by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
City Council discussed Sanibel’s Legislative Priorities for the 2027 Legislative Session. Sanibel’s 2027 Legislative Priorities continue to focus on the community’s full recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as resilience projects. Projects under consideration are:
1. Forgiveness of the Florida Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan (Bridge Loan) – Following Hurricane Ian, the City received a $15,260,511 Bridge Loan from the State in 2023 to assist with funding government operations during the City’s recovery. The loan carries 0% interest for 10 years; however, if the City does not repay it within the 10-year term, it will be obligated to pay 10% interest. The City Council should consider requesting that the State forgive the $15,260,511 Bridge Loan to support Sanibel’s continued long-term recovery from Hurricane Ian and avoid a significant future financial obligation. Legislative funding request: $15,260,511.
2. Tradewinds Drainage Project – This stormwater management project is critical to addressing recurring flooding in the Tradewinds area of Sanibel. Historically, the area drained to the Gulf; however, changes in environmental regulations required removing the Gulf outfall, which has increased flooding during moderate and heavy rainfall events. The City has applied for funding through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Nonpoint Source Management Grant Program and Resilient Florida Grant Program. Any state grant funding received will reduce the City’s appropriations request. The project is a high priority because it affects public infrastructure, private property, and the resilience of the Tradewinds neighborhood and adjacent subdivisions. The project is shovel-ready, with the City having already invested approximately $96,000. The project is a high priority because it affects public infrastructure, private property, and the resilience of the Tradewinds neighborhood and adjacent subdivisions. The project is shovel-ready, and the City has already invested about $96,000 in engineering and construction plans. Legislative funding request: $4.2 million.
3. Repair the Shared-Use Path System – Sanibel’s 26-mile shared-use (SUP) system sustained significant damage from Hurricane Ian’s storm surge and subsequent debris placement within the right-of-way. The SUP is a key part of the City’s transportation network for residents and visitors, especially during the busy tourist season. The State appropriated $1 million in 2023 and $2.5 million in 2025 for SUP repairs. The City’s 2025 request called for $5 million over two years ($2.5 million annually). Consistent with that plan, the City requested an additional $2.5 million in 2026, of which the Legislature and Governor approved $1.25 million. For 2027, the City is requesting $2 million to continue repairs to the shared-use path system, realign the SUP near Elinor Way, and construct physical separation between the SUP and portions of Donax Street. Legislative funding request: $2.0 million.
4. City Hall Emergency Generator Replacement – (This item was determined to be less urgent and moved below No. 5). Funding request: $500,000.
5. Periwinkle Way Box Culvert Replacement – This project is a critical roadway resilience and stormwater management project on East Periwinkle Way between Anchor Drive and Yachtsman Drive. East Periwinkle Way is an arterial roadway and a critical route for police, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety response. The existing box culvert connects tidal-influenced canals on both sides of Periwinkle Way and is an important component of the area’s stormwater system. Freshwater from the Sanibel River system enters the canals south of Periwinkle Way, while tidal waters from San Carlos Bay flow through the canal system north of the roadway. Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton subjected the culvert to significant storm surge, tidal forces, and debris impacts. Replacing the culvert will strengthen this critical drainage connection, improve the resilience of East Periwinkle Way and the surrounding stormwater system, and help protect continued access along this important public safety route during and after future storms. The total project cost is estimated at $5 million. The City is requesting $750,000 in state funding for engineering and design to advance the project toward construction. Legislative funding request: $500,000.
6. Gasoline-Powered Leaf Blowers – Vice Mayor Henshaw requested that City Council consider adding a legislative priority seeking an exemption for Sanibel from the State’s preemption of local regulations restricting gasoline-powered landscape equipment. This was met with quick disapproval from the other Council members.
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