The City of Sanibel has issued a “heavy traffic advisory” for this afternoon, and early evening.

As of noon, more than 5,500 vehicles had entered Sanibel Island. As a result of this volume, officials expect heavy vehicular traffic on-island for the remainder of the day. Motorists should expect substantial traffic delays exiting the island this afternoon and into the early evening.

Motorists are encouraged to download the FREE “Sanibel Bound” App on their phone so that they can view and have immediate access to real-time traffic conditions anytime.

Sanibel Police Chief Bill Dalton urges everyone to “be patient” and follow the direction of law enforcement personnel and, to reduce congestion, consider avoiding off-island directions of travel between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.