Four months post-Hurricane Ian, we had the chance to visit Sanibel and Captiva Islands. So many emotions flooded us as we headed under the toll booth and up the Sanibel Causeway. Hundreds of construction drums fill the road to guide traffic. Cranes, machinery and giant sand piles line both sides of the bridge. In the distance the Sanibel Island Lighthouse still stands, a sight as familiar as seeing an old friend.
The lush greenery that once created a canopy over the road, has disappeared. Now, the view above is the open blue sky. Pathways and homes once hidden behind walls of greenery are plainly visible from the road. Emerald green palm trees are now brown and dry. It’s hard to see these beautiful places this way.
The Keylime Bistro is closed. The patio is empty with the restaurant sign lying broken on the ground. Trees are bent, bare and broken. But RC Otters Island Eats is under construction. Homes are being re-sided. Roofs are being replaced. Tons of sand have been cleared from the street. Flowers still bloom. Homes still stand. And people are once again showing up.
Most businesses are closed, and many resorts are not yet ready to reopen. But the places that are open are eager for business. With a warm smile, again and again, they express gratitude for the support.
Reminders of the powerful storm that ravaged the area are everywhere. Construction trucks, bulldozers and dump trucks are on every street, even on the beach. Piles of debris still dot the roads. It’s heartbreaking. But it’s also a sign of the strength these residents possess; the storm came through but the islands are still standing.
Homes are battered. But amid the giant piles of debris lining the roads, promise is everywhere. All around, people are working to fix damaged homes and buildings. The resilience of island residents is astounding. The heart of these islands lies in those who live here. After facing one of the most powerful hurricanes, that heart is even stronger than before.
And they’re rebuilding. They’ll be better and stronger than before. No storm can diminish the strength of these islands.
No doubt about it, it’s different. But these islands are still filled with the same magic they’ve always held. There’s one thing no hurricane can change. Those who’ve left a piece of their heart on Sanibel and Captiva Island, will still find it when they return.
