The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast

From a small group of island artists to a gathering place for creativity, BIG ARTS has been part of Sanibel’s story since 1979. In this episode of The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast, we sit down with Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder to talk about the history of BIG ARTS, its home on Sanibel, and what’s coming up for the 2026–2027 season.From live performances and films to art exhibitions and classes, there’s always something happening at BIG ARTS. Join us as we learn more about this special part of our island community.📍 BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, FL 33957🌐 Website: https://bigarts.org/🎟️ Online box office: https://my.bigarts.org/📞 Box office: 239-395-0900Subscribe to The Sanibel Captiva Guide for more island stories, conversations, and things to do!#BIGARTS #SanibelIsland #SanibelCaptivaGuide #SanibelEventsCheck out www.thesancapguide.com for everything Sanibel & Captiva.

Gavin DiMaria shares his struggles and his positivity. When dealt with a tough hand, Gavin decided to turn that adversity into an inspirational path. Check out www.thesancapguide.com for everything Sanibel & Captiva.

Sanibel’s wildlife is part of what makes these islands feel so special.In this episode of the Sanibel Captiva Guide podcast, we sit down with Ann-Marie Wildman, Executive Director of the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society–Friends of the Refuge, the nonprofit friends group supporting the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.We talk about why protecting Sanibel’s wildlife and wild places matters, the important work happening behind the scenes, and why the refuge means so much to both locals and visitors.Whether “Ding” Darling has been part of your family’s island tradition for years or it is still on your list for your next visit, this conversation will give you a fresh appreciation for one of Sanibel’s most treasured places.Subscribe for more island stories, local conversations, and everything Sanibel and Captiva.

Bleu RendezVous

An insightful chat with Doc Ford's co-owner and Island guy, Marty Harrity.Marty is part owner of several Florida restaurants, we talk everything from T-ball to mylar balloons to a new restaurant coming soon!https://docfords.com/sanibel-island/Let us know in the comments what you would like to see come to the islands.

Zach & Erica Markham share the rebuilding of the Anchor Inn on Sanibel Island & share some exciting news about what's coming next and new ventures!https://www.anchorinnsanibel.com/

What does it look like when an island community truly shows up for its own?In this episode, we sit down with SanCap Pink Project founder and breast cancer survivor Mary Bondurant. Mary shares how her personal cancer journey inspired a small local effort to help uninsured islanders receive mammograms and how that effort grew into a year-round mission supporting Sanibel and Captiva residents and employees facing all types of cancer.Hear the story behind the SanCap Pink Project, the people it helps, and how Sanibel and Captiva show up when it matters most.Learn more or get involved: https://linktr.ee/sancappinkproject

The Sanibel Pier has been one of the island’s most beloved landmarks for generations — a place for fishing, family memories, shoreline views, and quiet moments over the water.Since Hurricane Ian, the pier has remained closed and damaged, serving as one of Sanibel’s most visible reminders of the storm. But now, a community-led effort is underway to restore and reopen the pier.In this episode of The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast, we sit down with Richard Birney, who is helping lead the Sanibel Pier restoration committee, to talk about the plan to bring the pier back.We discuss:• Why the Sanibel Pier matters so much to residents and visitors• The two-phase restoration plan• What needs to happen before the pier can reopen• The fundraising effort behind Phase 1• The long-term vision for a stronger, more resilient pier• How the community can help support the projectPhase 1 focuses on reopening the existing pier through private donations, while Phase 2 looks toward building a more resilient pier for the future.For anyone who loves Sanibel, this is an important conversation about recovery, resilience, and restoring a piece of island life that means so much to so many people.Learn more and donate to the Sanibel Pier restoration effort:https://sanibel-captiva.org/restore-sanibel-pier/

Looking for ways to give back on Sanibel and Captiva Islands? In this episode of the Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast, we talk with Dolly Farrell, Executive Director of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), about how CFI supports local nonprofits on Sanibel and Captiva and connects volunteers with meaningful opportunities.We also cover details about the CFI Volunteer Event on January 28th, 2026 at the Sanibel Community House, where residents, seasonal visitors, and anyone interested in volunteering on Sanibel Island can meet nonprofits, learn about local causes, and find the right way to get involved.Whether you’re searching for Sanibel volunteer opportunities, Captiva Island nonprofits, or ways to support the Sanibel community, this episode is a great place to start.

We are joined by Bill & Angela Hammond of Endless Summer Charters: https://sanibelislandfishingcharters.com. Bill has been a local guide for over 25 years so he is an expert! If Bill wasn’t already born here in SW Florida he would have eventually made it here. He and his wife Angela, who coordinates the charters for Endless Summer Charters, love the life of the islands of Fort Myers and Sanibel and love sharing that knowledge with their customers.