(By Kyle DeCicco, Sanibel Captiva Bank CEO) Fort Myers Beach is more than just an island community. It’s a symbol of resilience, grit and neighborly spirit. The road to recovery after Hurricane Ian has been long, and it’s far from over. But every day, it becomes more evident that strong, local partnerships are key to rebuilding stronger than before.
In times of crisis or disaster, the presence of community-rooted institutions matter. From securing small business loans to helping families rebuild their homes, community banks play a unique and vital role in recovery. They know the neighborhoods they serve, make decisions locally and reinvest funds right back in the area. All of this helps create a financial ecosystem that supports long-term resilience.
We’ve chosen to expand to Fort Myers Beach because we believe deeply in its future. The island has faced more than its fair share of challenges in recent years. Yet the heart and determination of the people here never wavered. As the only bank on Fort Myers Beach, we take our responsibility seriously. We’ve already begun providing banking services at our temporary location right here on the island, with work well underway for our full-service, permanent branch on Estero Boulevard opening in 2026. We knew the community couldn’t wait – and we couldn’t either…