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.
Sanibel Library opening the day after Hurricane Ian
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.
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)
Photo credit: Captain Brian Holaway
Photo credit: Captain Brian Holaway
Photo credit: Captain Brian Holaway
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!
"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:
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.)
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.
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.
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.
On behalf of FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, Inc., thank you for your donation! The road to recovery for our islands is going to be lengthy, but we're so grateful to you for your support that allows us to continue our work.
Maggie Goldsmith
Marketing & Grants
FISH OF SANCAP
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! ❤️🩹
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.
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.
Sanibel Hurricane Ian signs Tote Bag by Angelika Geerlof
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! ❤️🩹
Sanibel Island was decimated when strong winds and a deadly 18' high storm surge from Hurricane Ian came rushing over and swallowing up the island on September 28, 2022. But God made nature incredibly resilient, and both the island wildlife and the people who live there are strong and holding onto hope.
Seven weeks later, signs of LIFE are springing up in this beautiful and beloved tropical paradise. Enjoy these photos of the recovery of the plant and animal life on Sanibel after Ian. May it give you hope as well! ♥️
Signs of Plant Life & Vegetation on Sanibel after Ian
Yes, the vegetation is greening up, plants and flowers are budding, and signs of life are popping out everywhere!
Photo credit: Sandy Harbor
Photo credit: Sandy Harbor
Photo credit: Sandy Harbor
Photo credit: Sandy Harbor
Photo credit: Sandy Harbor
Photo credit: Sandy Harbor
Photo credit: Mark J. Heiman
Photo credit: Mark J. Heiman
Photo credit: Mark J. Heiman
Photo credit: Sandy Harbor
Photo credit: Mark J. Heiman
Photo credit: Mark J. Heiman
The bold color of hope...beautiful hibiscus at Sanibel Moorings 🧡
Photo credit: Sanibel Moorings
As Sanibel resident Mark Heiman remarked,
"For the first 4 or 5 weeks after Ian, we didn’t see or hear any signs of life on the island. There weren’t even mosquitoes or noseums. For the last couple of weeks we are seeing a transformation. The island is greening up, we are hearing and seeing birds, mourning doves, cardinals, woodpeckers, pelicans, Osprey, and Ibis. We have seen raccoons, iguanas, and manatees. And the mosquitoes and noseums are back with a vengeance."
Signs of Wildlife on Sanibel after Ian
I love all of these beautiful photos of the animals and birds on Sanibel that are thriving after Ian!
Please share with someone who would love to see these beautiful signs of life as well.
Hope abounds, and life is springing up everywhere on Sanibel! ♥️
Beautiful Photography Credit
A big thank you to the Sanibel residents who shared their beautiful photos of the post-Ian wildlife on Sanibel.
Many of these stunning wildlife 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.
Support a local Sanibel artist this Christmas! ☺️
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! ❤️🩹
Hurricane Ian and its horrific storm surge severely damaged the entire island of Sanibel, and the restaurants were no exception. The great news is that many are working hard to rebuild and come back better than ever!
One by one, the restaurants are reopening. Some, of course, will take longer than others. Currently, the ones that have reopened are only open to Sanibel residents and recovery workers (you need a hurricane pass to cross the causeway until Jan. 2, 2023, when the Sanibel causeway will be open to the public), but I'm looking forward to the day when we all can dine at our favorite island places once again!
Cielo is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm serving a limited menu.
1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL
(239) 472-5555
4. Gramma Dot's
Although Gramma Dot's restaurant is still closed for repairs, for a limited time they have a food truck open till 4 pm at their marina location with great tacos and burgers. There are tables with umbrellas right on the water so you still can relax and enjoy the view!
634 North Yachtsmen Drive, Sanibel, FL
https://www.sanibelmarina.com
5. Captiva Island Pizza
Captiva Island Pizza is open 11:00 -3:00 Monday - Thursday and 11:00 - 8:00 Friday and Saturday.
11513 Andy Rosse Ln, Captiva, FL (239) 395-0823
http://www.captivaislandpizza.com
6. The Sanibel Grill
The Sanibel Grill is now open Thursday - Sunday, noon to 6pm!
Stay updated by following their Facebook page HERE.
703 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL (239) 472-4453 feedback1@prawnbroker.com thesanibelgrill.com
7. Sanibel Deli
The Sanibel Deli is now open!
You can follow their updates on their Facebook page HERE.
Click below to shop the lighthouse hair clip named in honor of the steadfast Sanibel lighthouse that withstood the winds & waves of Hurricane Ian! #SanibelStrong
Multiple sizes to fit all types of hair, from baby-fine to super-thick!
11. Mud Bugs Cajun Kitchen
Mud Bugs Cajun Kitchen is open!
Initial hours are 11 am to 7 pm. Live music daily starting at 3pm.
Happiest of Happy Hour specials including a “special hurricane”!
The Green Flash on Captiva is currently serving box lunches.
They plan to reopen the Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant sometime in the spring of 2023. You can stay updated on their progress on their Facebook page HERE.
15183 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL
(239) 472-3337
greenflashcaptiva@gmail.com
13. Blue Giraffe Sanibel
The Blue Giraffe now has a food trailer open at: Periwinkle Place Shops 2075 Periwinkle Way Sanibel, FL
No reopening date for their restaurant yet, but the Blue Giraffe on Sanibel has been working hard to be able to welcome guests once again!
You can stay updated on their progress on their Facebook page HERE.
Sweet Melissa's has a Pop-up every Thursday and Friday at Island Pizza!
1619 Periwinkle Way Sanibel, FL
20. Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille
Although the Captiva Doc Fords location will not be reopening, as of February 17, the Sanibel Doc Fords location is open!
To learn more about Doc Ford's hurricane damage and to stay updated on their recovery, check out their website page HERE.
2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
(239) 472-8311
Doc Ford's Seafood Paella
Doc Ford's Deep Water Mahi Mahi
21. The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
Timbers Restaurant is now open 5-8:30pm daily!
The Fish Market at the Timbers is open 1-7pm daily and 2 pm on Sundays.
703 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL (239) 472-3128 timberssanibelgrill@gmail.com timbersofsanibel.com
22. Rosalita's Cantina Sanibel
New Sanibel Tex-Mex location! Rosalita’s offers a full menu of both food and drinks. Try their signature table-side guacamole made right in front of you with nachos piled high. They have a full array of classic Mexican dishes, more modern specialties and specialty margaritas.
The Shipyard is a brand new Gulf-view restaurant next to The Old Captiva House at 'Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa. Its grand opening was on May 15, 2023. Be sure to check it out while visiting Captiva!
BREAKFAST 7.30 AM – 11 AM | LUNCH 11.30 AM – 2 PM | LITE BITES 2 PM – 5 PM | DINNER 5 PM – 10 PM
COMING SOON: The Crow’s Nest Chophouse and whiskey bar will have a stunning new location on top of the new Shipyard Restaurant at 'Tween Waters, for an unrivaled vantage point for watching the legendary sunsets over the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
I'm so excited for the release of the new Sanibel lighthouse Flexi hair clip named in honor of the beautiful historic Sanibel Island lighthouse.
Despite devastation all around and losing a leg in the 13-15' storm surge during Hurricane Ian, the steadfast lighthouse remained standing.
It is now a symbol of hope for residents, visitors, and Sanibel-lovers everywhere! ❤️
Watch the video below to learn more about this beautiful new lighthouse clip, and learn 3 quick & easy hairstyles you can do with it, no matter how thick or thin your hair!
One way you can support the restaurants and shops of Sanibel until you can visit again is to shop through their online store! To see all the Sanibel and Captiva businesses that have online shops, check out my article Sanibel Island Online Shopping Directory (after Hurricane Ian)
This is an on-going article that I hope to keep updated. If you hear of a Sanibel restaurant that has reopened or has set a date to reopen, please let me know in the comments below! Thank you! 💜
