See aerial pictures that show Hurricane Ian's toll

By Thomas James,

Virginia Lozano

Published October 4, 2022 at 12:21 AM EDT

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The devastation on Fort Myers Beach is clear in a view south of Matanzas Pass Preserve.

Hurricane Ian destroyed several portions of the Sanibel Causeway, the series of bridges that connects mainland Florida to Sanibel Island — which is home to some 6,500 people and located just south of where the storm made landfall. The Category 4 storm caused severe damage and flooding to Fort Myers and other gulf coast cities. ⁠

Take a look at the photos.

Hurricane Ian destroyed several portions of the Sanibel Causeway.

/ Thomas James for WGCU/NPR

Boats are piled up on the marina of Fisherman's Wharf.

/ Thomas James for WGCU/NPR

The Causeway leading to Fort Myers Beach and at the end, the Times Square area, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian.

/ Thomas James for WGCU/NPR

The Sanibel Lighthouse was left standing after Hurricane Ian.

/ Thomas James for WGCU/NPR

This is the view farther south on Estero Boulevard, the main drag on Fort Myers Beach.

/ Thomas James for WGCU/NPR

Sanibel beaches eroded as storm surge cut inlets into the island. It's unknown what happened to nesting turtles.

/ Thomas James for WGCU/NPR

Buildings on Sanibel didn't fare well in the storm surge of Hurricane Ian.

/ Thomas James for WGCU/NPR