Love Sanibel Back kicks off summer of community events

SANIBEL, Fla. (WINK)—St. Michael Church has launched Love Sanibel Back for the third consecutive year, a program offering discounts to shoppers who wear program buttons at participating local businesses.

The initiative began in 2024 after Hurricane Ian, when church members recognized local businesses needed support during the community's rebuilding process. What started as a way to highlight local shops has expanded into an island-wide event.

" We wanted to somehow help the community, the island, come back from Hurricane Ian, and businesses said they were gonna struggle in the slower summer months," said Sue Van Oss, Director of Communications, Community Engagement, and Formation at St. Michael. " We've heard from business owners that it's their best day of the summer when they're featured, and that's been really gratifying for us."

Her husband Bill Van Oss is the pastor at St. Michael, said local businesses have taken an active role in shaping this year's program.

" Building community is what it's all about, and having these connections with businesses and other nonprofits on the island has really been a wonderful way, as a part of our ongoing restoration, to come together, to be together, to support each other, and to support the businesses and organizations on our islands," said Bill.

This year, businesses have taken a more active role in shaping the initiative. The Van Oss' said businesses have contributed many of the ideas for Love Sanibel Back and have been the driving force behind keeping the program going.

"Everybody loves the island so much, and St. Michael's just kind of was like, 'Well, we need to love Sanibel back. So come here and show your support,'" said Kate Sergeant, founder and co-owner of On Island.

On Island has participated in the program since it it started in 2024. Sergeant said the impact has been significant for local businesses.

"The restaurants are fuller, the shops sell more, and it's just a really terrific program," Sergeant said.

Shoppers wearing the program buttons receive up to 20% off their purchases at participating businesses. The summer timing means less traffic for customers visiting their favorite local shops.

"It means the world to all of us as we are still struggling to get back from the storm," Sergeant said. "So we are very grateful for all the support."

The program kicked off Sunday as St. Michael Church volunteers distributed buttons and bags at the farmers market. Doreen Bolhuis, a member of the Community Engagement Committee for St. Michael's, learned how wide spread the love for Sanibel is when speaking to a couple picking up their buttons.

"They drove from Sarasota specifically to be here for the kickoff, and that last summer they were here every week to support us and to participate in Love Sanibel Back, which was such an exciting story," Bolhuis said.

Bolhuis said the initiative has generated exciting events that didn't exist before, giving residents things to do during the summer.

"It's a time when it's slower on the island, but it's a time when the community can come together," Bolhuis said.

The program has drawn support from beyond Sanibel's shores. Bolhuis shared that one couple drove from Sarasota specifically for the kickoff event and returned every week last summer to participate.

This year Love Sanibel Back will host the Shell Stroll on July 13 from 12pm to 4pm. Participants can collect 10 stamps from local businesses a part of the event to win prizes and enjoy free ice cream from The Shack of Sanibel.

There will also be a blind date with a book event at MacIntosh Books + Paper.

The spirit of the program remains focused on mutual support and bringing joy to the island throughout the summer months.