Hurricane Ian Resources

FISH OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA IS OPERATING ON SANIBEL AND TEMPORARILY IN FORT MYERS AND AVAILABLE BY PHONE FOR ASSISTANCE AND REFERRALS FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY THE HURRICANE. PLEASE CALL 239-472-4775 DURING BUSINESS HOURS OR 239-472-0404 OUTSIDE OF THOSE HOURS. YOU CAN ALSO EMAIL INFO@FISHOFSANCAP.ORG AND A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU.

NEW AS OF 7.21.2023 –

As part of our Long Term Recovery Program are offering services in partnership with St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, SalusCare, Project H.O.P.E. and others at the newly renovated space called The Gathering Place, formerly Noah’s Ark.

FISH services at The Gathering Place will be offered on Mon., Wed., and Fri. from 10:00a-4:00p. Each Monday, Social Services Director Nitza Lopez will be available to discuss disaster relief, including disaster financial assistance, youth scholarships, emergency financial assistance and more.

On Wednesdays, Senior Services Director Erika Boyles will be on-site discussing senior needs and hosting mental health services with our community partner SalusCare. Beginning August 2, FISH will provide group therapy focusing on hurricane related topics including PTSD, trauma, and loss. Laura Guarino, MA, LMHC, CBHCMS, will lead the group from 11:00a-12:30p and remain on-sire until 2p for anyone who would like a mini 1:1 session with her. Project H.O.P.E. will also be available from 1:00p-3:00 offering craft therapy and open discussions on post storm trauma, including mental exhaustion, decision-making, financial fears, etc.

Please note, when visiting The Gathering Place, please enter off Dunlop Road and park in the back outside the fenced-in area. 

FISH & Rotary Tool Shed Program

Realizing many residents have lost critical tools for completing Hurricane Ian recovery repairs to homes and businesses, FISH OF SANCAP and Rotary Club of the Sanibel Captiva have partnered to launch the Tool Shed Program. The program is available to residents of Sanibel and Captiva, on a first come, first served basis. The Tool Shed Program allows islanders to borrow tools they need temporarily and at no cost.  No reservations are required and availability changes frequently. Tools offered may include electric drills, hammers, tool sets; shovels, mops, utility buckets; wheelbarrows, hoses, leaf blowers; chainsaws, saws, crowbars, and more.

Tools may be picked up at the FISH site located at 2430 Periwinkle Way during regular operating hours, Monday – Friday, 10:00a-2:00p. To learn more about the Tool Shed Program, please contact Manuela Martinez at FISH, 239-472-4775 or manuela@fishofsancap.org.

BELOW ARE RESOURCES FISH HAS COMPILED. AS THE RECOVERY PROCESS IS DYNAMIC, SOME INFORMATION MAY CHANGE:

Job Opportunities

• Job Opportunities: Apply through Employ – Click Here
• Local Opportunities: Many island businesses are looking for employees.

United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades

United Way 211 is a program that provides free information and referral to health and human service agencies within Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. United Way 211 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by dialing 211 or by calling 239-433-3900.

ON-ISLAND RESOURCES

POWER RESTORATION
Power restoration on Sanibel is almost complete, however, currently there is not a detailed timeline for power restoration at each house and structure. There may be unique situations where power restoration may be delayed.
ELECTRICAL INSPECTION
Inspection and/or repair of electrical equipment that was flooded or damaged by Hurricane Ian is required before the city notifies LCEC power may be restored to the property. Questions may be directed to ianelectric@mysanibel.com
WATER RESTORATION
The Island Water Association (IWA) has pressurized the water distribution system throughout Sanibel and Captiva islands. To reestablish water service at your property you must complete the request form available on the island water association’s website, www.islandwater.com.
SEWER RESTORATION
At this time, water must only be used for construction purposes and property clean up until sanitary sewer systems are online. Water must not be used for any purpose that will discharge to the sewer, including toilet flushing, showering, laundry, and hand washing.
TRASH COLLECTION
The city has placed containers at the City Recycling Center to collect residential refrigerator and kitchen rubbish. No commercial rubbish, debris, or vegetation will be accepted. Commercial property owners must contact their waste hauler for pick up as needed.
STORAGE PODS
Storage pods are allowed at single-family homes but only temporarily, for no more than 30 days.

CITY OPERATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS
*PLEASE FIND MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION FROM THE CITY OF SANIBEL AT WWW.MYSANIBEL.COM

MAIL PICKUP
Effective May 15, 2023, retail operations and Post Office Box service have resumed at the Sanibel Post Office, 650 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. The Sanibel Post Office retail hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday.  

SANIBEL BUSINESSES CURRENTLY OPEN
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce’s latest tool for steering visitors and islanders to businesses back in operation after Hurricane Ian has gone live on Wander: Maps & Navigation. Users can download the app onto their smart device from the Apple App Store and Google Play or by scanning a QR code. They can also access it through the website at tinyurl.com/sancapwandermap

BEACH ACCESS
The City of Sanibel has opened beach parking at several locations. Please visit mysanibel.com for the most updated information. To park at one of the Sanibel Beach Access parking areas, a Sanibel Beach Parking Permit or a $5 per hour parking fee is required. To learn about the city’s Mobile Pay system to pay hourly parking rates, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/content/download/31156/file/Parking_Mobile_Payment_System.pdf. Beach-goers cannot park their vehicles on city streets. Violators will be fined $150.

BEACH, BOAT RAMP PARKING PERMITS

People can obtain a Beach or Boat Ramp Parking Permit at the Sanibel Recreation Center, at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For questions, call 239-472-0302.

To download the Beach or Boat Ramp Parking Permit Application Form, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/content/download/31242/file/beach_parking_application.pdf. To avoid delays, fill out the form in advance and be certain to have the required documentation.

For current information regarding red tide, visit the Florida Department of Health in Lee County at https://lee.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2023/03/2023_03_06-HealthOfficialsIssueRedTideAlertForLeeCounty.html.

STATE OF FLORIDA
• Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan. Floridians’ health and well-being are a top priority, and the Department of Children and Families is reminding individuals that they are not alone. All Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can find someone to talk to today through the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 800-985-5990.
• DOH’s Children’s Medical Services Plan and partners have setup four locations (two locations in Lee County) for individuals to receive free hygiene and infant supplies, in addition to other essentials. All sites are open to the public.
• Lee County – Family Initiative located at 734 SW 4th St., Cape Coral, Florida 33991. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Lee County – Sunshine Fort Myers located at 4901 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33905. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LEE COUNTY
• Disaster Recovery Center – Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
• Disaster Recovery Center — Joseph P. D’Alessandro Office Complex, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL, 33901

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Mesothelioma Center, a free and medically reviewed web resource that provides information about asbestos and the dangers of asbestos exposure. Debris caused by hurricanes can expose homeowners, emergency workers, and volunteers participating in the cleanup process to hazardous materials that can contain asbestos. The amount of debris that piles up after a hurricane is significant and can quickly overwhelm a community and break down normally strict guidelines for handling hazardous materials.

Asbestos and Natural Disasters Guide covers the risks associated with hurricane debris and asbestos.
Mesothelioma and Emergency Plan for a Natural Disaster Guide for Cancer Patients