by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel River is the backbone of the island’s drainage conveyance system. To maintain proper flow during periods of high water, the City established an annual maintenance program for the River.
The maintenance involves vegetation trimming and removal, with this year’s scope involving vegetative debris, treefall, and cattail removal in the section between Tarpon Bay Road and Beach Road. This project not only improves river flow but also enhances the river for wildlife, particularly birds.
Plans and specifications were prepared by the City, including environmentally friendly techniques that will enhance, not impact, the unique ecology of the trimming area.
An advertisement for bids was placed in the April 20,2026, edition of the Fort Myers News-Press and with the City’s online bid solicitation service, DemandStar. Bid opening was conducted by City Staff on May 21, 2026, in the presence of Brett Schira, Procurement Manager, and Scott Krawczuk, Deputy Public Works Director. There were four bids submitted, with the low bid from Seahawk Florida Investments, LLC dba Tree West, totaling $86,500, as shown in the attached Bid Tabulation.
Since the Sanibel River is an important part of the City’s overall stormwater system and due to issues caused by recent hurricanes, the funding for this year’s project will come from the FDEP Stormwater Grant. The FY2026 Project Funding Summary (rounded) and the FDEP Stormwater Grant Summary (rounded) tables are shown below. Council approved the contract.
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