SAN CAP COMMUNITY BANK RECOGNIZED
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank was named to Independent Banker magazine’s 2024 Best Community Banks to Work For list.
It was selected for its family-oriented culture, commitment to professional growth and dedication to supporting employees and the Southwest Florida community during challenging times.
Independent Banker is the official publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America. The bank is featured in the December issue, representing banks in the $751 million to $1 billion asset category.
The honorees were selected based on an employee survey conducted by Avannis, an independent research agency that evaluated corporate culture, leadership, compensation, work environment, and opportunities for professional development and advancement.
SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL
The bank was commended for its proactive support of employees during Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton, including providing temporary housing and financial assistance for staff displaced by Ian, and for its charitable giving initiatives. It also fosters a culture of ownership, with 65% of its employees holding stock in the bank.
WISE EARNS INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION
The Sanibel Sea School announced that marine science educator Austin Wise has completed the American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 2 Kayak Instructor certification.
He participated in the “Essentials of Kayak Touring” course from Nov. 16-19 at Gulf Coast Kayak in Cape Coral. It was led by ACA instructor Mike Aronoff, who holds over 40 years of paddling experience.
Wise’s certification ensures that the Sanibel Sea School’s paddling programs meet the highest safety and teaching standards, enabling it to provide a more enriching and enjoyable experience.
LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Kevin Ruane
With him leading the program, it will offer Private Paddling Sessions for families and groups who want to explore Sanibel, while learning about the area’s marine life. The sessions last two hours and are recommended for ages 14 and older. The cost is $75 per person, and reservations are required.
For more information or to book a session, contact 239-472-8585 or sanibelseaschool@sccf.org.
REC CENTER ADDS TO HALL OF SPONSORS
SanCap Law and Best Wishes To All: Bill and Ruth Brooks & Katie the Cat have joined the Sanibel Recreation Center’s Hall of Sponsors.
All proceeds from the sponsor signs are applied to the city’s Recreation Center Financial Assistance Program. It assists eligible island parents and workers’ children with financial assistance so youths can attend the after-school program, Fun Days, holiday camp, summer day camp and other city-operated programs at the center. All money raised stays on the island.
For more information, call volunteer sponsor Chairperson Barry Alan Roth at 239-313-9591.
LEE COUNTY TDC WELCOMES CHAIR
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) appointed Chairman Kevin Ruane as the chair of the Lee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) on Nov. 19.
The chairmanship became effective immediately.
Ruane, who is the District 1 commissioner, replaced Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass.
Ruane was first elected to the BoCC in 2020 after serving as the mayor of Sanibel for more than a decade. In 2024, he ran unopposed for his second term. After Hurricane Ian, Ruane was appointed by his fellow commissioners as chair of the Lee County Long-term Recovery Task Force.
A longtime Southwest Floridian, Ruane had visited Sanibel for 20 years before purchasing a home in 2004. Hurricane Charley turned his attention to becoming a public servant and he signed on as a member of the Damage Assessment Team on Sanibel.
Ruane was appointed to the Sanibel City Council to serve an interim position in 2007. He was elected later that year, re-elected in 2009 and appointed mayor in 2010. Ruane was re-elected in 2013 and 2017. While with the city of Sanibel, he served as a TDC member for about seven years.
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