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Captiva Current
‘Tween Waters reopens to those allowed access
The 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa officially opened to overnight guests with approved access to the islands on Nov. 16 — welcoming island residents, first responders and other approved parties. “We are absolutely delighted to open our doors to so many hardworking individuals, island families and others displaced by Hurricane Ian,
” Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts officials stated. “Our goal is to help make life a little better and easier for residents living off-island with a desire to return closer to their home, as well as the many repair, restoration, debris removal, power, water, fire, law enforcement and city workers who've been so dedicated to the return of our islands.
” The rooms have been inspected and are clean and safe, with electricity, air conditioning, water and Starlink Internet available. Current amenities are the Oasis family pool, Serenity Pool, fitness center, tennis and pickleball. On Nov. 28, the Old Captiva House will open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
SANIBEL CAPTIVA BEACH RESORTS
See ‘TWEEN WATERS, page 7
The Lee County Library System, which includes the Captiva Memorial Library, is offering the following free virtual programming:
Adult programs
∫ Nov. 30: Online Book Discussion for Adults at 10
a.m. Calling all readers! A live virtual book discussion for adults. There is no assigned title. Instead, participants take turns sharing about the latest books that they have read. Advance registration required before Nov. 30 at 10 a.m.
For more information or to register, visit leelibrary.librarymarket.com. Questions can also be directed to 239-479-INFO (4636). Download books, stream video and other online content at www.leelibrary.net. The Captiva Memorial Library is currently closed due to Hurricane Ian. The Captiva library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
CEPD provides information on TRIM notices
On Nov. 14, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District reported that TRIM notices have been sent out to Lee County residents. Island property owners may notice that the first payment for the 2021 beach renourishment project has already been placed on their property tax bill. For those who paid or plan on paying the CEPD in full, the office will be filing a form with the Lee County Tax Collector to amend their bill. The CEPD reported that for those who plan to be on the amortization schedule, no action needs to be taken; they will pay their property tax bill as presented. For questions, contact the CEPD at mycepd@mycepd.com.
County reports on schedules for upcoming holiday
Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed on Nov. 24-25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Other schedules will be adjusted. The adjustments include. ∫ Domestic animal services Lee County Domestic Animal Services, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed on Nov. 24-25. The Lost & Found Pet Center will reopen at 8 a.m. and the adoption center will reopen at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 26. ∫ LeeTran LeeTran will not run bus, trolley or Passport service on Nov. 24. Normal services will resume on Nov. 25. Route schedules and maps are available at www.rideleetran.com.
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District reported on Nov. 14 that upon visual inspection of Captiva's beaches, red tide was present. Fish kills could be found along the mean high water line island-wide. Karenia brevis, the organism responsible for red tide, produces aerosolized neurotoxins which are harmful to animals and humans alike, according to the CEPD. Avoiding the beach is advised at this time. Do not swim. Do not attempt to pick up any remains yourself. For in-depth information about red tide, visit the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation at https://www.sccf.org/water-quality/red-tide-resources. For an interactive map of the current red tide status along Florida’s coasts, visit https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/. To report a fish kill to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation commission, visit https://myfwc.com /research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/.
‘Tween Waters
From page 6 In addition, the 'Tween Waters Marina is now open to boaters and welcoming overnight dockage. To request a boat slip, call 239-671-0499 or complete the online form at Tween-Waters.com/Marina. 'Tween Waters is also offering a special room rate starting at $99 per night now through Dec. 31 to linemen, utility workers and emergency first-responders. Call 239-476-0311 to book the offer. Schedules From page 6 ∫ Parks & Recreation Lee County Parks & Recreation centers, pools and administrative offices will be closed on Nov. 2425. Some recreation centers and pools will resume normal hours on Nov. 26; for the list of open locations, visit www.leeparks.org. Administrative offices will resume normal hours on Nov. 28. Some boat ramps, parks and preserves will be open on Nov. 24-25 and through the holiday weekend; for the list of open locations, visit www.leeparks.org. All beach parks remain closed at this time. ∫ Solid waste All county facilities will be closed on Nov. 24 and no garbage, yard waste or recycling will be collected; collections will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week. On Nov. 25-26, the Wasteto-Energy Facility in Buckingham will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the Lee-Hendry Landfill will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; all other Solid Waste facilities will be closed. To receive updates from the county, sign up at www.leegov .com/resources/newsletters.
SCCF, Captains For Clean Water partner to fill data gap
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that thanks to the partnership with Captains For Clean Water, its Marine Lab will fill in a recent data gap in the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's Daily Sample Map for red tide. According to the FWC, sampling has been slower to pick back up in Lee County for a variety of reasons related to Hurricane Ian, and then its recent plans were impacted further by Nicole. The SCCF reported that displaced fishing guides with Captains For Clean Water would donate their time and vessels on Nov. 17 to take Marine Lab staff out to do a full day of water sampling from North Captiva to the Sanibel Lighthouse, from zero to 10 miles offshore. The s a m p l e s would be analyzed by the lab and shared with the FWC to help better understand the intensity of the current red tide bloom.
SANIBELCAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
FWC to hold public meeting
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will meet on Nov. 30 and Dec.1 at 7:30 a.m. at the Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort and Spa in Panama City Beach; the meeting is open to the public. There are opportunities prior to the meeting to provide comments. Also, time is allotted for public speakers during the meeting. Public speaking is organized using a registration process and time limits. Additionally, at the end of the second day on Dec. 1, the commission will provide no more than one hour for public comment on items not on the agenda. Those people who wish to offer comments during this period will be asked to ensure their comments are not related to any agenda item. Advance comments can be submitted at https://myfwc.wufoo.com/forms/s1g2xh6f009a30i/? utm _ content=&utm _ medium=email&utm _ name=&u tm _ source=govdelivery&utm _ term=campaign or by mailing the FWC Commissioners, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The deadline for submitting advance comments is Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. For the full agenda and links to background reports, go to MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings. ” Follow at Twitter.com/MyFWC (@MyFWC) and sign up for news updates at MyFWC.com. Live coverage may be available via the Florida Channel at TheFloridaChannel.org.
