Incumbents Elected To Sanibel Council; Focus on Rebuilding, Resiliency

by SC Publisher Shannen Hayes

Sanibel voters last week reelected the three incumbents – Laura DeBruce, John Henshaw, and Mike Miller – to the City Council. But it was a close race in which the single candidate, Lyman “Chip” Welch, lost by less than 75 votes.

“I’m incredibly proud of the support I received from the community,” Welch said. “While the outcome wasn’t what I hoped for, the fact that it was such a close race speaks volumes about the issues that matter to the people of Sanibel.”

According to the Lee County Elections website, Sanibel had a 27 percent voter turnout in the March 2 regular election, with 1,309 ballots cast out of 4,839 registered voters.

Welch earned 709 total votes or 20 percent, a slight percentage difference from incumbent John Henshaw, who gained 781 or 22 percent of the votes.

“Every vote represents a step toward positive change, and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to run and represent my neighbors,” said Welch.

Sanibel is still rebuilding from Hurricane Ian in September 2022, and helping the whole community reconstruct more quickly and resiliently was a significant election topic.

Henshaw, whose background is in occupational health and safety, said over his next term, his primary focus is on a more rapid recovery from Ian, including streamlining the permitting process to help the community rebound quicker, leading to a more sustained tourism-based economy.

“That would be my number one focus. We have a long way to go,” said Henshaw, who is serving a second term on the Council. “One of the reasons I decided to run again is because we are not finished and still have a lot more work to do to recover from Ian.”

His other priorities include health and safety issues like improving water quality around the island and up to the Caloosahatchee watershed and a safe Shared Use Path for all generations to enjoy. He will also advocate for better resiliency measures against future storms.

Henshaw said that means better evacuation before a hurricane and minimizing what’s built in flood-prone areas to avoid the amount of debris left after Ian, which generated an estimated 600,000 tons of debris.

“That means different technologies and different ways to live, such as not building back lower levels (of piling homes) because we are going to have another storm,” he explained.

Henshaw has been a council member since March 2021 and has strongly supported Sanibel’s sanctuary qualities.

“I am very pleased and honored to have been reelected,” said Henshaw. “I’ll do my very best to represent the needs of our residents and ensure we live up to our principles established in the Sanibel Plan.”

Laura DeBruce, who won reelection with 28 percent of the votes or 978, said over her first full term, she wants the Council to continue helping all the residents who wish to return to their island homes and help them return more resiliently.

She was sworn in as a City Council member in April 2024 to replace interim member Arlene Dillon, who filled the seat resigned by Dr. Scott Crater in January 2024. But this was her first time campaigning, and she was touched by the kindness of those who supported her.

“I have enjoyed serving for the past 10 months to fill the empty seat, but there is a learning curve, and I am glad I have the chance to put what I’ve already learned to good use,” said DeBruce.

“There were four strong candidates for just three seats, so I was not at all confident that I would earn one of those seats,” she said.

DeBruce, a local small business owner, said she intends to continue protecting and promoting the island’s small business community, which makes it a charming place.

“My other goals include doing whatever we can to update our stormwater management system islandwide, including working with city staff, businesses, condos, and neighborhoods,” said DeBruce, referring to the city’s current examination of possible modifications to the Stormwater Master Plan to combat climate change challenges facing Sanibel.

“And, of course, I will always be a staunch defender of our natural environment,” she added.

Voters reelected Mike Miller for a second term with 30 percent of the votes or 1,051. He has served as vice mayor for the past two years.

Miller said his goals over his next term include “supporting the ongoing rebuilding by residents and businesses while achieving resilience and being true to our values as a nature sanctuary.”

He noted that additional goals include creating resilience in the city’s infrastructure and improving stormwater drainage.

“I’m honored to be again elected to City Council by the citizens of this wonderful community,” Miller said. “I’m grateful for every single vote and will do my best to merit their trust.”

While Welch didn’t win a seat on the Council, it may not be the last time he runs for election. “Given the tremendous support I’ve received, I’m open to considering a run for City Council again in the next few years,” he said.

Welch said his priority now is staying actively involved in the community through his work as a Planning Commissioner, a seat he’s held for the past two years, and volunteering with local organizations.

“I remain deeply committed to Sanibel’s future and believe in its potential to rebuild and thrive. For now, I’m focused on supporting the current Council and ensuring that the perspectives of young families are always heard.”

Sanibel voters also approved a charter amendment to fill Council vacancies. It gives the Council discretion to appoint or not appoint an interim member to a vacant seat if less than six months remain in a term and to extend the deadline to hold any necessary special election from 150 days to 210 days.