Lee County commissioners approve renovations for Sanibel Causeway Islands

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Lee County commissioners have approved plans to change the landscape and irrigation on Sanibel Causeway Islands A and B, including the addition of new restrooms.

The project is funded by the Florida Department of Emergency Management Legislative Appropriation Program and regional park impact fees.

Matilda Gillia from Fort Myers expressed cautious optimism about the changes, saying, "I think, you know, some change might be welcome. I guess it sort of depends on what that change would encompass."

Currently, visitors to the Causeway Islands have only porta potties available, but the county plans to rebuild restrooms that will be elevated to withstand future storms.

Francesco Gillia from Fort Myers welcomed the restroom plans, saying, "That would be fantastic. And yes, when they fixed this, we were like, 'this is fantastic,' and we did think, 'why there are no bathrooms.' So yes, thank you, I love it. Everybody's going to enjoy them."

The renovations will cost over $331,000, funded through the Florida Department of Emergency Management Legislative Appropriation Program and regional park impact fees.

Total costs for the project top $1.6 million.

Jeffrey Sovereign, a visitor from Toronto, Canada, who comes to Sanibel to wing foil, praised the efforts made on the island after Hurricane Ian. "They've done a great job," he said. Sovereign suggested adding sand to freshen up the area, but acknowledged, "It's pretty nice as it is. Great job, guys."

The design and permitting phase is expected to be complete at the end of July 2026.

The project is set to be completed by 2027.

The timeline for construction is yet to be announced, and updates will be provided as they become available.

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