Sanibel Historical Village Presenting ‘History of Tarpon Bay’

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village will present the first Twilight Talk of the season at 7 p.m. March 15 at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, and it is a “must-see” event for all Islanders.

Sanibel residents and visitors will be fascinated by the colorful history of Tarpon Bay. From skulls found in a garden, to tarpon leaping into boats, to the menagerie at Dewey’s Marina to a peg-legged man riding out a hurricane on the roof of a fish house—the lore from this small body of water is remarkable.

A highlight of the presentation will be rare video clips of Sanibel icon, Esperanza Woodring from a 1992 public broadcast show. Audience members will be spellbound as “On the Water” host Randy Wayne White interviews the legendary guide and her son Ralph in a small fishing boat on the waters of Tarpon Bay.

Ty Symroski, who leads kayak tours for Tarpon Bay Explorers, will serve as speaker for the evening, detailing the historic tales. Along with the history, the presentation will include video interviews from Betty Anholt and Charles LeBuff, noted Sanibel authors, historians and conservationists. Lifelong Sanibel resident Ralph Woodring, a natural storyteller, spins tales from his home on Woodring Point. Additionally, Mark McQuade shares nostalgic recollections of an idyllic childhood spent fishing and playing on Tarpon Bay as a boy in the 1950s and 60s.

Historic photos from Sanibel Library archives and from the collection of photographer Charlie McCullough will also help tell the story of Tarpon Bay.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased in advance or at the door. Guests are asked to wear masks during the presentation.

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In accordance with the city of Sanibel’s regulations, masks are required inside the buildings at this time. Full guided tours take place at 10:30 and 1:30 and advance reservations are not required. There is no additional fee for these tours.

The Sanibel Historical Village is located at 950 Dunlop Road (next to BIG ARTS) and there is handicap access. Admission is $10 for adults over 18. Members and children are free. For more information, call (239) 472-4648 during museum hours or visit museum’s website.