From Mariner Pointe to Sanibel Marina 10-11-2024

Here it is another post-hurricane Friday, and this storm news is getting old. but we are optimistic!

The Hilton Garden Inn in Ft Myers where I have been since Monday didn’t lose power and teammate Dave with grand dog Bella only spent one night in a Miami hotel which he said isn’t worth mentioning. The hotel where I am has been phenomenal, even let me extend.

Osprey back today at Anchor/Periwinkle.

The City announced yesterday afternoon that although the island is without utilities (no power, sewer, or water), those with re-entry passes (residents and business) could come back onto the island after about 2:30 p.m. So, Dave and I made a quick visit to my home to assess the damage. It got about 8” more water than with Helene, so about a foot plus inside, more in garage. Looks like the water went down quickly though so even without power, breezes yesterday and today have helped to dry it.

We were both on the island this morning. He’s such a hurricane hero. A few things already tossed out and more to come, but progress. He checked out our listings as we were driving off. Those details are below.

Sanibel Curfew

Just before the storm hit, the City was under mandatory evacuation orders with 24-hour curfew. All City leaders and fire/rescue also were off, with police monitoring roadways. Then yesterday when we were allowed back, curfew was changed to from 9 pm to 6 am. Both days when I drove on the island there were county sheriffs checking cars before the toll booth.

When Dave went back over this afternoon, he said no one was checking. Curfew remains but see my notes below from the City Facebook Live update today at 2:45 p.m. Things change by the minute.

Sanibel’s Latest FB Live Update

Held this afternoon at City Hall under generator power, Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers DeBruce, Henshaw, and Smith were in attendance and all spoke. Restoration updates also were provided by City Manager Souza, Acting Police Chief Thompson, Island Water’s Diana Wilson and Tricia Dorn from LCEC. Some points below

·        The City sewer system cannot run without power. The Donax Plant is working on generator power. The City is getting pumps and generators to get the rest of system operational but even when power is restored and the system energized it will take at least two days to get the storm water out of the system. Ten pumps are arriving tonight. Three vacuum trucks are here now, another five requested. DO NOT USE THE SEWER SYSTEM. PUT NOTHING DOWN A DRAIN IN YOUR PROPERTY.

·        City weirs are open and have been since before the storm. Today is the 1^st day that water has not been overriding the weirs. Inland water is receding slowly.

·        The City has activated a contract with the same debris removal company used during Ian (Crowder Gulf). Expect guidance within the next 24 hours regarding how to handle construction debris. They hope that removal will start Wed but will be ONLY for RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. Businesses and commercial properties, including condos, must arrange with private contractors to remove their debris.

·        Waste Management will begin pick-up of normal residential trash on Monday on their regular schedule. No vegetation pick-up yet. Only residential waste.

·        All island bridges were determined safe. On San-Cap Rd near Pine Ave to the Captiva bridge the road was undermined. Cones there are limiting travel to one lane. County is working with Sanibel Public Works working to make repairs there.

·        FISH providing water and ice at Community House beginning at 3:30 pm today.

·        The Recreation Center now on generator power, hopefully to provide facilities for community use.

·        Beginning at 11:30 a.m. today Causeway is open for access without re-entry permits so residents and business can bring contractors and helpers with them to expedite recovery. Evening curfew remains in affect indefinitely with Sanibel’s finest stopping all vehicles coming/going at Causeway Rd/Sextant Dr. Also patrolling the island. DON’T COME IF YOU DON’T NEED TO BE HERE either checking or working at your property,

·        Sanibel boat ramp now open, after repairs. Beach parking areas all closed. Public Works still working on roadways.

·        Island Water – no major damage to treatment plant. Working now with emergency generators, 2 out of 3 pump stations are OK. DO NOT USE WATER IN YOUR HOME. Boil water notice still in effect. Water may be used outside, if it also is drained outside. If you are not using water, turn water to your property off. If you get to your home and have no water, Island Water may have turned it off. Call 472-1502 if you need help and want to know if yours was shut off.

·        LCEC – Aerial inspection found the system in good condition. The substation to the island was reenergized this afternoon. Now working to get the island areas powered. Many workers are at it but no time was provided for when power is expected to be restored.

·        Building & Planning Depts were on island today to provide assessment required by FEMA. Be sure and get a permit before any restoration work is done.

·        The City will provide more updates as restoration progresses. Be nice, help your neighbors, and be encouraged as though infra-structure damage occurred, Milton was better than expected.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate News

Of course, the islands Association of Realtors office has been closed, but business continues. I received a new signed listing Tuesday but was waiting for the storm to pass before getting key/pictures/posting.

Below with data from the islands MLS are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the Sanibel/Captiva MLS action reported this week. As expected, not much happened.

On the commercial side, a new condo was listed at Sanibel Professional Center which is at 2323 Wooster Ln. #1 was listed for $349K.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Oct 4 – 11:

Sanibel

CONDO9

No new listings.

1 price change: Blind Pass #C101 2/2 now $450K.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 1480 Angel Dr 3/3.5 now $3.395M.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS, HOMES, & LOTS

Nothing to report.

This representation is based in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by the association, or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.  The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.

If we may help with anything, please let us know. We will both be back on island tomorrow.

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan