SANIBEL ISLAND (Fla.) — Friday was the second time that the Sanibel Island’s The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club fleet caught fire.
It was just like the first time it happened, Oct. 16. Thick black smoke could still be seen from miles away, above the golf course on the northeastern side of the island, near the Sanibel Causeway.
Mike Dopslaff, PGA Club Professional, told The News-Press Friday that the cause of the fire was probably caused by a chemical reaction between lithium batteries in the carts and salt water residue from Ian’s storm surge on Sept 28.
Dopslaff stated that there was nothing different in October, only 39 (carts this time), 71 of 72 are gone, ashes.
Dopslaff and his team don’t need to be reminded of the damage Ian caused in Southwest Florida. His team has been tirelessly working on numerous clean-up and recovery efforts at the popular course.
Dopslaff was able to reach the golf course only by boat in the early days Ian’s after math. During the Category 4 storm, pieces of the Sanibel Causeway were washed away.
The Dunes has approximately 400 members, of which 200 play golf. It also boasts tennis courts and a swimming area. The 18-hole par-70 golf course measures 5,600 yards from back tees.
Dopslaff discovered a hot tub on his 18th green after the hurricane had passed and it was safe for him to go out to assess the damage.
Dopsalff stated that the carts are still at the course. They are currently awaiting inspection by insurance company representatives.
Dopslaff stated in an email that “they were being held to inspection by several concern companies and a few of the alphabet government agencies.” They had not been touched in weeks. It is not clear if the temperature changes caused them to jump, but it was very strange.
Dopslaff stated that there is a positive side to this story.
He said, “I keep thinking about what if that happened while they were being moved.”
Dopslaff won’t have to worry about this aspect of recovery as all but one golf cart was affected by the fires.
His to-do list remains long.
He said, “We still do not have power….” “… internet, plumbing and phones… we hope this week brings us back to the 21st century.
By: Mark H. Bickel
Title: Golf carts on Sanibel Island in Florida engulfed in flames for second time since Hurricane Ian
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/11/21/sanibel-island-golf-cart-fire-second-time-hurricane-ian/
Published Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:00:18 +0000
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