The state wants to quickly rebuild the Sanibel Causeway, heavily damaged by Ian, and the only road onto a barrier island. But researchers say the focus should be on building more resilient infrastructure for a changing climate.
Governing By Jared Brey
October 14, 2022
There’s only one road that goes to Sanibel Island — and that’s part of its appeal.
The island, a 17.5-mile-long swoop of mangroves and sandy beaches off Florida’s west coast, is known today as a natural sanctuary, popular with birdwatchers, shell-collectors and northerners of every stripe looking for a warm place to spend a vacation. It has maintained that identity through decades of conservation efforts, starting with the creation of the 5,000-acre J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in 1945, and through strict limits on development.
Zoning rules limit new buildings to no more than three stories — no higher than the tallest tree, according to some local lore — and the city of Sanibel’s comprehensive plan is built around “the importance of scenic resources in the preservation of the character of the community.” But its economy is still reliant on an influx of people, with more than a million visitors arriving between June and September in a typical year.
View the full article: Governing.com
Comments