Sanibel Island after Hurricane Milton: no power, no wastewater system

Sanibel residents can now return to their homes on the island, Mayor Richard Johnson announced in a press conference shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday.

But there are some things residents should know first.

Only residents with a Sanibel reentry pass or with an ID that has a Sanibel address and business owners with a red ID pass can now return to the island.

A curfew will be in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. Friday for safety reasons.

LCEC is working to restore power to Sanibel, planning to fly in a critical part – though the expected time of arrival is unknown.

Without power, the island is not able to operate its wastewater system, Mayor Richard Johnson said in a Facebook Live news conference on Thursday.

“We have run into a snag this afternoon on one of our critical pieces of infrastructure,” Johnson said.

Officials strongly urge residents not to use water in their homes or businesses to prevent potential backups. If residents plan to leave, officials ask them to consider turning off water to avoid issues.

“It’s a big hindrance right now on the island,” deputy city manager Steve Chaipel said.

About 7,200 people are without power on Sanibel and Captiva, a figure which represents most of the island, according to Chaipel.

The Island Water Association is on the ground reviewing transmission lines. Residents are without internet, and the island is also under a precautionary boil water notice due to low water pressure.

LCEC crews are working to restore power but face significant delays due to multiple downed poles. The City will continue to provide updates through email and Facebook live sessions.

More: Hurricane Milton live updates: Impact reports on Lee County, beaches and inland

“We can’t really do a lot until electricity is restored,” Chaipel said.

Crews have been on the island since early Thursday morning, surveying and clearing debris off roads.

The island experienced about 5 feet of storm surge, and the city is waiting for floodwaters to recede.

There was no substantial damage to the Sanibel Causeway, Chaipel stated. Florida and Lee County Departments of Transportation assisted in clearing the causeway so first responders could get to the island.

Access to Captiva is blocked due to a road washout, and residents are advised to follow updates from Lee County regarding the situation. Standing water remains on some roadways, and residents are reminded not to drive through barricades or floodwaters, as even a small amount of water can severely damage vehicles.

“We know how important it is for everybody to get back to the island,” Chaipel said. “We know how important it is for businesses and residents to check their property, and it’s natural and you want to get back on. We just ask for a little more patience while we work through these issues.”

The city officials encouraged residents to sign up for the city’s email list at email-list@mysanibel.com for the latest updates. The city is operating offsite, and people can call the main switchboard at 239-472-3700.

City Hall will remain closed tomorrow, and staff will continue operating remotely.

“I know everyone is eager to get back to their homes and businesses,” Johnson said. “I’m off the island as well, and I can’t tell you how much I want to get back there also. It’s no fun being away from our island. It’s no fun being away from our home but, it’s critically important that we take these positive next steps to make sure we’re able to get everyone back safely and that you’re able to remain there.”

This story has been updated to add new information .

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Sanibel Island after Hurricane Milton: no power, no wastewater system