UPDATE: Storm-related updates from island organizations
As of 7 p.m. today, Oct. 6, the following Sanibel and Captiva organizations had released information regarding Hurricane Milton:
CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is closely monitoring Milton. As such it has implemented its evacuation plan, moving all students, patients and animal ambassadors from its campus to safe locations off island.
The CROW hospital will remain open for patient admissions on Oct. 7 until 5 p.m. Beginning on Oct. 8, bring all patients to the BluePearl Pet Hospital in Fort Myers for care by the CROW team.
The Visitor Education Center will be closed on Oct. 7 and will remain closed until it is safe to reopen following the storm.
COMMUNITY HOUSING & RESOURCES
Community Housing & Resources reported that its office will be open on Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon. After that, staff will be remote until further notice. For questions or concerns, contact CHR by phone or email.
FISH OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA
With Milton approaching, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva is taking proactive measures to ensure neighbors have the resources needed to weather the storm. The food pantry will be open on Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to offer shelf-stable food, bottled water, and additional food products. It will also distribute any hurricane supplies on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. The 24-hour phone line is staffed and ready to respond to community needs — call 239-472-0404.
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION/SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL
Due to Milton, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will close the Native Landscapes & Garden Center for the week (Oct. 7-11) and Sanibel Sea School classes are closed through Oct. 9, with a decision about Thursday and Friday to be made later. The SCCF’s public trails are also closed in advance of the storm.
The SCCF has enacted its Hurricane Plan, and staff are busy preparing the facilities, vehicles, vessels, and equipment.
SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Due to the predicted development and path of Milton, the Sanibel Public Library will close early on Oct. 7 at noon. It will remain closed on Oct. 8-10, at a minimum.
On Oct. 7, patrons will need to use the staff door in the parking garage to enter and exit the building. Look for signs indicating where to go.
Do not use the book drops at the library during the building’s closure.
All user fees will be waived during the closure, there will be no overdue fines assessed, and items placed on hold will remain on hold.
Access to eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, music, movies, and more are available through the eshelf at www.sanlib.org/eshelf.
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