by Mick Denham

There has never been a better time to “Celebrate Sanibel.” The second-annual, week-long community festival begins November 8, offering something for all ages. Please check our local newspapers for information and join us in our celebration.

Why celebrate? Many say that, today, the island has never looked better. Some may miss the historic arch of pines over Periwinkle Way, but the island still has plenty of natural charm. The all-volunteer Periwinkle Partnership and the City of Sanibel have installed native plantings and created mini-parks along Periwinkle, with benches offering rest spots for bikers and walkers. Using grant money, the city planted more than eight thousand trees, which will eventually replace lost shade cover. And inspired by a sense of renewal, we realigned Periwinkle for a safer, more attractive shared-use path.

Family life is important on Sanibel, and another cause for celebration is the new children’s playground adjacent to the Sanibel Community House, complete with a sun canopy paid for by donations. The playground at Bowman’s Beach public park, with its native plantings, picnic tables, and wonderful play equipment, provides another spot for child’s play.

Sanibel’s famous community spirit is more evident than ever today. Our civic and service organizations and businesses rally to raise funds for services that benefit us all. Visitors marvel at the size and scope of our recently expanded, award-winning public library. Islanders even voted themselves a tax increase to fund our beautiful new Recreation Center, dedicated at the end of 2007. Next door is the Blue-Ribbon Sanibel School, one of Florida’s top schools.

As a sanctuary island, we also celebrate the environment. The opening last year of Clam Bayou has brought fresh life to our waters and enriched the habitat for wildlife, and the more recent dredging of Blind Pass has revitalized the waters of San Carlos Bay and brought joy to local fishing enthusiasts. A new education center and animal treatment facility at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) was built through the generosity of donors.

This issue of Times of the Islands focuses on travel and dining, and Sanibel has much to celebrate in this area as well. I’m proud of our many restaurant choices, both longtime favorites and newer establishments. I’m also proud that we were able to expand outdoor dining options on Sanibel this year. The City Council and Planning Commission collaborated in relaxing some restrictive regulations, and several popular establishments have taken advantage. Diners enjoy eating under the stars, and I believe the trend will continue. Consult the magazine’s Cuisine and Epicurious departments to learn more about the area’s restaurants and to read about what’s new and exciting on the culinary scene.

December brings our annual island holiday celebration, the Luminary Walk. On the evening of the first Friday of December, establishments along Periwinkle Way welcome customers with twinkling lights, free “munchies,” and music, celebrating the beginning of yet another Sanibel season. Please consider this your personal invitation to visit and find out why more than six thousand people delight in calling Sanibel home.

My best wishes to everyone for a safe, prosperous, and joyous holiday season.