The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) recently donated $5,000 to the Love Sanibel Back initiative, supporting this summer’s most anticipated island event. To date, $230,000 has been distributed to the community from these hurricane recovery contributions. With backing from businesses, residents, and visitors, the Love Sanibel Back initiative returns to celebrate and uplift the heart of Sanibel and Captiva—our local small businesses.
This initiative will spotlight businesses across the islands through weekly events and special gatherings, infusing renewed energy and connection within the community.
**What’s New in 2025:**
This year, the Love Sanibel Back initiative will “travel” from the East End to the West End, concluding in Captiva. Each week, different neighborhoods of businesses will be featured with 1-2 days of special events and promotions. The celebration kicks off during Memorial Day week, May 25-31, and continues through August, culminating in a community gathering at The Community House on Sunday, November 2, from noon to 3 pm.
Thanks to the generous grant from CFI, this year’s initiative is bigger than ever.
**Kickoff Event:**
Join us on Wednesday, May 28, at the East End Historic Lighthouse District, where Wickie’s and The Magic Bus Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way)—recently named New Business of the Year—and TUTTLE’S Seahorse Shop will be the first to be spotlighted. Enjoy a kickoff celebration at 11:30 am with free Love Sanibel Back buttons and surprises. Let’s support these East End businesses all week long!
“Love Sanibel Back is about more than promotion—it’s about restoring connection, visibility, and joy to our island community,” says coordinator Sue Van Oss. “We want every business and employee to know how much they are appreciated.”
Let’s spread the love—one week, one business, one neighborhood at a time.
