Working to open up Sanibel’s beaches and businesses after Ian

sanibel

Sanibel has been devastated in Ian’s time, and many believe it will be years before the island returns to what it once was.

On islands without boardwalks, beaches remain closed and littered with debris.

Nevertheless, the mayor believes the island will open on January 2nd.

People can play 18 holes at the Sanibel Island Golf Club, expect some restaurants and lots of traffic, but forget about going to the beach because it’s not open.

Recovery is never easy and often requires excessive patience.

But it’s starting to ring around Sanibel.

Marcus Preece, General Manager of Cielo, spoke with WINK News about its recovery efforts.

“I’m glad the green is back. And people are back to take care of their homes and get out and relax and have fun for a little while,” Preece said.

Preece launched the restaurant on November 15th. This is less than two months after Ian ripped the island apart.

People like Philippe Grandjen go to restaurants to eat.

“I’m here every day trying to get back on the island, so I’m going to work with people to fix the mold and then start looking at the possibility of putting everything back together.

It’s a lot of work and he fears that opening the island to everyone from January 2nd will make life more difficult for him.

But the goal is to increase cash flow for the 5-6 businesses that are open.

Drew Donnelly, co-owner of Sanibel Island Golf Club, spoke with WINK News about the recovery process.

“It helps for some people that there aren’t many public golf courses in the county. It will definitely be an option,” Donnelly said.

Business is great, but he sympathizes with homeowners trying to rebuild their livelihoods.

“I think people will be sightseeing for three days. After that, people will get sick of sitting in traffic waiting to get out of here. And the people that come out here will hopefully support the business.” You’ll come out here to do it,” said Donnelly.

Some places, such as golf courses, still have a long way to go to fully recover.

They hope the next three weeks will give them enough time to figure out prices, get more golf carts up and running and get people back on the golf course like never before. increase.