The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal

City of Sanibel Hurricane Wilma Evacuation Update

Based upon the current predictions for Hurricane Wilma, beginning, NOON, Saturday, October 22, 2005 a MANDATORY EVACUATION has been ordered for the City of Sanibel, Florida.  From NOON, Saturday, until the evacuation is lifted, no re-entry of the general public to Sanibel will be allowed. 

While the Sanibel Causeway will be closed for entry onto Sanibel for the general public, beginning noon, Saturday, October 22, 2005, those with Hurricane Passes or a Florida drivers license with their Sanibel address, who are completing their Hurricane Evacuation Preparations and scheduled deliveries will be permitted to re-enter until at least Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 7:00 a.m. 

Access on and off the Island for persons with Hurricane Passes may be adjusted as the weather conditions dictate.  Continue to monitor the City’s toll free number (1-800-933-6093) and web site, www.mysanibel.com for updates.

Residents are welcome to deposit perishables from their refrigerators and freezers in the dumpsters at the City boat ramp, located at the eastside of Causeway Boulevard, as they evacuate from the Island.

Citizens who are evacuating are reminded to take all proper precautions including: taking their prescription medications with them, their identification for re-entry, copies of their appropriate personal insurance, property and financial records, properly secure their property, empty their freezer and refrigerators of perishables.    

For the current schedule of Shelter Openings in Lee County please check the Lee County Florida Division of Public Emergency Management web site at www.leeeoc.com.

Three of the shelters that are scheduled to be open by 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 22, 2005 are  – (1) Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL; (2) Dunbar High School, 3800 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers, FL; (3) South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd., Ft. Myers, FL.  One Shelter will open at 8 A.M. on Saturday, October 22, 2005 – Pottorff Elementary School, 4600 Challenger Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL.



(OVER)

The closest Shelter to Sanibel is South Fort Myers High School - directions follow.


 1:  Start out going NORTHEAST on CAUSEWAY BLVD. toward
            HARBOUR COTTAGE CT.  3.3 Miles
 2.  Causeway Blvd. becomes McGregor Blvd./ CR-867 N. 1.9 Miles

 3.  Stay STRAIGHT to go onto SUMMERLIN RD / CR-869 E. 6.0 Miles

 4.  Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto GLADIOLUS DR. / CR-865 E. 1.5 Miles

 5.  GLADIOLUS DR / CR-865 E becomes SIX MILE CYPRESS
             PKWY / BEN C. PRATT PRWY 1.4 Miles
       6.  Turn LEFT onto PLANTATION RD. 0.3 Miles


  7.  End at 14020 PLANTATION RD., Fort Myers, FL 33912-4303 


YOU SHOULD MAKE AN EFFORT TO TAKE YOUR PET WITH YOU WHEN YOU EVACUATE.

IF YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR PETS -

1. Leave enough water in multiple bowls and dry food to last 5 to 7 days.
2. Place an additional kitty litter box in a separate area (or big aluminum baking pan) for cats, place some newspapers down for your dogs.
3. Take your pet’s veterinary records along with your other important records, in case your pet gets lost during the storm.
4. Leave your pet’s bedding in an interior room.  Leave your pet untethered and uncaged.
5. Please be cautious of storm surge, animals need to be above the predicted level to avoid drowning.
6. A pet rescue will only be implemented if conditions and resources permit.



Sanibel City Hall Phone Number – 472-3700