WEEK OF OCTOBER 26, 2022
VOLUME 60, NUMBER 49
City provides updates on recovery effort By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
Island funds launched to help recovery and restoration efforts By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
hen Hurricane Ian made landfall near Sanibel and Captiva, the Category 4 brought maximum winds of 150 mph and storm surge of up to 15 feet in some areas, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. In the weeks since and continuing now — one month later today — island entities have been assessing the damage and picking up the pieces, while planning on how to rebuild and restore what once was. For those interested in helping the effort, a number of fundraising campaigns have been set up.
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American Legion Post 123 American Legion Post 123 has created the Relief for American Legion Post 123 Sanibel. The donations will assist with rebuilding the Post and Timmy’s Nook Tiki Hut and easing the burden of unemployment for its employees, many of whom See ISLAND FUNDS, page 10 American Legion Post 123 is accepting donations to rebuild the Post and Timmy’s Nook Tiki Hut and assist its employees, many of whom have lost their jobs and residences. AMERICAN LEGION POST 123
Back to the classroom: Schools reopen in Lee County By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
As of Oct. 20, all students attending Lee County schools can resume their education, either in a school building or through Florida Virtual FLEX. Having all the school buildings that could be re-opened open, and the remainder of students learning virtually or at combined schools, is just the beginning of the recovery process, School District of Lee County Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said. Hurricane Irma had a $50 million impact on the school district with the potential of adding another zero to that number because buildings are significantly damaged, he said. It is a reality the district may face just to return the schools to their prior state, which does not include the three schools that took a significant hit: The Sanibel School, Fort Myers Beach Elementary and
Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary School in Cape Coral. “We still have more evaluations to do on those buildings as well,” Bernier said. The Sanibel School and Fort Myers Beach Elementary School are combined schools with San Carlos Elementary School for the duration. Audrey Stuart, a Sanibel resident, business owner and parent of two children at the island school, spoke before the board on Oct. 18. She shared that on Oct. 14 nearly 100 parents joined a Zoom call, which Superintendent’s Office Coordinator Adam Molloy attended. “As you are aware, The Sanibel School is a special place with a rich history,” she said, adding that they want to be a part of the cleanup and rebuild, ready to assist in any way possible. Kate Shaffer, also a resident of Sanibel with two children at the island school and a member on the Sanibel School Fund,
said they are organizing relief team committees to form a direct line of communication to the district, as well as creating a school district liaison committee. “We are ready to assist your efforts. We look forward to working collaboratively with you,” she said. Bernier said there is a clear community expectation and as they look at the upcoming week they will begin to have those interactions. “There are some difficult decisions, gut and rebuild, or rebuild. There are some other discussions that we need to have. We will sit and converse what your thoughts and expectations are and what our thoughts and expectations are,” he said of the timelines moving forward. Bernier said that also goes for Fort Myers Beach Elementary School and Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary School. See SCHOOLS REOPEN, page 9
With the recent reopening of the Sanibel Causeway, officials with the city of Sanibel are asking residents, business owners and those traveling over the bridge to be patient and follow the protocols. During the city's Facebook Live on Oct. 21, City Manager Dana Souza explained that the Florida Department of Transportation slowed down its work last week on the ongoing permanent repairs to the causeway due to the expected increase in public traffic, but will pick up the pace again this week. People are asked to be patient, as there will be long lines, and carpooling will help reduce that. “I ask you to carpool,” he suggested for employees and residents headed to the same spot. Souza also reminded the public that the right lane is only open to essential response personnel. “Stay out of that right lane,” he said. “So stay in the left lane. Stay in the left all the time.” At the same Facebook Live, Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton reiterated that the Sanibel Police Department is receiving mutual aid from the Lee County Sheriff's Office and outside agencies. “Please don't be disrespectful to these officers,” he said, pointing out that the officers assisting from outside law enforcement agencies have left behind their families to help the island in its recovery. Dalton also reported that the SPD is investigating 11 burglaries and 13 thefts, mostly bicycles. “So it's nothing real serious,” he said. “But even one is unacceptable because that's someone who's victimized.” During a Facebook Live earlier last week, Dalton reminded people not to lend out their hurricane re-entry pass to anySee UPDATES, page 12
insidetoday Editorial...................................4 Letters to the Editor.......................4 Obituaries......................................5 Captiva Current..........................6-7 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise....................14 Island Living................................18 Sports.........................................20 Islander...................................21-24 Island Home.................................22 Faces on Faith.............................23 Poetic License.............................24