As we hope is the case for our island neighbors and all members of the SCCF family, our staff and interns are all safe and accounted for following Hurricane Milton.

Several staff members were able to access Sanibel Island today for an initial assessment of our properties. While most buildings were dry, including the SCCF Headquarters (pictured above), we did experience flooding at several properties.

• Native Landscapes & Garden Center / Bailey Homestead: The Honey House and garage each have a little less than a foot of water inside. The Bailey home is dry.
• The Wilmeth Cottage, where we are currently housing our interns, has water inside both low-lying rooms.
• The Marine Lab has some missing siding, some water inside, and several hydrostatic vents were blown out. SCCF’s research vessel, the Norma Campbell, looks to be in good shape.
• Both Sanibel Sea School buildings and the Wildlife & Habitat Management building are dry.
• SCCF’s HQ building is dry, despite flooding in the parking lot.

In addition to cleanup efforts, SCCF will be assessing Milton’s impacts on our islands’ wildlife, water quality, and ecology.

SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center, public trails, and Sanibel Sea School are closed through Wednesday, Oct. 16. We will reassess then and provide another update.

Tickets did NOT go on sale this week for our signature Wines in the Wild event as originally planned. An update will be issued soon.

We are sending our thoughts to all our island and Florida neighbors impacted by Hurricane Milton.

If you are on Sanibel or Captiva and need food, water, or ice, please call F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva at 239-472-4775.