SanCap Resilience conducted its second community survey in January and February. The first was done in May and June of 2024, just months before the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeveral in the community felt it was important that a follow-up survey be conducted to understand the current state of recovery, as well as the current needs and concerns of the community,\u201d it reported.<\/p>\n
With the support of partner organizations, SanCap Resilience was able to achieve a high level of engagement with the second survey. More than 1,000 people completed the questionnaire.<\/p>\n
Also, in addition to feedback from residents, sections were added for owners or managers of businesses and nonprofits on the islands, as well as for employees who work on but do not live on the islands.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose two groups were not represented in the first SanCap Resilience survey but are important parts of the community,\u201d it reported.<\/p>\n
The report is a summary of the community responses. The executive summary highlights the most important findings of the survey. The remainder of the report charts responses for each question in the survey. Also included in the appendix are all the individual written comments made by respondents.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the time since the 2024 storms, the community has demonstrated extraordinary resilience,\u201d SanCap Resilience Chair Bob Moore said. \u201cAs the reader will see in this survey, while many on the islands naturally have doubts about the future, most remain committed to this place and this community.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIndividuals, businesses and the community as a whole have made significant efforts to prepare for the future and protect their properties against future storms,\u201d he added. \u201cThere is also a high level of interest in addressing the environmental causes of the increases in extreme weather and a remarkable alignment on the goal of making Sanibel and Captiva a model of coastal resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n
SanCap Resilience reported that the survey makes clear that the islands were seriously impacted by Helene and Milton, even as many people were still recovering from Hurricane Ian. Yet, the vast majority of respondents remain optimistic about meeting the challenge of building island resilience. Homes and businesses have been elevated, strengthened, repaired with flood resilient materials or cleared of ground-level appliances or equipment.<\/p>\n
It noted that respondents, however, recognized that much work remains to be done. They have only moderate confidence that their current preparations will protect them in future storms. They seek practical information on better ways to protect their homes and yards and find competent contractors.<\/p>\n
To view the survey results, visit sancapresilience.org\/2026report<\/a>.<\/p>\n