Evacuation Orders
Sanibel officials have issued evacuation orders for Sanibel by Tuesday, October 8, at 10:00 PM. Residents and business owners are strongly urged to prepare for the impending storm and evacuate the island promptly to ensure their safety.
In conjunction with the evacuation order, a 24-hour curfew will be enforced beginning at 10:00 PM on the same day.
Curfew and Hurricane Preparedness
A curfew for Sanibel Island will take effect starting Tuesday at 10 PM until further notice, and anyone who violates it will be subject to arrest.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, the Sanibel Recreation Center and Sanibel Police Department are intensifying efforts to assist residents of Sanibel and Captiva by issuing Hurricane Re-entry Permits. Below is the schedule for permits and additional important updates for the community.
Permit Issuance Schedule
Monday, October 7:
- Sanibel Recreation Center: Open from 7 AM to 7 PM exclusively for Residential Re-entry Permits.
- Sanibel Police Department: Open from 8 AM to 4 PM for both Residential and Commercial Re-entry Permits.
Tuesday, October 8:
- Sanibel Police Department: Open from 8 AM to 12 PM for Residential and Commercial Re-entry Permits.
Recycling Center and Waste Management
Residents are reminded that the Recycling Center on Dunlop Road will be open on Monday, October 7, from 8 AM to 5 PM for household trash disposal. This service is limited to Sanibel residents, and proof of residency is required.
Additionally, construction sites must comply with the City’s Land Development Code, ensuring that all dumpsters are either emptied, removed, or tarped, and that porta potties are secured by 5 PM on Tuesday, October 8.
Important Evacuation Notice
Residents and owners of RVs and trailers are strongly encouraged to evacuate as soon as possible. It’s crucial to allow ample time to move your vehicles off the island ahead of the storm’s winds, which could complicate evacuations.
Cancellations and Closures
In light of the impending hurricane, all official City meetings are canceled for the week, including the ribbon-cutting event for the Sanibel School playground originally scheduled for tomorrow.
- City Hall: Open Monday, October 7, from 8 AM to 5 PM; closed from Tuesday, October 8, through Thursday, October 10.
- Recreation Center: Open Monday, October 7, from 7 AM to 7 PM; closed from Tuesday, October 8, through Thursday, October 10. Please note that there will be no group fitness classes, youth swim team practice (SWAT), or youth basketball practice during this period. Pools and outdoor courts will also be closed for storm preparation.
Childcare Services
To support families during this time, FREE childcare will be available for K-8th grade students at the Recreation Center on Monday, October 7, from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Trash Collection Update
Please note that trash collection scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled. Residents are urged not to place any additional debris from Hurricane Helene in the right-of-way (ROW). Waste Management will attempt to collect as much debris as possible before Hurricane Milton’s arrival.
As the community prepares for the storm, residents are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize safety. For further updates, keep an eye on local news and the City’s official communications.
Stay safe, Sanibel and Captiva!
