Sanibel Films

March 22, 2010

Mayors kick off Sanibel Inc.: The Birth of a City

Production begins on new film about incorporation

SANIBEL ISLAND – More than a dozen Sanibel mayors gathered at the Sanibel Community House on Monday, March 22, to lend their stories and support to the production of Sanibel Inc., an upcoming film about how the island became a city.

“I wanted to do something that paralleled the importance of this project. So, I began the amazing feat of getting all the mayors together,” says Rusty Farst. “Little did I know that this many mayors have never been in one collection before.  I think it says a lot about how important they feel about this films’ completion and to tell the story of the determination by the citizens of Sanibel.”

 From Sanibel’s first mayor, Porter Goss, to Sanibel’s current mayor, Mick Denham, the passions and emotions regarding Sanibel’s quest for cityhood were alive and well in the Community House, where the historic vote was cast on November 5, 1974.  63.6% (or 689 people) voted in favor of incorporation and a total of 36.4% (or 394 people) voted against it, claiming victory for Sanibel’s unique and sensitive lands.

            Kristie Anders, of Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, who facilitating the event and shared important historic inspiration to this exclusive gathering. What followed was the intimate sharing of the challenges and successes by each mayor amongst themselves. The morning’s events were captured on HD video and will be used to create public attention and financial support for completing the film.

Sanibel Inc. is being produced by Farst to capture the emotional and dramatic story behind the historic home rule effort. He is requesting personal stories from those Islanders who actually lived it and hopes to attract archival photographs and video from the public to enhance the integrity of the production. Please contact Farst atJawsproductions@comcast.net or visit www.Sanibelinc.com.

Mayors in attendance: