Sanibel-Captiva Daily

Hospitality industry awards honor exceptional customer service in Lee County, “E” Awards

To increase public awareness of extraordinary customer service provided by hospitality employees throughout Lee County, seven workers were recognized by receiving the Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards at the 10th annual ceremony in Fort Myers today.

Visitors from across America, throughout Florida, along with visitors from Ireland, Norway, and Germany, submitted a record 371 nominations, giving high praise to those local employees who provided outstanding customer service. Sponsored by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) and The News-Press, the “E” Awards is a collaboration with various local businesses to encourage and support service excellence being provided by Lee County hospitality professionals.
Accommodations
Winner: Mr. Sylvester Jennings, South Seas Island Resort
Honorable Mention: Ms. Janeen Costello, Country Inn & Suites Sanibel Gateway
Mr. Bob Fodor, Beachview Cottages
Mr. Bill McAdams, South Seas Island Resort
Attractions
Winner: Ms. Maryann Brown, Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Honorable Mention: Mr. Manfred Dangel, Everglades Day Safari
Ms. Wendy Erler-Schnapp, Tarpon Bay Explorers
Mr. Tim Monahan, Tarpon Bay Explorers
Good Samaritan
Winner: Ms. Karen Barker, Sandalfoot Condominums
Retail
Winner: Mr. Marcos DeAraujo, Shiny Objects
Restaurants
Honorable Mention: Ms. Leslie Fellner, Traders Store & Cafe
Ms. Dominique Kuhn, Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa
Person of Distinction
Winner: Mr. Ernesto Anaya, Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce nominees
Mr. Pete Bukowick
Mr. Charlie Riley
Mr. Barry Solomon
Ms. Lisa Williams

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The Best of the Week from SanibelCaptivaDaily

As the weather becomes more tropical and the flowers are coming out, Sanibel & Captiva Islands are gorgeous this time of year. If you do not live here in paradise, you should definitely drive or boat over and enjoy all of the great things we have here. Below is a review of our post from last week.

• Aug 21 – Sanibel Island Grog Shop, Sanibel Liquor & Cigar Store
• Aug 19 – Sanibel & Captiva, City’s Hurricane Plan and Personal Hurricane Planning
• Aug 18 – Sanibel Captiva, Top 10 Beaches
• Aug 17 – The Official Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce After Hours Event at Sanibel Harbour Resort
• Aug 16 – The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, Sanibel FL, Evelyn Spencer
• Aug 15 – Sanibel Island FL, The Monk Family
• Aug 14 – Sanibel & Captiva Nature
• Aug 13 – SCCF Sea Turtle Watch on Sanibel & Captiva
• Aug 12 – Special Savings at the Mucky Duck on Captiva Island

The Official Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce After Hours Event at Sanibel Harbour Resort

It was the Official Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce, After Hours event at Sanibel Harbour Resort yesterday. The evening went off great as chamber members and friends networked with each other. We were there taking photographs of the evening as people came out and represented their companies at the best business networking organization on Sanibel and Captiva. Click below to see all the pictures by photographer Max Soto.

p.s. Sign up for our email list and get chamber events sent to you!

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The Best of the Week from SanibelCaptivaDaily

As the weather becomes more tropical and the flowers are coming out, Sanibel & Captiva Islands are gorgeous this time of year. If you do not live here in paradise, you should definitely drive or boat over and enjoy all of the great things we have here. Below is a review of our post from last week.

• Jul 24 – Sanibel Dogs
• Jul 24 – Sanibel Dogs
• Jul 23 – Sanibel Sunrise
• Jul 22 – Happy Birthday Rusty Farst
• Jul 21 – Save Money by Eating Breakfast at Courtney’s On Sanibel
• Jul 20 – Official Sanibel & Captiva, Florida Chamber of Commerce, After Hours at Twilight Cafe
• Jul 19 – Sanibel and Captiva BP Oil Update, Our Beaches are Clean!
• Jul 19 – Royal Shell Hosts “Love That Dress” Collection Party on Sanibel
• Jul 18 – The Best of the Week from SanibelCaptivaDaily
• Jul 17 – 31st Annual Optimist Club’s Road Rally, Sanibel & Captiva
• Jul 16 – Sanibel Fishing with Venture Out, Sanibel Fish
• Jul 15 – Where to find great vacation deals on Sanibel, Sanibel Holiday
• Jul 14 – Royal Shell and SanibelCaptivaDaily.com
• Jul 14 – Twilight Cafe, Where Food Is Art, Sanibel Restaurant
• Jul 14 – How Do You Get In Shape? Sanibel Beach Retreats
• Jul 13 – Sanibel & Captiva Nature
• Jul 13 – Royal Shell Hosts “Love That Dress” Collection Party on Sanibel
• Jul 12 – Sanibel Helps Louisiana Oil Spill Clean Up, Animal Oil Spill Release on Sanibel

The Best of the Week from SanibelCaptivaDaily

As the weather becomes more tropical and the flowers are coming out, Sanibel & Captiva Islands are gorgeous this time of year. If you do not live here in paradise, you should definitely drive or boat over and enjoy all of the great things we have here. Below is a review of our post from last week.

• Jul 11 – Cool People on Sanibel
• Jul 10 – Sanibel Dogs
• Jul 09 – Sanibel and Captiva Accommodations, Royal Shell Vacations, Sanibel & Captiva Vacation Rentals
• Jul 08 – The Best Place to Shop on Captiva is The Captiva Island Store
• Jul 07 – Terry Waldorf’s Sanibel Photography, Best Nature Photography
• Jul 07 – Janet Vince, Art on Captiva
• Jul 06 – 2010 Sanibel’s 4th of July Parade
• Jul 05 – The Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club 31st Annual 4th of July Road Rally, Sanibel Florida
• Jul 05 – Sanibel 4th of July Fireworks
• Jul 05 – Sanibel 4th of July Fireworks
• Jul 04 – 4th Round of photos from the Sanibel 4th of July Parade
• Jul 04 – 3rd Round of photos from the Sanibel 4th of July Parade
• Jul 04 – 4th of July Fireworks from Cottages to Castles
• Jul 04 – 2 Round of photos from the Sanibel 4th of July Parade
• Jul 03 – Sanibel 4th of July Parade

Update on the Deep Horizon Florida Oil Spill. What is happening to Sanibel & Captiva because of the BP Oil Spill? Our Beaches are still Beautiful and our water is Clean! Great time for a Island Vacation!

Yesterday, we talked to Lee County Florida District 4 Commissioner, Tammy Hall. We were extremely happy to hear what she had to say! Although the Deep Horizon Florida Oil Spill has harmed a lot of things, Sanibel and Captiva are still SAFE! We learned that our water is clean and our beaches are still beautiful and this is actually a great time to visit Sanibel & Captiva. Check out our backyard and enjoy a wonderful Island Vacation!

Tamara Pigott, Executive Director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau also talked to us on camera to express what a great time it is to take a vacation in our unspoiled waters of SWFL. Not only are the beaches on Sanibel & Captiva OIL FREE, there are lots of other great reasons to visit! There are great deals on accommodations, shopping, restaurants and services. If you are thinking about visiting Sanibel & Captiva, now is the time to do it! Watch the video and see for yourself! Once you do that, explore our site more and start planning your next PERFECT vacation on the Islands!

The Official Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce, Update on the Deep Horizon Florida Oil Spill – Our Beaches are Clean

The information below was provided by The Official Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce about the Florida Oil Spill.

“Our function is to keep everyone informed with on going information with continual updates” – Ric Base, President of The Official Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce.

Our Beaches are Clean and Open
The only oil on our beaches is suntan oil!

Updated June 11, 2010 1:30 p.m.
At this time, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has not impacted Sanibel, Captiva or Fort Myers Beach. The Florida Division of Emergency Management does not expect the oil to impact the Sanibel/Captiva/Fort Myers Beach area between now and Monday, June 14. Forecasts are being made in 72 hour increments. There are no projections beyond that time frame.

Officials on Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers Beach are monitoring the situation closely and will respond accordingly to any potential impact on our area. If you are traveling to the destination within the next few days, you can monitor the websites below for the latest updates on the spill and check back with this site for specific information regarding Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers Beach .

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is reporting, “There are currently no impacts to our refuge waters. The beaches are clean and open.”

Click below to learn more about the Oil Spill and some of the Frequently Asked Questions that The Official Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce.

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A Celebration of Island Life to Benefit BIG ARTS at Ellington’s Jazz Club and Restaurant, The Royal Shell Companies

There was a celebration yesterday at noon until 3 pm at Ellington’s Jazz Club and Restaurant. The Royal Shell Companies organized a wonderful benefit for BIG ARTS. The afternoon featured a fashion show with local models, a live auction and raffles galore. “We are so pleased with the way the community has come together on this fundraiser for BIG ARTS,” stated Barbara Harrington with The Royal Shell Companies.

Models like Ric Base and Bridgit Stone Budd showcased island fashions from Adventures In Paradise, Island Girl Boutique, and Pelican’s Roost. While wearing beautiful jewelry from The Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry and William E. Wilson Fine Jewelry, the runway models looked more astonishing than usual because of Gina Barfield and her Mary Kay Cosmetics.

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The Official Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce, Annual Meeting & Awards

Last night was one of the largest Official Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce meetings of all year. The Chamber announced important topics in the Wakefield at the beautiful Tween Waters Inn. Subjects included the state of the Chamber, Recognition of Retiring Board Members, the 2010-2011 Board of Directors, Recognition of Staff and Volunteers and plenty of Awards.

The 2010-2011 Board of Directors were announced, they are: Danny Adams, Sarah Ashton, Mark Blust, Dru Anne Doyle, Lee Ellen Harder – Secretary, Barb Harrington – Chair Elect, Richard Johnson – Chair, Michael Miller, Allen Myers – Past Chair, Daniel Schuyler, Jeff Shuff – Treasurer, David Shepherd, Ric Base – President. The new members are Fran Peters, Chris Pendleton, Robert Monk, Blanaid Colley.

The awards soon followed, the first one given was to Sam Baily for winning the State Fair Presentation. Allen Myers presented the Sue Rosica Gray Volunteer award to Maggi Feiner. Richard Johnson presented Craig & Evelyn Stewart, of Adventure in Paradise, the New Business of the Year Award. The next award was the Citizen of the Year and that was given to Sandra Stilwell Silverglide. Then the Business Persons of the Year Award was given to Trasi Sharp and Liza Clouse by Sarah Ashton. The Last award was the Walter Klie Lifetime Achievement Award, it was given to Mary Ann Kanzius for the amazing spirit and achievement of John Kanzius.

Other chamber and community members like Earl & Colleen Quenzel, Tyrone Humbles, Salli Kirkland, Bill Waites, David Wright, Wendy Schnapp and Jeremy Kane were at the annual meeting contributing to the chamber. After the annual meeting and awards, everyone enjoyed delicious food and drinks downstairs at the Old Captiva House.

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A Celebration of Island Life to Benefit BIG ARTS, The Royal Shell Companies

Get ready for fun. We’re celebrating the best of island life on Wednesday, April 21 from noon until 3 p.m. at Ellington’s 1244 Periwinkle Way. This BIG ARTS benefit features a fashion show, live auction and raffles galore. “We are so pleased with the way the community has come together on this fundraiser for BIG ARTS,” stated Barbara Harrington with The Royal Shell Companies. “In just a few weeks we have received donations from famous Captiva artists Darryl Pottorf, Florida’s fine art photographer Alan Maltz, beautiful jewelry, and vacation stays for the live auction conducted by Jean Baer.”

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Sanibel & Captiva Raising money for the United Way!

If you have been driving into Sanibel the last couple of weeks, you’ve seen this sign in front of the Sanibel – Captiva Chamber of Commerce. Sanibel and Captiva raised $275,00 for the United Way! That is truly amazing! Good job to everyone who had a part in that!

Bridgit Stone-Budd, Director of Marketing, Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce

Bridgit Stone-Budd, our Director of Marketing for the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce works super hard, but still knows how to bring it down ” island style”.

It was the Official Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce, After Hours event at SCCF yesterday. The night went off great as chamber members and friends networked with each other. We were there taking photographs of the evening as people came out and represented their companies at the best business networking organization on Sanibel and Captiva. Click below to see all the pictures by photographer Cameron Michael.

p.s. Sign up for our email list and get chamber events sent to you!

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Sanibel – Captiva Chamber of Commerce After Hours, Royal Shell Preferred Properties

Monday, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, is the Sanibel – Captiva Chamber of Commerce After Hours hosted at Royal Shell Preferred Properties. $5.00 for reservations on or before Friday, February 12 at noon. Member and Guests Only. $15.00 at the door.

PLEASE RSVP at 472-1080 x230 or email at
office@sanibel-captiva.org ornTo register online, click here

The Best of Sanibel & Captiva From This Past Week

The Best of Sanibel & Captiva From This Past Week. It truly has been a great week to be living or vacationing on Sanibel & Captiva this week. Below, we are taking a look back at what events we covered at the Sanibel Captiva Daily. Take some time and enjoy!

• Jan 30 – New Moon Sailing, Sanibel & Captiva Sailing, New Moon Girls
• Jan 29 – Sanibel Island Grog Shop, Sanibel Liquor & Cigar Store
• Jan 28 – This Could be the View from Your Front Door, Larry Hahn, Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate
• Jan 28 – Twilight Cafe, Sanibel Restaurant and Entertainment, Jazz and Sushi
• Jan 27 – Sanibel Farmers Market
• Jan 26 – Sanibel American Legion Post 123
• Jan 26 – Royal Shell Companies & Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, Photographic Art Book by Alan S. Maltz, Chamber After Hours at Ellington’s Jazz Club and Restaurant
• Jan 25 – Royal Shell to sponsor launch of latest Alan Maltz book, “Visions of Beauty – Fort Myers, Sanibel & Beyond…”
• Jan 25 – The Sanibel & Captiva Islands’ Chamber of Commerce Annual Retail Expo and Business Fair at the Sanibel Community Center
• Jan 24 – Captiva & Sanibel Community House, Dancing With The Islands’ Stars, The Big Night
• Jan 23 – WOW! Must See Event! Dancing with the Islands’ Stars, The Community House
• Jan 23 – The Mucky Duck, Captiva Restaurants, Great Place to Eat
• Jan 22 – Sanibel and Captiva Accommodations, Royal Shell Vacations, Sanibel & Captiva Vacation Rentals
• Jan 22 – The Grog Shop, Donate to the American Red Cross
• Jan 21 – Dancing with the Islands’ Stars at the Sanibel & Captiva Community House

Royal Shell Companies & Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, Photographic Art Book by Alan S. Maltz, Chamber After Hours at Ellington’s Jazz Club and Restaurant

The Royal Shell Companies, in conjunction with the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, held their Chamber After Hours at Ellington’s Jazz Club and Restaurant. The event’s highlight, was the official introduction of a new photographic art book by Alan S. Maltz. A portion of the proceeds for  ”Visions of Beauty – Fort Myers, Sanibel and Beyond” coffee table book sales and auction went to benefit CROW.

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Royal Shell to sponsor launch of latest Alan Maltz book, “Visions of Beauty – Fort Myers, Sanibel & Beyond…”

The Royal Shell Companies (http://www.RoyalShell.com), in conjunction with the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, will sponsor the official introduction of a new photographic art book by Alan S. Maltz, today at 5:30pm at Ellington’s Jazz Club and Restaurant.

“Visions of Beauty – Fort Myers, Sanibel & Beyond…” presents compelling images of the mystique of Southwest Florida’s outer islands, the history and charm of old Fort Myers, secluded treasures of Sanibel and Captiva Islands and fascinating scenes from Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Boca Grande, Cayo Costa, Pine Island and Estero.

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The Sanibel & Captiva Islands’ Chamber of Commerce Annual Retail Expo and Business Fair at the Sanibel Community Center

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands’ Chamber of Commerce had their Annual Retail Expo and Business Fair at the Sanibel Community Center. A lot of great people and companies were there supporting and promoting there business at this wonderful event. There were companies everywhere from jewelery to Billy’s Bike Rentals. The Chamber of Commerce and the Sanibel Community Center held a wonderful!

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The Best of Sanibel & Captiva From This Past Week

The Best of Sanibel & Captiva From This Past Week. It truly has been a great week to be living or vacationing on Sanibel & Captiva this week. Below, we are taking a look back at what events we covered at the Sanibel Captiva Daily. Take some time and enjoy!

• Jan 16 – Blind Pass Ecosystem Restoration Project, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• Jan 16 – Donate Blood, Save Lives
• Jan 15 – Florida Weather, Sanibel & Captiva
• Jan 14 – Susan Scott’s Dancing Stars Auction, The Community House, Dancing with the Islands’ Stars
• Jan 14 – The Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, The Village Shops
• Jan 13 – Sanibel American Legion, Sanibel 8-Ball Pool League
• Jan 12 – The Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, The Village Shops, ShopOnSanibel.com
• Jan 12 – Island Jazz and Dance Band at The Sanibel Community House, Sanibel Entertainment
• Jan 11 – Island Jazz and Dance Band at The Community House, Sanibel
• Jan 11 – Larry Hahn, Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate

Sarah Ashton, Randy Bacik, Barb Harrington, Don DeLuca, Bill Waites

The Sanibel Island & Captiva Island chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, The Village Shops

We covered The Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting at The Village Shops. The event was hosted by: Kim Nader Interiors, Royal Shell Property Management, S E Freck, LCSW, CTS – Counseling Center, Paradise Design, PURRE, Sanibel Tropical Wines, Tribeca Salon, Watson Macrae Gallery. There was a wonderful live music, great company and tasty food, all the elements needed for a superb ribbon cutting. Click below to check out photos from the event! Photo Credit: Max Soto.

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The Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, The Village Shops, ShopOnSanibel.com

The Best of Sanibel & Captiva From This Past Week

The Best of Sanibel & Captiva From This Past Week. It truly has been a great week to be living or vacationing on Sanibel & Captiva this week. Below, we are taking a look back at what events we covered at the Sanibel Captiva Daily. Take some time and enjoy!

• Jan 09 – What to do during the Cold Weather? Movies! The Island Cinema!
• Jan 08 – Amandas Island Jewels, Local Island Jewelers
• Jan 07 – Guess who’s birthday it is Sanibel & Captiva? Happy Birthday Sandy Kostick, PR & Marketing, Event Planning, Advertising & Sales
• Jan 07 – Sanibel Health Club, Sanibel – Captiva Chamber Ribbon Cutting
• Jan 06 – Who are you going to vote for? Sanibel Entertainment
• Jan 05 – The Official Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, Sanibel Health Club
• Jan 05 – The Rotary Club of Sanibel Captiva, Support of St. Marc, Haiti School
• Jan 04 – Great Sanibel & Captiva Accommodations, Sanibel Holiday offers Sanibel Vacation Rentals
• Jan 03 – Dancing with The Islands’ Stars, Sanibel Community House, Sanibel Island Entertainment
• Jan 03 – The Best Sports Bar and Restaurant on Sanibel Island, Biddles Bucket, Sunday Football
• Jan 02 – Royal Shell, Alan Maltz book, “Visions of Beauty – Fort Myers, Sanibel & Beyond…”

Sanibel Health Club, Sanibel – Captiva Chamber Ribbon Cutting

Take a look below to see what it was like at Sanibel Health Club yesterday. It was their Official Ribbon Cutting for the Island Chamber. We had a great time there last night taking photos and taking a tour of the gym. It’s good to have a workout facility on Island with such a knowledgeable and trained staff! Click below to see the photos and learn more about the Sanibel Health Club.

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