The storm also washed out parts of the Causeway Sanibel, making it impossible to drive there for weeks. After Hurricane Ian, parts of Pine Island and Matlacha were cut off from the mainland for several days and some parts of Pine Island were destroyed.
Following Ian, half a year later, NBC2 ventured into the water to assess the current state of those regions – regardless of any storm, there exist petite islands in Southwest Florida that perpetually lack road connectivity.
CABBAGE KEY: ‘LOOKS ALMOST THE SAME AS IT DID BEFORE’
After departing from Captiva via boat, our initial destination is Cabbage Key, where conditions appear promising six months following Ian.
Ken Wells jokingly mentioned that the 100-acre island underwent significant vegetation removal, but is otherwise in good condition.
“It appears nearly identical to how it appeared prior to the storm,” he clarified.
He showed us nearly every bill that adorns the walls of the restaurant and its renowned dollar bill bar. The island and Cabbage Key are both owned by Wells’ family.
He stated, “Regarding the space, there have been no alterations whatsoever.” “I am completely unaware of how all these dollars managed to remain inside this room.”
Over the island went Hurricane Ian’s eye. Strong winds were not spared but the massive storm surge seen further south was spared.
However, the winds were not powerful enough to bring down the famous water tower.
Wells, standing on top of the water tower, clarified, “This is of utmost significance.” This reservoir above us extracts water from the well, which is the source of all the water supplied to the island.
Operating once again, this portion of historic Florida is swiftly being relocated by construction teams on Cabbage Key, while the gopher tortoises may progress at a leisurely pace in that area, everything else is far from sluggish.
Changes are coming soon, with the hope that they will bring a quieter business than usual. The docks are particularly important and remain open, while the rental cottages are also fixed and available.
Wells said, “Out here, we must love. We are here. We are open to knowing what people want, just like I do. It has been a long time, so we are lucky to be able to do what we do and we are glad to just be here.”
CAYO COSTA: STATE PARK STILL CLOSED
The docks at the entrance of the state park have not yet been replaced and destroyed. We head west and north from there to Costa Cayo.
The park remains closed to visitors, and it is uncertain when it will be able to reopen. According to a spokesperson for the state park, the storm caused significant damage to the park’s beaches, trees, and buildings. It has been six months since the incident.
Evaluations are currently underway to determine the extent and duration of restoring the impaired structures and reopening the park. “We aim to complete these repairs as promptly as we can,” a representative stated in an email to NBC2. Alongside the ongoing repairs, assessments are being conducted to identify opportunities for safely granting access to specific amenities. As soon as updates are made available, they will be published on the park’s website.
NORTH CAPTIVA: ‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’
Ian also spotted the scene, which was located on the North side of Captiva Island. Eventually, we smoothly glided over the water, making our way back to the South side.
Duncan Rosen remembered, “The aftermath of the storm was even worse, as we had to prepare for the repaired house in just two hours while the sun was shining, and then we experienced several hours of intense slamming. It was really strange.”
Rosen is among the people who stayed on North Captiva during the storm – one of just 34 individuals who chose to do so.
He is in the minority because he lives here year-round. The bulk of the island consists of vacation rentals.
Rosen declared, “At the very minimum, fifty percent of them were entirely demolished.” “In all probability, approximately fifty percent were completely wrecked from my collection of residences,” Rosen supplemented.
Two out of the four dining establishments on the island have reopened. Regarding cuisine, a few options are once again accessible, but the majority are still in the process of preparing to reopen. Rosen oversees approximately 60 rental properties for Tortuga Properties.
“I would say we are approximately a quarter – so around 25% – of our usual business,” he clarified.
It might take several months before everything is completely removed. The entire wreckage needs to be transported by barge from the island. Due to its limited accessibility by air or boat, the cleanup process is more challenging on North Captiva.
Nonetheless, Rosen noted that they have recovered more quickly than he expected. He maintains optimism, regardless of how remote the notion of “normal” may appear.
He expressed, “The shorelines appear more magnificent than, truthfully, they have ever appeared.” “And it’s not just accessible for commercial purposes. That’s certainly the prevailing idea,” he stated, “I would assert that North Captiva is open for business.”