According to Visit Fort Myers,there are isolated low to medium concentrations of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, in the area at this time. As Floridians, we are used to hot summers, but this July has broken records for heat, and these conditions can lead to dangerous heat-related illnesses if people arent careful. The festival will feature a live band, several food trucks, local. Change payment method in the online account to withdraw the payment directly from a bank account; Mail a check to the Town at 2525 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; Deliver check to the Town Hall temporary complex at 2545 Estero Boulevard and leave it in the receptionists area in the designated drop box. The island's main mail facility was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September. The list includes hotels, dining, retail shops, realtors, utility services,. The festival will feature a live band, several food trucks, local. AccommodationCoastal Properties of SW FLDiamondhead Beach Resort (a limited number of resort suites will be available starting Wednesday, December 14, 2022. As the heat took over, many people understandably ran to the water. The damage identified above is just a fraction of the destruction wrought by the storm across all of Fort Myers Beach and the swath of the central Florida coast that was ripped apart by Hurricane Ian. Florida Power & Light reports 904 FMB properties have been restored with power. Christmas may be more than 170 days away, but that cant stop a neighborhood in Iona from decking the halls or feeling jolly. Despite Hurricane Ian's impact, Cape Coral's Red, White and Boom event is still going on. Debris continues to wash onshore and quickly may be obscured by sand. Most of our public beaches are open but some remain closed due to impacts from Hurricane Ian. You can also read this document Can I occupy a structure and/or connect electric service? for additional information. He was a Lee County juvenile at the time. "That's why a lot of the properties that were built more recently with the stringent coastal construction standards were able to withstand [the storm]. June 6, 2023 FORT MYERS BEACH Restaurants reopening on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian, FEMA building new community in Englewood East to aid hurricane-impacted families, NBC2 tours the new Margaritaville Resort on Fort Myers Beach, Collier County beaches draw crowds as bacterial warnings continue, Forecast: Feeling like 110 degrees Wednesday, Two cars caught on fire in Cape Coral driveway, Community calls to repair Iconic Fort Myers statue. It is important to note that while some beaches are open, some amenities such as restroom facilities, piers, and walkovers have not been repaired or replaced at this time. The community has begun the rebuilding process on homes, businesses, attractions and favorite visitor activities. PLEASE NOTE All residents are required to pay stormwater fees. The Towns upland services facilities were damaged and are not yet repaired. A temporary town hall complex is set up in trailers next to the damaged town hall. 239 463-5887)Sun Palace Vacations, AttractionsBroadway Palm Dinner TheaterCape Cabaret Dinner TheaterCape Coral Museum of HistoryEdison and Ford Winter EstatesEverglades Day SafariFlorida Native Butterfly SocietyFort Myers Beach Sea and Sun RentalGator Mikes Family Fun ParkIsland Runner Tours (Dolphin Tours, Booze Cruz, Harbour Tours, Island Circumnavigation)Just Livin The Dream ChartersKey West ExpressLeid Back Tiki Tours (re-opening December 22)Patriot Marine USA Boat Charters (available for property inspections and water transportation if needed. "It's still beautiful, absolutely beautiful," Tersea Schillaci said. Step 3:After having been issued both the Temporary Use Permit and the Trade Permit, arrange with your contractor(s) to have the temporary electric and plumbing connections completed. Thats how high Ian was, just about nine feet, Rommel said. Copyright 2023 Fort Myers Broadcasting. State law requires property owners to maintain barriers if there is water in the pool. Experience the Magic Don't miss out on the immersive July 4th fireworks display at Freedom Fest in downtown Fort Myers. Bayfront Bistro is the first to reopen on Fort Myers Beach since Hurricane Ian washed away homes and decimated businesses. If there is no answer, you can leave a message by pressing O when prompted. You can see that water line right here. (For a full list of open parks and recreation areas, check out the citys updated list.) Plenty of chairs, umbrellas ect you could take to the beach. Along the beachfront, most smaller houses and the structures closest to the water had been swept away entirely, leaving only foundations or pilings behind. Larger, more solidly built buildings had been more likely to survive. Lee County beaches top national list:Two Fort Myers-area islands on list of nation's top 100 hidden beaches, Sandy situation:Most local beaches need sand in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Representatives from over 12 insurers are expected to be at FSW Tuesday, June 27. Residents can also park free and take theTrolleyto the beach fromSummerlin SquareorMain Street Parking. Jim and Kathie Machock are from Indiana and love Fort Myers Beach because of the water, sunshine, and peaceful atmosphere. The towns 90+ miles of interconnected bike routes have been cleared of hurricane debris, and Cape Corals popular Tour de Cape cycling event is even being held at the end of January. We were deeply saddened to see the devestation left behind in the Fort Myers area in particular. It was pushing boats into my house into my windows, Alvarez said. The structure of a 7-Eleven was still intact, but the interior had been swept away. The existing sewer lateral must be capped off and the Lee County Utilities Department must conduct an inspection before it is covered. Its encouraging to see this, but we know it will take time for Fort Myers Beach to rebuild. Many Southwest Florida homeowners are waiting for checks from their insurance companies after Ian. Despite Hurricane Ians impact, Cape Corals Red, White and Boom event is still going on. "And for the record, many and most of our beaches are currently open," she said. "I'm thrilled to say that right now, when you travel the entire destination, bar none, it is really almost impossible to find any visible signs that we even had a storm," Beirnes said. VENICE, Fla. A Fort Myers Beach business owner has relocated his business to Venice after Hurricane Ian destroyed it nearly ten months ago. A Coast Guard helicopter responded to a flooded area at another RV community in Fort Myers just before Gov. The beach looks . Food Service Kitchens are permitted on their brick-and-mortar commercial site that is zoned for that type of activity. A copy of an approval letter from Lee County Utilities must be received by the Town Building Services Division at, The existing water meter must be capped off on the customers side of right of way. The two. Downtown Fort Myers is celebrating Independence Day with a block party. The greater Fort Myers area, including Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva Islands are recovering and rebuilding from the impact of Hurricane Ian. Access, complete and submit roof permits on the Towns website atwww.fmbgov.com. Boca Grande Beach Accesses and Dog Beach opened on March 1. Florida Fish and Wildlife shared tips on boat safety for taking to the waters this Fourth of July. Published: June 30, 2023, 4:49 PM Updated: June 30, 2023, 6:44 PM. The beaches are some of the best in the United States (St. Pete Beach was ranked #1 by TripAdvisor last year) and the communities are vibrant, offering tourists the chance to settle in and relax on the white sand. You can find some of our Fort Myers City properties here. 37:12. Officials online recommend locals get a parking sticker and only pay once a year at most locations. Some of the larger. What is visible during the day may not be.. As the heat took over, many people understandably ran to the water. Recovery has been incremental and slowed by red tape. Upon completing the inspection, the structural engineer must offer their findings and expert opinion in the form of a post-inspection report. The contractor is solely responsible for any damages to sewer or water systems. Published: December 22, 2022 A better understanding of when iconic Fort Myers Beach landmarks like the Lani Kai and Diamondhead will return to operation after Hurricane Ian. A demolition (demo) permit must be obtained before any structure is demolished/removed. All rights reserved. Most of the areas restaurants and shops have reopened, as well as most of its beautiful parks. So you know just too many things. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. Few communities in the U.S. have seen the level of destruction Hurricane Ian brought to Fort Myers Beach. Fort Myers News-Press 0:00 1:07 Talk to those who survived Hurricane Ian, and many say the same thing: I'm OK. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Hurricane Ian, the strongest hurricane to hit Florida since Michael in 2018 and tied for fifth-strongest hurricane on record to strike the United States, was a large, destructive and deadly Category 4 storm. Debris can still be found in near-shore areas, such as dunes or mangrove-lined coastlines. Theyve had a home and a boat in the area for a long time. For any questions, a new recycle bin, pick-up or holiday information, contact Waste Management at (239) 334-1224. FORT MYERS BEACH, FLA 3 months after Hurricane Ian and we can already see progress being made on Fort Myers Beach when it comes to some businesses trying to open back up whether. April was incredibly successful, weve paid out over $11 million. But itll be back!. Session ID: 2023-07-02:a424c80273e548ce0559399 Player Element ID: 6315406311112 Bayfront Bistro is the first to reopen on Fort Myers Beach. Positivity seems to be on the rise after hearing the people WINK News spoke with on Friday, even if some people are still living in trailers. A southwest Floridian since the 1970s and a retired police officer, the mayor of Fort Myers, Kevin Anderson, watched Hurricane Ian close in as waters rose toward his home in the heart of downtown . Edgard Blank was born and raised on Fort Myers Beach, and he shared some thoughts with WINK News. Parking at most locations is free until further notice. "Geographically it's a small area, but it's just heartbreaking to see.". If youre looking to vacation in Cape Coral, its definitely possible, and you can enjoy many of the same boating and cycling opportunities as before Hurricane Ian. The villages are an opportunity to meet with their property insurers in person and work together to resolve outstanding claims. Across the street, the new 254-room Margaritaville Beach Resort had been scheduled to open in 2023. 9:13 PM EDT, Wed June 28, 2023. We will continue to update you on the progress, but heres what we know now: Sign up to receive our exclusive promotions and be the first to know about new properties, and well send you a code for 10% off, just for joining! Vehicles and structures must be setback by no less than the width of the vehicle/structure (i.e. Theres so much heart here, said FMB resident Darlene Iwaniw. In a Facebook post on Thursday evening, the team building the resort said it would not be deterred by this catastrophe of biblical proportions.. Fort Myers Beach was one of the hardest hit areas when Hurricane Ian roared onshore last September. After verifying the availability of temporary power with FPL, and prior to installing a temporary power pole or plumbing connections, your contractor must obtain a trade permit for the electrical and plumbing connections through the IWorQ online permitting system athttps://portal.iworq.net/FORTMYERSBEACH/new-request/701/3343. track width) from any property line and not protrude into the right of way. A structural inspection and an electrical inspection must be completed prior to occupying a structure, or proceeding with building, renovating, or adding to a structure. The Building Services Division is currently receiving a high volume of permit applications and questions and our team is working diligently to help everyone as quickly as possible. Downtown Fort Myers is celebrating Independence Day with a block party. While current forecasts place Lee County on the edge of the hurricane's projected path, Town Manager Roger Hernstatd urged residents to take the . Published: January 6, 2023 The Playback API request failed for an unknown reason Error Code: VIDEO_CLOUD_ERR_UNKNOWN Technical details : Unknown catalog request error. How have they done? It is important to know that many residents and business owners are still rebuilding, and it will take time before the city of Fort Myers is back to a pre-Ian paradise. Businesses on the island are looking for a boost after surpassing the nine-month mark after Hurricane Ian. (To watch some inspiring Live Facebook posts, check out Beach Baptist Churchs videos. Steve Lane opened The Wave Gallery, located at 209 Miami Avenue West . If youre looking for a beach vacation in Florida, we recommend exploring our vacation homes in and around St. Petersburg. The Yucatan Beach Stand & Grill celebrated. By Susan Glaser,. It is slated to reopen July 6. [emailprotected], Steven Poposki , Building Official | 50% Rule The Town has earned a class 5 rating in the program, providing all property owners in Fort Myers Beach a 25% discount on flood insurance rates. Byrd Bergeron and Steven Gould say travel advisors tend to focus way more on customer service than on selling. . Like we got that cold spell last week. Debris . The island's Bayside and Causeway Beach parking lots are also open. And others are wondering how their livelihoods will continue. A real hard hit. Despite Hurricane Ians impact, Cape Corals Red, White and Boom event is still going on. News-Press reporter Chad Gillis, wrote on March 1 that levels of red tide have been going strong in the county for week, impacting the Southwest Florida coast at a time of year when it should actually be waning. Email the Lee County Sewer Disconnect Form, found at the link below, to, The capping of the existing sewer lateral and the associated inspection is to be requested by the contractor and passed by Town Utilities prior to commencing demolition work on the structure. Email the Town of Fort Myers Beach Utilities Department at. Upon passing the electrical and plumbing inspections, Florida Power & Light (FPL) will be notified to activate electrical service to the temporary power pole. All rights reserved. It is a felony in Florida to conduct unlicensed contracting during a State of Emergency. "The construction trucks and the nails . The Town of Fort Myers Beach declared a state of emergency Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in advance of the approaching Hurricane Ian. The list includes hotels, dining, retail shops, realtors, utility services, gyms, dental offices and community banks. While the entire building is gutted, the restaurant is operating in its outside swing bar. Just seeing the beach to come back it just looks terrible.. Ricardo Arduengo/Agence France-Presse Getty Images, The New York Times; aerial image by Nearmap from April 12, The New York Times; aerial image by Nearmap from Sept. 29, What Hurricane Ian Destroyed in a Florida Beach Town. Beirnes also said he was "thrilled" that public perception of the area's readiness is high, a consumer survey showed, with about 80% of those surveyed believing the destination was back up and running by January. Pool area was small but clean and never really that crowded. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Wild Ace Entertainment & Productions, LLC, Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers Beach Thrift Shop. View Distinctive Beach Rentals properties in St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach. "Fort Myers Beach has to be rebuilt," she said. Get ready for some fun in the sun! Refer to, Obtain a trade permit from the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Check for any beach or water advisories from the Florida Department of Health-Lee County at, Closure signs are posted where necessary, and. Household waste is picked every Thursday morning , recycling Wednesday morning. I had to go get gas and get a little space heater was really cold.. Read on to find out whats open in Fort Myers and surrounding areas now, whether the beach is open to the public and up-to-date information that will help you better understand how these towns are recovering after Hurricane Ian. Must be placed on a solid concrete slab, pavers or similar hard surface, stabilized surface or a tarp placed under the vehicle/ structure. Fort Myers News-Press. This all-day event kicks off with a 7 a.m. Five-K. A mother and her infant from Naples have been reported missing. Fort Myers News-Press 0:00 2:33 Get your swimsuits and sunscreen ready; summer is a month away and the beaches are coming back! I would also like to commend the county staff for their hard work and dedication in getting these facilities back up and running. To ask questions, contact the Harbor Master at 239-224-4118. However, some were met with some bight smelly blue-green algae. Fort Myers recovers 9 months after Hurricane Ian struck. Next to the Lani Kai Island Resort, the bright blue building shown in the video above, all that remained of Shuckers, a seafood restaurant, and the Cottage Bar, an old local hangout, were bare foundations covered in muck. A site sketch must be provided as part of the application. It is the intent of the Legislature that all new residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs be equipped with at least one pool safety feature. The shift comes as the town government begins to take over the ongoing . One of the perks of being the only business open in the area, you get all the customers to yourself. I dont know how I survived that.. Lovers Key State Park reopened this week on Fort Myers Beach, nine months after Hurricane . "New construction makes a huge difference," she said. Property tax values in Lee County for 2023 have been released. Published: July 1, 2023. This photo shows the Fort Myers Beach pier in better weather in August. Learn more. location)Mango Ritas Rhythm HouseRib City (11561 Majestic Blvd. Increased access to Fort Myers Beach is expected to begin at 7 a.m. Sunday for residents and property owners. Florida Fish and Wildlife shared tips on boat safety for taking to the waters this Fourth of July. Email contacts are best: If you need temporary electric service for a temporary trailer/RV or for re-construction or renovations, follow these steps to get started: If you have questions on either this info or any other restoration related concerns, please call 833-FPL-4IAN. People in Punta Gorda are meeting with their insurers face-to-face Thursday. Despite Hurricane Ians impact, Cape Corals Red, White and Boom event is still going on. Theyre walking with closure, Patronis said. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ The first floors of buildings that remained standing were gutted. Beaches and beach parks have not been restored to pre-Hurricane Ian conditions. But a lot of people are still displaced and waiting for temporary housing. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. Restaurants are starting to reopen on Fort Myers Beach as crews work to clear the damage left by Hurricane Ian. Photo Credit: Fort Myers -- Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods, Grow Your Business Today & Beyond with your Winning Plan. This is gone, thats gone, the whale, all the other places, Jim and Kathie said. A map of Fort Myers Beach showing visibly destroyed or severely damaged structures after Hurricane Ian struck the island. WINK News spoke with Jimmy Patronis, Florida Chief Financial Officer, about the success of other insurance villages. There will also be insurance villages in Punta Gorda Wednesday and Thursday, June 28 and 29. 1:35. The Towns Permitting Department has returned to regular operational hours and days. Some of the larger properties that are still closed include South Seas Island Resort, Sundial Beach Resort and Spa and the Neptune Resort. [emailprotected], Staff will respond to all emails as time allows. And I was praying, Alvarez said. This is the busiest Ive seen it since pre-Hurricane Ian. The structural inspection must be performed by a professional engineer with structural experience licensed in the State of Florida. Downtown Fort Myers is celebrating Independence Day with a block party. These moorings can accommodate vessels up to 85 feet in length. Property owners should email the Utilities Department at [emailprotected] with their name and service address. 1:00. 9-year-old Leah Shwedel is using her voice to make lawmakers in Washington, D.C., pay attention to diabetes in children. Lovers Key State Park partially reopened on Fort Myers Beach Thursday. If your question is not answered after reading the FAQs, Building Services staff can be contacted by email at[emailprotected], by telephone at 239-765-0202 choose option 2 or in-person at the east gate of the temporary Town government camp at 2545 Estero Blvd (located just south of the damaged Town Hall). The Category 4 hurricane hit the Gulf Coast vacation destination in southwest Florida, which includes popular beach towns like Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach and Cape Coral. Rosemary Dios Mons, 23, and her 11-month-old child Faith Rivera Dios, An annual fourth of July tradition in Naples is Fireworks at the Pier, but due to damage from Hurricane Ian, it had to be canceled. The extensions of staff are not operational at this time so it is not possible to leave messages at any other extension than O. Hurricane Ian Updates From The Town of Fort Myers Beach, 2023 Hurricane Season Preparedness Resources, Hurricane Ian Recovery How You Can Help, Hurricane Ian Recovery Resources For Residents and Businesses, Town of FMB 'Key Questions With Key Staffers' Video Series, FMB Chamber Board of Directors and Staff Directory, Fort Myers Beach Chamber Water Foundation, Tide Reports, Fishing Reports & Fishing License Information, 2023 Spring Break Schedule for Major Universities, https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/1253/Temporary-Use-Permit, https://portal.iworq.net/FORTMYERSBEACH/new-request/701/3343, https://portal.iworq.net/FORTMYERSBEACH/permits/600, https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/list.aspx, Creating Project Application One-Pager for Temporary Service Only, Project Portal Paying Construction Invoices, https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/1069/Building-Services-Applications-Forms, FPL electric service standards for underground service, FPL electric service standards for overhead service, Can I occupy a structure and/or connect electric service?, https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=82, https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19924/App-Demolition-Permit-Application-2022, https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16454/LEE-COUNTY-FORM-Fort-Myers-Beach-Demo-App-Revised1-31-20, Web Support & Maintenance by Island IT Pros. Prior year resident parking passes will be honored. As a reminder, customers must show a picture ID when picking up mail and packages. To ensure safety, the contractors need to keep the road and beach area closed and clear of all pedestrian and motor traffic while the debris is moved off the beach. Vehicle and mobile home must be on wheels and be able to quickly disconnect utility connections and be removed from the property after a hurricane watch has been issued. Ron DeSantis reported there were about 700 Hurricane Ian-related rescues just on . Video taken by Twitter user Bobby Pratt shows Fort Myers beach in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Any vessel that is in the Towns Mooring Field must register throughthe Towns online Dockwa systemto provide required registration information and payment. Session ID:. Here's what to know about Ian. The Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Chapter 515, Florida Statutes) requires pool safety measures. This all-day event kicks off with a 7 a.m. Five-K. A mother and her infant from Naples have been reported missing. I had to get gas to put in the generator, and that was tough, Alvarez said. And honestly, we didnt know if wed ever really opened again.. All vehicles and structures must be completely on the lot and may not extend into the public right-of-way. Home News Local Lee County Restaurants reopening on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian. Red tide impacting SWFL. "There are businesses reopening every single day, and there are new businesses coming in and wanting to plant their roots there. Naples 9-year-old to speak to Congress about Type 1 diabetes, Avoiding heat-related illness during SWFLs record-breaking summer, Celebrating the Fourth of July with Cape Corals Red, White & Boom, Annual fireworks tradition lives on despite Hurricane Ian, Cape Coral homeowner claims Hurricane Ian insurance check bounced, Naples homeowner struggles with England-based insurer after Hurricane Ian, $3.5 million paid out in insurance claims, Punta Gorda insurance village underway, Homeowners leave South Fort Myers insurance village with checks, Downtown Fort Myers celebrates Fourth of July with block party, Blue-green algae impact on holiday visitors at Jaycee Park, President Bidens sleep apnea could bring awareness of treatment options for millions. These hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Take the opportunity to work with the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce to create a unique advertising experience for your business. The town recommends property owners use locally licensed contractors. However . To learn more or opt out, read our. All of Sanibel Island's beaches are open once more in time for the Fourth of July holiday. Get your swimsuits, towels and sunscreen ready; the beaches are coming back! Get your swimsuits and sunscreen ready; summer is a month away and the beaches are coming back! Much storm debris littering the streets is gone, and more businesses are opening every day. Buildings visibly destroyed or severely damaged. After it was revealed President Joe Biden has sleep apnea and uses a CPAP machine, doctors are hopeful who will spread awareness. "We're getting there," Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery. 1, 2022. Reporter: Nicole Gabe, Michelle Alvarez, Annette Montgomery, Emma Heaton Writer: Melissa Montoya . This program helps property owners rebuild homes or businesses stronger than they were before Hurricane Ian. If youre wondering if Fort Myers is still a vacation option, downtown and areas northeast of Fort Myers Beach are ready for visitors. Note also that Florida has an attractive nuisance doctrine (Florida Statute 823.08) that holds property owners responsible for a childs injuries if the child suffered an injury by a feature or object on the owners premises that is likely to attract children. The machine used to clean debris from the waterways after Hurricane Ian. CREDIT: WINK News. The Fort Myers Beach area was significantly impacted, with many residents losing their homes and businesses. Levels from Tampa Bay to Marco Island range from around 10,000 cells per liter to more than 1 million cells per liter, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Property owners, renters, and businesses in NFIP participating communities are eligible to purchase flood insurance, helping them recover faster when floodwaters recede. When we got to the building, you know, there was debris on the parking lot, up to the ceiling, everything was destroyed, Rommel said. You may have seen the viral images of the reverse storm surge that left Tampas famous Bayshore Boulevard with views of mud instead of water. Gulfside water remains limited. Parking is free right now at most locations but some still require payment. About 90% of hotel rooms were open by December, a number that is now around 98%, said Paul Beirnes, executive director of the Naples, Marco Island and Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau. Officials announced back in February that a phased reopening of beach parks would take place with an overall goal of working alongside local, state, and federal partners to progress the reopenings as quickly as possible.
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