Sanibel's comeback: Residents and tourists fuel economic growth

A crew clears debris on Sanibel Island as the community continues rebuilding efforts three years after Hurricane Ian.

Sanibel Island is showing strong signs of economic recovery three years after Hurricane Ian, with restaurants, shops and attractions once again drawing residents and visitors. City Manager Dana Souza credited infrastructure repairs, including roadwork on Periwinkle Way and improvements to biking paths and boat docks, for supporting the comeback. John Lai, president of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, noted that hotel capacity is still rebuilding but day-trippers and regional visitors have fueled momentum. At restaurants such as Doc Ford’s, servers report record income as both locals and newcomers return to the island. Officials said the recovery underscores Sanibel’s tourism-driven economy, with plans to further expand access and services to welcome back more statewide and national visitors, WINK News reports. 

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