But with the hurricane, Critser says, for better or worse, opposition to redevelopment has melted away. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno announced that two men are missing due to Hurricane Ian and more than 400 wellness checks are left for Lee County. Town Events | Town of Fort Myers Beach, FL - Official Website Please note: Sanibel curfew will remain in effect between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am daily and the Police checkpoint will be in place during the curfew hours. We know many people are devastated from the storm without electric, food, water, the essentials. Many of the accesses also have, The Lee County Parks and Recreation Department maintains. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Here are the facts and status! Marceno said if a building is not safe that residents will be advised that their residence is not safe. Fort Myers Beach: . New Collier Publix and highway. Fort Myers Beach deals. What we know. By 10:15 a.m., those in line miles from the Matanzas Bridge on San Carlos Boulevard, the only open entrance to Estero Island, had already been waiting for 45 minutes, hoping to get in among the 10 a.m.wave. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. Few communities in the U.S. have seen the level of destruction Hurricane Ian brought to Fort Myers Beach. ", Jim Atterholt, vice mayor of Fort Myers Beach, stands in front of Chapel By the Sea. A lot of Mom and Pop type businesses." Fort Myers Beach was one of the hardest hit areas, with high winds and storm surges destroying homes, beloved restaurants and resorts. Check out our list below to see which beaches are open and which ones plan to reopen soon. #3, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. PERMITTING (also Building Services, zoning, code), Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force (MERTF) 10:00 AM, Permits issued October 2022 to Present = 9,200 / typical year averages 2,000, Want to check the status of your permit? At a recent news conference he said, "Anyone should be held accountable who's not meeting obligations to their folks. Ian was a Category 4-plus storm with sustained winds for about nine hours of 150 miles per hour. "You can see how the front of the sanctuary was just devastated." This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). One of the perks of being the only business open in the area, you. It featuresreal-time updates, photos and information. Fort Myers Beach to open in next 24-48 hours, Lee County Sheriff's Our top priority at Margaritaville is the safety of our community and team, and joining our neighbors in the rebuilding of Fort Myers Beaches. For Sale - 190 Tarpon Rd, Fort Myers Beach, FL - $648,000. hide caption, Volunteers load free drywall into trucks and SUVs during a recent giveaway at Beach Baptist Church on Fort Myers Beach. The shift comes asthe town government said it wouldtake over the ongoing response to Hurricane Ian from the fire department, officials said Saturday afternoon. Fort Myers News-Press 0:00 0:45 Get your swimsuits, towels and sunscreen ready; the beaches are coming back! Closure signs are posted where necessary, and. What about a wedding album? he said. Get ready for some fun in the sun! Jim Atterholt, vice mayor of Fort Myers Beach, stands in front of Chapel By the Sea. Hurricane Ian made landfall in the U.S. on an island off the coast of Fort Myers on Sept. 28, 2022. Infused with the soul of artists past and present. The Fort Myers Beach Fire Department announced that it expects to reopen Fort Myers Beach residents in the next 24-48 hours. These beaches have reopened since Hurricane Ian: Alison Hagerup Beach Park (Captiva) Andy Rosse Lane Park. Residents, property owners, claims adjusters and "others that need to be on the island" were allowed to enter at staggered openings depending on their addresses. Cost is $1-$2 per hour (or $5 per day). "It's still beautiful, absolutely beautiful," Tersea Schillaci said. There are also several local shops, ice cream, fudge and henna tattoos. Some of Naples most popular restaurants in resorts along Vanderbilt Beach still have not reopened since being washed out by Hurricane Ians storm surge last fall, but all plan to relaunch by this fall. Six months after the storm, he and other officials are working in tents and trailers. Calendar Fort Myers Beach CivicEngage Officials here say slow and inadequate insurance payouts are hurting recovery and forcing many long-time residents to sell and leave the island. Multiple local organizations are leading the recovery efforts: Whether you are a first-timer or a regular visitor, volunteering is a unique way to give back and ensure the longevity of this beloved beach destination. You can spend your day here beachcombing and swimming in the warm, tranquil waters, or trying out a range of water sports like parasailing; ensure peace of mind and book the experience beforehand with a reliable and trusted operator. The festival will feature a live band, several food trucks, local. This is how Tamara Pigott, executive director of the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, described the recovery efforts in the Fort Myers, Florida, area after Hurricane Ian devastated the region in September 2022. Margaritaville Resort Fort Myers Beach | Margaritaville Phone: 239-463-5759. It's a story you hear often. Nature lovers can still experience the area's natural beauty and wildlife at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve a milelong boardwalk through freshwater wetlands and the Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. Hurricane Ian washed out ground-floor restaurants and accommodations, creating a heavy loss for the businesses, their employees and their patrons. This all-day event kicks off with a 7 a.m. Five-K. A vehicle crash has occurred on San Carlos Boulevard, blocking the road going Southbound in Fort Myers Beach. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. Restaurants are starting to reopen on Fort Myers Beach as crews work to clear the damage left by Hurricane Ian. Updated December 01, 2022 4:04 PM The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market and Sanibel Grill signage before Hurricane Ian. Restaurants reopening on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian Due to Hurricane Ian, the beach parking pay stations are no longer available on City of Sanibel beaches or Captiva Island beaches. Greg Allen/NPR We'd really like to see that school come back on the island. Its still beautiful, absolutely beautiful, Tersea Schillaci said. Similarly, nearby Sanibel Island and Pine Island were devastated, with residents unable to return home until the causeway and bridge were reconstructed. hide caption. Exact dates will be posted when the construction timeline is finalized. He says, "We're the exact opposite of South Beach. Users can search by specific address, ZIP code, city or place. There's seafood aplenty and so much more to devour. Experience the Magic Don't miss out on the immersive July 4th fireworks display at Freedom Fest in downtown Fort Myers. General Information Once Beaches Re-Open: Admission is free but parking fees may apply. Personal displays of fireworks are not permitted anywhere in the Town, including the beach. The Town's Beach Accesses are currently in various stages of repair due to damage sustained from Hurricane Ian which directly hit Estero Island on September 28, 2022. We are around 50% completed with the island wide stormwater cleanout and inspection process. Downtown Fort Myers is celebrating Independence Day with a block party. They are open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a full bar and a . A huge new resort, Margaritaville, was under construction when Ian hit. Where life floats by like a light sea breeze. We will make sure people are taken care of., Copyright FORT MYERS - Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin | https://www.fortmyersbeachtalk.com | 19260 San Carlos Blvd, Bldg. Debris can still be found in near-shore areas, such as dunes or mangrove-lined coastlines. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Parking 239-463-5888. Now, by Ian it's just magnified to such a degree that we have tomake sure people who want to work and live here can afford to. Fort Myers Beach: Yucatan Bar and Grill, Pink Shell's pool are back In the last regular meeting of Town Council before summer break, held on June 20, Councilors decided to keep the Towns millage rate the same. There are things insurance cant replace. A 15-foot storm surge swept away many structures and left few undamaged. Find the right card for you. "We thought we'd stop on down and check it out to see what the progress is of the. With Open House - Homes for Sale in Fort Myers Beach, FL Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Colonial Blvd. Not only can you play an integral part in Fort Myers' recovery, but you can also create long-lasting memories and see the fruits of your labor each time you return to the area. A strong odor and stench fill the air from the widespread pollution that has occurred from the flooding of homes and businesses and shipwrecks. Monica Shmucker, whose house on San Carlos Island was severely damaged in the storm, was just trying to get home. Get yourself a little something. Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith says those homes will be rebuilt and the city is working to add more. Fort Myers Beach in Florida is a long, sandy beach that's popular amongst locals, spring breakers, and families. Copyright 2023 Fort Myers Broadcasting. Below is a list of accommodations and attractions that are currently open. "We appreciate the cooperation and patience (shown) while efforts to locate our friends and neighbors continue," Fire Chief Ron Martin said. The greater Fort Myers area is recovering and rebuilding from the impact of Hurricane Ian. All rights reserved. Lee County beaches are back and reopened after Hurricane Ian's hit The good news is some places are opening. All of Sanibel Islands beaches are open once more in time for the Fourth of July holiday. The Town of Fort Myers Beach announced Saturday that residents, business owners, insurance adjusters and others who need to be on the island will be allowed back Sunday beginning at 7 a.m. Authorities are warning residents and visitors to avoid going into any waterways due to the pollution and threats of sharp objects being in the water from the flooding. Visit Website Learn More Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille 708 Fisherman's Wharf Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 765-9660 Learn More Visit Website Dine at Doc Ford's, the #1 restaurant for "Everyday Eats" in the country on TripAdvisor in 2021! I look at our visitors as a big part of our recovery," she added. Please check the current curfew hours before visiting. After it was revealed President Joe Biden has sleep apnea and uses a CPAP machine, doctors are hopeful who will spread awareness. Town officials are working on a new comprehensive plan that will determine what the new version of Fort Myers Beach will be. Lee County does not have timeline as to when beaches will reopen Although the beaches have been thoroughly checked for debris, they are still in the process of being restored. It is a 712-acre Florida State Park located on Lover's Key and three other barrier islands . You can still enjoy the things you love about Fort Myers and its surrounding beach communities, but you may also discover something new. Its all hands on deck. More than a week after Hurricane Ian, the shock of what's ahead settles in for people, One Florida community built to weather hurricanes endured Ian with barely a scratch, Florida's property insurance market was already under stress. A look at Times Square and the progress thus far in 2023 post - WFTX Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS)- This is anexperimental forecast of potential respiratory irritation that may occur because of airborne toxins produced by the red tide organismKarenia brevis. A recent milestone provided a literal and figurative beacon of hope for Fort Myers' future. They've been hard at work rebuilding ever since, and you can aid in restoring this world-class beach destination just by visiting for a vacation. She waved as she pulled a few feet forward in line, happy to move forward, still three miles from the bridge. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. The Towns emergency beach berm project and temporary Town Hall facilities are funded by a public assistance program managed by the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Sign up for our enewsletter to receive information on the greater Fort Myers area and ways you can help as they become available. You can dance or just listen to the music. But the sound of the waves and the beautiful white sand are untouched. This report covers all drinking water testing from January 1 to December 31, 2022. Foot protection is a simple safety measure you can take while visiting. Beach Conditions Reporting System (Mote Marine Laboratory)-Map displaying beach conditions reports from participating locations, Red Tide Current Sampling Map- Updated bi-weekly by The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commissions (FWC), Florida Healthy Beaches Program (Florida Department of Health)-Mapwith beach samples & advisory status. Though damaged, Sanibel Grill had a soft opening on Nov. 27 and opened on Dec.. Six months after Hurricane Ian walloped Southwest Florida, the recovery is slow and uneven. See a map of the accesses. Home Things to do Beaches Beaches The Town's Beach Accesses are currently in various stages of repair due to damage sustained from Hurricane Ian which directly hit Estero Island on September 28, 2022. And that will create a different flavor here because you won't see so many of the old ground level cottages." Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island is a favorite destination of many locals, snowbirds and vacationers. Fort Myers Beach - What to Know BEFORE You Go (UPDATED 2023) - Tripadvisor For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Six months after Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida, there are many homes that remain untouched. The Florida Department of Transportation completed temporary repairs to the four previously damaged and closed bridges that provide access to [] Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said there were still more than 400 well-being checks remaining though he believes most of those are for people who are safe. It's led to complaints from locals about "disaster tourism" and snarled traffic already slowed by debris removal and construction equipment. A band will perform at the clock on Time Square starting at sundown until 10:00. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. He's staying nearby but estimates it will be at least six months until he's back in his house. A lot of rebuilding remains to be done, but we still have the sunshine, our sugar sand beach and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets our island is famous for. Parking 239-463-5888. What you need to know: 11 helpful links to help you navigate Ian recovery, relief, More: Businesses in downtown Fort Myers start reopening after Hurricane Ian. Greg Allen/NPR Where to find gas in Fort Myers, Naples 7-Eleven 8600 Alico Rd.,. PLEASE NOTE: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. Park FREE & take the Trolley to the beach from Summerlin Square or Main Street Parking. With the help of a developer, he hopes his rebuilt church complex will include workforce housing. Theres no ranger station, Eddy Zahoransky pointed out. Or you can enjoy a walk on the pier. Traffic getting on to Fort Myers Beach Sunday morning was worse than the season, residents said. "Debris in the water and buried in the sand at the water's edge creates a safety hazard. It was Miller says, "the working man's beach, nothing too fancy. Bayfront Bistro is the first to reopen on Fort Myers Beach since Hurricane Ian washed away homes and decimated businesses. Volunteers load free drywall into trucks and SUVs during a recent giveaway at Beach Baptist Church on Fort Myers Beach. Open fires are prohibited on the beach and Little Estero Critical Wildlife Area. If things are closed on Fort Myers Beach and not there. Currently, 9,825 hotel rooms are open and welcoming guests to Fort Myers 68.6% of what was open before Hurricane Ian. By next year, Atterholt vows things will be different. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno thanked the workers who have been cleaning up the debris from Hurricane Ian on Fort Myers Beach (in background). It brought sustained wind speeds of 155 mph and storm surges as high as 12 to 18 feet above sea level, according to the Storm Surge Unit at the National Hurricane Center. Tourism has a tremendous effect on Fort Myers' economy. Check the current weather, surf conditions, and beach activity and enjoy live views of your favorite Florida beaches. Florida Gov. 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. They are currently back open with a food truck. But to do that, we're going to have to provide houses for those families to live in. Lovers Key State Park partially reopened on Fort Myers Beach Thursday. Fort Myers Beach was particularly hit hard by the 15-foot storm surge. Phone: 239-765-0202. The county is working alongside state and federal agencies to clean and remove the debris so that beaches are safe for visitors. "But I don't think it will be like Miami," he says. Algal Bloom Sampling Status- Interactive dashboard allows public to see where algal blooms were occurringin Florida. "It's pretty big day." The restaurant's reopening led Cape Coral resident Janet Stout to the beach on Friday. What's Open in the Fort Myers Area - Status | Visit Fort Myers What's Open in the Fort Myers Area The greater Fort Myers area is recovering and rebuilding from the impact of Hurricane Ian. It's bringing a sense of hope to Southwest Florida. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. James Hurst of Fort Myers Beach and Gary Luke of North Fort Myers both are believed to be missing as a result of Hurricane Ian, Marceno said. You can replace a home, a roof, a boat. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Lovers Key State Park partially reopened on Fort Myers Beach Thursday. Below is a list of accommodations and attractions that are currently open. The vibrant downtown at the center of it all. 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. NOTE: The entrance to San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, 18201 John Morris Road, will be closed every Tuesday and Wednesday beginning March 7, to allow the states licensed contractor to safely remove hurricane debris along the preserves coastline. MLS #223046166. The largest recorded hurricane to make landfall in Lee County, Hurricane Ian left unprecedented levels of damage and destruction to the beaches and communities in the Fort Myers area. Visit must-see, cant-miss, unforgettable experiences in Southwest Florida. On nearby Sanibel Island, a non-profit corporation supported by the city provides nearly 90 workforce homes, some of which were destroyed in the storm. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Spring training runs from Feb. 25 through March 28 at JetBlue Park and Hammond Stadium, respectively. The Town of Fort Myers Beach maintains29 public beach accesseson Estero Island, includingNewton Beach Park and Seven Seas Cottage. He owns a local chain of restaurants and has heard the insurance woes. Fort Myers Beach becomes open to the 'public' for the first time after Ian Access to Fort Myers Beach from south end to open following repairs to An exact time and date has not yet been announced as search and rescue operations continue. Charlie Doster was among those collecting the maximum 25 sheets. This rate is .9900 mills. ", Big changes are underway on Fort Myers Beach. Want to know what's open on Fort Myers Beach, the barrier islands? Here The Pickleball courts at Bay Oaks will be unavailable over the next few months as the gym and grounds are under reconstruction due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian. That could be a model for Fort Myers Beach. Find the right inspiration to visit our area and start your#MyFortMyersitinerary. Because most of the damage on Fort Myers Beach came from storm surge, only those with flood insurance received significant insurance payouts. What is visible during the day may not be.. These are marked and easily accessed from Estero Boulevard, the only thoroughfare through the Island. Get ready for some fun in the sun! There are few places to stay on Fort Myers Beach now, but visitors, especially those with long ties to the island, have already begun to return. Storm Surge Unit at the National Hurricane Center, The best spring break destination for families for an easy vacation, Key travel tips you need to know whether you're a beginner or expert traveler, 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without, 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Please NOTE:This experimental forecast is currently being tested for efficacy and is not yet an official forecast. ", At Beach Baptist Church on a recent morning, a line of cars snaked down the street for a giveaway of something nearly every homeowner here needs, drywall. Lovers Key State Park is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset. If you lose a loved one. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Myers Airport, Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center, Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Airport, Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Colonial Blvd, La Quinta Inn & Suites Fort Myers Airport, La Quinta Inn By Wyndham Fort Myers Central, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Fort Myers-Sanibel Gateway, Fort Myers, Residence Inn By Marriott Fort Myers Sanibel, Residence Inn by Marriott Gulf Coast Town Center, Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library, The Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, North Fort Myers Recreation Center and Park, Native Landscapes & Garden Center at Bailey Homestead Preserve, Colonial Resort Motel & Apartments -(239) 542-2149. He says, "We're going to have what I call a functional paradise once again." If somebody who is homeless and who needs a place, we have places right now to help them. Bonita Beach Park. If you see anything open you can email: sneely@gannett.com or crunnells@gannett.com. Discover the personal connections these residents and visitors have made with the greater Fort Myers area. Red Tide can affect your beach experience and it is important to know which beaches are being impacted prior to your visit. Check here before booking an award fare. "Everybody is faced with this situation," he says. Fax: 239-765-0909. ", Doster's home was flooded and he's doing the repairs himself. Beaches - Lee County Southwest Florida But Kathey and Don Herwerdon, who drove down from Brunswick, Ohio, to check on their family's property, said the traffic was worse than in the typical tourist season, which spikes with the spring breakers in March. The Town's annual July 4 fireworks display will not occur this year due to continuing recovery from Hurricane Ian. Know before you go! Happy 4th of July! Click Here For Information. At least 149 people were killed in the storm from flooding and 155-mile per hour winds. The Lee County Sheriffs Office will not force people out of their homes, he said. It's pretty remarkable that you can assist in that commitment just by visiting, but that's exactly what Pigott is hoping travelers will do. Many here see it as the end of an era. Who's Open For Business - Fort Myers Beach Chamber Fort Myers Webcams. hide caption. I am worried about food and water., There are things insurance cant replace. To keep the tradition alive, Collier County stepped in. There used to be a bridge down there that we used to take the long walk and we walk it would come right out to the beach, Savannah Schillaci recalled. Pastor Shawn Critser of Beach Baptist Church operates a forklift moving supplies into his damaged church. "In a way," he says, "the hurricane has forced us tostay in your lane, worry about what you got, take care of your stuff. Bay Oaks Rec Campus. is an additional resource for beach information. Please view our advertising policy page for more information.
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