Thank you for taking the time to make and narrate this video. As others have noted, we are heartbroken to see the devastation, but know in time the natural beauty of the island will return, and many of the physical structures will be rebuilt. God bless the island's residents, businesses, and all those working to make it whole again.
I’m watching and continue to pray for everyone on Sanibel, Captiva and surrounding areas. My friends were planning on taking me just after my husband died last year and then Ian hit. It was shocking just how much damage. To have your home destroyed like this breaks my heart. God bless!
@@TheSanibelCaptivaGuide Honestly, it’s on y bucket list! I have been a part of a volunteer group that offers face characters to medically fragile children, charities, libraries, etc. My bucket list includes being a mermaid on Sanibel! One day! Prayers for rapid healing of the island and emotional healing of all the folks who live there.
I first came to the islands 30 years ago and fell in love with it.I am not a religious man but this is as close to heaven as your gonna get. I am lucky to have a small condo on the island but probably won’t be able to visit for at least a year. I count down the time till I can get home.We will rebuild stronger and go again. Lots of love to the islands
We had the pleasure of visiting Sanibel and Captiva last February. I’m sad to see the devastation and hope for a speedy recovery. It looks like it will take years for the vegetation to grow back. Thanks for the video. Keep us updated.
Thanks so much for doing this video. I was fortunate enough to visit your slice of paradise last October and was just amazed at the beauty of the island with such lush vegetation and very kind and friendly locals. It broke my heart watching that hurricane head toward the island , I just kept praying for you guys. Watching this video now it looks like a ghost town but I continue to hope and pray for the residents and the business owners. We all very much appreciate the effort you all have put into making this video for us..❤️
Thank you so much for filming this. You did an excellent job of narration, documentation and direction! Our family have had a presence on the island since the 1970’s and sold just months before Ian. My heart goes out to everyone on the island. Our inner sea turtle always returns to their beach! Sanibel strong.
Thank you for the video. I broke my leg during the evacuation process and did not have the opportunity to say a final goodbye to my home which is now destroyed on west gulf drive. Although I cried your video gave me the tour I needed
I cried for the first time since Ian,, my beachfront home, contents and cars were totally destroyed, the reality of be airlifted with my little autistic brother in that basket ( prior to Ian landfall) is just hitting me,, we are lucky to now live in France with my grandmother but I've developed PTSD and have to take meds for the first time in my life , I'm 18 and have no plans to rebuild or return to the US 🇨🇵😓
Been visiting since 1980 and always felt like Sanibel was a slice of paradise. I found a Lion’s Paw at Blind Pass and filled many a box with treasures from the sea. My last trip was in December 2021. Little did I know. 😢 Thank you for the video. I don’t recall seeing the historic village nor library. I particularly fear for the fate of the historic buildings.
Nick & Lori - Love seeing the ongoing rebuild through your eyes. Nick, I think I’ve watched most of your videos these last five+ years, but THIS one might meet the most to me on a personal level. THANKS!!
We appreciate the update. Thank you. We didn’t know what to expect, so this is enlightening. Hopefully, we’ll be able to return this year, but there’s a lot of work ahead. Who knows. We’re confident that things will improve at a decent pace. Sorry for all your pain and loss.
I'm still in tears, even though I know that everything must change, nothing stays the same. Nature will reclaim this once luscious and beautiful Island.
Thank you for the tour, sending hope and resilence through this difficult time! Mother Nature will return the beauty and praying for strength for the people who will rebuild!
I love that you are promoting the local business that are open or have an online presence. I’ve always dreamed of visiting. I wish the best for everyone.
My son caught his first fish on the bridge at Blind Pass when he was five, my son asked his than wife for her hand in marriage on Blind Pass beach, friends of my ex husband were married in the historic church on Sanibel with of course the gorgeous photos from the beach, so many memories I have goose bumps watching this 🌴🐬🦩🐟🐠🎣🐬🌞🕶️😎⛱️🏖️😍
So sad to see and hear of the damage. My family lived through Hurricane Hugo in South Carolina in 1989 and it will take 2+ years for the vegetation to come back. Stay strong.
I had many childhood trips here, my honeymoon here, and even a trip here about 1 month before Ian hit, I am happy too see the progress and that some of my favorite restaurants reopened. I will return one day, thank you for this amazing video!
Thank you so much for doing this, guys. It brings both heartbreak and hope, as it should. And my hope is that you'll see so much positive and amazing change in the coming months, that you'll decide to do a July 1st video instead of waiting for January 1st (or 2nd)! All the best, my friends!
Sanibel, Fort Myers beach, and Captiva are so beautiful ❤. I really hope we get back to normal ASAP. Thank you for the video, we’re supposed to be going this Monday.
Thank you for this most helpful (though super sad) video. Sanibel had become our go-to getaway and we had plans to visit precisely when Ian hit. We are devastated by the destruction, but this video shows things are improving and we know we will return one day. Please keep posting updates. Sending prayers to all on the island.
We loved staying at Sandpiper Beach Condos on Old Middle Gulf Drive. It was so beautiful and quiet with the park on the one side. Many memories of playing shuffleboard with the family, the pool, the beach. What I can’t get over is how it looked like a lush rainforest before, the vegetation was so thick down there and now just all washed away. Sanibel was my happy place, never wanted to even think about going to other beaches! My son loved shelling with me and we would go out on the sandbar at Blind Pass in the morning and he always had the best eye, found all the good shells! So many memories. Makes me sad and wishing everyone the best on rebuilding!
This ground-level tour of Sanibel 3 months after Ian was very helpful and encouraging. Could you do the same with Captiva? That would be extremely helpful at this time.
Thank you for the feature of the shops and the kind words! I miss you guys - it was nice to listen to your voices and to see the tour of the island (I haven't been back since October). Sending love!
Nick, Lori and Max. Thanks for showing us the recovery of Sanibel so far. We can’t wait for the day that we can return to your beautiful island for vacation. Until then we will continue watching your videos and podcast! Much love from Ohio!
So sorry, I always loved it there. It does not seem that it will be restored for many years to come. If you never went there you can't imagine how beautiful and peaceful a place it was. ✨️ 🙏
It is so sad to think of Sanibel being so destroyed, my fave beach since first visiting in ‘77. I have friends who have lost their home, car, etc., so sad! Ian has done so much damage, it almost seems as if Sanibel will be unrecoverable. I will keep praying! 🙏🙏
My heart is broken! Come to Sanibel since 35 Years! Me and my wife got married 7 years ago, this place is so special to me! I really hope that, one day, when the island and of course the residents are reay, i can come back to my beloved Sanibel to support local businesses! I pray for you guys and for the whole island! #sanibelstrong
Thank you so much for this video. Our family has owned timeshares at Casa Ybel and Sanibel Beach Club since 1980. This is the first video I have seen that accurately and thoroughly portrays what the island of Sanibel looks like at this stage of its recovery. While still heartbreaking, it shows that Sanibel is in the process of recovering and there is light at the end of the tunnel. I look forward to seeing your January 1st (or 2nd) 2024 video.❤️
Thank u for showing the current state of the island! We were lucky enough to have stayed on the island in September 2022 and had left just three days before Ian hit. My husband and I had talked about the fact that it must be "maintenance month" in Sanibel, according to all the maintenance that was going on everywhere on the island during our stay. Painting, concrete work, repairs of any kind. We dont think that anyone at that time seemed to realize what was about going to happen. We love Sanibel and hope to return one day!
Thanks so much for the video. We stay at the West Wind Inn each year and very thankful we made the trip last year. Its continued prayers and strength for all until we can return and enjoy this wonderful place! Thanks again!
Wow I cannot imagine. These people are sitting ducks. I must say I hope people appreciate all the hard work these workers are trying to get things back to the norm so to speak. I was there in the 70s and fell in love with the island. Praying for everyone down there and keep the faith.
Loved this island,so so sad,this is my vacation place when I go on vacations,this really makes me sick,thanks so much for sharing,stay strong Floridians,be safe
Thank you so much for this video. I grew up in ft Myers and took some friends to Sanibel a year ago. I wish some people with money would fund a low interest rate loan for the small business owners so they can rebuild the cute little places that made Sanibel so beautiful. I know they have to be to code now but if there isn’t help the only places that will rebuild or buy the properties will be the big companies
Family visited Clamshell Condos, Sanibel for the first time ever over Memorial Day 2022. Grateful we were able to see the beautiful scenery, lush character and laid back atmoshere of the community. Rooting for your comback!
I see many comments about the destruction but people need to realize that Sanibel will recover, and it already looks light years better than it did 2 months ago. The debris will take another 6 months at least to remove, maybe longer.
People are going to love visiting the island and beaches while it’s underpopulated. Always great fishing. And get ready for people coming down your residential road to check things out. There’s a bunch of money to be made there if you want to work. It’s like the old days.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. Sanibel is near & dear to my heart and so many of my family & friends. We all have spent countless visits there over the past 40++ years. While it’s devastating to watch, it also provided some encouragement…I hope to be able to drive down again one day and spend some time there…hopefully as more progress is made. Blessings to you & your family and for all the Islanders. May 2023 & beyond bring you all a bright and prosperous future!! 🙏🙏🙏
We lived in FL 24 years ago, for about 12 years. Had so much fun going over the bridge to Sanibel to the beach and stores. Never thought this would ever happen! Watching you travel over the bridge was like taking a trip down memory lane.
How could you think this would never happen? I lived and worked for the City over 40 years ago. I left because I knew this would happen someday. Took a while, but here it is.
Thank you for this informative video. Really appreciate you identifying all the landmarks, resorts and buildings. We have loved visiting Sanibel and have stayed at a few different places and dined at many of the restaurants. And of course shopped and biked and kayaked, and explored the island. Much luck to you and your family on your recovery of your business.
Good afternoon, thank you so much for doing this video. I was a volunteer for OBR (Operation BBQ Relief and came to your Island for the first time ever. As you can imagine I was in complete shock at the damage. My heart is with each and every one of you. I was there the beginning of November. The residents and works on your Island were amazing. So friendly and thankful. I had the chance to speak with a few from the Island. They told their stories to me. We hugged, we laughed, and we cried together. I pray daily for your Island. My husband and I just recently revisited some of the areas damaged to show him where I was at for over a month. I wanted so badly to return to Sanibel Island but didn't know if it had opened back up. So thank you again formthe update. I hope you all can return your Island to its beauty. And I hope one day I will be able to return to see it in its beauty. God Bless all of you. Thank all of you for allowing us at OBR to help you all and feed you while we could. Seeing videos like this give us hope that what we do also makes a difference in your community. And in others lives. It's crazy to see the Island change so much already. Just from when I was there. You are all doing AMAZING work. Maybe someday we can meet.
Thank you so much for posting this video, there is amazing progress being made. We visit from Northeast Ga and we cannot wait to come back to Sanibel. God bless!
Thank you for the narrated video, you knew the place well, you toured the area we used to frequent on our annual visit in November since ‘82. Podcast info on Baileys was good to hear but it will be a year in the rebuilding I expect. Friends further south in the Caribbean islands have left their house because it will be 10yrs before it’s back to ‘normal’ and they roll have aged out…. Glad Sanibel is smartly pushing hard to get up and running. I would Love to know about Ding darling preserve at some point . Cheers Warren
We were just there the month of April of 22 and cancelled our planned trip to Fort Meyers Beach where we were supposed to stay all of October. So so sad to give the Christmas gifts that we purchased on Sanibel/ Captiva to others knowing the island will never again be as it was then! Told everyone to treasure those items we bought them, including our shells we brought back. ❤
I live in central FL and been coming to Sanibel/Captiva for about 25 years so was sick looking at the destruction in this video. Over the years this Island has became less tourist friendly and started charging $40 to park at Alison Hagerup beach as well as other beaches. Because of this we stopped going and now go to Anna Maria Island were most beach parking is free and they have great beach side dining. Hopefully in a few years when this Island does get back up and running, the Island will provide better beach parking at a lower price. I doubt it but we will see. Best wishes for now.
Correction: It IS tourist friendly for the VERY WEALTHY. They are pushing out the common folk that originated on that island. My sister was one of them. My parents also.
Thank you guys for keeping us updated! I can't wait to see the new Sanibel and what the mix of old and new will look like in the coming years. All any of us can do is hope for the best and build forward. Happy New Year!
Build forward? I’m sorry but that’s a terrible idea. It’s going to happen again. Barrier islands shouldn’t be inhabited. The mainland can’t afford to subsidize your insurance rates. It affects all of us.
@@tyleredwards5643 I understand what you're saying and get your frustration with the cost of rebuilding but do you really believe that a place like Sanibel will be left by residents and tourists and be allowed to return to an uninhabited palm grove? The most realistic approach to preventing the kind of devastation we saw here would be to "build forward" using up-to-date techniques and designs to mitigate the severity of damage from a storm similar to this in the future. Sanibel hasn't seen this kind of devastation in our lifetimes and may not again in our lifetimes.
Thanks for the video. I have never gotten the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Sanibel Island. After following the hurricane footage closely and reading so many heartfelt stories from people who had been visiting for so many years..the island almost feels personal to me as well. I'm happy to see vegetation growing back. I appreciate these videos from someone who may never get to go there in person it's nice to see what's going on. Im in the midwest and dont travel often. Looking forward to more updates and better days ahead.
I am glad to see that the Signal Inn buildings are still standing. They used to be in such a secluded and treed spot. You could not see the buildings from the road. Wow guys. Hopefully you will be back open soon. All the best for a speedy recovery.
Of course they will!!! This is an Agenda 21 and 30 property grab for the uber rich. This "storm" was no accident. Do some research on H.A.A.R.P technology and geoengineering. They steer and intensify storms. Now they are able to steer lightning also.
My husband and I would regularly come to Ft. Myers to vacation and Sanibel Island was always a highlight. We don’t go to the States anymore because of all the gun violence which is a pity but we value our lives.
Thank you for sharing. My parents and I moved to Sanibel when I was going into 8th grade, and I lived there from 1997-2002 and again from 2014-2016. My grandmother lived on Roseate Lane, behind Cheeburger Cheeburger. She got five feet of water, at least, and wasn't able to save much of anything, although she was able to salvage one piece of my mom's artwork, at least. She bought a condo in Brandywine, off Winkler, and she plans to sell her gutted home as-is once she gets the OK from the insurance company. I bought tickets to come down in November and see it for myself, but I had a health crisis that put the trip on the back burner. I need to get down there and see it for myself to really process it, though. I hadn't been back since we moved away in 2016, and I wish I'd gone back at least once. I really consider Sanibel my hometown.
The devastation is just incredible. I’m so sad to see this. I visited Sanibel in the mid 80s. We stayed in little cottages on the beach. I’m sure they didn’t survive if they were even still there. I was wondering about the condition of The Bubble Room on Captiva?
Linda Kessler So sad to see all the destruction. I last visited on New Years 2019. My senior group ate at a old time restaurant. Had “ dancing dolls “ I don’t remember the name. I was wondering what happened to it. Hope you have a speedy recovery of your property. Also how are the animals at Ding Darling? Wishing you better times.♥️
Thanks guys. I'm sure you seeing it everyday you get a bit used to what you're seeing. Many of us who called these islands our vacation homes are still in shock. We had a trip planned back in June 2022 as we do every year but wife was gravely ill in the hospital so we cancelled that trip. She along with all of us absolutely LOVE Sanibel. Sadly she passed last August, never getting to see Sanibel again. At least she didn't have to see this. So heartbreaking.
This past October would have marked our 19th Sanibel vacation. The island feels like our second home. Thanks for making and posting this video. While sad, it shows hope and resilience. Looking forward to our next vacation there.
Sad about the Island Inn. Years ago I worked there, and lived in the employee duplex across the street. I have fond memories of that time and place. Ahh... the good ol days....
Devastatingly sad, but I hear the hope in your voices and see things happening and know it has just begun. I heard you mention the smell near the huge piles of rubbish, was there a not nice smell everywhere though? I would expect that low tide kind of smell. And thanks so much for making this video....
Thank you for the tour. So sorry to see devastated island. But as u have said Mother Nature will take over and it will be beautiful again. My husband and I and Family have been owners at South Seas for over 30 years.I’m curious what South Seas looks like? Much ☮️ again thank you for ur time and effort!
Oh I’m so glad you did this video…..we come to Sanibel Island every couple of years or so to Seahorse Cottages on Buttonwood Lane. Do you happen to know how they faired ???? We were so broken hearted when this happened and have been wanting to know how the island was doing. Thanks again for this video Take Care and good luck with all of your reconstruction in the future. ♥️♥️
So and to see the damage to beautiful Sanibel. However, the piles of debris indicate that people are working to bring back Sanibel. We saw the same in Port Aransas, Texas after Harvey hit the island directly. Keep the faith, Sanibel will return.
Thank you for this, Nick & family. It somewhat prepares me for seeing it in person. 😭 As always, #sanibelstrong No doubt in my mind. Continued prayers and thinking of you all. 🙏
Thank you for the video. We live in Germany, love the USA and Sanibel Island is our dream island. We got married in Casa Ybel in July 2022 and we hope that Sanibel/Captiva will soon shine again in its old glory. ♥️ Good luck for your business! 👍
It was interesting to see the difference in the type of construction between the beginning of your video and then in the „oldest part“ at the 43 minute point. The older places were all on stilts and maybe not as „fancy“ and modern as the newer ones - maybe a thought to not try to change a „good thing“ - as you mentioned, those stilted ones managed to „save“ their ground floor.
Thank you for taking the time to make and narrate this video. As others have noted, we are heartbroken to see the devastation, but know in time the natural beauty of the island will return, and many of the physical structures will be rebuilt. God bless the island's residents, businesses, and all those working to make it whole again.
Thank you! Well said
I’m watching and continue to pray for everyone on Sanibel, Captiva and surrounding areas. My friends were planning on taking me just after my husband died last year and then Ian hit. It was shocking just how much damage. To have your home destroyed like this breaks my heart. God bless!
I hope you get to visit one day!
@@TheSanibelCaptivaGuide Honestly, it’s on y bucket list! I have been a part of a volunteer group that offers face characters to medically fragile children, charities, libraries, etc. My bucket list includes being a mermaid on Sanibel! One day! Prayers for rapid healing of the island and emotional healing of all the folks who live there.
I first came to the islands 30 years ago and fell in love with it.I am not a religious man but this is as close to heaven as your gonna get.
I am lucky to have a small condo on the island but probably won’t be able to visit for at least a year.
I count down the time till I can get home.We will rebuild stronger and go again.
Lots of love to the islands
My wife and I vacationed last at this beautiful tranquil place more than ten years ago. Now all that’s left is hope.
We have hope!
This breaks my heart. Captiva is one of my favorite vacation destinations. Thank you for sharing Sanibel videos with us
We had the pleasure of visiting Sanibel and Captiva last February. I’m sad to see the devastation and hope for a speedy recovery. It looks like it will take years for the vegetation to grow back. Thanks for the video. Keep us updated.
Thanks so much for doing this video. I was fortunate enough to visit your slice of paradise last October and was just amazed at the beauty of the island with such lush vegetation and very kind and friendly locals. It broke my heart watching that hurricane head toward the island , I just kept praying for you guys. Watching this video now it looks like a ghost town but I continue to hope and pray for the residents and the business owners. We all very much appreciate the effort you all have put into making this video for us..❤️
Thank you Liz!
Nick - Would love to see a drive-through tour that goes all the way out to Lands End on Captiva.
Thank you so much for filming this. You did an excellent job of narration, documentation and direction! Our family have had a presence on the island since the 1970’s and sold just months before Ian. My heart goes out to everyone on the island. Our inner
sea turtle always returns to their beach! Sanibel strong.
You are so welcome! Sanibel is a special place:)
Thank you for the video. I broke my leg during the evacuation process and did not have the opportunity to say a final goodbye to my home which is now destroyed on west gulf drive. Although I cried your video gave me the tour I needed
Oh my...We are so sorry to hear that. I hope you are healing.
I cried for the first time since Ian,, my beachfront home, contents and cars were totally destroyed, the reality of be airlifted with my little autistic brother in that basket ( prior to Ian landfall) is just hitting me,, we are lucky to now live in France with my grandmother but I've developed PTSD and have to take meds for the first time in my life , I'm 18 and have no plans to rebuild or return to the US 🇨🇵😓
Been visiting since 1980 and always felt like Sanibel was a slice of paradise. I found a Lion’s Paw at Blind Pass and filled many a box with treasures from the sea. My last trip was in December 2021. Little did I know. 😢 Thank you for the video. I don’t recall seeing the historic village nor library. I particularly fear for the fate of the historic buildings.
Wow how lucky to find a Lion's Paw! The Historical Museum suffered damage. You can follow their facebook page to get updates. The library is open.
@The Sanibel Captiva Guide,what is meant by Lion’s paw???
@@dorotheevonwerder4303 it’s a type of shell that you rarely find on the beaches of Sanibel so it is prized if you find one.
Nick & Lori - Love seeing the ongoing rebuild through your eyes. Nick, I think I’ve watched most of your videos these last five+ years, but THIS one might meet the most to me on a personal level. THANKS!!
We appreciate the update. Thank you. We didn’t know what to expect, so this is enlightening. Hopefully, we’ll be able to return this year, but there’s a lot of work ahead. Who knows. We’re confident that things will improve at a decent pace. Sorry for all your pain and loss.
Thank you Mary. We hope you will be back soon!
I'm still in tears, even though I know that everything must change, nothing stays the same. Nature will reclaim this once luscious and beautiful Island.
Thank you for the tour, sending hope and resilence through this difficult time! Mother Nature will return the beauty and praying for strength for the people who will rebuild!
Well said!
I love that you are promoting the local business that are open or have an online presence. I’ve always dreamed of visiting. I wish the best for everyone.
You are so welcome!
My son caught his first fish on the bridge at Blind Pass when he was five, my son asked his than wife for her hand in marriage on Blind Pass beach, friends of my ex husband were married in the historic church on Sanibel with of course the gorgeous photos from the beach, so many memories I have goose bumps watching this 🌴🐬🦩🐟🐠🎣🐬🌞🕶️😎⛱️🏖️😍
Awe what great memories!
So sad to see and hear of the damage. My family lived through Hurricane Hugo in South Carolina in 1989 and it will take 2+ years for the vegetation to come back. Stay strong.
We will stay strong!
I had many childhood trips here, my honeymoon here, and even a trip here about 1 month before Ian hit, I am happy too see the progress and that some of my favorite restaurants reopened. I will return one day, thank you for this amazing video!
Thank you so much for doing this, guys. It brings both heartbreak and hope, as it should. And my hope is that you'll see so much positive and amazing change in the coming months, that you'll decide to do a July 1st video instead of waiting for January 1st (or 2nd)! All the best, my friends!
We will have more videos coming for sure! thanks for watching
Sanibel, Fort Myers beach, and Captiva are so beautiful ❤. I really hope we get back to normal ASAP. Thank you for the video, we’re supposed to be going this Monday.
Thank you for this most helpful (though super sad) video. Sanibel had become our go-to getaway and we had plans to visit precisely when Ian hit. We are devastated by the destruction, but this video shows things are improving and we know we will return one day. Please keep posting updates. Sending prayers to all on the island.
We loved staying at Sandpiper Beach Condos on Old Middle Gulf Drive. It was so beautiful and quiet with the park on the one side. Many memories of playing shuffleboard with the family, the pool, the beach. What I can’t get over is how it looked like a lush rainforest before, the vegetation was so thick down there and now just all washed away. Sanibel was my happy place, never wanted to even think about going to other beaches! My son loved shelling with me and we would go out on the sandbar at Blind Pass in the morning and he always had the best eye, found all the good shells! So many memories. Makes me sad and wishing everyone the best on rebuilding!
Yes loved Olde Middle Gulf. Spent many vacations at Signal Inn & Clam Shell. Many happy memories ❤️
This ground-level tour of Sanibel 3 months after Ian was very helpful and encouraging. Could you do the same with Captiva? That would be extremely helpful at this time.
Yup, for sure, keep a look out this week. Glad you found it helpful.
Thank you for the feature of the shops and the kind words! I miss you guys - it was nice to listen to your voices and to see the tour of the island (I haven't been back since October). Sending love!
Awee! Maari we thought of you on New Year's Day. We were remembering the Polar Plunge. Let's bring it back for 2024!
Nick, Lori and Max. Thanks for showing us the recovery of Sanibel so far. We can’t wait for the day that we can return to your beautiful island for vacation. Until then we will continue watching your videos and podcast! Much love from Ohio!
Thanks Tammy!
@@TheSanibelCaptivaGuide thank you so much! Sending love from St Louis.
Thanks for doing this! We made an appearance in the video! Randy and I were the two on bikes right in front of Periwinkle park around 1:09. LOL.
Lol can we have your autograph??
So sorry, I always loved it there. It does not seem that it will be restored for many years to come. If you never went there you can't imagine how beautiful and peaceful a place it was. ✨️ 🙏
Agree. These islands are a magical place.
It is so sad to think of Sanibel being so destroyed, my fave beach since first visiting in ‘77. I have friends who have lost their home, car, etc., so sad! Ian has done so much damage, it almost seems as if Sanibel will be unrecoverable. I will keep praying! 🙏🙏
So sad. Went to Sanibel for the first time with the kids last July. We LOVED it so much. Hopefully comes back in full force sooner than later.
Yes Sanibel is a very special place ❤️
My heart is broken! Come to Sanibel since 35 Years! Me and my wife got married 7 years ago, this place is so special to me! I really hope that, one day, when the island and of course the residents are reay, i can come back to my beloved Sanibel to support local businesses! I pray for you guys and for the whole island! #sanibelstrong
Thank you! We hope you get to visit soon!
Our family had a place at Sunset South from 1975 and it was nice to see it is still standing. Thank you
Thank you so much for this video. Our family has owned timeshares at Casa Ybel and Sanibel Beach Club since 1980. This is the first video I have seen that accurately and thoroughly portrays what the island of Sanibel looks like at this stage of its recovery. While still heartbreaking, it shows that Sanibel is in the process of recovering and there is light at the end of the tunnel. I look forward to seeing your January 1st (or 2nd) 2024 video.❤️
Thank you❤️
Thank u for showing the current state of the island! We were lucky enough to have stayed on the island in September 2022 and had left just three days before Ian hit. My husband and I had talked about the fact that it must be "maintenance month" in Sanibel, according to all the maintenance that was going on everywhere on the island during our stay. Painting, concrete work, repairs of any kind. We dont think that anyone at that time seemed to realize what was about going to happen. We love Sanibel and hope to return one day!
We hope you return too!!
INCREDIBLE WAS WHEN EVERYONE/ANYONE COULD TRAVEL INTO SANIBEL WITHOUT fees. Those were beautiful days
Wow when was that? I thought they always charged a toll for the causeway.
Thanks so much for the video. We stay at the West Wind Inn each year and very thankful we made the trip last year. Its continued prayers and strength for all until we can return and enjoy this wonderful place! Thanks again!
I was also thinking it has seems rather quick to be opening. Good luck to all.
Wow I cannot imagine. These people are sitting ducks. I must say I hope people appreciate all the hard work these workers are trying to get things back to the norm so to speak. I was there in the 70s and fell in love with the island. Praying for everyone down there and keep the faith.
Thank you for your prayers and kind words.
Loved this island,so so sad,this is my vacation place when I go on vacations,this really makes me sick,thanks so much for sharing,stay strong Floridians,be safe
Thank you! We will stay strong.
Thank you so much for this video. I grew up in ft Myers and took some friends to Sanibel a year ago. I wish some people with money would fund a low interest rate loan for the small business owners so they can rebuild the cute little places that made Sanibel so beautiful. I know they have to be to code now but if there isn’t help the only places that will rebuild or buy the properties will be the big companies
We sure love Sanibel. Thank you for sharing with us.
Family visited Clamshell Condos, Sanibel for the first time ever over Memorial Day 2022. Grateful we were able to see the beautiful scenery, lush character and laid back atmoshere of the community. Rooting for your comback!
Thank you!!!
Ian left Cuba and went straight up the Gulf Stream. Any storm spends that much time in the Gulf Stream will be bad.
Yes it was BAD!
This looks like it’s going to take decades to restore. WoW.
I see many comments about the destruction but people need to realize that Sanibel will recover, and it already looks light years better than it did 2 months ago. The debris will take another 6 months at least to remove, maybe longer.
Thank you for this video. I'm on the other coast but love Florida, it's a beautiful state. I hope everyone that wants to will return soon.
I hope so too!
Thanks for sharing this tour of the Island. Best wished to everyone on their recovery efforts.
Thank you kindly
People are going to love visiting the island and beaches while it’s underpopulated. Always great fishing. And get ready for people coming down your residential road to check things out. There’s a bunch of money to be made there if you want to work. It’s like the old days.
I love Sanibel and Captiva. Been there 2x. Gorgeous place. Praying for full recovery
Thank you John.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. Sanibel is near & dear to my heart and so many of my family & friends. We all have spent countless visits there over the past 40++ years. While it’s devastating to watch, it also provided some encouragement…I hope to be able to drive down again one day and spend some time there…hopefully as more progress is made. Blessings to you & your family and for all the Islanders. May 2023 & beyond bring you all a bright and prosperous future!! 🙏🙏🙏
How kind..thank you!
We lived in FL 24 years ago, for about 12 years. Had so much fun going over the bridge to Sanibel to the beach and stores. Never thought this would ever happen! Watching you travel over the bridge was like taking a trip down memory lane.
How could you think this would never happen? I lived and worked for the City over 40 years ago. I left because I knew this would happen someday. Took a while, but here it is.
Thank you for this informative video. Really appreciate you identifying all the landmarks, resorts and buildings. We have loved visiting Sanibel and have stayed at a few different places and dined at many of the restaurants. And of course shopped and biked and kayaked, and explored the island. Much luck to you and your family on your recovery of your business.
Thank you Kathy that is so kind of you!
This is heartbreaking, we loved coming here, and now it’s just a beautiful memory🥲
Hopefully you will be able to revisit again one day.
Good afternoon, thank you so much for doing this video. I was a volunteer for OBR (Operation BBQ Relief and came to your Island for the first time ever. As you can imagine I was in complete shock at the damage. My heart is with each and every one of you. I was there the beginning of November. The residents and works on your Island were amazing. So friendly and thankful. I had the chance to speak with a few from the Island. They told their stories to me. We hugged, we laughed, and we cried together. I pray daily for your Island. My husband and I just recently revisited some of the areas damaged to show him where I was at for over a month. I wanted so badly to return to Sanibel Island but didn't know if it had opened back up. So thank you again formthe update. I hope you all can return your Island to its beauty. And I hope one day I will be able to return to see it in its beauty. God Bless all of you. Thank all of you for allowing us at OBR to help you all and feed you while we could. Seeing videos like this give us hope that what we do also makes a difference in your community. And in others lives. It's crazy to see the Island change so much already. Just from when I was there. You are all doing AMAZING work. Maybe someday we can meet.
Thank you for coming to the island with OBR! We had a few of the meals :) What a wonderful service you provided for the islands. Much thanks!
Thank you. My heart aches for this place...
Ours too :(
Thank you so much for posting this video, there is amazing progress being made. We visit from Northeast Ga and we cannot wait to come back to Sanibel. God bless!
You are so welcome.
Sanibel Cafe the best breakfast on the islands hands down
We love the Sanibel Cafe!
Paradise has been wiped away. It's devastating seeing the destruction of this beautiful island! Thank you for the update.
So sorry for such a beautiful island
They should keep it as a barrier island and let it do the job it was supposed to. Mother Nature will always win.❤
Excellent video! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the narrated video, you knew the place well, you toured the area we used to frequent on our annual visit in November since ‘82. Podcast info on Baileys was good to hear but it will be a year in the rebuilding I expect. Friends further south in the Caribbean islands have left their house because it will be 10yrs before it’s back to ‘normal’ and they roll have aged out….
Glad Sanibel is smartly pushing hard to get up and running.
I would Love to know about Ding darling preserve at some point .
Cheers Warren
Thanks Warren! Ding Darling is still not open. We hope to get Ranger Toni Westland on the podcast soon to give us an update.
I've lived in Florida since 1969 and have never seen things happen to get back to normal until Ron DeSantis. The man is a miracle worker
Thx… for such a comprehensive video… I have been to sanibel many times… hoping for a full recovery 🙏❤️
We hope so too!
We were just there the month of April of 22 and cancelled our planned trip to Fort Meyers Beach where we were supposed to stay all of October. So so sad to give the Christmas gifts that we purchased on Sanibel/ Captiva to others knowing the island will never again be as it was then! Told everyone to treasure those items we bought them, including our shells we brought back. ❤
Oh yes definitely treasure those memories❤️
Tam sie. wybralismy z rodzina na kilka dni urlopu..ciekawi poszukujacy slawetnych zrodel wiecznej milosci.Piekne miejsce..wyjatkowo giscinne I urocze.
Wishing the Island a swift recovery!
Thank you for doing this. I have been wondering how Sanibel looked today.
I live in central FL and been coming to Sanibel/Captiva for about 25 years so was sick looking at the destruction in this video. Over the years this Island has became less tourist friendly and started charging $40 to park at Alison Hagerup beach as well as other beaches. Because of this we stopped going and now go to Anna Maria Island were most beach parking is free and they have great beach side dining. Hopefully in a few years when this Island does get back up and running, the Island will provide better beach parking at a lower price. I doubt it but we will see. Best wishes for now.
Correction: It IS tourist friendly for the VERY WEALTHY. They are pushing out the common folk that originated on that island. My sister was one of them. My parents also.
Saved my Time Thank You !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Prayers for everyone affected by this loss. 😢
Thanks so much for this update. Wish you all the best in your rebuilding.
Thank you!!
Thank you guys for keeping us updated! I can't wait to see the new Sanibel and what the mix of old and new will look like in the coming years. All any of us can do is hope for the best and build forward. Happy New Year!
You bet! Happy New Year to you too!
Build forward? I’m sorry but that’s a terrible idea. It’s going to happen again. Barrier islands shouldn’t be inhabited. The mainland can’t afford to subsidize your insurance rates. It affects all of us.
@@tyleredwards5643 I understand what you're saying and get your frustration with the cost of rebuilding but do you really believe that a place like Sanibel will be left by residents and tourists and be allowed to return to an uninhabited palm grove? The most realistic approach to preventing the kind of devastation we saw here would be to "build forward" using up-to-date techniques and designs to mitigate the severity of damage from a storm similar to this in the future. Sanibel hasn't seen this kind of devastation in our lifetimes and may not again in our lifetimes.
@Sigma-One,thank you for giving this response ❣️
Thanks for the video. I have never gotten the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Sanibel Island. After following the hurricane footage closely and reading so many heartfelt stories from people who had been visiting for so many years..the island almost feels personal to me as well. I'm happy to see vegetation growing back. I appreciate these videos from someone who may never get to go there in person it's nice to see what's going on. Im in the midwest and dont travel often. Looking forward to more updates and better days ahead.
This still makes my eyes filling with tears ... unbelievable. Was there for vacation multiple times, lastly in july with my wife. So, so sad :(
Yes it is very sad.
I am glad to see that the Signal Inn buildings are still standing. They used to be in such a secluded and treed spot. You could not see the buildings from the road. Wow guys. Hopefully you will be back open soon. All the best for a speedy recovery.
Thank you Jean!
This is so sad. Just hope developers don't sweep in and turn it into a Miami, like is unfortunately already happening in fort Myers beach
Of course they will!!! This is an Agenda 21 and 30 property grab for the uber rich. This "storm" was no accident. Do some research on H.A.A.R.P technology and geoengineering. They steer and intensify storms. Now they are able to steer lightning also.
My husband and I would regularly come to Ft. Myers to vacation and Sanibel Island was always a highlight. We don’t go to the States anymore because of all the gun violence which is a pity but we value our lives.
I hope you can return one day.
I was at Sanibel Siesta on the Beach last May. It's really sad to see everything like this, but I know it will get better over time.
Thank you for sharing. My parents and I moved to Sanibel when I was going into 8th grade, and I lived there from 1997-2002 and again from 2014-2016. My grandmother lived on Roseate Lane, behind Cheeburger Cheeburger. She got five feet of water, at least, and wasn't able to save much of anything, although she was able to salvage one piece of my mom's artwork, at least. She bought a condo in Brandywine, off Winkler, and she plans to sell her gutted home as-is once she gets the OK from the insurance company. I bought tickets to come down in November and see it for myself, but I had a health crisis that put the trip on the back burner. I need to get down there and see it for myself to really process it, though. I hadn't been back since we moved away in 2016, and I wish I'd gone back at least once. I really consider Sanibel my hometown.
So sorry to hear about your gma. Hope you get to visit soon!
The devastation is just incredible. I’m so sad to see this. I visited Sanibel in the mid 80s. We stayed in little cottages on the beach. I’m sure they didn’t survive if they were even still there. I was wondering about the condition of The Bubble Room on Captiva?
The Bubble Room is still standing but has not reopened yet.
Linda Kessler So sad to see all the destruction. I last visited on New Years 2019. My senior group ate at a old time restaurant. Had “ dancing dolls “ I don’t remember the name. I was wondering what happened to it. Hope you have a speedy recovery of your property. Also how are the animals at Ding Darling? Wishing you better times.♥️
Ding Darling is closed at the moment but we have seen lots of birds and wildlife 😀
Let's gooooooo!!!! Whoo hoo spring break time. 🤣
Thanks guys. I'm sure you seeing it everyday you get a bit used to what you're seeing. Many of us who called these islands our vacation homes are still in shock. We had a trip planned back in June 2022 as we do every year but wife was gravely ill in the hospital so we cancelled that trip. She along with all of us absolutely LOVE Sanibel. Sadly she passed last August, never getting to see Sanibel again. At least she didn't have to see this. So heartbreaking.
Hi Scott, thank you for reaching out and sharing your story. So sorry to hear about your wife. I hope for brighter days ahead for you.
So sad to here about your wife’s passing I am sure she is watching over you 🌴🐈🌻🐟🐠
We and my wife had just been there Feb 2022 for the first time. So sad to see what happened.
I Wonder if Randy is going to incorporate this storm into his next Doc Ford novel.
Hummmm now I wonder too!
THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH ! We Have been patrons of the Island business and condos for 40 years.
This past October would have marked our 19th Sanibel vacation. The island feels like our second home. Thanks for making and posting this video. While sad, it shows hope and resilience. Looking forward to our next vacation there.
Sad about the Island Inn. Years ago I worked there, and lived in the employee duplex across the street. I have fond memories of that time and place. Ahh... the good ol days....
Bet you have some great stories!
Pretty rough but doesn't look as bad as I thought it would.
Devastatingly sad, but I hear the hope in your voices and see things happening and know it has just begun. I heard you mention the smell near the huge piles of rubbish, was there a not nice smell everywhere though? I would expect that low tide kind of smell. And thanks so much for making this video....
Thank you for the tour. So sorry to see devastated island. But as u have said Mother Nature will take over and it will be beautiful again. My husband and I and Family have been owners at South Seas for over 30 years.I’m curious what South Seas looks like? Much ☮️ again thank you for ur time and effort!
Oh I’m so glad you did this video…..we come to Sanibel Island every couple of years or so to Seahorse Cottages on Buttonwood Lane. Do you happen to know how they faired ???? We were so broken hearted when this happened and have been wanting to know how the island was doing. Thanks again for this video Take Care and good luck with all of your reconstruction in the future. ♥️♥️
So and to see the damage to beautiful Sanibel. However, the piles of debris indicate that people are working to bring back Sanibel. We saw the same in Port Aransas, Texas after Harvey hit the island directly. Keep the faith, Sanibel will return.
Thank you!
CONGRATS TO EVERYONE IN FLORIDA.SW GULF SIDE.I LIVED IN BRADENTON FL.YES BEEN THUR SLOT OF HURRICANES.NOT AS BAD AS IAN THOUGH
Thank you for this, Nick & family. It somewhat prepares me for seeing it in person. 😭 As always, #sanibelstrong No doubt in my mind. Continued prayers and thinking of you all. 🙏
Thank you Stephanie! ❤️
Prayers to all who have to make alternate vacation plans. Truly sad.
Thank you for the tour. I am a Sanibel Island fan and very interested in seeing the reconstruction. ❤️❤️❤️
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the video.
We live in Germany, love the USA and Sanibel Island is our dream island. We got married in Casa Ybel in July 2022 and we hope that Sanibel/Captiva will soon shine again in its old glory. ♥️
Good luck for your business! 👍
Casa Ybel is a magical place for a wedding! Thank you for the best wishes!
Thank you for showing the island. WOW…amazing how far it has come in just 3 months. ❤
Ikr this is what a good governer does
It was interesting to see the difference in the type of construction between the beginning of your video and then in the „oldest part“ at the 43 minute point. The older places were all on stilts and maybe not as „fancy“ and modern as the newer ones - maybe a thought to not try to change a „good thing“ - as you mentioned, those stilted ones managed to „save“ their ground floor.