a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

My wife and I are thinking of yet another trip to there and would like to know any current information about:
A. The refuges, especially Ding Darling
B. Stores, roads and so on.

I ask, of course, because of the recent hurricane.

Thanks

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

usnpilot Loc: Ft Myers Fl

Everything is open and functioning. Ding had minimal damage.

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

Thanks for the info, especially the local, current (usnpilot). It's much appreciated.

usnpilot Loc: Ft Myers Fl

Enjoy your trip.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

As states by others Sanibel got minimal damage. The heaviest hit and most damage was in the Florida Keys. There was quite a bit of damage on the western side of Florida but the state and local authorities (and residents) have been working hard to get the damage repaired or at least to where it can be worked around. Even in the Tampa/Clearwater area, there are places that were decimated and places in the same neighborhoods, streets and other areas that had mainly tree and outbuilding damage or very little damage at all. It reminds me a lot of driving though towns in Oklahoma after a tornado and seeing destroyed houses and cars next to houses that weren't touched or have minor damage. It also seems to depend on which way the houses faced on a street or houses that were unlucky enough to be hit by flying debris or falling trees or tree limbs. Flooding was a major problem too and many low lying areas are still recovering. You should be fine though and many of the nature preserves seem to be okay but the animals and birds seem to be hit or miss.

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

I have spent a lot of time in Sanibel over the last 30 plus years and have many friends there. They had very little damage and everything is back to normal. Go and enjoy the refuge. If you would like to call them the number is (239) 472-1100. Don't forget to have breakfast and/or dinner on the front porch at The Island Cow. And, aw yes! The crunchy grouper basket at The Sanibel Grill.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

I am here at Sanibel this week. Ding Darling reserve is fine. Roads are fine. Everything is open. All roads passable. Some debris waiting to be picked up on side of road. Captive had more roadside debris. It is relatively hot. Plenty of birds and shells and fish !!

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Don't forget to check the tide charts.. Birds are only feeding at low tide, water to deep when high tide. I usually visit when low tide hits around 8am. Remember your in the Backwaters and tide times are different then the Beach

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Yes indeed. Today the first low tide was well before the golden hour which starts about 655 am Itbwill be in alignment again by I think Thursday