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November 25, 2024 – The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village is celebrating the City of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary – and its own 40th anniversary – by focusing on “The Way We Were,” which will be the theme of the museum’s February 18 fundraiser.
To complement the new exhibit showcasing the city’s incorporation, the museum is working on a series of articles outlining how the city came to be.
This is Part 3, 1973: The Conclusion? Stop Uncontrolled Growth
Sentiment to secure Home Rule authority prevailed in 1973 to halt unbridled growth and develop a plan to preserve Sanibel’s natural beauty and resources.
On October 16, 1973, there was a meeting of a group of 26 island residents to discuss what action, if any, would be appropriate as a follow-up to the incorporation issue. This committee named a voluntary Committee of Five to pursue the question. It was chaired by Allen G. Tenbroek, and included Cecil Rhodes, James Robson, Porter Goss, and Charles Thomas.
A town meeting called by the Committee of Five on November 20, 1973, drew more than 300 residents to the Sanibel Community House, where unanimous approval was given to a proposal to undertake a study on the merits of “home rule” and other alternatives for the governing of the island.
Creation of an advisory committee to pursue the study was approved on November 20. Ralph Zeiss was named chairman.
On December 7, 1973, there was a general membership meeting of the advisory committee, now called the Home Rule Study Group (HRSG). Members were Ralph Zeiss, Anina Hills, Rea Nichols, Zee Butler, and Cecil Rhodes. HRSG opened a public information office at the Sanibel Community House..
Next week: 1974-1976 – How to Fix the Growth Problem