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.
Prior to the bridge being repaired, the only way on and off of Pine Island for rescues and repairs has been by boat.
Pine Island
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.
