Discover the fascinating life of local Sanibel author Charles LeBuff. A resident for over 50 years, Charles has some incredible stories to share. Learn how Charles invested his energy and professional career into fiercely fighting for the preservation of Sanibel and Captiva.
Charles moved to Florida from Massachusetts in 1952, and his love for lighthouses drew him to Sanibel to explore that same year. There wasn’t much on the island at the time but Charles did note the Bailey’s General Store, The Community House, and of course, the Lighthouse. It was also pre-causeway and Charles remembers his return ferry trip costing $4. Incidentally, Charles began to sell shells to the Bonita Springs Shell Factory where his mother worked though he has never found the prized Junonia!
By 1956 Charles was working for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services with the Red Tide Laboratory in Naples. In 1958 he was offered the role of biologist at the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge, which was to change its name in 1967 to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Charles remained there until 1990. When Charles and his wife moved to Sanibel in 1958 they lived in one of the quarters at the Lighthouse where they resided for 22 years. LeBuff was also fortunate to meet and spend time with J.N. “Ding” Darling himself on a few occasions!
Before his family started to expand, Charles dedicated a room at the Lighthouse to his growing live Turtle collection. His great respect and appreciation for these amazing creatures inspired him to start the Caretta Sea Turtle Project in May 1959. The main mission was to stop people from taking the turtles from the beach and to protect them and their environment. The project continued on until 1991 when Charles handed the project to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). The Sea Turtle program is still thriving today!
Charles has written a plethora of fascinating books based on his experiences of Sanibel, the history of the islands and, of course, his adventures living in the lighthouse quarters. Charles’ books can be found at local Sanibel book stores, MacIntosh Books, and Gene’s Books.
Purchase Charles LeBuff and Betty Anholt’s latest book “Once Upon the Island Known as Sanibel” which highlights the history, characters, and stories of Sanibel and Captiva.
Purchase Charles LeBuff’s book “The Sanibel Island Lighthouse”. Learn all about the history of the Lighthouse!
Purchase Charles LeBuff’s book “Sanybel Light: A Historical Autobiography”
Other Local Sanibel Authors
Jennifer Schiff
Inspired by her love of the island, local Sanibel author Jennifer Schiff decided to write a mystery novel based here. It was such a success she decided to focus on writing books full time and now has seven books in her series, check out her series starting with her breakout novel, A Shell Of A Problem.
Ron Base
Canadian native Ron Base has had a long and eclectic career. He has lived in several countries and has written for newspapers, magazines, and movies. In 2010 Ron released The Sanibel Sunset Detective which was to be the first in a series of mystery novels featuring private detective Tree Callister. There are now 6 books in the series all following the adventures of Callister.
Christine Lemmon
Seasoned writer Christine Lemmon draws her inspiration from Sanibel Island where she and her family reside. She often has her most creative ideas when she is biking, watching the sunset or kayaking. She has several Sanibel based novels with Sanibel Scribbles being her first.
Randy Wayne White
Arguably one of the better-known local Sanibel authors is Randy Wayne White. Whites fictional character Doc Ford, a retired NSA Agent addicted to danger, came into existence with Whites break out novel Sanibel Flats in 1990 and, 16 novels later, Doc Ford is still fascinating avid readers nationwide.
Charles Sobczak
Charles Sobczak is the highly applauded author of Six Mornings on Sanibel, which has become an island classic and is currently in its sixth printing. He has written several other award-winning books and lives on Sanibel with his family.
