Comfort station to open at Sanibel rec center | News, Sports, Jobs – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

CITY OF SANIBEL

The city of Sanibel reported that a comfort station will open today from noon to 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center, at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

The available amenities will include:

– Locker rooms with showers and toilets

– Program rooms with outlets available for charging devices (bring your chargers)

The center will be open for regular hours on Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. More information will be forthcoming on what services and amenities will be available.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 12, 2024):

At 3:30 p.m. today, the city of Sanibel and island service providers provided the following post-Hurricane Milton updates:

– Most of the roads are clear of water. There are several sub-developments in the west end that still have standing water, but it is receding. Portions of West Gulf Drive were still underwater this morning.

– The city continues to keep the weirs open. It has dropped about a half-foot since yesterday.

– Some private non-paved roads experienced washouts. City staff is filling the depressions or washouts to ensure emergency services have access. Final repairs will be the responsibility of the homeowners who live on the private roads. To report issues with roads, contact the city at 239-472-3700.

– The city’s curfew remains in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice. Sanibel police will be stationed on causeway road and Sexton Drive and will stop all vehicles entering and exiting the island. Additionally, officers will be patrolling throughout the island to check neighborhoods and businesses.

– Avoid traveling to Sanibel and Captiva if you do not have business on the islands or need to travel to the islands in order to allow crews to expedite the clean up and restore utilities on the islands.

– As of this morning, 75% of LCEC customers on Sanibel were without power. As of 3 p.m., the number without power had decreased to 33% and the total has continued to drop. If your power turns on and then off, it could be due to a damaged piece of equipment. The total number will fluctuate.

– The Donax facility is operating on utility power. Two lift stations are operating on fixed generators, while 81 of the 164 lift stations are operating on utility power. Seven pump trucks operating 24/7.

– Do not use water in your homes or businesses at this time. The sewer system could back up into your property until the city’s sanitary sewer system is restored. You may use water outside to clean items provided the water does not enter the sewer system. Businesses that do not use water can reopen, and the city will not object to restaurants reopening as long as they do not use water (sinks, toilets) and meet health requirements.

– The precautionary boil water notice from the Island Water Association remains in place for customers on Sanibel and Captiva.

– City staff have conducted assessments of the beach. A lot of sand was left on the beaches after the recent renourishment project. Areas like Clam Bayou that were heavily impacted in prior storms were impacted again. The Sanibel Lighthouse is still standing. Scours developed in previous and new places. There is some debris on the beaches, not large construction debris or appliances again, but items like crab traps and chairs. The beach parks remain closed.

– The Department of Health in Lee County recommends that people do not swim in coastal waters.

– Do not place sand used in sand bags on the beach. It is not beach-compatible sand. Put sand bags out with debris for pick up or keep them for future use.

– The city has requested portable comfort stations. They will located at the Sanibel Recreation Center, Sanibel Community Park and Sanibel Sea School. They could arrive later today or early tomorrow.

– Residents and business owners are reminded that building permits are required for storm repairs. In addition, contractors must be registered with the city or state to perform work on the island. The community is strongly encouraged to make sure that the contractors they use are certified and insured.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 12, 2024):

City provides update on storm debris collection

The city of Sanibel reported that debris pickup is expected to begin on Wednesday.

Residents, who can safely do so, are asked to place any storm-generated debris on the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way is the area of residential property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement.

Residents are urged to separate the debris as follows:

– Vegetative debris (whole trees, tree stumps, tree branches, tree trunks and other leafy material)

– Construction and demolition debris (damaged components of buildings and structures such lumber and wood, wall board, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furnishings, and fixtures)

– Appliances/white goods (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ovens, ranges, washing machines, clothes dryers and water heaters)

– Electronic waste (computers, televisions and office electronic equipment)

– Household hazardous waste (materials that are ignitable, reactive, toxic or corrosive such as paints, cleaners and pesticides)

Only loose debris will be collected; bagged debris should not be placed on the public right-of-way.

Make every attempt to avoid stacking debris below low hanging power or utility lines, and do not place debris within 4 feet of:

– Mailboxes

– Water meters

– Fire hydrants

– Any other above ground utility

Only debris placed on the public right-of-way will be eligible for collection until further notice. If all debris is not picked up during the initial pass, continue to push remaining debris to the right-of-way for collection on subsequent passes.

As debris is cleared, it is likely nails and screws will be repeatedly dropped in the roadway. To prevent flat tires, residents are asked to collect and dispose of any nails and screws found in front of residences.

Commercial properties, including condominiums, are not allowed to place storm debris in the public right-of-way. Commercial properties are required to keep debris on their property for their private contractors to haul away.

As a reminder, do not use the water inside your home at this time. The sewer system could back up into your property until the city’s sanitary sewer system is restored. You may use water outside your home to clean items provided the water does not enter the sewer system. The city will notify residents as soon as the sewer system is back online.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 12, 2024):

City to provide live post-storm update

The city of Sanibel reported that it will provide a live post-Hurricane Milton update today at 3:30 p.m. on its Facebook page.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 12, 2024):

City provides post-storm update on utilities, mail

At 9:15 a.m. today, the city of Sanibel provided the following post-Hurricane Milton update:

Now that the substation has been energized, LCEC is working to restore power to the remainder of the island. It will take time as power will be restored throughout the island in stages as crews assess additional line issues that may be identified.

City staff will need approximately 48 hours to ensure the sewer system is functioning. At this time, please do not use the water inside your home or business. The sewer system could back up into your property until the city’s sanitary sewer system is restored. You may use water outside your home to clean items provided that the water does not enter the sewer system.

Sanibel City Hall and the Sanibel Recreation Center will be closed today.

City phones are operational at 239-472-3700.

Crews will continue recovery work throughout the weekend.

“Thank you to our Sanibel community for your patience and cooperation as we work to ensure everyone returns to their properties safely,” the city said.

POSTAL SERVICE

Additionally, the city received the following information from the Sanibel Postmaster:

– Sanibel postal mail will be delivered today to all streets that are passable and do not have standing water. Roadways with any standing water will not receive mail service.

– Mail will not be delivered to properties with missing mailboxes.

– The post office will be closed on Monday in observance of Columbus Day. The Post Office lobby will reopen on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 11, 2024):

City, service providers provide post-storm update

At 2:45 p.m. today, Sanibel City Manager Dana Souza and Sanibel City Council members, along with the Island Water Association and LCEC, provided the following post-Hurricane Milton updates:

– The island is still without power.

– The sewer system remains inoperable due to no power. The Donax Plant is working on generator power, and city staff are setting up generators and pumps to energize the lift stations. Even if the island is fully energized, it will still take two days to remove water from the system and get it operational again.

– Residents are advised to not use the water inside their home. The sewer system could back up into their property until the city’s sewer system is restored. They may use water outside their home to clean items provided that the water does not enter the sewer system.

– Be careful if using the Shared Use Path. There is still standing water and debris.

– The weirs are open. Today was the first day that water was not overtopping the weirs.

– The city is working with its storm debris contractor to finalize details of routes and when debris pickup will begin. Pickup for residential properties is anticipated to begin on Wednesday. The city will provide details on how to properly sort debris for pickup.

– Waste Management will resume household trash pickup on Monday in accordance with the normal collection schedule.

– The city’s bridges and culverts have been inspected. There was no damage and they are all safe. A section of road near the Blind Pass area was undermined. Lee County has agreed to repair it.

– The Sanibel Recreation Center is working on generator power. City staff are working on a plan to provide services out of the facility.

– The city’s curfew remains in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily until further notice. However, please limit travel throughout the island as much as possible to allow crews to expedite clean up.

– The beach parks remain closed. Surveys of the beaches are being conducted.

– The Sanibel Boat Ramp is open for people who need to get their boats out of water.

– The Building and Planning Departments are conducting damage assessments. The community is reminded that no improvements can be made to residential and commercial properties without a permit.

LCEC

An aerial inspection of Sanibel was conducted. The overhead infrastructure appeared to be in good condition. Today, LCEC energized the island substation. Crews are working to restore power.

ISLAND WATER ASSOCIATION

It competed its assessment; there was no major damage to the system or two storage tanks on Sanibel. It continues to operate on limited capacity on emergency generators. The precautionary boil water notice remains in effect; water for domestic uses should be boiled for at least 1 minute. Crews have been turning off water service at residences with possible large leaks; those who do not have water are advised to check their value on their meter, backflow or home to confirm it is on. For questions or assistance, contact the Island Water Association at 239-472-1502.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 11, 2024):

City to provide live post-storm update

The city of Sanibel reported that it will provide a live post-Hurricane Milton update today at 2:45 p.m. on its Facebook page.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 11, 2024):

City provides post-storm update on utilities

At 12:15 p.m. today, the city of Sanibel reported that LCEC is working to have the substation energized this afternoon.

This will take time as power will be restored throughout the island in stages. Once the substation is powered, crews will assess additional line issues that may identified.

To prepare for the possibility of an extended power outage, the city has requested additional generators to power needed components of the city’s sanitary sewer system. Some of that equipment arrived today and staff has started the installation process.

At this time, please do not use the water inside your home. The sewer system could back up into your property until the city’s sanitary sewer system is restored. You may use water outside your home to clean items provided the water does not enter the sewer system.

“Thank you to our Sanibel community for your patience and cooperation as we work to ensure everyone returns to their properties safely,” the city said.

Sanibel City Hall and the Sanibel Recreation Center will be closed today. City phones are operating at 239-472-3700, and crews will continue recovery work throughout the weekend.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 11, 2024):

City: Hurricane passes no longer required

The city of Sanibel reported that as of 11:30 a.m. today, the Sanibel Causeway is accessible without a hurricane re-entry permit.

“Thank you to everyone for your patience as public safety and utility crews worked to allow safe access to the island,” the city said.

The city is asking that those who do not have business on or need to travel to Sanibel-Captiva to not travel to the islands to allow crews to expedite clean-up and restore utilities on the island.

In addition, the city reported that the causeway is open for contractors to return to Sanibel. Contractors that have 2024 re-entry passes will be granted access to the island at the checkpoint.

Beginning at noon today, contractors who have customers on the island can obtain a 2024 pass from the city by bringing the following to the city’s temporary operations center at the Hilton Garden Inn, at 16410 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers:

– Government issued photo identification

– Proof of business entity

– Existing contract or job order showing a Sanibel address

Residents of Sanibel with a green re-entry pass or a valid government issued photo ID showing a Sanibel or Captiva address will be granted access. Businesses with a red re-entry pass will be granted access.

A curfew will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily until further notice. However, please limit travel throughout the island as much as possible to allow crews to expedite clean up.

While at your home or business:

– Do not use the water. The sewer system could back up into your property.

– Consider shutting off water when you leave the island.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 10, 2024):

City: Causeway open for Sanibel residents, business owners

At 2:30 p.m. today, the city of Sanibel reported that the Sanibel Causeway is now open for property owners to return to Sanibel.

Hurricane re-entry permits or proof of residency will be required for access.

Residents of Sanibel with a green re-entry pass or a valid government issued photo ID showing a Sanibel address will be granted access.

Business owners with a red re-entry pass will be granted access.

There are still portions of roadways with standing water and drivers are encouraged to use caution when returning to their homes and businesses.

A curfew will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily until further notice. However, please limit travel throughout the island as much as possible to allow crews to expedite clean up.

While at your home or business:

– Do not use the water. The sewer system could back up into your property

– Consider shutting off water when you leave the island.

“Thank you to our Sanibel community for working together through the evacuation process and for helping each other stay safe through this storm,” the city said. “We also greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to ensure everyone returns to their properties safely.”

CAPTIVA

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported that with the causeway reopening, the Blind Pass Bridge to Captiva will remain closed. Crews are working tirelessly to repair the bridge. There was no ETA yet on when Blind Pass will reopen.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 10, 2024):

City provides live post-storm update

At 12:30 p.m. today during a Facebook Live, city of Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson and Deputy City Manager Steve Chaipel provided the following post-Hurricane Milton updates:

– Access to the island is limited to first responders and essential personnel only at this time.

– Access has been limited because the city’s wastewater sewer system, including the potable water system, is nonfunctional. The plant is running, but the transmission lines are inoperable due to no power.

– There is no power. LCEC reported that about 7,200 customers on Sanibel and Captiva were without power as of this morning, which is most of the islands. LCEC is working on restoring power, but it was waiting on a replacement part for the substation transmission lines that go to the island.

– There is no internet service.

– The precautionary boil water notice remains in effect for Sanibel and Captiva that the Island Water Association issued in advance of the storm.

– There is no substantial damage to the Sanibel Causeway.

– The island received an estimated 5 feet of storm surge on average and about 2-3 inches of rainfall, so most of the flooding was due to the surge. The city is waiting for the majority of the flood waters to recede, including along Sanibel-Captiva Road and Periwinkle Way, which still had 7-10 inches.

– Initial survey assessments of the island have been completed, and crews are clearing debris. There was some downed vegetation. There was some sand overwashing, including in the Blind Pass and Sanibel Lighthouse areas.

– When access to the island is reopened, the community is advised to be aware of downed powerlines and to not drive through standing water.

– The city’s phone lines are operational. For questions, call the main number at 239-472-3700.

– The city will continue to provide regular updates.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 10, 2024):

UPDATE: City to provide live post-storm update

The city of Sanibel reported that it will provide a live post-Hurricane Milton update today at 12:30 p.m. on its Facebook page.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 10, 2024):

City provides post-storm update

At 8 a.m. today, the city of Sanibel provided the following post-storm update on Hurricane Milton:

First responders and city crews are mobilized and have returned to the island to assess the safety of island. First reports from crews on the island indicate that there is substantial water over roadways in excess of 3 feet in some areas.

The 24-hour curfew is still in place and it is imperative that those who chose to remain on the island continue to shelter in place. It will take time for the water to recede and for crews to clear roadways to make the island safe for travel.

Only first responders and essential personnel may access the island at this time. Please do not attempt to access the Sanibel Causeway. You will be turned away by law enforcement. There is no need to line up at the entrance to the Sanibel Causeway as it will likely be some time before the island is safe for residents and businesses to return.

Thanks to everyone for working together through the evacuation process and for helping each other stay safe. We appreciate your patience as we work to prepare the island for everyone’s return.

Re-entry information will be provided through city news releases and on the city’s website and Facebook page.

Sanibel City Hall and the Sanibel Recreation Center will be closed through Friday.

The city is currently under a 24-hour a day curfew that will be in effect until further notice.

The city will continue to issue regular updates.

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 9, 2024):

UPDATE: City provides storm update

At 7 p.m. today, the city of Sanibel provided the following update on Hurricane Milton:

Please shelter in place. The hurricane is very close to the coast and strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge are impacting Sanibel and the Lee County coast. Roads on Sanibel are currently being impacted by storm surge and are unsafe for travel.

When the storm has passed, and it is safe to do so, first responders will return to Sanibel and assess the safety of island. Once it has been determined that the island is safe for people to return, re-entry information will be provided through city news releases and on the city’s website at and its Facebook page.

Sanibel City Hall and the Sanibel Recreation Center will be closed through Friday.

The city is currently under a 24-hour a day curfew that will be in effect until further notice.

The city will continue to issue regular updates on Milton as new information is received.

Please continue to monitor city news releases, the National Weather Service, and reports from local meteorologists. Also, if you have not yet registered to receive notifications from Alert Lee register at

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 9, 2024):

City, island officials provide storm update

At 10:15 a.m. today, Oct. 9, city and island officials gave an update on Hurricane Milton.

Sanibel City Manager Dana Souza reported that as of 7 a.m., the storm was 300 miles southwest of Tampa. The wind field, which is expected to expand once Milton makes landfall, was about 30 miles across for hurricane force winds and about 125 miles for tropical storm force winds.

“Tropical force winds should arrive on Sanibel at about 2 p.m. Mostly on Sanibel, we expect to see tropical storm force winds,” he said, adding that the chance for hurricane force winds is 11-12%.

“That’s sustained winds,” Souza added.

Rainfall expectations have increased to 6-12 inches.

Souza reiterated that yesterday’s update from the National Hurricane Center predicted 8-12 feet of storm surge for Lee County — as experienced in Hurricane Ian and the island’s primary concern.

“That storm surge will peak this evening and early tomorrow morning,” he said.

Souza reported that Lee County shelters are still accepting people.

“Our primary purpose here today is to just to ask you to evacuate,” he said. “So many residents have taken that advice and left the island, but there’s still some residents who remain here on Sanibel.”

Sanibel Police Department Deputy Chief Anthony Thompson, who is serving as acting chief for the time being, reiterated that the city is under a mandatory evacuation with a 24-hour curfew in place.

“It is crucial that everyone understands the seriousness of this situation,” he said. “These measures are in place for your safety.”

Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported that areas are already flooding.

“The island is extremely saturated. Areas that normally flood during heavy rainstorms are already underwater by a few inches,” he said, citing Dixie Beach Boulevard, Bailey Road and West Gulf Drive past Rabbit Road. “Currently Blind Pass is OK, the causeway is OK, but the conditions are going to deteriorate.”

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 8, 2024):

City: Potential for surge of up to 12 feet now

(Editor’s note: Since the city’s update, Hurricane Milton has strengthen again to a Category 5, according to the National Hurricane Center.)

At 5:15 p.m. today, Oct. 8, city and island officials gave an update on Hurricane Milton.

Sanibel City Manager Dana Souza reported that the storm remains a Category 4 with 150 mph sustained winds. The predicted rainfall for the island is 4-8 inches, with 60-70 mph sustained winds.

“It’s important for all of you to continue to monitor the storm and follow the track over the next 24-36 hours. Slight shifts in direction are critically important to us,” he said, noting that Hurricanes Ian and Charley made right turn movements at the last minute and affected the community.

Souza continued that Milton is expected to make landfall near or north of Sanibel early Thursday morning. The predicted storm surge was 6-10 feet. However, he heard from Lee County Emergency Management’s director about the 5 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center on the storm.

“(It) shows that the storm has taken a slight bump to the south and that Sanibel is now expected to potentially see a storm surge of up to 12 feet,” Souza said. “We know from Hurricane Ian how significantly a storm surge of 12 feet is.”

He reported that the city has completed its storm preparations.

“I hope that residents and business owners have done the same,” Souza said, extending his thanks to the island’s residents, business owners and nonprofit organizations for preparing and evacuating.

“For those who have not evacuated Sanibel yet, I urge you to do so soon,” he added.

Souza reiterated that the mayor’s proclamation orders a mandatory evacuation for Sanibel and that Lee County has issued mandatory evacuations for Sanibel and all areas located in Zones A and B.

“Please heed these warnings. Leave now,” he said. “All of the barrier islands are vulnerable to this storm surge.”

Sanibel Police Department Deputy Chief Anthony Thompson, who is serving as acting chief for the time being, reported that many residents have already evacuated or are in the process of doing so.

He reminded the island that a city curfew will go into effect.

“The curfew will be in place on Sanibel starting at 10 p.m. and it will continue until further notice,” Thompson said, adding that it prohibits any vehicular or pedestrian movement within the city’s limits, except for emergency services, utilities and city personnel who have been authorized by the city.

“We will strictly enforce the curfew,” he said.

Thompson reported that checkpoints will be set up near the Sanibel Causeway toll facilities to check traffic entering the island and on the causeway road to check traffic exiting the island. In addition, officers will be dispatched throughout Sanibel stopping vehicles and those in violation of the curfew.

“The curfew is in place to protect our residents, their homes and our businesses,” he said. “There is no reason for anyone to be on a barrier island at this time.”

Thompson noted that emergency services and responses will stop at 45 mph sustained winds.

“We will not be able to get to you,” he said.

“Please be safe, be vigilant, monitor the storm and, most importantly, adhere to the evacuation and curfew orders,” Thompson added. “Your cooperation is crucial in ensuring our collective safety.”

Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported that the district is finishing its operations in preparation for Milton. After it has passed, the district will shift to search and rescue.

“This is a very big storm, with the potential of having a devastating impact to our island,” he said.

Barbot noted that the district will also suspended services at 45 mph sustained winds.

“That means we will not respond to help you,” he said. “You will be left alone, and you will not be taken care of.”

Barbot pointed to the potential for 12 feet of surge.

“That is going to be devastating to our island should we actually see a 12-foot storm surge,” he said. “It is not safe for our crews to respond, even when winds have calmed below 45 mph.”

Barbot encouraged those still left to gather their belongings and leave until the island is safe.

“Please leave the island at 10 p.m.,” he said.

Souza reported that the city will continue to issue updates.

“Our message today is not to scare you. It’s to prepare you for a scary storm that is coming our way,” he said. “So if you haven’t evacuated Sanibel, please do so now. I want to see all of you on the other side of this storm safe and sound in just a few days.”

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 8, 2024):

City to provide storm update via Facebook Live

The city of Sanibel reported that City Manager Dana Souza will provide a live update on Hurricane Milton today, Oct. 8, at 5:15 p.m. on the city’s Facebook page at

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ORIGINAL (Oct. 8, 2024):

SPD extends hours for re-entry permits

The city of Sanibel reported that the Sanibel Police Department has extended the hours for residents and businesses to pick up hurricane re-entry permits from noon until 4 p.m. today, Oct. 8.

The city noted that a government issued photo ID with a Sanibel or Captiva address, or a utility or property bill with your name and a government issued photo ID, may be used at the checkpoint to gain access to the islands once residential and commercial access is allowed following the storm.

The Sanibel Police Department is at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.