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

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.

Best Ariel View Yet of this Island!

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.

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.

MARYLANDER here! We have a Barrier Island , Assateague Island! It was formed by a hurricane in the 1930's! Developers are forbidden to build on this wonderful Barrier Island. It is a Maryland State Seashore and National Park! Only camping is permitted on Assateague! Assateague Island is the home of the famous Chincoteague Island ponies! 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎"Man belongs to the Earth . Earth does NOT BELONG TO MAN"! Chief Seattle!

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!!!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wow! The narrator knows this area WELL. When I was younger my family used to own a timeshare at Sanibel Cottages, which is why I was watching this video. Although she didn’t point out the cottages, she explains she got married at the resort right next door! How heartbreaking! Sanibel Cottages are visible around timestamp 10:15 to 10:18, but unfortunately the camera turns way too quick to get a good look. I’m grateful to this narrator for doing an amazing job identifying the road names, specific resorts and landmarks that viewers connected to Sanibel and Captiva wanted to see. When these islands get rebuilt, she should be elected mayor! THANK YOU!!

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 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 🥹🤍

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.

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