Beach campfire permits for Sanibel see uptick
By SANIBEL FIRE DISTRICT - | Feb 12, 2021
With the rise in outdoor activities due to COVID-19, the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District saw a 20 percent increase in beach campfire permits issued for the 2020-21 season compared to 2019-20.
“We love that visitors, or our seasonal residents, can take advantage of a unique experience here on the island,” Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Barbot said.
Permits are only issued from Oct. 1 through Feb. 14 each year to ensure a safe nesting season for the local shorebirds and sea turtles that come to Sanibel, according to district officials.
Fire commissioners OK truck tires, station painting
By TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com - | Jan 26, 2021
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission approved two resolutions at its recent meeting, along with learned about the selection of a new deputy fire chief to be appointed next month.
On Jan. 13, Fire Chief William “Bill” Briscoe reported that he put out a letter of interest seeking candidates for his former position and was excited to announce Capt. Kevin Barbot would be the new second-in-command. Marking 10 years with the district last June, he will be appointed on Feb. 1.
“Kevin is one squared away guy,” Division Chief of Training Tim Barrett said. “He’ll do a fine job.”
Fire board welcomes new commissioner and more
By TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com - | Jan 20, 2021
PHOTO PROVIDED
Colin Black
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission recently appointed a candidate to fill a vacant seat on the board and also voted on resolutions for a replacement staff vehicle and new software.
At the Jan. 12 meeting, Commissioners Jeffrey Brown and Sherrill Sims voted 2-0 on a resolution appointing Colin Black to Seat 3, which was vacated in October by former Commissioner C.W. Kilgore when he resigned. Black will hold the seat until the next General Election, set for November 2022.
Present for the meeting, he received a warm welcome from the commission and district staff.
The following public meetings/hearings are scheduled: - Jan. 13: Sanibel Fire and Rescue District s monthly meeting at 9 a.m. at Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridg
Fire board hears about CARES Act funds, vaccinations
By TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com - | Dec 23, 2020
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission approved a handful of resolutions during its recent meeting, as well as heard updates on CARES Act funding and COVID-19 vaccination distribution.
On Dec. 9, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to allow the purchase of an MSA gas detector and Galaxy automated calibration station and gas cylinders, along with other associated parts, at a cost of about $6,750. The equipment will be stored and utilized by Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road.
Prior to the vote, Division Chief of Training Tim Barrett explained that the equipment picks up different kinds of gases, such as methane, to alert the crew to any dangerous ones at a scene.