Safety and Recovery Resources for Fort Myers Beach Residents Visiting Island
The Town of Fort Myers Beach remains open to residents, property owners and business owners, claims adjusters and others that need to be on the island.
There is no power on the island, no water or wastewater service and no trash pickup. Internet and cellular service is not at full strength. Many structures are destroyed, and most are unsafe to enter. Big Carlos Pass bridge remains closed. Portable toilets are available at regular intervals along Estero Boulevard.
Residents should plan to leave the island before 7 pm.
A temporary town hall complex is set up in trailers next to the damaged town hall. Other Town facilities and programs including Matanzas Pass Mooring Field, Bay Oaks Campus, the FMB Pool, Mount House and Newton Beach Park are closed until further notice.
DEBRIS REMOVAL
When clearing out flooded homes, residents should place debris near the curb for pickup, but not in the street. It’s important to keep streets clear for traffic to move freely. It’s also important that vehicles do not block streets or hinder critical services like debris pickup.
STORM RECOVERY RESOURCES
Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams from FEMA will be on the island in the coming days to help people register for federal disaster assistance. Residents can also register online at disasterassistance.gov or on the phone at 1-800-621-3362.
Disaster Recovery Centers are open at these locations:
Joseph P. D’Allesandro Office Complex
15290 Bass Road
Ft. Myers FL 33919 Lakes Regional Library
2295 Victoria Ave.
Ft. Myers FL 33901
FOOD/WATER
World Central Kitchen is serving meals at 2525 Estero Blvd, just outside the Town Hall complex. Lunch and dinner meals are free.
TARPS FOR ROOFS
You can get a free tarp for your roof by contracting the US Army Corps of Engineers “Blue Roof Program” Call 1-800-ROOF-BLUE to register.
PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
The island was covered in 12-18 feet of salt water from the storm surge. The structural integrity of many homes and buildings is compromised. The electrical systems of most structures on the island are damaged.
Permits and inspections will be required before power will be turned back on to individual structures. Details on required permits and inspections will be made available on the town’s website and social media channels.
CONTRACTORS
Please check the credentials of any contractor you are considering hiring. It is a felony in Florida to conduct unlicensed contracting during a State of Emergency. Don’t become a victim. Visit MyFloridaLicense.com. The town recommends property owners use locally licensed contractors.
WATER SAFETY
Please stay out of the water! There are physical, chemical, biological and bacterial contaminants going into our waterways right now and avoiding contact with flood waters, rivers and gulf/bay waters is advised.
WI-FI AND PHONE CHARGING
Verizon has set up a resource trailer with wi-fi and charging stations next to the town hall.
LIST OF DAMAGED STREETS
• Bay Road - sinkhole near school and road collapsed
• End of Lovers - inaccessible
• Palermo - house and boat in middle of street at the end of street.
• Miramar – 2 piles of debris in road
• Madeira - not accessible
• Anchorage St. - only accessible on foot
• First St. – not accessible
• Second St. – not accessible
• Matanzas Court – not accessible
• Under Matanzas Pass bridge in the downtown district – not accessible
• Harbour Court – not accessible
• Aberdine St. - house in street
• Lauder St.– house in street
• Lazy Way – house in street
• Madrid St. - whole road is collapsed - accessible only on foot
• Bahia Via - accessible on foot
• Indian Bayou- accessible through Lenark only
For additional information visit FMBGOV.gov, leegov.com and floridadisaster.gov.