On Saturday, Nov. 16, SCCF’s Coastal Watch hosted a special volunteer day at Chapel by the Sea, bringing 17 volunteers to assist in restoring this historic Captiva landmark. The event underscored our commitment to supporting the island’s recovery after the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.  

Recent Storms’ Impact on Captiva Island 

Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have left visible scars on Captiva Island. Flooding, severe winds, and sand overwash caused significant damage, rendering parts of the island temporarily inaccessible after Hurricane Milton. Hurricane Milton displaced a massive amount of sand, burying the Chapel’s historic cemetery by several feet in some areas.

When our friends from the Chapel by the Sea reached out for help, Coastal Watch quickly organized a volunteer event, recognizing the importance of handling this task with respect and care. On Saturday afternoon, our team of dedicated volunteers worked to carefully hand-dig the sand covering the cemetery. Our crew meticulously transported the sand to a nearby staging site, ensuring the cemetery’s preservation and respecting its historical significance.  

A Community United  

“This cleanup was more than just removing sand—it was about bringing the Captiva community together to restore a piece of its history. Seeing volunteers work so carefully and compassionately was truly inspiring. Coastal Watch is proud to have focused our efforts on Captiva for this project, especially after witnessing the significant impacts of these recent storms. There’s still much to do, and we look forward to continuing to support Captiva in its recovery. Together, we can rebuild and protect what makes this island so special,” said Coastal Watch Director Kealy Pfau.  

Looking Ahead  

Captiva Chapel by the Sea is embarking on an extensive recovery campaign to restore its cherished grounds, including the chapel building, cemetery, parsonage, and surrounding property. With anticipated construction, excavation, and tree removal costs estimated at $150,000, the restoration effort is vital to preserving this historical site for future generations.  

Donations are essential to the success of the project and can be made online through the chapel’s website, via its Facebook page, or by sending tax-deductible checks to Box 188, Captiva, FL 33924.  

Read the Santiva Chronicle Article

While we made great progress at Chapel by the Sea, the road to recovery for Captiva is far from over. Coastal Watch remains committed to aiding the island in its restoration efforts. We are grateful for the opportunity to focus our efforts on Captiva and look forward to continuing this essential work in the future.  

Together, we can help Captiva rebuild and preserve its unique character for generations to come. Thank you to all who joined us on this meaningful day—your support is making a real difference!  

Look for upcoming volunteer opportunities in Captiva, coming soon!

*Cemetery plots at Captiva Chapel by the Sea are only available to present or former residents of Captiva and their families or present or former residents of Sanibel who are or were regular attendees of the Chapel and their families.