Pictures Of Pine Island Following Hurricane Ian

Pictures of Pine Island following Hurricane Ian continue to come in as officials try to restrict traffic to the island to only residents and business owners. The infrastructure of the island is still badly damaged. More than two weeks after the storm, crews are still working feverishly to restore power. LCEC crews say they hope to have 1/4 of the residents back up and running today.

The bridge to the island was temporarily repaired at a mind boggling speed. Just one week after Pine Island was cut off from the mainland, its only was shored up enough to allow access.

Pine Island is the largest barrier island in Southwest Florida. It is an island unlike any other.  An island with no beaches, it embodies the spirit of "Old Florida." It is home to a vibrant fishing community both commercial and sport. Matlacha is one of the most colorful communities on the island. The narrow strip of a town is lined with galleries, funky shops, bars and restaurants. I say "is" instead of "was" because I know the spirit of the people here. I know they will recreate their little paradise.

However, not much can get done in the way of major structural repairs until linemen, and crews with their big vehicles and heavy equipment can access the island. Thankfully that has happened. More than 500 crews are currently working on the island. Once more power gets restored over the next few days, recovery efforts will get a shot in the arm.

The Sanibel Causeway sustained even more damage than the bridge to Pine Island. In another jaw dropping feat, two weeks following Ian, officials did enough work to make it passable to utility workers. They are now on the island by the hundreds, working to repair power and water lines. This will allow more residents to safely return and begin or continue cleaning up their property.

Here are a few pictures of Pine Island following Hurricane Ian.

Returning to Sanibel Island has been nearly impossible since Hurricane Ian destroyed the Sanibel Causeway on September 28th. It was the only way to get on and off the island, other than by boat. Yesterday, for the first time since the storm, hundreds of bucket trucks were able to slowly drive across. Their important mission is to begin repairing lines and restoring power. The bridge is still not safe for regular traffic but workers have miraculously made it passable enough to continue restoration efforts.

Just look at this site.  Bucket trucks lined up almost as far as the eye can see. It seems impossible that just weeks after being washed away in several places, that the causeway is actually passable. Right now the road is only open to emergency workers. Civilians are not allowed on the island, via the causeway, until October 21st.

Until yesterday, the only way workers were able to reach the island was via helicopter, boats and barges. However, this temporary bridge fix will  expedite clean up and repair efforts in a major way.

Residents and business owners need passes to return to the island. That or a driver's license with your Sanibel or Captiva address on it. If you don't have one, the reentry passes are being issued at The Crown Plaza Hotel in Fort Myers. It's located behind The Bell Tower Shops. This is where city officials have set up a temporary, satellite city hall of sorts.

Here are some pictures of the Sanibel Causeway after Ian hit. It makes returning to Sanibel Island after only two weeks seem like an incredible feat. It is, but it is happening thanks to an incredible amount of work and fortitude. Thank you to all of the linemen and construction crews who have run to our aid. We are truly grateful.

**For more hurricane recovery information, including how you can help, click here.