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West Wind Island Resort demolished

Demolition of West Wind Island Resort began this week. Such an iconic mainstay on the island. No word on rebuilding yet. A walk or ride up West Gulf leaves one a bit disoriented as so many properties have been either washed away or demolished since Ian.

Properties that are no longer there include Shalimar, Caribe, White Caps, Duggers, Waterside Inn, much of Island Inn, West Wind, Blue Dolphin, Mitchell's Sandcastles. By the Sea condos have been stripped to the girders - all of the units have been removed. It appears Junonia condominium is a possible tear-down. Not one West Gulf home was spared at least some major degree of damage. Definitely hard to see.

The recent demolition of the West Wind Island Resort on Sanibel Island marks a significant change for the community and for visitors who remember it as an iconic lodging option. The resort had been a mainstay on the island for decades, and its removal underscores the lasting impact of Hurricane Ian, which caused widespread destruction along West Gulf Drive.

In addition to West Wind, several other properties have been severely affected or completely demolished:

  • Shalimar
  • Caribe
  • White Caps
  • Duggers
  • Waterside Inn
  • Much of Island Inn
  • Blue Dolphin
  • Mitchell's Sandcastles
  • By the Sea condos (stripped down to girders, all units removed)
  • Potential tear-down: Junonia condominium

Walking or driving along West Gulf Drive now gives a stark impression of the scale of destruction. Not one home or property in the area escaped some degree of damage. The combination of destroyed resorts, stripped-down condos, and damaged homes has left the area disoriented for returning residents and visitors.

As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding rebuilding or redevelopment of West Wind Island Resort or many of the other properties. Recovery efforts are ongoing, but the pace and scope of reconstruction remain uncertain, reflecting both the magnitude of the storm’s impact and the challenges of rebuilding along this vulnerable stretch of coastline.

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