AMERICAN LEGION POST 123 American Legion Post 123 on Sanibel reopened its front hall and restrooms on July 4.

American Legion Post 123 on Sanibel is continuing to rebuild after Hurricane Ian in 2022.

On July 4, it celebrated the reopening of the Post’s front hall and restrooms, which includes new decorative flooring. Last week, two new pools tables, a TV and ceiling fans were installed.

“The first day we opened was the road rally,” Legion Cmdr. Randy Carson said.

The Post was devastated by the near-Category 5 storm’s surge and winds.

“We had 6-foot of water,” he said. “It was a complete tear out.”

AMERICAN LEGION POST 123 Timmy's Nook, at American Legion Post 123 on Sanibel, reopened last August.

“Everything inside was a total loss,” Carson added.

With the assistance of a lot of volunteers, they began cleaning up the debris and clearing out the building in the months after the hurricane. Demolition of the interior took place in early 2023.

Last August, they celebrated the reopening of the tiki hut out back, called Timmy’s Nook.

“We opened it up a year ago,” he said of the screened-in space that features a bar, tables and more.

Carson explained that the rebuild is piece by piece, based on donations.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 123 American Legion Post 123 on Sanibel reopened its front hall and restrooms on July 4.

“We’re working on donations, so you have to do what you can with what you have,” he said.

With the front hall and restrooms complete inside of the main building, they started the tear out two weeks ago on the kitchen and backroom in order to begin refurbishing and restoring those spaces.

“We hope to be able to open it by September for season,” Carson said.

It will require electric and plumbing, along with a stove, kitchen equipment, cabinets and more.

Once the Legion has its full kitchen back up and running, the bar room is the final piece.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 123 Timmy's Nook, at American Legion Post 123 on Sanibel, reopened last August.

“Beer coolers, dishwashers, the bar itself,” he said. “Electric, plumping.”

Currently, the Post is open on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. It serves burgers, hotdogs, cheesesteaks and chicken breasts, plus the tiki hut offers a full bar.

“They can come out here and eat,” Carson said.

Starting on Aug. 7, they will offer a pool night on Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

Donations are welcome to continue the rebuild.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 123 American Legion Post 123 on Sanibel required a complete tear out after Hurricane Ian.

“Also, we are selling pavers,” he said. “You can inscribe your name or whatever.”

The 1-foot by 1-foot pavers are available for a $150 donation.

“We’ll be making an area with tables and chairs,” Carson said of where the pavers will go.

The Legion voiced its appreciation to those supporting and assisting it.

“We’re thankful for all of the donations and for all of the volunteer help,” he said.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 123 Timmy's Nook, at American Legion Post 123 on Sanibel, during its restoration.

It is looking for volunteers to assist with the bar and cooking.

For more information about the memorial pavers or to make a donation, contact Carson at 239-699-8739 or rcarsonsan@gmail.com. Donations can also be dropped off at the Post or mailed to it.

American Legion Post 123 is at 4249 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.