Parade Photos pages 40 & 41 VOL. 16, NO. 1 SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS, FLORIDA JULY 11, 2008 JULY SUNRISE/SUNSET: It 6:43 • 8:24 12 6:43 • 8:24 13 6:44 • 8:24 14 6:44 • 8:23 15 6:44 • 8:23 16 6:45 • 8:23 17 6:45 • 8:23 Tarpon Bay Explorers Opens New Facility By Brian Johnson he U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Tand Tarpon Bay Explorers held a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 8 at Tarpon Bay Recreation Area to cel- ebrate the opening of their brand new facility. The ceremony included high-ranking federal offi- cial Sam Hamilton of the regional office in Atlanta and his deputy Cindy Dohner as well as "Ding" Darling Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik. Ribbon cutting ceremony: Cindy Dohner, Wendy Erler- The new concession building at Tarpon Bay Recreation Area The new concession, Schnapp, Winston Spurgeon, Paul Tritaik and Sam Hamilton over 4,000-square feet and "It is fantastic," said Wendy Erler-Schnapp, the general manager of Tarpon Bay featuring stunning bayfront Explorers. "We're so excited." views, will give tourists a new, air-conditioned, modern facility when they arrive to The old cottage-style concession will be demolished and all the activities, including kayak, canoe, fish and go on nature tours. Construction began in September of 2007. the popular touch tank, will operate out of the new building, located about 100 yards continued on page 4 Independence Day Parade Draws Big Crowd housands of spectators lined Periwinkle Way for Tlast Friday's Fourth of July Parade. Island residents and visitors were out in force to cheer on the traditional hometown parade which consisted of 66 floats and displays, including most of the local civic and wildlife organi- zations as well as businesses and individuals. Spectators brought pets dressed in patriotic colors. They sat on towels, blankets, lawn chairs and coolers in the 90-degree heat as the parade passed by. Some squirted the Summer rec kids explore the museum float riders with water guns and one group held up signs rating Sanibel Rec Kids Tour the floats for cuteness. Afterwards, the public was Historical Museum And Village invited to have free watermel- on at Bailey's General Store he 3rd, 4th and 5th grade levels of Sanibel's Summer Rec Program visited the and to take part in games Historical Museum and Village on Dunlop Road on Wednesday, July 2. The and other activities at Jerry's Touting was part of archeology-history activities week at the center. Many of Supermarket. Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam ride in the parade the kids had not toured the museum before and were inspired by the artifacts and continued on page 18 cotninued on page 18 CARD OF THANKS EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE IN AN EXTRAORDINARY P1ACE y daughter's Make a Wish was to come to Sanibel Island to MARGIE, HAVE You NOTICED Mshell and fossil hunt. We want to thank the good people of Sanibel CO for making her trip an adventure of a Q ANYTHING DIFFERENT lifetime. Captain Mike Fuery of Grey Pelican \ ABOUT THE KIPS?.. CO Charters took us shell hunting on a beau- tiful uninhabited beach. He was profes- sional, considerate and interesting. The staff at Billy's Bike Shop were so helpful and friendly. They found just the right bikes for each of us, gave us icy water bottles and sent us to their favorite island spots. Later, they even brought the bikes to our hotel so we could ride them from there. On the Peace River in Arcadia, Florida, we met Mr. Fred Mazza, owner of Paleo Discoveries. Mr, Mazza took us by canoe for an amazing day of fossil hunting in the river. This fossil expedition was:-a grand adventure led by a knowl- edgeable and considerate gentleman. While you visit Sanibel Island and sur- rounding areas, I strongly recommend these businesses for your adventures and recreation. They are owned and operated by extraordinary people in an extraordi- ©Zoo$ nary place. C. Seim, Atlanta, Georgia^ Portfolio Management • Trust Administration • Estate Planning • Financial Counseling SANIBEL ©CAPTIVA TRUST COMPANY Building & Preserving Wealth The Management MANAliI'MIWT Tl .\\l' JLh team of the \ Allvti I). I l.insi-r. rii.iirni.ui .unl ( I () Sanibel Captiva Duiuli) '.Clupi I.I-M'JI. \'i-1 ( /i:u'rriMfi jiid IVoiJi-'/u K.kli.iril 1:. PyU . (!.lrA.. IIM-1 ui ivt Viic I'rcsuleni Trust Company TiTi-ii' f M. IL'II, Senior VIM1 I'lvsultni appreciate the TIIIKUIIV !'. Vu k. Siiuor I'finl'iliu Mciiu^'cr confidence you have S\Ui.i 1) 1 lui, lnM)ii. ( liu-i ()pi.r.uioii-, ()Hhi:r Siis.in \V. Ayrcs. Vm- Pi'-siilini bestowed upon us. -j:|p|_ ( rjiu J. MnlsKiii. VIIT- I'ri-siiknl We look forward to H<isi\ M. I liTiii.iii, Assisiiuii Vi. L1 I'rusi.Uni l.iiula A Mason. 1:M-< ncivi- A serving your investment needs." :. HP lV.riwinkk- \V;iy • Suiu- " S.milx1! Island. I lurid.i .i.i''5~ I'liuiH-: .M'). r2.K.W0 - loll IRV: SOO.^O.^l i ,IA: .2 i1'. l~2.H iJ!O • WUW.VII ICO O JOHN HARDY GO KAWUNG COLLECTION Experience The Difference" Periwinkle Place Shopping Center • 239-472-4177 Sanibel Island • Bonita Springs • Fifth Ave. South, Naples • Coastland Center, Naples • Key West Toll free: 866-732-5433 • www.congressjewelers.com From page 1 Tarpon Bay Explorers Opens Facility away along the mangrove shoreline. The facility will complement the modern visitor's center currently open at "Ding" Darling. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service funded the construction of the new building, which sits on refuge property; Tarpon Bay Explorers leases the concession and operates in partnership with refuge staff and volunteers.. "We are very thankful for the Fish & Wildlife Service, from local staff here on Sanibel to Atlanta and to Washington. We're also thankful for the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society and the volunteers." Hamilton spoke about the value of bringing a "new generation" of kids and families out into nature and the refuge system. He said there are benefits from spending time in natural surroundings that cannot be received from information on a computer. He referred to "Ding" Darling as one of the great treasures of the wildlife system. The gift shop in the new concession will have new items in addition to the standard lineup of sunscreen, T-shirts, wildlife guidebooks, and nature toys. The air-conditioned interior will provide relief from the heat, and the open views of the water from the top floor drew rave reviews from those who attended Ihe ceremony. Tarpon Bay Explorers is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the year except Christmas. The entrance is at the convergence of Palm Ridge Road, Tarpon Bay Road and Sanibel-Captiva Road. Call 472-8900 for more information about educational tours and other programs.^ Seminars At Senior Center irst Steps: Digital Photos, Hello ebay! Thursday, July 24, 1 to 3 September 25, 1 to 3 p.m. This p.m. A seminar for the true novice who F"first look" seminar will get you is curious about ebay. A shopping trip to started on a way to get those photos the world-wide mall for those who have out fo the camera and in to an album never been there. Maybe you wanted to or sent to your family and friends. The buy something but backed out because interest level will determine if further, of the unknown. Learn the risks and more detailed seminars or hands-on rewards, about sellers, shipping, and the workshops will be offered. Cost is $25 possible savings. Cost is $25 for mem- for members, $35 for non-members. bers, $35 for non-members. Email Patty at sanibelpatty@comcast. The Senior Center is at 2401 Library net with photo topics you would like to Way. For more information call "Ding" Darling and Tarpon Bay Explorers staff and volunteers know about. 472-5743.* r ft Mens • Headwear Womens • Bags Kids -Jewelry Gifts • Home Decor • Unique Cards Dog Gear ...and of course SUNCATCHERS! with this coupon Daniel Moore Thompson Mon-Fri. 8:30-5:30 OLDE SANIBEL Sat. 8:30 - 5:00 Sun. 8:30 - 4:00 SHOPPES 2 7-n &" Periwinkle Way 239.472.7860 Synergy o Baile/s 630 Tarpon Bay Road • Sanibel NEXTTO 2075 Periwinkle Way • Periwinkle Piace OVER EASY [email protected] CAFE www.suncatchersdream.com Sanibel • 239-395-5353 .•V V j • -1. •»/ -" i nf ALL SHOPS I OPEN DURING THE CEDAR CHEST •v^ FlXRjEWKLRY I RENOVATIONS Fine Seahfe, Coin & Fashion jewelry Ancient Creek Owl Coin 472-2876 circa 449-4,4 BC. «! ' Island Bakery & Colfce House \ •c s3 Serving Breakfast 472-7787 HOLIDAY & CELEBRATION CAKES • Protein Smoothies • European Deli 1 '• i • illy kalian Coffeei •^fesi^E.* ^ 472-5321 Baking on the premises... j made Fresh daily!! New Owners Richard McCurry & Ken Loewit .!»*••*" < .«<•>..: "Sara K/ser" Mermaid with Pearls SEAWEED GALLERY For Bath, Body and more! A Unique Kidz Boutique 472-7770 395-0700 Sanibel Resort Wear 1,000** of Golljectiblg*' Collective Artisans Ladies resort &swimwear jusf aboaf everything for everybody & Mermaids 472-2162 472-5400 395-3328 '"•a. Herefs what made us famous! Our Famous Pounder The Delirious The Serious The Semi-Serious The Classic 6 00 IHN Mimms' application is being revised may be needed for combined lots such as * Continue planning BMRH activities ^ Commission with planning staff input and could be reduced setbacks and increased vegeta- within a mixed use town center concept; back before the planning commission tion.