Janine Zeitlin

Sarah Horvath, Adventures In Missions Leader, hugs a Harlem Heights neighbor on the last day the group will be in the area. A nonprofit group that shepherded rebuilding in Harlem Heights after Hurricane Ian inundated the south Fort Myers neighborhood in 2022 recently declared: Mission Accomplished. Adventures in Missions helped residents of 258 homes and partnered to rebuild 176 homes along with hosting more than 5,000 volunteers to support hurricane recovery, said Chris and Sarah Horvath, disaster relief leadership for the interdenominational organization. Before the organization left the area they held an ice cream social to say goodbye to the now loved neighbors.

Harlem Heights project fixing Ian's damage considered 'Accomplished'

Janine Zeitlin

A nonprofit group that shepherded rebuilding in Harlem Heights after Hurricane Ian inundated the south Fort Myers neighborhood in 2022 recently declared: Mission Accomplished.Adventures in Missions helped residents of 258 homes and partnered to rebuild 176 homes along with hosting more than 5,000 volunteers to support hurricane recovery, said Chris and Sarah Horvath, disaster relief leadership for the interdenominational organization.

During segregation, Black and white children on Sanibel Island played together, even though they went to seperate elementary schools.

Human Interest

Grandsons of Black settlers reflect on segregated South: 'Things were different on Sanibel'

Janine Zeitlin

Kenneth and Eugene Gavin are part of the legacy of the Gavin and Walker families on Sanibel Island. The two families were among the first Black settlers on the island.

Marcia Williams, whose son Terrance Williams disappeared on January 12, 2004.

Marcia Williams reflects on son's disappearance. He was last seen with a CCSO deputy 20 years ago

Mike Kiniry

Two decades ago two young men disappeared in Naples under mysterious circumstances. Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos were both last seen with the same Collier County Sheriff’s deputy, Steven Calkins. They were both men of color in their 20s. And they were both last seen in Deputy Calkins’ patrol car. Deputy Calkins was fired after his story changed when questioned. He denied wrongdoing. He’s the only person of interest in the cases, but law enforcement never found evidence against him. This week, on Friday, Jan. 12, it will be 20 years since Terrance went missing.

Brothers Kenneth and Eugene Gavin during a November 2023 interview on Sanibel Island with WGCU Public Media.

Human Interest

Brothers share Christmas stories and more about growing up on Sanibel

Janine Zeitlin

The documentary unit for WGCU has been interviewing Sanibel residents for a new program coming out next year. Recently, they interviewed Kenneth and Eugene Gavin, who grew up on Sanibel Island and are now in their early 80s. Their grandparents were among the first Black families to settle on Sanibel. Kenneth Gavin described how their grandparents chose the island.

Hurricane Recovery

An inside look at the new Margaritaville on Fort Myers Beach

Janine Zeitlin

After years of delays and debates, the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Fort Myers Beach opened last week with a promise of driving economic recovery in a town still hurting from the devastation of Hurricane Ian.The 254-room resort with a coastal cool vibe inspired by the late Jimmy Buffett opened for stays Monday after a locals-only weekend.

Jim Anholt and Charles LeBuff weighing a post-nesting on Sanibel.

Environment

Hurricane? What Hurricane? Record year for Loggerheads may link to past conservation efforts

Janine Zeitlin

Sea turtle nesting season ended in October and it was a record season for loggerhead sea turtles on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Going back in history, early conservation efforts seemingly have paid off.