Sanibel celebrates reopening of fire station destroyed by Hurricane Ian

SANIBEL, Fla. (WINK)—Fire Station 172 officially reopened on Sanibel Island after being destroyed by Hurricane Ian's storm surge.

The station was flooded with 5 to 6 feet of storm surge during Hurricane Ian and had to be torn down. WINK News was there just after the hurricane when the station was flooded and again when it was demolished.

The rebuilt station now stands as a symbol of recovery for the island. Bagpipes played as community members gathered for the grand opening ceremony.

"This building, it is solid, poured concrete," Fire Chief Kevin Barbot said. "Everything is elevated. We are ready for flooding. We're ready for storm surge."

The new station was built to FEMA flood standards, with critical systems elevated. It includes a bay designed to let water flow in and out during flooding.

"We'll be able to open the bay doors, pressure wash our apparatus, bay floors, bring our trucks back in and get right back to work," Barbot said. "This station is rated for 190 mile an hour winds."

Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller said the station represents the island's commitment to resilience as the community continues rebuilding.

"I mean, one is a little leery to bet against Mother Nature, but in terms of what we know, what we've seen, I think this is the epitome of resilience, and I hope we can do as well with other structures being rebuilt around the island," Miller said.

State Sen. Jonathan Martin of District 33 said the station's destruction was demoralizing for residents and visitors.

"I think seeing their fire station completely destroyed was very demoralizing," Martin said. "It's hard to want to rebuild your house, come out here for vacation, knowing that the fire station that was here to keep you safe in the case of an emergency, was no longer here."

The new facility includes meeting rooms on the third floor with views of much of the island. Martin said the station will serve as a crucial resource, especially during future storms.

"Even if there is a bad storm, like Hurricane Ian, coming again, this is going to be the first place that they're going to be able to come back again," Martin said. "There's meeting rooms on the third floor. They'll have the ability to see much of the island from that third floor. And it's going to be a huge resource for the island."

The reopening marks a major milestone in Sanibel's recovery efforts following the hurricane.