by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The City of Sanibel is working with consultants to update its 2019 Emergency Operations Plan to reflect current operational realities and incorporate lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian (2022).
The city has engaged The Olson Group, Ltd. to support its ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency management planning. The Olson Group previously assisted the city in completing its 2019 Emergency Operations Plan and the Hurricane Ian After Action Report, which identified key lessons learned and areas for improvement.
Based on that work, the city contracted The Olson Group to comprehensively update and rewrite the 2019 EOP. The updated plan reflects current FEMA and National Incident Management System standards, incorporates lessons learned from recent events, and uses an all-hazards, whole-community approach.
The process included coordination with city departments to clarify roles, improve operational readiness, and enhance response and recovery capabilities.
This 2025 Emergency Operations Plan update includes how the City will manage and coordinate incidents using an all-hazards approach to emergency response and recovery. The update incorporates the City’s lessons learned from prior emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian.
The goal of the plan is to coordinate Sanibel’s emergency response efforts through whole-community resilience planning to save lives, protect property, and safeguard the environment. Overall, the 2025 Emergency Operations Plan update is more actionable and better aligned with today’s operational and community needs.
The ultimate goals of the City of Sanibel’s Emergency Management Program are to:
• Provide effective communications, coordination and application of municipal resources regarding life safety measures and property loss reduction.
• Provide for the rapid resumption of impacted mission-essential functions and services.
• Provide inclusion emergency policies that ensure persons with access and functional needs can access the public safety and emergency management services of the City.
• Provide accurate documentation and records required for future cost recovery and future mitigation efforts.
The Executive Summary and PowerPoint Presentation can be found on the city’s website as an attachment to the May 5, 2026, meeting agenda.
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