiva Road from Rabbit Road to the western limit of the Sanibel School speed zone. Consider reducing the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph.
Council, for the most part, did not reach consensus on speed limit changes. Regarding any possible changes to limits on Sanibel-Captiva Road, Council member Richard Johnson said, “I travel that roadway four to six times a day. Since the Slow Down Sanibel program and the Police Chief’s increased enforcement, and the signs, I see people traveling 35 mph. Changing that speed limit is not called for.”
Regarding speed limits, Council member Holly Smith said, “I don’t think it’s broken, so maybe we don’t fix it.”
“Maybe speed limits are not the place for tweaks,” said Mayor Mike Miller.
Police Chief Bill Dalton said the goal of a traffic stop is compliance, not necessarily a citation. He said about 90% of traffic stops for speeding result in future compliance, meaning they are never stopped again.
“We don’t, as a practice, enforce until about five, certainly 10 mph over the speed limit,” Dalton explained. “There could be differences in cars, so you don’t want to cut it too close.” Dalton concluded, “You don’t want Sanibel to get the reputation of a speed trap.”
Public messages to the City Council so far were seven against reduced speed limits and two in favor.
“Current speed limits are entirely adequate and appropriate. It’s enforcement that’s lacking. That’s why people are speeding! And so what if Sanibel becomes known for traffic enforcement and tickets? Leave the limits as they are.” Larry Bearfield
“Please do NOT make rash decisions based on speeding driven by construction traffic, or peak/seasonal traffic, and/or those not regular to the island. Construction traffic is clearly slowing, and those living here who must go off island for work, healthcare, cheaper groceries, and gas (lack of competition here) would only be hampered further by lowering traffic speeds. We see this ordinance as totally unnecessary and negative to all residents of the island.” Kris Robbins
“Look, we really appreciate your work on council to represent us. We live on the West end of Sanibel and are year-round permanent residents. We work here, shop here, eat out here, recreate here, active in our church here, etc., and travel SanCap and Periwinkle multiple times daily in the course of our regular commutes. The traffic issues on Sanibel are NOT caused by excessive speed limits and will just be exacerbated by LOWERING the speed limits. This ordinance just ‘feels like’ a way for council to ‘look’ actively engaged in solving our very real seasonal traffic issues, when in reality it has a very negative quality of life effect on permanent residents, especially during the off season. City council demonstrated this when you lowered Wulfert Road to 20 mph in a knee-jerk request from Sanctuary residents, in opposition from residents like us who don’t live in the Sanctuary but are affected by the 20 mph speed limit. Instead of suggesting to the HOA/residents that they explore alternatives (sidewalks, no on-street parking, parking on only one side of the street, etc.) you guys just lowered the speed limit…….because you have the power to do so. For the first time ever on Wulfert Road there was a traffic fatality…..AFTER the speed was lowered! Again, speed was not the problem! And speed is not the problem in these other areas either! Thanks again for your willingness to serve!” Bill and Lisa Rigsby
“To be frank, I’m a bit unsure if lowering the speed limit would genuinely address the core issues we face on Periwinkle. When the road is clear and there’s no seasonal rush, 35 mph already feels quite measured, and often, it feels like a good, safe speed for those conditions. My concern is that going even slower might simply make drives feel unnecessarily drawn out during off-peak times. And then, during the busier seasons, it’s a completely different story, isn’t it? Periwinkle often slows to a crawl or becomes bumper-to-bumper traffic, regardless of the posted limit. We’re lucky to hit 10-20 mph then, so the actual speed we can travel is already dictated by congestion, not the signs. I can’t help but wonder if our community’s energy and resources might be better spent on other pressing matters that truly impact our island’s quality of life. Perhaps there are other traffic solutions, pedestrian safety initiatives in specific areas, or other improvements that could make a more tangible difference for all of us. This particular proposal just doesn’t quite resonate with me as a priority right now, and I wanted to voice that perspective. Thanks so much for taking the time to consider my input!” Jewelyn Sims
“I’m in favor of a reduced speed limit to 25 mph on East Periwinkle. The new bridge will already have reduced sight lines, and pedestrians crossing at Limpet Drive are currently in peril. And it will get worse with the new bridge. The second bridge over the culvert is very narrow, and there are often pedestrians trying to cross over from North Yachtsman and the marina to the shared use path. People walk to Grandma Dots and the marina regularly. Then you get to the intersection at East Gulf and the busy area around the shopping center. We have crosswalks there and many pedestrians in the evening. Then you have a stretch of curves with limited visibility as you head towards the lighthouse. I think reducing it to 25 miles an hour on East Periwinkle is perfectly reasonable. But we also need more enforcement. And the police need to give tickets, not just warnings. Even if it’s a minimal ticket. We also need more speed enforcement on Sanibel- Captiva Road. As much as possible. And give tickets. We need it day and night, because nighttime is when the animals are killed.” Scott Crater
“As a property owner and part- time resident living on Donax Street , I support the city’s efforts to control speed limits in Sanibel. Quite often on my bike, I have suffered a near miss as vehicles are not alert or are just impatient to pedestrians and bicycles at legal crossings. In addition, I would support enforcement of lower speeds on Donax and other neighborhood roads that have become bypasses for speeding cars.” Shirley Marquardt-Tynan