Island event covers preparation and more for storm season
The city of Sanibel held its 2026 Hurricane Seminar last week featuring a panel of experts.
Held on May 29 at BIG ARTS on Sanibel, it provided residents, businesses and island workers with information on the city’s plan for the storm season, hurricane preparedness and family emergency planning, special needs issues, post-storm recovery plans and more. Free and open to the public, the seminar consisted of a lineup of speakers, followed by a question-and-answer session.
“We are ready now — we are prepared,” City Manager Dana Souza said. “Are you prepared?”
“That’s what we need you to do,” he added. “Make your plans and be ready to evacuate.”
First up on the panel, WINK News meteorologist Andrew Shipotofsky reported that the most active months for Southwest Florida are August, September and October. The current outlook for the Atlantic is 13 tropical storms, with six hurricanes and two major hurricanes, so a slower season than last year.
“But it only takes one storm to cause a busy season,” he said.
Shipotofsky covered understanding the forecast cone for a storm, noting that there is an equal chance of impact to the far left and far right of it, along with the difference between a tropical storm watch and warning. He explained that storm surge accounts for nearly half of the fatalities in tropical systems, and even tropical storms offshore can produce storm surge and potential damage.
“Storm surge is the deadliest part of hurricanes,” Shipotofsky said.
He outlined disaster preparedness essentials: make an emergency plan; know your zone, know your home; stock a disaster supply kit; halfway full, halfway there (for gassing up vehicles); update insurance; know evacuation routes; reinforce your home; document your property; gather documents; and sign up for weather alerts.
“Should I stay or should I go? Well, you’re on Sanibel — you should go,” Shipotofsky said. “It’s just not worth risking it.”
Lee County Emergency Management Public Safety Chief John Schultz spoke on what the department does and shared county resources, like the LeePrepares and AlertLee apps and All Hazards Guide.
“The trusted information piece is so important,” he said of staying informed during hurricane season, especially during a storm. “Find that trusted source of information — don’t rely on social media.”
Schultz recommended: plan, prepare and pass it on. He also touched on the county’s different evacuation zones and explained that the island is located in Zone A, which is “very vulnerable.”
“If it’s called, we strongly suggest you leave,” Schultz said.
He reported that the county’s hurricane shelters offer basic life-sustaining necessities, but all are pet/service friendly. Pre-registration is required but is free for the county’s special needs shelters, and applications stop being processed when the county enters the seven-day forecast cone of a storm.
“Make those arrangements now instead of when a storm is approaching,” Schultz said.
LCEC Key Account Executive Tricia Dorn covered the electric company’s key points of advisory stage, including preparing facilities and vehicles. Report outages at 239-656-2300 or 800-599-2356.
She explained how power is restored: largest number of customers at once (source power, LCEC transmission, substations and primary feeders); essential services, including hospitals, shelters, EOCs, communications centers, and police and fire; and individual services.
Dorn noted that underground lines, transformer/pole change-outs, lightning arrestors/insulators, and reinstalling wire take the longest for LCEC to repair in the aftermath of a damaging hurricane.
“We will continue working until that last customer is restored,” she said.
Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria discussed the agency’s roles and responsibilities before a storm, as well as shifting to response and recovery after it has passed.
“Our main goal is to remain prepared, operational and ready to respond for as long as the conditions can safely allow before the storm arrives,” he said, noting that emergency operations are suspended when the sustained winds reach more than 40 mph. “Emergency responders cannot come to you. It’s unsafe for police, for fire to come to you.”
DiMaria explained that the district offers sand bag distribution, plus when and how to use them.
“They’re not designed to stop major storm surge,” he said.
As for what preparations people should be making, DiMaria pointed to electric vehicles (EVs) and having a plan to move them to higher ground to avoid saltwater intrusion. Conditions unsafe for people are unsafe for pets — before and after a storm. On propane and gas safety, know where the shutoffs are; leave the area immediately and contact emergency services if you smell gas or notice tank damage.
“Hurricanes are unpredictable, but preparation is not,” he said. “And if evacuation orders are issued, please leave.”
FISH of Sanibel-Captiva Executive Director Maria Espinosa reported that the organization serves as the resiliency hub for the islands, including offering an Annual Hurricane Preparedness Packet. She touched on a new Neighbors in Readiness program that provides monthly tips to prepare year-round.
For those who need it, FISH is also available to assist with creating a household disaster plan.
Espinosa explained that following a storm, it steps up for the island community in a number of ways, including response and relief for immediate needs, helping with government programs, donation management and distribution of emergency supplies, emotional support services, long-term recovery applicant/grant process and more.
Public Works city engineer Oisin Dolley outlined the department’s role in recovery efforts, which include vegetation removal, restoration of services, and return to normal as soon as possible. He noted that they clear public and private roads and are responsible for utilities, including the sewer system.
Also in charge of debris management, Dolley explained the correct process for separating hurricane debris, pointing out that regular normal trash still needs to go in the normal collection container.
As for storm debris, it should be sorted into five categories and placed adjacent to the road in the right-of-way: vegetative; construction and demolition; appliances/white goods; electronic waste; and household hazardous waste. He added that it should not be placed on infrastructure, like a fire hydrant.
Last up, Sanibel Police Department Police Chief Bill Dalton showed photos and videos from during and after Hurricane Ian. He reported that about 1,000 people had to be transported off the island.
“When we do ask you to evacuate, please do,” he said.
Those unable to attend can watch the video of the seminar on the city’s Facebook page.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email