Sanibel Fishing Pier Groundbreaking Celebrates the Power of Community Partnership
/The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) recently joined the City of Sanibel, community leaders and residents for the groundbreaking of the Sanibel Fishing Pier restoration project, marking an exciting milestone in bringing one of the island's most cherished landmarks back to life following Hurricane Ian. As the Islands’ community foundation, CFI supported the effort by facilitating tax-deductible donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations.
The project demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships, bringing together the leadership and resources of the City of Sanibel, the dedication of local citizens, and the generosity of community donors. If construction progresses as planned and necessary approvals are received, the temporarily repaired pier is anticipated to reopen to the public in late November or early December.
Pictured from left: Dana Souza, Sanibel City Manager; Dolly Farrell, Executive Director of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands; Simon Tutt, Sanibel Fishing Pier Citizen Committee; Richard Birney, Chair of the Sanibel Fishing Pier Citizen Committee; John Lai, President and CEO of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce; Major Cory Bell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and Fred Mittl, Sanibel Public Works Director.
Led by Richard Birney, a dedicated citizen committee rallied the community around a shared vision of restoring access to the Fishing Pier. To support the fundraising effort, CFI partnered with the committee to establish the Sanibel Pier Fund, serving as the charitable partner responsible for receiving and acknowledging donations, managing contributions and disbursing funds to the City of Sanibel as the project progresses.
The City of Sanibel has played an instrumental role in bringing the project to this milestone, providing the leadership, technical expertise, planning and coordination necessary to advance the restoration. Working closely with the citizen committee and CFI, the City has helped turn a community-driven vision into tangible progress.
Together, these efforts helped the fundraising campaign exceed its initial goal of approximately $300,000, reflecting the generosity and commitment of island residents, businesses and supporters.
"This project is a wonderful example of what can happen when citizens, local government and philanthropy work together," said Dolly Farrell, Executive Director of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands. "Richard Birney and the citizen committee brought the community together, the City of Sanibel provided tremendous leadership and expertise, and CFI was proud to help facilitate the generosity that made this effort possible. We are grateful to everyone who played a role in bringing the Fishing Pier one step closer to reopening."
Located near the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, the Fishing Pier has long been a gathering place for generations of residents and visitors. More than a place to fish, it is somewhere families gather, neighbors connect and lasting memories are made.
The temporary restoration will allow the community to enjoy the existing pier again while the City continues planning and designing a permanent replacement. On October 6, the Sanibel City Council approved a preferred location for the future pier following a public information meeting and community input process.
The groundbreaking represents more than a construction milestone. It celebrates the collective efforts of citizens, local government and philanthropic partners who share a commitment to restoring the places that make Sanibel special.
For CFI, the partnership reflects the Foundation's commitment to connecting people, resources and community-driven initiatives that strengthen Sanibel and Captiva. Through partnerships like the Sanibel Pier Fund, CFI helps turn community generosity into meaningful, lasting impact.
To learn more about the Sanibel Pier Fund, visit www.charitablefoundationoftheislands.org/sanibelpierfund.
About the Charitable Foundation of the Islands
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) works to strengthen the Sanibel and Captiva communities through philanthropy, leadership and collaboration. Through charitable giving, community grantmaking and public-private partnerships, CFI connects generous people and resources with opportunities to make a lasting impact on the islands.