Sanibel businesses rebuild stronger after Ian, brace for hurricane season

SANIBEL, Fla. (WINK)—Business owners on Sanibel are preparing for hurricane season despite predictions of below-average storm activity this year.

Many businesses have rebuilt stronger since Hurricane Ian, implementing new structural improvements to better withstand future storms. Owners say they've learned valuable lessons from past hurricanes and are taking proactive measures to protect their properties.

Josh King, owner of Mr. B's, is transforming the former Dairy Queen location with enhanced hurricane-resistant features. The restaurant is scheduled to open in August, right in the middle of hurricane season.

"All of our corners every one roughly 24 inches are poured solid," King said. "We added another 18 inches to our tie beam to raise it up. Just a lot of the structural supports are totally different than what they were in the 70s when this place was built."

King acknowledges the risk but doesn't let it stop progress.

"If you think about that every day, throughout the year, whatever, it's just going to deter you from moving forward," King said.

Across Periwinkle Way, The Bait Box has been serving customers since 1971. Owner Matt Joyce also made significant changes after Ian, raising his building higher off the ground.

"We were a couple feet high," Joyce said. "Now we're like, four feet high off the ground, and that's a big deal, because, frankly, I don't see a storm surge like that again."

Joyce remains optimistic about the forecast but realistic about living in Florida.

"It's Florida. This is Hurricane area," Joyce said. "The forecast, I hope they're right."

Despite the preparations, Joyce isn't dwelling on worst-case scenarios.

"I don't live in fear of another big storm like that," Joyce said.

Business owners say they prepare each year and remain hopeful this hurricane season will be calm.