No one imagined this was feasible. Every expert put the timeline for repair at around a year. However, the git r’ done crews and the Florida Dept of Transportation have accomplished a massive feat of reconstruction in phenomenal time. Major kudos to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the construction crews who worked every hour of every day, day and night, for two straight weeks and have created/built a temporary bridge to Sanibel Island. [Videos below]
Trust me, having seen the aftermath, this is absolutely remarkable. The causeway is made up of three bridge spans (A, B, and C) and three spoil islands.
The rapid response construction crews just kept bringing truck after truck of everything imaginable including rocks, concrete slabs, gravel, sand and more to fill in the missing parts of the roadway and spoil islands. Then they surfaced the road and are now working on paving it in record time. Today restoration emergency crews drove across the bridges, and they anticipate opening the causeway to residents of Sanibel for civilian use on October 21st. WATCH:
Today the construction crews moved aside to allow, over 200 bucket trucks, 150 electric line and pickup trucks (LCEC, FP&L, Duke Energy) towing 50 trailers and two tractor-trailers carrying first responders to the island.
Additionally, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was on the Fort Myers side of the bridge to celebrate the accomplishment at a press conference. WATCH:
.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that temporary repairs to the Sanibel Causeway will allow a one-time convoy of power restoration equipment, supplies, and crews to access Sanibel Island and continue restoration efforts. Once crews are on the island, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will resume repairs to restore access to the island for residents, which is expected to be complete by the end of this month.
The temporary repairs to the bridge will allow over 200 bucket trucks, 150 line and pickup trucks towing 50 trailers and 2 tractor trailers to move onto the island, along with additional first responders to cross the bridge and aid in recovery efforts while final road repairs are underway. This includes crews from across the state, Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC), Florida Power and Light and members of the Florida Electric Cooperative Association.
Last week, at Governor DeSantis’ direction, barges began to deploy to move equipment and supplies to Sanibel Island to restore power and ensure wraparound services like running water are available as quickly as possible. Barges continue to move daily to transport equipment, personnel, and supplies to support recovery operations.
Efforts to restore power to Pine Island are also underway. Last week, the Governor announced that FDOT had established a temporary bridge to Pine Island in less than three days, allowing power restoration crews to access the island and begin repairs. Led by Duke Energy and LCEC, crews have begun to clear debris, lay new lines and replace power poles. By Thursday, LCEC expects to have power restored to one quarter of Pine Island, including the Island’s center, water treatment plant substation and to centrally located grocery stores. Power is expected to be restored to one third of the island and the Matlacha area by next week. (LINK)
Damage on September 30th:
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Repairs as of 10/10/22:
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Trucks arriving 10/11/22:
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Governor DeSantis said leaders started brainstorming different ways more trucks and equipment could be brought to the island other than helicopters and barges. But in the end, different ideas weren’t necessary because the temporary causeway repairs will allow a one-time convoy to cross onto the island.
During a news conference Tuesday in Fort Myers, trucks were seen slowly driving across the bridge — beginning the journey to the island on the Sanibel Causeway.
“Ahead of schedule, it was supposed to be 3 o’clock today they thought they’d get it,” the governor said. “But we’re happy that is something that is being done.”
DeSantis explains the convoy now able to travel on Sanibel Island is a large group, including:
- 200 bucket trucks
- 150 line and pickup trucks towing 50 trailers
- Two tractor trailers
- First responders
This also includes crews from across the state, Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC), Florida Power and Light and members of the Florida Electric Cooperative Association.
After crews reach the island, the Florida Department of Transportation will be able to continue with repairs to restore access to the island for residents.
This isn’t the first time relief made its way to the island. DeSantis said barges were deployed last week to move equipment and supplies to the area to restore power and running water. The governor’s office says barges continue to move daily to transport equipment, personnel and supplies. [Media Link]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Fort Myers to give updates on recovery efforts and announce that temporary repairs to the Sanibel Causeway will allow a one-time convoy of power restoration equipment, supplies and crews temporary access to Sanibel Island for power restoration efforts. Once crews are on the island, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will resume repairs to restore access to the island for residents, which is expected to be complete by the end of this month. Full remarks can be found here.
There are currently 19,362 reported power outages. In Lee and Collier counties, there are only 1,000 accounts on the mainland that remain without power that can receive it. More than 42,000 linemen have already restored power to over 2.6 million accounts across the state, representing over 99% of accounts restored since the peak.
Yesterday, Governor DeSantis announced that $2.5 million in loans have been awarded to 55 businesses through the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian. Additionally, $126 million will be going to 24 communities across the Panhandle that are continuing to rebuild and strengthen after Hurricane Michael made landfall 4 years ago.
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Disaster Fund has raised nearly $40 million since activation. To read more info, click here. To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222. (read more)
Watch the short video below to see what is happening to restore power on Pine Island:
A salute from Alberta.
Well done.
So often these days, govt. is telling us what it can’t do.
Ron DeSantis and Florida are showing what CAN be done when the will is there.
The people who managed to get this done need to be running our entire country.
People like them were running it for four years, under the tutalage of PDJT. 🙂
Bingo
Yep Trump showed them how to do it! He taught them how to fight and win!
Umm No he did not. Mr Trump capitulated to the DS with the COVID lockdowns. Some folks around here act like nobody knew how to get anything accomplished before DJT.
Randy,
Do you think, after eight years of THE LIGHTBRINGER and his administration, that it is surprising a lot of people think no one knew how to get anything accomplished before DJT?
Oh, pre Trump they batted issues around, polled it, etc. then maybe began to work. Look at the quagmire now without Trump. Imagine if he hadn’t had to fight DS and lawsuits for 4 years …..
True that
Thanks, I am a Floridian and DeSantis through it all has been true to his word.
Most Impressive!
Many hands make light work….but…kick it up a notch or two with some hydraulics….now yer cookin w/oil!
Very Well Done Y’All!!
Extraordinary!
The combination of the god given human gifts of brains, braun, fortitude, and equipment to help
many people to implement their natural spirits together in a unifying, productive way
to demonstrate the fullness of
when there is a will,
then there is a way.
It is good for many to see the results of know-how and coordinated and busy efforts.
They built that – together.
They are building more and more….
Through the adversities, they are persevering and finding their purpose in life – and doing it together
(for others to see and learn about the unhindered, human etc. capabilities.)
p.s.
the ongoing accomplishments are not about any 1 human. no way.
(although humans may want to oversimplify the complexity and miss assign it to 1 person)
Yes, more hands (and brains and braun working together)
make less work.
And when the good works are well done in quality, together,
the concerted efforts are
‘paying it forward‘
(to reduce the damages that the next hurricane may try to enact – whenever that may be, or not.).
p.s. ‘confined’ sand is a very good, incompressible, fill material. [ that area has a lot of handy, nearby, sand material ]
Love thy neighbors…
James 2:22
Americans, with the right leadership, get things done!
Democrats are proven pearl clutchers and hand ringers. They don’t “get it done.”
Can you imagine Guilliam handling anything like this??
Please don’t prompt me to imagine what that jerk handles.
😬
They (Dems) get done what they want to get done: graft, grift and boots on faces!
Awesome Job!!! This is something the crews can tell their Grandchildren! What a pretty sight to see! Well Done!!!
The one-time convoy in the background was awesome! Well done, Florida, well done.
This is who we are. I am so proud.
Great job all around. I just worry that with all those trucks and equipment the island might capsize. /s
Great chuckle! Makes me laugh just thinking about the Admiral trying to keep a straight face.
Well played 😉
Lol
How many people live on Sanibel island? A buddy of mine, ex-neighbor, ex-coworker retired and moved there a few years ago. Here’s hoping he and his family are safe and cheering the great news!
Right at 7000 people on Sanibel
A great achievement for American know-how, gumption, will, and strong backs.
Precisely why the lefties will hate every bit of it.
Get’r done!
Sanibel reconstruction video. 2 mins. This is what happens when People stand tall and Govt gets out of the way.
10 days actual vs 1 year projection. The People made this happen.
…and with good, common sense leadership.
Bravo! Thank you, dear Lord, dear construction men, and dear DeSantis and his people for setting a goal, and surpassing it! Love in action!
This is one of the many reasons I love the USA.
I’m a lifelong construction guy and know how much work this is. What an accomplishment.
This reminds me of the story Sundance posted several times about the Florida linemen wearing hardhats saying, “We’re not good, we’re rucky [lucky].”
It is absolutely essential that Governor DeSantis remain in Florida for at least a decade to build the political wall against those who would destroy America. By remaining as Governor, Mr. DeSantis can provide a sterling example of what is needed in local and State government for other State leaders to protect our Republic! God Speed Governor DeSantis. I hope to see you on the National level in 2028!
Like a modern day version of Caesar’s ‘bridge across the rhine’, built in record time by Roman soldiers.
Glorious! Excellent happy news!
Stud…
Is Sasse backfill for DeSantis????? Sasse needs to set up residence but it would look odd if he just moved there for no reason. Florida residents, would you want Sasse as your Governor?
Hell no!
Hard pass, thanks much. I would never vote for him in the primary, but I suppose I would hold my nose if my choice for Governor was Sasse or Gillum or an equally horrible candidate.
OT????
Why bring that up here?
You’re right, I should have posted it in the Sasse thread. Admin I’m fine if you want to delete my comment here, I’ll comment in the Sasse thread.
Thx.
NO. A BIG FAT NO…just in cae you weren’t being facetious! 🤪
The University Of Florida students sure don’t want him.
Somewhere there’s a mountain of environmental studies and other paperwork crying itself to sleep.
Good one!
Amazing. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
So impressive.
American exceptionalism shines forth.
Americans overcome.
Americans built that in record time, something to be proud of.
I worked construction for 40 years and we did some amazing things I thought were not possible especially working here in Las Vegas. These casinos opened when they said they opened period. So I know how this can be accomplished and I’m glad the country can see just what those in my field can do. Great job.
Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!
When God moves men/women there is nothing that cannot be done. He inspires the hearts of people, and they respond!
….. But! …. BUT!! ….. What about EPA Impact Studies, Diversity Guidelines, Inputs from “Booty” Buttigieg’s Dept. of Transportation and a 90 Day Public Comments Period!!??
Look how long it takes to get ANYTHING done in Deep Blue States America ….. replace Twin Towers in NY or HiSpeed Rail in CA or ……….
GOD SAVE THE USA!
lol @ “diversity guidelines”
Brandon will probably sue Florida.
Don’t forget the sea turtles…
Wowza! Incredible! Awesome! Joyous news.
Hats off to all those thinkers and doer’s that accomplished this amazing feat in 2 weeks! They rock!
How nice it must be to have a governor who gets huge tasks done with dispatch, as opposed to the wrecking ball Democrats who do nothing but trash their cities, states and country.
! Most Excellent News !
Serious question or observation. Doesn’t this just show what can get done when there isn’t so much government red tape involved?
Hubby and I travel daily using a major highway in our state that have small sections of road being resurfaced or expanded and it takes a 6 months to a year to complete!!!(Sometimes over a year) It is ridiculous. I know union issues play a big part in the time frame….but geezy…a causeway rebuilt after a hurricane demolished it and a year to re-surface a section of highway!
Yep. GOTTA be red tape and various BS involved.
Sooooooo
No FPL Priuses
Or
Windmills?
Just the proven
Off the truck technology
That has worked since Tesla
The first one
Reminds me of another elected official whose motto was “ahead of schedule and under costs”!
President Trump
Here’s a short, under 3 minute, video someone did with a drone on the repairs of the causeway to Sanibel:
In as few words as possible, describe Florida today.
My thought, “leadership matters”
The Before footage:
Makes me think of Hurricane Maria and Puerto Rico’s inability to get the simplest services done within months and even years. Just goes to show how important good leadership is. Thank God DC wasn’t in charge. It would be Puerto Rico 2.0.
And, for those in Atlanta: Remember the 1-85 around Cheshire Bridge bridge collapse?
Remember how they bragged on how fast they managed to complete that? It was about
4-6 months if memory serves me right. This makes them look like slackards
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/at-best-is-one-year-atlanta-officials-give-initial-timeline-in-cheshire-bridge-rebuild
—45 days to reopen
Excellent work by the DeSantis administration and wonderful for Florida. Grateful for sure.
Could we imagine what a Dream Team Rebuild America would look like?
Trump for President
DeSantis for Transportation Secretary (if he doesn’t stay Governor)
Dave Ramsey Treasury Secretary
And no Brandon in sight. What an embarrassing loser.
The Governor is a worthy successor to President Trump if he decides not to run.
4 min. you tube video someone created of the convoy arriving on Sanibel:
My word, SD.
I hope no one was living near that area before the storm? Looks like a sand bar.
Wow, I give credit to the construction crew for getting it done so quickly.
I suspect it happened this fast because government officials didn’t hamstring the operation and just cleared the decks so the construction people could get the job done.
Impressive!
Makes me more and more grateful that we dodged the bullet with Guilliam!
🙂
Everything out of Biden’s mouth is either pandering, plagiarism or a flat out lie.
Impressive!
Just pray the EPA doesn’t decide to intervene in the clean up.
Excellent work by all involved. It’s amazing how people get things done when there is the right plan and it is executed efficiently. Kudos to the Gov. and his ‘we will do it no matter what’ attitude from pre storm until this amazing feat. He lead a team with strong leadership and organization. FL was lucky he was in charge.
Thanks for making this happen, my aunt can go see how much of her house is left now, God bless all of you!
Does anyone believe that Gov. DeSantis would be less impressive as a President of the USA in 2028? Just wondering.
Very glad to see that the recovery is occurring faster than expected. Never underestimate blue collar power working in tandem with wise business and Gubernatorial leadership. Too bad for the nation that the WH is the opposite example.
DeSantis does not have the massive arsenal of ‘International Peace Through Economic Strength’ that Donald Trump does.
President Trump has a mind and one of the most unique demeanors to navigate the entire globe in an instant.
No I do not agree, you are comparing a politician and a businessman.
Just getting in so I hope I’m not repeating what someone else has already said.
Kudos to all of the hardworking folks and Gov. DeSantis.
Indeed. This is what happens when leaders put planning, competence and prioritization ahead of politics. Well done! Very well done!