No trip to Captiva Island was ever complete without at least one visit to the iconic Bubble Room Restaurant, the place where it was always Christmas! Such a fun destination full of whimsy, nostalgia, music, and of course Bo-Bo and bubble lights!

Did The Bubble Room Survive Hurricane Ian?

The Bubble Room on Captiva did survive the hurricane that stormed through on September 28, 2022, though there was a lot of damage that will need to be repaired and rebuilt.

Photos of damage to the Bubble Room after Ian

The following are photos of the Bubble Room after Ian. Yes, it is a mess, but yes, they are rebuilding and coming back better than ever!

Update from Bubble Room owners Rachel and Stephen on Oct. 25, 2022 on their Facebook page:

'MERRY CHRISTMAS! I must have taken this same picture for a thousand people over the years and have loved seeing everyone enjoying the Bubble Room experience with their families and friends. Thank you all so much for your support and well wishes. It has truly brightened our days seeing your pictures and hearing your stories in our comments and private messages. We are working tirelessly on getting the 3 Bubble Room properties cleaned out and cannot wait until we are able to have you all back to dine with us.

Our OFFICIAL website with the online store will be back up and running by the end of the week.  We will update again soon, please be patient with us getting back to you with messages and emails.  Rachel & Stephen"

Aerial Footage of The Bubble Room Restaurant on Captiva after the Hurricane

Below is an aerial  video taken of The Bubble Room damage after Ian.

Video footage of the Bubble Room on the Ground after Ian

Here is a Facebook Live video taken on site of the Bubble Room damage by Sanibel resident Diana Taylor of "Beautiful Sanibel Island" Facebook group.  You will need to join the group to see the video, but her commentary and footage as she is walking around the property are so helpful to see the actual damage to the restaurant and grounds, as well as the progress the Bubble Room is making in its recovery efforts so far: 

What is the Bubble Room Known For?

The Bubble Room  is known for being the place where "It's always Christmas." The interior is decorated in an eclectic assortment of vintage Christmas bubble lights, model trains running around the ceiling, old Hollywood, and nostalgic toys &  antiques from the '20s, '30s and '40s. The outside of this Captiva Island restaurant is done in an array of bright whimsical colors.

There you will also find the gorilla cage of Bo-bo, the infamous Bubble Room gorilla, where countless visitors have gotten their photos over the years.  At the Bubble Room, it is guaranteed that “You will always find something you have never seen before.”

As for food, the Bubble Room is known for their delectable layered dessert cakes and their "Bubble Bread" that simply melts in your mouth .

Tour of the Inside of The Bubble Room

This is a great video of the inside of the Bubble Room. Three floors filled with all kinds of fun surprises in every nook and cranny!

Why is it Called the Bubble Room?

The Bubble Room is called the Bubble Room due to its many vintage Christmas bubble  lights that fill the interior. Bubble lights are filled with a bubbling liquid and were popular in the 1940's.  You can purchase your own bubble lights from the Bubble Room online gift shop.

Bubble Room Tunnel of Love

Anyone else experience butterflies in the Tunnel of Love? 

Support The Bubble Room through their Official Online Shop!

The Bubble Room is continuing to add more cute and nostalgic gift items to their online shop.  This is a great way to support them while they rebuild after Ian.

When will The Bubble Room Reopen?

I have not heard of a reopening date of the Bubble Room yet, though will be sure to let you know when I hear any news! In the meantime, you can stay updated on their official Facebook page HERE.

2024 UPDATE: To see how the Bubble Room is doing today, see our post Sanibel and Captiva Today: Two Years After Ian

Bubble Room Artist

I love this painting of The Bubble Room by local artist Terry Gardiner. The colors are so happy! You can purchase a print of it by messaging him on his Facebook page HERE.

Do you have fond memories of The Bubble Room?

Comment below with your favorite memories of the Bubble Room! Hopefully one day in the not-too-distant future we can all return to make many more!

Oh, how we all loved our Sunday trips to browse and shop the lovely Sanibel Farmer's Market! So many wonderful vendors with so many beautiful, fresh and tasty things!

But even though the Sanibel Farmer's Market is currently not open at their Sanibel location since Ian*, there are many Sanibel Farmer's Market businesses you can still support at their other locations!

Shop Sanibel Farmer's Market Vendors' Other Locations!

The Sanibel Farmer's Market is managed by Local Roots Farmer's Markets that has four other locations in the SW Florida area. Many of the vendors who sold on Sanibel also sell at some of these other farmers' market locations as well.

From Betsy on the Sanibel Farmer's Market Facebook page:

"We miss our Sanibel Sundays at the farmers market, but we will return when the islands are safe to have us open. Until then, if anyone needs contact information on any vendor to continue supporting these small businesses, I am happy to provide. Email me at BetsyFVentura@gmail.com"

Coconut Point Farmer's Market

Thursdays 9am - 1pm
Coconut Point Mall

23106 Fashion Dr.
Estero, FL

Bonita Springs Farmer's Market

Saturdays 8am - noon 
The Promenade at Bonita Bay

26811 S. Bay Dr.
Bonita Springs, FL

Babcock Ranch Farmer's Market

Sundays 9am - 1pm
Founder's Square

42850 Crescent Lp

Punta Gorda, FL

Lakes Park Farmer's Market 

*UPDATE! The Lake's Park Farmer's Market will be back at their regular location in Lakes Park starting Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

Wednesdays 9am-1pm

7330 Gladiolus Dr.

Fort Myers, FL 33908

Lakes Park Farmer's Market Vendors

This is the current list of vendors from the Lakes Park Farmers Market Facebook page:

1. 3 Birds Breakfast Food Truck

2. Acai Bowl

3. Ackerman Syrup – December

4. Aux Delices French Bakery

5. Cape Coral Pierogis

6. Chef Sebastian Mazzotta

7. Cruz Produce

8. Currie’s BBQ

9. Daily Delice Food Truck

10. Dominga'S Flowers

11. Doug’s Seafood

12. Euro Bakery

12. Dynasty Guacamole

13. Farmer Mike’s Fresh Produce

14. Flying Eagle Kombucha

15. Gene’s Seafood – Delayed 1 Week

16. Gina’s Tamales

17. Heavenly Wellness Bars

18. Heritage Honey

19. House of Nuts

20. I love oils - DoTerra

21. Irene’s Veggies

22. Island Harmony CBD

23. Jimmy’s Java

24. Joe’s Seafood

25. Lisa V’s Watermelon Green Tea

26. Lizzie’s Lights – Delayed 2 weeks

27. Madagascar Hats

28. Mangia Meatballs

29. Mediterranean Delight

30. Miss Mae’s Desserts

31. My Exotic Fruits

32. Naples Canning Company

33. Naturally Healthy Juice

34. Nuts 4 Ever

35. Paradise Soap – Delayed

36. Pilar’s Empanadas

37. Pleyoo Microgreens

38. Sage and Indigo Juices

39. Samosa Mama’s Indian Food

40. Sandra’s Key Lime Pies

41. Stamper Cheese

42. Stove Top Yum

43. Straight From Ny Bagels

44. Sweet and Savory Dips

45. Taspen Organics

46. Tee’s Chicago Dogs

47. The Doughnut Station

48. The Fisherman’s Daughter

49. The Living Towers

50. Twila Mae’s Chicken Salad

51. 12 Seasons Farm

Sanibel Online Shopping Directory

Help support Sanibel in its recovery efforts as well as  Sanibel businesses by shopping from the Sanibel Online Shopping Directory! Some businesses may also have ways you can donate to help them rebuild and to support their employees who were affected by the hurricane as well.

What a great way to show love to your favorite island! ❤️‍🩹

Are you interested in selling at Farmer's Markets yourself?

Farmer's markets are a great way to earn extra income while getting out and meeting people! If  you are interested in becoming a farmer's market vendor yourself, check out this post to learn more and see what are the best times to sell: Best Products to Sell at Farmer's Markets, Craft Fairs & Vendor Events.

What were your favorite things to buy at the Sanibel Farmer's Market?

Comment below with your absolute favorite things you'd get at the Sanibel Farmer's Market!

I am so excited to announce that the Sanibel public library is now open after Ian! It reopened to residents on December 1, 2022, for a very nice gift for the holidays!

Here is the update from the Sanibel Library:

The Library reopened to the public today, wonderful to see so many smiling faces!

Patrons used the WiFi for remote work, borrowed & returned books, and shared their hurricane stories.

The Library will be open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Curbside Pickup Service will continue throughout the month of December, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. To use the service, place your items on hold, you will be contacted with the day or time to pick up.

The drive-up book drop located in the parking garage on the west side, is open for returns.

Stay Updated on the Sanibel Public Library

For news and updates on the Sanibel Public Library, check their website HERE and their Facebook page HERE.

#SanibelStrong

Sanibel Public Library Location & Contact Info

Sanibel Public Library

770 Dunlop Road

Sanibel, FL

(239) 472-2483

notices@sanlib.org

sanlib.org

Is the Captiva Memorial Library open after Ian?

 The Captiva Memorial Library is currently still closed after Ian.

This is their latest update on their website:

Before Hurricane Ian, the Captiva Memorial Library was closed for a flooring renovation. This project needs to be completed before the library will reopen.

You can check back for updates on their site HERE.

Captiva Memorial Library

11560 Chapin Lane 
Captiva, FL 33924

239-533-4890 Voice 

Help Support Sanibel Recovery Efforts

Sanibel Island is special in our hearts as well as many others, who are heartbroken over the devastation that Hurricane Ian brought this friendly little island in SW Florida.

Living in southwest Florida ourselves, and Sanibel being our "home away from home," we wanted a way to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian to rebuild and come back stronger and more beautiful than ever, so that families can continue to be able to create wonderful lifelong memories in this little slice of paradise.

$5 of every shirt purchased will go towards SW Florida relief efforts at: F.I.S.H. of SanCap and  Sanibel businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Click HERE to purchase. 💜 Thank you!

Sanibel Online Shopping Directory

Help support Sanibel in its recovery efforts as well as  Sanibel businesses by shopping from the Sanibel Online Shopping Directory! Some businesses may also have ways you can donate to help them rebuild and to support their employees who were affected by the hurricane as well.

What a great way to show love to your favorite island! ❤️‍🩹

Miraculously, the beautiful historic Chapel by the Sea on Captiva Island still stands after the devastation of Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022.

 However, the structure and property did sustain some damage that will be repaired in the coming weeks and months. This damage includes some significant issues with the Chapel’s belfry, flooring and the Cemetery’s fencing and vegetation.
 

Captiva Chapel by the Sea Hurricane Ian Damage (Video)

Captiva Chapel by the Sea Cemetery after Ian (Photos)

Captiva Chapel by the Sea Cemetery after Ian (Video)

Beautiful Chapel of the Sea Christmas Lights Before Ian

I had to include these beautiful photos of the Christmas lights of the Chapel of the Sea last year (2021) prior to Hurricane Ian. So charming! Looking forward to the day when we can enjoy these once again!

Update: Chapel by the Sea will be Reopening!

January 2, 2023 UPDATE from Chapel by the Sea's Facebook page:

"It warms our hearts to share that starting Sunday, January 29th, Reverend Larry Marshall will be returning to Captiva for live, in-person services. Due to ongoing repairs to the chapel, services will be held in the Chapel Yard."

Online Worship Services

You can worship with Chapel by the Sea every Sunday morning at 11am Eastern time on their YouTube channel HERE.

Support Captiva Chapel by the Sea

The church's repair costs are being assessed by professionals but preliminary estimates are appearing to be costs in excess of $200,000.
 
They appreciate anything you can do to support their recovery.

To donate to The Chapel by the Sea, click the button below, or send a check to:

 Chapel by the Sea
 PO Box 118

Captiva, FL 33924
 

Stay Updated on Chapel by the Sea's Reconstruction Process

You can stay updated on how the Chapel by the Sea is recovering from Ian on their website HERE or their Facebook page HERE.

11580 Chapin Ln, Captiva, FL

CaptivaChapel@gmail.com

captivachapel.com

Captiva Memorial Library after Ian

I am looking into information about how the Captiva Library fared through Hurricane Ian. So far, this is what they have posted on their website:

Before Hurricane Ian, the Captiva Memorial Library was closed for a flooring renovation. This project needs to be completed before the library will reopen.

You can check back for updates on their site HERE.

Captiva Memorial Library

11560 Chapin Lane
Captiva, FL 33924

239-533-4890 Voice 

After Sanibel & Captiva Islands were devastated by Hurricane Ian, many of you have been wondering how you can help. 

I decided to start compiling a list of volunteer and donation opportunities so we can all help beautiful Sanibel and its residents recover.  This is just a start, but I wanted to get it out there and will be adding to it as I hear of more volunteer opportunities. You can also stay updated by checking their websites and following their Facebook pages, as I'm sure volunteer opportunities will be constantly changing.

Please let me know if you know of more Sanibel volunteer opportunities! Thank you!

#SanibelStrong

F.I.S.H. of SanCap

F.I.S.H. is a human services organization focused on 'neighbors helping neighbors' with a vision to create communities where all people have the support they need to thrive. Their mission is to enrich the lives of all people in Sanibel and Captiva Islands by neighbors helping neighbors with social services, education and assistance.

To learn how you can volunteer for hurricane relief efforts, please reach out to Kim Ouellette their operations and volunteer manager at 239-472-4775 or Kim@fishofsancap.org.

For news & updates, follow F.I.S.H. on Facebook HERE. 

2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

http://fishofsancap.org/

Community Housing and Resources

As a result of Hurricane Ian, CHR residents lost everything, are now homeless and without jobs. If you’re in a position to provide support, please consider donating and all funds received will be used to help CHR residents with housing and essentials during this time. Thank you!

CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is a teaching hospital and visitor education center dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, research, education and conservation medicine.

Each year, CROW cares for more than 5,000 wildlife patients including more than 200 species of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in its veterinary hospital, which is one of the nation’s leading rehabilitation facilities for native and migratory wildlife.

Volunteers are the cornerstone of CROW and each year more than 200 volunteers dedicate thousands of hours helping rescue, care for and rehabilitate wildlife. 

To learn more about becoming a volunteer at CROW, click HERE.

Stay updated about CROW on their Facebook page HERE.

3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL
(239) 472-3644

email: info@crowclinic.org

crowclinic.org

Shop the CROW ‘Wild’ Holiday Gift Guide for the perfect present! 100% of proceeds from their online store directly benefit patient care and rehabilitation at their clinic!

https://crow-clinic-gift-shop.mybigcommerce.com/

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for spectacular migratory bird populations. The refuge was established in 1945 to safeguard and enhance the wildlife habitat of Sanibel Island, to protect endangered and threatened species, and to provide feeding, nesting, and roosting areas for migratory birds. In 1967, the refuge was renamed for conservation pioneer Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, who was instrumental in its founding. More than 40 percent of the refuge is Congressionally designated wilderness.

You can learn more about Ding Darling on their website HERE.

You can learn more about volunteer opportunities at Ding Darling HERE. (Note: many of the opportunities may not be available yet after Ian.)

1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL

(239) 472-1100

dingdarling@fws.gov

fws.gov/dingdarling

To learn more about how Ding Darling wildlife sanctuary fared during Hurricane Ian, check out my post How is Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge after Hurricane Ian? (Photos)

To donate to Ding Darling, click the button below:

Shop the Ding Darling gift shop! 100% of the proceeds go to support the refuge.

Ding Darling Wildlife Society - Friends of the Refuge

Ding Darling Wildlife Society - Friends of the Refuge is a great organization to join to help support the refuge and its recovery efforts. 

You can follow their news & updates on Facebook HERE and learn more about how you can get involved on the website here: dingdarlingsociety.org

SCCF (Sanibel - Captiva Conservation Foundation)

Founded in 1967, SCCF's mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems through their focus on Water Quality Research, Policy and Advocacy, Sea Turtles and Shorebirds, Native Landscaping, Habitat and Wildlife Management, and Environmental Education.

They are the largest private landowner on Sanibel Island, managing more than 1,200 acres on Sanibel plus more than 600 additional acres on surrounding islands. They have more than eight miles of nature trails at preserves throughout the island.

 Over the last 53 years, SCCF's diverse program areas have grown to include the Native Landscapes & Garden Center, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Sea Turtle & Shorebird Research and Monitoring, Environmental Policy, a Marine Laboratory, and the Sanibel Sea School. 

You can learn more about SSCF and how you can get involved, on their website HERE.

You can stay updated on their hurricane recovery progress and on volunteer opportunities on their Facebook page HERE.

Your gift will aid SCCF in getting back to their work monitoring shorebirds and sea turtles, advocating for sound environmental policy, researching water quality, managing over 2,000 acres of protected land, and more.

3333 Sanibel - Captiva Rd.
Sanibel, FL 33957

website: https://www.sccf.org
email: sccf@sccf.org

Support Sanibel Recovery Efforts

Sanibel Island is special in our hearts as well as many others, who are heartbroken over the devastation that Hurricane Ian brought this friendly little island in SW Florida.

Living in southwest Florida ourselves, and Sanibel being our "home away from home," we wanted a way to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian to rebuild and come back stronger and more beautiful than ever, so that families can continue to be able to create wonderful lifelong memories in this little slice of paradise.

$5 of every shirt purchased will go towards SW Florida relief efforts at: F.I.S.H. of SanCap and  Sanibel businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Click HERE to purchase. 💜 Thank you!

Sanibel Online Shopping Directory

Help support Sanibel in its recovery efforts as well as  Sanibel businesses by shopping from the Sanibel Online Shopping Directory! Some businesses may also have ways you can donate to help them rebuild and to support their employees who were affected by the hurricane as well.

What a great way to show love to your favorite island! ❤️‍🩹

SANIBEL STRONG COMMUNITY

We are just like you. We love Sanibel Island. We have vacationed, lived, done business on and played on the island. We understand the uniqueness of the way of life Sanibel fosters. We are hurting too and want to help. We have come together from all around the country (and world!) because, together, we are #SanibelStrong.

We are boots on the ground, we are generous volunteers and donors. We are businesses caring about businesses. We are a Sanibel Family. We come from all walks of life but one thing is certain -- we have loved the beaches of Sanibel, we have felt the special island spirit, we have shopped at Jerry's and eaten at the Lazy Flamingo.

Sanibel Strong, Inc., is a grass roots public charity with 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the IRS and is a registered Florida not for profit corporation. All donations are tax-deductible.

https://www.sanibelstrong.community/

OR

Know of More Volunteer Opportunities?

Just comment below or let me know the details HERE. Thank you! 
#SanibelStrong

Hurricane Ian was no match for the residents of Sanibel. They are showing their strength, resiliency, and HOPE through the SIGNS they leave. 

Sanibel is slowly recovering from Ian due to the love of its people. It will return, and stronger and more beautiful than ever. 

Enjoy these signs of HOPE  from Sanibel! Looking forward to the day when we all can return to this beautiful island paradise.

Signs of LIFE on Sanibel

If you enjoyed this post, check out my post Signs of LIFE on Sanibel Island after Hurricane Ian to see all the beautiful plant and animal wildlife that are thriving and making their comeback after Ian!

Beautiful Photography Credit

A big thank you to the Sanibel residents who shared their hope-filled  photos of the post-Ian signs on Sanibel.

Many of these photos were taken by Sanibel artist Angelika Geerlof. You can see more of her work on her Sanibel Moodscapes Facebook page HERE and her website HERE. Many of her photographs are available for purchase on canvas, mouse pads, tote bags, calendars, Christmas ornaments and more.

You can also read her first-hand account of surviving through the horrors of Ian at Surviving Hurricane Ian (Sanibel Survivor Story)

Share your Stories, Photos, Updates about your Sanibel Business, & Volunteer Opportunities

If you have a personal story about the hurricane, and/or photos or videos of the damage and recovery efforts that you'd like to share on this site, please submit them HERE. I would also like to know about volunteer opportunities so I can share them with others. 
If you have a business on SanCap, we would also love to stay updated on your recovery progress. Just let us know HERE!

Sanibel Online Shopping Directory

Help support Sanibel in its recovery efforts as well as  Sanibel businesses by shopping from the Sanibel Online Shopping Directory! What a great way to show love to your favorite island! ❤️‍🩹