Residents flag flooding, infrastructure and traffic in Sanibel plan outreach

Public feedback collected for Sanibel’s comprehensive-plan update emphasized flooding and drainage, energy resilience, preservation of the island’s low-scale character and seasonal transportation constraints, consultant Jim Hickey told the Sustainable Plan Update Steering Committee on July 15.

"Flooding and stormwater management is a concern," Hickey said while summarizing results from the June 3 engagement, which included 62 participants across nonprofit, chamber and two public sessions. Participants identified inadequate aging drainage infrastructure, interest in using conservation lands for temporary water retention, and requests to harden utilities and lift critical equipment.

Several committee members and consultants said resort redevelopment is constrained largely by high construction and land costs and by post-storm elevation requirements. "Construction on Sanibel is extremely high," one committee member said, noting that transfer-of-development-rights or changes to allowable density were discussed but that the private-sector economics are a key barrier.

Transportation and access repeatedly appeared in feedback: discussion ranged from e‑bike regulation and micro‑circulators to exploring ferry service or barge landings and reinforcing causeways to preserve emergency access. Committee members emphasized that toll policy is controlled by the county, not the city, and said intergovernmental coordination with Lee County will be necessary for any major causeway changes.

Why it matters: The themes identified—flooding, utilities, redevelopment economics and transportation—will shape the adaptation plan and influence capital-improvement priorities. Staff noted existing planning work already underway, including a surface-water management master plan and a vulnerability assessment adopted in January; an energy plan is expected in October and the transportation master plan by year-end.

Next steps: Staff will continue synthesizing comments and data, and the committee discussed using a token-based budgeting exercise at future workshops to help residents prioritize projects for capital planning.