Who owns the Sanibel Bridge?

Who owns the Sanibel Bridge? The causeway consists of three separate two-lane bridge spans, and two-man-made causeway islands between them. The entire causeway facility is owned by Lee County and operated by the Lee County Department of Transportation.

What celebrities have homes on Sanibel Island?

Did anyone stay on Sanibel during Ian?

About 200 households did not leave ahead of Hurricane Ian. Rescue teams are tracking down the stranded and evacuating them — if they are willing. A neighbor watched as the Stasi family evacuated Sanibel, Fla.

Is the Sanibel bridge reopened?

By Staff | Jan 3, 2023 The Sanibel Causeway reopened Monday but the city of Sanibel government is asking non-residents to wait a while longer before visiting the storm-damaged island.

When can people go back to Sanibel?

By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian.

How did they repair the Sanibel Causeway so fast?

The Sanibel Causeway was reopened October 19. Now attention turns to permanent repairs. Superior Construction For the temporary repairs, the focus was on hauling in and dredging back dirt to rebuild the breached causeway islands and then pouring asphalt to restore the road.

How long will it take to rebuild Sanibel Causeway?

The goal is to finish that by the end of 2023. The rest of the repairs and Lee County Causeway Island improvement projects will be done sometime in 2024. Right now the price tag is nearly $340 million. It's mostly funded by The Federal Highway Administration, but Lee County is on the hook for about $51 million.

Can you access Sanibel Island now?

We are well on our road to recovery, Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson said. Sanibel Island is open and ready to receive visitors to our island paradise. Please come for the day, spend time on our beaches and enjoy a meal at one of our restaurants.

Who originally owned Sanibel Island?

The Calusa combed through the waters around Sanibel for conchs, clams, oysters and the like for food. They put the leftover shells to work as tools for the tribe. The Calusa held control of the island until the Spanish came into the picture in 1513 when Ponce De Leon claimed Florida for Spain.

Is the bridge to Sanibel damaged?

Hurricane Ian destroyed several portions of the Sanibel Causeway, the series of bridges that connects mainland Florida to Sanibel Island — which is home to some 6,500 people and located just south of where the storm made landfall. Officials have characterized the extent of the damage as beyond simple repairs.

Is anyone still living on Sanibel Island?

An estimated 6,400 people lived in the City of Sanibel as of April 2021, according to the US Census Bureau. The island is also home to a number of hotels and resorts and sees a significant amount of tourists each year.

How much of the Sanibel Causeway was destroyed?

At least five sections of the Sanibel Causeway — which connects the barrier islands, including Sanibel and Captiva, to the mainland — were washed away by the storm, Lee County officials said.

Is Sanibel Island open for tourists 2023?

Note that Sanibel Island sustained significant damage in September 2022 as a result of Hurricane Ian. Though the island is open to the public as of January 2023, local officials are warning visitors that much of the island's attractions and businesses remain closed.

Is Captiva wiped out?

Most homes on Sanibel and Captiva islands are still standing, but appear to have sustained some form of roof damage, in addition to certain storm surge and flooding damage. Near the Casa Ybel Beach Resort, large scars in the sands are seen – the surge eroded much of the beach and dunes.

Who is fixing Sanibel Causeway?

FDOT will still be assisting with the restoration of the infrastructure, but Lee County will be handling the restoration of the amenities.

Will Sanibel ever be rebuilt?

Though it's smaller than many Florida vacation towns, Sanibel Island has been a place important to many people for generations. With the community's efforts to rebuild, it will continue to be so.

Are Sanibel beaches open after Ian?

The City of Sanibel is excited to announce that all public access beach park locations in Sanibel are now open to the public. The city announced on Thursday that the following areas are set to open Friday, June 30: Bayside parking lot at 110 – 153 Periwinkle Way for Lighthouse Beach Park.

Is anyone living on Sanibel Island?

An estimated 6,400 people lived in the City of Sanibel as of April 2021, according to the US Census Bureau. The island is also home to a number of hotels and resorts and sees a significant amount of tourists each year. DeSantis has directed transportation authorities to prioritize the repair of the Sanibel Causeway.