Island Living

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Sanibel library to present next lecture in virtual series

With support from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, the Sanibel Public Library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include b e s t s e l l i n g authors and thought leaders.

The next lecture will be held on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and will f e a t u r e G e r a l d i n e Brooks, the author of “ H o r s e , ” “March” and “People of the Book. ” Based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred, Lexington, who b e c a m e America’s greatest stud sire, “Horse” is a gripping, multi-layered reckoning with the legacy of enslavement and racism in America.

Brooks is an author and journalist who grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia, and attended Bethlehem College Ashfield and the University of Sydney. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in fiction in 2006 for her novel “March. ” Her first novel, “Year of Wonders, ” is an international bestseller, and “People of the Book” is a New York Times bestseller. Brooks is also the author of the nonfiction works “Nine Parts of Desire” and “Foreign Correspondence. ”

A question-and-answer session with the author will follow.

To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc.org/sanlib/20733.

While recovering from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Public Library continues to move forward by providing online services 24/7 — including books, music, movies, magazines and more.

Fines and fees are being waived for books and other materials borrowed now — checked out and now overdue, damaged, wet, moldy, lost, lost onisland or at other living arrangements. For questions about borrows, email notices@sanlib.org. Those on holds lists will not be dropped or lose their place in line.

In addition, if you have photographs taken during Ian or post-storm damage or recovery around Southwest Florida, consider allowing the library to archive the images. It is also looking for photographs of the islands before the causeway, during the land boom of the early 1920s, and of notable locals. Images, videos and stories can be emailed to sanibelpubliclibrary@gmail.com.

For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit www.sanlib.org.

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

RANDI BAIRD

Geraldine Brooks

City provides updates on hurricane recovery information and resources

The city of Sanibel provided the following in its recent Facebook Lives and updates:

Access for island employees

As of Nov. 28, brick-and-mortar businesses that will reopen on Sanibel and Captiva may obtain authorization for their employees to access the islands by following the below listed steps: ∫ The business must provide the city with the name and address of the business and the date it will reopen. ∫ The employer must provide the city with a list of the employees who need access to the island. The list must include the employee's name, address and title. ∫ The above information must be submitted to Deputy City Manager Steve Chaipel at

steve.chaipel@mysanibel.com. ∫ Chaipel may require follow-up information, which he will request via email.

∫ Once the list of employees is approved by the city, Chaipel will notify the employer. Approval may take up to 48 hours after all required information and follow-up requests have been received. ∫ The employees approved to access the island(s) will not need a hurricane reentry pass. Instead, the following process will be followed: - The database of approved employees will be maintained in a cloud-based document that law enforcement will have access to at the Sanibel Causeway checkpoint. - At the checkpoint, employees will be required to provide the name of their employer and present a valid driver’s license to law enforcement. - Law enforcement will verify the IDs of drivers against the approved list. Individuals on the approved list will be granted access to the island(s). Anyone who is not on the list will be denied access.

See UPDATES, page 15 F.I.S.H. provides update on post-storm activities

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is continuing to work around the clock to provide support for the community in this time of crisis following Hurricane Ian.

“Daily we assist islanders residing in shelters and temporary homes, individuals who are unemployed and seeking new employment, seniors without local family, and anyone reaching out for a helping hand during this incredibly difficult time. Some of those we assist are familiar to F.I.S.H. and our services, while others are 'first-timers' in requesting assistance, ” officials reported last week. “As we have had for over 40 years, F.I.S.H. has something for everyone. ”

F.I.S.H. is settling into its temporary office space, at 15550 McGregor Blvd., Suite 204, Fort Myers, and is working to restart its existing programs, in addition to immediate hurricane response needs. It is also present on Sanibel daily, handing out cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items as it partners with different agencies to provide hot meals from its island home base.

On Sanibel, F.I.S.H. reported that it is: ∫ Managing pods of ice and water through its partnership with the United Way and Lee County Emergency Operations Center in multiple locations. ∫ Working side-by-side with the American Red Cross to provide hot meals daily.

∫ Providing supplies and limited food supplies for islanders, such as shovels, tarps, cleaning products and other items as they clean up their homes. ∫ Offering a comfort station at the American Legion Post 123 for personal hygiene and laundry needs. ∫ Coordinating with partner agencies, such as the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank and others, to bring additional resources including food to the islands.

From its Fort Myers office, F.I.S.H. social service professionals are: ∫ Delivering resources and conducting regular check-ins to displaced seniors. ∫ Connecting people with temporary housing, information and resources related to food, government assistance programs, mental health services and other recovery services. ∫ Assisting islanders with FEMA and SBA applications for emergency assistance. ∫ Providing immediate needs, such as gas cards. ∫ Connecting unemployed workers with work opportunities off-island. ∫ Connecting with volunteers ready, willing and able to assist.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, call F.I.S.H. at 239-472-4775 during business hours or 239-472-0404 during the offhours. People can also contact info@fishofsancap.org.

IWA rescinds precautionary boil water notice

On Nov. 21, the Island Water Association reported that the precautionary boil water notice issued for the service territory extending from Tarpon Bay Road east to Lighthouse Beach has been rescinded following the satisfactory completion of a bacteriological survey that shows the water is safe to drink.

The IWA added that until further notice, water services in the Caloosa Shores Association continue to remain under a boil water notice due to low pressure delivery to the area. As a precaution, it advised that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative, bottled water may be used.