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Sanibel city officials offering advice on how to beat heavy island traffic

Posted at 12:08 AM, Feb 26, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-26 00:08:49-05

SANIBEL, Fla. — Congestion is everywhere and we're not talking about allergies, we're talking about the backup of cars heading on and off Sanibel Island.

“For Sanibel Island for a number of years in peak season traffic is one of the issues we attempt to manage the best we can being a world-class destination,” said Judie Zimomra, City Manager, City of Sanibel.

However, officials want to remind visitors and those who call Sanibel home, of ways to beat the traffic.

“The peak times tend to be between 3 and 6 o’clock, sometimes as late at 6:30, 7 o’clock this time of year, and you may want to have dinner to stop and shop before leaving the island. So we can flatten that hump of congestion in the evening” said Zimomra.

Officials say not only is it important to plan out your day accordingly but downloading the “Sanibel Bound” app will help you get a glimpse of real-time traffic conditions.

John Poe visiting Sanibel told us today's traffic was jaw-dropping.

“Well, it was pretty crazy because when we went over, we went a little late and it was backed up all the way down through the island, and then when we were getting ready to leave it was backed up for seemingly miles,” said John Poe, a visitor to Sanibel Island.

Businesses such as Whitney's Bait and Tackle standing along busy Periwinkle Way, say the heavy traffic means more customers coming through their doors.

“Living out here on the island is a little obnoxious having to deal with some of the traffic, but because they bring their money, it helps our business. Sanibel is what it is because of these people so traffic is not too bad of a thing,” said Jacob Atkinson, an employee at Whitney’s Bait and Tackle.