What damage did Ian do to Sanibel and Captiva?
What damage did Ian do to Sanibel and Captiva? Sanibel's worst storm since 1926, Ian blew in with winds of over 130 miles per hour and a surge of up to 12 feet. Giant power poles snapped like toothpicks, buildings were inundated, and parts of the causeway bridge washed out, cutting off car traffic to the island.
Is Sanibel OK to visit now?
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. For the most up-to-date information regarding the island's recovery, visit the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce website.
How many people are still 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.
Did the Sanibel Shell Museum survive Ian?
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum itself sustained 5 feet of flooding, significant wind damage to the roof and loss of generators during Ian, which resulted in only 25% of their marine life surviving the rescue. Fortunately, none of the 550,000 shells in their collection were damaged.
Can you go to Captiva Island now?
Following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Sanibel & Captiva Islands are bouncing back and several hotels are open and ready to welcome visitors with open arms. Keep in mind Lee County has reinstated the Sanibel Causeway tolls as of January 1, 2023.
Has Captiva Island recovered from the hurricane?
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. Before the storm hit on Sept. 28, 2022, the SanCap Chamber had an active membership of over 540 businesses.
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.
Did Captiva Island get damage from Ian?
The Island Club's pools were swamped and docks were damaged from Hurricane Ian. Now, through hard work, its doors are open once more.
Was the mucky duck destroyed?
Located off the Gulf of Mexico at 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, The Mucky Duck has been shut down since Sept. 28, when the Category 4 hurricane wiped out power to the island and devastated much of it. Somehow, the restaurant was spared from any major damage. “To me, it's a miracle,” Bieri said.
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.
Where did Ian do the most damage?
The hurricane stormed Lee County barrier islands with winds approaching Category 5 speed, followed by storm surge of up to 18 feet. Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Pine Island, Captiva Island sustained the most damage, with officials saying not one structure escaped damage.
Are Sanibel beaches open after Ian?
The City of Sanibel is excited to announce that all public access beach park locations in Sanibel are now open to the public. The city announced on Thursday that the following areas are set to open Friday, June 30: Bayside parking lot at 110 – 153 Periwinkle Way for Lighthouse Beach Park.