Island Influence

Mayeron, Victor. Probably best known as co-owner and ringmaster at Captiva's landmark restaurant The Mucky Duck, Mayeron also owns La Casita on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers and has excelled at helping Lee County charities. Noted for his generosity and sense of humor, he dedicates much of his time and energy to the American Cancer Society, serving Lee County's chapter as chairman. After the 9-11 tragedy, Mayeron put together an impromptu benefit for the American Red Cross disaster relief fund.

Miller, Hal. President of the Captiva Property Owners Association and a key figure in the successful defeat of incorporation efforts on Captiva, Miller has been chairman of the Captiva Community Panel since its inception. The grassroots group is taking the reins in community planning by formulating and proposing changes for Captiva in Lee County's comprehensive plan.

Miville, Rene. A man of strong opinions, he might not be universally beloved, but there's no doubt that he's a community activist who plays a visible role in Captiva's politics and in the island's future-particularly in his leadership of anti-incorporation forces. He sits on the Captiva Community Panel and on the Captiva Erosion Prevention District, where he pushed to create the first-ever hurricane beach reconstruction plan. A former fashion photographer and an artist, he has contributed works for local fund-raisers.

Muench, Dick. Muench has been making his mark on Sanibel for many years through business and community service. Known on the islands as "The Commissioner" for his role in Sanibel's youth baseball program, he founded the program more than 25 years ago and continues to run it from top to bottom, even spending time behind the concession stand selling hot dogs and hamburgers. His family owns Periwinkle Park, the only campground that exists-or is likely to exist-on Sanibel and Captiva, and he handles much of the day-to-day operations. Muench serves on the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce board and is a long-standing leader in the islands' Kiwanis Club.

Rauschenberg, Robert. His local influence is partly, but not exclusively, because he's an artist of international stature. He also happens to be a major landowner on Captiva (reportedly with more than 30 acres of pricey island property) and supports the Captiva Property Owners Association. He is known for his generosity globally through organizations like Change and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, which support everything from scientific and medical research to fighting homelessness and world hunger to helping artists. He is a staunch supporter of Abuse Counseling and Treatment's Arts for ACT, and, along with friend and fellow artist Darryl Pottorf, he stepped up after the proposed trauma tax for the Lee Memorial Health System failed, creating works to raise money for the trauma unit.

Roepstorff, Robbie and Geoff. Robbie is president and her husband, Geoff, is chief executive officer of Edison National Bank and its subsidiary Bank of the Islands, a major sponsor for events and fund-raisers for everything from arts to the environment. Robbie helps with a host of public-service groups in the islands and Lee County.

Stilwell, Sandra. Already well known in Fort Myers, Stilwell has been making fast and firm impressions on Captiva in the past four years. The local joke is that Andy Rosse Lane, the island's commercial center where her activity has focused, is becoming Sandy Rosse Lane. As owner of Captiva Island Inn, she made historically accurate renovations to the original building and expanded the bed and breakfast with additional facilities. She also has bought and preserved Paradise Shopping Center, and is building a new shopping center farther down the lane. She also owns Keylime Bistro, Latte Da coffee shop and is negotiating for a restaurant on North Captiva.

van der Baars, Chris. General manager of South Seas Resort, an economic driver on Captiva and one of about a half-dozen properties on Sanibel and Captiva managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Van der Baars wields a great amount of power, largely because he's a decision-maker for a big company in a dominant industry. He sits on a number of government and private boards and has brought the resort's resources to bear in a number of environmental, civic and educational causes.

Von Harten, Barbara. Her position as principal of The Sanibel School puts her at the forefront of the community, which takes great pride in the quality of its school. Von Harten arrived just in time to guide the growth of the Lee County School District elementary school to include kindergarten through eighth grades, and she is now overseeing extensive renovations to the facilities. Described as strong and energetic, she constantly circulates to raise money for the school.

Wigley, Robert. Of all the people nominated for this list, he is one who received unanimous support for his extensive service. A savvy businessman who ran successful companies in the Midwest, he serves on The Sanibel-Captiva Trust Company board, and has been making his mark philanthropically for years on Sanibel and Captiva, and in Lee County. In addition to offering financial support, he often gets people together, finding resources and making everything fall into place. Among the civic and philanthropic organizations that have benefited from his involvement and leadership are the Sanibel Community Association, the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, the Old Schoolhouse Theater Foundation, BIG Arts Community Foundation of Sanibel-Captiva and more.

Zimomra, Judie. After a cycle of city managers who didn't work out, Sanibel seems to be in tune with Zimomra. No-nonsense, hard-working and accessible, she has developed a reputation as a bridge builder who skillfully surmounts the often divisive issues that arise in this small, opinionated community. She's also impressed people by jumping in to help with numerous community causes, rolling up her sleeves to serve at spaghetti dinners, and selling T-shirts at a CROW event.