Is the bridge to Sanibel Island damage?

Is the bridge to Sanibel Island damage? In this aerial view, parts of Sanibel Causeway have washed away along with sections of the bridge after Hurricane Ian passed through the area on Sept. 29, 2022, in Sanibel, Florida. The hurricane brought high winds, storm surges, and rain to the area, causing severe damage.

Is Sanibel Causeway reopen?

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.

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.

Is the Sanibel Island Bridge fixed yet?

Sanibel Causeway reopens for residents and businesses, with a permanent fix still in the works. An 11 a.m. opening of the rebuilt causeway that links the island and the mainland was announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis at a briefing at the base of the first bridge segment.

Did anyone stay on Sanibel Island Hurricane Ian?

On Thursday evening, Sanibel officials said that 200 households reported staying on the island during the storm. Two people were confirmed dead, 14 medically evacuated and another 40 rescued without injury on Thursday.

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 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.

Has Sanibel been rebuilt?

— The Sanibel Causeway is being rebuilt with new materials to help it withstand future storms. When Hurricane Ian ripped through Southwest Florida in September of 2022, one of the most striking images was a partially collapsed Sanibel Causeway. “It's like nothing we've ever seen before.

Is Captiva wiped out?

Most homes on Sanibel and Captiva islands are still standing, but appear to have sustained some form of roof damage, in addition to certain storm surge and flooding damage. Near the Casa Ybel Beach Resort, large scars in the sands are seen – the surge eroded much of the beach and dunes.

Is Sanibel Island destroyed after Ian?

Much of the furniture and appliances in homes became destroyed and unusable, creating piles of trash on the roads to be taken to the landfill. The Sanibel Causeway that once welcomed residents and visitors to the island was also partially destroyed.

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 there red tide in Sanibel right now?

Red Tide. At this time, there is no sign of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, in our area.