STORM RECOVERY INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Saturday, October 29, 2022
STAY CONNECTED:
Visit www.fmbgov.com, follow the Town of Fort Myers Beach on social media, or email
publicinfo@fmbgov.com. To sign up for text or email alerts, visit http://fmbgov.com/list.aspx, enter your email and cell phone number, then select News Flash/Advisories. To see a list of Frequently Asked Questions, click here. If you need to reach the utilities department, email utilities@fmbgov.com.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach has published a working map of the number of streets with restored water as well as the locations and services of the community resources centers. To view the map, click here.
FEMA PAPERWORK ASSISTANCE
Do you need help filling out FEMA paperwork? If you need assistance, visit the Baptist Church Community Resource Location at 130 Connecticut St. to talk with a FEMA representative in-person and have questions answered.
MEALS FOR RESIDENTS
The Red Cross will be taking over meal distribution for Fort Myers Beach residents starting Sunday, Oct. 30 at both Community Resource Centers. Residents should be advised the meal operations may look slightly different from World Central Kitchens’ operations.
FIRE ENGINE AND AMBULANCE DONATION
The Town of Fort Myers Beach and Fort Myers Beach Fire District would like to extend a “thank you” to Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department for their donation of a fire engine and an ambulance to replace the two apparatus lost in Hurricane Ian. We are grateful to Mayor Lenny Curry, the City Council, Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers and all JFRD personnel who were instrumental in making this happen.
TEMPORARY E.R. OPEN
A free-standing emergency room is now open at 6890 Estero Blvd. The E.R. is open 24/7 for anyone in the Town of Fort Myers Beach requiring immediate medical care or access to a physician.
FORT MYERS BEACH ACCESS
Town of Fort Myers Beach residents can now access the Town any day of the week. Monday/Tuesday daily access is no longer restricted. Curfew will still apply every day, which is 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. For those who need to travel during curfew time, passes are not required. Curfew is in place to protect the community from looting and loitering, not to keep residents from their daily routine such as driving to/from work or appointments.
DEBRIS REMOVAL
More than 252,000 cubic yards of Hurricane Ian-related debris has been collected in Fort Myers Beach. Residents can apply for debris removal services on their property by using the website: iandebriscleanup.com. This debris removal includes displaced and abandoned vehicles, vessels, and other titled property from qualifying private and commercial properties, as well as waterways throughout Lee County.
All residents are advised not to block roadways with debris so trucks can access each individual street for pickup. Trucks will be unable to pick up debris if they do not have space to drive down roads. The Town has been divided into 28 zones for debris collection and each zone has its own assigned truck. To view an active map of debris removal in the Town, click here: Debris Removal Data.
SAND REMOVAL
Sand is considered debris. However, it is a resource that the Town wants to conserve to restore beaches. Keep sand debris separate from other types of debris as you stage it. There are two options for sand removal:
- Use the sand to restore your beach property.
- Separate and remove manmade debris from sand and sift it prior to returning to the beach.
- Vehicles used on the beach to return sand should be permitted with the Town.
- Stage the sand in the sidewalk right of way, keeping it separate from other types of debris.
- Know that this sand may not be returned to you after debris contractors remove it
For more information: visit https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/1250/Hurricane-Ian-Resources
CALCULATING THE 50% RULE
The Town has released a revised FAQ document to assist residents in calculating the 50% rule, based on a decision by Town Council at the October 25 meeting to add an adjustment pursuant to the Town’s ordinances. Link to the FAQ: https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=909
PERMITTING
The Town is currently accepting rebuild permits. To find forms for submitting rebuild information, visit https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/1069/Building-Services-Applications-Forms. For updated permitting information, please continue to check the Town's Building Services Webpage at www.fmbgov.com/building. Residents can also email buildingpermits@fmbgov.com with questions.
LOAN INFORMATION
The U.S. Small Business Administration has made disaster loans available for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit this link: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-ian.
MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM
The Center for Progress and Excellence’s Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) has resources available for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Call 844-395-4432 to connect with a mental health professional who can assist you during this time of recovery.
- The MCRT will be available in-person at the Beach Baptist Church Community Resource Center on Wednesday, Nov. 2, during the center’s operating hours.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTERS
Community Resource Centers are open in two locations with daily hot meals available 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. for Fort Myers Beach residents and air compressors available from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for filling low tires.
- Santini Marina Plaza, 7205 Estero Blvd. The site has access to water, food, showers, laundry, and restrooms and is open 24 hours a day.
- Beach Baptist Church, 130 Connecticut St. This location provides ice, food, water, showers, laundry, and restrooms as well as federal, state, local, and non-profit partners. This location will be open 24 hours a day, with representatives from the various agencies available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- On Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Children in Action Foundation will have family resources available at the Beach Baptist location such as clothes, new toys, and food.
WATER AND POWER RESTORATION
Since Oct. 1, The Town has processed 1,031 structural and electrical professional reports which have been emailed to the Town stating that the structures are “structurally safe” or “safe to energize.” Residents must have an inspection from a Florida-licensed structural engineer and a Florida-licensed electrician for power to be turned on. Email inspection reports along with the property address and their Florida license number to buildingpermits@fmbgov.com. To have water service restored to your home:
- Secure structural and electrical inspections.
- Submit the inspections by email to buildingpermits@fmbgov.com.
- The Town’s Utility Department will notify you when your home is scheduled for water restoration.
- You MUST be present when water is restored should any issues arise.
FUEL RESOURCES
Hours for fuel are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and a fueling site with regular unleaded fuel and diesel is available at the Santini Marina Plaza, 7205 Estero Boulevard daily through Saturday, Oct. 29. Fuel will be limited to 10 gallons of fuel per car and 15 gallons per truck/SUV. Payment is credit only, accepted through a registration webpage. Instructions will be provided at the fueling station. Regular unleaded costs $3.39/gallon and diesel $5.29/gallon.
SAFETY INFORMATION FROM THE FMB FIRE DISTRICT
Carbon monoxide detectors are now available at Community Resource Centers. Safety Tips include:
- Do not attempt to move any leaking or damaged propane cylinders. If you encounter a leaking or damaged propane cylinder, call 911. For non-emergency removal of intact propane cylinders, call the Town of Fort Myers Beach at 239-765-0202 and have the address of the propane cylinder ready.
- Remain aware of your surroundings and conditions as you return to your home.
- As the temperature rises, remember to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade when possible.
- Keep the road and fire hydrants clear of debris piles. If a hydrant is opened, contact the Fire District.
- Wear proper footwear as debris piles cause uneven walking surfaces and tripping hazards.
- Treat all downed wires as live and electrified; do not touch downed wires.
- Stay away from standing water as it may contain bacteria.
- Point the exhaust of gas-powered machines away from any activity.
- If possible, avoid walking or working in high-dust areas or wear at least a N-95 mask.
EARLY VOTING
Due to the damage to numerous polling sites, early voting is extended through Election Day. In-person voting for the November 8 general election will be held at 12 voting sites throughout Lee County during early voting AND on Election Day. The sites will replace traditional Election Day precinct voting. Voters may vote at ANY of the 12 sites, regardless of their assigned precinct. For site locations, visit the Lee County Supervisor of Elections website.
MANDATORY BOIL WATER NOTICE
If you have potable water in your home, you are under a MANDATORY boil water notice. All water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, washing dishes, or brushing teeth must be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Bottled water may be used as an alternative. The mandatory boil water notice will remain in effect until water samples show the water has returned to safe drinking levels. Please see the final page of this update for additional information on boil water safety.
If you have potable water in your home, you are under a MANDATORY boil water notice. All water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, washing dishes, or brushing teeth must be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Bottled water may be used as an alternative.
The mandatory boil water notice will remain in effect until water samples show that the water has returned to safe drinking levels. Under a boil water notice, water used for consumption can be disinfected by any one of the following methods:
• Bringing the water to a rolling boil and holding it there for one (1) minute. OR
• Using a disinfecting chemical. If you cannot boil water, you should put eight (8) drops of common household bleach (unscented), which is about 1/8th teaspoon, into one (1) gallon of tap water, then shake it and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before drinking. If the water is cloudy, use sixteen (16) drops, about 1/4 teaspoon of bleach instead of 8, shake it, and let it stand for 30 minutes. There should be a slight chlorine odor. Use common household bleach that has 5% to 8% active ingredients. Use food-grade containers. OR
• Using water purification tablets or iodine that many sports and camping stores sell and follow their directions. You can also buy commercially bottled water for consumption and food preparation as an alternative. Consumption includes brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, and homemade ice.
Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving, and washing, so long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water in the eyes or nose, or mouth. Children and disabled individuals should have their baths supervised to ensure water is not ingested. The time spent bathing should be minimized. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water (that has cooled) for cleansing until the notice is lifted.
Businesses and non-residential sites should take steps such as posting notices or disabling water fountains and ice machines. If you provide water to visitors or employees, use commercially produced bottled water for drinking or beverage preparation (coffee). Food service operations have additional requirements from their regulatory agency. After the water system is repaired, and the pressure is restored in the pipes to your home or business, the mandatory boil water notice will remain in effect for one to several days while bacteria tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water.
WATER RESTORATION UPDATE According to Fort Myers Beach Utilities personnel, side streets on the bay side have water utilities restored with the exception of the Red Coconut area and the cul-de-sac on Madera. Gulfside water remains limited.
- Albatross
- Anchorage
- Avenida Carita
- Avenida Pescadora
- Bahia Via
- Bay Beach
- Bayland
- Baymar
- Bayside
- Bayview
- Buccaneer Lagoon
- Coconut
- Connecticut
- Coquina
- Curlew
- Dolphin
- Donora
- Driftwood
- Dundee
- Egret
- Estero
- Estrellita
- Eucalyptus
- Fairview
- Fairweather
- Falkirk
- Flamingo
- Gulf Island
- Hercules
- Indian Bayou
- Jefferson
- Lagoon
- Lanark
- Lauder
- Lazy
- Lennel
- Little Carlos
- Madera
- Madison
- Mandalay
- Mango
- Mid Island
- Oak Ridge
- Ocean Harbor
- Palermo
- Palmetto
- Pepita
- Publix
- Redfish
- Sabal
- Sand Dollar
- Seminole
- Shell Mound
- St. Peters
- Starfish
- Sterling
- Tarpon
- Tropical Shores
- Voorhis
- Washington