They hadn't been inspected and we hadn't paid our balance before the storm hit. Clear 3 to 4 feet around the generator to create airflow space to avoid a fire. Never run generators in the rain or when wet. It was scary, she said. After the storm, its critical to thoroughly document your damage. Fort Myers mayor Kevin Anderson has lived in the southwest Florida city for decades and seen numerous storms, but he has never experienced anything like the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28. The area of Lee County, where Fort Myers is located, was one of the most affected by the storm in Florida, with over 420,000 people still without power on Thursday, according to PowerOutage.us. Where the bridge . Brutal winter weather bringing snow, dangerous gusts of wind and bitter cold settled over much of the northern U.S. on Wednesday, shutting down roadways, closing schools and businesses and prompting dire warnings for people to stay home. When restaurants reopened, it was with limited capacities and a labor market that had all but vanished. Her stove and microwave also mysteriously stopped working after the hurricane, despite power being restored. In 2017, Hurricane Irma struck. The governor spoke at a press conference in Fort Myers after meeting with President Biden, who also was touring storm damage Wednesday. View By Year. 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Even if operated for a short time, generator exteriors can quickly become hot. I need assistance clearing my private property who can help me? He just kind of looked around, you know, a little kind of wide-eyed like What is happening, Mom. A HUGE wrap around boat dock with an all-aluminum 30,000 lb lift with remote control, water & power. Friday's jackpot was the eleventh largest in the game's history, according to the game's officials. We have never seen anything like this in our lives since weve lived here for 10 years. Not only was there a game, but college students showed up for a dunk contest. no image. No information was provided about one death. It shows how unpredictable the track was. Enjoy the beautiful wide-angle views from the sunroom with vaulted ceiling and a 3-pane . *Avoid electrical hazards. Michael was the strongest hurricane to strike the contiguous United States since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. As the water rose, they grabbed everything they could carry mostly things that baby Charlie would need and shifted to the attic. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Submit the form on the contact page, or reach out using one of Heavy rains from storms passing through Southwest Florida on Monday triggered a Flood Advisory. Several homes were in various states of destruction. 2 min read. The Schulzs were helping to secure some homes of their neighbors who weren't on the island when the storm hit, leaving them with no time to evacuate, they told CNN. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. View Website. 'There's no words to describe it, it's complete devastation,' resident says. If you have a roof leak, TURN OFF your circuit breaker even if you have no power. SOUTH FORT MYERS Heavy rains from storms passing through Southwest Florida on Monday triggered a Flood Advisory. Saul Martinez for NPR FORT MYERS, Fla. When a hurricane assaults the coast, as Ian did to Southwest Florida, flip on the TV and the images the cameras have to show are palm trees flailed. The nearly perfect weather of Fort . Some people off Winkler Road in south Fort Myers were forced to move their cars quickly once the water rose. For the intersections still not working, treat them like a four-way stop. Shrimp and Grit: Fighting to save the Fort Myers Beach shrimping fleet after Ian's devastation, Fort Myers Boat Show opens Friday with hundreds of boats as demand surges, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. To check the status of a BWN, you may call the Hotline at 239-533-8575. "I'm grateful that I'm living and that I'm able to try and rebuild," Taylor said. Gerald Herbert/AP Fort Myers Beach, Florida Hurricane Irma was the most powerful Atlantic hurricane in recorded history! In the past, peaceful and violent protests have sprung up in the wake of police killings. One of the winning tickets to Friday's Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Fort Myers, Florida, weeks after Hurricane Ian devastated the area. 79 hurricanes have been recorded in the Fort Myers, FL since 1930. Karen Dehays rode out the storm on her second floor documenting a terrifying, life threatening moment in video that's gained millions of views. FORT MYERS, Fla. - Video of rising water at Fort Myers Beach was caught on a storm chaser's livestream as Hurricane Ian neared landfall Wednesday. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Marine Connection - Islamorada. In 2020, COVID restrictions forced abrupt closures at the height of visitors season. 2022 November 10th Nicole at closest distance passed 87 miles to NNE as a 60mph tropical storm. Southwest Florida's restaurants have treaded a treacherous path in recent years. Other photographs show entire neighbourhoods levelled. 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In addition to drowning, other causes of death during Ian were delayed medical service due to the hurricane, blunt force trauma and atleast twosuicides, the data shows. Steve and Lori Schulz's home on Sanibel Island took on several feet of storm surge and pretty much everything in the house is ruined. An alarm bleats endlessly at the tollbooth for the Sanibel Causeway. A fish kill is filling up the water in Southwest Florida. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Meanwhile, more than 22% of the teachers live in hard-hit Lee County, but Oliver says the district is confident it is ready to reopen with the help of more than 800 substitute teachers. If your home sustained damage as a result of the storm, your local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program office may have recovery assistance available to help with temporary relocation, rental assistance, debris removal, and/or home repairs. Enterprise Florida Resource Page For any businesses affected by Hurricane Ian, Enterprise Florida has launched a Disaster Assistance Resources Page with a list of state and federal resources available for businesses to utilize in their mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities. The coastal city of Fort Myers, a popular tourist destination, was levelled by the hurricane's destructive storm surges. The following is a list of hurricanes with all known deaths in the state associated with a storm. Please contact your local SHIP office directly for more information: Florida Vacation Rentals Beach Houses, Condos & More (floridarentals.com)Short term lodging for guests, recovery workers and adjusters, here you can find many furnished homes and condos available! Below weve gathered some video of the storm and aftermath. My pool is almost over flooded so I had to pull the plug on the pool to make sure all the water got out of it, Wyman said. The SFHA is an area that could be inundated by a flood event, with a 1 percent chance of reaching or exceeding the Base Flood Elevations (BFE) in any given year. Last month, Hurricane Ian struck Florida's west coast as a Category 4 hurricane, destroying homes and businesses with winds that topped 150 mph, particularly in Lee County, Florida, where Fort Myers is located. We kindly request that our membership complete the Business Damage Assessment Form below to aid us in our efforts to help our membership rebuild, direct business affiliates to the best resources available and provide step-by-step guidance through any processes encountered. 0:39. A HUGE wrap around boat dock with an all-aluminum 30,000 lb lift with remote control, water & power. The most recent Fort Myers, FL hurricane was Five in 2010. This is also called the 100-year flood. *Turn off the breaker. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. *Stay Grounded. Welcome to your own slice of paradise! 00:53 - Source: CNN Stories worth watching 16 videos. With the President standing behind him, DeSantis said he appreciated the administrations help. 2023 Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Hurricanes pose serious threat of damage to property. 8th and largest location "Bridge Branch" opens at 9311 College Parkway. and last updated 7:35 PM, Jul 07, 2021. One of the winning tickets to Friday's Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Fort Myers, Florida, weeks after Hurricane Ian devastated the area. Step just beyond it, and the road soon gives way. Streaming with multiple cameras set . As a Category 4 hurricane, Irma caused more than $64 billion in damages, with winds of up to 150 mph and huge storm surges around the coast. Michael, Thank you so much for all of our support and diligence over the past seven months. It is evidence that this Category 4 storm was large, destructive and deadly. If the toll of fatalities remains at 125, it would rank Ian as the 24th deadliest hurricane in US history, according to NOAA. Yount and his family had just moved to the area from Colorado, and he said hed met Duckwall that day. Residents like Taylor can't put the past behind. $1,000. A fish kill is filling up the water in Southwest Florida. hit in 2022. This free, statewide search platform is updated to ensure all listings are accurate and can help you quickly locate an affordable rental property. Some people off Winkler Road in south Fort Myers were forced to move their. Landfall occurred about 20 miles west northwest of Fort Myers and 20 miles west southwest of Punta Gorda, which was struck by Hurricane Charley in 2004. One-story homes were either completely flooded or destroyed. DIRECT deep-water access to Caloosahatchee River. Tropical Storm Eta was a hurricane as is passed by Southwest Florida Wednesday. Call 311 if you identify any streets that were not cleared. Most of the vegetation including palm trees was ripped apart or on the ground. I mean Ive never seen so much water, said Phillip Wyman. One-stop shopping.". Some say flooding such as this in their backyards was their biggest concern. The footage, captured by storm chaser Max Olson, shows waters rising in the area and slowly swallowing it whole Wednesday. Hurricane Ian battered Florida on Wednesday, making landfall as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 150 mph and what the National Hurricane Center called a "catastrophic" tidal surge of 12 to 18 feet. "We've been very involved in many aspects of the hurricane relief efforts as well for all of our members and our dealers and despite everything that everybody's been through, there's a huge amount of optimism out there, so I honestly I think people are going to come just to get out and do things," Good said. Everywhere you turn, structures are leveled or stand in time from that fateful day on Sept. 23rd, when a nearly 20-foot wall of storm surge pulverized everything. 2022 Hurricane SunDeck OB SD 235 OB. Particularly hard hit by Hurricane Ian, the Fort Myers area in southwest Florida is in shambles. Duckwall and Brown spent the night there with the baby and cat and three other neighbors who came to the Younts house for shelter. Tucker the cat was less happy about getting so wet. A customer fills out a Mega Millions lottery ticket at a convenience store, July 21, 2022, in Northbrook, Ill. People embrace as they survey property damage from Hurricane Ian, Sept. 29, 2022, in Bonita Springs, Fla. Damaged boats are seen amid a downtown condominium after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction, in Fort Myers, Florida, Sept. 29, 2022. Hurricane Irma is the worst hurricane to have hit the Fort Myers-Naples area in recent history in 2017. HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. They learned the suspect, 61-year-old Eileen [], The man caught on video beating a dog in the back of a car at a south Fort Myers RaceTrac last year has been sentenced on animal cruelty charges. Governor Ron DeSantis Activates the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $50 Million Available At Least $10 Million of Which Must Go to Assist Agricultural Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Ian, IRS Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses. the methods below. *Be aware of hazards. When we actually floated down the road he was awake but he never cried. Postal Service Florida 2 District has resumed delivery and retail operations in much of Central and Southwest Florida. Damaged and missing homes are seen in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. Fort Myers, FL is in a very high risk hurricane zone. It is dangerous, often illegal, and it should never be attempted under any circumstance. 1888 Aug 17th 80mph from the ESE. Hurricane Ian demolished the Fort Myers Yacht Basin with its severe winds and storm surge, leaving show organizers to pivot and move it to Jan. 5 through Jan. 8. Home built by "Arthur Rutenberg Homes" with a protected premium power/sailboat dock with 150ft of water frontage. Between poor water quality and damage from Hurricane Ian, this years wildlife surveys hold extra weight, and researchers are paying special attention to Floridas winter shorebird count. What is back-feeding? At least 127 people in the state have died due to Hurricane Ian, local officials said. Lush landscaping and an outdoor kitchen and bath make lazy days by the pool a breeze. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. From CNNs David Williams and Sharif Paget. Like our lanai is covered in water.. Residents of Florida and the Carolinas are combing through the wreckage after Hurricane Ian made landfall last week, leaving a path of destruction in its wake and killing at least 125 people.. Residents can call the United Way at 211 or visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/. The clip ends with a shot of the storms aftermath after the water finally receded, with the block all but unrecognizable. 2023 www.news-press.com. The red structure gradually succumbs to the storm, eventually coming off its foundation and floating away in the debris-filled deluge. The strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall on the state was the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, which crossed the Florida Keys with a pressure of 892 mbar ( hPa; 26.35 inHg ); it is also the strongest hurricane on record to strike the United States. We dont know whats going to happen for tomorrow, how long this is going to take to rebuild, Garcia said. On Wednesday, about a dozen flights from [], Memphis police are preparing to release the body camera video of the beating that led to the death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols in early January. South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter. The reopening will not only provide a sense of normalcy for kids during this time of recovery, but it will also help parents head back to work, said Chad Oliver, Executive Director of Communications and Community Engagement for Collier County Public Schools. Crisis Cleanup will connect you with volunteers who may be able to assist. Contents1 How many times has Fort [] The south Fort Myers neighborhood wasnt the only place to see flooding Monday evening. From CNNs Stephanie Gallman and Amanda Musa. The island has a year-round population of 7,000 but that grows to more than 35,000 during the winter months. Our live coverage has ended. Submit the form on the contact page, or reach out using one of While Ian's hit didn't throw too much of a wrench into their logistical planning beyond designing around the destroyed basin, Good said they were ready for their November show when Ian hit. How am I advised if I need to boil water? "It opened up a bunch of area for us, so we have more and more boats on land than we've ever had before.". Florida Weekly, 2020. Allison Christian faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, according to an arrest report. A stunning time-lapse video shows Hurricane Ian overwhelming a Fort Myers waterfront street and washing away a home in a 15-foot storm surge. Lee County Solid Waste garbage collection will resume Monday, Oct. 3, on the normally scheduled day for all routes in Lee County franchise areas that are accessible to collection trucks. This Pier is overlooking the Gulf Of Mexico. Meet residents and loyal visitors who are passionate about the Fort Myers area and have had great experiences here. Three people died in separate vehicle-related incidents on Friday, according to the release. If you must touch the generator, wear protective gear. Phone: (800) 621-FEMA (3362). Do not use a gasoline-powered generator within 20 feet of any window, door, or vent. Did you encounter any technical issues? Collectively, cyclones in Florida during the time period resulted in more than $123billion in damage and 450deaths. They thought they were going to be OK as the winds raged around them last Wednesday, but then saw water seeping in under their door. FMB Boaters affected by Ian months laterShrimp and Grit: Fighting to save the Fort Myers Beach shrimping fleet after Ian's devastation, Previous article on Fort Myers Boat ShowFort Myers Boat Show opens Friday with hundreds of boats as demand surges. If youre looking to donate or volunteer, we recommend contacting the Red Cross, Volunteer Florida, and United Way by calling 2-1-1. The is the county breakdown of the deaths so far: There were five storm-related deaths, according to a news release from Gov. FEMA Disaster victims can obtain additional information and apply for disaster assistance through FEMA in various ways. VIDEO: Tropical Storm Etas impact throughout SWFL, Winds stoke brush fires and prompt evacuations across Southwest Florida, Fort Myers High School hosts annual unified basketball game, Public adjuster answers your hurricane-related property insurance questions, What the number of winter shorebirds means for Florida, Massive winter storm in northern US impacts SWFL travelers. All Rights Reserved. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), authorities spotted vehicles speeding. Brian Yount was inside the house with his wife and twin daughters and was surprised to hear a mans voice outside. It starts with a complete gutting of homes and structures. Be sure to review the policy thoroughly and ask questions of your insurance agent, so you can make changes prior to a storm. The National Guard and police from across Florida are here to assist our officers. "There's no words to describe it, it's complete devastation," Tom Taylor said. The recovery effort has been a painful and a painstaking process for residents . Today her view is a skeleton of what it once was. Boil Water Notice Hotline 239-533-8575. Thanks for contacting us. Latson said the more affluent, predominately White communities seem to be getting prioritized in the storm recovery. $36,995. If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning light-headedness, dizziness, tiredness, or nausea go outside immediately for fresh air, and seek medical attention. The recovery effort has been a painful and a painstaking process for residents. Look at some of these docks. As a Category 4 hurricane, Irma caused more than $64 billion in damages, with winds of up to 150 mph and huge storm surges around the coast. Around 50,000 students currently attend schools in the Collier County School District. TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours. People and businesses on Fort Myers Beach had to take extra precautions, but people told WINK News that after the past five months, theyre used [], A woman working as a nanny in south Fort Myers was arrested Wednesday after deputies say she stole a familys dog in retaliation for being fired. Home built by "Arthur Rutenberg Homes" with a protected premium power/sailboat dock with 150ft of water frontage. From CNNs Leyla Santiago and William Brown. The rain even caused some car alarms to go off. appreciated. BRIDGE BRANCH OFFICE. The wind, rain, and storm surge sank boats, damaged some roofs and cars, and caused flooding in some areas. Allison Christian faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, according to an arrest report. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. At the very first opportunity, start photographing or videotaping every square inch of your property inside and out. He knows how important boat shows can be, both for the boating community and the local economy. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and visit leegov.com/storm for the most up-to-date information on the countys recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian You can also catch up on recent press conferences and watch helpful videos, such as thegenerator safety videoto the right, on ourYouTube Channel. Keep cords out of the way but in plain view to avoid slips, trips, and falls. Latson, who lives in the Dunbar neighborhood in Fort Myers, Florida, said she cant get to a relief center to get bottled water and other necessities being distributed because she doesnt have transportation; the bus system is not running in her neighborhood. Once your insurance company pays you for your damaged property, known as salvage, the insurance company becomes the owner of it. Our teachers are cut from a different cloth, Oliver said, many of them coming in on an already scheduled day off to get their classrooms ready for tomorrow. A licensed electrician must properly install your outlet and breaker. Instead, he and thousands of others dig in to rebuild not only the physical landscape, but the emotional toll you can't see. The winning numbers were 9, 22, 26, 41 and 44, plus the gold Mega Ball 19. ", "Tropical Storm Nicole forces evacuations in Bahamas, Florida", "More than a week after Hurricane Ian, Florida residents frustrated with state and federal response", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Florida_hurricanes_(2000present)&oldid=1141732093, August 6 After meandering for several days in the eastern, August 9 Lifeguards rescued more than 25swimmers in. August 23 - Hurricane Debby was forecasted to move through the Florida Keys as a hurricane, which prompted a mandatory evacuation for all non-residents. Tropical Storm Eta was a hurricane as is passed by Southwest Florida Wednesday. Back feeding is tying a portable generator directly to your homes electrical panel instead of using a transfer switch. For the first time since Hurricane Ian ripped through Sanibel Island, Vicki Paskaly and Julie Emig were able to return to their "dream home" on Wednesday only to find the lower level was unhabitable. What should I do if I see a stop sign, street sign or channel marker damaged or missing? While our community rebuilds in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce stays committed to helping our business community. 4 Beds, 3.5 Baths, 2,980 Square Feet for sale for $879,995 - If you're looking for your piece of paradise, take a look at this beautiful pool home with a newly remodeled guest house in the heart of the McGregor corridor. Air conditioning, laminate floors, interior doors, baseboards, trim and impact resistant front door installed in 2020. Better Together CEO Megan Rose named Manhattan Institute Civil Society Fellow, Your CBD Store Opens Store #687 In South Fort Myers on September 9, 2020, Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz. In Naples, city council authorized the city manager to spend up to $100,000 to expedite the cleanup of dead fish within the city waterways []. These residents hope this is the last time theyll see flooding like this. El Jobean bridge in the distance Charlotte county Fl.#HurricaneEta pic.twitter.com/POpl4OIFP0, Christina Hoaglin (@seasthislife) November 11, 2020. That's obviously closed from the storm but we probably have moved 60% or 70% of the boats, other than the really big boats, up on up onto the land now that the amphitheater is completed," Good said. If it is not, it causes the potential to back feed, causing significant hazards.