Following an arduous, multi-year recovery from devastating storms, Sanibel’s golf courses have demonstrated significant progress, prompting the city to reinstate its environmental oversight program.
The island’s courses were first impacted by the unprecedented storm surge and high-velocity winds of Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Recovery efforts were further complicated in 2024 by storm surge impacts from three additional weather events: Debby, Helene, and Milton.
This disruption prompted the city to place its Golf Course Report Card program on hold for the past three reporting years (October 2022–September 2025), allowing course staff to dedicate their full attention to recovery.
A Return to Environmental Stewardship
The Golf Course Report Card program, originally adopted by the City Council in 2008, provides specific guidance on nutrient management to reduce fertilizer use and improve the water quality of golf course lakes. City staff historically provided technical assistance and used a point-based report card to track annual progress.
With the recovery phase now largely complete, the city’s Natural Resources staff recently met with the superintendents from each course. The meetings served to discuss the immense challenges overcome and to observe the current state of the properties.
During these visits, staff informed the courses that the city plans to return to the typical scoring format for the upcoming reporting year.
Course Conditions and Future Cooperation
Overall assessments of the courses were positive. The Dunes, The Sanctuary Golf Club, and the Sanibel Island Golf Club all showed strong recovery. A few minor, lingering issues were observed, such as isolated turf loss and high salinity in some lakes, which are persistent effects of saltwater inundation.
Additionally, the Sanibel Island Golf Club underwent a change in ownership in September 2025. City staff held a productive initial meeting with the new owners and superintendent to explain the Golf Course Report Card Program. The new leadership was reportedly receptive to the program and its environmental goals, signaling a cooperative future.
