Sanibel and Captiva have long been dependable economic engines for Lee County, Florida.

Then Hurricane Ian slammed on the brakes.

It severed the barrier islands’ mainland connection, shredding them with 155 mph winds that shoved 12 feet of storm surge over cottages, condos and businesses.

Even for hurricane-seasoned island families, the storm’s savagery was a surprise. “We’ve always been the symbol of hope, normalcy and ‘Things are going to be OK,’ said Sanibel City Councilman and Vice Mayor Richard Johnson, whose family has owned Bailey’s General Store since 1899. “We were prepared to support the community right after the wind died down,” he said. “That’s the Bailey family tradition. But this one kicked us right square in the gut.”