Chamber ribbon-cutting marks RC Otter's reopening

Th e f i r s t t o o p e n o f S a n d y S t i l w e l l Y o u n g q u i s t ' s r e s t a u r a n t d y n a s t y o n C a p t i v a c a l l e d f o r a c e l e b r a t i o n a n d S a n C a p C h a m b e r r i b b o n - c u t t i n g a t R C O t t e r ' s I s l a n d E a t s o n J u l y 2 7 . T h e r e s t a u r a n t o f f i c i a l l y r e o p e n e d o n F a t h e r ' s D a y , J u n e 1 8 , a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n r e c o n s t r u ct i o n O r i g i n a l l y o p e n e d i n 1 9 9 8 , R C O t t e r ' s c a m e u n d e r

Youngquist's ownership in 2003 She expects her flagship restaurant, the Keylime Bistro, to open in September in time for the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest In the meantime, Youngquist set up Rico Suave's Mexican Cuisine on the Go food truck outside her Captiva Cantina and opened a second Keylime Bistro, which was in the works pre-Ian, in Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island to the north

Like the rest, RC Otter's flooded but quick remediation, followed by clean-up and restoration work on the part of Youngquist's team of employees, got the breakfast, lunch and dinner spot back on its feet

Youngquist's team has been instrumental in supporting the community since the days after the storm hit, with two to three boats running workers and residents to the islands to begin the recovery process

“Initially, when the hurricane hit, the firemen on the island didn't have vehicles, so I loaned them my jeep and my S Car Go Trolley that pulls the tram,” she said “It was pretty funny to see the first responders running around the island in my Jeep that looks like a snail ”

Youngquist donated food from her restaurants' refrigerators and helped with island fundraisers She is also serving as chairman of the Lee County Recovery Task Force's Planning and Capacity Branch to come up with a master plan for the storm

The Captiva Memorial Library is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a m to 12:30 p m and 1 to 4 p m For more information, contact the library branch at 239-533-4890

The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva

Phase reopening for Captiva resort following storm

T h e S o u t h S e a s I s l a n d R e s o r t o n Captiva recently celebrated its first phase of reopening following Hurricane Ian, w i t h m o r e t h a n a d o z e n r e f u r b i s h e d a c c o m m o d a t i o n s n o w a v a i l a b l e f o r guests Led by the Timbers Company, it is undergoing a rebuilding process slated to continue into next year

Accommodations now open for reservations include beach villas and beach homes. By late summer, it will have more than 50 available, with the addition of marina villas, beach villas and tennis villas

“Hurricane Ian posed significant challenges for our beloved Captiva Island and South Seas, yet we found an opportunity to thoughtfully plan for future rejuvenation and improvement of our amenities and services, while preserving the resort's distinctive charm and heritage,” resort General Manager Shawn Farrell said

See CAPTIVA RESORT, page 7

Offshore Sailing School announces anniversary contest

By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers

com

The Offshore Sailing School, which has a location at the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva, is hosting a p h o t o - e s s a y contest to win a one-week charter for its 60th anniversary

The 60th Anniversary Contest is open to sailing school graduates and Colgate Sailing Adventures flotilla sailors The grand prize winner will receive a gift certificate for a six-night seven-day charter aboard a Moorings 40-foot monohull or catamaran in the British Virgin Islands next year, along with a $500 gift certificate from the Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina to use during their charter week. To enter, create an original photograph or artwork painting or sketch that illustrates or was inspired by taking a sail-

See CONTEST, page 7

Captiva resort

From page 6

“While our closure has been challenging for everyone involved, and our rebuilding continues, we aim to further enhance the experiences our guests have cherished for generations,” he added “We are continuing to work tirelessly to bring the Captiva magic back to South Seas, and while we finish these next phases of restoration and construction, we cannot wait to share South Seas with guests ”

The resort's restoration is underway with the goal to build resilient accommodations and amenities designed to withstand severe weather conditions and safeguard the community from prolonged periods of loss and recovery South Seas reported that it is working with the county, local homeowners and community groups to address redevelopment plans

The resort added that it remains committed to environmental sustainability and conservation, which will be

Ribbon-cutting reflected in its upcoming upgrades, including a more resilient golf course design and replacement of invasive species with native plants, as well as initiatives such as the restoration of the Red Fish Pass revetment and reconstruction of the fishing pier

The Yacht Harbour Marina is offering short- and long-term dockage with all boating essentials, including fuel, electricity, bait, ice and snacks Fishing and boating charters are available, as well as eco-cruises and nature tours The Bayview Fishing Pier (T-Dock) is being rebuilt for reopening.

By mid-November, the resort will open the 12-hole, B e a u W e l l i n g r e d e s i g n e d g o l f c o u r s e N a m e d T h e Clutch, the short course will be family-friendly and offer something for beginners to avid golfers

By late fall, South Seas Bayview (North Village) will open as a landscaped complex of three family-friendly

From page 6

build-back and coordinate with the county municipalities to make positive changes for future resiliency

“Sandy is an iconic member of the islands' business community, and her leadership has been an inspiration,”

Contest

SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT pools, to include waterslides, private cabanas, the Tarpon Bar and dive-in movie nights

Starbucks is open, while Provisions formerly the Captiva Provision Company will open in the fall with a redesigned market Two food trucks, Shell City Burgers and Island Tacos, will soon be introduced at the resort Previously called The Pointe, the new Redfish Grille will open in early 2024

“We extend our gratitude to our past guests for their outpouring of encouragement and well wishes,” Farrell said. “We are thrilled to invite our guests back to create more unforgettable memories ”

For more information, visit www southseas com or contact 800-237-6000

The South Seas Island Resort is at 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva

From page 6

ing or powerboating certification course with the sailing school or by participating in a Colgate Sailing Adventures flotilla Entrants must also include a 100-word typed essay about how the experience changed their life

Entrants must be age 21 or older to be eligible

Entries must be received by Aug 31

Entries will be judged by a three-person panel

In addition to the grand prize, the first place winner will chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said “We congratulate her as she puts back together her Captiva Island Inn and restaurants complex to restore charm and hope to the Captiva community ” receive a $1,500 gift certificate to apply toward an Offshore Sailing School course The second place winner will receive a copy of Onne van der Wal's “Sailing” coffee table book Three honorable mentions will receive an autographed copy of “OFFSHORE High,” the biography of owners Steve and Doris Colgate and their sailing school

The restaurant is open daily from 8 a m to 8 p m RC Otter's Island Eats is at 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

Maryland T h t

For more information and the full contest rules, visit h t t p s : / / l n g c - z g p h m a i l l i s tmanage net/click/13698b7781976cc6/13698b778196 dcc7