Sanibel’s unsurpassed natural beauty and abundant wildlife almost became the cause of its undoing. For most of its history Sanibel was part of unincorporated Lee County. County Commissioners and developers recognized the development potential of Sanibel’s natural bounty. The main obstacle to tapping that potential was, of course, the island’s limited access. With the completion of the causeway in 1964, that major obstacle was removed and development soared, virtually free of restraint.

COTI was born out of the fight for incorporation. When the City of Sanibel was finally established in1974, and the work of the Sanibel - Captiva Planning Board and Sanibel Tomorrow completed, they were disbanded. In their place their leaders created a new organization Committee of the Islands (COTI) in 1975, to secure the fruits of the hard fought battle for incorporation for future generations.

During the ensuing years the threat of over- development and over- commercialization has not gone away. It has changed pace and character. A COTI poll taken in 1978 showed that building and growth continued to concern most of Sanibel voters. In response, COTI circulated a petition requesting that the City Council adopt a Rate of Growth ordinance. On November 21, 1978, 72 % of those voting approved the ordinance, the first of its kind east of the Rockies.

COTI’s early successes were followed by later concerns. It appeared that basic protections we enjoy on Sanibel as result of the Sanibel Plan and Land Development Code could be changed too easily by a majority on City Council. A citizens group composed of COTI members, proposed a set of amendments to the City Charter which require voter approval for increases in residential density, building height and parcel coverage. In 2005, the People’s Choice Amendments, as they became known, were passed by the Sanibel voters.

The COTI Board meets regularly and encourages interested citizens to join and become active in its committees which focus on redevelopment, the environment and various aspects of City management.