by SC Publisher Shannen Hayes
Sanibel will soon have a new seafood market in Palm Ridge Place. Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit Tuesday for Island Seafood Market, operated by Cassey Streeter who has sold local seafood for the past seven years at the Sanibel Farmer’s Market.
“My wife and I own five boats,” said Streeter. “We have roughly the same amount of independent operators fishing for us. We source all of our products locally. We are the essence of community-based fishing.”
The business is based out of Matlacha on Pine Island, but the proposed retail business on Sanibel does not meet the definition for formula retail. City staff recommended two conditions upon approval of the application: permit limited to a seafood market and a wastewater service agreement must be fully executed.
Commissioner Ty Symroski requested an additional condition be applied that prohibits seafood waste overnight on site out of an aromatic concern. He said this business may not need it, but the next one might.
Streeter said the additional condition was not a problem. “All processing will be done at the Matlacha facility and only retail sales will take place at the Sanibel location. Anything not utilized will be brought back (to Matlacha) to be sold as crab bait.”
Commissioners expressed appreciation for a business such as Island Seafood Market on the island. “I would also note this will be located at one of the places on the island where we have been concerned about the vacancies, so it will be nice to have a new and unique shop moving in there,” said Commissioner Laura DeBruce.
Streeter estimated the seafood market would open in February 2022.
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