After overwhelming positive feedback from business owners, residents, and visitors alike, organizers are thrilled to relaunch the Love Sanibel Back initiative, a spirited campaign to uplift and spotlight the local businesses that form the heart of Sanibel and Captiva. Designed as a show of appreciation and support, Love Sanibel Back highlights open businesses across the island with special weekly events. The initiative not only boosted sales and spirits last summer, but also brought renewed energy, unity, and connection to the community.
New in 2025:
This summer, the initiative will take a more organized approach, “traveling” across the island from the East End to the West End and finishing up in Captiva. Each “neighborhood” of businesses will be highlighted for one week, with 1-2 days highlighted with special gatherings and promotions. It will start Memorial Day week, May 25-31, and continue through August, with a culminating Love Sanibel Community Gathering on Sunday November 2 from noon-3pm at The Community House. Also new, St. Michael’s is grateful for the support of The Charitable Foundation of the Islands for a $5,000 grant from the Sanibel Captiva Recovery Fund to help with expenses and their in-donation of social media services and to the SanCap Chamber of Commerce for their collaboration.
Kick Off: The Kick Off Event will be at the East End Historic Lighthouse District. On Wednesday May 28, Wickie’s and The Magic Bus Ice Cream, 362 Periwinkle Way, will be spotlighted as the first businesses of 2025 Love Sanibel Back. They were also recently awarded the New Business of the Year Award by The SanCap Chamber of Commerce. All are invited to come out and support them by having breakfast, lunch or dinner or an ice cream treat, then do some shopping at the surrounding businesses. At 11:30am there will be a short kickoff celebration outside Wickie’s with 2025 Love Sanibel Back buttons being distributed and other surprises.
“It’s our heartfelt desire that every local business and their employees know how much they are appreciated,” said Sue Van Oss, coordinator of Love Sanibel Back. “This is about more than just promotion—it’s about restoring connection, visibility, and joy to our island community.”
Love Sanibel Back 2025 invites everyone who cherishes our beloved islands to join forces in this movement and once again show our love, gratitude, and support for the people and businesses that make our islandsso special. A full schedule can be found at https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/love-sanibel-back #LoveSanibelBack2025
Let’s spread the love—one week, one business, one island neighborhood at a time.
