J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel Island, Florida was hit with a devastating blow when Hurricane Ian swept through on September 28, 2022.  All refuge lands and waters are currently closed.

Like the rest of the island, most of the vegetation turned brown and looked quite dead, but things are now greening up, sprouting, and coming back to life! Wildlife such as osprey, tortoises and manatees are starting to be spotted in the area as well, which is incredibly good news! 

Here are some photos and videos from Ding Darling after Ian. Things may look a little bleak now, but nature is resilient and will come back more beautiful than ever!

UPDATE: Ding Darling is reopening April 4, 2023!

The Entrance  to J.N. "Ding" Darling after Ian

The Entrance to the Ding Darling Boardwalk after Ian

The Road through Ding Darling

"The bridge to our community is gone so we go through the exit end of Ding Darling to access our home. We saw Manatees on Friday!" ~ Mark J. Heiman

Wildlife Spotted in J.N. "Ding" Darling Refuge after Ian

Here are some photos of the wildlife spotted in the refuge after Ian. I hope to be adding  more as I find them! 

Pelican in Ding Darling Wildlife Sanctuary after Ian

Gopher Tortoise at Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge after Ian

More fun signs of life!

Many Resident Birds Spotted at Ding Darling after Ian

Video Footage of  J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge After Ian

The Ding Darling Wildlife Society shared this wonderful video taken by rangers of the refuge after Ian to keep us all updated on how the wildlife survived. As you can see in the video, a lot of wildlife were seen, including anhinga, bald eagles, egrets, herons, spoonbills, a bobcat, a raccoon mother with her baby, a gopher tortoise, manatees and dolphins, mangrove tree crabs.

Other signs of life were seen as well, such as coyote tracks and alligator drags.

Lots of Beautiful White Pelicans after Ian!

Ding Darling Ian Update on Dec. 6, 2022:

WILDLIFE DRIVE UPDATE:

The damage to the Wildlife Drive due to Hurricane Ian is extensive along the 4-mile one-way road. Safety is the limiting factor for us to reopen the Wildlife Drive to the public. Plans are to add fill and rebuild the sides of the road where there was significant erosion of the levee. The birding platform approaching water control structure 2 (WCS2) is destroyed, the mangrove overlook also suffered significant damage from which will need to be secured, and boardwalk trails (Indigo trail, & Calusa Shell Mound) need to be cleared and assessed for safety. Crews are being assembled to work in these projects.

Tarpon Bay Explorers will be reopening after Ian!

Great news from Tarpon Bay Explorers:

"With an optimistic (but no guarantee) timeline, we hope to open sometime during February [2023]!

Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage to a variety of equipment and as a result, we will only have certain rentals and tours available during limited days throughout the week. We apologize for a vague timeline, but we are working with "Ding" Rangers and staff to ensure that the site's safety concerns are addressed & completed before visitors are allowed to return to enjoy Tarpon Bay. 

Please also understand if this timeline is postponed. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram accounts for further updates and we can't wait to see you all soon!"

J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge Photos Before Ian

I am sure it won't be long before Ding Darling and its spectacular wildlife are back to their incredible beauty once again!

Manatee frolicking at Ding Darling before Ian

This video was taken before Hurricane Ian, but manatees HAVE been spotted at Ding Darling Refuge since Ian. Can't wait to see them again in person!

More photos of the recovery of the beautiful plant and animal life on Sanibel 

To see more photos of how the plant and animal life are recovering on Sanibel after Ian, check out my post Signs of LIFE on Sanibel Island after Hurricane Ian

Support J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge Recovery Efforts

Support Ding Darling's recovery by sending a donation or shopping from their online gift shop! Below are just a few of the super cute t-shirts and gift items available!

More about J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel, is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order creating the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge in 1945 for the purpose of and in 1967 was renamed in honor of Jay Norwood Darling. It is world famous for spectacular migratory bird populations. 

Map of Ding Darling Refuge

I'll have to say, it is pretty sad to see all of those "temporarily closed" tags on the Sanibel map, but they will recover and one day we will get to return to our favorite place once again!

Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn-ding-darling
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dingdarlingrefuge
Address: 1 Wildlife DriveSanibel, FL33957
Phone: (239) 472-1100

Is Ding Darling Refuge Open after Ian?

Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge will be reopening on April 4, 2023.

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

Many of us have many lifelong memories that were made at the beautiful Casa Ybel Sanibel Resort, from family vacations, to weddings, to anniversary get-aways. And the happy Coconuts beachside bar & grill was a great place to stop in for a cool refreshment while strolling or shell-hunting on the beach.

With old-fashioned Victorian gingerbread trim of the Thistle Lodge, lovely manicured lawns, and tropical landscaping, it was a little piece of paradise on earth.

That's why so many of us were heartbroken over the destruction that Hurricane Ian brought to this beautiful resort. It suffered incredible damage that will take a long time to recover from, but we are looking forward to brighter days when we can all gather again at Casa Ybel.

Here are some photos and a video of the destruction. Sadly, Coconuts is completely gone without a trace.

The beautiful Victorian style Thistle Lodge suffered major damage

This is one incredible image!  That is not a window or painting on the back wall... it must be a mirror!

All of the outbuildings in the pool area, such as the pool house, towel stand, bath houses, and pool bar were completely destroyed.

A couple photos of the front desk. Unbelievable.

Roofs were ripped off.

Vegetation was decimated.

Photo credit for the above photos: Sanibel FL Coastal Vibes Facebook group

Aerial view of the damage to Casa Ybel Resort

Aerial view of the damage to Casa Ybel Resort. You can see it starting at the 8:50 minute mark: 
(Note: the newscaster says that you are seeing Casa Ybel while the cameraman is actually showing Ocean's Reach Resort, which is next door. But at the 8:50 mark, you will actually be seeing Casa Ybel. To learn more about how Ocean's Reach fared, see my post ​How is Ocean’s Reach Resort after Hurricane Ian?​​​)

Before and After Aerial Views of Casa Ybel Resort

These before and after images of Casa Ybel are simply unbelievable. Look at the erosion and deep inlets of water that the storm surge cut into the beach.

Coconuts Poolside Bar & Grill

Okay, this one really hurts. Coconuts Bar & Grill, nestled between the Casa Ybel pool and the Gulf of Mexico, was completely wiped out...as in, not a trace. So many memories with family and friends there, I can't even count! 

It was the perfect spot for taking a break in between strolls and shell-hunting on the beach. Their mango daiquiris and lobster rolls were amazing! 

Fun Tidbits from Casa Ybel's History 

Casa Ybel Resort opened as “The Sisters” in the late 1880s, and had many famous visitors, including the Edisons and Fords.  The photo below from February 16, 1925 shows Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edison and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ford vacationing with friends at Casa Ybel Resort.

Sanibel Island's first church, The Church of the Four Gospels, was built on the beach at Casa Ybel. It was destroyed by the 1910 hurricane, and salvaged pews are still in residence at Sanibel Community Church.

If you are interested in seeing more photos of Sanibel Island history, check out this book:

Signs of Hope! 💜

Casa Ybel Resort is strong, and signs of hope in the area are arising!

Stay Updated

I will try to keep this post updated as I can. If you hear of news of how Casa Ybel is doing, please let me know!

You can also find the official Casa Ybel Resort website HERE and their Facebook page

HERE.

Share your Stories, Photos, Updates about your 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!

Help Support Sanibel Hurricane Relief 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: https://www.fishofsancap.org, https://destinyunitedrelief.org and https://mealsofhope.org. These are all reputable organizations that we personally know, have worked with, and highly recommend.

Click HERE to purchase. 💜 Thank you!

Where is Casa Ybel Resort located?

2255 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957
(239) 472-3145

Ocean's Reach Beachfront Condominiums were one of our favorite places to stay on Sanibel. Beautiful views of the Gulf from your balcony for your morning coffee, and just a short walk to Coconuts next door at Casa Ybel for an afternoon refreshment and beachside snack.

So after Hurricane Ian came storming through on September 28, many of us were wondering how Ocean's Reach fared, and if they would be back so we could return to this beautiful place to make many more lifelong memories. 

Ocean's Reach Sanibel Hurricane Ian Damage

Hurricane Ian damage to Ocean's Reach (Before and After)

Aerial view  before and after of Ocean's Reach Resort

Since we were regular visitors to Ocean's Reach, we received their email newsletter about the status of their resort. I figured the best updates to give you all would be the ones we received straight from them, so I am posting below their photos and updates. 

Ocean's Reach Condos One Month After Hurricane Ian

Amazingly, our sign survived Hurricane Ian — It’s indeed a “sign” of our resilience!

Yes, that’s an actual tree that flew into this unit — Roots and all!

Starting to clean up …

… And there’s an awful lot to clean up!

It’s crazy what survived the storm (… and I don’t mean us ladies!)

Ocean’s Reach is cleaning up nicely …

… Very nicely indeed!

One month later and it seems as though the world has already moved on from Hurricane Ian, but for those of us who live and work on Sanibel Island, our efforts have just begun.

It’s difficult to describe what we’ve been through the past 30 days; the initial stages of shock and grief have been replaced by physically grueling days, colossally wide emotional swings and just sheer levels of exhaustion.

The scale and scope of rebuilding has begun to settle in.

High piles of debris line every street of the island, containing the same heartbreaking combination of drenched furniture, battered appliances and well-loved keepsakes.  Cars have ended up in pools; boats have ended up in trees; sheets of rooftop metal have ended up impaled everywhere.  

Precious mementos are being found miles from their homes, as if engaged in the cruelest type of treasure hunt, while so many others have been simply washed away to parts unknown.

“It’s like a bomb went off,” you hear over and over again as you look over the once-pristine island landscape that now looks borderline apocalyptic.

Islanders have always had a great respect for Mother Nature.  After experiencing 155 mph winds and up to a 12-foot storm surge, that respect has grown exponentially.

And the sprint of survival has given way to the marathon of rebuilding.

Temporary repairs to the Sanibel Causeway were completed with breakneck speed, allowing vehicular access to the island for the first time ten days ago. 

Crews in the hundreds are working rapidly to restore power and water, which are expected to be available island-wide within the next few weeks.  

The Sanibel School has relocated to a facility off-island, allowing children to stay connected with their friends and teachers.  

Local churches and organizations have been providing everything from ice and water to hot meals, showers and charging stations.  Sewer and internet services are still in the early rebuilding stages, but in a huge step, Jerry’s Supermarket re-opened just days ago, marking another milestone in the island’s recovery.

At Ocean’s Reach, we have been moving quickly to stabilize what we can and begin the long road of demolition and reconstruction.  Structural assessments and detailed moisture mapping have been completed.  Contractors have been hired and clean-up work is well along.  Insurance adjusters and remediation experts have also been on the scene. 

Our roofs have held up fairly well, but not surprisingly, the massive storm surge has decimated lower level units, carports, amenities and our office building.  

Demolition is scheduled to begin later this week where needed.

We fully plan to rebuild and reopen “better than ever.” 

Support Ocean's Reach Staff

For those of you who have supported the GoFundMe campaign for Ocean’s Reach staff, we want to send out our heartfelt appreciation.  It means more to us than you’ll ever know.  If you have not yet had a chance to check it out, please click here.

Your countless emails and letters of support have meant a great deal to all of us.  We may not have been able to respond to them, but just knowing that our “Ocean’s Reach family” is behind us gives us all strength to continue to rebuild and revitalize our island paradise.

We look forward to welcoming you back in the future and remain,

#SanibelStrong

​

Stay Updated about Ocean's Reach Recovery and Reopening

I will try to keep this post updated with any new information about Ocean's Reach, so check back! You can also follow updates on their website HERE and their Facebook page HERE.

​

Share your Stories, Photos, Updates about your 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!

Support Hurricane Ian Relief 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: https://www.fishofsancap.org, https://destinyunitedrelief.org and https://mealsofhope.org. These are all reputable organizations that we personally know, have worked with, and highly recommend.

Click HERE to purchase. 💜 Thank you!

Where is Ocean's Reach Located?

2230 Camino del Mar Dr Sanibel, FL 33957

(800) 336-6722

Hurricane Ian swept ashore on September 28, 2022, leaving devastation to many SW Florida communities in its wake. Many fans of Captiva Island may be wondering how the Mucky Duck fared during this catastrophic storm, and when they will be able to visit this beloved iconic beachside restaurant known as the Best Place to Watch the Sunset on Captiva Island.

So in this post, I'll show you the damage that occurred to Mucky Duck, as well as keep you updated on how they are doing in their recovery efforts so that we can all enjoy a relaxing evening enjoying the live music and incredible sunsets at this wonderful Gulfside destination once again.

*UPDATE! The Mucky Duck is open!

The Mucky Duck reopened on Wednesday, January 25, 2023!

From the Mucky Duck's Facebook page: 

"DRUM ROLL!!! We decided to do a "soft opening" today just to see what happens - and guess what, a whole bunch of people showed up out of seemingly nowhere! ***PLEASE NOTE!! ALL SALES ARE CASH ONLY RIGHT NOW because we still don't have phones or Internet. Hopefully that will happen soon but we are changing providers so we aren't exactly sure when. 

PLEASE BEAR WITH US as not everything is fully functional yet, or going exactly as planned, but with time these things will smooth out. Welcome back everyone, and please keep us in your prayers that we can keep moving forward from here!!!"

For a full list of what restaurants are open or will be opening soon on Sanibel and Captiva, see my post What Restaurants are Open on Sanibel after Hurricane Ian? 

The Mucky Duck Damage after Hurricane Ian

What a miracle The Mucky Duck survived. Lots and lots of sand, but not one shingle was lost on their roof!  

Here are  photos taken of the Mucky Duck after Hurricane Ian.  You won't believe the last one!!!

No Inside Damage to the Mucky Lucky Duck!

Check out this amazing photo...NO sand or water entered the Mucky Duck!!! Is that crazy or what?!

Comments from their Facebook page after seeing this incredible photo:

"How in the world did NOTHING happen?! Change the name to Lucky Duck!!" ~ Crystal D.

"So happy to see you guys had no inside damage!!!! You should change your name to The LUCKY Duck!! "  ~ Denise L.

Mucky Duck Live Beach Cam!

Wahoo! As of November 4, the Mucky Duck Live Web Cam is up! You can once again keep tabs on how your favorite sunset beach is doing!

Mucky Duck Updates

This is what Mucky Duck posted on their Facebook page on October 26, 2022:

"We had ServiceMaster come out today and check the restaurant inside for moisture. They found none and said we should be in good shape!  To be on the safe side, they will come back a bit later and do another type of check just to make sure we will be all set to open up once we have power, water, and septic operational."

October 28, 2022 Update:
"The staff is hard at work cleaning up around the outside of the building. The sand is the biggest problem. In a way, it was a blessing in that it kept the water out, but digging out is a big job!"

January 1, 2023 Update:

To keep updated on the status of the reopening of Mucky Duck, visit their website HERE or follow their official Facebook page HERE.

Help Support SW Florida Relief Efforts

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are special in our hearts as well as many others, who are heartbroken over the devastation that Hurricane Ian brought these friendly little islands in SW Florida.

Living in southwest Florida ourselves, and SanCap 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: https://www.fishofsancap.org, https://destinyunitedrelief.org and https://mealsofhope.org. These are all reputable organizations that we personally know, have worked with, and highly recommend.

Click HERE to purchase. 💜 Thank you!

Where is the Mucky Duck Located?

11546 Andy Rosse Ln Captiva, FL 33924

Like this Post?

Please share and check out my other posts on Hurricane updates from Sanibel and Captiva, like How is the Lighthouse Cafe after Hurricane Ian? and How is Jerry’s Foods Grocery Store after Hurricane Ian? 

I plan to write more posts about favorite Sanibel and Captiva destinations, so stay tuned and follow my Facebook page HERE!