The city of Sanibel is closely monitoring Rafael, and the island's fire district is on standby as the storm decides where to go in the Gulf.
Although Rafael isn't expected to hit Florida, restaurants are already preparing, ready to pull down umbrellas and bring chairs in if things get gusty.
For the Lighthouse Cafe, which recently reopened at a new location after its original building was destroyed by Hurricane Ian, storm preparations have become all too familiar. Just a few weeks ago, the cafe had to shut down for days after Hurricane Milton brought in three inches of water.
"You always learn something from every storm," said Daniel Billheimer, who owns Lighthouse Cafe. " You operate from a position of knowledge. I've invested so much in this place, heart, soul, my financial resources, like, I take it very seriously."
Businesses are still working to bounce back from financial losses caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. On Tuesday, seven crews were scattered across the island, clearing debris left by the recent storm.
Deputy Chief John DiMaria of the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District reminds residents that hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.
“We highly encourage everyone in our community to stay prepared,” DiMaria said.
With Rafael approaching, DiMaria noted that the fire district remains on high alert.
“The teams are checking our trucks, making sure we have all the necessary equipment and medical supplies,” he said. “If the storm does shift our way, we’ll be ready to activate our emergency response plan.”
Many on Sanibel are hoping the island stays high and dry this time around and Rafael will be the last name on this storm season's roster.