One hurricane and several feet of storm surge later, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium in Sanibel has been focused on cleaning up and reopening. But museum staff have also been getting a new surprise resident ready for visitors.
The News-Press spoke with museum staff about how Hurricane Milton affected the iconic musuem and aquarium. Here’s the latest details on the museum’s reopening and its newest resident.
How did Hurricane Milton impact the Shell Museum?
According to the museum’s Facebook page, Hurricane Milton brought 20 inches of water to the door. Museum staff say very little water actually made it into the building.
“All animals are doing well and aquarium systems are operating as they should,” the Facebook post says. “The shell collection was spared any damage. In the last two days, staff were able to make it inside the building to begin the cleanup process, check water quality, and care for the animals.”
Here’s our Q&A with the Shell Museum’s executive director, Sam Ankerson.