As of 11 a.m. on October 13th, the Captiva Island Fire Control District shared a comprehensive post-Hurricane Milton update to keep residents informed about ongoing recovery efforts. The district is diligently working to assess storm damage, mitigate hazards, and restore essential services across the island. Please remember that emergency issues should be reported by calling 911, as the district’s phones remain down due to the storm.
A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Partners The district extended its gratitude to the many organizations assisting with recovery efforts, including Sanibel Fire and Rescue, South Trail Fire & Rescue, Lee County Emergency Operations Center, South Seas Island Resort, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, and the American Red Cross. Their support has been vital in navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
Roadway Access and Infrastructure Updates
- Captiva Drive and Blind Pass Bridge: Access has been restored to residential traffic, but significant repairs are still needed in areas like Captiva Shores and Jensen’s on the Gulf. Until repairs are complete, travel is restricted to one lane. The Lee County Department of Transportation (DOT) is handling these repairs.
- Wiles Drive: Similarly, road damage in this area will require ongoing DOT repair efforts, with one lane of travel available.
- South Seas Resort: Roads within the resort are being cleared, and emergency vehicle access has been established. Please note that parking along resort roads is strictly prohibited, as it will block critical emergency access.
Be Cautious on the Island Residents are urged to be cautious when checking on properties, as emergency services may still experience delays in some areas. Crews are working tirelessly to remove sand from roads, and Lee County Emergency Medical Services has restored ambulance service on the island.
Essential Services and Supplies
- Clean-Up Kits: The fire station has clean-up supply kits available for residents. These kits include essential items like brushes, gloves, and masks to aid in post-storm clean-up efforts.
- Drinking Water: Fresh water is available for residents at the fire station located at 14981 Captiva Drive. This service is not extended to contractor crews.
- Power Restoration: LCEC is actively working to restore power, and a dedicated outreach team will be available on Monday at Jerry’s Foods in Sanibel to address customer questions.
- Water Services: The Island Water Association has restored most water service, although it remains limited. Fire personnel can access it for emergency services.
Special Alerts on Lithium-Ion Electric Vehicles The district has raised concerns about electric vehicles (EVs) that were submerged in saltwater, posing a significant fire risk. Residents with EVs, including golf carts, should submit an Electric Vehicle Reporting Form to the district. The district urges residents to arrange for inspections or removal of these vehicles as soon as possible to prevent potential fires.
Beach Erosion and Hazards Captiva’s beaches have suffered significant erosion, and crews are still addressing multiple hazards, including large fuel leaks from dislodged tanks. If your generator is near a potential leak, it may need to be turned off temporarily until the area is secured.
Debris Removal and Additional Updates
- Debris Pickup: Lee County will schedule debris pickups soon. Do not pile debris in the roadway, as this could hinder emergency services.
- Comfort Stations: Plans are underway to establish a comfort and information station on the island where residents can access supplies and updates.
Stay informed, stay cautious, and thank you for your patience as we work together to restore Captiva to its full beauty and safety. For the latest updates, check the district’s website and official channels.
