Once among the hardest-hit areas in Southwest Florida during Hurricane Ian, Captiva Island is showing remarkable signs of renewal. After more than three years of recovery marked by storm surge destruction, business closures, and repeated setbacks from storms like Milton and Helene, the island’s beloved South Seas Resort is finally reopening.
Set to welcome guests again over Memorial Day weekend, South Seas Resort has undergone a massive transformation — one that highlights not only structural improvements but the community's resilience.
“Now we are ready for our re-grand opening of South Seas,” said general manager Shawn Farrell during a personal tour. “Memorial Day weekend, we have all the amenities we had pre-storm — rebuilt and upgraded.”
The Shops at South Seas have been renovated to include fresh storefronts and services, including a provision store that serves as a one-stop shop for vacationing families.
“It’s a grocery store — we make sandwiches and stuff — so you can stock up your unit when you're staying here,” Farrell explained.
Further into the resort, golf carts now glide past seaside cottages that had once been nearly washed away by Hurricane Ian’s storm surge. The beach is pristine again, the wildlife has returned, and restoration teams are wrapping up final touches on sand berms and landscaping.
The South Seas Island Marina, one of the hardest-hit spots on the property, is now fully restored.
“Post-Ian, the marina was devastated — storm surge blew out the walkways, electrical systems, and part of the seawall,” Farrell said. “We’ve since replaced everything.”
Still, not all landmarks could be saved. The resort’s old hotel buildings have been demolished, making way for new accommodations and guest-only amenities, including a new restaurant, pool, and a 12-hole golf course.
“These owners and small businesses on the island have been through unbelievable things,” Farrell noted. “We’re just a bigger version of the same struggle.”
While the resort anchors the recovery effort, the entire island is experiencing a broader revival. Recently, Allison Hagerup Beach reopened—this time with expanded parking and improved access.
Blind Pass’s parking lot is now operational again as well, offering another welcome sign of normalcy for visitors and locals alike.
Dawn Hoesly, who spent the day beachside with her husband and daughter, summed up the sentiment:
“We just watched like six dolphins playing out there. We love it — we’re glad to be back.”
Although storm damage hasn’t completely disappeared from Captiva, signs of recovery are everywhere. Locals who once drove across the causeway just to glimpse the battered beaches can now return to them.
“We waited patiently for it to open,” one resident said. “Then Helene and Milton hit and did some more [damage], so…”
Even with a long road behind and work still to come, Captiva’s spirit remains unshaken. With businesses reopening, beaches revived, and visitors returning, the island is not just bouncing back — it’s thriving.