All rights reserved. One of the winning tickets to Friday's Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Fort Myers, Florida, weeks after Hurricane Ian devastated the area. The broken infrastructure continues on a slow, tedious rebuild each day. Crews have cleared approximately 3,000 miles of major roadways and local roads. *Keep generators dry and clear of debris. Well in advance of a predicted storm, its important to review and make sure your property insurance policy is robust enough to fully repair or rebuild in the event of a claim. The Lee County Sheriffs Office says Marcus Chiddister, 23, was sentenced to three years in prison and two years of probation. FORT MYERS, Fla. One person was taken into custody after leading authorities on a chase following an attempted traffic stop. Fort Myers was in the direct path of the hurricane as it came ashore and, less than 24 hours later, I'm standing with Pastor James Macon from the city's River . I instantly recognized him and said Holy cow, Chad, get inside you guys, Yount said. Fort Myers' islands, beaches and neighborhoods have a way of leaving a lasting impression. Tropical Storm Eta was a hurricane as is passed by Southwest Florida Wednesday. From CNNs Randi Kaye, Laura Dolan, Jerry Simonson and Amy Simonson. We are not going to be prepared to accept our tourists at this time, Johnson added. In downtown Fort Myers, the streets flooded as the rain poured in and palm trees were . What is back-feeding? Below. DIRECT deep-water access to Caloosahatchee River. Additionally, hurricanes Charley, Jeanne, Dennis, Wilma, Irma, and Ian, made landfall on the state as major hurricanes. TESTIMONIALS. When the power is eventually restored, this could cause a fire for underlying electrical issues. Its horrific, Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson told CNN Friday morning from the once-scenic towns obliterated marina. Back feeding will put you and others, including utility workers, at serious risk for electrocution and/or electrical fire. 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 []. ", Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Lorenzo, Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Nestor, "Bertha downgraded to tropical depression; relentless rain to continue in saturated South Florida", "Steady downpours bring costly flooding across South Florida", "SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch is scrubbed due to weather", "June 6-7, 2020 Tornadoes in Orange, Volusia & Lake Counties", "Tropical Storm Fay makes landfall near Atlantic City", "Tropical Storm Isaias - August 1-2, 2020", "Marco Weakens and May Still Bring Heavy Rain to Parts of Gulf Coast Into Tuesday", "Hurricane Sally damage estimates surge to $309 million in Escambia County", "Tropical Storm Gamma meanders off Mexico, bringing flooding and storm surge", "2 drown in rip currents in Northwest Florida over weekend", "Tropical Storm Eta to Brush South Florida Near Hurricane Strength With Flooding, Strong Winds", "Tropical Storm Fred Public Advisory Number 28A", "Tropical Storm Fred Tropical Cyclone Update", "How strong were Ian's wind gusts in Orlando and across Central Florida? After you have documented the post-storm damage, its your duty to do what you can to prevent additional damage to your property. As for the winning ticket, it's the first Mega Millions jackpot win since two people won the $1.337 billion prize in Illinois on July 29, officials said. Hot. Their homes had been destroyed and they were moving elsewhere, he said. "But he's alive.. 0:00. Lush landscaping and an outdoor kitchen and bath make lazy days by the pool a breeze. Enjoy the beautiful wide . I live out of town and cannot reach a family member. On Friday morning, Fort Myers will hold a public memorial to the life of Police Chief Derrick Diggs, who died on Feb. 15 after a battle with cancer. Can someone check on her to make sure they are okay? This well-maintained home is a 3/2/2 with a heated pool and spa surrounded by pavers and professionally installed landscaping was added in 2022. 2021. . It is the responsibility of the property owner/site manager to dispose of its debris. Allison Christian faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, according to an arrest report. 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. It is dangerous, often illegal, and it should never be attempted under any circumstance. 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. 2023 Cable News Network. 2 min read. Who is taking care of the trees down on residential vacant property/vacant lots? In addition, damaged property is evidence of your loss and may be needed to prove your claim or case in court. 2 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,054 Square Feet for sale for $499,999 - AMAZING location with incredible sunsets. Once your insurance company pays you for your damaged property, known as salvage, the insurance company becomes the owner of it. Hurricane Ian initially made landfall in Florida on Wednesday afternoon near Cayo Costa. Box 62764Fort Myers, FL 33906. Keep your policy in a secure place before and after the storm. These residents hope this is the last time theyll see flooding like this. SAIL hotline: 800-342-3557. Officials in Fort Myers did not immediately provide a response to these concerns when contacted by CNN. Small Business Disaster Assistance Florida SBDC At a BRC, SBA and SBDC disaster specialists will be available to answer questions about available disaster loans and help small business owners with their disaster applications. the methods below. They could weigh as much as a ton and theyve been thrown around like they were nothing., 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Florida homeowners upset by insulting hurricane insurance payouts. "I'm grateful that I'm living and that I'm able to try and rebuild," Taylor said. Dont run a generator in a garage, even with the door open. At least 125 people died from Hurricane Ian after it tore through the southeastern US last week, according to CNN's tally, based on data from local and state agencies. Caloosahatchee Conditions Report (February 21, 2023) Flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary had a 7-day average of 1,649 cfs at S-79 with a 7-day average of 1,569 cfs (95%) coming from the lake at S-77. Sale Pending. 2022 Hurricane SunDeck OB SD 235 OB. Allison Christian faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, according to an arrest report. No hurricane damage whatsoever to this well-built DR Horton home that was c. Residential and business customers who are serviced by the following offices can expect mail and package delivery to resume as early as Friday, Sept. 30. Who is taking care of the trees down on residential developed property? Phone: (800) 621-FEMA (3362). However, Oliver says several families showed up at a school donation drive Wednesday to say goodbye to teachers. The coastal city of Fort Myers, a popular tourist destination, was levelled by the hurricane's destructive storm surges. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. 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. Its just totally devastating., From CNN's Nicquel Terry Ellis and Justin Gamble. BRIDGE BRANCH OFFICE. The day of the hurricane, the gregarious 59-year-old walked to a friend's house in Fort Myers Beach, just blocks away. Is SWFL law enforcement preparing for protests over the Tyre Nichols body camera video? The state has been working with CDC, FEMA, and the American Red Cross to develop guidance for counties ahead of the 2020 Hurricane Season. Poor communities and communities of color are alsooften built in locations that are more physically vulnerableto extreme weather events and have less investment in their infrastructure, experts say. Good has been managing the boat show since 1986 with his wife, watching the boats get bigger and the displays get grander. Hurricane Ian is ripping though Southwest Florida. 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. Reporting from Fort Myers, Florida. Brown said the water was over her head as they swam and the current pushed them away from the home they were aiming for. Did you encounter any technical issues? 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.. 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 []. 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. Below you will find a list of hurricane resources and information in our area. If you must touch the generator, wear protective gear. "This show is traditionally in November and obviously had to be canceled in November, but the city bent over backwards to find us dates and to make the show happen.". DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Recent Hurricane Shutters Reviews in Fort Myers Alufab USA Hurricane Protection 5.0 We had new hurricane shutters installed one week before Hurricane Ian. For information specific to your home, consult your utility providers website and social media channels. TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours. The largest hurricane was Unnamed in 1935. The storm was . We have never seen anything like this in our lives since weve lived here for 10 years. In 2017, Hurricane Irma struck. They werent sure how high the water would get and a friend called and said neighbors were able to get to a nearby house on higher ground. The hurricane center said. Some intersections are working using generator power. Florida Strong Hurricane SVG GraphitiEverything (253) $3.50 SW Florida hurricane Ian T-shirt, graphic tee Goodvibesgraphictees (7) $14.99 Stronger Fort Myers, FL Hurricane Ian Florida Strong 2x3, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14 & 16x20 DIGITAL DOWNLOAD BalloonElevations (20) $4.95 More colors Fort Myers Florida Strong Community Strength Prayer Support Shirt Last affected by. One of the biggest issues people are dealing with when it comes to insurance after Hurricane Ian is property damage. It would be best if you were not back-feeding to a breaker manually. RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP/Getty Hurricane Ian damage in Cayo Costa, Florida, located west of Fort Myers. They comprised seven deaths in Monroe County, three deaths in Putnam County, three deaths in Hendry County and one death each in Polk and Sarasota counties. Dont forget the roof! Fort Myers News-Press, 2020. . At least 105 people have died due to the storm, according to CNN's tally,based on official numbers provided by county and state officials. As more people start to pile into the area, and beaches reopen, the fish kill will become a bigger problem. Main house is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath with an open floorplan and views both front and back . After Hurricane Ian set it off course from its traditional date in November, the 50th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show is set to take over the historic downtown riverfront this weekend with some slight changes. He has had to tell several clients that their homes are beyond saving. From CNNs David Williams and Sharif Paget. One of the winning tickets to Friday's Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Fort Myers, Florida, weeks after Hurricane Ian devastated the area. Ticket holders in California and Florida matched all six numbers. A licensed electrician must properly install your outlet and breaker. 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. DIRECT deep-water access to Caloosahatchee River. Residents can call the United Way at 211 or visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/. The wind, rain, and storm surge sank boats, damaged some roofs and cars, and caused flooding in some areas. At least 127 people in the state have died due to Hurricane Ian, local officials said. WATCH 2022 WPTV FIRST ALERT WEATHER SPECIAL. Feb. 13, 2023 On Sept. 28, Hurricane Ian made landfall on Cayo Costa, a barrier island northwest of Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Fla., as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of more than. Phone: (800) 829-1040, State Assistance Information Line The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is a toll-free hotline activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting Florida. 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. Duckwall punched a hole in the screen so they could get into the porch. On Friday morning, Fort Myers will hold a public memorial to the life of Police Chief Derrick Diggs, who died on Feb. 15 after a battle with cancer. The School District of Lee County. . Unfortunately, this tourist season will be nonexistent. They only went a few houses down the street, but it felt like forever. Surgical Healing Arts Center and Metro Alliance Surgery Center are combining for a $14 million construction project in south Fort Myers. One of the biggest issues people are dealing with when it comes to insurance after Hurricane Ian is property damage. Washington man accused of murdering twin brother outside P Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, What's next for Buster Murdaugh after dad's murder conviction, life sentence, Murdaugh son collapsed outside court after sitting stone-faced through dad's 6-week murder trial: source, Tom Sandoval breaks silence on Ariana Madix split amid cheating claims, Kelly Osbourne posts first photo of baby son as he hangs out with uncle Jack, Greys Anatomy alum Isaiah Washington retiring from acting: The haters have won, Max Scherzer's first look at the new pitch clock, Chris Rock Jokes About Watching Emancipation to See Will Smith Getting Whipped In Advance of Netflix Special: Report, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce. For updates on power restoration throughout the area, please consult local providers LCEC (Lee County Electric Cooperative) and FPL (Florida Power & Light). Streaming with multiple cameras set . *Be aware of hazards. Firefighters are battling several brush fires in Charlotte County; the one off McCall Road threatens several buildings, including a church. FEMA Disaster victims can obtain additional information and apply for disaster assistance through FEMA in various ways. Several homes were in various states of destruction. Now the Gulf Coast braces for a possible hurricane", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Gordon, "Congress must step up for Air Force bases devastated by natural disaster", "Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Michael", "USAF Had Faulty Data About Whether Hangars Full of F-22s Could Survive Hurricane Michael", "Good Samaritans Form Human Chain to Rescue Swimmers from Rip Current in Florida", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Erin, "Should St. Johns County keep lifeguards on longer into summer season? The U.S. The National Hurricane Center forecasts a. Discovery Company. Clear 3 to 4 feet around the generator to create airflow space to avoid a fire. Air conditioning, laminate floors, interior doors, baseboards, trim and impact resistant front door installed in 2020. Plug appliances directly into the generator. El Jobean bridge in the distance Charlotte county Fl.#HurricaneEta pic.twitter.com/POpl4OIFP0, Christina Hoaglin (@seasthislife) November 11, 2020. 4 min read. Being prepared with documentation of the state of your property before the storm can speed processing of your claim and is helpful if you need to apply for disaster aid. Who is taking care of the trees down on commercial property? When we actually floated down the road he was awake but he never cried. They hadn't been inspected and we hadn't paid our balance before the storm hit. 2023 Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Hurricanes pose serious threat of damage to property. Another neighbor, Amy Flynn, said, Usually it doesnt even flood, even slightly, so this is crazy.. Its just gone, our beach is gone, the buildings trashed, the trees are gone, it was all so lush in there, Paskaly said. Fort Myers, FL is in a very high risk hurricane zone. It starts with a complete gutting of homes and structures. To avoid electric shock or electrocution, do not try to fix or work on a generator while it is on or plugged in. Our hotline is updated daily by 4:30 p.m. each day. It is varied degrees of damage, but every home on Sanibel has received some level of damage. "I was just talking to some of the restauranteurs since I've been in downtown and since Christmas, they've seen an amazing increase in their businesses, the restaurants and all people are out and doing things, so I think people are ready to get back to some resemblance of normalcy.". An attorney experienced with hurricane claims can review your property insurance as well as the information and documentation of your claim and help you determine the best course of action when dealing with your insurance company after a storm. Box 62764Fort Myers, FL 33906. One-story homes were either completely flooded or destroyed. Back feeding is tying a portable generator directly to your homes electrical panel instead of using a transfer switch. 2855 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966 Phone: 239-334-1102 TTD/TTY: 239-335-1512. Michael was the strongest hurricane to strike the contiguous United States since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. 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. SOUTH FORT MYERS Heavy rains from storms passing through Southwest Florida on Monday triggered a Flood Advisory. Get the monthly weather forecast for Fort Myers, FL, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. Vero Beach, Florida 32960. Business Damage Assessment Survey The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. 2003 Chris Craft 25' Crown Cruiser. Crisis Cleanup will connect you with volunteers who may be able to assist. Instead, he and thousands of others dig in to rebuild not only the physical landscape, but the emotional toll you can't see. It is a humbling site where mother nature took out her rage and nearly three months after the fact, the indelible mark still remains. This is a. It is the responsibility of the property owner to place all hurricane related debris at the curb to be picked-up by the debris removal contractor. Fort Myers, located in southwest Florida, has an overall average high and low temperatures of 85 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (29 and 18 degrees Celsius) 1 , making it the ideal destination for tourism year-roundwell, except for the Atlantic hurricane season that runs from June 1 through November 30.