Chamber Ribbon-Cutting Marks Near-Completion of Pointe Santo Recovery

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Following a soft reopening in March 2025 and steady occupancy growth since then, Pointe Santo de Sanibel condominium complex at 2445 West Gulf Drive celebrated its official grand opening Jan. 9 with a SanCap Chamber ribbon-cutting.

“We made a very intentional decision to rebuild Pointe Santo as true to its original design as possible, preserving the character it has had for more than 50 years,” said board president Alan Kappers. “One of the few major changes was replacing our beloved clubhouse after it was completely washed away, a difficult and emotional loss for our community. In the end, however, our new pavilion, Paradise Pointe Pavilion, has created a gathering space that has brought our community together almost daily and enhanced Pointe Santo in ways we never anticipated.”

The 140-unit complex also lost another building, which is being reimagined as a permanent office and the future home of its signature children’s program. It is expected to open by mid-year.

All first-floor units were destroyed, and most upper-level units suffered substantial damage from the storm, prolonged power outages, and extreme humidity. As a result, significant improvements will benefit Pointe Santo for generations to come, said Kappers.

“The support we have received from the chamber of commerce has been truly meaningful throughout our recovery he added. “[Director of operations] Aaron’s guidance and encouragement have helped Pointe Santo maintain a stronger presence within the chamber and across Sanibel. By promoting the return of local businesses and highlighting milestones such as our reopening, the chamber has played an essential role in helping not only Pointe Santo move forward in welcoming owners and guests, but in supporting the broader recovery of Sanibel as a whole.”

“Even the local wildlife acknowledges Pointe Santo’s importance to the island,” said SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer John Lai. “In April, turtle patrols found the first sea turtle nest of the season on its beachfront. We congratulate Pointe Santo’s determination and perseverance to return better than ever and find silver linings.”

ABOUT SANCAP CHAMBER
SanCap Chamber is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over a million visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or John@sanibel-captiva.org.