Hurricane Ian: General Information

Following are details regarding our beaches provided by Fort Myers and Sanibel Florida Current Beach Conditions – Visit Florida

Beach Status

As of June 16, 2023 all Sanibel public beaches are open.

Within Lee County, some beaches are owned and managed by municipalities and the state. Please visit the following websites for more information:

Visitor Advisory:

  • Beaches and beach parks have not been restored to pre-Hurricane Ian conditions.
  • Some amenities such as restroom facilities, piers and walkovers have not been repaired or replaced at this time.
  • Debris continues to wash onshore and quickly may be obscured by sand.
  • Beach shoes should be worn at all times.
  • Debris can still be found in near-shore areas, such as dunes or mangrove-lined coastlines.
  • Closure signs are posted where necessary, and www.leeparks.org has status updates. 

Power Restoration

Inspection and/or repair of electrical equipment that was flooded or damaged by Hurricane Ian is required before the city notifies LCEC power may be restored to the property.

Water Restoration

The Island Water Association (IWA) has pressurized the water distribution system throughout Sanibel and Captiva islands. To reestablish water service at your property you must complete the request form available on the island water association’s website, www.islandwater.com. 

Current Irrigation Restrictions

IWA & Coastal Watch have developed a Conservation Plan. Please visit our water conservation page or click the chart below for more information.

                                    

Trash Collection

Please Call Advanced Disposal Services at (239) 334-1224 or the City’s Public Works Department at (239) 472-6397 with any Question.

Garbage_Collection_Zone_Map 2[1]

Permit Requirements

The City of Sanibel recognizes the need of residents and their contractors to start mitigating damage quickly, efficiently, and safely. While a building permit is required for most construction-related work, various improvements of real property may not require a building permit. 

FEMA Floodplain Maps

The City of Sanibel’s floodplain management regulations and codes specify the lowest habitable floor of all new buildings must be elevated to or above the base flood elevation (BFE) established by FEMA in the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) plus one foot. The regulations also specify “substantial improvement” of existing buildings or buildings that have sustained “substantial damage” (as these terms are defined in the Sanibel Code) must be brought into compliance with the requirements for new construction. The City is providing a GIS map to assist homeowners in reviewing the updated FEMA FIRM that will become effective November 17, 2022.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON SANIBEL:

  • Law enforcement presence
  • Large construction vehicles traveling throughout island
  • Speed limit reductions in some areas.
  • Slow speeds through areas where essential personnel are working
  • Yield to emergency crews
  • Limited food services
  • Limited gasoline stations

Disaster Relief Information from SanCap Chamber

Hurricane Ian caused immeasurable damage to our community, especially to our beloved island communities. The SanCap Chamber is here to help in any way that we can and assist with business recovery needs.

Please see below for a list of resources offering disaster relief information to those who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian and are in need of assistance.   

Post Hurricane Ian Recovery Update

Sanibel Causeway

  • Sanibel Causeway is open.
  • Click here to access the Facebook Live announcement from Governor DeSantis
  • Click here to see video of the Convoy arriving on Sanibel.
  • Click here to see video of the convoy driving on Periwinkle. 

Sanibel Resident Mail

  • Sanibel residents may pick up mail at the Sanibel Post office location.
  • Hours and Location: Mon – Fri 9AM to 5PM      Sat – 10AM – 12PM      Sun – CLOSED 650 TARPON BAY RDSANIBEL, FL 33957-9998Lot Parking Available. For facility accessibility, please call the Post Office.1-800-ASK-USPS® (800-275-8777)Phone 239-472-1573Fax 239-472-6738TTY 877-889-2457

City Operations:

The City of Sanibel is operating from a temporary City Hall located at 6200 Whiskey Creek Drive, Fort Myers)

Phone numbers:      

239-472-3700 – Main City Hall number      

239-603-7261 – Temporary Hurricane Ian number

Hours of Operation:    

Call Center: Monday – Sunday, 8:00am – 5:00pm     

Information Desk: Monday – Saturday, 8:00am – 5:00pm