Here to Help Make Island Living Easier
Shelby’s Island Care Co. is a locally owned, owner-operated home watch and island support service created to help Sanibel homeowners feel comfortable and confident about their homes. We focus on reliable care, clear communication, and personal attention, offering everything from routine home watch visits to help with everyday needs while you’re on island. Whether you’re away or enjoying time here, our goal is simple — to make island living easier and give you peace of mind.
About
My name is Shelby Gorka
I’m the owner of Shelby’s Island Care Co., and I personally care for each home and client I work with. I’ve always loved the outdoors and wildlife, which is a big part of why Sanibel has been such a special place to me for most of my life. Over the years, many of the clients I work with have become more than just clients — they’ve turned into familiar faces, friends, and people I genuinely care about. That sense of connection is at the heart of how I approach this work and why trust and communication matter so much to me.
Rooted in Island Life
I grew up just off island in Fort Myers, but Sanibel has always felt like home. I attended The Sanibel School and spent most of my time on the island, especially during summers working alongside my parents in their island-based businesses.
Growing up that way taught me the importance of responsibility, consistency, and building long-term relationships in a close-knit community.
As an adult, I worked full-time for my mom’s pool company on Sanibel and helped her for years with home watch services. In 2024, after my mom moved out of state, she handed the business over to me.
Many of the clients we care for today are relationships that go back more than 10 years, and continuing that level of care and familiarity is something I take very seriously.
Storm Experience & Why It Matters
Understanding Storm Season on Sanibel
Hurricane Ian changed the way many of us think about storm season on Sanibel. The storm surge was unprecedented, with more than six feet of water entering some homes, and access to the island was limited when the bridge was out for weeks afterward. During that time, my mom and I traveled by boat and on foot across the island to check on homes and provide detailed, firsthand reports to clients when they couldn’t be there themselves.
Seeing that level of damage up close reinforced how important preparation and communication are before a storm ever hits. Since Ian, many homeowners have taken additional steps to better protect their properties, using flood barriers, temporary dams, and other preventative measures. Through those experiences, I’ve learned what tends to help, what doesn’t, and how advance planning can reduce risk.
During the following storm seasons, including Hurricanes Milton and Helene, some homes experienced minor flooding, resulting in standing water, debris, or mud in garages and other low-lying areas. In those situations, my husband and I handled water removal and basic cleanup promptly to prevent further issues. That hands-on experience means I’m able to respond quickly and appropriately if similar situations arise.
Today, I help advise clients on practical storm-preparation options and can provide trusted references for those looking to add protective measures to their homes. During storm season, I aim to be the first point of contact so clients feel informed and supported as conditions change.