A sold-out crowd turned out for the season-opening event for the Captiva Island Historical Society. A history-on-the-water cruise onboard the “Santiva” out of Captiva Cruises at McCarthy’s Marina was held January 27.

During the “lunch and learn” cruise around Pine Island Sound, which included dining at historic Tarpon Lodge in Bokeelia, attendees learned about the history of hurricanes and their effects on area waters and islands, narrated by historians and CIHS Board Directors Betty Anholt and Capt. Brian Holaway, particularly this past summer's Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In welcoming guests on board, CIHS President Tom Libonate stressed the historical society was dedicated to bringing a sense of normalcy to the island community it serves in the aftermath of the recent hurricanes.

“Though our mission of sharing the colorful and remarkable history of our islands is at the forefront of our programs, this year we feel it important to use our programs to bring the people of our island community together socially, to create a sense of normalcy, especially as the people of our islands are recovering from the recent two hurricanes,” he said.

While dining at the 4-star restaurant on Pine Island, guests heard comments from Tarpon Lodge’s owner, Rob Wells, about the history of the property, established in 1926, and how it has been affected by hurricanes over the years.

Of particular interest during the cruise was the insightful narrative from Anholt and Holaway on the damage and impending repairs to the historic fish houses of Pine Island Sound, as the crew of the “Santiva” brought the boat up close to the buildings for ideal viewing.

One guest was overheard upon departing the boat once back at McCarthy’s Marina, “I thought this was going to just be a lunch cruise. I learned so much; it was so much more.”

The historical society is running an abbreviated schedule this season due to last fall’s devastation. But this sold-out cruise proved people are back and interested in history, especially the timely subject of what has changed around our islands due to hurricanes over the last century.

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is once again supporting the CIHS as the Season Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 schedule of programs.

Photo credit: Nancy Riley, CIHS Board Director