Port Sanibel Marina in Fort Myers recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its ongoing comeback from the devastation of Hurricane Ian. The ceremony, held on March 26 with the SanCap Chamber of Commerce, marked the official opening of the marina’s new boat barn.
Though the public couldn’t access the marina until January 2023 due to power outages and cleanup efforts, Port Sanibel played a vital role in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. They provided crucial support to government agencies and their subcontractors by offering dockage, services, and full use of the marina facilities. This included logistics support, transporting people, workers, and supplies, and even free fuel for emergency services.
“The hurricane caused significant damage,” said General Manager JD Miner. “Most of the docks were destroyed, the ship store and fuel dock were flooded, and boats were floating away. Wind and water damage also made it impossible to access many boats in our storage facility.”
However, Port Sanibel Marina has rebuilt with resilience in mind. The new boat barn, opened in December, can accommodate 145 boats up to 40 feet. They currently offer a total of 99 wet slips and 135 dry slips, with additional dry slips under construction. The marina complex also provides rentals for boats and paddle crafts, as well as charters and excursions.
“Port Sanibel Marina was an instrumental partner in our community’s early hurricane recovery efforts,” said chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai. “They served as a base for rescue operations and provided critical support to various agencies. We are grateful for their contributions and wish them continued success in their rebuilding process.”
Port Sanibel Marina is located at 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers.
