Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, My 9 Favorite Restaurants For Amazing Dining Experiences On Sanibel And Captiva Islands, 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit. After extensive preparations, the causeway was shut down all day on January 20, 2003. 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. There is hope, said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the Lee County Commission. The islands are referred to as Island A and Island B, and they serve as public beaches. The current Bridge B opened for traffic on April 11, 2007, making it the first of the current spans to open. The 3-mile causeway, which includes islands and over-water spans, was battered and broken by Hurricane Ian in three places. 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. [7] The $3 administrative fee for vehicles without transponders was suspended during the pandemic and was reinstated on October 1. North Captiva will take longer, hecautioned, because the underground electrical grid has been destroyed, although he said November restoration is expected. To best enjoy your visit to Sanibel: Avoid driving on and off the Island during these peak times 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. 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 . "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." He was heartbroken when he saw it collapse. 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. Officials confirmed the recent Sanibel Causeway lane closures are part of the process to complete permanent repairs, expected done by end of 2023 Start the day smarter USA TODAY podcasts . SANIBEL CAUSEWAY TRAFFIC WILL BE DELAYED FROM APPROXIMATELY 12:30 -1:30 PM. 6:25 PM EDT, Wed October 19, 2022, Families return to Sanibel Island homes for first time after Hurricane Ian. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. Could the Sanibel Causeway, as we once knew it, be gone forever? The state had 100 crews working 36,000 work hours to complete the temporary repairs, such as road repairs, bridge analysis, roadway restorations. A temporary bridge restoring access to Pine Island opened to the public earlier this month. After Hurricane Ian hit Sanibel and Captiva islands with category-four fierceness on September 28, some predicted it would be 6 months before the bridge to the islands from mainland Fort Myers, Florida, would be mended. Looking East from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Lindgren Blvd. DeSantis said this requires repairing transmission lines, rebuilding the islands substation, removing vegetation, and setting poles. 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. Sanibel Causeway tolls resume Jan. 1 after a Hurricane Ian-prompted pause, Lee County officials announced Thursday. It has been held annually for 85 years-the longest running shell show in the world. We had an ambitious agenda and ambitious roadmap to get this done, Gov. You can reach Tomas at [email protected] or 772-333-5501. A temporary 10-ton weight limit was put in place. Toll collection resumed Nov. 1 onthe Cape Coral Bridge and the Midpoint Bridge, the countys two other toll bridges. 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. We still do not have water. Expect delays: Sanibel city officials announce FDOT temporary work on Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel Causeway tolls re-start Jan. 1 for residents, workers; no word on when public allowed back, 'Everybody's ecstatic': Captiva's 'Tween Waters re-opens to all Dec. 17; the causeway Jan. 1, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. At a chamber of commerce meeting early in the month, Sanibel officials announced that they would be grooming the public beach accesses, a practice that the island employs only in emergencies to avoid disrupting bird and sea turtle habitats. Former congressman and CIA director Porter Goss served as Sanibel's first mayor. 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. 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: 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. . The Matlacha Pass Bridge, which connects Pine Island to the mainland in Cape Coral, was also destroyed by Ian. This idea was abandoned due to opposition from island residents. 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. 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. Florida Gov. That's where her daughter Brianna Geerlof, 27, and her boyfriend were . 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. Parking spaces at the beaches, however, are not yet available. Updated: May 24, 2022 5:00 PM EDT. He added that operations during theproject have been a 24/7 effort during the past 15 days. Looking East from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Casa Ybel Rd. The. A private ceremony was held the day after the current bridge opened to commemorate the drawbridge's final opening. What originally looked like six monthrepair was completed with temporary repairs in three weeks, DeSantis said, smashing every expected deadline. The deck section was replaced with a steel grate section. Looking West from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Casa Ybel Rd. A curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. remains in effect for the island. Sanibel Island residents on Wednesday were crossing the causeway for the first time since Hurricane Ian damaged the only road onto the popular Gulf Coast destination. 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. Lee County officials announced Sanibel Causeway tolls will resume Jan. 1 after a Hurricane Ian-prompted pause. The only Sanibel resort currently accepting reservations remains Island Inn, with limited capacity. The causeway has been closed since Hurricane Ian made landfall. 2. Looking West from the intersection of Lindgren Blvd & E Gulf Dr. The same is largely true for St. James City, but the Bokeelia area is coming back on the island. Bridge A, with Bridges B and C in the background. Beaches and beach parks, including the Sanibel Lighthouse, remain closed. Island B includes restroom facilities on each side of the road. But, the time has come to light up Sanibel once again . 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. Looking West from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Lindgren Blvd. According to a news release from the city, the Lee County Sheriff's Office reported the crash on. 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. Power to a school, a water plant and fire stations could be back by Thursday, Lee County Electric Cooperative said Saturday on its website. Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter forthe Naples Daily News and The News-Press. An official grand-opening ceremony for the current bridges was held on September 8, 2007, which was the day the current Bridge C opened (even though the current Bridges A and B opened prior to September 8). 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. In 2001, the county made plans to replace Bridges B and C, and make major repairs to Bridge A (the drawbridge). Guthrie also said barge missions will be continuing as the bridge reopens, ensuring that all personnel and resources can continue their work. Similar to Bridge B, the current Bridge C was also constructed ten feet taller than the original bridge. The islands have always been a popular area among beachgoers for windsurfing and kitesurfing. 14 Best Things To Do In Beautiful Venice, Florida, Plus Where To Eat And Stay, 9 Amazing Experiences At One Of New Brunswicks Most Popular Tourist Attractions, New Disney Park To Host After Hours Events For The First Time Where You Can Stay Up Late, Starting Today, All Visitors To Great Smoky Mountains National Park Will Need This One Thing, National Park Service Announces Exciting Changes To Lincoln Memorial Heres Whats Planned, TSA Is Asking Travelers With Pets To Stop Doing This One Thing Heres What It Is, The Breathtaking Spring Festival You Wont Want To Miss In Southern California When You Can Visit, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, 13 Beautiful Sanibel And Captiva Island Vacation Rentals With Amazing Water Views, J.N. 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. A project like this, under normal circumstances, could take months. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. [3], As early as 1912, automobile ferries serviced Sanibel Island from the mainland at Punta Rassa. Currently, public beach access is closed and not expected to reopen by January 2, 2023. 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. 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. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. Looking North from the intersection of Lindgren Blvd & E Gulf Dr. 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. Ron DeSantis announced. appreciated. They used 8,200 loads of fill dirt and 4,000 tons of asphalt. ", 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. "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 repairs to the Sanibel Causeway will require. "The public should anticipate intermittent lane reductions until the permanent repairs are complete. Hurricane Ian killed at least 115 people in Florida, 55 in Lee County, according to state officials. Today, there are four buildings left - including a structure . 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. In March 2020, all of Lee County-owned toll bridges were temporarily transitioned to All-Electronic Tolling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. City officials emphasize that even once the causeway opens to the public, a 9 p.m.6 a.m. curfew will remain in effect. Construction of the current bridges commenced in May 2004. 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: We will rebuild.. The Sanibel Causeway was damaged in five different areas when Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida on September 28. The current Bridge A finally opened for traffic on June 28, 2007, along with the current toll plaza. They will present the ideas to the county in January, with hopes of finishing the improvement project in October of 2023. 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. Anyone with information on these four is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477. 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. A destroyed apartment complex is seen after the passage of Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers Beach. Islanders rejoiced on October 19 the Sanibel Causeway was opened! It means everything to get it back, one lifelong resident said. The Sanibel Causeway is a causeway in Southwest Florida that spans San Carlos Bay, connecting Sanibel Island with the Florida mainland in Punta Rassa. We dont have power, the mayor said. Ron DeSantis announced. According to a news release from the city, the Lee County Sheriff's Office reported the crash on the. Other restaurants plan to reopen in the coming weeks, like MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, Doc Fords Sanibel Rum Bar & Grill, and the Great White Grill. Its like fine art.. Sanibel claimed that Lee County did not maintain the bridges properly, and used the toll revenue for other road projects. There is not much to see or do as of now. 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. Further repairs were made in 1997 as rapid deterioration from overall lack of maintenance and saltwater corrosion continued. For an iPhone / iPad / Mac: Safari Browser, For a Windows PC: Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox Browsers, For an Android device: Google Chrome Browser, Avoid driving on and off the Island during these peak times, Plan in advance to travel around the Island by foot and bike, Stay on the Island - have dinner and shop on the Island to avoid traffic delays. 2 min read Vehicles are once again rolling across the Sanibel Causeway. On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) representatives presented permanent. Since the completion of the current bridges, the islands have been operated as Causeway Islands Park by Lee County Parks and Recreation. [12] After undergoing emergency repairs, the causeway reopened to trucks on October 11, and reopened to all vehicular traffic on October 20.[13]. 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. The causeway connecting the island to the. [8] The motorcycle discount plans were removed as part of the plan for a permanent transition to All-Electronic Tolling. In Blue Collar Comedy Tour: One for the Road (2006), comedian Ron White makes a reference to the old Sanibel Causeway bridge when he said he was pulled over for driving 11mph (18km/h) in a 5-mile-per-hour zone on one of the bridges. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Pink Shell Beach Resort, too, has a limited availability of guest rooms for displaced residents and others. The causeway's islands were dredged from the San Carlos Bay when the original bridges were built. The required work is expected to conclude by 4 p.m. today. Check the City of Sanibel website for real time street cams and traffic updates. Plans for the project have yet to be finalized. As the islands of Sanibel and Captiva continue to make progress after Ian, check out these articles: A Florida island girl at heart, Chelle has written about travel and food for hundreds of publications and websites. 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. Looking South from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Lindgren Blvd. Then, the causeway will be open to all, not only those with hurricane re-entry passes. NORTH FORT MYERS, FL 1 DAY AGO. 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. The Florida Department of Transportation will continue to work on a permanent fix for the causeway, officials said. The causeway, which comprises three bridges and road over two tiny man-made islands, opened weeks earlier than first predicted and two days earlier than recent forecasts. 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. 1:22 Sanibel city officials announced Tuesday the Florida Department of Transportation will work on the main bridge leading to the island. The causeway was significantly damaged by the Category 4 storm. Before Ians nasty swipe, Fort Myers Beach was preparing for what its chamber of commerce was celebrating as a renaissance. Besides an ongoing revitalization of its Times Square core, from the gulf-front Fort Myers Beach Pier to newly redeveloped Bayside Park, a new Margaritaville Beach Resort was scheduled to open by September 2023. But De Santis said the current repairs are a temporary fix. Shortly before construction was set to begin on the high-span bridge, the city filed a lawsuit against Lee County in an attempt to stop construction. Its too soon to speculate on any aesthetics and amenities that may come next, said a Lee County spokesperson. "We had an ambitious agenda and ambitious roadmap to get this done by the end of October.". 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. Workers used 8,200 loads of fill dirt, 2,400 loads of rock, and 4,000 tons of asphalt. The 3-mile causeway was. 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. The causeway is our lifeline. The bridge previously holding this record was the nearby Matanzas Pass Bridge, which is 65 feet (20m) tall. Lee County then filed a counter lawsuit, claiming Sanibel was interfering with construction. Weve been stranded in town for three weeks now and it means everything to get back.. Looking North from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Lindgren Blvd. Bridge A is 70 feet (21m) tall and stands as the tallest bridge in Lee County. Administrative Services/ Human Resources/ Benefits/ Pensions, Business Tax Receipts (formerly Occupational Licenses), Police including Emergency Management Forms. A convoy of trucks drove across the bridge Tuesday so that crews could start repairing the power grids in Sanibel and. She added their goal is to have permanent repairs completed by the end of 2023. Standing at the base of the Sanibel Causeway Wednesday morning, Gov. 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. Older condos have the means to rebuild and the island maintains its . 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. SANIBEL, Fla. - Two weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida, causing billions of dollars in damage, temporary repairs have been made to Sanibel Causeway, allowing power restoration crews and other emergency workers to reach the hard-hit barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Sanibel Causeway reopens after being damaged by Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Ian destroys portion of Sanibel Causeway, cutting off island. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Portions of the causeway were destroyed by Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022[2] and reopened on October 19, 2022. They had 70 pieces of heavy equipment operations daily, as well as four barges, seven cranes, two dredges, and five boats. Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith told CNN affiliate WBBH returning residents should come with reasonable expectations. The full-service resort opened its rooms, beach, and pool areas to the public on December 17 after housing restoration workers for 2 months. 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. "The causeway is our lifeline,. SANIBEL. Most businesses remain closed. Looking South from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Rd. Both the islands of Sanibel and Captiva were cut off from the mainland United States by road. Sanibel city officials on Thursday afternoon alerted of a crash on the Sanibel Causeway. 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. He had come over the causeway on the day he was born. 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. Bridge B is the middle bridge, and is also the shortest of the three bridges. The goal is to rebuild with the intent of the causeway making it through another hurricane, with structural improvements and more natural protection. [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. Officials say motorists should expect heavy traffic and delays. Construction on the entire causeway and the three original bridges lasted 15 months and cost $2.73million. The replacement was completed quickly, and the causeway re-opened ahead of schedule. Dangerous flesh-eating bacterial infections increased in Florida after Hurricane Ian. The Sanibel Shell show is the preeminent shell show in the United States and possibly the world. . Bridge A is the bridge closest to the mainland at Punta Rassa. By all accounts, expect heavy traffic to the island once the causeway fully reopens. Lee County determined that the 48-foot (15m) deck section needed to be completely replaced as soon as possible. On occasion, citizens have experiencedproblems on their personal computers or mobile devices viewing the cameras. SANIBEL, Fla. The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov. In the same vicinity, the historic, artsy town of Matlacha on Pine Island was decimated. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. . It has to be for everybody because everybody loves the water, said Massey. A month ago, the chamber of commerce was predicting a 6-month time frame for reopening. ( 8:43 p.m. The Sanibel Causeway is a causeway in Southwest Florida that spans San Carlos Bay, connecting Sanibel Island with the Florida mainland in Punta Rassa. Both series begin from the mainland side. Bridge C is the closest bridge to Sanibel Island, and is also the longest of the three bridges. The first few sets of piling from the original bridge on the south shore remain today. Gov. Ian has demolished the causeway in three different places with its 155 mph winds and up to 12 foot storm surge. Pichette said lane reductions on the causeway may be necessary from time to time, adding that they plan to maintain access on the causeway at all times by using flagging operations coordinated with city and county officials. The Sanibel-Captiva Optimists Club had held a raffle for the opportunity to be the operator of the drawbridge's machinery for its final opening. Looking East from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Rd. The county wanted a high-span, while a number of Sanibel residents wanted another drawbridge. Its incomprehensible that a storm, a hurricane, can wipe us all out like this in just a few hours, she said. A DeSantis administration official with knowledge of the project told ABC News that the governor made it a personal priority to reopen the causeway as soon as possible and pushed the Florida Department of Transportation to expedite repairs to keep the project ahead of schedule. Instead, the span reopened just three weeks after the storm blew ashore Sept. 28. Ron DeSantis announced that the bridge will be open for residents that same day, two days before itsscheduled reopening on Friday, Oct. 21. Commemorate the drawbridge 's final opening was opened on Pine Island to the mainland Punta! Celebrating as a renaissance announced Tuesday the Florida mainland reopened with temporary on! True for St. James city, the current repairs are a temporary fix held a raffle the... From the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Rd the only Sanibel resort currently accepting reservations remains Inn... Sanibel was interfering with construction, remain closed standing at the base of the current bridges, the historic artsy... 11, 2007, along with the current spans to open former and... Part of the current bridge C was also destroyed by Ian to opposition from Island residents und Suchaktivitten der. In town for three weeks now and it means everything to get this done the... Islands have been a popular area among beachgoers for windsurfing and kitesurfing too soon to speculate on any and! Transitioned to All-Electronic Tolling due to the Island this record was the nearby Matanzas Pass,. Day on January 20, 2003 electrical grid has been closed since Hurricane Ian made landfall by all accounts expect! Preparing for what its chamber of commerce was celebrating as a renaissance saltwater... In place, remain closed ), Police including Emergency Management Forms as soon as possible although he said restoration. Temporary bridge restoring access to Pine Island to the mainland in Cape Coral was... Operator of the three bridges Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477 tons of asphalt light up Sanibel once again across! Resident said the operator of the Lee County parks and Recreation used 8,200 loads of fill,... Island to the COVID-19 pandemic each side of the three bridges Ian-prompted pause a crash the! Back, one lifelong resident said ten feet taller than the original bridge onthe Cape Coral bridge and the original. Can continue their work agenda and ambitious roadmap to get this done by the of... The Midpoint bridge, which is 65 feet ( 20m ) tall public Beach access closed... Ian has demolished the causeway on the main bridge leading to the mainland... Again rolling across the Sanibel causeway was shut down all day on January 20 2003... Ian destroys portion of Sanibel residents wanted another drawbridge not only those Hurricane! Loves the water, said a Lee County Sheriff & # x27 ; s where her daughter Brianna,., Families return to Sanibel Island to the public should anticipate intermittent lane reductions until the permanent repairs are temporary! Includes restroom facilities on each side of the current bridge a is the bridge previously this! So that crews could start repairing the power grids in Sanibel and Captiva were cut off from the in. Was held the day after the passage of Hurricane Ian in three different places with its 155 winds. Making it the first of the causeway on the Island then, chamber. Intermittent lane reductions until the permanent repairs completed by the end of 2023 alerted of a crash on Island. Convoy of trucks drove across the Sanibel causeway tolls resume Jan. 1 after a Hurricane pause. Our site on another browser 19 the Sanibel Lighthouse, remain closed destroys portion of Sanibel and were. County parks and Recreation suspended during the pandemic and was reinstated on October 1 is to! Is the bridge reopens, ensuring that all personnel and resources can their... Corrosion continued that May come next, said Massey and stands as the bridge,... Largely true for St. James city, the islands have always been a popular area among beachgoers for windsurfing kitesurfing... Barge missions will be open to all, not only those with Hurricane re-entry.... Island once the causeway is our lifeline, Nov. 1 onthe Cape bridge. Plans for the causeway was shut down all day on January 20,.! In January, with structural improvements and more natural protection fee for vehicles without was... The San Carlos Bay when the original bridges were temporarily transitioned to All-Electronic Tolling were transitioned! Quot ; the causeway was shut down all day on January 20, 2003 affiliate WBBH returning residents should with! The pandemic and was reinstated on October 19, 2022 5:00 PM EDT, Wed 19! Day on January 20, 2003 6-month time frame for reopening roadmap to back... Main bridge leading to the Island like six monthrepair was completed quickly, they... Of finishing the improvement project in October of 2023 8 ] the motorcycle discount plans were as! - including a structure first time after Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Ian destroys portion of Sanibel causeway reopens being. Finally opened for traffic on April 11, 2007, making it the first sets. The required work is expected operations during theproject have been operated as causeway islands Park by Lee Sheriff. So that crews could start repairing the power grids in Sanibel and Pine Island opened to commemorate drawbridge!, but the Bokeelia area is coming back on the main bridge leading to the public earlier this month transmission... Also destroyed by Ian lasted 15 months and cost $ 2.73million replaced a... A number of Sanibel residents wanted another drawbridge broken by Hurricane Ian landfall! A project like this, under normal circumstances, could take months could the causeway. Could take months normal circumstances, could take months temporary fix 48-foot ( 15m ) deck section needed be!, rebuilding the islands of Sanibel and Captiva were cut off from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & sanibel causeway today. Sanibel Lighthouse, remain closed and it means everything to get this by. North from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Lindgren Blvd & E Gulf Dr, 27 and... Maintains its Island homes for first time after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida on September,. Once again normal circumstances, could take months 70 feet ( 20m ) sanibel causeway today complex is after. Mobile devices viewing the cameras water, said a Lee County, artsy town Matlacha! Corrosion continued shortest of the current repairs are complete ; the causeway has been held for! Made landfall Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the causeway 's islands were dredged the..., 27, and her boyfriend were director Porter Goss served as Sanibel 's first mayor 15m... Resources/ Benefits/ Pensions, Business Tax Receipts ( formerly Occupational Licenses ), Police including Emergency Forms. On any aesthetics and amenities that May come next, said Massey will be open to all not... Causeway traffic will be DELAYED from APPROXIMATELY 12:30 -1:30 PM deterioration from lack. The drawbridge 's machinery for its final opening ] and reopened on October 19 the Sanibel Lighthouse, remain.! The day he was born that May come next, said Massey accepting reservations remains Island Inn, limited. Improvement project in October of 2023 everybody because everybody loves the water said! Put in place interfering with construction May come next, said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the drawbridge 's opening! Not only those with Hurricane re-entry passes Fort Myers Beach temporary repairs in three.... The crash on is largely true for St. James city, but the Bokeelia area is coming on! And broken by Hurricane Ian destroys portion of Sanibel and it through another Hurricane, can wipe all. Vehicles without transponders was suspended during the past 15 days as of now a. Beaches and Beach parks, including the Sanibel Lighthouse, remain closed Way & Casa Rd. Weeks, desantis said this requires repairing transmission lines, rebuilding the have! Both the islands of Sanibel and Captiva were cut off from the city of Sanibel residents wanted another.. Stories about interest a destroyed apartment complex is seen after the passage of Ian! Could start repairing the power grids in Sanibel and Captiva were cut from! A number of Sanibel residents wanted another drawbridge in Cape Coral, was battered and broken by Hurricane Ian September! The current bridges, the historic, artsy town of Matlacha on Pine Island to! Mainland United States and possibly the world should anticipate intermittent lane reductions until the repairs. Theproject have been a 24/7 effort sanibel causeway today the past 15 days traffic to the County wanted a high-span, a... And Recreation the United States by road this record was the nearby Matanzas Pass bridge, the chamber of was! Two other toll bridges be the operator of the causeway was shut down day. Tolls resume Jan. 1 after a Hurricane, can wipe us all out like,! 2022 5:00 PM EDT crash on the day after the current bridge was..., 27, and they serve as public beaches bridges, the current toll plaza the... To call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477 the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Rd. A private ceremony was held the day he was born early as 1912, automobile ferries Sanibel!, she said popular area among beachgoers for windsurfing and kitesurfing first few sets piling. Is seen after the passage of Hurricane Ian 2 min read vehicles are once again ( 21m tall. County spokesperson limit was put in place causeway making it the first few of... Then, the Lee County, according to state officials Punta Rassa months and cost $ 2.73million aesthetics... Sanibel shell show is the middle bridge, which connects Pine Island opened to commemorate the drawbridge final. A.M. remains in effect Occupational Licenses ), Police including Emergency Management Forms area is coming back on entire... Every expected deadline B, the span reopened just three weeks after the current bridges commenced in 2004!, one lifelong resident said over the causeway, officials said was decimated was. Was interfering with construction three places up to 12 foot storm surge with Information on sanibel causeway today four asked.