The Caloosa Shores Homeowners Association (HOA) announced the start of construction on the community’s new bridge, located on Caloosa Drive off Wildlife Drive on Sanibel.
This reconstruction marks an exciting milestone for Caloosa Shores residents, who lost their previous bridge during Hurricane Ian over two and a half years ago. The modernized bridge will provide essential roadway access to the private community of 24 canal-front homes.
“The new bridge will once again provide direct roadway access to our coveted and unique enclave,” said HOA President Evan duPont.
Since Hurricane Ian in 2022, residents have accessed their homes through the exit roadway of the neighboring J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The HOA expressed deep appreciation for the refuge’s management team and their support over the last 32 months.
“We are extremely grateful to Kevin Godsea, Bob Gerwig, and their entire team for their dedication,” duPont stated. “The new bridge will relieve pressure on the refuge road and offer homeowners quick, direct access.”
Funded entirely by the 24 property owners, the nearly $1 million project required extensive coordination. The community handled hiring engineers, surveyors, and construction professionals without financial support from Sanibel or Lee County.
Chris Denick, Bridge Committee Chairperson, former HOA President Wendy Kindig, and Board Member Julie Hayles led the efforts to secure qualified contractors and expedite permitting. J.R. Evans Engineering and Acros Bridge provided design oversight, and Thomas Marine Construction is handling the construction.
“It was challenging to find a qualified contractor willing to take on this smaller-scale project,” Denick explained. “We were fortunate to hire a local contractor familiar with Sanibel’s unique conditions. The permitting alone took over ten months.”
Utilizing the latest construction technology, the bridge features an 18-foot main slab and two additional 16-foot approach slabs, totaling just over 53 feet in length. Kevin Shimp of Thomas Marine Construction anticipates completion by early fall.
For further details, contact Evan duPont at CaloosaShoresHOA@gmail.com.
