As the islands of Sanibel and Captiva continue to recover from Hurricane Ian, a trio of iconic island businesses have reopened after overcoming various challenges.
- She Sells Sea Shells
Anne Joffe opened the shell shop at 1157 Periwinkle Way in 1974. One of the challenges she faced in reopening was finding her battered storefront sign, which is one of the first things tourists see upon driving onto the island. On September 28, the storm’s winds blew it apart, and the tidal surge moved it into the woods across the street. Joffe’s children later found it and refurbished it, putting it back in place.
Joffe reopened the store during Fourth of July weekend after dealing with damage created by her store’s biggest nemesis: hurricanes.
- Nanny’s of Sanibel
Heather Termini bought Nanny’s of Sanibel, 1700 Periwinkle Way, last year. The previous owner didn’t want to deal with the post-hurricane hassles. Termini, however, saw the pros in acquiring a business that will celebrate its 41st anniversary later this year.
Just two weeks after Termini bought the business, a fire in the neighboring Jerry’s grocery store caused the sprinkler system to flood the inside of her store. This forced her to close and redo the flooring and drywall, which had escaped the hurricane’s wrath. She reopened on March 1 after being closed for most of February.
- RC Otter’s
On Captiva, owner Sandy Stilwell Youngquist and her team at RC Otter’s will cut the ribbon for its grand reopening party at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Contractors put on a new roof. While they were at it, they also raised the ceiling, keeping the dining room the same size but giving it a roomier feel.
Up next will be refurbishing the Keylime Bistro restaurant across the street. Youngquist is planning to reopen it by September 22, coinciding with the start of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.
These three businesses are just a few examples of the resilience of the people and businesses on Sanibel and Captiva. Despite the challenges they faced after Hurricane Ian, they have all reopened and are ready to welcome visitors back to the islands.
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