Bay Explorers reopening

Tarpon Bay Explorers, the recreation concession for the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, reopened with limited services on Feb 1 The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce honored the occasion on Feb 21 with a ribbon-cutting at the Tarpon Bay Recreation Area

Having suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Ian, including the loss of most of its paddlecraft and all of its pontoon boats, rental bikes, and trams, Tarpon Bay Explorers has been opening in gradual phases On Feb 1, its Gift & Nature Store was back up and running, along with kayak and paddleboard rentals The ramp also opened for non-motorized vessel launching

On Feb 13, staff naturalists began offering kayak t o u r s o f C o m m o d o r e T r a i l C r e e k e v e r y M o n d a y , Wednesday and Friday at 10 a m The current business hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a m to 5 p m , with last rentals of the day at 3 p.m.

“As soon as we can generate enough revenue to pay additional staff, we will be able to expand how many days we are open,” co-owner Wendy Schnapp said “Right now, there are just three of us working We will add more kayak tours once we have the demand We will add the tram tours once Wildlife Drive opens ”

She added that boat cruises and other services that require a major investment will depend on island visitation numbers and accommodations recovery, but probably will not happen until 2024 In the meantime, islanders and visitors alike are happy to take advantage of the available services

“Locals have been out to shop and some out to take a break from working on their own home repairs and get out on the water, which they miss so much,” Schnapp said “Visitors and snowbirds who normally stay on Sanibel and have found rentals in Fort Myers, Estero, et cetera, have come out to the island just because they saw we were open and wanted to support us ”

“We are so thrilled to take this exciting first step toward refuge recovery,” Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said

She and Schnapp are pleased to see people finding relief from the mental and physical effects of the storm and its aftermath with a dose of nature at Tarpon Bay

“Whether people want to just come over and watch the manatees and birds from the deck or actually get out and paddle, our facility opening is able to provide that muchneeded release,” Schnapp said “A big thank you to U S Fish and Wildlife Service and the 'Ding' Darling Wildlife Society for all they have done to help us recover and open ”

“As the islands' main attraction, along with our beaches, 'Ding' Darling's recovery benefits us all,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said “We join everyone in sending up a big cheer of encouragement as Tarpon Bay Explorers forges ahead ”

For more information or to book a kayak tour, call 239-472-8900 or visit tarponbayexplorers com

Tarpon Bay Explorers is at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

Shipley Trail reopens to visitors

On Feb 21, the Sanibel-Captiva C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n announced the reopening of the Shipley Trail on Sanibel Located at the Bailey Homestead Preserve, it runs alongside the SCCF's Native L a n d s c a p e s & G a r d e n C e n t e r before connecting with the Starr D Thomas Memorial Boardwalk and city's Pond Apple Trail The trail is under 0 75 miles with a crushed s h e l l s u b s t r a t e a n d o f f e r s g r e a t opportunities for birdwatching The SCCF reported that because the Roadside City Park parking lot on Periwinkle Way is closed, the public is encouraged to access the trail by foot or during the garden center's h o u r s T r a i l - g o e r s a r e c a u t i o n e d that the connecting portions of the trail may still contain some downed vegetation from the hurricane The g a r d e n c e n t e r i s o p e n T u e s d a y through Thursday from 10 a m to 3 p m T h e B a i l e y H o m e s t e a d P r e s e r v e i s a t 1 3 0 0 P e r i w i n k l e Way, Sanibel.

∫ Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish, or distressed or dead fish from the locations If caught live and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted and the guts are discarded Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water

∫ Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide

∫ Keep pets and livestock away and out of the water, sea foam and dead sea life If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash it as soon as possible

∫ Those living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications

∫ If outdoors near an affected location, people may choose to wear masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing

In addition, a caution level was found near Bonita Beach Park and Tarpon Bay Road Beach on Sanibel A cautionary notice indicates low levels (less than 10,000-100,000 Karenia brevis cells per liter) of red tide detected in sampling This was in response to water samples taken on Feb 15

The DOH-Lee encourages the public to review the following tips to stay safe on the beach:

∫ In Florida, red tide is caused by a naturally occurring microscopic alga called Karenia brevis Red tide algal blooms can change rapidly, staying in one place for months or just a few days or weeks

∫ Symptoms from breathing red tide usually include coughing, sneezing and watery eyes For most people, symptoms are temporary and typically go away when the person leaves the area Wearing a particle filter mask may lessen the effects, and over-thecounter antihistamines decrease symptoms

∫ Those with chronic respiratory problems, like asthma, should avoid areas with active red tides People with symptoms that persist should seek medical attention

∫ Pet owners are advised that red tide poses a risk to animals brought to the beach Red tide can affect animals if they drink affected water, lick their wet paws or fur, or breath marine aerosols

∫ Those sensitive to red tide and living in beach areas affected by blooms are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the AC filter is maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications

∫ Seafood, including shellfish, in restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and markets is safe to eat Cooked shellfish oysters, clams, mussels thor-

See RED TIDE, page 16 goals by allowing additional clean f r e s h w a t e r t h r o u g h E v e r g l a d e s National Park and into Florida Bay,” he said “It’s certainly no small feat to build a project, but navigating the red tape, garnering support, completing necessary environmental evaluations, and finding the funding to get a project to the point where you can put a shovel in the ground is an immense task that many people don’t see ”

The SCCF reported that the project will include the installation of 18 culverts to allow water to pass underneath 3 2 miles of the Old Ingraham H i g h w a y , a s w e l l a s m o v e s p o i l materials from north of the highway to plug canals that could result in f r e s h w a t e r d i v e r s i o n a w a y f r o m

Taylor Slough

“This week has been a flurry of activity, and while the ribbon cuttings are exciting, the groundbreakings represent the massive effort it takes to get a project to this stage,” DePaolis said

Market value concerns

process for determining the market value of a residential structure The property appraiser participated in the city's community updates to explain his methodology in determining the market values of structures following Ian and provided a tutorial on how to access the information on the FEMA website

∫ To view the letter, visit https://files constantcontact com/97af97e6001/633e39e587be-4e8d-8190-d5e3a96f8e49 pdf

FEMA City of Sanibel Substantial Damage Review Letter

Dated on Feb 15, the letter was not read by city officials until the morning of Feb 16 It was addressed to Smith, but was emailed to the city manager and city's building official/floodplain manager

∫ The letter informs the city that FEMA will review

Blotter

From page 14 enforced and can result in a $150 fine

Several beach park facilities are open to the public For more information on S a n i b e l b e a c h e s , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w m y s a n i b e l c o m / g o v e r nm e n t / p u b l i c - w o r k s - d e p a r t m e n t / u s e f u llinks/parks-public-beaches

Dewatering of a pool or spa directly

Red tide

From page 15 oughly to prevent exposure to Vibrio vulnificus Shellfish should not be harvested or eaten from areas with active red tide

People are encouraged to check conditions before going to the beach as they can change daily

What is red tide?

Red tide is one type of harmful algal bloom caused by high concentrations of the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (K. brevis), a type of microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico It typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents

Once inshore, these organisms can use nearshore nutrient sources to fuel their growth Blooms typically last into winter or spring, but in some cases, can endure for more than one year

From page 14

“substantial damage” determinations and building repair permits issued on Sanibel to ensure compliance with “floodplain management programs,” which includes the National Flood Insurance Program The city's Community Service Rating provides residents with a 25 percent discount on flood insurance rates

∫ A review of the noted records is typical following a major hurricane that caused substantial damage to structures/properties

∫ To view the letter, visit https://files constantcontact com/97af97e6001/8bb02a7aed17-444a-819a-d28fa6d88664 pdf

FEMA Sanibel Market Value Clarification Letter

Dated Feb 17, the letter was not received by city officials until the morning of Feb. 18 when it was forwarded to the into a waterbody, into the city’s stormwater system or onto any third-party’s property without the third party’s consent is expressly prohibited Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel com or use Tip411

Is it har mful?

K brevis produces potent neurotoxins (brevetoxins) that can be harmful to the health of wildlife and people Wind and wave action can break open K brevis cells and release toxins into the air This is why you should monitor conditions and use caution when visiting affected water bodies

People in coastal areas can experience varying degrees of eye, nose and throat irritation during a red tide bloom Some individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma or chronic lung disease, might experience more severe symptoms Red tide toxins can also affect the central nervous system of fish and other marine life, which can lead to fish kills and increased wildlife strandings or mortalities. Eating contaminated seafood can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans Symptoms include nausea and vomiting; tingling of the mouth, lips and tongue; and slurred speech and dizziness city manager by the Florida DEM director It was addressed to Smith, but was emailed to the city manager and city's building official/floodplain manager

∫ The letter recognizes the legal authority the LEEPA has in determining the just or market value of properties in Lee County

∫ The letter is the result of the Feb 17 call between FEMA, city officials and others

∫ Based on the letter, the city will continue to use the “Tax Roll Value Letter” available for single-family residential properties on the LEEPA's website, or an independent appraisal submitted with a Building Permit Application, to determine the pre-hurricane market value of properties (structures)

∫ To view the letter, visit https://files constantcontact com/97af97e6001/2b1499f2b46e-431a-860c-f75461e904aa.pdf.

Repor ting suspicious activity

Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411

∫ W e b t i p s c a n b e s u b m i t t e d a t https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert g

T o f i n d c u r r e n t i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t Florida's water quality status and public h e a l t h n o t i f i c a t i o n s f o r h a r m f u l a l g a l b l o o m s a n d b e a c h c o n d i t i o n s , v i s i t

ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov and floridahealth gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins For local shellfish harvesting status, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at h t t p s : / / w w w f d a c s g o v / A g r i c u l t u r eI n d u s t r y / A q u a c u l t u r e / S h e l l f i s h -

Harvesting-Area-Classification

Where to repor t issues related to red tide?

T h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e

Conservation Commission collects and analyzes red tide samples and results are u p d a t e d m u l t i p l e t i m e s d a i l y a t

MyFWC com/redtidemap/ Status updates are issued twice weekly during blooms at https://myfwc com/research/redtide/state roup id=22450

∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239472-3111

F i n d t h e S P D o n F a c e b o o k a t https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice wide/ To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state, call the toll-free hotline at 866-300-9399

To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute via the FWC Reporter App, call 800-6360 5 1 1 o r r e p o r t o n l i n e a t https://myfwc com/research/saltwater/hea lth/fish-kills-hotline/

Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center Call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately

C o n t a c t y o u r v e t e r i n a r i a n i f y o u believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with red tideaffected water or contaminated marine life

For other health questions or concerns about red tide blooms, call the DOH-Lee at 239-690-2100