Sanibel or ‘San-a-bull’? A Florida island tale | Untold Stories

WGCU’s documentary unit dives into the history behind the surprising pronunciation of Sanibel Island, Florida, a beloved tourism destination on the Gulf Coast known for its beaches and shells. Some islanders swear by the little-known pronunciation that continues to be used by the mayor of Sanibel and family members behind Bailey’s General Store, which was founded in 1899.

Bailey’s is in the process of rebuilding after Hurricane Ian. Francis Bailey, the longtime owner of Bailey’s who helped incorporate Sanibel Island in the 1970s, insisted that the island’s name should be pronounced “San-a-bull.”

WGCU interviews several long-time Sanibel Island residents and leaders, including the current Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson, Mead Bailey Johnson, Calli Johnson and John Lai of the Sanibel Captiva Chamber on their preferred pronunciation with even family members disagreeing on how Sanibel should be said.

WGCU Public Media Documentary Unit
Senior Producer/Writer: Janine Zeitlin
Associate Producer: Susan Gard
Videographer/Editor: Tom James
[email protected]
Music: Young Rich Pixies - Cartoon Ukulele

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Sanibel or ‘San-a-bull’? A Florida island tale | Untold Stories