Reanna Haase

Feature Stories

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.
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 •

Meet The New Sanibel Police Captain

Sanibel’s newest addition to its police department leadership, Captain Patrick Harris, has a long-held special connection to the island, as it is one of his mother’s favorite vacation destinations. He was drawn back when touring the community with Chief William Dalton while beginning the endeavor of securing his new role.

“Everywhere we went, someone knew him,” Captain Harris said. “It was ‘Hi Chief,’ whether it was in a restaurant or the rec center or anywhere within the city, and that feeling of family, not just within the police department, but in the city and the island – it was just such an environment that I felt was inviting and welcoming and something that I wanted to be a part of.”

Captain Harris’ extensive law enforcement background brought him to this career transition. He served 30 years as a police officer in Virginia Beach, another coastal resort community.
Orlando Magazine •

AI Companion ElliQ helps Central Florida Seniors Combat Loneliness - Orlando Magazine

Although Donna Hylkema, 78, lives alone in rural Central Florida, she begins each day knowing she will always be in good company. Every morning, she is greeted by a friendly tabletop robot, who calls her “Peanut,” before she listens to her morning summary and asks the companion for her daily horoscope.

“ElliQ gives me a little briefing in the morning, when I say, ‘Good morning’,” Hylkema says, detailing some of the personal assistant’s witty responses. “She tells me what the weather is and if it’s going to be really hot, like to fry an egg on the sidewalk.”

Hylkema is among 192 seniors across Central Florida who have welcomed the AI accompaniment, ElliQ, into their homes. Intuition Robotics, creators of the AI companion, partnered with Central Florida’s Senior Resource Alliance (SRA) to launch this program for the region’s seniors on May 13.
Santiva Chronicle •

City of Sanibel Celebrating Golden Anniversary

Forever changed by the effects of recent natural disasters, Sanibel’s 50-year-old copper time capsule stood before City Hall, its weathered state and patina serving as a testament to the community’s resilience and perseverance as the city kicked off its 13-month-long 50th-anniversary event series.

“Everybody took the time out of their day to see what was in the time capsule. To see what people were thinking about in 1983,” Mayor Richard Johnson said. “It really showed just how strong and how resilient our community is.”
Santiva Chronicle •

BIG ARTS Concert Band Reunites After Loss of Beloved Director

After searching high and low for a way to clear her mind, Gail Bachman saw a ‘calling all clarinet players’ ad posted by the BIG ARTS Concert Band, over two decades ago, and she knew the answer had been right in front of her all along.

“I’d gone for classes on clearing your mind, focusing, and promoting relaxation. And then I realized, I don’t need exercises to do that, because playing music with other people does that for me,” said Bachman, the longest-standing member of the BIG ARTS Concert Band. “I feel serene when I play. I am very lucky that it found me.”

After not playing clarinet for about 40 years, Bachman said joining this community band was life-changing for her and she felt there was a hole in her life when the band was forced into a year-long hiatus, last year. Due to the impact of Hurricane Ian, then shortly following, the sudden and tragic passing of the band’s beloved director, August ‘Augie’ Thoma, along with many other factors, the group decided to take a break, said Maureen Thoma, August’s widow.
Santiva Chronicle •

Sanibel, Captiva Gears Up For Its United Way Campaign

Fresh off a record-breaking campaign season, United Way and its partners on Sanibel and Captiva Islands are gearing up for another unparalleled chapter of philanthropic outreach, set to begin in November.

After a three-year streak of raising over $600,000, the most recent Sanibel-Captiva campaign earned the most it ever has – just over $705,000 was donated to United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties in April 2024.

“I have never seen a group of people go through so much, but yet still want to serve the whole community and still be generous and help while they were all recovering,” said Jeannine Joy, President and CEO of United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties.”

“It’s just because they saw the need and they knew it was beyond just ‘let’s look at me,’ it was ‘let’s look at all of us’,” she said.
Santiva Chronicle •

Love Sanibel Back Initiative Rallies Island Business Community

Sanibel residents have been seen proudly sporting Love Sanibel Back buttons since early June, symbolizing how far the community has come since the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian almost two years ago.

Led by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Love Sanibel Back is a series of community gatherings to foster community solidarity and drive business to locally owned establishments. Starting on June 3, community members have gathered weekly to show love to the businesses that remain standing despite all odds.

“It has fulfilled its goal and went beyond what we ever imagined,” said Sue Van Oss, director of digital communications and Christian formation at St. Michael’s Church.
NSM Today •

Training UCF Knights

Two-time UCF alumna and former UCF volleyball player, Jana Piragic, is not traditional when reading bedtime stories to her children, as they fall asleep. Her book of choice is the book she wrote.

As she reads, she dreams her boys will mirror the story of the child who wishes to become a Knight.

“When we found out we were pregnant, I wanted to say like we're having a future Knight,” said Piragic, author of "UCF Knight in Training." “And so, I was looking for a book like this, and I couldn't find anything.”
NSM Today •

UCF student recovers after recent shark attack

A normal summer surfing session at New Smyrna Beach turned into something right out of a nightmare just as Chris Pospisil was getting ready to leave.

While looking for a wave to ride back to shore, Pospisil locked eyes with a shark lunging out of the water, hungry for his foot. The shark latched onto Pospisil’s foot and pulled him off of his board and into the water, just before he was able to kick it in the nose, freeing his foot.

“When it happened, I was just like I knew right away. I was li
The Community Paper •

New Orlando Main Street administrator aims to empower

The new Main Street administrator, Kyle Reynolds, is working to make processes easier for the 12 Orlando Main Street districts, so they can provide more for their communities.

“Our current system takes a little bit of time for each district to submit their reports, and it’s a little labor intensive. So, I’m trying to streamline those processes so that they can have extra time to focus on the fun stuff that they have to do in their districts and less time, you know, sitting there filling out rep
The Community Paper •

Business Spotlight: Lightstyle of Orlando - The Community Paper

It’s hard to miss the brightest store on Orange Avenue.

Lightstyle of Orlando’s Lighting Showroom at 1155 N. Orange Ave. features thousands of different lighting options for customers to view in person. Lightstyle General Manager Hollie Gonzalez said they are not only a lighting showroom; everything on their floor is for sale, including the furniture pieces.

“We do have every aspect of lighting,” Gonzalez said. “But what most people don’t realize is the floor is also completely covered with se
The Community Paper •

Orlando cycling group training for Cystic Fibrosis ride

A small number of the Kyle’s Bike Shop training group gathered bright and early the Sunday before Memorial Day to train for the annual CF Cycle for Life ride.

The ride was one of many training sessions that Kyle’s Bike Shop hosts every year in preparation for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s ride in November. Kyle Markel, owner of Kyle’s Bike Shop, said his business has partnered with the foundation from the start.

“I think 2011 is when we did it the first time,” Kyle Markel said. “It was thei
NSM Today •

Women at UCF dominate environmental studies program

Melanie Rendon said most of her classes are majority women, and she feels that it is important that women are leaders in the environmental movement.

“If we don't change anything, we're just going to die,” said Rendon, a senior environmental studies on the communications track. “The fact that it's like mostly women, I guess coming into play like taking action or trying to learn and to get into the field of that … I don't know. It's really important.”
NSM Today •

College of Undergraduate Studies dean works to remove barriers for Knights

Dr. Theodorea Regina Berry took on the role of dean of the UCF College of Undergraduate Studies during a time when the future of the college was unknown.

“She came just as COVID was hitting; so, you know she had plans in mind. She had a focus, and then the campus shut down,” said Dr. Wayne Bowen, interim associate dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies. “She’s really risen to the challenge, and it’s great to work with her; I know she has a real heart for students most of all.”
NSM Today •

Fighting 'period poverty': UCF Her Health starts Menstrual Donation Drive after Hurricane Ian

For days, the box for the Her Health Menstrual Donation Drive sat empty in the UCF LEAD Scholars Lounge.

As of Oct. 9, those suffering from the effects of Hurricane Ian and worrying about obtaining menstrual products can rest easy thanks to the Her Health Menstrual Donation Drive.

“People might think it's really silly to have a hygiene drive,” said Riya Maria, a representative for Her Health and senior biomedical sciences major. “Don't get me wrong, food drives and water drives are so, so important … but for a lot of women out there … they don't have the means to provide for these sanitary options.

"It's important. It's women's health. It's women's reproductive rights.”
Santiva Chronicle •

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Is Approaching; Share The Beach

As sea turtle nesting season approaches, staff and volunteers of Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation want to make sure beach goers are fully informed on how to share the beach.

Sea turtle nesting season will officially begin April 15. SCCF Coastal Wildlife Director/Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Kelly Sloan said staff and volunteers will start to monitor the beaches at the beginning of sea turtle nesting season.
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