Since Ian I have spotted these two. January of 23, and August of 23, one back on Par View, in a clients back yard, the other i think was in the Sanctuary.

https://preview.redd.it/k078lsnp47xd1.png?width=1710&format=png&auto=webp&s=bb19600bb4523554788aad25bdc415518c310d10

https://preview.redd.it/0ddcl8sr47xd1.png?width=1710&format=png&auto=webp&s=96ed628e72cd55dfe465097be199cfbba77b01e8

I used to see gopher tortoises all the time near our house but ever since Ian, I have not seen a single one.

I can’t imagine how they would survive that storm surge. Has anyone spotted any tortoises lately?

We got a parking ticket this morning for going over our time by a few minutes. We lost track of time shelling and ran back to the car. It’s $150.00???? That’s absolute robbery. We’re from a northern state. Our plate is from our home state. How long do I have to pay this? What will happen if I don’t? I’ve never received a parking ticket this large in my life.

I'm supposed to be visiting in a couple weeks. What is the condition of the island? Should I cancel my trip?

I put this in another post but here is a 90 minute tour of the island by adventures in paradise. I haven’t had a chance to watch it in its entirety or to summarize it.

https://www.facebook.com/sanibelcruises/videos/1598802554004736/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Based on traffic cameras before they went out periwinkle and casa ybel, lindgren and east gulf were a sea. All the other traffic cameras showed substantial amounts of water and flooding.

Anyone with better more updated information? Is it as bad as Ian? Or are there more areas that don’t have high waters/flooding?

Update: There is a Facebook live event starting shortly.

“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.”

https://www.captivasanibel.com/2024/10/10/spd-extends-hours-for-re-entry-permits/

Update 2:

Info from Facebook live.

• No significant damage to causeway
• They are not letting residents on island yet
• Sewage not functional - Waste water plant functioning but lift stations are not
• Water levels receding from roadways only 7-10 inches in high areas
• Need power for lift stations to function
• Flying in part needed for power restoration - no estimate on when power will be restored

They did not indicate whether or not there was significant flooding of home or businesses or provide any pictures.

Update 3: From 2:15 Facebook live

• Residents with green pass can now access the island
• Certain businesses (with red pass? Didn’t catch what they said here)
• Curfew in effect between 9 pm and 6 am
• Cannot access captiva - road is completely washed out
• Don’t use water
• Boil water advisory in effect
• Sewage is still out - do not put anything down drain
• Some roadways still have standing water
• Don’t drive through standing water/around barricades - 2 ft will float car 6-10 inches will ruin car.

I’m guessing we will start seeing a lot of pictures since residents can be allowed on now.

Update 4:

Adventures in paradise driving back onto sanibel.

Adventures in Paradise

Will the Milton Storm Surge be as bad as Hurricane Ian?? 😭

Anyone planning on evacuating, and if so, where to? I feel like our options are so limited as we have multiple pets, 1 being a reactive dog. The only hotel we were able to find with availability was in Estero which is seeming less and less like a decent option. Starting to look towards the Fort Lauderdale area.

Another restaurant option is back open on Sanibel. Beachfront too. We anchored here and loved it.

https://youtu.be/Pq6QcHvGseg

The City of Sanibel received the following message from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT):

As of 8:25 a.m. on Friday, 9/27, Sanibel residents may travel the Causeway OFF-ISLAND ONLY. Residents are urged to stay home unless necessary to leave. Travel to the island is expected to remain restricted until later today. Crews will continue to assess conditions. Many roads on Sanibel remain impassible due to flooding.

ON-ISLAND travel on the SANIBEL CAUSEWAY is open to EMERGENCY ACCESS ONLY. This includes access for First Responders, Utility Crews, and Essential Government Employees.

How’s everyone doing this morning?

Watching Ryan Hall on YouTube for his hurricane coverage. They just called out someone on a sailboat and his dog were rescued by the coastguard while taking on water.

Can't believe anyone was out in this but I'm glad they're okay!

How are they on the island this week/past week or two? We’ve been watching the Reddit page religiously as our trip gets closer and closer.

Not so much worried for myself/us adults, just don’t want the baby to get eaten alive!

Thanks all and see ya soon 🙋🏼‍♀️

Does anyone have serious, non vacation, year-long rental leads on the island? When I look, I only see vacation homes that are listed at like $10K a month.... I am looking for a real long-term rental to live and work on the island

Any recommendations for a great cuppicino on the island? We are here for the week and would love to start the day with great coffee. Where should we try?

I was at Lighthouse beach in late June and my group and I got destroyed by them. Was there mid May and they were hardly noticeable. I’m going the weekend of Labor Day. If they’re bad I’ll just re-route to Venice but I really prefer Sanibel.

Thanks!

Taking all opinions - who has the best of each on the Island.

Is it back to its former glory? I mean 20 years ago former glory, not pre-storm glory.

I’ve got a two-year old, will it work for us or best to stick to our usuals?