by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
At Sanibel City Council’s February 4, 2025 meeting, Holly Milbrandt, Natural Resources Director, reported on the sand placement project. All is complete except for Phase 2 (in the area of the West Wind Inn), which is nearly complete. At Clam Bayou, there is ongoing evaluation of alternatives, and permits are pending. Significant shoreline changes took place during January 2025 possibly due to the cold weather. A full annual beach survey will take place, and 28,000 native dune species will be planted at Lighthouse Beach Park at a total cost of $67,000.
There was a discussion of speed limits around the island with the general goal of slowing down traffic for the safety of everyone, including wildlife. One suggestion was to eliminate passing opportunities on Tarpon Bay Road, Rabbit Road, and the commercial section of Periwinkle Way. City staff will get back to Council with recommendations.
Council designated the qualified candidates for City Council for the March 4, 2025, municipal general election. The candidates for the three open positions are current Council members Laura DeBruce, Mike Miller, and John Henshaw, and Planning Commissioner Lyman Welch.
Five people were appointed to the City’s Historical Preservation Committee: Emilie Alfino, Deborah Gleason, Yvonne Hill, Patricia Norton, and Alexander Werner. Their terms expire March 4, 2026.
Dorothy Plumb was appointed to the City’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for the remainder of a term ending September 11, 2025.
We need to eliminate all commercial Bld permit fees to encourage businesses to move on the island. Also we need to research what can be done to encourage sales of homes and condos on the island to avoid a total devaluation of real estate values !