Sanibel Causeway has re-opened; non-residents urged to postpone visits as recovery continues
'There is nothing to see or do – yet'
The Sanibel Causeway reopened Monday but the city of Sanibel is asking non-residents to wait a while longer before visiting the storm-damaged island.
“The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian,” a release from the city issued Sunday states. “While the requirement for reentry passes will no longer be necessary on January 2, 2023, we are discouraging visitors at this time and look forward to welcoming back visitors later in our recovery.”
“There is nothing to see or do – yet,” the release, which includes an overview of the community’s recovery status, states:
• Beaches and beach parks, including the Sanibel Lighthouse, remain closed. Sanibel’s extended State of Emergency prohibits non-residents from being on the beach.
• The Fishing Pier and Boat Ramp are closed.
• Bike paths are not yet safe to travel. The city’s shared use paths still have stacked debris waiting for pickup in many places and nails from that debris could cause flat tires, officials said, adding the city is discouraging people from using the paths.
• Collection of debris is continuing, which will interrupt traffic flow and could cause travel delays.
• Most businesses remain closed.
• A curfew remains in effect between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. A police checkpoint will be in place during the curfew hours.
Residents and contractors with reentry passes should continue displaying their reentry passes at all times on their vehicle’s dashboard to assist police. During the hours the curfew is in place, vehicles with the following credentials will be allowed through the island checkpoint:
— Sanibel and Captiva residents with a resident reentry pass and a valid driver’s license. The name on the driver’s license must match the name of the person that the reentry pass was issued to.
— Guests of Sanibel and Captiva resorts with a printed reservation confirmation where the name on the reservation matches the name on the person’s driver’s license.
— People driving on Sanibel Island between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. should expect to be stopped by police patrols to verify residency or resort guest status. All persons leaving the island after 9 p.m. should expect to be stopped by police at the causeway checkpoint.
Residents and business owners who observe any suspicious activity at any time on the island, are asked report this activity to the Sanibel Police Department immediately by calling 911.
Source: City of Sanibel