Sanibel is B-a-a-a-ck!
We’re moving towards four years ago that ol’ Hurricane Ian came slamming onto our shores. That storm changed the course of everyday life on Sanibel and Captiva like none before it except for 100 years ago. That was the last time a Category 4 hurricane devastated the islands with winds in excess of 150 miles per hour. Fast forwarding to the effects of Ian, the experts from all over said it would take a minimum of four to five years to rebuild and bring Sanibel back to a sense of normalcy.
I was one of those who didn’t think it would take that long for us to fully recover. Well, I was wrong. It’s taken longer than I originally thought. And, while the strides taken have been significant, we still have a bit of way to go. Despite this, I can state with a reasonable amount of assuredness, Sanibel is back — and stronger than ever. Here are some examples of where we’ve come from and where we’re still going.
Houses and Commercial Buildings — Structurally Speaking
Ian obviously devastated a large number of structures throughout the island. Some areas were hit harder than others. Happily, the debris from those that were wrecked has been pretty much cleared. However, we still are left with a fair number of dilapidated houses and commercial buildings that are mostly abandoned. They need to be fixed or torn down. The Sanibel powers that be are working hard on this situation and progress is being made.
As part of the above, it’s interesting to note the number of existing homes and businesses that are being raised up to second story levels to comply with the latest hurricane regulations. It is really intriguing to watch the actual process of raising them up and then setting concrete pillars underneath.
There is also new construction going on throughout Sanibel and Captiva. And certainly, all of these homes and businesses are elevated at least one story. Some have even gone higher. Based on the amount of new construction going on, it pretty much has made a profound statement that Sanibel is going strong and it’s going to be alive and kicking for many years to come. That’s good for everyone — residents and visitors alike.
Vegetation
As one comes over the Causeway and looks at Sanibel in the distance, it’s hard to see much difference from before Hurricane Ian. And, if one doesn’t live here, this would be the case throughout the island. However, look a little closer and there are a lot of dead trees around that will eventually decompose. Additionally, Sanibel is doing controlled burns to thin out overly ravaged areas. Also, out on the water, many of the small islands in Pine Island look grey with all of the leafless mangrove trees. I tell guests it reminds me of what a northern state looks like in the Fall with all the leaves gone. As one gets closer to these islands though, the root areas of the mangroves are a vibrant green and growing fast. It may take a few more years, but we will once again see lush islets which make up the many keys in the area. As one person said, “It’s kind of like after a forest fire ravages an area. In time, the whole forest floor becomes rejuvenated and a new cycle of life begins.”
Accommodations
I find it hard to believe, but according to the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce, Sanibel is only at 25% of condo and home rental accommodations that are available for occupancy since Hurricane Ian hit. It seems like there are more available, and the percentage would be closer to 50-60%. Also, there are additional condo complexes that are now completely reopened and welcoming visitors. And, more are online to do so before this coming Fall. The other nice feature of all these complexes is that they are completing extensive landscaping initiatives that are well thought out and are further greening and thickening up the vegetation all over the island.
Restaurants and Take-out
One thing we know for sure, when folks visit, part of what they enjoy is heading out to a restaurant with friends and family members. Ordering take-out is also a regular occurrence. Oftentimes, it’s a key part of the day or a finishing touch on having spent a perfect day in paradise. For those of us living here full-time, it’s always a treat to head to our favorite haunts for a few beverages and a meal. Or, grab a pizza or other take-out delights from a variety of sources. There are also restaurants like the newly reopened Lazy Flamingo or Mudbug’s who do an outstanding job of cooking your just-caught fish. Pair this with some cold, sudsy beverages, and well, there’s nothing better.
In addition to the number of establishments that have reopened or are new to the islands, there are more fun concepts on the way. For example, the old Dairy Queen on Sanibel will soon be Mr. B’s Burgers. It will feature to-die-for burgers, fries, and shakes. The new owners, the Thornberry’s, will be shipping in fresh beef from their farm in the upper peninsula of Michigan. It’s there they raise black and red Hereford cattle and feed them with their own harvested hay. We can’t wait for them to open!
Other new restaurants on the way include a new Dixie Fish Company restaurant at Blind Pass, which is the crossover area between Sanibel and Captiva. Another neat concept that is awaiting approval is a 18th Hole watering hole with a miniature golf course around it at the old site of the iconic Island Cow.
More options for eating good stuff and socializing are on the way!
The Beaches (Including Causeway Park and the Sanibel Fishing Pier)
Bundled under beaches are several other key landmarks that will come to life within the next year. First, though, all of our beaches on Sanibel and Captiva are in terrific shape. They’ve all been replenished with a boatload of sand. And plantings galore have been done to help build up the resiliency of all areas throughout the islands. The other good news is the water table, which had been saturated with too much saline, has now achieved an effective balance between fresh and salt water. This is great for all sorts of wildlife and vegetation.
Causeway Park consists of the series of islands that one crosses over when passing through the toll booths on the mainland and heading towards Sanibel. All of these areas were pretty devastated by Hurricane Ian. Massive amounts of money and effort have been put forth to shore up the beaches and all three bridge spans for the future.
These beach areas have been open for a year now, and it’s great to see everyone come back to enjoy just hanging at the beach. Extensive landscaping is slated to be done over the next year and a half. Included will be a variety of trees and native plants. When done, it will be an impressive entry onto our wonderful and pristine islands. And, the work that will be done will blend in with a “natural look” so gaudiness won’t exist.
Happily, the infamous Sanibel Fishing Pier, which was badly damaged, is now slated to reopen later this year. Because of monies raised through private donations and a grant from our county, all aspects of the pier, both above and below the water, will be dealt with. This pier goes hand in hand with our beloved Sanibel Lighthouse, which is known worldwide. These two icons will further revitalize the East end of our island and offer fun visits for all residents and visitors.
Wildlife
All sorts of wildlife have been settling in since Hurricane Ian. Coyotes are cruising the islands and, thank goodness, consuming some of the iguanas, which have also been on the rebound. We’ve also seen the return of rabbits, which have been few and far between the last few years. Birds of all types are everywhere. Whether they are permanent residents of Sanibel/Captiva or just passing through, they seem to know the islands are a wildlife refuge. And, they take advantage of basically being undisturbed wherever they’re hanging out.
And, last but not least — Fishing, Dolphins, and Manatees
Fishing in general wasn’t badly affected due to Hurricanes Ian, Milton, and Helene. While there was a bit of a drop-off in activity right after Ian, all the species of fish popped up pretty quickly in their usual haunts throughout Pine Island Sound. Offshore, the trend even before the hurricanes was that a lot of prized fish were setting up residences further distances away from land. This has continued with really nice bites going off in 100+ feet of water — about 60 miles off of Sanibel.
Back to inshore, the Snook and Redfish bites have been solid, especially this spring. Between shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish, they aren’t hesitant to explode on one of them and provide some fun fights. There’s also plenty of nice speckled trout on the Flats sprinkled with Pompano and Spanish Macs. It’s also been pretty common to hook into Blacktip and Bonnethead Sharks.
The Tarpon have been on the move for the last month and a half now. They have been seen and caught in most of the usual spots inside of the barrier islands. On the Gulf side, they have also traveled around in their normal patterns. Additionally, it seems like more and more of them have been cruising and feeding just off many of the Sanibel beaches.
The renowned Ding Darling Tarpon Tournament had a record number of teams this year. Collectively, 63 tarpon were caught, which made it one of the better catch-and-release counts in recent years. The winning team caught and released six tarpon and won $30,420. The Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge also raise money through sponsors and a silent auction which went to further grow and maintain this incredible gem.
We certainly would be remiss if we didn’t mention what so many visitors to Sanibel want to see when they’re here. Dolphin and manatee sitings have pretty much been a constant. They say that manatees are still listed as “threatened,” which is moving up from when they were classified as “endangered.” There are still a few subspecies that are endangered, although you wouldn’t know it around these waters this time of year.
They seem to be everywhere, making their migration from warmer enclaves like the Power Plant in North Ft. Myers to other familiar haunts like backwater areas and canals in Pine Island Sound. This is one of the reasons why there are so many closed-throttle mandated boating areas this time of year. It’s an effort to avoid as many of these gentle sea cows from getting hit with motorboat props.
The dolphin population also seems to be expanding year after year. Since fish is their main diet, they must know what we humans have figured out. There continues to be a plethora of fish in all areas of Pine Island Sound and elsewhere in the area. That’s a win-win for all of us. Plus, we get to enjoy the antics of dolphins at play when we run across them.
Let the Improved Good Times Roll
While it’s been mentioned that at times it seems like it’s been a slow recovery since Hurricane Ian, Sanibel/Captiva is assuredly back. As testimony to this, I, for one, am getting inquiries from guests going back as far as 2015 asking me how the islands are doing because they have thought of coming back. And most have, commenting on how great it has been returning to an area they enjoy so much.
Sanibel and Captiva are truly unique.
I often comment to many people that there is nowhere I can think of in this country, or for that matter throughout the world, that has what Sanibel and Captiva offer and provide. The minute one drives over the high bridge on the Causeway and sees the islands in the distance, a sense of calm sets in where you can take in an easy breath and sigh. Gone is the hustle and bustle of civilization as most know it. Everything slows down and family and friends just hanging together becomes the main priority. Or, just chilling by oneself while settling into a good book or sitting on a chaise lounge at the beach watching the world go by. At most places in this country and worldwide, a day at the beach means renting your umbrella, beach lounger, and scant piece of real estate. The crowds are horrific. On Sanibel/Captiva, pick your spot or move up and down the shoreline unencumbered while seeking the perfect seashell. And forget the tons of fishing boats battling for a spot to haul in a fun fish. In this area, you can set up boat camp in most areas and have it all to yourself.
When you think about it, where else can you go to thoroughly enjoy what’s been written about here today?
