Aerial View of damage caused by Hurricane Ian on Sanibel and Captiva islands

People who have homes on barrier islands know that it's a matter of time before a big storm comes and creates major destruction.

Excellent job documenting the locations and areas. This will be a testament to what designs should be implemented for future storms as certain structures and homes faired quite well comparatively

It's been our "happy place" for many years. We live on the East side of the state in Sebastian and we feel we "dodged a bullet" on this one. Sustained high winds and rain for a couple of days. We happened to be in Rochester, NY during the hurricane and, by the day, our hearts ached at seeing the destruction on Sanibel/Captiva. This was by far the most comprehensive video footage of the utter devastation that took place. Brutal to watch, but so incredibly well done and documented. Thank you for this. I'm sure it will bring relative relief to some, but more than likely it will bring heartache to so many others. God bless Sanibel and Captiva and their residents.

Wow this video really shows the amounts of damage was very extensive the lady kept talking about the force of the wind and rain but if you look at the roofs of the structures in general they held up pretty good. I believe most of the destructive damage was done by the inundation that is the surge which in some places may have been between 12 to 18 feet, and that is lots of powerful water and waves pounding the structures you can see how some of the garages in the houses were blown by the pressure of the water. I think people should pause for a second before deciding to rebuild on what is essentially barrier islands.

Unfortunately, those man made islands never withstand the impacts of a large hurricaine, when looking down from the air , you can see where buildings are built on what is fragile land . As long as FL keeps building on shifting sand it will always be a battle to keep the waters away , long term it's impossible.

What you can’t see from the air on Sanibel Island is all the horrific water damage inside all those buildings from the catastrophic storm surge. Many of those buildings are completely gutted and destroyed on the inside. Most of what you see on most Sanibel is probably a total loss for insurance purposes.

Thank you! I was able to see my house, and it appears to be okay.

very helpful to hear someone who is native to the area tell us from her perspective. I am sorry for your loss.

You did a great job narrating this. You filmed my childhood and you gave it way more justice than any other video I’ve seen. Thank you. The emotion in your voice when you were above where you were married I felt it.

Beginning 13.31 to 14.05 is The Island Inn. Large gray building recently redone Matthew’s Lodge. Looks like the old wooden building - reception, sitting areas, gorgeous collection of local shells, irreplaceable photos - all gone. The restaurant too, Traditions on the Beach, an upscale recent addition, nothing left. My heart goes out to Mr. D and the wonderful staff.

I'm sure that many will share their Sanibel stories I first started going to Sanibel in the early 1980s, usually to bowman's beach. parked and spent the day, often eating at the Bubble Room I left florida in 1989 but returned annually in center part of state north of Okachobee so not every year was I able to visit. Of course, we always enjoyed driving around the island, then to Ding darling where I always hoped to spot roseated spoonbill. This past March I returned for the first time in about 10 years. there was bumper to bumper over the causeway, Turned left to go to the lighthouse, traffic crept along. all public parking full. Decided to go north. Every public parking, including Bowman full. Roads and sidewalk congested with bicycles. Spent most of the day in Ding darling, and walked to the beach from a ding darling parking area. Eventually ended up on Captiva and I was not able to find a parking space until 5:10 pm. A small public lot where if I recall two hour pass was $40, Was able to watch an incredible sunset so was worth it. No parking, no tables at the bubble room But I left so disappointed that the island I love to visit thirty years ago had lost its charm and was now so congested and seemingly inaccessible to day visitors. But, of course everything changes. I just hope that when rebuilding, it will return less commercialized and preserving what the island's atmosphere was for so many years

OMG the lighthouse is practically on the water’s edge! I have a photo on my desk that I took of it in the mid-80’s with the quaint building at its base. I always loved going to the nearby beach, and all that is just … Gone. I am stunned by the changes.

Thank You! Your's is the only video I've been able to find that included the damage on Captiva. Even though I bought my condo in the 80s it appears to have made it. It's been awhile since I've been down there but I've always had a very soft spot in my heart for Sanibel & Captiva, I'm so grateful for the time I was able to spend there. Thank you again for the video and I'm so sorry for all those who have lost so much and RIP to those who lost literally everything, God Bless you all!

Thank you for this video. Literally cried. Saw every restaurant hotel corner & beach side I had ever been too. Saw the road we rode bikes on mini vacations from MIAMI. I LOVE U SANIBEL CAPTIVA 🥹🤍

This video was very well made, thank you for documenting this. Prayers to everyone who suffered this tragedy.

Such devastation to a beautiful area. So very sorry for everyone’s loss.

Glad to see less dstruction on Captiva. Happy to see the Bubble Room survived!. Been going to Sanibel and Captiva since the i970's when very little was on either island. Its disheartening to see how much constrution was allowed to be crammed in by these building depts and counties.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I was finally able to see Sanibel Sunset Beach Inn and verify the Lone Palm Tree that millions watched take a bashing on @Severestudios Cam5 is still standing - may it be a symbol of courage for all those who were hit by Hurricane Ian.

Best Ariel View Yet of this Island!

Just unimaginable!!! The woman narrating was so incredibly thorough in explaining the towns, roads, and the folklore!!! Although devastating, it was enjoyable because of the woman narration!!!