On September 28, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $338 million from the Hurricane Recovery Program to communities impacted by Hurricane Ian to support long-term recovery efforts and resiliency. Sanibel and Captiva were among the communities to receive funding, with the following allocations:
- City of Sanibel: $28 million
- Sanibel Fire Rescue District: $8 million
- Captiva Erosion Prevention District: $1 million
- Captiva Fire District: $350,000
The funds will be used to assist with storm repairs and recovery efforts for schools, sheriff’s offices, fire stations, parks and recreation centers, roads, wastewater treatment plants, beach renourishment, and to assist local governments with loss of revenue since the storm.
In addition to the recovery funding, Sanibel also received a Cybersecurity Grant Award from the state’s Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program. The $30 million program, funded by 2022-23 budget appropriations, equipped 194 local governments with solutions that enhance their cybersecurity capabilities and integrate with state cybersecurity operations.
The Cybersecurity Grant Award will help Sanibel to improve its cybersecurity defenses and protect its residents and businesses from cyberattacks.
The recovery funding and cybersecurity grant are both welcome news for Sanibel and Captiva as they continue to recover from Hurricane Ian. The funds will help to rebuild the islands’ infrastructure, support local businesses, and make the communities more resilient to future storms.
