In September 2022, Hurricane Ian rocked the coast of Southwest Florida. The category 4 storm brought an 18-foot storm surge and 155 mph winds, causing major flooding and destruction in many areas.
Among the hardest hit communities were Sanibel and Captiva Islands, home to endangered sea turtles, rare migratory birds, and thousands of people who appreciate the beauty of nature all around them.
As one of the world’s favorite destinations for shelling and beach-going, Sanibel and Captiva Islands have long been a tourist attraction that offers more than the lines at Disney World.
In our humble opinion, Southwest Florida’s barrier islands are arguably the best places to visit in all of Florida.
Though Sanibel & Captiva Islands don’t look quite like they used to, the grandeur is still there: seashells adorn the beaches, the Gulf glistens as pods of dolphins play in its waves and famous SWFL sunsets paint pastel colors across the sky.
While there is still work left to do, recovery efforts have not slowed down since day one. A lot of progress has been made since Hurricane Ian struck Sanibel & Captiva, and today we’re celebrating it.
In this blog, you’ll find out what’s open, what’s being upgraded, and all the forward motion worth acknowledging on Sanibel & Captiva Islands.
Immediate Aid & Recovery After Hurricane Ian
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall and destroyed the Sanibel Causeway in its wake. Just 15 days later, the causeway was repaired and reopened.
The speed of this rebuilding effort speaks to Southwest Florida’s overall response to Hurricane Ian: no time was wasted.
If that’s what our community is capable of in just 15 days, imagine all that’s been done in the past seven months.
Not only did Southwest Florida receive emergency aid from state and federal governments, but civilians came to the frontlines to help.
From beach cleanups to sea turtle rescues, volunteers band together to enhance the well-being of people and wildlife alike.
As if that weren’t empowering enough, a historic structure on Sanibel withstood the storm, serving as a symbol of strength and resilience: the Sanibel Island Light.
Exciting Developments: The 7-Month Anniversary After Hurricane Ian
Relighting the Sanibel Lighthouse
Five months following Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Lighthouse was relit during a ceremony that took place at 6:00am on February 28th of 2023.
On this day, community members gathered around the 98-foot iconic structure to celebrate its light coming back on for the first time since the storm.
As Sanibel’s oldest structure and one of the first lighthouses built on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the lighthouse was first lit in 1884 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located on the east end of Sanibel Island, this historical landmark has served as a stopping point for boaters and beachgoers for over a century.
Today, the ever-glowing age-old lighthouse acts as a beacon of hope through even the darkest nights: an unshakable reminder of Southwest Florida’s strength and resilience.
Reopening Sanibel’s Wildlife Refuge
Additionally, J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge reopened in April 2023. You can now enter the scenic natural area and look for alligators, manatees, otters and more along Wildlife Drive.
Bringing SWFL Beaches Back to Life
As beach cleanups continue, some select Southwest Florida beaches are open after Hurricane Ian.
Here’s a list of where you can stake an umbrella, unroll your towel and enjoy the sunshine:
Public Beaches Open on Sanibel & Captiva After Hurricane Ian
- Blind Pass Beach - 6491 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
- Tarpon Bay Beach - 2475 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
- Turner Beach - 17200 Captiva Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
- Bowman's Beach Park - 1700 Bowmans Beach Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
- Gulfside City Park - 2001 Algiers Ln, Sanibel, FL 33957
- Alison Hagerup Beach Park - 14790 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
Preserving & Protecting the Environment
The ever-popular South Seas Island Resort, located on Captiva Island, recently announced plans to restore the eco-friendly resort.
Along with upgraded amenities in the form of an enhanced golf course, new waterpark, and clubhouse, the resort plans to create a foundation aimed at protecting the local environment.
In addition to restoring the environment, the resort plans to help homeowners rebuild after Ian.
Celebrating Our Favorite Restaurants on Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Are you wondering what’s open on Sanibel & Captiva Islands after Hurricane Ian?
The answer changes daily, and we’re so happy to see so many of our favorite local businesses rebounding from the storm.
The Bubble Room, Mucky Duck and Green Flash are among some of the most loved restaurants that have opened their doors since Hurricane Ian.
For a complete list of open businesses on Sanibel & Captiva, download the
Wander app to see what’s open.
Supporting Local Businesses on Sanibel & Captiva
The best way to support local businesses is by patronizing them!
Local businesses rely on local support. From bars & restaurants to independent grocery stores (shoutout to Jerry’s Supermarket) and fishing charter & kayak companies, there are plenty of Sanibel-Captiva businesses you can visit on our islands.
Off-island, you can still support Sanibel businesses that temporarily relocated after Hurricane Ian. You’ll find a handful of island-based businesses at the Bell Tower Shops of Fort Myers including our friends at
Congress Jewelers.
Selling Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate at Record Numbers
Since Hurricane Ian, the McMurray & Members team has listed and sold multi-millions in SWFL real estate on Sanibel & Captiva Islands.
We listed and sold the largest ever recorded home sale on Sanibel Island for $11,700,000.
Located at 3845 W Gulf Dr, this Sanibel Island sanctuary is proof that Southwest Florida real estate market rebounded quickly and that Sanibel is still one of the most desirable destinations not only in Florida but the whole country!
Check out some of our other note-worthy home sales since Hurricane Ian:
- 3657 W Gulf Dr - sold for $4,500,000
- 1800 Woodring Rd - sold for $7,250,000
- 0 W Gulf Dr - sold for $3,700,000
- 16778 Captiva Dr - sold for $6,950,000
- 3615 W Gulf Dr - sold for $4,250,000
Click here to see everything we’ve sold before & after Hurricane Ian.
Buy or Sell Real Estate on Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Have you been thinking about buying or selling real estate on Sanibel & Captiva?
With seven months since the unforgettable day Hurricane Ian made landfall, a lot has developed in Southwest Florida, especially on the Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
This is your opportunity to get in on the excitement!
Right now there are deals that wouldn’t necessarily be available in an ordinary market. There are listings out there that are usually off the market before they get a chance to hit the MLS.
If you’ve ever dreamed of living on the sandy beaches of Sanibel or in a bayfront estate on Captiva, this is your chance to make those dreams a reality.
Sanibel-Captiva real estate on your mind?
McMurray & Members is Royal Shell Real Estate’s top-producing team for listings & sales on Sanibel & Captiva Island.
