While attending the prestigious Industry Appreciation Awards, Bailey's General Store was pleasantly surprised to win the LocaLEE Grown Award hosted by the Lee County Economic Develop Board's Horizon Council. This award looks to recognize businesses that have a history of growth and contribution to the county. As the second-oldest business in Lee County and an integral part of Sanibel and Captiva, Bailey's felt like a perfect fit for this award and grateful and proud the Horizon Council felt the same way. The Bailey's team is extremely excited and would like to extend their thanks to the islands for making the store a historical (and present) anchor of economy and community within Lee County.

 

Everyone at the store is overjoyed by the community support and recognition received from this award. Mayor Kevin Ruane kindly said, "On Sanibel, shop locally is more than a slogan or catch-phrase, it is a way of life." While the folks at Bailey's often say the store is where Sanibel shops, it is truly rewarding for them to hear from an esteemed representative of the community. It is a proud and grateful moment for Richard Johnson, who said, "We are ecstatic to receive this generous award from the Horizon Council and humbled by the response of our neighbors on the islands. Thank you to the Lee County Economic Development Board for hosting this award, our staff for making this a great store to visit, and the people of Sanibel and Captiva for their unmitigated support." Richard's words sum up the appreciation and gratitude from everyone working at the store.

 

Frank P. Bailey founded Bailey's General Store DBA Sanibel Packing Company in 1899 on Sanibel as a packer and shipper of the tomatoes and citrus grown on the island. During that time it provided any and all supplies to the community and homesteaders. Some would say that Sanibel Packing Company was the gateway to the islands. In 2016, we provide a number of products and services to the community; a coffee bar where you can find the best cup of Joe on the island, a hardware store where guests find gifts as well as beach wares and tools, a deli and bakery with made-to-order sandwiches and smiling faces, a produce department with our famous guacamole, an old fashioned butcher shop and seafood market with the freshest meats and fish, and a grocery department that strives to please every palate.