Bank of the Islands donates $25,000 for Sanibel Pier Rebuild

Efforts to restore and reopen the Sanibel Fishing Pier for the first time since Hurricane Ian took a big leap forward this week. Facing a June 15 deadline to raise $300,000 in community donations, Bank of the Islands made a significant donation of $25,000 towards reaching that goal in the final days of the campaign.

Efforts to restore the historic pier in time for the 2026 holiday season are being led by a public-private partnership of the City of Sanibel, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), and a committee of concerned citizens eager to rebuild this Sanibel landmark.

“Like the nearby Lighthouse, the Sanibel Fishing Pier is one of the iconic destinations for our island community and visitors,” said Bank of the Islands CEO Geoffrey Roepstorff. “Whether it’s fishing, walking, watching wildlife, or enjoying the natural beauty that defines our island, the Sanibel Fishing Pier is the place where generations of memories have been made. Please join us in helping to rebuild this popular island pier so residents and visitors can once again enjoy its benefits.”

The efforts to have a fishing pier on Sanibel are being planned and executed in two phases. This first phase will rebuild the decking and railings on the existing pier, ensure its structural integrity, and reestablish accessibility ramps. The second phase, with confirmed Lee County funding of $2.15 million, will bring a new and more resilient pier designed to withstand future storms.

Bank of the Islands encourages island residents and business owners to join them in contributing Phase One funding before the June 15 deadline. Tax-deductible contributions can be made through the Sanibel Pier Fund at the Charitable Foundation of the Islands. Please note donation checks can be dropped off at Bank of the Islands’ Sanibel office. Previously made pledges must be followed with pledge payments by the June 15 deadline to count toward the $300,000 goal. To learn more and proceed with a donation before the deadline, please contact CFI at 239-322-3818 or www.mycfi.org.

As the oldest locally owned and managed community bank in Lee County, Bank of the Islands is proud to be the winner of more than 50 “Best of the Islands” awards. We’re especially honored to be voted Best Bank, Best Financial Services, and Best Mortgage Broker for 2025-2026. The Bank has retained a 5-Star Superior Rating from BauerFinancial for more than a decade. The Sanibel office of Bank of the Islands is located at 1699 Periwinkle Way, at the corner of Casa Ybel Road. The Captiva office is at 14812 Captiva Drive, next to the Captiva Post Office. To learn more, visit www.bankoftheislands.com