Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge Reopens On Sanibel

It's a big day for nature lovers and the Southwest Florida island in general. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge reopens on Sanibel Island for the first time since Hurricane Ian. Officially called the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, it has a rich history dating back to 1945. That is the year President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order creating the refuge. It's mangrove eco system is one of  the largest undeveloped systems in the United States. And it's really cool to visit

The refuge was named after Darling in 1967. He was a Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist and famous conservationist. Before the storm, visitors could take a tram tour or go it on their own by foot, bicycle and even canoe. You never knew what you were going to see. It has always been famous for migratory birds. Photographers come from around the world to capture them on film.

However, the refuge has hit hard by the hurricane. Only parts of it are reopening today including the observation tower. Also accessible are a section of Indigo Trail, Wildlife Education Boardwalk, and Wulfert Key Trail. In addition, fishing and paddlecraft-launching spots open today, and narrated tram tours resume on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. At least for now.

In addition, there are limited recreatin concessions, rentals, tours and hours at Tarpon Bay Recreation Area. Finally, guided kayaking tours of Commodore Creek Trail are available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m.

Wildlife Drive hours right now are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Thursday. They're closed on Fridays. Admission is $10 for motor vehicles. For pedestrians and cyclists over 15-years-old, it's $1. So while not all areas are open and accessible, there is still plenty to see and do as Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge reopens on Sanibel following Hurricane Ian.

Returning to Sanibel Island has been nearly impossible since Hurricane Ian destroyed the Sanibel Causeway on September 28th. It was the only way to get on and off the island, other than by boat. Yesterday, for the first time since the storm, hundreds of bucket trucks were able to slowly drive across. Their important mission is to begin repairing lines and restoring power. The bridge is still not safe for regular traffic but workers have miraculously made it passable enough to continue restoration efforts.

Just look at this site.  Bucket trucks lined up almost as far as the eye can see. It seems impossible that just weeks after being washed away in several places, that the causeway is actually passable. Right now the road is only open to emergency workers. Civilians are not allowed on the island, via the causeway, until October 21st.

Until yesterday, the only way workers were able to reach the island was via helicopter, boats and barges. However, this temporary bridge fix will  expedite clean up and repair efforts in a major way.

Residents and business owners need passes to return to the island. That or a driver's license with your Sanibel or Captiva address on it. If you don't have one, the reentry passes are being issued at The Crown Plaza Hotel in Fort Myers. It's located behind The Bell Tower Shops. This is where city officials have set up a temporary, satellite city hall of sorts.

Here are some pictures of the Sanibel Causeway after Ian hit. It makes returning to Sanibel Island after only two weeks seem like an incredible feat. It is, but it is happening thanks to an incredible amount of work and fortitude. Thank you to all of the linemen and construction crews who have run to our aid. We are truly grateful.

**For more hurricane recovery information, including how you can help, click here.

After ripping apart islands such as Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Pine Island, Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa. Cayo Costa is an island off the coast of Fort Myers, just after 3 p.m.  Ian came in with 150 mph winds, the fifth-strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. Additionally, according to ABC News, “Ian then made a second landfall 90 minutes later, still as a Category 4 storm with 145 mph winds, just south of Punta Gorda, near Pirate Harbor.”

Florida Department of Transportation did an amazing job getting Pine Island's bridge reconnected. The Sanibel Causeway is a much more difficult task. As you can see, Ian washed away several parts of the span.

That being said, the projection is still to have temporary fixes in place by the end of the month. Around 30 days after Hurricane Ian's landfall. Crews are working 24/7 to make this happen.

Currently, Sanibel residents reach the island by boat. There's also supplies delivered by helicopter. There's no power or water service on the island and a curfew remains in place. Sanibel is one of the most beautiful places in Florida. With a lot of work and determination, the island is rebuilding. Miami based Joe Raedle of Getty Images was on the island over the weekend.