Schools on Barrier Island await reopening as repairs continue after Milton

SANIBEL, Fla. – Schools on Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel continue repairs after sustaining significant water damage during recent hurricanes.

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Barrier Island schools await reopening as repairs continue

Sanibel School may reopen next week, pending the results of indoor air quality (IAQ) testing. Families were notified last week of a possible return date, and if this week’s air quality tests pass, students could be back in the building next week. Remediation and stabilization works addressed water intrusion, moisture spread and other structural issues, preparing parts of the school for a safe reopening.

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School faces a longer timeline. The water damage affected not only the floors but also the subfloors, requiring extensive repairs. The entire floor system will be replaced to ensure the building is safe and functional. While there is no set reopening date, the district hopes to have a tentative timeline by Friday.

Meanwhile, Sanibel School students are temporarily attending classes at Heights Elementary, while Fort Myers Beach students are based at San Carlos Park Elementary. Both schools are expected to reopen only after passing all necessary IAQ tests, ensuring a safe return for students and staff.