History of Sanibel, Florida in Timeline

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.

Mentioned in this timeline

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