It’s been nearly 8 months since Florida’s Sanibel and Captiva Islands were devastated by Hurricane Ian. Lester Holt from the Nightly News reported live from Fort Myers Beach to highlight how far our Southwest Florida community has come since then.

Before the storm, Sanibel-Captiva boasted around 2,600 hotel units catering to the influx of visitors who flocked to experience the natural wonders and serene beauty of this coastal paradise. The tourism business is an essential part of the Island’s economy making up about 95% of all business. As of early May, a mere 200 hotel units remained, reflecting the immense challenges faced by the region.

Despite these staggering statistics, the great news is that the Sanibel-Captiva community is already bouncing back and taking significant strides in the right direction. At a recent Tourist Development Council meeting held earlier this month, it was revealed that approximately 76 businesses have reopened, painting a hopeful picture of recovery on the horizon.

The Nightly News report actually featured several of these businesses that are back up and running all of which the Benchmark General Contractors team played a pivotal role in rebuilding back to working order. The businesses featured includes The Island Inn, Ding Darling, The Shell Museum, and The Welcome Center all of which were rebuilt by Benchmark.

The reopening of these businesses represents more than just a return to normalcy. It symbolizes the resilience and determination of a community that refuses to be defined by tragedy. Each business that reopens its doors signals a renewed sense of hope and opportunity, not only for the proprietors and their employees but for the entire Sanibel-Captiva region.

Beyond the immediate impact on the local economy, the reopening of these establishments is also a beacon of hope for visitors and potential tourists. It sends a powerful message that Sanibel and Captiva Islands are once again ready to welcome visitors with open arms, inviting them to experience the unique charm and beauty that have made these islands a sought after destination for so many.

While challenges undoubtedly remain on the road to full recovery, the progress made by the Sanibel-Captiva community thus far is a testament to their unwavering spirit. The team at Benchmark General Contractors is beyond proud of the community we serve and we are so honored to play such a vital role in helping restore these Islands back to working conditions. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and the possibility of a brighter future.

You can watch the Nightly News report here: https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/florida-tourism-thriving-after-hurricane-ian-just-not-everywhere-175775813662

Mark Anderson, President of Benchmark, was featured in the Sanibel-Captiva Islander in June 2014 for his advocacy to reduce pollutants in the Gulf of Mexico and reduce the carbon footprint.

Mark Anderson of Benchmark General Contractors, is quoted on this cover-story for Florida Weekly.

Suburban farming

Living off your land, often at your own risk

Backyard farming is certainly not “unique, historically,” admits Southwest Florida builder Mark Anderson, CEO of Benchmark General Contractors, and a backyard gardener. But he sees this common-sense feature of American life coming back. Mr. Anderson suggests urban vegetables gardens make just as much sense now as they did decades ago before falling out of fashion, in the wake of cheaply processed foods and the rise of fast-food giants.

“Where we historically were at with our land use and lifestyle was the unique part — we were totally out of touch as consumers. Now we’re back to where we’ve been, which is a good place to be.”

And as a builder, he is in favor of sustainable developments that include deliberately designed space for gardens, in both residential and commercial settings. That includes not just backyard gardens but urban community gardens — ones that taste great and look good, too — in places like empty lots.

“It’s pretty easy to do,” Mr. Anderson said.

Benchmark General Contractors, Inc. and Sanibel Community Church held a groundbreaking ceremony on August 23, 2011 celebrating the beginning of redevelopment for the church expansion.

A Florida Weekly article mentions Benchmark’s survey results regarding eco-friendly and sustainable communities.

Research conducted by Benchmark General Contractors in Fort Myers revealed that three out of four of those surveyed would live in an eco-friendly, sustainable community and would decrease their carbon footprint to
protect the environment.

Mark Anderson, owner of Benchmark, implemented the online survey before finalizing the site plan and home design for Sanibel Island’s first sustainable community, Sea Glass of Sanibel. Launched over a three month
period, the survey was e-mailed to more than 5,000 people throughout the U.S., Germany, Sweden, France and the U.K.

Benchmark was featured in a Wink News story on August 8, 2011 about their eco-friendly community that is planned for Sanibel Island.

Research regarding living in a sustainable community that was conducted by Benchmark was recently featured in the Naples Daily News.

Benchmark General Contractors was featured in Florida Weekly’s May 4-10, 2011 issue for “Best New Invention.”