Sanibel was spared any major damage from Hurricane Idalia as it passed the island Tuesday night before making land fall Wednesday morning as a Category 3 in the Big Bend area of Florida.
The City of Sanibel reported flooding overnight and again this afternoon from high tide. Sand and stone accumulated on Sanibel Captiva Road, at Blind Pass, from the storm surge. Public Works personnel continuously cleared the roadway today.
Sand covers Sanibel Captiva Road at Blind Pass after flooding from Hurricane Idalia, which passed the island overnight on Tuesday, Aug. 29. Photo by Dorothy Wallace
Sand, stone and shells was also covering the Sanibel Causeway near the base of the A span early this morning, but has since been removed by the Florida Department of Transportation.
About 300 properties in the Rabbit Road area lost power, which has been restored.
Storm debris was reported as minimal, but residents should not place any debris on the city’s right of way for collection. Residents should manage debris removal through their weekly collection cycle by WM or hire a contractor to remove it. The city will not be mobilizing a contractor for debris removal.
City offices remain closed today, Aug. 30 and will reopen at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, including the Sanibel Recreation Center. Lighthouse Beach Park, Blind Pass Beach Park and Turner Beach remain closed until further notice.
Curbside trash was collected today, Aug. 30, with a one-hour delay. WM will not collect today for homes which are flooded in the Bailey Road area. Provided flood waters recede late today, WM will collect trash from those affected neighborhoods tomorrow.
Storm impacts should steadily dissipate this evening and overnight on the island. Expect to see standing water in swales and low-lying areas.
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