Sanibel seeks public input on future mobility and safety improvements

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Sanibel is hosting a public workshop tonight to gather community input on ways to ease traffic congestion and improve safety and mobility on the island.

Sanibel is a popular destination for people across the world to visit during this time of year. The city is looking to make the island even better for visitors and their families by gathering information on how to improve safety and mobility.

Laura DePetro, a frequent visitor to Sanibel, said, "The traffic coming right off the causeway is a little problematic. There's a lot of waits, and there is not as much caution for bikers and golf carts on the road, especially with the heavy volume of visitor traffic, there's just not a lot of awareness."

The city is considering several improvements, including adding more crosswalks, implementing traffic-calming measures, enhancing intersections, and exploring options like on-demand transit or elevating roads to address flooding issues.

These changes are contingent on community input, which the city is actively seeking at meetings like the one scheduled for tonight.

Eric Jackson, Sanibel's public information officer, emphasized the importance of community feedback, saying, "That's what it's all about. That's how the city operates, is from the residents, giving that feedback and explaining what they want to see in their community, and then the council acting on that."

DePetro also highlighted the need for safety improvements, particularly for families, stating, "If families are safe, the more visitors come, it's better for everybody. So making sure that pedestrians and bikers and golf cart riders are safe."

Tonight's meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House, with an option to join the conversation online through the city's Facebook page.

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