Hurricane Recovery

The Sarasota County Commission on Wednesday approved a $91.8 million budget amendment to fund hurricane recovery projects, a stark reminder that efforts to return the area to a sense of normalcy after a rash of major storms remains a work in progress.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners on June 16 approved the draft RESTORE Act Direct Component Multiyear Implementation Plan (MIP) and authorized a 45-day public comment period as required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Now it’s up to the town council to make a final decision on whether to approve a 150-unit hotel and 46 multi-family condos at the site of the former Outrigger Beach Resort.

Income-eligible homeowners seeking assistance to repair, replace or reconstruct property that was damaged by Hurricane Helene and/or Milton have until March 31 to file applications to LeeCares before the application portal closes.

Lee County is setting a deadline for home owners to apply for federal money to repair damage from Hurricane Ian more than three years ago. Commissioners also are awarding money for more affordable housing.

Lessons learned. That’s what filmmaker Laura DeBruce will discuss when she speaks to the Sanibel Rotary Club on Sept. 26. At the top of her list will be the role luck played in making her documentary, “On Sanibel: The Hurricane Diaries.”

Lee County is reopening the application process to help people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

Generators and gas. Mops, buckets and tarps. Food and water. These are Just some of the items being stockpiled and placed in strategic places around Pine Island. A non-profit group that has helped hundreds of people since Hurricane Ian is preparing for this hurricane season.

More than two years after Hurricane Ian devastated the island, Fort Myers Beach is a sea of construction and new developments. Not everyone is pleased. With so much change in so little time, some feel that the town is moving away from its small, coastal community roots.

County strikes agreement/waiver that allows them to pick up hurricane debris from commercial rights of way