ABOUT “MARTHA FUDGE-BEL” Martha Fudge-Bel is designed to represent all the wonders that make Sanibel home. From the mollusks and crustaceans that donate their homes to the shell museum, to the turtles that share their beach with us and our guests, to the eagles and ospreys that nest in our sanctuary and to the manatees that keep our sea grass … Read More

ABOUT “MANEE HOUSER” After reading about Community Housing, Myra was inspired to name her Manatee “Manee Houser” to honor five women who paved the way for affordable housing in the United States. Catherine Bauer, Patricia Roberts Harris, Jane Adams and Jane Jacobs fought fearlessly to enrich neighborhoods with the power of diversity, and Tammy Duckworth is still fighting in Congress … Read More

ABOUT “M KID” Joan was inspired to create a playful young manatee, hoping to give people that same feeling of fun and happiness when they are lucky enough to see a baby manatee in the waters around Southwest Florida. ABOUT JOAN Joan has always loved to draw, so after her career as a nurse anesthetist, when her 3 children came … Read More

ABOUT “JUNO” “My inspiration comes from the Junonia, the most coveted shell on the islands,” says Kym. “It’s beauty is always spectacular, especially if you are lucky enough to find one on Sanibel!” Notice that the manatee is holding a special butterfly, one that shares its name, Juno! ABOUT KYM Kym is an artist/designer who has been working on Sanibel … Read More

ABOUT “JEWEL OF DINKINS BAYOU” Mary often kayaks in Dinkins Bayous hoping to encounter manatees. One afternoon, while kayaking with her cousin, a mother manatee surfaced nearby and after determining that all was well, she brought her baby to the surface to visit. Mary was inspired by the baby and named her manatee “Jewel” in her honor. Mary imagines that … Read More

ABOUT “ISLAND FEVER” “Every day is a reminder to protect and preserve this diverse natural environment we are lucky to call home,” says Christina. “We are surrounded by beautiful warm waters, endless blue skies, white puffy afternoon clouds, and tropical flora and fauna.” Christina created her “Island Fever” manatee to reflect this beauty and to remind us to take special … Read More

ABOUT “HIPPIE-DIPPIE MANATEE” Toni incorporates the laid-back and fun lifestyle of Sanibel in the 60s and 70s using bold and bright colors. This manatee will perk you up, make you smile and certainly help you remember some fun times! ABOUT TONI Toni has always been a creative person and was originally influenced by her grandmother. She grew up in Texas … Read More

ABOUT “HEY MRS. POSTMAN” Laura’s manatee was inspired by the post office and how mail keeps us all connected. “We share our adventures, dreams, encouragement, fears, accomplishments, good wishes and love through sending postcards and letters to each other all over the world,” says Laura. “I wanted to create a manatee to honor that incredible service!” ABOUT LAURA Laura attended … Read More

ABOUT “HAPPY” “My manatee, like my work, is influenced by street art,” Says JP Almonacid. “Happy is also interactive since its base is painted in chalkboard paint. Viewers will be able to write and erase on its base (with chalk).” ABOUT JP Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1974, Juan Pablo (JP) Almonacid was raised in Broward County, FL. At a … Read More

ABOUT “CURLIE RYDER” Curlie Ryder is an adventurous, active, fun-loving Sanibel savvy beach comber. Curlie can be seen at the beach every day riding the waves on her paddleboard. She is the quintessential wave rider with a whimsical island style. Curlie loves to hang out with friends and is always the center of attention at a beach party. She loves … Read More