Last updated: October 28, 2026

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is moving forward with plans to demolish two existing buildings at 2422 and 2430 Periwinkle Way and replace them with a new 12,309-square-foot elevated facility. The project, known as the F.I.S.H. Resiliency Hub, received approval from the Sanibel Planning Commission on September 22, 2026, following discussion about the building's size, land-use requirements, and compatibility with Sanibel's Town Center.

The project represents a significant investment in the island's nonprofit infrastructure, supported by approximately $7 million in federal disaster recovery funding. It also raises important questions about balancing expanded community services with Sanibel's development regulations and small-town character.

What Is F.I.S.H. Proposing to Build on Sanibel?

F.I.S.H. plans to replace its existing buildings with a single elevated facility designed to consolidate services and improve the organization's ability to respond to community needs and emergencies.

The proposed development includes:

  • Building size: 12,309 square feet

  • Location: 2422 and 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida

  • Property size: Approximately 1.69 acres across two combined parcels

  • Purpose: Community services, food assistance, senior programs, administrative operations, and disaster resiliency

  • Funding: Approximately $6.99 million in federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding

  • Architect: Schenkel & Shultz

  • Planning Commission approval: September 22, 2026

The proposed site design also includes revised parking, stormwater management, vegetation buffers, consolidated vehicle access, and bicycle and pedestrian connections.

Why Does F.I.S.H. Want to Demolish Its Existing Buildings?

F.I.S.H. has served Sanibel and Captiva since 1982, growing from a volunteer-based organization into a comprehensive social services provider.

Its existing facilities sustained substantial damage during Hurricane Ian in September 2022.

Initially, the organization considered repairing and upgrading the buildings. However, following evaluations with its architectural and engineering team, F.I.S.H. determined that replacing the structures would provide a more effective long-term use of available disaster recovery funding.

The new facility is intended to improve operational efficiency, provide flexible program space, and incorporate resilient construction features to help the organization continue serving the community during emergencies.

The property at 2422 Periwinkle Way was formerly Gene's Bookstore. The neighboring 2430 Periwinkle Way building previously accommodated both F.I.S.H. and a restaurant.

Why Did the Project Require a Variance?

One of the central issues before the Sanibel Planning Commission was the proposed building's size.

Sanibel's Town Center Limited Commercial District ordinarily limits the maximum floor area ratio to 12% for the property.

The F.I.S.H. proposal requested an increase to approximately 16.72%.

Development StandardSquare FootageMaximum under standard 12% limit8,834 sq. ft.Proposed new facility12,309 sq. ft.Additional floor area requested3,475 sq. ft.Increase over standard allowanceApproximately 39%

The organization also required a Conditional Use Permit for institutional operations within the Town Center Limited Commercial District.

Both requests were approved by the Planning Commission on September 22, 2026, in separate 5-2 votes.

Why Was the Planning Commission Divided?

The September hearing reflected two important community considerations: providing adequate facilities for a longstanding nonprofit organization and maintaining consistency with Sanibel's development standards.

Commissioners questioned whether the building's proposed square footage was necessary and whether its scale would complement the surrounding Town Center.

Commissioners Kate Sergeant and Ken Coulter voted against the approvals.

Concerns raised during the discussion included:

  • The size and visual appearance of the proposed structure

  • Whether the additional 3,475 square feet was necessary

  • Compatibility with the commercial and pedestrian-oriented character of the Town Center

  • The precedent created when developments receive exceptions to established size limitations

Other commissioners supported the variance, recognizing the building's intended community purpose and the space requirements associated with an elevated, storm-resilient facility.

The discussion highlighted a distinction between supporting the services F.I.S.H. provides and determining whether the proposed development satisfies Sanibel's land-use objectives.

How Will the New Resiliency Hub Serve Sanibel and Captiva?

F.I.S.H. provides services to residents, workers, seniors, and families throughout the islands.

Its principal programs include food assistance, financial assistance, educational services, senior support, and referrals to community resources.

As a United Way Resiliency Hub, F.I.S.H. also plays a role in disaster preparedness, emergency assistance, and long-term recovery.

The new facility is being designed to incorporate flexible program space, backup power capabilities, emergency distribution functions, and infrastructure that can support continuity of services following storms.

F.I.S.H. Executive Director Maria Espinoza has emphasized the importance of planning for both everyday community needs and future emergencies.

How Is the Project Being Funded?

F.I.S.H. received an approximately $6.99 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery award.

The funding is federal disaster recovery assistance administered locally through the City of Sanibel.

Importantly, the award is structured as a reimbursable grant. Eligible expenses must satisfy applicable requirements and documentation standards before reimbursement.

The grant award should not be confused with a verified final construction cost. Design, bidding, and other project expenses will determine the eventual cost of the facility.

Where Will F.I.S.H. Operate During Construction?

To maintain services while its existing buildings are redeveloped, F.I.S.H. received approval in May 2026 to temporarily occupy two units at Palm Ridge Place, 2330 Palm Ridge Road.

The temporary location is intended to accommodate food pantry operations and offices while work proceeds at the Periwinkle Way property.

The relocation is designed to help F.I.S.H. continue providing essential services without waiting for the new facility to be completed.

F.I.S.H. Resiliency Hub Project Timeline

1982: F.I.S.H. begins serving the Sanibel and Captiva community.

2014: F.I.S.H. receives a Conditional Use Permit for operations at 2430 Periwinkle Way.

September 2022: Hurricane Ian causes substantial damage to the organization's facilities.

2023: F.I.S.H. acquires the neighboring property at 2422 Periwinkle Way.

2024: Federal disaster recovery funding is awarded for rebuilding and strengthening the organization's facilities.

May 2026: The Planning Commission approves temporary operations at Palm Ridge Place.

September 22, 2026: The Planning Commission approves the new facility's Conditional Use Permit and floor area variance by 5-2 votes.

October 2026: The project remains in the design and preconstruction process, with additional design development, bidding, and construction preparations ahead.

What Happens Next?

Planning Commission approval allows F.I.S.H. to advance the project, but does not mean construction has begun.

According to F.I.S.H., the project had reached approximately 60% design following the September approval. The next steps include advancing design documents, preparing construction bid packages, coordinating funding requirements, and completing applicable permitting.

The organization has also indicated that it will continue seeking community feedback as the project progresses.

As additional details become available, residents can expect further information about demolition, construction schedules, project costs, and the eventual opening of the new facility.

Frequently Asked Questions About the F.I.S.H. Sanibel Project

Where will the new F.I.S.H. building be located?

The proposed facility will occupy the combined properties at 2422 and 2430 Periwinkle Way in Sanibel's Town Center Limited Commercial District.

How large will the new building be?

The approved proposal calls for a 12,309-square-foot elevated facility, approximately 3,475 square feet larger than the standard floor area allowance for the property.

Has Sanibel approved the project?

Yes. On September 22, 2026, the Sanibel Planning Commission approved the Conditional Use Permit and floor area variance, each by a 5-2 vote. Additional development and construction requirements remain.

Why does F.I.S.H. need a larger facility?

F.I.S.H. says the new building will consolidate operations, accommodate community programs, improve accessibility, and provide resilient infrastructure for emergency response and continuity of services.

Who is paying for the project?

Approximately $6.99 million in federal disaster recovery grant funding has been awarded for the project. The award is reimbursable and subject to funding requirements. The final project cost has not been established in the reviewed information.

When will construction begin?

As of October 2026, a confirmed construction start date has not been established in the reviewed project announcements.

Will F.I.S.H. continue serving the community during construction?

Yes. Temporary space at Palm Ridge Place has been approved to accommodate services while the Periwinkle Way site is redeveloped.

Balancing Community Services and Sanibel's Development Standards

The proposed F.I.S.H. Resiliency Hub illustrates a recurring challenge for Sanibel: accommodating important community services while preserving the island's established development standards and character.

The organization's work in food security, senior assistance, financial support, and disaster response has been part of island life for decades.

At the same time, decisions involving building size, variances, and Town Center land use affect the broader community and establish a public record for future development applications.

As the project advances, its final design, construction costs, landscaping, accessibility, and relationship to the surrounding commercial district will remain important considerations.

Pfeifer Realty Group will continue following significant Sanibel and Captiva community development projects and sharing updates that help residents and property owners understand changes affecting island life.