Six weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County, more than half – 56.4% – of the county’s guest rooms have been opened. With the Oct. 19 reopening of the Sanibel Causeway bridge, this milestone of about 8,135 rooms opening throughout Lee County is another step in the right direction.

“We’re going to see strong demand for the rooms that are now open,” said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the Lee Board of County Commissioners and of the Lee County Tourist Development Council. “We’re looking for people to come back as soon as the area is ready to welcome them. We know the passion for Southwest Florida hasn’t changed.”

Brian Kramer, general manager, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, said, “It makes me extremely proud to be part of community that has a strong will, incredible work ethic and undeniable compassion. The amount of work that has been accomplished over the last month is nothing short of extraordinary. It reminds us that adversity makes us stronger and will build us back bigger and stronger than ever!”

Tom Custo, general manager, Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, said, “Achieving this milestone is more than a commitment to the businesses themselves, this is a commitment to the hardworking individuals who make this a special place for so many to make lifelong memories.”

Tom Albrecht, director of sales, Fairfield Inn & Suites Bonita Springs, said, “We opened our new Fairfield by Marriott Bonita Springs, Sept. 29, the day after Hurricane Ian. Within a couple days we hit 100% occupancy and have stayed full. We are thrilled to be working hard and providing our new hotel rooms to those who need us locally and to those coming in to help in various ways. We are very pleased to join the Bonita Springs hotel community during this critical time.”