“Things work out best for those
who make the best of how things work out.”
One year later and it’s hard not to think of the devastation we faced last year when Hurricane Ian roared through with 155 mph winds and a 12-foot storm surge.
Blue tarps remain, insurance headaches remain, supply chain issues remain, and certain areas throughout the region still look as though the storm ripped through just days ago. There are now the inevitable two timelines that dominate our lives — “before” and “after.”
Recovery is far from over, but we feel that today is a day about acknowledging how far we’ve come. Recognizing the amazing community spirit and perseverance of the people of Sanibel and Captiva. And once again thanking the many unsung heroes who have worked tirelessly to help get our islands back on their feet.
At Ocean’s Reach, we are busier than ever, putting in new roofs, windows, sliders, screens, sprinkler systems, and more.
The photos above, taken by Andy yesterday, show a few of the activities that now make up one of our “normal” days and the great folks that make them happen.
We still have a ways to go, but one year later, we’re filled with immeasurable gratitude for those who have helped us along the way, as well as a well-grounded sense that we’re making remarkable progress!
We miss you. Oceans Reach has been a part of our lives for 30 years. We, our children and grandchildren look forward to returning.
God bless all the remarkable and resilient residents of Sanibel!
Looking forward to the day when we can return to Ocean’s Reach!
Fingers crossed and good luck from Germany. We love Oceans Reach for years and years and we sure will return when its possible. Best greetings from Germany, Miriam and Michael from Berlin.
Keep up the great work and we will see you soon! Much love and prayers
You all are amazing! Congratulations on your progress and thank you for sharing with us. We are excited to see it. Sending continued prayers and love.
Congratulations on doing a fantastic job of restoring Ocean’s Reach. We can only imagine how difficult this task has been. We are looking foward to returning!
While we cannot begin to imagine the devastation and all the headaches involved, we are so grateful for those who are bringing Ocean’s Reach “back to life”. We cannot wait to be able to return to this beautiful place which is our HAPPY PLACE!
Prayers for continued rebuilding.
Hope to see you soon!
We can’t wait to come back and stay at Oceans Reach ❤️ Miss all of you. ❤️ Ann and Pat
We cannot wait to return to OR. Our thoughts and prayers continue on this difficult day.
We will be on island just for the day within the next two weeks. Hoping to support restaurants and merchants.
Thank you all for your hard work! We are dreaming of our return to our happy place. First visited in 1986 and now the grandchildren love it too.
Andy and staff, you are the greatest and we are remembering you in our prayers.
Miss you so much. Be Sanibel Strong !
We can’t wait to return to the place on Sanibel that makes our hearts happy. Oceans Reach was and is our paradise, our happy place. Congratulations on doing a fantastic job of rebuilding and returning the entire complex to its inviting and serene oasis. Looking forward to getting back to see you all and to walk the beach with our cups of coffee.
Such an amazing community of Sanibel and Oceans Reach. Its why we have been returning for the past 15+years. We came this summer as we have and stopped at the end of the road to reflect on the buildings still standing and the major changes that this storm brought. We went over to the city park next door and went to the beach. We set up our cabana as we have done for years in front of Oceans Reach. Although the island has changed the spirit of it has not. We are soo glad we came this summer and spent time at Captiva Tween Waters. It was the first time in years that we have been able to beach hop on Sanibel. Had a blast and went to all the beaches and enjoyed our shelling. OCEANS REACH we love you and can’t wait to come home. LOVE from St. Charles, MO
We miss Oceans Reach and Sanibel as we have been coming and staying there almost yearly since the mid 80s . We can wait until you are able to welcome owners and guests back!
The HILLSTROM’s and WELTERS
We will be among the first to make a reservation when you are ready!
Love Love Love!!!! 1D1 here we come. Absolutely cannot wait to return. 🌴🌅🕶️👙😁
Our behalf of my parents (Claude & Helen Fulp) who recently passed away, they loved Ocean’s Reach and had been vacationing there for nearly 30 years. God bless all of those that continue to rebuild that beautiful place. Many thanks to Andy and his staff for taking good care of my parents during the hurricane last year. I hope to visit Ocean’s Reach in the near future. Also, Andy, please check your email for my parents obituaries. Sincerely, ROB
Dear Rob, we’re so very sorry to hear about your parents. They were such a special part of Ocean’s Reach and on behalf of all of us, I want to send along our condolences. September and October just won’t be the same without them. We would love to have you visit us again in the future. Until then, sending our warmest wishes …
Thank you for your resiliency and the continued updates! We think of you all often and are looking forward to the day we can bring our new grandchildren to enjoy the splendor of Sanibel at Ocean’s Reach.