After ripping apart islands such as Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Pine Island, Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa. Cayo Costa is an island off the coast of Fort Myers, just after 3 p.m. Ian came in with 150 mph winds, the fifth-strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. Additionally, according to ABC News, “Ian then made a second landfall 90 minutes later, still as a Category 4 storm with 145 mph winds, just south of Punta Gorda, near Pirate Harbor.”
Florida Department of Transportation did an amazing job getting Pine Island’s bridge reconnected. The Sanibel Causeway is a much more difficult task. As you can see, Ian washed away several parts of the span.
That being said, the projection is still to have temporary fixes in place by the end of the month. Around 30 days after Hurricane Ian’s landfall. Crews are working 24/7 to make this happen.
What’s next for Sanibel?
Currently, Sanibel residents reach the island by boat. There’s also supplies delivered by helicopter. There’s no power or water service on the island and a curfew remains in place. Sanibel is one of the most beautiful places in Florida. With a lot of work and determination, the island is rebuilding. Miami based Joe Raedle of Getty Images was on the island over the weekend.