Sanibel continues feeling the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic with cancellations and closures as a precaution. The Santiva Chronicle is providing the following list and updating it as changes happen. Anyone who wishes to have a canceled event or closure be part of the list can contact us.
Sanibel Captiva Sail and Power Squadron/America’s Boating Club
All April activities have been canceled and electronic communications will be used when feasable.
Captiva Island Closures
Library
Civic Association
Yacht Club (offering take out to members)
YOLO on-the-beach sales at Andy Rosse Lane beach entrance
Bailey Tract Parking Lot has been closed to deter beach parking, but the tract remains open and accessible via Island Inn Road
Public Parking Lots & Playgrounds
The City of Sanibel announced the immediate closing of the following public parking lots and playgrounds:
Community Park
Pond Apple Park Trailhead & Chamber Visitor Center
Recreation Center
Roadside Park
Community Park Playground
SCCF, COTI Zero-Emission Landscape Equipment Workshop
This workshop, in conjunction with the American Green Zone Alliance, scheduled for May 7 has been postponed. A new date TBD.
Sanibel Boat Ramp
The City of Sanibel announced the Sanibel Boat Ramp parking lot and launching are open to AC and C parking stickers only from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, effective March 24.
Sanibel Beach Parking Lots
The City of Sanibel announced beach parking lots are closed to non-residents effective March 24. Fulgar, Donax and Nerita beach parking lots are open to A permits only. Beach Road parking lot will be open to A permits only, effective March 25. Beach parking lots at the northern terminus of Dixie Beach and Bailey roads are closed to vehicle parking.
Sanibel beach parking stickers are unavailable for purchase while the Recreation Center is closed. City Manager Judie Zimomra reported in the City Council special meeting on Wednesday, March 25, that the city is working to make permits available with “no contact.” An announcement should be made soon.
County Beach Parks & Beach Accesses
Lee County closed the following island locations effective Thursday, March 19:
Bowman’s Beach Park
Causeway Islands Park
Alison Hagerup Beach Park, Captiva Island
Turner Beach Park, Captiva Island
Andy Rosse Lane paddecraft launch, Captiva Island
Sanibel Bicycle Club
All club activities have been canceled through the end of April. The club urges members to continue to ride, but as a solo.
Sanibel City Hall
The City of Sanibel has announced City Hall offices are closed to public walk-ins. Read More
Christian Science Church of Sanibel-Captiva
All services and meeting have been canceled until further notice.
‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The Visitor & Education Center and restrooms have closed until further notice. Wildlife Drive, restrooms on Wildlife Drive and all hiking trails remain open. Wildlife Drive is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with no entrance fee. The following refuge events have been canceled:
Daily through April 19 – Free Winter Refuge Tours & Programs
Sanibel Recreation Center
The Sanibel Recreation Center closed, as of March 19, until further notice. Group fitness classes and personal training at the Recreation Center and Center 4 Life have been suspended and all Sanibel Youth Programs have been suspended until further notice.
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
SCCB has temporarily closed all branch lobbies until further notice, but limited appointments are available by calling 239-472-6100. All drive-through locations remain open during normal business hours.
Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
CROW has extended the closure of its Visitors Center until further notice, and canceled all on-site education programs. The Speaker Series events and Lunch & Learns will be rescheduled, if possible. The annual fundraiser, Southern Comfort on Sanibel, has been postponed. Anyone who has purchased a ticket for the event will receive communication for CROW’s Development Director. The wildlife hospital remains open during normal operating hours to accept and treat wildlife patients. Those who find injured, sick or orphaned wildlife can call the hospital at 239-472-3644 ext. 222.
The Sanibel School
The School District of Lee County, which includes The Sanibel School, has extended its closure to April 15. Virtual learning will continue for students and online instruction will begin on Monday, March 30.
Sanibel Community Church
All events on SCC campus have been canceled until April. Pastor Stephen LeBar will have Sunday sermon messages, and sermon notes, available on the church’s website.
Chapel by the Sea
Captiva Island’s historic Chapel by the Sea has canceled worship services for the remainder of the season.
Beer in the Bushes & SCCF Programs
The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation has canceled its Beer in the Bushes fundraiser scheduled for April 11, and all of its scheduled programming has been canceled until further notice. Read More
Island Cinema
The Island Cinema has closed until further notice.
Sanibel Public Library
The library closed on March 18, and will remain closed for the next few weeks.
Sanibel Historical Village
The Sanibel Historical Village has closed until further notice. The Twilight Talk scheduled for April 7 have been canceled and refund can be requested or considered a tax-deductible donation to the village. The village can be reached by email or by leaving a message at 239-472-4648.
Tarpon Bay Explorers
The recreational concessions and area are closed until further notice.
Audubon Bird Walks
The Sanibel Captiva Audubon Bird Walks on Saturdays have been canceled.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
The shell museum is closing as of Tuesday, March 17, until further notice.
Community Housing & Resources
CHR office has been closed until further notice. Staff can be reached via email or by phone at 239-472-1189.
Sanibel Music Festival
The month-long musical festival held at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ has been canceled.
BIG ARTS Suspends Programming
Programming at BIG ARTS has been suspended until further notice. The building is closed to the public. Read More
Community House Canceled Events
All Yoga and Yoga Nidra Classes until further notice
Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop
The Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop, operated by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, is closed until further notice. No donations will be accepted.
Sanibel United Church of Christ
The Sanibel UCC has suspended worship services and other church sponsored events such as Bible Study, Yoga and Theological Studies until further notice.
Island Jazz
The popular Island Jazz concerts held every Sunday in front of BIG ARTS have been canceled for the remainder of the season.
Temple Bat Yam
All Bat Yam public activities, services, classes, Passover Seder and annual meeting have been suspended for a month.
You are doing a great job by keeping us informed. Thank you.
Are the coyotes staying at home too?