Can you visit Sanibel Island on the repaired causeway? Not so fast, Florida leaders say

The hurricane-damaged Sanibel Causeway has reopened, slightly ahead of schedule after temporary repairs. But there are restrictions on who can travel across the road.

If you want to visit the hurricane-battered island, the causeway isn’t open to you yet. Road access is meant for residents, business people, contractors and emergency personnel — not sightseers.

Here’s what to know, according to the Sanibel re-entry plan.

▪ Emergency re-entry on Monday and Tuesday of each week is reserved for essential response personnel only. The allowed groups include emergency vehicles, debris management, electric providers and water and sewer utility providers.

▪ On Wednesday through Sunday, residents, business and property owners and private contractors may access Sanibel Causeway.

▪ Inbound access will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are two inbound lanes. The left lane is for Sanibel residents, businesses, property owners and private contractors.

▪ A valid 2021 or 2022 Sanibel re-entry permit must be prominently displayed when approaching the checkpoint. The county does not want sightseers or visitors yet.

▪ A curfew is in effect between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. restricting access, including pedestrians, to essential response personnel only.