Island Living

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SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Sanibel Public Library continues to provide online services in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Sanibel library currently offering online services

Officials reported that while recovering from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Public Library continues to move forward by providing online services 24/7 — books, music, movies, magazines and more.

The library's physical building was closed and secured the day before Ian hit. Officials reported that overall, it held up very well; storm surge was the biggest threat and did leave severe damage. Staff and professional restorers are working to have the building ready for public access as soon as possible.

Books, magazines, DVDs and archives are safe and in good condition. Officials reported that the Historic Florida collection — historic photographs, maps, and other documents — are safe and secure. Library art and special displays, including historic quilt, prehistoric shell collection, historic, local, donated, on loan from artist are safe and secure.

Officials reported that all of the Adult, Teen, and Youth and favorite fiction and nonfiction will be ready soon for checkout. Everything from favorite reads to checking email will be ready as soon as possible.

The plans include: opening select physical areas for public access services, as well as drive-through pickup, officials reported. Staff will expand and add to services as the restoration work goes on.

Fines and fees are being waived for books and other materials borrowed now — checked out and now overdue, damaged, wet, moldy, lost, lost onisland or at other living arrangements. For questions about borrows, email notices@sanlib.org. Those on holds lists will not be dropped or lose their place in line.

Officials reported that once the restoration work has made more progress, the library will begin accepting returns; do not return books or any materials at this time.

There is no reopening date for the library at this time, officials reported. A timeline of when and which services will be offered to the public should be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit www.sanlib.org.

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staffers with resident Carrie Toothman. Islander grateful for SCCF help with hurricane cleanup

By SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Carrie Toothman wells up with emotion as she talks about the herculean help that the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff recently brought to her devastated ground-level home on Ibis Lane.

“There aren’t enough thank yous in the world to express my gratitude, ” the single mother with a cleaning business on Sanibel said. “SCCF moved mountains for me and helped me with work I never could have done on my own. ”

Eight staff members responded to Toothman’s plea for assistance at her home adjacent to the Puschel Preserve that was flooded by 5 feet of water in Hurricane Ian.

“In one hour, they cleared the tangled trees that were blocking the door and the front yard, and hauled out my refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, ” she said. “Then, today they got my hot water heater and dryer out. They couldn’t get the washer because it’s still full of water. ”

See HURRICANE CLEANUP, page 13 Carrie Toothman's home before Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff cleared the yard.

The SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation crew in CarrieToothman 's kitchen.

IWA rescinds boil water notice for most of islands

The Island Water Association reported that the Sept. 27 precautionary boil water notice has been rescinded for all residents of Sanibel and Captiva, with the exception of one area as of Nov.

7.

The notice was lifted following the thorough flushing of the distribution system and satisfactory completion of the bacteriological survey showing that the water is safe to drink.

The IWA reported that until further notice, water services within the Caloosa Shores Association remain under a boil water notice due to low pressure delivery to the area.

A map of the area still under the Island Water Association’s boil water advisor as of Nov. 7.

ISLAND WATER ASSOCIATION

Sanibel police to launch blotter on criminal activity

The city reported that as Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Police Department announced a new initiative to support its effort to keep the community safe and secure.

Beginning on Nov. 14, a police blotter will be issued twice weekly to report realtime law enforcement response to criminal activity, including enforcement actions, arrests, search warrants executed, unlicensed activity, and information about routine operations and patrol.

The SPD continues to encourage the community to report any suspected criminal activity by calling 239-472-3111. For emergencies, call 911. “If you see something, say something, ” officials said.

Sanibel police release more photos of missing property

The Sanibel Police Department recently published photographs of additional items discovered during post-hurricane police operations. Residents, property owners and business owners can review the photos at http://www.mysanibel.us /police/property/property2.html. Previously released photos can be reviewed at http://www.mysanibel.us/ police/property/. If you are missing property that you believe may be included in one or more of the photos, and can provide proof to support your claim, contact the SPD's nonemergency number at 239-472-3111.

Hurricane cleanup From page 12

With all her belongings drenched by the surge, Toothman said the team also carried ruined clothing, mattresses, a box spring, blankets, towels and couches to the curb.

While setting up the Puschel Preserve as a staging site for debris, SCCF staff became aware of Toothman’s desperate need for assistance.

Under the direction of Chief Executive Officer James Evans, staff members have been instructed to help the community out whenever possible since immediately after the hurricane. Recently, they turned their attention to giving back to SCCF volunteers by helping out with cleanup tasks at their homes. At the same time, team members have also been focused on the conservation work that is central to the SCCF’s mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

“I could not be more impressed by your hard work, dedication to our mission, and the compassion that you have all demonstrated towards our community, ” Evans said of how the staffers have balanced their work over the past weeks. “We continue to receive praise from residents and business owners for our work and I want to assure you that we are making a difference. ”