2-2-23
RIGHT-OF-WAY PLACEMENT OF DEBRIS
DEADLINE - FEBRUARY 20, 2023
Reminder, February 20, 2023, is the last day residents may place Hurricane Ian generated debris on the City’s right of way for collection by the City’s debris management contractor.
10-1-22
You can use this link from the city to see an aerial view of the island. Then you should be able to find CSM and your home.
City of Sanibel
News Release
Sanibel, Florida
September 30, 2022
Contact: Dana A. Souza, City Manager
(239) 472-3700
Post-storm Aerial Imagery of Sanibel Now Available
Please use the links below to access aerial imagery of Sanibel & Captiva:
Island-wide aerial imagery from NOAA:
Helicopter footage of Lee County coastal areas including Sanibel & Captiva. South Seas Plantation can be seen at approximately 16:00 minutes and then the footage continues south to Sanibel and the Causeway.
https://www.facebook.com/WPLGLocal10/videos/1131909620765059
We will continue to post additional links for imagery as it becomes available.
9-27-22
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Sanibel
News Release
Sanibel, Florida
September 27, 2022
Contact: Paige Anne LeBoutillier
paige.leboutillier@mysanibel.com
HURRICANE IAN PREPARATION, INFORMATION RELEASE – UPDATE #8
Sanibel, FL – Hurricane Ian is a powerful Category 3 hurricane which is growing stronger in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Ian is forecast to approach the west coast of Florida as a dangerous major hurricane.
Sanibel is under a Hurricane Warning.
Preparations to protect life and property from the various impacts of a major hurricane should be rushed to completion.
Key Messages:
Based on the current National Hurricane Center forecast, Hurricane Ian is predicted to hit Southwest Florida as a Category 3 storm with the potential for 8 to12 feet of storm surge in Lee County, regardless of where the storm makes landfall.
The National Weather Service anticipates the following in Lee County:
o Potential winds of greater than 110 mph.
o Structural damage to sturdy buildings, with some complete roof and wall failures.
o Large trees snapped or uprooted and many roads impassable from trees and debris.
o Potential destruction of mobile homes regardless their location within the county.
o Widespread power outages.
Lee County has ordered a mandatory evacuation for Zone A, including all of Sanibel, all of Zone B in Lee County, and parts of Zone C.
County officials ask all residents who are under evacuation orders to take action immediately for their own safety.
The City of Sanibel strongly advises all residents and property owners to comply with all emergency orders.
Considering the mandatory evacuation by Lee County, Mayor Holly D. Smith signed a mayoral proclamation providing a general nighttime curfew on Sanibel between the hours of 9:00pm – 6:00am during the period of mandatory evacuation and while the local state of emergency is in effect.
Public shelters are open in Lee County. Please click here to see the complete list of public shelters. For more information about what to bring and what to expect at a public shelter please click here.
Information from Sanibel Community Partners:
Island Water Association
Island Water Association employees will evacuate by 9:00pm tonight.
IWA will continue to fill storage until the treatment plant is shut down.
IWA will transition to its low-pressure diesel auxiliary pump to continue water service until the stored water or fuel is depleted.
IWA has issued a precautionary boil water advisory to be in effect at 1:00am, Wednesday, September 28.
City of Sanibel Operational Adjustments:
The Sanibel Recreation Center is closed today and tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28.
There will be no solid waste collection on Wednesday, September 28. Residents are advised to not set out refuse tonight or tomorrow morning.
Four dumpsters have been placed at the Sanibel boat ramp parking lot for residents to dispose of perishables as they evacuate the island.
Current Watches and Warnings in Effect for Sanibel:
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portions of the Gulf Coast stretching from Bonita Beach to the Anclote River, including Sanibel and Lee County. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the Gulf Coast stretching from the Anclote River to Flamingo, including Sanibel in coastal Lee County. A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, within the warning area.
Important Reminders:
Emergency responders will assess conditions on Sanibel after the storm passes to determine when it is safe to allow reentry.
A Hurricane Reentry Pass is required to enter Sanibel Island after the passage of the storm.
Portable generators must be used with caution. NEVER use a generator indoors and be sure to position the device at least ten feet away from doors, windows, and vents. For more information about generator safety please click here.
Available Resources:
Information about reporting a power outage to LCEC
All updates from the City of Sanibel are posted to the city’s website. To receive instant updates, please click here to register to receive the City’s news releases.
Residents, property owners, business owners, and property managers are strongly encouraged to stay informed with updates from the National Hurricane Center and local media outlets.
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You may notice that the privacy policy of Constant Contact, a private entity, notes that email addresses will not be released. The City of Sanibel is a public entity and must comply with Florida statutes. Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
9-27-22
See Sanibel info below. CSM should be emptying out pretty soon, but we’ll do our best to keep you informed. Be sure to sign up for alerts from mysanibel.com. Also if you use Twitter you might want to follow a local guy who made videos of the island during Irma and says he will do it again: @sanibelnik
Fingers crossed for all of us!
9-27-22
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Sanibel
News Release
Sanibel, Florida
September 27, 2022
Contact: Lt. Grace Towler
(239) 472-3111 ext. 225
HURRICANE IAN PREPARATION, INFORMATION RELEASE – UPDATE #6
Sanibel, FL – Hurricane Ian is a Category 3 hurricane and continues to rapidly intensify ahead of its impact to the State of Florida this week. Strengthening is expected later this morning after Ian emerges over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Ian is forecast to approach the west coast of Florida as a dangerous major hurricane.
At this time, a Hurricane Warning has been issued for the west coast of Florida, from Bonita Beach to the Anclote River, including Sanibel and Lee County.
Regardless of the exact track and intensity of Hurricane Ian, there is a significant risk of storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall along the west coast of Florida by the middle of this week. Storm surge has the potential to impact much of Florida’s west coast, with the highest risk from Fort Myers to the Tampa Bay region.
Preparations to protect life and property from the various impacts of a major hurricane should be rushed to completion.
Lee County has ordered a mandatory evacuation for Zone A, including all of Sanibel, and all of Zone B in Lee County. Click here to see the map of areas under a mandatory evacuation order.
Public shelters will open in Lee County at 9:00am today, Tuesday, September 27. The following shelters will open at 9:00am:
Dunbar High School, 3800 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers
East Lee County High School, 715 Thomas Sherwin Avenue, Lehigh Acres
Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero
Gateway High School, 13820 Griffin Drive, Fort Myers
Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero
Island Coast High School,2125 DeNavarra Pkwy, Cape Coral
Oak Hammock Middle School, 5321 Tice Street, Fort Myers
South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers
Varsity Lakes Middle School, 801 Gunnery Road North, Lehigh Acres
Veterans Park Recreation Center, 49 Homestead Road S, Lehigh Acres
Additional public shelter openings are expected to be announced today.
Limited food and water will be available at public shelters; bring three days' worth of your own food and water, too. Cots are not provided. Bring all necessary items, including sleeping bags, water, snacks or special dietary needs, books, clothing, and medications. Click here for more information.
Current Watches and Warnings in Effect for Sanibel:
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portions of the Gulf Coast stretching from Bonita Beach to the Anclote River, including Sanibel and Lee County. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the Gulf Coast stretching from the Anclote River to Flamingo, including Sanibel in coastal Lee County. A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, within the warning area.
City of Sanibel Operational Adjustments:
City of Sanibel offices will close at 12:00pm, Tuesday, September 27.
The Sanibel Recycling Center will be open until 4:00pm today, Tuesday, September 27, for residents to prepare sandbags.
The Sanibel Police Department will issue Hurricane Reentry Passes until 4:00pm, Tuesday, September 27.
The Sanibel Recreation Center is closed Tuesday, September 27, and Wednesday, September 28.
Solid waste collection will occur as scheduled on Tuesday, September 28.
There will be no solid waste collection on Wednesday, September 28. Residents are advised to not set out refuse on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
Four dumpsters have been placed at the Sanibel boat ramp parking lot for residents to dispose of perishables as they evacuate the island.
Available Resources:
City Administration: 239-472-3700.
Disaster Supply Kit Checklist – Florida Department of Emergency Management
Information about reporting a power outage to LCEC
All updates from the City of Sanibel will be posted to the city’s website. To receive instant updates, please click here to register to receive the City’s news releases.
Residents, property owners, business owners, and property managers are strongly encouraged to stay informed with updates from the National Hurricane Center and local media outlets.
9-26-22
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Sanibel
News Release
Sanibel, Florida
September 26, 2022
Contact: Lt. Grace Towler
(239) 472-3111 ext. 225
HURRICANE IAN PREPARATION, INFORMATION RELEASE – UPDATE #5
Sanibel, FL – Hurricane Ian strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane this evening and continues to rapidly intensify ahead of its impact to the State of Florida this week. Ian is forecast to become a major hurricane tonight and remain a major Hurricane over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. Regardless of the exact track and intensity of Hurricane Ian, there is a significant risk of storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall along the west coast of Florida by the middle of this week. Storm surge has the potential to impact much of Florida’s west coast, with the highest risk from Fort Myers to the Tampa Bay region.
Governor DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for all of Florida on Saturday, September 24. Lee County declared a State of Local Emergency on Monday, September 26.
The Sanibel City Council declared a State of Local Emergency (Resolution 22-054) on Monday, September 26, including a recommendation for voluntary evacuation.
At this time, evacuation orders have not been issued, however Lee County Emergency Management will review the forecast storm track early tomorrow morning to determine if mandatory evacuations are necessary.
A weather consultant to the City of Sanibel forecasts the following:
Hurricane Ian will pass Sanibel at 80 miles offshore (estimated.)
Sustained winds are expected to be between 40-73mph (tropical storm force), depending on the proximity to Sanibel as the storm passes.
Rainfall totals between 4-8 inches (estimated.)
Forward speed of Hurricane Ian may slow after passing Sanibel, which could increase estimated rainfall totals.
Storm surge could range between 4 -7 feet and a prolonged lagging storm surge through Thursday is possible.
Current Watches and Warnings in Effect for Sanibel:
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Flamingo to Englewood, including Lee County.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the Gulf Coast stretching from Bonita Beach to Englewood, including Lee County.
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the Gulf Coast stretching from the Anclote River to Flamingo, including Sanibel in coastal Lee County.
Preparations to protect life and property from the various impacts of hurricane should be rushed to completion.
City of Sanibel Operational Adjustments:
City of Sanibel offices will close at 12:00pm, Tuesday, September 27.
The Sanibel Police Department will issue Hurricane Reentry Passes until 4:00pm, Tuesday, September 27.
The Sanibel Recreation Center is closed Tuesday, September 27, and Wednesday, September 28.
Solid waste collection will occur as scheduled on Tuesday, September 28.
There will be no solid waste collection on Wednesday, September 28. Residents are advised to not set out refuse on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
Available Resources:
City Administration: 239-472-3700.
Disaster Supply Kit Checklist – Florida Department of Emergency Management
Know your Zone, Know your Home – Florida Department of Emergency Management
Information about reporting a power outage to LCEC
School District of Lee County closure information.
All updates from the City of Sanibel will be posted to the city’s website. To receive instant updates, please click here to register to receive the City’s news releases.
Residents, property owners, business owners, and property managers are strongly encouraged to stay informed with updates from the National Hurricane Center and local media outlets.
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9-26-22
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Sanibel
News Release
Sanibel, Florida
September 26, 2022
Contact: Dana Souza, City Manager
(239) 472-3700
HURRICANE IAN – Letter from City Manager
Monday, September 26, 2022
Dear Sanibel residents and business owners,
I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for getting your homes and businesses ready for the eventual arrival of Hurricane Ian. At this time, Hurricane Ian is in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and is expected to become a major hurricane as it approaches Cuba and moves into the Gulf of Mexico. It is never an easy task to batten down the hatches on our homes and property, but as coastal Florida residents, it is something we must plan for each year and carry out when there is an approaching storm with an uncertain path.
While I want to be optimistic the storm will track well to the west of Sanibel, residents who lived on the island during Hurricane Charley know all too well how quickly a hurricane can change course, defying all the predictions and forecasts. That is my primary purpose for writing you today – to ask you to continue with your storm preparations and to be ready to evacuate Sanibel if necessary. The most recent forecast tracks for Hurricane Ian place the storm further to the west than the original forecasts, however we must remain vigilant until the storm passes to the north and we can hopefully breathe a sigh of relief. The track continues to wobble as of this morning and forecasters are doing their best to provide communities with the best possible information.
Based on current projections, Hurricane Ian should be southwest of Sanibel by Tuesday evening. As we all know, tropical storms and hurricanes are more than windstorms. They bring the potential for heavy rainfall, flooding, and storm surge impacts, in addition to damaging winds. Therefore, we must be prepared for all potential storm impacts, even if the hurricane force winds are west of Sanibel. The forecast track of the storm, to the west of Sanibel, also increases the probability Sanibel may be impacted by storm surge.
City staff have opened weirs that manage stormwater levels at Tarpon Bay and Beach Road to lower the current levels of water in the eastern and western pools of the Sanibel Slough. The weirs are opened for low tide and then closed again during the incoming and high tide to prevent backflow. Because the ground is already saturated from summer rains, managing the Slough pools in advance of the storm will be helpful if Sanibel receives lesser rainfall. However, if Sanibel receives heavy amounts of rainfall and/or experiences storm surge, Sanibel will experience flooding that may take a few days or more to recede.
With all this in mind, the Sanibel City Council will meet today, Monday, September 26, 2022, at 5:30pm, to consider declaring a local State of Emergency. The proposed City Council Resolution also recommends a voluntary evacuation in advance of the storm; postpones the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for September 28 to a date to be determined; and postpones the City Council Final Budget Hearing to October 3, 2022 at 5:01 pm.
Please note, Lee County could change the voluntary evacuation order to a mandatory evacuation order at any time, so please continue to monitor information from the City and Lee County. If you would like to receive notifications from Alert Lee, please click here.
Should residents or businesses need a Hurricane Reentry Pass, you may click here to be connected to the City’s Emergency Management page to download the application form. Once you have completed the form, you will need to bring it to the Sanibel Police Department to receive your pass (if eligible).
Should residents or business need sandbags, the Sanibel Public Works Department has placed sand and a funnel at the Recycling Center on Dunlop Road. Residents and businesses owners must bring their own bags as the City does not provide them.
Please finish preparations at your home and businesses and consider evacuating the island. Please continue to monitor the weather and our news releases. If you have not registered to receive the City’s news releases, please click here to register. Be safe during this storm event and call upon us at 239-472-3000, if you have any questions.
Dana A. Souza
City Manager
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9-25-22
News Release – For Immediate Release
September 25, 2022
City of Sanibel, FL
Contact: City of Sanibel - City Clerk's Office
(239) 472-3700
The Sanibel City Council will convene a Special Meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, September 26, 2022
Sanibel City Hall, Mackenzie Hall, 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, Florida
Complete agendas are available on the City Web site at www.mysanibel.com the Friday before a regular Council meeting. A copy of the agenda is also posted on the bulletin board outside City Hall. Agendas are subject to amendment.
If a person decides to appeal a decision made by the Council on any matter considered at this meeting/hearing, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, to include the testimony and evidence upon which any such appeal is to be based.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact Scotty Lynn Kelly, City Clerk, no later than one day prior to the proceedings. Telephone 239-472-3700 for assistance. If hearing impaired, telephone the Florida Relay Service at 711.
9-24-2022
A tropical storm which could become a hurricane is headed this way, possibly arriving on Wednesday, September 28. While today’s forecast shows it heading more towards Tampa, we are all still preparing. In 2004 Charlie was supposed to go north and it turned abruptly and hit Sanibel and Captiva.
We will do our best to let you know what is happening in CSM and Sanibel, but past experience has shown us that it can be difficult to send emails, make phone calls, etc.—even if we appear to have an internet connection. One of the best ways to stay informed is to sign up for emails from the City of Sanibel via this link: https://www.mysanibel.com//government/city-manager-s-office/useful-links/sign-up-for-city-announcements
If possible, we will post information on this website as well. In the meantime, please be sure that your yard is free of items that can become airborne. Beach bins should be emptied as well. Remaining items will be taken to the dump. Thanks for your help!