EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest information released Thursday, Oct. 20 by the City of Sanibel on recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian and what to expect as residents are reentering the island.
Sanibel continues to be a challenging environment. There is currently no electricity to any structures and no potable water available for drinking, bathing, or flushing toilets. There are no operating gasoline stations. Debris is present throughout the island and is actively being collected by the city’s debris management contractor. Also, please be aware of displaced wildlife throughout the island.
Speed limit on the entire island is 20 mph or lower based on conditions. ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, and golf carts not legally registered to operate on city streets are prohibited.
PORTABLE TOILETS
Portable toilets have been placed around the island. The map below shows locations marked with gold and dark green arrows. Additional portable toilets will be placed near the Sanibel School and at Blind Pass Beach Park.
LEE TRAN SHUTTLE SERVICE
Beginning today, Oct. 21, LeeTran will operate two shuttle bus routes to help residents move through the islands. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the service is free of charge. The Sanibel route will begin at the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, with additional stops at the following locations: Jerry’s Plaza, Bailey’s Center, Ding Darling Overflow Lot, Bowmans Beach Road, and South Seas Island Resort. The Captiva route will begin at South Seas Island and follow the reverse route to the Sanibel Captiva Chamber.
CURFEW
A curfew is in effect on Sanibel from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.. No vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian movement is permitted, except for essential response personnel. The curfew will be strictly enforced.
SANIBEL ENTRY PASSES
Resident Access: Residential Hurricane Reentry Pass or valid ID with Sanibel address.
Property Owner Access: Hurricane Reentry Pass with valid ID
Contractor access: Commercial Hurricane Reentry Pass with valid ID
Insurance Adjuster Access: Insurance Adjuster Reentry Pass with valid ID
Hurricane Reentry Passes are issued from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday in the Captiva Room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Belltower, 13051 Belltower Dr., Fort Myers. Beginning today, Oct. 21, operations in the Captiva Room will be closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunchtime.
POWER RESTORATION
The timeframe for power restoration on Sanibel is generally Oct. 31, however, there is not a detailed timeline for power restoration at each house and structure. There may be unique situations where power restoration may be delayed. The map below shows and estimated timeline by LCEC.
TRASH COLLECTION
The city has placed containers at the City Recycling Center to collect residential refrigerator and kitchen rubbish. No commercial rubbish, debris, or vegetation will be accepted. Commercial property owners must contact their waste hauler for pick up as needed.
REASSESSEMENT OF PROPERTY
Property owners who sustained hurricane damage, may advise the Lee County Property Appraiser about the damage via email. You may also directly upload photos and other information here.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
The Sanibel Municipal Code provides recreation vehicles may be used for residential purposes or temporary basis only in a mobile home park.
STORAGE PODS
Storage pods are allowed at single-family homes but only temporarily, for no more than 30 days.
MAIL PICKUP
Sanibel mail may be picked up at the JetPort Loop Mail Station, 14080 JetPort Loop, Fort Myers. The hours are from 9 .am. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
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