Reanna Haase

Freelance Portfolio

Santiva Chronicle •

Hasbro Brings Sanibel To Game Night

by SC Feature Writer Reanna Haase
Outside your window, six inches of snow bury the last signs of warm weather. Inside, you’re wishing you could trade the cold air and icy roads for shelling on sun-soaked barrier island beaches. What if there was a way to embrace that nostalgia?
More than just a keepsake for Sanibel residents, Hasbro’s new board game, Sanibel, can transport players to some of their fondest memories whenever they’re missing the sunshine and salt air, said SanCap Chamber President...
Santiva Chronicle •

ISLAND INSIDER: John Lai

After 30 years in hospitality, John Lai’s career came full circle when he was appointed SanCap Chamber President and CEO just a year after coming aboard as member service manager. More than just dedication to his position, Lai’s connection to Sanibel runs deeper than his commitment to community involvement and resilience.

He grew up in Fort Myers, with both parents working on Sanibel while he was in high school. Nearly all his core memories, he said, can be traced back to the island. From proposing to and marrying his wife to their first family vacation, Sanibel has always been an integral part of his life.

“There’s nothing like spending time working for a place that you have a personal connection to,” Lai said. “This entire job that I have is the career highlight for me. I feel very fortunate and blessed.”
Santiva Chronicle •

Captiva’s Chapel by the Sea Endures Three Hurricanes; Sunday Services Underway

Throughout all the challenges the islands have faced over the past few years, one thing has remained constant. Loyal residents and visitors gather for Captiva’s Chapel by the Sea Sunday services, surrounded by waves crashing on the shore and ospreys flying overhead.

“You talk about Mother Nature– she has just protected us,” Board President Kathy Knoblauch said. “All the hurricanes that have hit, the chapel always stands – it’s an amazing place.”
Santiva Chronicle •

Kingfisher Real Estate Showcases Islands In First Short Video

More than just a scenic showcase, the turquoise waters, white sand, and dazzling sunsets featured in Kingfisher Real Estate’s first-ever short video serve not only as a highlight reel of our beloved islands but also as a reminder of the uniqueness of the place that a tight-knit community calls home.

“The islands are absolutely magnificent, we have so much to offer…the resiliency is remarkable,” said Phaidra McDermott, owner of Kingfisher Real Estate. “So we really wanted to showcase that and instill positivity in guests who are looking to come visit and with us, as owners.”

“Because I think sometimes we go through our day-to-day life and we forget to look around. It was all about embracing the community and what we have here.”

McDermott, who produced and narrated the video, and her photographer began recording and piecing together this short glimpse into paradise last year. The video highlights what makes Sanibel and Captiva special, encouraging viewers to discover their island time – featuring clips of the islands’ native wildlife, recreation activities, dining experiences, and more.
Santiva Chronicle •

Sanibel Seahorse Chorale Touring Boston, NYC in April 2026

Excitement filled the room when The Sanibel School Choir Director announced that Seahorse Chorale students would have the opportunity to perform in both Boston and New York City for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. – news that had been previously labeled top secret.

“The students are, well, let’s just say, excited is an understatement,” Choir Director Joey Giangreco said. “When I made the official announcement, they were just jumping for joy, and so much excitement from both the students and their families.”

While the choir has previously performed at notable venues, the April 2026 tour marks a milestone: their first experience featuring consecutive performances in two different cities.
Santiva Chronicle •

Sanibel Ballfields Ready For Play

For the majority of the past three years, residents have had to go without their beloved ballfields. After much anticipation, we are nearing the reopening of the new and improved fields, just in time for the field’s busy season.

“Everybody’s definitely chomping at the bit to get back on the field,” Recreation Director Andrea Miller said. “I’ve had comments where people say, ‘Wow, I drove by the fields, they’re looking great, and green!’ So, I know there is definitely some excitement in the community as to when those will be reopened for public use, as well as for structured programs.”

Miller hopes the fields will be open in mid-October, just in time for city and school-sponsored ball leagues to begin their seasons. Although the fields are looking great, this did not come without challenges.
Santiva Chronicle •

Sanibel School Receives Unique (But Helpful) Donations

Of all the challenges that come with the back-to-school season, The Sanibel School is experiencing a unique struggle, one which is characterized by its barrier island location – the island’s least favorite pest, no-see-ums, seem to be attracted to the school’s car line.

“We have some fifth-grade students who are on the safety patrol, who help us in the morning unloading vehicles, and they didn’t want to do that job until they had some sort of no-see-um protection – understandably,” Principal Jennifer Lusk said.

To address this challenge, the school issued a call for relief, one which the Bank of the Islands responded to. BOTI generously offered to sponsor the purchase of two battery-operated high-speed fans, along with the batteries and chargers, which can be placed anywhere to increase airflow and help deter the pesky insects.
Santiva Chronicle •

Holden Recognized for Three Decades of Service to City, Community

Billy Ray Holden, a career-long recreation worker, is celebrating 30 years of employment with the Sanibel Recreation Department. Recognized at the city council meeting on July 30, Holden has been an essential part of recreation on the island over the past three decades.

“Billy is a valued and respected staff member and was instrumental in city-wide recovery efforts after numerous hurricanes such as Charlie and Ian,” City Manager Dana Souza said at the council meeting. “Congratulations on the milestone of 30 years, Billy. We appreciate everything that you do.”

Holden began his career at just 18 years old at the sports complex in Lee County, where he maintained the ballfields. “As a baseball and softball player, it was a match for his love of the sport,” Recreation Director Andrea Miller said.
Santiva Chronicle •

Island Taxi Drivers Are Proud Sanibel Ambassadors

Many believe the Sanibel Island experience begins when they first sink their toes in the sand, look for shells, or have a meal at a local diner. But the experience can start at the airport when you take a ride in an Island Taxi.

The drivers first pride themselves on their punctuality at any hour, and they are proud island ambassadors who share local knowledge, tell delightful stories about the island’s past, and are good story listeners.

“There are all kinds of things you hear about, and you learn. It’s just a conversation you want to have because we’re ambassadors to the visitors,” said driver Al Aprile. “And for the locals, we want to be good friends.”
Santiva Chronicle •

Island Insider: David Lowden

Those involved in the Sanibel Island community are likely familiar with the name David Lowden, who has been associated with or supported nearly every local organization and business over the past three decades. More than just a part of his job at Bank of the Islands, those who know David say it’s just who he is.

“I believe he has attended every single business reopening ribbon-cutting ceremony that has taken place since (Hurricane) Ian,” said Cheryl Giattini, who has known David for nearly 30 years.

“And that’s not something that someone said to him, ‘you must do this,’ that is just the David Lowden way,” said Cheryl, Development Director of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, the first organization for which David joined the board and became the springboard into his community involvement.
Santiva Chronicle •

Island Insider: Kevin Barbot

Those who know Kevin Barbot say he was exactly who Sanibel needed after Hurricane Ian struck the island with category four force and an over 20-foot storm surge in late September 2022. Barbot showed his dedication to the island community by jumping in without question to help restore it.

“He and I were some of the first couple of people on the island after Ian,” said Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson. “He went right to the public works [department] and literally started driving a front-end loader down Periwinkle to move debris out of the way… [He was] the right person, in the right place, at the right time.”

Barbot, a career-long firefighter, was sworn in as the fire chief at 38 years old, just short of two weeks after the initial impact of Ian – a remarkable time to earn the role he had spent almost two decades preparing for.
Orlando Magazine •

How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Toxic Plants - Orlando Magazine

The summer months bring along a slew of new threats for our beloved pets, and Dr. Liane Merrittt, the medical director at Winter Park-based VEG ER for Pets has seen it all—from dogs undergoing surgery after ingesting rocks, to cats consuming toxic lily pollen, simply by grooming themselves after rubbing against the bloom.

Merritt says most cases can be prevented with two steps: education and supervision.
“A lot of people don’t know what’s toxic and what’s not toxic,” says Merritt. “A lot of the...
Santiva Chronicle •

Zimomra Scholarships Awarded to Three Children of City Staff

In the wake of Hurricane Charley’s destruction 20 years ago, Sanibel residents approached City Manager Judith Zimomra with the goal of giving back to the city employees who had worked tirelessly to help their community through such devastation.

Zimomra decided the best way to honor the hard work of the city staff was to invest in the future of Sanibel and its workforce and to form a scholarship program for the dependents of city employees. This program would later bear Zimomra’s name following her retirement announcement in 2021 after 20 years of dedicated work with the city.

“She’s always been a good mentor for not only the staff but also students,” said John Henshaw, Sanibel city council member and liaison for the Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarship. “So, it falls right in line with how Judie is, in respect to giving back and mentoring those younger and who could benefit from her tutelage and her guidance.”
Santiva Chronicle •

Two Sanibel Residents Taking Steps To Raise Funds for Tunnel to Towers

Last year John Henshaw and Jeff Muddell crossed the finish line of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Tower Climb hand in hand, after climbing 2,226 steps, or 104 stories, alongside first responders and loved ones of those who have fallen. Now the members of Team Sanibel are gearing up for their second year of training, for the climb on June 1, continuing their mission to support the NYC organization dedicated to honoring heroes around the nation.

“Well it was pretty exhilarating in the sense that there were close to 1,000 people climbing, and most of them were firefighters, policemen, paramedics, military and folks who are supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation,” City Council Member Henshaw said. “The camaraderie, in respect to the participants, was great. They were all focused on raising money to support, in most cases, their fellow compatriots.”
Santiva Chronicle •

Captiva Island Innkeeper Shares Stories, History In Memoir

In 1976, shortly after getting married and moving to the area for the promise of new endeavors, Tony Lapi began his journey to rescue the beloved ‘Tween Waters Inn on Captiva Island. He reflects on that 48-year journey in his recently released memoir, “Tales of an Island Innkeeper.”

Lapi weaves the history of Sanibel and Captiva Islands with his stories of memorable guests, employees, and incidents at the inn. His work with the Captiva Island Historical Society inspired him to share his stories of the past with the public, so he hired a ghostwriter.

Lapi chose Bill Schreiber to write his memoir. “When he finished,” shared Lapi, “he said, ‘You know, I don’t say this about everybody, but this book is very special.’ There’s nothing like it because very few people stay at a property as long as I have.”
Santiva Chronicle •

BIG ARTS Talking Points Ends With Miami Herald Veteran On Miami’s Art Scene

The BIG ARTS Talking Points Lecture Series has returned to the Christensen Performance Hall for its eighth year with a roster of unique experts, authors and journalists – all presenting a diverse range of specified subjects designed to pull the audience in and encourage viewers to question topics further.

“BIG ARTS Talking Points lecture series has encompassed a wonderful and broad variety of subjects and speakers over the past eight years,” said BIG ARTS Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder. “Each season we have had topics of interest that have cast a wide net, something for everyone.”

The series of five lectures, which began on March 12 and will end on April 9, favors an interactive audience that engages in the topics presented by the speakers and participates in the Q&A finale of each lecture.
Santiva Chronicle •

Sanibel’s American Legion Rebuilds With Community Support

During the weekends, the Tiki Hut at the American Legion Post 123 on Sanibel-Captiva Road takes on its complete form as a welcoming meeting ground for old friends and new faces, with live music and the best cheeseburgers in town.

“People are coming out and enjoying themselves,” said Legion Post 123 Commander Randy Carson. “We got one of the best cheeseburgers around, seriously, so that brings a lot of people…”

“It’s a community place, and people say they love it once they do find it. It’s just a good ole place,” he said.

Six feet of floodwater filled Post 123 during Hurricane Ian in September 2022 and two feet during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. But it continued supporting the community through those storms by putting bathrooms and laundromats on the Legion grounds for people with nowhere else to go.
Santiva Chronicle •

BIG ARTS Opens New Magical Exhibit

The BIG ARTS Dunham Family Gallery is set to house a magical exhibit of mixed mediums, designed to immerse the viewer in artwork that invites the freedom to explore and release senseless fears that hold individuals back from their full potential, later this month.

“The idea of nature sort of being reconstructed in a fantastical way, in an unlikely way, jars our preconceived notions of what the world is supposed to be like,” said Wilson McCray, BIG ARTS Gallery Director. “I think that, if you can open yourself, as the viewer, to new worlds and then you experience these new worlds in the gallery – you can leave lighter and freer and with a feeling of [being] liberated from your own fears and limitations.”

Swedish artists Monika Larsen Dennis and Frida Oliv are bringing their specialties of sculpture and painting together to showcase the Impediments and Byways to Love on the Road to Eternity exhibit to Sanibel from March 14 to April 27, with BIG ARTS.
Santiva Chronicle •

Sanibel Causeway Nears Completion; Parks Project Begins

Since Hurricane Ian swept away the Causeway Islands, taking the roadway with them, the Florida Department of Transportation has been racing to restore this vital link to Sanibel Island as a better version. FDOT aims to fortify the Sanibel Causeway against future Ian-like storms.

“The bridge now stands as a fortress against nature’s fury,” said Janella Newsome, FDOT District One Director of Public Information. “This engineering marvel not only safeguards the island’s connection to the mainland but also brings a new life into the local economy. Ensuring that tourism and beachside beauty will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

Newsome said the changes to the structure are a part of the original plan for permanent repairs. The project was initially estimated to take five years, but now FDOT expects it to be completed in nearly half that time. The west side of the toll plaza is expected to be completed in late spring, followed by the east side, which is estimated to be completed in summer.
Santiva Chronicle •

Florida Residency Has Financial Benefits

Although the Sunshine State’s warm weather and coastal destinations are major draws, Jeff Muddell, Sanibel President of the Sanibel-Captiva Trust Company, said there are significant financial benefits to consider when moving to Florida.

“The key benefits of residing in Florida, is there’s no income tax, there’s no intangible tax [and] there’s no state estate tax,” Muddell said. “There are also Florida homestead benefits and protections that are beneficial if you claim Florida as your residence, your homestead.”

Claiming a Florida home as your domicile tells the state of Florida that you are seeking the safeguards and advantages of homesteading in Florida. Even if you live part of the year in another state, you can claim the benefits by proving your Florida home is your primary residence.

“The first factor that any state or any entity is going to look at is how many days you live in the state,” Muddell said. “You have to live in the state of Florida for six months and a day, and you have to be able to prove that. In some cases, your previous state will try to say ‘Hey, you owe us taxes. You owe us income taxes…’ So, we have individuals that keep track of their dates on calendars and apps, just in case, anybody from their previous state asks.”
Santiva Chronicle •

Sanibel Fire District Rebuilds Station 172

After Hurricane Ian coursed its rampant path through Sanibel in September 2022, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot said Station 172, which had stood since the early ‘80s, had been claimed by 6 feet of floodwater.

“Everything was flung around. We found the washing machine and fridges in separate rooms. So, everything was destroyed, everything was damaged,” Barbot said. “So, we didn’t have a choice [but] to start over.”

The severity of the damage left the emergency response hub ineligible for repair, laying the groundwork for the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s next project– to rebuild a bigger and better version of the Bowman Beach station.

“The station was built in the 1980s; it did not have a lot of features that we needed in a public facility, especially since we were kind of the key point after Ian, where everybody grouped, over there from that side of the island before being evacuated,” Barbot said. “So we want to make sure that we have a good, strong facility that’s going to stay running.”
Orlando Magazine •

The Dirt on Great Gardens - Orlando Magazine

Towering Medjool palms, heavily manicured hedges adorned with blooms, groundcover Asian jasmine and shaped trees centered around a symmetrical grass-lined driveway are all part of the curb appeal of one of the Signature Landscape Contractors’ full-service outdoor makeovers that stands proudly in Winter Park.

“[That’s a] sophisticated, well-designed, large, complete outdoor space that Signature designed and installed,” says Andy Swanson with the landscaping company.

The grand, columned residence is complemented by an overlay of greenery on all sides—Oakleaf hollies, magnolia trees and junipers frame the home, accompanied by the standout azaleas and Knock Out roses at the estate.

Whether you are seeking a professional, full-scale outdoor transformation or creating a D.I.Y. lush butterfly garden at home, industry professionals agree that attention to detail, proper planning and the selection of the right plants are key to cultivating your perfect garden space.
Santiva Chronicle •

BIG ARTS Forum Lectures Bring Notable Thought Leaders To Sanibel

For its 22nd year, the BIG ARTS FORUM Lecture Series is making education on our dynamic geopolitical world accessible to all, beginning shortly after the first of the year. Possibly the series’ most noteworthy characteristic, which keeps people coming back, is its approachable nature, according to the BIG ARTS Executive Director.

“The speakers love to come because it’s such an intimate setting. It’s a small hall, 400 seats, and we have a very engaged audience and through the years, it has been a wonderful program that was started by volunteers,” BIG ARTS Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder said.
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