As part of a “We Love Our Islands” Valentine’s Day celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce staged a ribbon-cutting for John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate at 1019 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island. The business is currently operating out of its “Island RV” parked in front of the historic landmark office, the former home and original office of island real estate pioneer Priscilla Murphy.

 

“Our office was completely flooded by the hurricane,” said President and CEO Phil Wood. “We are still in the process of remediating it with an estimated time frame of one year until completed. Our island agents had been working remotely out of our Fort Myers office.”

 

Agents have been on the island since the hurricane, helping residents understand the build-back and 50-percent rules, coordinating contractors, answering real estate questions, and helping owners understand their options.

 

“It’s great to have the John R. Wood team back here boots on the ground,” said John Lai, chamber president and CEO. “That office is an island gem, and we’re so pleased to see it being restored.”

 

“We see the chamber has taken their leadership role on the island during this very difficult time to help our local businesses get back on their feet and get the word out and promoting us,” said Wood. “We see their ‘open for business’ social media posts being shared and appreciate the support they are giving all of us.”

 

John R. Wood has been in operation on Sanibel Island since 2008. Current hours are Sunday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Its Captiva Island office at 11499 Andy Rosse Lane also undergoes reconstruction to reopen in coming weeks.

 

ABOUT SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. The chamber website receives more than 1.3 million website visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or [email protected].