Sanibel Author & Historian Betty Anholt
Sanibel author & historian Betty Anholt has lived on the island for approximately 48 years but has been visiting since she was a child. Having declared as a teenager she would “never move to Florida” she ended up moving in 1968 to Fort Myers, relocating to Sanibel in 1969, and has been here ever since. Betty has seen dramatic change to Sanibel and Captiva and has been documenting the island since the 1990s. Her first book, published in 1990, was “The Trolley Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands” and served as a guide for visitors and, through her and husband Jims’ entrepreneurial spirit, inspired the start of trolley guides around the area. They would also go on to have a gas station and a bait shop. Betty also continued to write about Sanibel and Captiva and wrote “Sanibel’s Story – Voices and Images: From Calusa to Incorporation” and co-authored a book with another knowledgeable resident Charles LeBuff called “Protecting Sanibel and Captiva Islands: The Conservation story”. Betty is currently a staff member at the Sanibel Public Library and a full list of her books can be found below. She is on the advisory council for the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village and has been honored by the Captiva Island Historical Society with the “Guardian of History Award”, she is also on the board of directors.
Publications by Betty Anholt:
Sanibel’s Story: Voices and Images from Calusa to Incorporation – 1998
Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation: A Natural Course – 2004
Sanibel Fire & Rescue (50 Years of Progress) – 2006
Protecting Sanibel and Captiva Islands: The Conversation Story – 2018
About The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast
The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast is your portal to all things island! Follow us on this fun journey as we discover interesting parts of history, talk about local events and recent island changes, and interview local residents and business owners! We hope to cover major attractions such as the beaches, the museums, the outdoor activities and more! It is our hope to bring a unique voice and perspective to this wonderful area of South West Florida, building a supportive community foundation where we can all share thoughts and ideas. We would love your feedback and, suggestions for future interviews, questions you may have or, quirky island stories lesser-known!
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If you enjoyed Podcast #26, check out the following links:
History of Sanibel and Captiva, check out our various video’s about historic landmarks of the islands
Day Trips of Fort Myers, check out day trips in Fort Myers including recommended museums!
Dunlop Road, check out the other cool spots on Dunlop Road next to the farmers market!
Sanibel Public Library, explore the library right next to the farmers market!
