Returning to Sanibel Island after Hurricane Ian
RESILIENT. A word that is spoken loudly by both Sanibel Island residents and those who have come to love all that she is. This morning was the lighting of the Sanibel Lighthouse, restoring more hope to the island.
While Lighthouse Beach will remain closed for some time, I wanted to share one of the last sessions I photographed before Hurricane Ian devastated the island. This mother-and-daughter duo has been coming to Sanibel for years. It was a sweet gift to surprise her mom with photos to remember her favorite place. She only knew about the session once she met me in the parking lot at the beach. She couldn’t have been more excited, now, they will cherish these images even more. This beach was one of my favorite locations to meet families for their photos on the island. The lush greenery and low tide pools were so dreamy. The path with the coconut palm is no longer there, with the waves now crashing just feet from where I took these photos. Although it may never be the same, new memories will be captured again. I look forward to photographing families returning to Sanibel Island after Hurricane Ian.
Visiting Sanibel Island
More and more restaurants and shops are opening daily, and plenty of accommodations are available. While you may hear mixed reviews about whether or not visitors are wanted yet, I can assure you that all the business owners will welcome you with open arms. Helping support the island will only benefit the rebuild. Be respectful, and do not drive around to check out the destruction and damage of those on the island. Don’t take photos or videos of homes and businesses lost. Enjoy the food, shop, walk the open beaches, rent a kayak or bike, or even take a sunset boat tour. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty Sanibel Island will never lose.
Beaches Open
Blind Pass Beach 29 parking spots
Tarpon Bay Beach 76 parking spots
Bowman’s Beach 220 parking spots
Gulfside City Park 46 parking spots
*$5/hr payable with phone.
Accomodations
Island Inn
Jensen’s “On The Gulf”
Sea Palms Estate
Periwinkle Campground
‘Tween Waters Island Resort
Cottages to Castles
Sanibel Vacations
Royal Shell Vacations
Sanibel Captiva Island Vacations
Things To Do
YOLO Watersports
Sanibel Sportfishing Charters
Sanibel Island Golf Club
Tarpon Bay Explorers
Sea Oats Day Spa
Shopping
Rachel Pierce Art Market – I have some of her work and it’s beautiful!
CROW Gift Shop
Whitney’s Bait & Tackle
Sanibel Surf Shop
Beach Stuff – Captiva
The Gold Parrot – Captiva
Barracudas – Captiva
Food
Island Store
Jerry’s Foods
Timbers Fish Market
Island Pizza
MudBugs Cajun Kitchen
Tutti Pazzi
Timbers
Sweet Melissa’s
Blue Giraffe – Food Truck
Cielo
Doc Ford’s Sanibel
Gramma Dot’s – Food Truck
Starbucks – Captiva
The Green Flash – Captiva
The Mucky Duck – Captiva
Old Captiva House – Captiva
There are many Sanibel Island businesses that are temporarily located in Ft Myers
Adventures in Paradise Outfitters
MacIntosh Books
Pinnochio’s Ice Cream
Bubble Room
Island Time Dolphin & Shelling Cruises
SANIBEL ISLAND AFTER HURRICANE IAN
Amy Weiler Photography is a Cape Coral Florida Family Photographer also serving the surrounding areas, including Sanibel, Captiva, Sarasota, Boca Grande, Fort Myers, Naples, and Marco Island.
If you would like more information on booking a session with Amy Weiler Photography, please click here or contact me directly by clicking the contact button on the top of my website.
Let’s Connect!