It’s almost impossible to think of a more iconic symbol of Sanibel Island than Sanibel Island Light (also known as the Sanibel Lighthouse).
While the peak 150+ mph winds of Category 4 Hurricane Ian were slamming into Southwest Florida, Sanibel Island Light (also known as the Sanibel Lighthouse) became the subject of intense discussion online as social media post after social media post repeated an unverified rumor that our beloved lighthouse had been pulled into the ocean by the storm.
It’s tough to say what exactly happened. A mean-spirited misinformation campaign? Innocent miscommunication due to the connectivity challenges of the storm we were enduring?
Either way, once the winds died down and the storm clouds receded, the first drone shots told the truth: Sanibel Island Light was badly battered, but still standing, after Hurricane Ian.
That said, the landscape surrounding Sanibel Island Light AND the structural integrity of the lighthouse itself have both been badly damaged and are urgently in need of work to stabilize and restore them for the benefit of future generations.
As Lighthouse Digest Magazine states on Facebook: “KEEPERS HOUSES ARE NOW GONE. THE LIGHTHOUSE IS IN DANGER OF COLLAPSE… Look closely and you will notice that the bottom of one of the support legs is gone, and erosion under the other legs puts the lighthouse in a precarious position. There is also some other minor damage to the tower.”
Think on the journey that this storied iron lighthouse has taken through the years.
Created in a metal factory in New Jersey in 1883. Loaded on a ship which ultimately sunk two miles from Sanibel. Salvaged from the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico by a crew of hard hat divers from Key West. Lit for the first time on August 20th, 1884. 26 US Presidents. Residents. Tourists. Salt. A torrential downpour of sunlight. The rapid current of passing time. Over 20 hurricanes, including Hurricane Ian.
Even in its current three-legged state, Sanibel Island Light remains a steadfast and potent symbol of hope for the future to all who love Sanibel.
As the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce states in their recent social media post: “Lighthouses are traditionally known as symbols of strength, resiliency, hope and security. While we are heartbroken by the devastation Hurricane Ian has caused our beloved islands, our business community is strong and resilient. We are resolved to rebuild. As we navigate through these uncharted waters, let the Sanibel Lighthouse be your beacon of hope and light.“
About Sanibel Art Colony
The Sanibel Barometer aspires to elevate the recognition and appreciation of all artists (in all disciplines) who have a connection with Sanibel Island.
With our “Sanibel Art Colony” features, the Sanibel Barometer aims to showcase the artwork, processes, and personalities of artists who are actively creating art in, depicting, and/or inspired by Sanibel Island (and the surrounding areas) in southwest Florida. Some of the artists we’ll be featuring live here full time. Others may live here for half the year – or even just vacation here for a few days or weeks each year. We’ll also be focusing on the history of artwork connected to Sanibel Island. The goal with our “Sanibel Art Colony” initiative is to give a deeper and more inclusive sense of community to ALL artists, in ALL disciplines, and from ALL places who hold a special pace in their artwork for Sanibel island.
Whether you are someone who appreciates seeing Sanibel Art Colony work, a collector who would like to purchase Sanibel-inspired artwork, or an artist who would like to share some of their work which was created in, depicting, and/or inspired by Sanibel Island (and the surrounding areas) in southwest Florida; we’d LOVE to have you join our NEW Sanibel Art Colony Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/sanibelartcolony
