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We are so thankful for our community, partners, volunteers and supporters! Here's how we provide our 'neighbors helping neighbors' assistance as we have for nearly 45 years.
October 2026 Edition
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Resiliency Hub Clears Important Planning Milestone
FISH of SanCap reached an important milestone in plans for its future Resiliency Hub on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when the City of Sanibel Planning Commission approved the variance application and Conditional Use Permit needed for the project to continue moving forward.
The approvals came following a public hearing that included a detailed review of the project, questions from commissioners, and discussion about FISH, its programs and the role the proposed facility will serve in the community.
“This was an important step for FISH and for a project that has required a tremendous amount of planning, coordination and collaboration,” said Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director. “We appreciate the Planning Commission, City staff and everyone who took the time to learn more about the project, ask questions and participate in the process. We know there are different perspectives in our community, and we respect the public process that allows those perspectives to be heard.”
The Planning Commission approved the applications by majority vote. Continue Reading
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Community Feedback Reinforces Disaster Readiness
Sanibel and Captiva residents know how quickly everyday community needs can change following a hurricane or other emergency. That experience is helping shape planning for FISH of SanCap’s Resiliency Hub, a year-round facility designed to serve the community during both “blue skies” and “grey skies.”
During blue skies, the Hub supports FISH programs and services offered throughout the year. During grey skies, it will help FISH maintain those services while supporting emergency response and recovery efforts.
In FISH’s recent Resiliency Hub Community Survey, among 172 respondents, 71.5% selected disaster preparedness and recovery as a community need FISH should prioritize. When asked which challenges will have the greatest impact on Sanibel and Captiva, disaster preparedness ranked first at 61.6%. Respondents also identified climate and environmental resilience at 51.2%. Continue Reading
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FISH OF SANCAP Named Best Nonprofit for Second Consecutive Year
FISH OF SANCAP has been named Best Nonprofit in the 2026 Best of the Islands awards, marking the second consecutive year the organization has received the community honor. “To receive this recognition last year was incredibly special. To receive it again this year means so much to all of us,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “Our work is built around neighbors helping neighbors, and this award comes directly from the community we serve. We share it with our volunteers, donors, partners, staff and every neighbor who has trusted FISH and supported our work.” Continue Reading
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Neighbors in Readiness
Power Up Safely During & After Storms
Power outages are part of life during hurricane season, but staying safe and prepared can make all the difference. A few smart steps now can keep your household running smoothly and protect your health and home.
Quick Actions:
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Use generators safely. Always run generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors and windows. Never use them in garages or lanais.
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Preserve your food. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. A full freezer keeps food cold for up to 48 hours if unopened.
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Charge ahead. Keep phones, battery banks, and flashlights fully charged before storms arrive. Consider a small solar charger for emergencies.
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Turn off major appliances. Unplug electronics before power is restored to prevent surges.
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Check on others. Power loss can be dangerous for neighbors with medical devices or mobility issues — a quick check-in goes a long way.
Helpful Resource:
Florida Power & Light’s outage map and restoration updates: www.fplmaps.com
Island Insight:
After Ian, many residents shared power — from extension cords to freezer space — reminding us that preparedness and kindness go hand in hand. A charged battery and a caring neighbor can both be lifesavers.
Kids Activity
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Senior Health Fair Connects Island Residents with Health & Wellness Resources
FISH of SanCap will host its Senior Health Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The event will bring health, wellness and community resources together in one location, with a focus on the needs of older adults living on Sanibel and Captiva.
The Senior Health Fair is free and open to all, regardless of age. RSVPs are encouraged and can be made at https://seniorhealthfair.rsvpify.com/. Parking is available at the Sanibel Community House and Community Park parking lots, as well as across the street at the BIG ARTS Strauss lot.
Presented in partnership with Lee Health, the Senior Health Fair will give community members an opportunity to meet directly with healthcare and community organizations, ask questions and learn about services and resources that support healthy aging, independence and quality of life. Continue Reading
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On Sanibel and Captiva, being a good neighbor often means finding thoughtful ways to care for both the community and the islands we call home. Through their longtime partnership with FISH of SanCap, A Bit of Bailey’s and The Island Store are doing both—regularly donating food and products to the FISH Food Pantry, helping feed island neighbors while reducing unnecessary food waste.
Bailey’s has been connected to FISH, our food programs and our events for many years, and we are grateful that relationship continues today,” said Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director. “They understand the community, they understand the people we serve, and when there is an opportunity to help, they are there.” Continue Reading
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FISH and Jerry’s Foods are continuing a longtime partnership that gives shoppers an easy way to help stock the FISH Food Pantry and support neighbors who may need some extra help with groceries.
Pre-packed food pantry bags are available for purchase at Jerry’s. The bags include pantry staples requested by FISH and are delivered to the organization for distribution through its Food Programs.
“Our food distributed numbers show how important access to food continues to be for people who live and work on the islands,” said Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director. “Jerry’s makes it very easy for someone doing their own grocery shopping to add a bag for a neighbor. Those individual purchases add up and help us keep food available for the community.” Continue Reading
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National Good Neighbor Day Carries Special Meaning for FISH of SanCap on Hurricane Ian Anniversary
September 28 carries two meanings for FISH of SanCap. It is National Good Neighbor Day, a day that celebrates the ways neighbors help one another. It also marks four years since Hurricane Ian made landfall and changed Sanibel and Captiva.
The two dates are closely connected for FISH. Hurricane Ian tested the islands in ways no one could have imagined and showed the strength of a community where neighbors were already accustomed to looking out for one another. That spirit was present long before the storm, carried the islands through the difficult days that followed, and continues to shape recovery and preparedness today.
Neighbors checked on one another, shared food and supplies, helped clean homes, moved debris, offered rides and more. Volunteers, donors, businesses, churches, first responders, community organizations and government partners worked together to help people return, recover and rebuild. Continue reading
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Connecting Island Workforce with Support During Changing Times
For many people who work on Sanibel and Captiva, the summer slowdown can mean fewer customers, fewer work hours and smaller paychecks.
For one local household, the slowdown brought a sharp reduction in work hours at the same time the family was dealing with an unexpected medical emergency. With household income temporarily reduced, keeping up with monthly rent became difficult.
The family was taking steps to improve its financial situation but needed help getting through the immediate gap. After completing FISH’s intake process and providing required documentation, the household qualified for rental assistance through the organization’s Helping Hands program. The program is supported, in part, through grant funding from The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation. Continue reading
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Welcome Back Sanibel Island Farmers Market
The return of the Sanibel Island Farmers Market in October brings back a Sunday tradition for residents and visitors, and for FISH of SanCap, it also means the return of an important source of fresh food for the organization’s food pantry.
Throughout the market season, participating vendors donate fresh produce, breads and other food that FISH volunteers collect, sort and stock at the pantry. The partnership gives neighbors who use the pantry access to fresh foods that can be harder and more expensive for FISH to source consistently. Continue reading
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AngelFISH Society Keeps 2026 Project Going with Air Fryer Donation to The Sanibel School
A successful AngelFISH Society project that put air fryers into the homes of local seniors and families earlier this year is finding its way into the classroom with the donation of an air fryer to The Sanibel School.
The air fryer will be used by Home Economics Teacher Kelly Sigfrids to teach middle school students new recipes and cooking techniques during classes held twice each week. The appliance may also be useful during school luncheons, according to Cozetta Kelly, Sr. Administrative Assistant to Principal Dr. Tom Millins. Continue reading
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You’re Invited! The FISH of Sanibel-Captiva Foundation will host the AngelFISH Society luncheon on Monday, November 9 at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, featuring Kelly Thawley, Micro-Credential & Workforce Programs Coordinator at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Kelly leads workforce and micro-credential initiatives that connect education, employers and career development. She also serves on the boards of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation and chairs the Chamber’s annual Level HER Up Conference, which has raised more than $80,000 for non-traditional student scholarships.
Kelly’s presentation will offer insight into the AngelFISH Society’s proposed 2027 project, which will be unveiled at the luncheon.
We hope you will join us! RSVP information and invitations will be emailed soon. For additional information, contact Linda Uhler at luhlersanibel@gmail.com.
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JOG N JAM Sponsorship Opportunities
Local businesses, organizations and community partners are invited to join JOG N JAM as a 2026 sponsor. Sponsorships support FISH programs and services while connecting businesses with one of FISH’s largest annual fundraisers. View our current sponsors here. Interested in joining us? For those interested in sponsoring the JOG N JAM, inquire here.
| | Saturday, November 7, 2026 – The 10K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run return to the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Register here. | | Saturday, December 5, 2026 – The celebration continues at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort, 15951 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924, with the JOG N JAM beach concert, featuring the Ben Allen Band. Register here. | | |
JOG N JAM Raffle Baskets are Back!
One of the most fun parts of JOG N JAM is back! Our raffle baskets are packed with great prizes, experiences, dining, entertainment and more, all thanks to the businesses and community partners who help make JOG N JAM possible.
Suggested donation: $10 for 1 ticket
Ready to take a chance?
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Find the FISH JOG N JAM team at the Sanibel Island Farmers Market every Sunday beginning Oct. 4 and watch for pop-up events throughout the island where tickets will be available.
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New this year - purchase online! Visit this link to view baskets, make your choices and enter!
- Our JOG N JAM Raffle page, complete with basket descriptions, raffle details and official rules, is coming soon!
Every ticket supports FISH of Sanibel-Captiva and the neighbors we serve. Pick your favorites, grab your tickets and good luck! Official Rules
| | Oct. 4 - Sanibel Farmer's Market opens | Oct. 12 - FISH CLOSED for Indigenous People's Day | Oct. 13 - Friendly Faces Luncheon | Oct. 22 - 2026 Pink Out Picnic & Health & Hope Expo | Oct. 22 - National First Responders Day | Oct. 27 - Shell Point Volunteer Fair | | Nov. 4 - FISH Senior Health Fair | Nov. 7 - FISH JOG N JAM 10K/5K/Kids Run | Nov. 9 - AngelFISH Society Annual Luncheon | Nov. 9 - FISH CLOSED for Admin. Day | Nov. 10 - Friendly Faces Luncheon | Nov. 12 - Tell Your Holiday Story | Nov. 25 thru 27 - FISH closes at noon on Nov. 25 thru 27 for Thanksgiving | Nov. 27 - J. McLaughlin Captiva Sip 'n Shop | | Dec. 5 - FISH JOG N JAM concert with the Ben Allen Band | Dec. 8 - Friendly Faces Luncheon | Dec. 12 - J. McLaughlin Sanibel Sip 'n Shop | Dec. 24 thru 25 - FISH CLOSED for Christmas | Dec. 31 - FISH CLOSED for New Year's Eve | | |
Details Coming Soon
Thanksgiving Food Drive | mid-October thru mid-November.
Community Thanksgiving | TBD
Christmas Food Drive | mid-November thru mid-December
Christmas Toy Drive | mid-November thru mid-December
Adopt-a-Family | mid-November thru mid-December
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The holidays have a way of bringing back memories of family traditions and meals, festive gatherings, friendly competition, plenty of laughs and the people who made the season special. Some stories have been told for years, while others may have been tucked away for a while.
FISH of SanCap is inviting the community to bring those memories to “Tell Your Holiday Story,” a relaxed, interactive storytelling workshop on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. Light refreshments and coffee will be provided. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP here https://tellyourholidaystory.rsvpify.com.
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FISH Executive Assistant Kim Baker took part in the Sanibel-Captiva International Coastal Cleanup day!
Thank you, Kim, for your dedication to keeping our beautiful islands clean! Pictured with Kim are her partner, Derek, and the SanCap Kiwanis team.
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The Sanibel City Council recognized Kevin Ruane, Lee County Commissioner, for his tremendous support and dedication to the Sanibel community. Thank you, Commissioner Ruane, for all you have done and continue to do for our islands!
Pictured, left to right, Ashley Price, Maggi Feiner, Commissioner Kevin Ruane and Maria Espinoza.
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Ashley Price, Director of Philanthropic Giving attended Lee Health's Community Health Needs Assessment session last month, learning firsthand how our island's needs are shifting.
Southwest Florida is growing, aging, and changing fast — and FISH is committed to staying close to the data and the neighbors behind it, so our programs keep meeting real needs, not just the ones we assumed last year.
Neighbors helping neighbors, informed by the facts. That's the job.
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Ashley Price, Director of Philanthropic Giving, attended "Behind the Bill," a joint Chamber luncheon on Florida's proposed property tax Amendment 3, featuring Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell and Tax Collector Noelle Branning.
Always valuable to hear directly from local officials on issues that affect our island community and the neighbors we serve. Great to share the room with FISH Board Member Greg Blurton (FineMark Bank) and FISH Foundation Board Member David Lowden (Bank of the Islands) — grateful for their continued partnership and support.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
SMS (Text) Communications Now Available | Sign up to receive timely, relevant updates—whether it’s about food pantry hours, senior programming, wellness checks, or emergency alerts. Opt In to Text Messaging from FISH.
Stay Connected with FISH | News, Stories & More | Visit our blog and website for the latest updates, inspiring stories, upcoming events, and more.
Interested in Volunteering or Hosting a Day of Service? | Whether you’re an individual, a business, or a group looking to give back, it’s easy to connect with FISH. Contact MJ, our Office and Volunteer Manager, at mj@fishofsancap.org
JOG N JAM Merch! | JOG N JAM hats and patriotic tie dye T-shirts are still available. $30 each, plus applicable sales tax and service fees. Purchases and pickup available in person at FISH on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30-10:00a and 2:00-3:30p. Credit card only. Merchandise cannot be reserved, prepaid, or shipped.
Great Nonprofit Review Request | You have an opportunity to help us make even more of a difference in our community. Won't you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a review of your experience with us? To get started, go to https://greatnonprofits.org/org/f-i-s-h-of-sanibel-captiva-inc
| | THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS | | | | |
