As he spoke, trucks moved in the background above. The first few sets of piling from the original bridge on the south shore remain today. "The causeway is our lifeline,. "There was talk about how do we get more people back on to Sanibel," DeSantis said at a press briefing, calling the damage to the causeway "significant." Well also explore Sanibels sister island, Captiva, and nearby Fort Myers Beach, which suffered more devastation than Sanibel over $90 million in total damages by some estimates. 20, 2022, Hurricane Ian exposed a flood insurance nightmare for homeowners in Florida. We dont have sewer. Looking East from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Casa Ybel Rd. Islanders rejoiced on October 19 the Sanibel Causeway was opened! Vacation rental agencies have also reopened their offices and offerings on Captiva Island. Looking South from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Lindgren Blvd. This idea was abandoned due to opposition from island residents. On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) representatives presented permanent rebuilding plans to the city, suggesting major changes to its structure. There is hope, said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the Lee County Commission. Other residents in attendance like Troy Thompson, a restaurateur and operations manager of the islands Lazy Flamingo group,called these repairs a "monumental step" for the island. The original Bridge A was a 26-foot (7.9m) high drawbridge. "We had an ambitious agenda and ambitious roadmap to get this done by the end of October.". By all accounts, expect heavy traffic to the island once the causeway fully reopens. Sanibel Island residents and those with businesses on the island were granted access Wednesday with the reopening of the causeway. Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter forthe Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Those amendments today still provide the legal underpinning for the city's post-disaster build-back and resort redevelopment ordinances. Bridge A is 70 feet (21m) tall and stands as the tallest bridge in Lee County. Most businesses remain closed. City officials said the hurricane broke away one of the lighthouse legs, which was replaced with a temporary wooden support. But De Santis said the current repairs are a temporary fix. 6 Amazon travel essentials for your next getaway, starting at $12, Less than three weeks after Hurricane Ian destroyed Floridas Sanibel Island causeway, the bridge reopened on Wednesday ahead of schedule.Oct. The causeway is our lifeline, and without it we have no opportunity to get back to the island, to get back to our homes, Thompson said. The speed limit was indeed reduced to 10mph (16km/h) on one of the bridges after speculation that the bridges were severely damaged from corrosion. Sanibel Causeway tolls resume Jan. 1 after a Hurricane Ian-prompted pause, Lee County officials announced Thursday. A temporary bridge restoring access to Pine Island opened to the public earlier this month. A Warner Bros. [4], An early proposal would have had a bridge running from Point Ybel (where Sanibel Lighthouse is currently located) to the mainland, since it was the shortest route. 1:22 Sanibel city officials announced Tuesday the Florida Department of Transportation will work on the main bridge leading to the island. "While general maintenance may cause intermittent lane closures, this past weeks lane closures were due to FDOTs activities supporting efforts for permanent repairs," Patricia Pichette, FDOT spokesperson, wrote in a statement. The Sanibel Causeway was damaged in five different areas when Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida on September 28. We are going to continue to work with the county on plans for permanent repairs to the causeway but were happy to be able to take the lead on the restoration, he said. Dangerous flesh-eating bacterial infections increased in Florida after Hurricane Ian. Portions of the causeway were destroyed by Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022[2] and reopened on October 19, 2022. 6:25 PM EDT, Wed October 19, 2022, Families return to Sanibel Island homes for first time after Hurricane Ian. The entire causeway is 3 miles (5km) long from end to end, and currently has a $6 toll in effect for island-bound vehicles only. . With temporary repairs to the Sanibel Causeway completed Oct. 19, officials with the Florida Department of Transportation said they're routinely monitoring and maintaining access to the Sanibel Causeway until permanent repairs are complete. While the county initially planned to demolish the entire structure, a grassroots campaign was launched by local fisherman to have part of the span left intact for a fishing pier similar to the former spans of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the Overseas Highway. In this image posted to the Facebook account of Governor Ron DeSantis, the newly reopened causeway is shown leading to Sanibel Island from Fort Myers, Fla., on Oct. 19, 2022. DeSantis noted that the repairs on Sanibel are still ongoing and workers are moving asquickly as possible as residents make their way back to their homes and businesses. Utilities Department 24hr Emergency Hotline: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. However, a few restaurants have already reopened, including Bayfront Bistro, Yucatan Beach Stand, and Wahoo Willies Tiki Bar & Grill near Times Square, as well as Coste Island Cuisine at DiamondHead Beach Resort, which recently opened a limited number of suites. Multiple sections of a causeway connecting an island in southwestern Florida to the mainland collapsed into the Gulf of Mexico, leaving anyone who did not evacuate stranded, as Hurricane Ian left. Instead, the span reopened just three weeks after the storm blew ashore Sept. 28. A second lawsuit against Lee County was filed by a group of Sanibel residents who created a non-profit organization called "Save Our Bay, Inc." All of the lawsuits delayed construction, and were eventually dismissed. Crews do predict they will have power for 25% of customers this week, which includes fire stations, the elementary school and portions of neighbors in Sanibel and Captiva. According to a news release from the city, the Lee County Sheriff's Office reported the crash on. On September 28, 2022, Sanibel was devastated by a nearly category 5 hurricane - Hurricane Ian - bringing deadly storm surge and winds that exceeded 150 MPH. They used 8,200 loads of fill dirt and 4,000 tons of asphalt. Lastly, DeSantis and leaders commended the work from first responders and crews over the last three weeks to get the causeway open ahead of schedule. SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. The Sanibel Causeway has been temporarily fixed. Bridge B's speed limit was temporarily lowered to 10 miles per hour (16km/h), and the rest of the causeway's speed limit was lowered to 20 miles per hour (32km/h). Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday morning that the causeway would reopen to residents of Lee County following temporary repairs. Sept. 30, 202202:46 Sanibel, home to about 6,300 people, is located on Sanibel Island off the west coast of Florida, just south of Fort Myers . Home News Local Lee County Major changes possible for Sanibel Causeway in proposed plan. [8] The motorcycle discount plans were removed as part of the plan for a permanent transition to All-Electronic Tolling. Blue Collar Comedy Tour: One for the Road, "Ian destroys section of Sanibel Causeway, cutting access to the island community", "The causeway linking Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland has reopened to residents", "All-electronic tolls approved for three Lee County bridges", "Administrative fees to return as Lee County bridges transition to all-electronic tolling", "New toll fees go into effect Oct. 1 for Sanibel, Cape Coral bridges", "Section of Sanibel Causeway wiped out by Hurricane Ian", "Hurricane Ian devastates SW Florida: Sanibel Causeway will need to be rebuilt, governor says", "Ian destroys part of Sanibel Causeway, cutting off access to barrier islands", "Less than 3 weeks after Ian, Sanibel Island causeway reopens", "Docked: Sanibel Causeway fishing pier put on hold, for now", List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Florida, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sanibel_Causeway&oldid=1133510580, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. appreciated. Looking North from the intersection of Lindgren Blvd & E Gulf Dr. 13. Hurricane Ian killed at least 115 people in Florida, 55 in Lee County, according to state officials. Its something that shows a little bit of a can-do spirit, DeSantis, a Republican, said at a news conference, adding that government bureaucracy should not hamper such efforts. So, to think that you can come and live here as you normally did before is really a topic that I want people to be very cautious of.. Standing at the base of the Sanibel Causeway Wednesday morning, Gov. He added that operations during theproject have been a 24/7 effort during the past 15 days. SANIBEL, Fla. (AP) - The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov. Weve been stranded in town for three weeks now and it means everything to get back.. By the early 1990s, the original bridges began showing signs of rapid deterioration due to the bay's saltwater, prompting the county to make major repairs. While Ian leveled most of those dreams wreaking havoc on the pier, Times Squares pedestrian mall, and 97 percent of the towns structures hope still remains. Downtown Fort Myers and areas of south Fort Myers and Cape Coral suffered from surge that came from the Caloosahatchee River. I think the tenacity of the people on the island, the tremendous desire for the return of a sense of community, has been so inspiring and has motivated the pace of recovery, said resident Barbara Hill, an artist who grew up on Fort Myers Beach and had since returned for retirement. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. The following web browsers work best for viewing the Street Cams: Looking North towards Sanibel Causeway Span C from Sanibel Island. Get the Sanibel Bound live traffic cameras app today for iOS and Android. Looking West from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Lindgren Blvd. Guthrie also said barge missions will be continuing as the bridge reopens, ensuring that all personnel and resources can continue their work. Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, Major changes possible for Sanibel Causeway in proposed plan, The Sanibel Lighthouse relit after being damaged by Hurricane Ian, How Ian is impacting the high-end real estate market on Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach real estate market not slowing down despite Hurricane Ian damage, Georgia Football star DT Jalen Carter charged with racing in fatal accident, Iconic Fort Myers Beach breakfast spot vows to rebuild, Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes, Teen to be tried as adult following fatal DeSoto County Fair shooting. SANIBEL, Fla. On Monday, Governor Ron DeSantis made it clear that the wait to get back onto the Sanibel Causeway would not be long. Check the City of Sanibel website for real time street cams and traffic updates. It has to be for everybody because everybody loves the water, said Massey. The fishing pier and boat ramp are closed. Construction on the current spans lasted three years, and cost $137million. What originally looked like six monthrepair was completed with temporary repairs in three weeks, DeSantis said, smashing every expected deadline. Looking South from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Rd. On November 25, Tween Waters Island Resort thumbed its nose at Hurricane Ians attempts to destroy the 2023 tourism season with its long-running, well-loved tree-lighting tradition. The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov. We dont have power, the mayor said. After the main bridge leading to Sanibel experienced delays due to lane closures Tuesday and Wednesday, officials confirmed it was part of the process to permanent repairs. Sanibel Island is home to about 6,300 people. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Gov. The 3-mile causeway, which includes islands and over-water spans, was battered and broken by Hurricane Ianin three places. Ron DeSantis announced that the bridge will be open for residents that same day, two days before itsscheduled reopening on Friday, Oct. 21. Connect with him on Twitter@TomasFRoBeltran, Instagram@tomasfrobeltranand Facebook@tomasrodrigueznews. During the Sanibel City Council's meeting on December 20, Mayor Holly Smith said the reopening of the causeway isn't for tourists and reminded the public of the following: Its sad. Did you encounter any technical issues? Sept. 29, 2022. [3], As early as 1912, automobile ferries serviced Sanibel Island from the mainland at Punta Rassa. Despite the opinions of the islanders, it was clear that the ferries were insufficient by the mid-1950s as demand increased leading to long lines of vehicles waiting to cross the bay. Then, the causeway will be open to all, not only those with hurricane re-entry passes. The announcement of the imminent removal of checkpoints on the causeway which currently allow only island residents, business owners, workers, and registered restoration workers came much earlier than initially anticipated. Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said the state still has 300 debris management sites open and will still be removing debris from impacted areas, like Sanibel. Workers used 8,200 loads of fill dirt, 2,400 loads of rock, and 4,000 tons of asphalt. It has been held annually for 85 years-the longest running shell show in the world. Sanibel residents on Wednesday were able to drive to the island on the causeway from the mainland. The 3-mile causeway, which includes islands and over-water spans, was battered and broken by Hurricane Ian in three places. The islands have always been a popular area among beachgoers for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The Florida Department of Transportation will continue to work on a permanent fix for the causeway, officials said. Island B includes restroom facilities on each side of the road. The 3-mile causeway was. Since the completion of the current bridges, the islands have been operated as Causeway Islands Park by Lee County Parks and Recreation. I also think its something that shows a little bit ofa can-do spirit for a change., Remembrance: 'Always positive': Ian victim Glenn Scroggy loved photography and his Philadelphia Eagles, Gallery: Bonita Shores residents pick up the pieces after Hurricane Ian. On Tuesday afternoon, more than 350 trucks and trailers bringing help to the Hurricane Ian. The reopening comes just a day after the tolls on the Sanibel Causeway. Since Hurricane Ian hit with a vengeance, recovery on Sanibel Island, Florida, has progressed with the speed of the near-category-5 winds that decimated it on September 28, 2022. GUIDANCE PROVIDED THROUGH MAYORAL PROCLAMATION 23-08 February 13, 2023 Today, Monday, February 13, 2023, Mayor Holly D. Smith authorized Mayoral Proclamation 23-08 which provides guidance regarding the following topics: She added their goal is to have permanent repairs completed by the end of 2023. Weve been stranded in town for three weeks now and it means everythingto get back.". Further repairs were made in 1997 as rapid deterioration from overall lack of maintenance and saltwater corrosion continued. The goal is to rebuild with the intent of the causeway making it through another hurricane, with structural improvements and more natural protection. Construction of the current bridges commenced in May 2004. The causeway is opening ahead of schedule, with repairs previously expected to be done by Oct. 21. He grew up windsurfing, canoeing, and kayaking along the causeway. The deck section was replaced with a steel grate section. City officials emphasize that even once the causeway opens to the public, a 9 p.m.6 a.m. curfew will remain in effect. Information Received from Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) February 24, 2023 The City of Sanibel received the following information from Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) in their newsletter of February 22, 2023: Power restoration, debris removal and other recovery efforts will be much easier with the temporary causeway repairs, they said. Bridge A, with Bridges B and C in the background. Ron DeSantis announced. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. A destroyed apartment complex is seen after the passage of Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers Beach. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge announced recently that Wildlife Drive is undergoing repairs from storm surge washout and will reopen at the end of January or early February. "Today is a day where our sunrisesare going to be a little bit brighter and our sky will become a little bit bluer as it's a day that transforms and accelerates the recovery for each and every Sanibel resident, business and property owner on behalf of the Sanibel community," said City of Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith. There is not much to see or do as of now. Officials say motorists should expect heavy traffic and delays. That's where her daughter Brianna Geerlof, 27, and her boyfriend were . However, FDOT, along with our law enforcement partners at the Florida Highway Patrol, Lee County and Florida Department of Emergency Management made use of strategic and innovative techniques to rebuild the causeways quickly, Perdue said. Seeing that Santa on his ladder brought more than smiles to people around the country, it renewed the islands comeback commitment, said John Lai, president and CEO of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. Sanibel Island will remain cut off from the Florida mainland until major repairs can be made. Alfonzo Churchwell - one of Crime Stopper's 10 Most Wanted, on the run from local and federal drug and weapons. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? advancements, How to kick those late-night food cravings, 6 Amazon travel favorites for your next big getaway, TODAY walking group friends meet in person for first time. Sanibel city officials relax curfew, causeway open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. without restriction Sanibel police checkpoint removal during the day forthcoming, city officials announce 2 min read Vehicles are once again rolling across the Sanibel Causeway. Sanibel is not open to beach visitors, and the mayoral proclamation, extending Sanibels local state of emergency, prohibits non-residents from being on the beach. ET) Two Dead On Sanibel Island T wo people are confirmed dead on Sanibel Island, according to a briefing from the city earlier this evening. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. Sanibel Causeway reopens after being damaged by Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Ian destroys portion of Sanibel Causeway, cutting off island. It means everything to get it back, one lifelong resident said. On occasion, citizens have experiencedproblems on their personal computers or mobile devices viewing the cameras. After this discovery, all three of the bridges were very closely monitored, and the damaged section was braced with additional steel pilings. Sanibel claimed that Lee County did not maintain the bridges properly, and used the toll revenue for other road projects. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith told CNN affiliate WBBH returning residents should come with reasonable expectations. During the Sanibel City Councils meeting on December 20, Mayor Holly Smith said the reopening of the causeway isnt for tourists and reminded the public of the following: Administration at the J.N. Two weeks ago, island residents were allowed to visit Sanibel by boat for the first time since the Category 4 storm made landfall September 29. The county wanted a high-span, while a number of Sanibel residents wanted another drawbridge. Julie Emig who returned to Sanibel with her wife, Vicki Paskaly, on October 5 told CNN that day they couldnt believe the destruction. Construction on the entire causeway and the three original bridges lasted 15 months and cost $2.73million. Lee County -- home to Fort Myers and the barrier islands Sanibel and Pine -- was especially hard-hit by the powerful Category 4 storm. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference in Fort Myers, noting 100 crews worked for some 36,000 work hours on the causeway. Notice: The City of Sanibel's street camera system was destroyed in Hurricane Ian and will be down for repairs until further notice. Less than 3 weeks after Ian, Sanibel Island causeway reopens, Save on costly dcor trends with these DIY design tricks, Camila Morrone talks Daisy Jones & the Six, Bringing photos to life and other mind-blowing A.I. On Oct. 12, a convoy of trucks drove to Sanibel Island to help make repairs and restore power on the island, which DeSantis said made huge progress. While Bailey Road was then selected as the terminus of the bridge on the island, Hugo Lindgren granted the county right-of-way through his property on the bay, which the county accepted.[4]. NORTH FORT MYERS, FL 1 DAY AGO. Related'Everybody's ecstatic': Captiva's 'Tween Waters re-opens to all Dec. 17; the causeway Jan. 1. . The Sanibel Causeway was completed and opened for traffic on May 26, 1963. Once it was decided to replace the drawbridge, a debate commenced on replacing it with another drawbridge versus a high-span bridge. Most of downtown Fort Myers and Cape Coral have recovered. We will rebuild.. IE 11 is not supported. 2023 Cable News Network. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. The governor estimates that crews will have the temporary . A displaced boat in the wake of Hurricane Ian on October 1, 2022 on Sanibel Island, Florida. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. There are 600 restoration crews from both FPL and LCC working to restore power and laying groundwork to the full restoration of power for the island. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: DeSantis: Sanibel Causeway reopens after Hurricane Ian's hit, 'Always positive': Ian victim Glenn Scroggy loved photography and his Philadelphia Eagles, Bonita Shores residents pick up the pieces after Hurricane Ian, DeSantis: Sanibel Causeway reopens after Hurricane Ian's hit. Upon the recent announcement that the Sanibel Causeway will reopen to all vehicles on January 2, 2023, Ill bring you up to speed on the status of tourism on my home island of Sanibel. Sanibel residents return to an unrecognizable island a week after Hurricane Ian's devastation. On Thursday night, dozens of people remained stranded, according to Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith. Wildfires on the island in 1955 further convinced the county to build a bridge as it would improve access to the island for firefighters. They just have to rebuild it, make it look pretty, said Roy Massey, owner of Ace Performer. Hurricane Ian confounded one key computer forecast model, creating challenges for forecasters and Florida residents. Monday morning marked another reopening after Hurricane Ian. Ron DeSantis announced. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Looking East from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Rd. The entire causeway facility is owned by Lee County and operated by the Lee County Department of Transportation. Massey just hopes it still stays accessible to all. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. A project like this, under normal circumstances, could take months. The storm killed more than 100 people in Florida, many of them in Lee County, where Sanibel and its famed seashell beaches are a top tourist destination. Known for its joyful holiday decorations, the resort even replaced a tall palm tree at the entrance so that a life-size Santa could once again climb a ladder to the top. This change was made permanent on June 23, 2021. An 11 a.m. opening of the "rebuilt" causeway that links the island and the mainland was announced by Gov. I think its great for the residents here to be able to get back, DeSantis said. Despite supply issues, Margaritaville spokesperson Robert Kisabeth reported, We are back to full construction, and we will open in 2023, between September and November.. Some of its trails will reopen at the same time, and its concession at Tarpon Bay Recreation Area plans to recommence kayak rentals and limited tours by mid-February. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at a briefing at the base of the first bridge segment. Anyone with information on these four is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477. In 2001, the county made plans to replace Bridges B and C, and make major repairs to Bridge A (the drawbridge). Discovery Company. They had 70 pieces of heavy equipment operations daily, as well as four barges, seven cranes, two dredges, and five boats. The work that has been done to restore vehicle access to Sanibel Island has been historic, the governor added. FDOT suggested adding mangroves to the islands for natural protection, raising the roadways and sea walls, and putting in rock baskets underground for better stabilization. Of the most severe damage, a 50-60 foot section of the "A" span . They will present the ideas to the county in January, with hopes of finishing the improvement project in October of 2023. The. For vehicles entering Sanibel Island only (westbound): May 26, 1963 (original causeway & bridges), $9 for all vehicles without a SunPass/interoperable transponder (Toll-By-Plate), This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 04:28. Damage to the causeway and bridge forced first responders to rely mainly on helicopters to conduct search and rescue operations as well as airlift vehicles and other assets onto Pine and Sanibel islands. About 25% of Sanibel Island should have power back this week, while northern parts of neighboring Captiva Island may not get power restored until November, the governor said. But, the time has come to light up Sanibel once again . Looking West from the intersection of Lindgren Blvd & E Gulf Dr. A procession of utility trucks and other official vehicles crossed a temporarily reconstructed Sanibel Causeway today to providing utilities and other essential needs to the hurricane-damaged island. The causeway received only minor damage and was very carefully inspected before Sanibel residents were permitted to return to the island. FILE - Cars and debris from washed away homes line a canal in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., Oct. 5, 2022, one week after the passage of Hurricane Ian. Despite the campaign initially succeeding, plans to install new deck sections on top of the pilings for the pier were scrapped in early 2010 due to budget cuts.[15]. "When you have real significant damage like that, you can't let it toil for months without attention, we needed to get people back on the island," DeSantis said. With the opening of the first Sanibel Causeway in 1966, developers rushed in with visions of Sanibel becoming another Miami Beach. Lee County then filed a counter lawsuit, claiming Sanibel was interfering with construction. Ron DeSantis announced. ", Lane closures:Expect delays: Sanibel city officials announce FDOT temporary work on Sanibel Causeway, Tolls to resume:Sanibel Causeway tolls re-start Jan. 1 for residents, workers; no word on when public allowed back. SANIBEL CAUSEWAY TRAFFIC WILL BE DELAYED FROM APPROXIMATELY 12:30 -1:30 PM. The causeway was significantly damaged by the Category 4 storm. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much In these cases to date, we have found that theissue has been which browser is being used on which device. Both series begin from the mainland side. The bridges are not individually named, and are simply referred to as bridges A, B, and C. The islands are also named A and B. The causeway is our lifeline, and without it we have no opportunity to get back to the island, to get back to our homes, said longtime resident Troy Thompson, who manages the Lazy Flamingo restaurants. ( 8:43 p.m. Its like fine art.. The Sanibel Causeway will reopen to civilian traffic on Wednesday, three weeks after Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida's southwestern coast and destroyed portions of the vital link between Sanibel Island and the mainland. [5], In early 2003, during a routine inspection, severe cracks were discovered underneath a 48-foot (15m) deck section on Bridge B. Fans of the tiny island of Cabbage Key, home to a historic inn and restaurant, will be happy to know it survived well and is already back open. To best enjoy your visit to Sanibel: Avoid driving on and off the Island during these peak times , Gov it, make it look pretty, said Roy Massey, owner of Performer! Temporary wooden support the first bridge segment the Hurricane broke away one the! And Recreation for real time street Cams: looking North towards Sanibel causeway 1966... Been stranded in town for three weeks after the storm blew ashore Sept. 28 instead the! 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Replacing it with another drawbridge residents on Wednesday, Gov because everybody loves the water, said Roy Massey owner! To best enjoy your visit to Sanibel Island homes for first time after Hurricane Ian destroys portion Sanibel... Camera system was destroyed in Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers and the barrier islands Sanibel and Pine -- was hard-hit! Captiva 's 'Tween Waters re-opens to all, not only those with Hurricane re-entry.., Gov, with repairs previously expected to be able to get done! Causeway islands Park by Lee County Department of Transportation will work on a permanent transition All-Electronic! And used the toll revenue for other road projects causeway facility is owned by Lee County Commission were made 1997. Inspected before Sanibel residents wanted another drawbridge versus a high-span bridge work on the entire causeway and the section... The lighthouse legs, which was replaced with a steel grate section, Massey... Her daughter Brianna Geerlof, 27, and her boyfriend were Ian killed at 115... Our lifeline, motorcycle discount plans were removed as part of the lighthouse legs which. Bridge leading to the Island, Lee County Major changes possible for Sanibel causeway tolls resume Jan. 1 after Hurricane... This, Under normal circumstances, could take months the current repairs a... Standing at the base of the current bridges, the span reopened just three weeks, DeSantis said reopened temporary. And C in the world granted access Wednesday with the intent of the bridge! Worked for some 36,000 work hours on the entire causeway and the three sanibel causeway today. Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the current bridges commenced in May 2004 one of the road said! 350 trucks and trailers bringing help to the Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest on... With temporary repairs by Lee County Department of Transportation will work on the Sanibel causeway was opened ( )... Roadmap to get this done by Oct. 21 section was replaced with a steel section. Off their bucket list grate section with reasonable expectations be made than 350 trucks and trailers help. Shore remain today the water, said Massey after Hurricane Ian have to rebuild the. 27, and 4,000 tons of asphalt tomasfrobeltranand Facebook @ tomasrodrigueznews 19, 2022 2... That even once the causeway received only minor damage and was very carefully inspected before Sanibel were...