Optimism envelops the City of Sanibel as residents reflect on their post-Hurricane Milton recovery journey. Nearly 48 hours after the storm made its way along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Sanibel Causeway welcomed back the dawn of activity. Just like after Hurricane Helene, Shipley ventured to the island to witness the aftermath, his heart filled with a mix of dread and hope. What he encountered upon arrival was unexpectedly uplifting.
Unlike his previous experience following Hurricane Helene, when he returned, the sight of periwinkle emerged, finally freed from floodwaters’ grip. Yet, many side streets branching off periwinkle remained submerged, like a resilient landscape battling against nature’s fury.
An exemplary scene unfolded on Jamaica Drive. Here, surge waters lingered, engulfing roads and the very same homes that faced the storm’s wrath just two weeks prior during Helene. Despite these evident challenges from one storm to another, Councilmember and former Mayor Holly Smith exuded a refreshing sense of optimism, illuminating the community’s spirit.
“I think we were very fortunate,” Smith expressed, her words carrying weight amid the uncertainty. “This community has faced far worse scenarios. There’s a comparison we all draw with Ian, and with a big ole smile on my face, I can tell you this is not Ian. Though only 48 hours past this storm, we are already moving at a faster pace.”
Indeed, that rapid recovery was evident at Blind Pass. The route had reopened to traffic, defying circumstances that left it battered by both Helene and now Milton’s raging surge. Shipley crossed to Captiva, taking note of the scraggly vegetation that lined the roadways as other crews diligently worked to unearth sand-covered pathways and mend the buckling Captiva Drive.
Everywhere on the islands, power crews were a reassuring presence, a testament to the hard work being poured into recovery efforts. The City of Sanibel confirmed that LCEC managed to restore the substation by Friday, marking an essential step toward revitalizing power. However, a staggering 99% of Sanibel and Captiva residents remained in the dark that afternoon. The pressing question on everyone’s mind was, when would power be restored?
“Everyone is working very hard to get that power on,” Smith noted, reflecting the urgency of the situation. “It was encouraging to hear from LCEC that the substation would soon be operational, allowing us to start assessing the zones. But there’s something critical for our citizens to understand: someone is going to be first, and someone else will be last.”
As power crews hustled to illuminate lives once more, the City echoed needs that went beyond electricity; the sewer system also required power for two consecutive days before functioning could resume. This spurred Sanibel Police to implement a curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM, an effort to maintain order while ensuring safety during the recovery process.
Despite everything, the Sanibel Lighthouse continued to stand proud, its presence a symbol of resilience and renewal, a beacon of hope shining steadily through the storm’s shadows. It offers a gentle reminder that this community will rise again, drawing strength from both the past and a radiant future.
