Town of Fort Myers Beach, FL

11/23/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/23/2022 13:16

IAN UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2022

STORM RECOVERY INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

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VOLUNTEER BEACH CLEAN UP WITH "KEEP LEE COUNTY BEAUTIFUL"

Register Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094aaaaa2ca4f49-fort

Details: When: Wednesday, Nov. 30th from 8am-11am

Parking will be at Norm's Beach Parking, 1397 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach.

We can have as many volunteers as possible, but there is only room for 40-45 cars. During the registration, please let us know if you are coming by car and how many volunteers will be with you.

All Fort Myers Beach residents are welcome to join us and can come by bicycle or walk-up.

TOWN COUNCIL CHANGES HOURS FOR CURFEW

Curfew hours for Matanzas Pass Bridge on the north end of Estero Island have been changed to 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. For the Big Carlos Pass Bridge on the south end, residents can use the new 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, but contractors need to adhere to the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew.

Residents should be prepared to show proof of residency if they are traveling on and off the Island during the curfew hours.

DEBRIS REMOVAL AND HOUSING ASSISTANCE

APPLY for debris removal services on your property at iandebriscleanup.com

  1. Gov. DeSanits announced on Monday the "Unite Florida Portal" for state sheltering and housing assistance. People must be registered with FEMA for individual assistance at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/. The deadline was just extended to January 12 but this new portal is a way to connect residents with additional resources. The portal is at: https://ianrecovery.fl.gov/ and the news release about the portal can be found here: https://www.flgov.com/2022/11/21/governor-ron-desantis-announces-unite-florida-portal-for-state-sheltering-and-housing-assistance/
  2. The state launched while ago https://iandebriscleanup.com/ to help with property cleanup, be it a vessel or mobile home, or commercial or private property. The state has added resources to this landing page, including a fact sheet that clarifies how residents can use this site to connect with resources. View the new fact sheet here: https://iandebriscleanup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FDEM_Info-Sheet_11.15.22.pdf

The state is looking to increase local participation in both of these programs.

HOW TO CLEAN UP SAFELY

As the communities start to clean up, homeowners, emergency workers, and volunteers expose themselves to debris and structural damage that can release asbestos fibers. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of Mesothelioma Cancer.

You can fine here: https://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/natural-disasters/ how to clean up safely following a natural disaster.

HURRICANE RECOVERY RESOURCES

For a complete list of recovery resources, go to the light blue sand dollar, "Hurricane Recovery Resources" on the homepage of the Town's website at www.fmbgov.com.

BUILDING SERVICES

If you have questions about the inspection, permitting, and rebuilding processes, FEMA's 50% rule, or other building and permitting topics, contact the Town's Building & Permitting Services via email.

PRECAUTIONARY SWIM ADVISORY

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) has issued a county wide swim advisory for all public beaches and swimming pools due to the possible increase of waterborne illnesses. The water quality has been affected by Hurricane Ian and at this time, swimming is not recommended, nor is any contact with standing water.

TEMPORARY USE PERMIT

To expedite the rebuilding process for property and business owners, registration is available for recreational vehicles, mobile homes, trailers, retail stores, or food trucks to be used on your property. Fill out the form at https://fortmyersbeachfl.gov/1253/Temporary-Use-Permit

HOUSEHOLD WASTE PICKUP

The landfills designated for Hurricane Ian debris cannot accept household waste. Place household waste in a trash can. Bagged material will be picked up if separated from debris. Put bagged household waste in a separate pile at the end of your driveway away from storm debris. Household waste is picked up every Thursday morning (weather dependent). Recycling began Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

FEMA PAPERWORK ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER (DRC)

FEMA assistance is still available. If you need help filling out paperwork, please call 1-800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov. An on-site DRC is at Beach Baptist Church and will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday except Thanksgiving Day.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTERS

The Community Resource Centers will be closed Thursday and Friday this week. Restrooms, laundry and showers will still be available, but no Town staff will be there to hand out food or info. Also the Disaster Resources Center will be closed Thursday - Sunday this week.

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. For more information visit https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/1250/Hurricane-Ian-Resources.

POWER RESTORATION

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 the contractor's Florida license number to [email protected].

WATER RESTORATION

There are no issues with the sewer system. To have water service restored to your home, contact Utilities at [email protected]. You MUSTbe present when water is restored should any issues arise.