Image from left: Captiva Civic Association Treasurer Lisa Riordan, SCCF CEO James Evans, and Captiva Civic Association Executive Director Emily Ankerson.

A committee of the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) is seeking community funding support for legal representation to prevent proposed changes on Captiva. These changes include removing building height restrictions and allowing South Seas Island Resort to request increased density ― threatening the character, environment, and resiliency of our barrier island communities. 

The CCA committee is made up of representatives from CCA, the Captiva Community Panel, the Council of Associations at South Seas, SCCF, and other conservation partners.

The retained law firm, Holland & Knight, will: 

• Analyze the impact of the proposed changes on development on Captiva.

• Analyze the compliance of the proposed changes with existing regulations, including the Growth Management Act.

• Review and draft potential amendments in line with the development principles adopted by the Captiva Community Panel.

• Communicate the position of the committee to representatives, including elected officials when appropriate.

• Participate in Lee County’s code amendment process if needed.

• Represent the committee at public hearings and workshops to discuss potential changes.

• Initiate or join litigation if required, should the proposed changes be approved by Lee County on Sept. 5.

SCCF has already agreed to donate $10,000 toward the legal fund, matching pledges from CCA and CCP, though additional funds are needed. 

Community members interested in supporting this legal work can make contributions online to SCCF by specifying ‘Legal Fund’ in the field asking where the gift should be directed. Checks can also be sent by mail to the Captiva Civic Association at PO Box 778, Captiva, FL, 33924 (please write ‘Legal Fund’ in the memo). 

Please note that contributions made will not be tax deductible and will be kept in a separate account specifically for the legal purposes. 

“We did not hesitate to support this important effort to protect our sanctuary islands,” said SCCF CEO James Evans. “Higher buildings and increased density at one of Captiva’s most populated resorts would make both Captiva and Sanibel less resilient to future storm events, impact our environment, and reduce the quality of life for our communities. Holland & Knight is a well-respected firm with extensive experience working on complex land-use issues. We are very pleased to have them representing us on this matter.” 

If you have questions regarding a contribution, please contact CCA Executive Director Emily Ankerson at 239-472-2111 or SCCF Development Director Cheryl Giattini at 239-822-6121 or cgiattini@sccf.org.