Can you drive over to Sanibel Island now?
Can you drive over to Sanibel Island now? General Access to the Sanibel Island Causeway/Bridge The Sanibel Island Bridge is open to the public and accessible to all visitors who wish to explore the island's wonders. Whether you are planning a day trip or an extended stay, you can traverse the bridge without any restrictions.
Is the Sanibel Causeway reopening?
Sanibel Causeway reopens after being damaged by Hurricane Ian. SANIBEL, Fla. ? The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced.
What is the 50 50 rule for Sanibel Island?
The FEMA 50% rule is a minimum requirement for participation in the NFIP. It limits the cost of improvements (additions, alterations, and/or repairs) to non-conforming structures to less than 50% of the “market value” of structure prior to the start of work.
How many people are left on Sanibel Island?
Sanibel is an island and city in Lee County, Florida, United States. The population was 6,382 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
When can people go back to Sanibel?
By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian.
Has Captiva recovered from Ian?
By TIFFANY REPECKI - | Oct 2, 2023. It has been one year since Hurricane Ian brought the islands to a halt with its devastating damage and the recovery of the Sanibel-Captiva business community has been a slow one — but it is returning.
Has Sanibel Causeway been repaired?
Pine Island Bridge repairs are expected to be completed by fall 2023 with an estimated cost of $25 million, while permanent repairs to the Sanibel Causeway will be completed by the end of 2023 with an estimated cost of $350 million.
What is the 50 rule for Sanibel Island?
The FEMA 50% rule is a minimum requirement for participation in the NFIP. It limits the cost of improvements (additions, alterations, and/or repairs) to non-conforming structures to less than 50% of the “market value” of structure prior to the start of work.
Can tourists go to Sanibel Island now?
The great news is that many of our favorite Sanibel beaches are now open and ready for visitors! Here's what you need to know about which Sanibel beaches are open.
Is Fort Myers Beach open after hurricane?
Eight months after Hurricane Ian, most beaches and hotels are open in Fort Myers. SAN ANTONIO -- Almost 70% of hotel rooms in Fort Myers are open again, eight months after Hurricane Ian made landfall on Florida's west coast as a Category 4 storm.
Are Captiva beaches open after Ian?
At least 13 beaches in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva area are already open, and two more parts of Fort Myers Beach are expected to open this month, Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park. We're getting there, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery.
Who paid for Sanibel Causeway repair?
FDOT's proposed timeline for the upgraded Sanibel Causeway is one year. The cumulative cost for this project is just over $285 million. Commissioners plan to seek federal infrastructure funds to pay most of the cost. This would bring Lee County's share of the bill to about $51.6 million.
Is the bridge to Sanibel damaged?
Hurricane Ian destroyed several portions of the Sanibel Causeway, the series of bridges that connects mainland Florida to Sanibel Island — which is home to some 6,500 people and located just south of where the storm made landfall. Officials have characterized the extent of the damage as beyond simple repairs.
Is anyone still living on Sanibel Island?
An estimated 6,400 people lived in the City of Sanibel as of April 2021, according to the US Census Bureau. The island is also home to a number of hotels and resorts and sees a significant amount of tourists each year.
How much of the Sanibel Causeway was destroyed?
At least five sections of the Sanibel Causeway — which connects the barrier islands, including Sanibel and Captiva, to the mainland — were washed away by the storm, Lee County officials said.
Is Sanibel Island open for tourists 2023?
Note that Sanibel Island sustained significant damage in September 2022 as a result of Hurricane Ian. Though the island is open to the public as of January 2023, local officials are warning visitors that much of the island's attractions and businesses remain closed.