In celebration of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary, visitors and residents came together on Saturday, December 14, 2024, for a morning dedicated to giving back to our beloved island. After Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton left their mark earlier this year, debris had accumulated along key roadways and adjacent conservation lands. The Sanibel 50th Anniversary Cleanup, organized in partnership with the City of Sanibel, aimed to clear these impacted areas and continue supporting the island’s recovery.

The event saw an incredible turnout, with 74 volunteers showing up to make a difference. Together, they tackled debris along the right-of-ways of some of Sanibel’s most affected roadways:

• Sanibel Captiva Road
• Tarpon Bay Road
• Casa Ybel Road
• Dixie Beach Boulevard
• Bailey Road

Volunteers worked diligently in teams, covering sections ranging from 1/4 mile to 1 mile each, ensuring debris was consolidated into piles for post-event pickup. Their hard work paid off: two full dumpsters of trash were removed from the island’s roadways and adjacent habitats! This effort not only helped restore the beauty of Sanibel but also protected its coastal habitats from harmful debris.

Coastal Watch Director, Kealy Pfau, shared: “It’s incredible to see our community come together like this. Every piece of debris removed is a step toward healing our island and protecting the habitats that make Sanibel so special. The volunteers’ dedication shows just how much we all care about preserving this place for future generations.”

Thank you for celebrating Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary with us in such an impactful way. Together, we can continue to protect and preserve our island home for future generations!