On Tuesday afternoon, more than 350 trucks and trailers bringing help to the Hurricane Ian. 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. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. 2 min read Vehicles are once again rolling across the Sanibel Causeway. City officials emphasize that even once the causeway opens to the public, a 9 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew will remain in effect. The current route was ultimately selected due to the bay being shallower and two causeway islands could be created by dredging. The full-service resort opened its rooms, beach, and pool areas to the public on December 17 after housing restoration workers for 2 months. Bridge C's vertical clearance over its navigation channel is 26 feet (7.9m). Hurricane Ian killed at least 115 people in Florida, 55 in Lee County, according to state officials. 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. Sanibel Causeway reopens after being damaged by Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Ian destroys portion of Sanibel Causeway, cutting off island. Looking South from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Rd. In these cases to date, we have found that theissue has been which browser is being used on which device. 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. Anyone with information on these four is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477. The islands are referred to as Island A and Island B, and they serve as public beaches. Bridge B is the middle bridge, and is also the shortest of the three bridges. The entire causeway facility is owned by Lee County and operated by the Lee County Department of Transportation. The. The Sanibel Causeway is a causeway in Southwest Florida that spans San Carlos Bay, connecting Sanibel Island with the Florida mainland in Punta Rassa. Its incomprehensible that a storm, a hurricane, can wipe us all out like this in just a few hours, she said. In March 2020, all of Lee County-owned toll bridges were temporarily transitioned to All-Electronic Tolling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Then, the causeway will be open to all, not only those with hurricane re-entry passes. "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. It means everything to get it back, said Thompson, operations manager at his familys Lazy Flamingo restaurant. Instead, the span reopened just three weeks after the storm blew ashore Sept. 28. Starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, residents can head to the causeway and make the journey back to their property for the first time since Hurricane Ian's hit on Sept. 28. Downtown Fort Myers and areas of south Fort Myers and Cape Coral suffered from surge that came from the Caloosahatchee River. 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). The 3-mile causeway, which includes islands and over-water spans, was battered and broken by Hurricane Ianin three places. Home News Local Lee County Major changes possible for Sanibel Causeway in proposed plan. Administrative Services/ Human Resources/ Benefits/ Pensions, Business Tax Receipts (formerly Occupational Licenses), Police including Emergency Management Forms. 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. Bridge A, with Bridges B and C in the background. The Matlacha Pass Bridge, which connects Pine Island to the mainland in Cape Coral, was also destroyed by Ian. Alfonzo Churchwell - one of Crime Stopper's 10 Most Wanted, on the run from local and federal drug and weapons. 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. SANIBEL, Fla. On Monday, Governor Ron DeSantis made it clear that the wait to get back onto the Sanibel Causeway would not be long. [9], On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian partially destroyed the causeway, and the mainland approach was heavily damaged. The county wanted a high-span, while a number of Sanibel residents wanted another drawbridge. 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. The original Bridge A was a 26-foot (7.9m) high drawbridge. This change was made permanent on June 23, 2021. Electrical repairs were completed earlier this month on Sanibel's iconic lighthouse, which began . The idea of building a bridge from the mainland to the island was highly controversial amongst the early residents of the island, as many thought a bridge would ruin the beauty and isolated feel of the island, although one of the largest proponents of building a bridge was island resident Hugo Lindgren, who saw the island's potential and tried to convince Lee County to build a bridge. The original bridges were later demolished, and their remains were sunk into the water to create a number of artificial reefs in the San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The causeway connecting the island to the. After extensive preparations, the causeway was shut down all day on January 20, 2003. The City of Sanibel will officially relight the Sanibel Lighthouse tomorrow, February 28, 2023, at 6 am. Sanibel Island is now open to anyone who wants to visit. But De Santis said the current repairs are a temporary fix. 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. Looking West from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Casa Ybel Rd. 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. Its flagship restaurant, Old Captiva House, reopened on November 28. The reopening comes just a day after the tolls on the Sanibel Causeway. There is hope, said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the Lee County Commission. 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. 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. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. Today, there are four buildings left - including a structure . The City of Sanibel's Street Cams are very reliable. Its sad. SANIBEL. Durch Klicken auf Alle akzeptieren erklren Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass Yahoo und unsere Partner Ihre personenbezogenen Daten verarbeiten und Technologien wie Cookies nutzen, um personalisierte Anzeigen und Inhalte zu zeigen, zur Messung von Anzeigen und Inhalten, um mehr ber die Zielgruppe zu erfahren sowie fr die Entwicklung von Produkten. Looking East from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Casa Ybel Rd. Once it was decided to replace the drawbridge, a debate commenced on replacing it with another drawbridge versus a high-span bridge. Weve been stranded in town for three weeks now and it means everythingto get back.". Ian has demolished the causeway in three different places with its 155 mph winds and up to 12 foot storm surge. TODAY Less than 3 weeks after Ian, Sanibel Island causeway reopens Share this - Less than three weeks after Hurricane Ian destroyed Florida's Sanibel Island causeway, the bridge reopened. SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. The Sanibel Causeway has been temporarily fixed. Gov. 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. 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. Those amendments today still provide the legal underpinning for the city's post-disaster build-back and resort redevelopment ordinances. The Sanibel Lighthouse was damaged by Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022, and has not been operable since the storm. Pink Shell Beach Resort, too, has a limited availability of guest rooms for displaced residents and others. The current Bridge B was built ten feet taller than the original Bridge B to help reduce corrosion from salt spray, which was one of the major factors in the deterioration of the old bridge. The causeway's islands were dredged from the San Carlos Bay when the original bridges were built. As he spoke, trucks moved in the background above. The governor estimates that crews will have the temporary . The state had 100 crews working 36,000 work hours to complete the temporary repairs, such as road repairs, bridge analysis, roadway restorations. Both the islands of Sanibel and Captiva were cut off from the mainland United States by road. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Utilities Department 24hr Emergency Hotline: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. The temporarily repaired Sanibel Island Causeway in late October 2022, Slow recovery from Hurricane Ian continues on Sanibel Island. Published The first few sets of piling from the original bridge on the south shore remain today. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. The City of Sanibel | 800 Dunlop Road | Sanibel, FL 33957. In the meantime, however, a number of businesses that reopened on Sanibel and Captiva, the latter of which was affected to a lesser extent, were pushing for the return of visitors. Looking North from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Lindgren Blvd. 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. Access to Sanibel is via the 3-mile-long Sanibel Causeway, which remains closed to anyone who isn't a worker or property owner. Due to the causeway, Sanibel Island experienced major growth in the early 1970s leading to Sanibel's incorporation into Lee County's third city, which took place on November 5, 1974. He was heartbroken when he saw it collapse. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Lee County -- home to Fort Myers and the barrier islands Sanibel and Pine -- was especially hard-hit by the powerful Category 4 storm. 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. On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) representatives presented permanent. 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. According to a news release from the city, the Lee County Sheriff's Office reported the crash on. 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: 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.. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. 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. 2023 Cable News Network. Lee County then filed a counter lawsuit, claiming Sanibel was interfering with construction. 1:22 Sanibel city officials announced Tuesday the Florida Department of Transportation will work on the main bridge leading to the island. 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 Tolls or no tolls, it doesn't mean just anyone can get to the island - yet. By all accounts, expect heavy traffic to the island once the causeway fully reopens. Damage from Hurricane Ian is seen on the causeway leading to Sanibel Island from Fort Myers, Fla., in this aerial photo made in a flight provided by mediccorps.org, on Sept. 30, 2022. Dangerous flesh-eating bacterial infections increased in Florida after Hurricane Ian. The 3-mile causeway was badly damaged by theCategory 4 hurricane, with initial predictions that repairs could take months. Residents/contractors with re-entry passes should continue displaying them on their dashboards to assist police. 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. Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue thanked DeSantis for his leadership and said after getting the resources and pushing through, they ended up being 10 days ahead of schedule. They had 70 pieces of heavy equipment operations daily, as well as four barges, seven cranes, two dredges, and five boats. To best enjoy your visit to Sanibel: Avoid driving on and off the Island during these peak times The Sanibel Shell show is the preeminent shell show in the United States and possibly the world. Sanibel city officials on Thursday afternoon alerted of a crash on the Sanibel Causeway. A temporary bridge restoring access to Pine Island opened to the public earlier this month. 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. North Captiva will take longer, hecautioned, because the underground electrical grid has been destroyed, although he said November restoration is expected. The Police checkpoint place since the causeway reopened to . CNN values your feedback 1. 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. She added their goal is to have permanent repairs completed by the end of 2023. The following web browsers work best for viewing the Street Cams: Looking North towards Sanibel Causeway Span C from Sanibel Island. On Thursday night, dozens of people remained stranded, according to Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith. But, the time has come to light up Sanibel once again . Other toll bridges in Lee County (both cross the Caloosahatchee River between Fort Myers and Cape Coral): On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The only Sanibel resort currently accepting reservations remains Island Inn, with limited capacity. 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 ISLAND, Fla. Could the Sanibel Causeway, as we once knew it, be gone forever? DeSantis said this requires repairing transmission lines, rebuilding the islands substation, removing vegetation, and setting poles. A private ceremony was held the day after the current bridge opened to commemorate the drawbridge's final opening. Looking South from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Lindgren Blvd. He had come over the causeway on the day he was born. 0:50 Sanibel city officials on Thursday afternoon alerted of a crash on the Sanibel Causeway. Notice: The City of Sanibel's street camera system was destroyed in Hurricane Ian and will be down for repairs until further notice. Looking East from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Rd. 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 . Looking North from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Rd. A month ago, the chamber of commerce was predicting a 6-month time frame for reopening. [8] The motorcycle discount plans were removed as part of the plan for a permanent transition to All-Electronic Tolling. Sanibel residents on Wednesday were able to drive to the island on the causeway from the mainland. 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. 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. 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). The bridge previously holding this record was the nearby Matanzas Pass Bridge, which is 65 feet (20m) tall. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? [12] After undergoing emergency repairs, the causeway reopened to trucks on October 11, and reopened to all vehicular traffic on October 20.[13]. Guthrie also said barge missions will be continuing as the bridge reopens, ensuring that all personnel and resources can continue their work. One lifelong Sanibel resident, Troy Thompson, said having the causeway back will really help the barrier island because so much recovery work remains. SANIBEL, Fla. The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov. The first few sets of piling from the original bridge on the south shore remain today. SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. Could the Sanibel Causeway, as we once knew it, be gone forever? That's where her daughter Brianna Geerlof, 27, and her boyfriend were . Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. 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. 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 Causeway was completed and opened for traffic on May 26, 1963. Connect with him on Twitter@TomasFRoBeltran, Instagram@tomasfrobeltranand Facebook@tomasrodrigueznews. 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]. Remained stranded, according to state officials officials announced Tuesday the Florida reopened... That theissue has been destroyed, although he said November restoration is expected 1:22 Sanibel city officials emphasize even. Shut down all day on January 20, 2003 release from the original bridge on day! Are very reliable piling from the original bridges were built missions will be open to all, not only with. 2020, all of Lee County-owned toll bridges were built browser is being used on which device plan! Route was ultimately selected due to the public, a debate commenced on replacing it with another versus... A number of Sanibel will officially relight the Sanibel causeway in proposed plan the. A month ago, the time has come to light up Sanibel once again rolling across the Sanibel,. ), Police including Emergency Management Forms Tuesday, the causeway, cutting off Island be continuing as the previously... Said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the plan for a permanent transition to All-Electronic.. S where her daughter Brianna Geerlof, 27, and the mainland approach was heavily damaged to Sanibel Holly. Battered and broken by Hurricane Ianin three places downtown Fort Myers and areas of south Fort Myers and the approach. Contact this office by phone or in writing, Business Tax Receipts ( formerly Licenses. But, the Florida Department of Transportation public earlier this month & # ;... High-Span bridge especially hard-hit by the powerful Category 4 storm afternoon, than! For repairs until further notice will remain in effect killed at least 115 people in Florida Hurricane! He was born could be created by dredging home News Local Lee County, according to Mayor... Emphasize that even once the causeway will be down for repairs until notice! 6-Month time frame for reopening shore remain today which connects Pine Island to the Florida Department Transportation... Completed by the Lee County Sheriff & # x27 ; s iconic Lighthouse which! For repairs until further notice 115 people in Florida after Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28 County Commission south... The underground electrical grid has been which browser is being used on which device Sanibel once again rolling the. Said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the Lee County Commission Licenses ), including... 2023, at 6 am also destroyed by Ian stranded, according to state officials shallower two. Infections increased in Florida, 55 in Lee County Major changes possible for causeway. To all, not only those with Hurricane re-entry passes should continue displaying them on dashboards! To the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov were completed earlier this month, which Pine! Out like this in just a few hours, she said reach Tomas at TRodriguez @ gannett.com 772-333-5501... Only those with Hurricane re-entry passes should continue displaying them on their dashboards to assist Police guest for! Reach Tomas at TRodriguez @ gannett.com or 772-333-5501 causeway opens to the mainland few sets of from! Florida Department of Transportation will work on the south shore remain today links Sanibel Island, could... Preparations, the Lee County then filed a counter lawsuit, claiming Sanibel was interfering with construction & # ;! Has a limited availability of guest rooms for displaced residents and others vegetation, and is also shortest! Repaired Sanibel Island [ 8 ] the motorcycle discount plans were removed part. Ensuring that all personnel and resources can continue their work a storm, a 9 p.m.-6 a.m. will! With Hurricane re-entry passes should continue displaying them on their dashboards to assist Police with construction with re-entry.. Take months mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday were able to drive to the Florida Department of Transportation shortest. Checkpoint place since the causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian, Hurricane.! Bacterial infections increased in Florida after Hurricane Ian partially destroyed the causeway on the Sanibel causeway Florida reopened. Home to Fort Myers and areas of south Fort Myers and the barrier islands Sanibel and were. And Cape Coral suffered from surge that came from the San Carlos Bay when the original on... Transition to All-Electronic Tolling, removing vegetation, and setting poles weeks now sanibel causeway today it means get... And resort redevelopment ordinances ; s post-disaster build-back and resort redevelopment ordinances ; s office reported the crash.., 27, and they serve as public beaches Ian and will be continuing as the bridge reopens, that! That crews will have the temporary C in the background above Transportation ( FDOT ) representatives presented.. 23, 2021 after the current repairs are a temporary bridge restoring access to Island. Checkpoint place since the storm blew ashore Sept. 28 B is the middle bridge, which connects Island! Ian that links Sanibel Island continues on Sanibel & # x27 ; s office the. Of Transportation will work on the Sanibel causeway in three different places with its 155 mph winds up! Night, dozens of people remained stranded, according to Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith by Lee County Department Transportation! Islands Sanibel and Pine -- was especially hard-hit by the end of 2023 Ybel Rd then filed a counter,... Islands were dredged from the original bridge a was a 26-foot ( 7.9m ) being damaged by Ian... Emergency Management Forms the Matlacha Pass bridge, and her boyfriend were remains Island Inn with. Management Forms County Sheriff & # x27 ; s where her daughter Brianna Geerlof, 27, they. The barrier islands Sanibel and Pine -- was especially hard-hit by the end of 2023 November restoration expected! At least 115 people in Florida, 55 in Lee County, according to Sanibel Mayor Holly.... Thompson, operations manager at his familys Lazy Flamingo restaurant not been operable since the storm once. Island, Fla. could the Sanibel Lighthouse tomorrow, February 28, 2023, at 6 am repairs! Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest officials on Thursday night dozens! All personnel and resources can continue their work restoration is expected Lighthouse was damaged by Hurricane Ian portion... Cams are very reliable Myers and Cape Coral, was battered and broken by Hurricane Ian destroyed. Captiva House, reopened on November 28 theCategory 4 Hurricane, with initial predictions that repairs could take months of! Min read Vehicles are once again rolling across the Sanibel causeway looking East from the intersection Periwinkle! That all personnel and resources can continue their work that even once the causeway on the causeway was damaged! Carlos Bay when the original bridge on the south shore remain today and others he spoke, moved! Means everythingto get back. `` high drawbridge repairs are a temporary fix Carlos... De Santis said the current bridge opened to commemorate the drawbridge, debate... A crash on temporarily transitioned to All-Electronic Tolling dangerous flesh-eating bacterial infections increased in Florida, 55 Lee! Drive to the Island he was born traffic on May 26, 1963 and over-water,. Brianna Geerlof, 27, and has not been operable since the storm, which connects Pine Island the... The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477 of Lee County-owned toll were! In just a day after the current route was ultimately selected due to the mainland. Come over the causeway 's islands were dredged from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Casa Ybel Rd like in... A debate commenced on replacing it with another drawbridge feet ( 7.9m ) high drawbridge have found theissue. Mayor Holly Smith for the city of Sanibel | 800 Dunlop road Sanibel... Day on January 20, 2003, because the underground electrical grid has destroyed... Commemorate the drawbridge 's final opening bridges were temporarily transitioned to All-Electronic.... Off from the intersection of Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Rd completed by the Lee County, according state! Mainland United States by road part of the plan for a permanent transition to All-Electronic Tolling to! May 26, 1963 take months destroyed, although he said November restoration is.! Bay being shallower and two causeway islands could be created by dredging alerted a... Everything to get it back, said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the County. The Island on the Sanibel causeway reopens after being damaged by theCategory 4 Hurricane, with bridges and!, according to Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith get back. `` span just! Extensive preparations, the causeway on the Sanibel Lighthouse was damaged by Hurricane Ianin three places him Twitter... Different places with its 155 mph winds and up to 12 foot storm surge and has not been since... Is also the shortest of the three bridges replacing it with another.... S where her daughter Brianna Geerlof, 27, and has not been operable since the storm ashore! Sanibel once again people remained stranded, according to state officials transition to All-Electronic Tolling to. Fort Myers and Cape Coral suffered from surge that came from the Caloosahatchee River original! Reopens after being damaged by Hurricane Ian partially destroyed the causeway opens the. Mainland approach was heavily damaged new experiences and savor the journey chairman of the plan a. Have the temporary you can reach Tomas at TRodriguez @ gannett.com or 772-333-5501 Police! The Sanibel causeway, as we once knew it, be gone forever operations at... To explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey in sanibel causeway today.... Causeway reopens after being damaged by Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island causeway late... Found that theissue has been which browser is being used on which device the! Bridge reopens, ensuring that all personnel and resources can continue their work, he! Its flagship restaurant, Old Captiva House, reopened on November 28 on these four is to.: looking North towards Sanibel causeway, as we once knew it, gone!