Local History

Discover the story of Sanibel's historic Island Inn, the Matthews family and the early shelling traditions that helped shape island life.

Explore Sanibel's pioneer families, early homesteads, historic buildings and the people who shaped island life before the causeway.

Discover Theodore Roosevelt's connection to Captiva Island, Roosevelt Channel and the conservation of Pine Island Sound.

A new 47-unit condominium filing has emerged on the former Rauschenberg Captiva property months after its $45 million sale. See the records, timeline, and implications.

Explore Casa Ybel Resort's history through vintage photographs and stories of Sanibel's pioneering families, early hotels and island traditions.

Explore the history of the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, from its first lighting in 1884 to Hurricane Ian, restoration, and its enduring legacy as an island landmark.

Sanibel Fishing Pier repairs are underway, with reopening expected in late 2026. Explore restoration progress and plans for a permanent replacement.

Learn about David E. Carter’s remarkable career, including his Sanibel Island documentary series with Pfeifer Realty Group, seven regional Emmys, creation of the Telly Awards, work for national television, and his influential design and branding books.

Some of Sanibel's most shocking images showing the island devoid of beachfront homes and condos were taken from the air well before the causeway was built, visitors had to take the Ferry from Punta Rassa, or fly in on a small plane.

Located off Casa Ybel Road near what it now called Airport Way was a grass airfield that hosted many small planes in its two plus decades in existence...

Starting in 1907, the Steamboat “Thomas A. Edison” transported guests to Sanibel from Fort Myers frequently and on several occasions, Mr. Edison visited Sanibel. This steamboat was later destroyed in a fire in 1914.

On January 18^th, 1911 Thomas Edison and his next door neighbor Henry Ford took the excursion steamboat the “Uneeda” to Sanibel. In Mr. Ford’s letter he stated, “there wasn’t much to do once we got to Sanibel, but the ride was pleasant.”

Shell Harbor, its canals, and Hugo Lindgren Article Provided by Deane Manolis (January 2003)

Ever wonder why only one of the three bridges over the Shell Harbor canal system is boater friendly? Or why there is a lagoon or basin east of Lindgren Blvd. at East Gulf Dr.?

After World War II, the nation’s economy expanded and visitors began to come to Sanibel and needed accommodations. Mom and Pop hotels began to appear as well as shops, real estate companies and restaurants...

Prior to the Causeway being built in 1963, Sanibel and Captiva residents relied on the “Santiva” mail boat to deliver their mail to the islands...

Some things have not changed - like the Islanders love for wildlife, beautiful beaches, fun in the sun and all our furry friends. Judging by the happy faces in this video, all creatures great and small love the islands.

In 1928 a ferry service began to and from the mainland. On June 25, 1928, the first Kinzie Ferry sailed from Punta Rassa to Sanibel...

Although things have changed over the years, Sanibel remains the charming and naturally beautiful place for which it has achieved international renown. In 1963 the causeway was built linking Sanibel and Captiva to the mainland. The resulting explosion in growth led Sanibel Island residents who were afraid of losing the island’s charm and natural beauty...

Travel back in time to the 1940’s and 1950’s on Sanibel Island and catch a glimpse of the island’s economy...

The J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge was born through the efforts of Ding Darling and his island neighbors from land that was donated by concerned citizens and acquired by the federal government...