provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Operational since earlier this year, Sanibel Fire & Rescue District Station 172 at 5171 Sanibel Captiva Road celebrated with a SanCap Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours for the public on March 27.
Irreversible damage in 2022 from Hurricane Ian’s 5-6 feet of storm surge made the 50-year-old station uninhabitable for first responders and required full reconstruction, said Fire Chief Kevin Barbot. The decision to rebuild to improved standards spared the building from 2024’s damaging hurricanes.
“The main benefit is resiliency,” Barbot said. “The new station is built to much higher wind and surge standards, which means our team can stay on the island longer and get back to work immediately after a storm. We’ve also updated the technology and dispatch systems to keep response times as fast as possible. This reconstruction provides a much more capable tool for our first responders and the residents we protect.”
“We have an incredible fire and rescue department on Sanibel, and it is so satisfying and reassuring to have it back to fully functional and better than ever,” said John Lai, SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer. “Not only is it back, but with its heightened resiliency, it’s back to stay.”
Barbot credits the support of the community and strong partnerships for the department’s recovery, including the city of Sanibel, state officials, and FEMA at the federal level.
“The support from the community has been incredible,” he said. “It’s been tough working out of a temporary trailer, but the patience and support from the residents really kept us moving forward. The chamber has kept everyone hopeful and focused on the vision that our island residents, business owners, and visitors are loyal and committed to our recovery. We are beyond blessed to have this chamber team. It hasn’t been easy for anyone, but having the right village surround you makes it happen.”