History of Sanibel, Florida in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 2, 2025

Sanibel, Florida is a city and island located in Lee County. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,382. The island itself constitutes the entirety of the city and is a barrier island formed by sand accumulation on the leeward side of Pine Island's coral rock.

September 1960: Hurricane Donna

In September 1960 Hurricane Donna hit Southwest Florida.

May 1963: Causeway Opening Leads to Growth

In May 1963, the causeway linking Sanibel and Captiva to the mainland opened, resulting in an explosion of growth.

1963: Sanibel Causeway Built

In 1963, the Sanibel causeway was built, replacing the ferry.

1967: Conservation Foundation Founded

In 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation was founded with a mission to preserve natural resources and wildlife habitat.

1967: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Founded

Since 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has been dedicated to preserving natural resources on and around Sanibel and Captiva.

1974: City Formed

In 1974, Sanibel was formed as a city due to rampant construction after the causeway construction.

1974: Development Restrictions Passed

In 1974, after Sanibel was incorporated, the City of Sanibel passed new restrictions on development.

1975: Night Moves Filmed on Island

In 1975, Night Moves was filmed on Sanibel Island, directed by Arthur Penn.

1984: Day of the Dead Rewrites

In 1984, George A. Romero rewrote Day of the Dead on Sanibel.

1989: Goss Represents Area in Congress

In 1989, Porter Goss represented the area in Congress.

1994: Sanibel Public Library Built

Sanibel Public Library was built in 1994.

August 13, 2004: Hurricane Charley Hits Sanibel

On August 13, 2004, Sanibel was hit hard by Hurricane Charley, a category four hurricane.

2004: Goss Appointed CIA Director

In 2004, Porter Goss was appointed as CIA Director.

2004: Library Expanded

Sanibel Public Library was expanded in 2004.

2007: New Causeway Completed

In 2007, a new causeway was completed, replacing the worn-out 1963 spans.

May 2010: Crocodile Relocation

In May 2010, a new crocodile was introduced after being found on a private property and relocated to J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

2010: Age Distribution in 2010

Among the population in 2010, 8.5% were under the age of 19, and 50.1% were aged 65 or older.

2010: Population per 2010 Census

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 6,469 people residing in the city.

2010: Ranked as Best Place for Second Homes

In 2010, The Wall Street Journal selected Sanibel and Captiva Islands as one of the 10 Best Places for Second Homes.

2010: Income Levels in 2010

In 2010, the median income for a household in the city was $97,788.

2010: Population Density in 2010

In 2010, the population density was 375.9 inhabitants per square mile.

2010: 2010 Census

In 2010, the population of Sanibel was 6,469 according to the United States census.

2010: Household Data in 2010

In 2010, there were 3,526 households, out of which 8.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them.

2020: Population per 2020 Census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,382 people residing in the city.

2020: 2020 Census

In 2020, the population of Sanibel was 6,382 according to the United States census.

September 2022: Causeway Damaged by Hurricane Ian

In September 2022, the Sanibel causeway was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian.

September 28, 2022: Hurricane Ian Causes Extensive Damage

On September 28, 2022, the island suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Ian, which made landfall just to the north of the island.

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