COVID-19 Update

WELCOME BACK! WE ARE OPEN!

CURRENT STATUS

Royal Shell is accepting reservations and guests for any length of stay.
Welcome back! We can’t wait to see you!

Please note: Masks are required on Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach when indoors at public places.

On Fort Myers Beach, children six and younger are exempt. There is a $50 fine for not wearing a mask in public; $500 for any businesses not using masks.

GOVERNOR DeSANTIS ISSUES EMERGENCY ORDER SUSPENDING ALCOHOL SALES IN BARS

On June 26, Emergency Order 2020-09 went into effect:

Establishments that derive more than 50% of their gross revenue from the sales of alcohol beverages must suspend sales of alcohol for consumption on the premises. They may continue to sell beverages in sealed containers for consumption off premises (package sales).
Establishments that are also licensed as restaurants can continue to operate for on-premises consumption of food and alcoholic beverages at tables consistent with the requirements of Executive Order 20-139, so long as they derive 50% or less of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.

SANIBEL LIFTS MORE RESTRICTIONS, ADOPTS COUNTY’S VACATION RENTAL SAFETY PLAN

On June 2, Sanibel City Council voted to ease more restrictions and to follow Lee County’s state-approved Vacation Rental Safety Plan. Mayor Kevin Ruane issued Sanibel Proclamation 20-036 to:

Adopt Lee County’s amended, state-approved vacation rental standards with additional restrictions for high-risk guests (currently those from Connecticut, New Jersey and New York)
Remove occupancy restrictions on hotels, motels and timeshares
Lift all COVID-19 related restrictions at all City-owned and operated parking lots
Temporarily permit the outdoor display of retail merchandise through Labor Day
Temporarily prohibit possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all City-operated beaches and associated parks and picnic areas with paid public parking (Bowman’s Beach, Blind Pass, Gulfside City Park (Algiers), Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier, and Trost Parking Lot), as well as the beach area at the northern terminus of Bailey Beach Road, and the picnic areas at the Sanibel Boat Ramp, through Labor Day
Approved the Phase 1 Plan for re-opening the City of Sanibel Recreation Center, including the sale of beach parking permits, effective June 15^th (more details will be released)
Lifted the temporary restrictions on issuing special event permits for weddings

For the current status of Sanibel’s reopening plan, go to Sanibel’s Reopening Summary. Sanibel’s restrictions differ slightly from the state’s restrictions listed below.

For more information regarding minimum standards to ensure guest safety, go to Sanibel Proclamation 20-036 and scroll down to Exhibit A.

For Lee County updates, go to Lee County’s COVID-19 page.

The Royal Shell team always works diligently to accommodate you and make your vacation as memorable and safe as possible.

CHECK-INS FOR THIS WEEKEND

Royal Shell offices are open for contact-free in-office or drive-through check-in and check-out. We continue to practice safe distancing and are fully operational.
All Sanibel and Captiva check-ins for this weekend will be at the Sanibel office, 1547 Periwinkle Way.

Please note: Email is best. Due to the number of calls and emails we are receiving, please do not call and email. For the fastest response, please email us at info@royalshell.com. For guests whose arrivals are not impacted, there is no need to call or email.
We’ll see you when you get here!

GOVERNOR DeSANTIS ISSUES ORDER FOR PHASE TWO

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-139 outlining his plan for Phase Two reopening.
Effective June 5:

Restriction is lifted on travelers to Florida from Louisiana
Bars may open with 50% capacity inside and full capacity outside. (This has been modified by a subsequent order, issued June 26.)
Restaurants may allow bar seating as long as there is social distancing. Restaurants continue to operate at 50% capacity and maintain proper social distancing.
Retail stores and gyms may operate at full capacity.
Tattoo parlors, acupuncture facilities, tanning salons, and massage businesses may resume normal hours.
Schools may reopen as well as organized youth activities such as daycares and camps.
Large venues like sit-down dining rooms, movie theatres, sporting venues, may open at 50% capacity. The governor urges people not to gather in groups larger than 50 people.
Concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, and arcades may open at 50% capacity.

Also note:

The governor urges people to continue social distancing and sanitation protocols, and not to gather in groups larger than 50 people.
Anyone 65 or older or with underlying medical conditions is strongly encouraged to avoid crowds.
Visitation to senior care facilities is still banned.
All individuals who work in long-term care facilities should be tested for COVID-19 on a routine basis.

COLLIER COUNTY’S PLAN TO RESUME VACATION RENTALS APPROVED

The state has approved Collier County’s plan to reopen its short-term vacation rentals. Vacation rental reservations for guests from high-risk areas must be made for periods longer than the two-week quarantine period established in the Governor’s Executive Order. This plan will be reviewed weekly and updated as needed.

For more information, please visit Collier County’s website.

SANIBEL’S CITY-OWNED BEACH PARKING LOTS

Sanibel beaches are now open. COVID-19 related parking restrictions at all City-owned and operated parking lots have been lifted:

Lighthouse Beach Park
Gulfside City Park
Tarpon Bay Beach
Blind Pass Beach

Please note: Causeway Islands Beaches and Bowman’s Beach parking lots, as well as Captiva Island and other Lee County beach parks and accesses, have been open since April 29.

LEE COUNTY BEACHES ARE OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS

Lee County beaches and parking are open. Commissioners offered safety guidelines and stressed it is imperative that residents remain vigilant to continue social distancing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Lee County beach parks and accesses that are open include:

Beach Parks

Sanibel Causeway Islands beaches
Bowman’s Beach Park, Sanibel Island
Turner Beach Park, Captiva Island
San Carlos/Bunche Beach Preserve, Fort Myers mainland
Crescent Beach Family Park, Fort Myers Beach
Lynn Hall Memorial Beach Park, Fort Myers Beach
Bowditch Point Park, Fort Myers Beach
Little Hickory Island Beach Park, Bonita Springs
Bonita Beach Park, Bonita Springs

Beach Accesses

Alison Hagerup Beach Park, Captiva Island
Andy Rosse Lane Park, Captiva Island
Boca Grande beach accesses
Estero Island beach accesses, Fort Myers Beach
Dog Beach Park, Fort Myers Beach
Bonita Beach accesses, Bonita Springs

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will assist with monitoring and educating the public at county beaches.

ADDITIONAL LEE COUNTY PARK AMENITIES ARE OPEN

The following are open in Lee County: Pools, splash pads, playgrounds, pavilions, fishing piers, courts, and multi-purpose fields, such as soccer, lacrosse, and football. County recreation centers remain closed. Staff will be onsite to help encourage following the CDC guidelines, including social distancing. For more information and restrictions, go to Lee County Parks and Recreation.

FORT MYERS BEACH PUBLIC BEACHES ARE OPEN

Fort Myers Beach beaches and parking are open. Beachgoers must continue to follow strict social distancing guidelines and safety protocols. For additional information check this Town of Fort Myers Beach page.

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC BEACHES AND PARKING ARE OPEN

Collier County beaches are now open without restrictions. Those without county or City of Naples beach parking stickers may purchase a daily parking pass for $8.

Collier County Government monitors compliance with protocols to ensure residents are accessing and enjoying the beaches in a safe manner. For more information, visit Collier County’s COVID-19 page. For a list of Collier County beaches, visit Collier’s Beach and Boat Parks.

CITY OF NAPLES BEACHES ARE OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS

Please note weekend hours differ from weekday hours.

Monday through Friday: sunrise to sunset
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 5:00 p.m. through sunset

Parking

Metered hourly beach parking is now available.
Parking restrictions are still enforced along avenues within three blocks of the beach.
People with a beach parking permit from the city or county are still able to park.
Parking violations may result in a fine of up to $200.

Every resident and visitor should continue following CDC guidelines: practice social distancing, limit groups to 10 people or fewer, wash your hands frequently, and stay at home as much as possible. For more information visit City of Naples’ COVID-19 page.

MARCO ISLAND BEACH ACCESSES ARE OPEN

Marco Island city-owned pedestrian beach accesses are open. Social distancing guidelines must be followed. The accesses near Marriott’s Crystal Shores hotel and Madeira condominium are open from sunrise to sundown.

Marco Island’s city-owned beaches, beach accesses, and parking lots are open. For more information and frequently asked questions, visit Marco Island COVID-19 information.

For more information about beaches, visit our page, Which Southwest Florida Beaches Are Open.

NEW CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASE REPORTED ON SANIBEL

On July 10, the Florida Department of Health reported a new confirmed case of COVID-19 on Sanibel. The total number of cases reported on the island since March 26 is 24. There have been fewer than five cases reported on Captiva Island. Check the Florida Department of Health website for more information.

Although numbers in the state of Florida have increased, Lee County still holds smaller case numbers and is considered safe to visit. Most of the cases in Southwest Florida are in East Lee County, where we do not have any vacation rental properties.

The Florida Department of Health updates its COVID-19 reports to include the number of cases per day by city, in addition to the number of cases per county, and statewide totals. The City of Sanibel home page provides direct access to these daily reports. The Florida Department of Health does not provide the City any information other than what appears on these reports.

We appreciate your patience while we deal with this pandemic. The safety and well being of our guests, owners, and employees are our top priorities.

CITY OF SANIBEL’S COVID-19 OPERATIONAL ORDERS FOR ALL SANIBEL ACCOMMODATIONS

The City of Sanibel orders all Sanibel accommodations to strictly adhere to ALL CDC and Florida Department of Health guidance to stop the spread of COVID-19 including but not limited to social distancing.

REVISED HOURS for Island Grocery Stores and Pharmacies:

Bailey’s, daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Jerry’s, daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Island Pharmacy, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CVS General, daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
CVS Pharmacy, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tolls/Transportation: In-person cash toll collections are suspended. Toll collections are via transponder or are billed by mail via license plate scan. The LeeWay Service Center remains closed to the public. Customer service is offered through a 24-hour drop box at the LeeWay Service Center, and by mail and fax.
Sanibel Recreation Center: The lobby is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for resident Youth Summer Camp registration and resident beach parking permit purchase. Reservations may be made for lap swimming, weight room, and outdoor tennis/pickleball courts, for use beginning Monday, June 15. There are no group programs or personal training offered, and locker rooms and showers remain closed.
Sanibel boat ramp and fishing pier: Closed until further notice.
Lee County Public Utilities: 7391 College Parkway, Fort Myers, lobby is closed. Drive-by, drop-off, online, and phone services are available.
LeeTran: Transit service on Fort Myers Beach has resumed.
Lee County Public Libraries: Some regional libraries have reopened. Restrictions vary by branch.
Sanibel Public Library: Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Saturdays in June, July and August.

For other resources, visit: