Port Sanibel Marina is rebuilding stronger

Port Sanibel Marina held a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the rebuilt boat barn. COURTESY PHOTO

Port Sanibel Marina held a ribbon cutting to officially celebrate the opening of its boat barn. The event is part of the marina’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian.

The marina opened its docks and ramp to government agencies and their subcontractors immediately after the storm passed but was unable to open to the public until months later.

Port Sanibel was able to provide dockage, services and full use of the marina starting the day after Hurricane Ian. It ran logistics; shuttled people, workers, supplies; and provided fuel for emergency services providers at no cost.

“Most of our docks were washed away, and the ship store and fuel dock were completely flooded,” said JD Miner, general manager. “All the boats on ground level were floating away and obstructing roadways. Wind and water damage prevented access to 135 boats in our first barn. Lighthouse Waterfront Café and our retail store both sustained water and wind damage and closed for a month or so after the storm.”

The marina complex has built back with more wind resistance, and the new boat barn opened in December for 145 boats up to 40 feet. The marina currently has 99 wet slips, and 135 dry slips, with the additional 145 dry slips still under construction. The complex also offers boat and paddlecraft rentals, charters and excursions.

“Port Sanibel Marina was an invaluable partner in the earliest stages of hurricane recovery,” said John Lai, SanCap Chamber president and CEO. “Rescue operations ran out of the marina and local, state, and federal rescue, law enforcement, and wildlife agencies and power restoration companies used the facilities. We thank them and wish them the best as they continue their own rebuilding.” ¦

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