SANCAP CHAMBER
\nThe community soundly welcomed the return of Pointe Santo de Sanibel on Jan. 9 with a SanCap Chamber ribbon-cutting on the island.<\/p>\n
Following a soft reopening in March and steady occupancy growth since then, the Pointe Santo de Sanibel condominium complex celebrated its official grand opening on Jan. 9 with a SanCap Chamber ribbon-cutting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe made a very intentional decision to rebuild Pointe Santo as true to its original design as possible, preserving the character it has had for more than 50 years,\u201d board President Alan Kappers said. \u201cOne of the few major changes was replacing our beloved clubhouse after it was completely washed away, a difficult and emotional loss for our community. In the end, however, our new pavilion, Paradise Pointe Pavilion, has created a gathering space that has brought our community together almost daily and enhanced Pointe Santo in ways we never anticipated.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 140-unit complex also lost another building, which is being reimagined as a permanent office and the future home of its signature children\u2019s program. It is expected to open by mid-year.<\/p>\n
All first-floor units were destroyed, and most upper-level units suffered substantial damage from the storm, prolonged power outages and extreme humidity. As a result, significant improvements will benefit Pointe Santo for generations to come, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe support we have received from the chamber of commerce has been truly meaningful throughout our recovery,\u201d Kappers added. \u201cBy promoting the return of local businesses and highlighting milestones such as our reopening, the chamber has played an essential role in helping not only Pointe Santo move forward in welcoming owners and guests, but in supporting the broader recovery of Sanibel as a whole.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEven the local wildlife acknowledges Pointe Santo\u2019s importance to the island,\u201dchamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. \u201cIn April, turtle patrols found the first sea turtle nest of the season on its beachfront. We congratulate Pointe Santo\u2019s determination and perseverance to return better than ever and find silver linings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pointe Santo de Sanibel is at 2445 W. Gulf Drive, Sanibel.<\/p>\n