The Hurricane Guide is produced by the Breeze Newspapers Corporation. Special thanks to Lee County
WBy CJ HADDAD • cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
ith the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season having made its mark as the third-costliest on record featuring multiple Category 5 hurricanes, top forecasters are predicting yet another active season.
Researchers at Colorado State University, one of the leading entities in hurricane season forecasts (now in its 42nd year), are predicting an “above average” season in their initial 2025 estimate.
The team points to an above-average subtropical eastern Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea surface temperatures as a primary factor for its forecast number this year.
The CSU Tropical Weather and Climate team is predicting 17 named storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Of those, researchers forecast nine to become hurricanes and four to reach major hurricane strength (Saffir/Simpson Category 3,4,5) with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.
“Our analog seasons ranged from having slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane activity to being hyperactive,” wrote Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU and lead author of the report. “While the average of our analog seasons was above normal, the large spread in observed activity in our analog years highlights the high levels of uncertainty that typically are associated with our early April outlook.”
CSU experts state when waters in the eastern subtropical Atlantic are much warmer than normal in the spring, it tends to force a weaker subtropical high
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and associated weaker winds blowing across the tropical Atlantic. These conditions will likely lead to a continuation of above-average water temperatures across most of the tropical Atlantic for the peak of the 2025 hurricane season, experts continued to state.
The report states that a warm Atlantic favors an above-average season, since a hurricane’s fuel source is warm ocean water and, additionally, a warm Atlantic leads to lower atmospheric pressure and a more unstable atmosphere with both conditions favoring hurricane formation.
Given the combined hurricane-favorable signals of a warm Atlantic and the unlikelihood of El Niño, the CSU forecast team is predicting an above-normal season. The authors do note that the initial April forecast historically has the lowest level of skill of CSU’s operational seasonal hurricane forecasts, given the considerable changes that can occur in the atmosphere-ocean between April and the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season from August to October.
The team predicts that 2025 hurricane activity will be about 125% of the average season from 1991–2020. By comparison, 2024’s hurricane activity was about 130% of the average season.
The 2024 season saw 18 total storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes (Cat. 3 or higher).
The most significant hurricanes of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season were Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which combined to cause more than 250 fatalities and more than $120 billion dollars in damage in the southeastern United States.
The CSU team will issue updates to this forecast on June 11, July 9 and Aug. 6.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva warns it could be another year with “volatile” hurricanes.
AccuWeather experts state that one of the biggest factors for tropical development in 2025 is the abundance of warm water available to fuel storms. Experts state that water temperatures across the ocean, as well as in the Gulf and Caribbean, are already well above historical averages, and they will continue to run warm throughout most of the year.
“A rapid intensification of storms will likely be a major story yet again this year as sea-surface temperatures and ocean heat content (OHC) across most of the basin are forecast to be well above average,” DaSilva explained in a report. “The OHC measures not only the temperature of the water but also how deep the warm water extends. A deep pool of warm water provides much more fuel for hurricanes than a shallow layer of warmth near the ocean’s surface.”
The potential presence of La Niña and El Niño conditions are always major factors in how busy a season can be. Although these events take place in the Pacific, they have far-reaching effects that can boost or suppress tropical activity across the Atlantic, AccuWeather experts stated.
Neither is expected to be present during the first half of the season, but that could change by September, October, or November, according to Accuweather.
“A trend toward a La Niña could yield an active end to the season, while a trend toward El Niño could lead to an earlier end to the season,” DaSilva said.
AccuWeather is predicting between 13 and 18 named storms in 2025, including seven to 10 hurricanes, with three to five being major hurricanes, and three to six direct U.S. impacts. DaSilva added that there is a 20% chance of more than 18 named storms this year.
“AccuWeather is forecasting near to above the historical average number of named storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes, accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) and direct impacts to the United States,” DaSilva said.
DaSilva added that the upcoming season could get off to a fast start, with a chance for a named storm to develop before the season officially starts on June 1. He added that there could be a lull in activity following early-season storms, but could be capped by a busy end to the year. This would be similar to 2024, when 13 of the 18 named storms occurred between September and mid-November. The peak of the hurricane season typically falls around mid-September.
“Similar to last year, northern and eastern portions of the Gulf Coast and the Carolinas are at a higher-than-average risk of direct impacts this season,” DaSilva said. “Atlantic Canada and the northeastern Caribbean are also at an increased risk of direct impacts.”
Hurricane Names for 2025
Andrea • Barry • Chantal
Dexter • Erin • Fernand
Gabrielle • Humberto • Imelda
Jerry • Karen • Lorenzo
Melissa • Nestor • Olga
Pablo • Rebekah • Sebastien
Tanya • Van • Wendy
Since 1953, Atlantic tropical storms had been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center. They are now maintained and updated through a strict procedure by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization.
Six lists are used in rotation and re-cycled every six years, i.e., the 2024 list will be used again in 2029. The only time that there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name for a different storm would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity.
Source: NOAA
Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures.
Category One
Winds 74-95 mph. Some damage: Roofs, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters; downed trees and branches; power outages.
Category Two
Winds 96-110 mph. Extensive damage: Roof, shingles, siding and gutters; downed trees and branches causing road blockage; widescale power outages.
Category Three
Winds 111-130 mph. Devastating damage: Major damage to homes; downed trees and branches causing road blockage; widescale power and possible water outages.
Category Four
Winds 130-156 mph. Catastrophic damage: Severe damage to homes; downed trees and branches causing road blockage; widescale outages.
Category Five
Winds 157 mph or higher: Catastrophic damage: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse; downed trees and branches causing road blockage; widescale outages.
Source: National Weather Service
By CJ HADDAD • cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
When it comes to hurricane season in Lee County, emergency management and countless staff work year-round to be best prepared for whatever is on the horizon, as all it takes is one storm to change everything.
With another active season in the forecast, county experts are heralding that residents should have a plan in place should the region experience a major weather event.
Lee County Emergency Management Chief John Schultz said while preparedness on a local level is always ongoing, individuals should be ready for what may come.
“Everybody has to have a plan,” Schultz said. “Even if you’re one person, it’s very important. If you’re a caretaker of an elderly person in your family, or younger children, you have to have a plan. We hope that people have a plan, but it’s something we want to stress prior to every hurricane season.”
Schultz said residents should take time now to learn about their evacuation zone and your flood zone, which are not the same.
Evacuation zones are used in emergencies. When a major storm is approaching, it is critical to watch for Emergency Management updates and know your evacuation zone to move away from a dangerous storm.
Flood zones are routinely used for flood insurance purposes and construction requirements. It’s very important to know about this afterward for your recovery efforts.
For newer residents to Lee County that may not have experienced a hurricane, it’s a great idea to talk to neighbors to see how the area fares when water and wind arrives. Schultz also made the point that just because one storm impacted an area one way doesn’t mean another storm will bring the same results.
“Storms are different, with local impacts changing,” Schultz said. “Getting historical context from your neighbors is vitally important. Asking those questions and speaking out information can fill in gaps and help people make an informed decision about their plan.
“Storms have different personalities, they take on a different persona. That’s why you have to pay attention to all of them. You just never know and it’s better to be precautionary. Looking at them in a broad context of ‘It never happens here,’ or ‘I made it through the last one fine,’ is not the best plan to have. Going forward, you should look at them as unique and having their own challenges.”
County officials remind residents that shelters are “last resort” options. All shelters are pet-friendly.
“Hopefully you have a plan where you wouldn’t need a shelter, but in case you do, just like in Hurricane Milton this past hurricane season, we had fifteen shelters opened and sheltered around ten thousand residents during the storm,” Schultz said. “We are here for the community, but we encourage having your own plan.”
Rather than waiting for a storm to look like it’s heading in the county’s direction, residents should ensure they have what they need before an impending weather event, collecting items prior to the season being in full-swing.
“Having that plan and that foresight and thinking already now...it kind of takes that anxiety away from going at the last minute,” Schultz said. “I think it gives people peace of mind.”
Critical parts of a hurricane kit include a weather radio, batteries, water, a solar-powered phone charger, non-perishable items, and any medications or other life-dependent items an individual may need.
“Start doing it now so you don’t have to wait until the last minute,” Schultz said.
When a storm is on the way, as well as during impact and in the aftermath, residents can find information from the county via social media, local media, and AlertLee. The AlertLee system enhances officials’ ability to quickly communicate with the public and provide critical and time-sensitive information for emergencies such as hurricanes, wildfires, evacuations and missing persons. By registering for AlertLee via alertlee.com, individuals can receive alerts via cell phone by voice or text, email addresses, home phone, business phone and more.
The hub for all things emergency management for the county is getting an upgrade.
County’s legislative delegation.
When activated for an emergency such as a hurricane, the center will be staffed with key personnel from first-responder agencies, emergency relief organizations, county departments, municipalities, utility companies and other essential
The AlertLee system enhances
officials’ ability to quickly communicate.
The existing Emergency Operations Center is to be renamed the Lee County Public Safety Center when the expansion project is complete before the start of hurricane season.
The nearly $30 million expansion project is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and State Appropriation Funds with key support from Lee
“We’re always working with our partners,” Schultz said. “When we take in all of the information we receive and analyze it and want to distribute it, we have that network in place.
“When a storm comes and we get into that emergency mode, we have these relationships built where I can call the city of Cape Coral (and other municipalities) and help solve problems.”
To accommodate the numerous personnel during activation, the new facility will be equipped with technology and equipment, numerous restrooms, showers and sleeping accommodations, an extensive training facility, and additional amenities to contribute to the building’s efficiency and operational requirements.
“The expansion is going to help support our operations at the EOC,” Schultz said. “At the time of a disaster, we could see upwards of two hundred people reporting to the Emergency Operations Center and sitting and manning the situation room.
“It’s paramount we have that representation from all organizations, all city leaders, and even some of our federal partners are in there as well. It’s a coordinated effort. It’s all about solving problems, and it’s easier with that face-to-face communication.”
This expansion was being planned well before Hurricane Ian made landfall in 2022, as County Commissioners approved a contract with an architectural firm back in June 2019.
When it comes to the aftermath of a storm, there are various hazards residents should be wary of, such as generator safety, using tools such as chainsaws to cut debris, and standing water.
“Depending on the level of storm, there’s this curiosity we all have,” Schultz said. “You don’t want to be wading through waters that you can’t see through. There are sharp objects, wildlife, and all kinds of hazards. We’ve seen even trained individuals get injured.”
To safely operate a generator, set it up outdoors in an area with plenty of ventilation. Never run a generator in a home or garage, as generators emit deadly carbon monoxide.
Turn the generator on before plugging
LEE COUNTY
“It’s a coordinated effort.”
appliances to it. After the generator is running, turn your appliances and lights on one at a time to avoid overloading the unit. Generators are recommended for temporary use; prioritize your needs. Be sure the generator is turned off and cool before fueling it. Do not store fuel indoors. Flammable liquids should be properly labeled in non-glass safety containers.
Schultz said it’s also important to know your home, especially for those that may rent.
LEE COUNTY
“We’re
constantly looking at upgrading technology.”
“What year was your home built? Metal roofs versus shingle roofs. Storm windows versus non-storm impact windows,” Schultz said. “Those upgrades and little things you can do, data shows we have better structures now with building code changes. You want to make sure your home is ready, too.”
New technology has been implemented by the county to help during storm events.
Lee County has contracted with a company called Hohonu, which uses data and technology to protect communities from flooding by providing real-time information Lee County can use to keep residents
informed.
The county has deployed flood sensors that quickly provide information during a storm event and integrate their data with partners like NOAA and NWS.
“This allows us to take action in real-time like re-routing personnel around closed bridges or flooded roads and making critical decisions about infrastructure planning,” county officials said.
There are about 10 gauges installed throughout Lee County currently, with eight to 10 set for installation in the future.
“We’re constantly looking at upgrading technology, fortifying partnerships, and seeing what we can do to provide more real-time information in advance so that people can be prepared before, during, and after a storm,” said Lee County spokesperson, Betsy Clayton.
For more information on Lee County Emergency Management, visit www.leegov.com/publicsafety/ emergencymanagement.
American Red Cross (Local Chapter)
Normal Business - 239-278-3401
239-278-3401
Arson Alert Hotline
Normal Business - 800-342-5869
800-342-5869
Blood Donor Centers
Normal Business - 888-9-DONATE
• Lee Memorial Blood Center
Normal Business - 239-343-2333
• Florida’s Blood Centers
Normal Business - 239-574-3170
Cape Coral Emergency Management
Normal Business - 239-573-3022
Emergency - 911
Cape Coral Police Department (non-emergency) - 239-574-3223
Emergency - 911
Dept. of Financial Services (Insurance)
Normal Business - 239-461-4001
Emergency - 800-22-STORM
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Normal Business - 800-621-3362
Emergency - 800-462-7585
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Normal Business - 850-413-9969
Fort Myers Police Department
Normal Business - 239-321-7700
Emergency - 911
Lee County Animal Services
Normal Business - 239-533-7387
Emergency - 239-533-7387
Lee County Emergency Information Hotline
United Way 211
Normal Business - 239-433-2000
Emergency - 211
Lee County Emergency Management
Normal Business - 239-533-0622
Emergency - 239-533-0622
Lee County Government
Normal Business - 239-533-2111
Lee County Health Department
Normal Business - 239-332-9501
Emergency - 239-332-9501
Lee County Public Safety & EMS
Normal Business - 239-533-3911
Emergency - 911
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Normal Business - 239-477-1000
Emergency - 911
Mobile or Manufactured Home Residents
Normal Business - 850-617-3004
National Weather Service/Tampa Bay
Normal Business - 813-645-2323
Poison Information
Normal Business - 800-222-1222
Emergency - 800-222-1222
The Salvation Army
Normal Business - 239-278-1551
Emergency - 239-278-1551
Sanibel Police Department
Normal Business - 239-472-3111
Emergency - 911
Traffic Conditions in Florida (Current)
Normal Business - 511
Emergency - 511
United Way of Lee, Hendry, & Glades Counties
Normal Business - 239-433-2000
Emergency - 211
Important Phone
Numbers
Evacuate or Shelter in Place?
Deciding whether to evacuate or shelter in place depends upon the incident or event. Having a plan allows you to prepare in advance so you feel more confident and secure.
Whether the disaster is a flood, extreme heat, tropical cyclone, hazardous material spill, or pandemic, the first step is to know your risks and personal needs.
When it comes to weather events, think through factors that may result in evacuation orders. Evaluating your risks will help you decide what to do and where to shelter.
• What is your evacuation zone?
• Does your neighborhood flood during heavy rains?
• Do you require electricity for medical reasons?
If Emergency Management issues an Evacuation Order for your zone, you need to leave the area for your safety. Although we open emergency shelters, staying with family, friends, or in a hotel is more comfortable.
For hazardous material spills or heavy smoke from a wildfire, sheltering in place may be the appropriate choice. Tune into news or social media for official instructions.
Emergency Management has a list of hazards to review and a Family Emergency Plan that you can find on our website at www.LeeEOC.com and on the LeePrepares app.
Source: Lee County Emergency Management
Food and Sanitation
• Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Nonperishable food (for at least 3 - 7 days)
• Cooler and ice for food and medications
• Matches and a lighter
• Camp stove or grill and pots and pans
• Plastic dishes and eating utensils
• Infant and/or senior supplies
• Pet food, bowls, leash, toys and vaccination records
• Cleaning supplies
• Hand sanitizer
Health and Safety
• Soap, shampoo and other personal hygiene items
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Towels
• Clothing for each family member
• Rain jackets, boots and pants
What You Need For Home Disaster Supply Kit
• Blankets and extra bedding
• First Aid Kit
• 2-week supply of prescribed medications
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellant
• Chemical light sticks
Communication
• Flashlight
• Batteries for radio, flashlight, hearing aids, other devices
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Pad and pencils or pens
• Cash, checks and credit cards
• Mobile devices and chargers
• Spare keys
• Whistle
• Identification cards, insurance policies, important records
• Books, cards and games
Source: Lee County Emergency Management
AFTER THE STORM: OVERVIEW
Take precautions after the storm has passed. Damage to your home can be extensive. Relief supplies may take several days to arrive. Try to remain calm during this potentially emotional time. Keep these tips in mind:
• Only call 911 for life-threatening situations.
• Have a valid form of identification if needed for re-entry.
• Call utility companies to report hazards, such as broken glass or water mains, downed power lines, or overturned gas tanks.
• Avoid downed wires and standing water.
• Stay tuned to local media for re-entry information.
• Turn off the main breaker to your house.
• Report suspicious contractors or unfairly high prices to authorities.
• Repair open holes in your roof.
• Photograph and take notes of all damages and make any necessary temporary repairs.
• Be careful around wild and domestic animals. Even if you know an animal it may be frightened or injured and could be dangerous.
• If it is necessary to drive, avoid weakened roads, bridges, or tree limbs that could collapse unexpectedly.
• Ask for a contractor’s valid county contractor’s license. Do not sign a contract if they are unlicensed or pay for services until the work is complete.
Need Assistance?
If you need help that is non-life threatening or have questions on where to get help to recover from a disaster, contact United Way: Dial 211, call 239-433-2000 or visit their website www.unitedwaylee.org.
AFTER THE STORM: GENERATORS
When the power goes off, many residents turn to emergency generators to power freezers, refrigerators, lights, fans and other appliances. If you use a generator, extreme caution is required. While convenient and useful, generators can create hazards for homeowners and electric utility workers. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s safety and operating instructions.
Safety Tips
• Operate it outdoors in an area with plenty of ventilation. Never run a generator in a home or garage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide.
• Turn the generator on before plugging appliances to it. After the generator is running, turn your appliances and lights on one at a time to avoid overloading the unit. Generators are recommended for temporary use; prioritize your needs.
• Do not connect a generator to a home electrical outlet or circuit breaker panel to avoid back feed. Use heavy-duty extension cords to connect appliances to the outlets on the generator.
• Be sure the generator is turned off and cool before fueling it. Do not store fuel indoors. Flammable liquids should be properly labeled in non-glass safety containers.
• Keep children and pets away from portable generators. Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation.
• Make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator.
• Generators pose electrical risks, especially when operated in wet conditions. Use a generator only if necessary when wet conditions exist. Protect the generator by operating it under an open structure on a dry surface where water cannot form puddles or drain under it.
MOSQUITOES
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poison gas. It is a component of the exhaust from the generator engine. The symptoms of exposure are subtle, but deadly. Do not use generators, charcoal or gas grills indoors.
Inexpensive CO detectors, similar to smoke alarms, are readily available and recommended as an added safety precaution.
Call 911 or the Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you think you have been poisoned. More information is available online at www.floridapoisoncontrol.org.
Medium Exposure: Severe headache, drowsiness, confusion, rapid heart rate.
Severe Exposure: Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiac or respiratory failure, death.
AFTER THE STORM: HEALTH TIPS
Storms can bring heavy rains that could increase the risk of diseases. Following are some tips to help you avoid becoming ill. For more information during an emergency event call the Florida State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557.
Find more information online at lee. floridahealth.gov.
Food
• Commercial Cans of Food: Canned food that are bulging or opened should not be eaten. Remove labels from and disinfect unopened cans. Assume home-canned foods are unsafe.
• Baby Formula: Infants should only be fed ready-to-feed formula or prepare powdered/ concentrated liquid formula with sterilized water. Only use sanitized bottles and nipples. Unused formula must be refrigerated. If breastfeeding,
Apply repellant directly on clothing for more protection.
Food and Dirty Water: Do not eat food that has come in contact with dirty water from floods or tidal surges.
Frozen or Refrigerated Foods: If refrigerators or freezers have had no power since the storm, clean them out. Perishable foods are unsafe for eating.
Mosquitoes
Dusk and Dawn: Mosquitoes are most active during these times. Avoid being outdoors. Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
DEET: Use repellants containing 30% DEET. Apply repellant directly on clothing for more protection. Follow manufacturers directions. Do not use on children less than 2 months old. Use mosquito netting or keep infants indoors.
• Drainage: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Clear stagnant water that has collected near your home.
Heat Exhaustion
• Warning Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or fainting.
• Cool Off: Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages. Take a shower, bath, or sponge bath. Wear lightweight clothing. Rest in an air-conditioned environment.
• Heat Exhaustion: Can lead to stroke. Severe symptoms include cool, moist skin, fast and weak pulse, fast and shallow breathing. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms continue for more than an hour or if you have heart problems or high blood pressure.
Water
• Always Wash Your Hands: Use soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.
• Boil Water Notice: If a boil water notice is in effect for your area, take precautions if you have a private well. If you are unsure if your water is safe, drink commercially bottled water.
• Boiling Water: Maintain a rolling boil for one minute to remove bacteria.
• Disinfecting Water: Mix 8 drops of plain, unscented bleach per gallon of water and let stand for 30 minutes. It water is still cloudy, repeat process.
• Infection and Floodwater: Raw sewage may be present in floodwater. Keep open cuts and sores clean and apply antibiotic ointment after cleaning. See a doctor if the wound develops redness, swelling or drainage.
• Children and Floodwater: Children should not play in floodwater. If toys have been in floodwater disinfect them by using ¼ cup bleach in one gallon of clean water, let stand for at least 30 minutes and air dry.
AFTER THE STORM: DEBRIS CLEANUP
To ensure that debris is collected in the most efficient, safe, and timely manner, we recommend you follow these simple guidelines.
• Local media will notify when collection will take place.
• Do not place trash, recycling or debris near low hanging objects, around mailboxes or utility
equipment including power poles/lines, electric meters or fire hydrants.
• Small quantities should be prepared the same as your weekly collection, in containers or recyclable bags/bundles 50 lbs. or less.
• Large quantities of vegetative debris should be piled at the curb for mechanical collection.
• All white goods must be empty. Any containing food or other waste will not be collected. (See Priority 3)
• Use your regular collection container or heavy duty plastic bags. Place in your normal location for weekly collection.
• Do not mix materials.
• Separate collections for each material.
• Land clearing and landscape improvement activities are not eligible for collection.
• No collection of large quantities of yard debris on private roads or in gated communities unless included in a FEMA declaration.
• Businesses and owners of vacant lots are required to make their own arrangements for debris clean-up.
Priority 3: White goods/appliances (refrigerators, ranges, washing machines, dryers, water heaters, freezers, microwaves, air conditioners). Construction/ demolition debris (lumber, glass, drywall, insulation, concrete block, plumbing). Bulk items. Electronic equipment, Tires.
The city of Cape Coral and its Emergency Management Division is again ready to take on whatever challenges may come during this hurricane season.
The major message from the city and Director of Emergency Management and Resilience Ryan Lamb is to “be prepared, not panicked.”
“We’ve been unfortunate enough to be impacted by a number of recent storms,” Lamb said, adding that this year’s projections from top forecasters call for another above-average season. “We try not to get too tied up on how many storms are projected, and live with the thought of doing what we can do now when we we have discretionary time — time to make decisions, time to take action, so that way when we get in the situation where there is a named storm and we are in a forecast calling for impacts, we’re as prepared as we can be.”
CAPE CORAL
While the city does its part to be prepared, residents should also do the same.
“Fortune favors the prepared,” Lamb said.
He advises residents to create a 72-hour kit with a crank weather radio, flashlights, batteries, medications, stocking up on non-perishable food, having water for both drinking and for other uses.
“We’ve been through enough of these storms where you see the impacts of what happens when we don’t have those things in place,” Lamb said.
It’s also vitally important to have an evacuation plan and to know your evacuation zone.
“If you live in an area that’s prone to being evacuated... when that happens, if you’re in one of those prone areas, you don’t want to have to try and figure out your plan or where to go (in real time). A shelter is a life raft, not a cruise ship.
“For people that have resources, that have friends or family outside of that evacuation zone, or the ability to go outside of the community to a hotel or something else, we highly encourage having that plan in place,” Lamb said. “We say ‘run from the water, and hide from the wind.’ If you’re not asked to evacuate, you don’t have to.”
Lamb said for those with special medical needs, or those who rely on power, can pre register for a special needs shelter if they’re not able to evacuate.
“The more prepared you can be, based off of what we’ve continued to see over the years, the more successful your property is going to be with recovery and the better your experience is going to be coming through a potential hurricane disaster in our community.”
Lamb has served in a prominent first responder role in Cape Coral for nearly seven years and has experienced many devastating storms.
He said through each storm, the city has looked at what worked well, and what didn’t.
“We look at how do we close those gaps,” Lamb said.
One of those gap-closing tools will be the expansion of Cape Coral’s Emergency Operations Center. Lamb said the city is waiting on additional grants to go along with grant funding/appropriations already received.
“That’s going to add a lot of capabilities,” Lamb said. “We’re about three years out from seeing that finished.
“Our EOC’s situation room, or ‘war room’ as we affectionately call it, is going to about double or triple in size. We’re going to have better capabilities for generator capacity.
“As we watch these systems come across, we’ll start paying attention to them a week or so out. There’s a fine line here. I get concerned with ‘message fatigue.’ If I get excited about every storm wave that comes off, people are going to start tuning it out. We want to provide accurate and concise information. And when we start talking about it, we really want people to pay attention.”
— Ryan Lamb, director of Emergency Management and Resilience, Cape Coral
“Every situation we go through, we look at how we can improve.”
“(The EOC) was designed when the city had about 100,000 people. As we move towards 400,000 people in the city, we want to make sure we’re prepared, and that this should be the last EOC the city of Cape Coral needs. We’re going to be able to have a lot more people in our operations center. As we expand, we’re going to be able to bring in a lot more of those people that work remotely or work in different buildings. We’re able to accomplish the mission, but it’s not as efficient as it could be if we had everyone in the same room in close proximity.”
Lamb said something the city implemented during Hurricane Ian and is now part of the city’s plan moving forward, is the distribution of supplies on the street. If residents couldn’t get to those points of distribution, various city personnel would go out and get those goods to residents in the worst-hit neighborhoods.
“Every situation we go through, we look at how we can improve,” Lamb said.
City officials have also worked to ensure that pertinent information and updates should a major weather event take place is available to residents. During Ian and other storms such as Irma in 2017, the use of cell phones and internet may be touchy or unavailable all together for prolonged periods.
Lamb said each of the 13 fire stations in the city will turn into an information hub.
“We’re going to have a city employee there to pass out a flier with up-to-date information every day,” he said. “It’s how people did things before technology.”
On the flip side, areas of improvement with technology include the ability to assess damage and bring real-time mapping to the EOC to determine the most impacted areas, which light signals are out, and more.
Lamb advised residents that when winds reach a sustained 45 mph during a storm, all emergency services subside until the winds calm.
“If you’re in an evacuation zone, please evacuate,” he said. “If you have any outstanding medical complexities or those kinds of things, it’s a good idea to not wait for a mandatory evacuation to leave. If you have plans to go somewhere out of the area, you don’t have to wait.
“(When winds reach those speeds), it’s unsafe for our firefighters, police officers, public works crews to be out. You have a lot of flying debris and it’s difficult to stand upright.”
Lamb said the city starts watching storms as soon as they come off the coast of Africa. In the last two years, with the addition of computer modeling and artificial intelligence, modeling has become more accurate.
All in all, a sense of community during trying times such as experiencing a major hurricane, is paramount.
When it comes to the “cone,” that model denotes the center of circulation, not where the entire scope of impacts could be felt, Lamb said.
“As we watch these systems come across, we’ll start paying attention to them a week or so out,” Lamb said. “There’s a fine line here. I get concerned with ‘message fatigue.’ If I get excited about every storm wave that comes off, people are going to start tuning it out. We want to provide accurate and concise information. And when we start talking about it, we really want people to pay attention.”
Lamb said as when a possible impact is about three days out, he’ll hold an EOC briefing with staff and preparations prior to that mark as well. Briefings increase as the storm draws near to determine what the impacts could be, and what the EOC’s activation stance will be.
“We’re looking at declared local states of emergency,” Lamb said. “We have about 800 employees across the entire city that will be pulled in. People know where they’ve got to be, when they’ve got to be there. During impact time, we lock down and as soon as the wind speeds drop
— we monitor six plus weather stations that the city owns and operates -- we(prioritize calls based on severity).”
The public works crews perform what’s called a “first push” on a defined map of each zone, traversing the major roads. They’ll also escort police or fire to a location that needs direct care. Utility crews will work on water main breaks and get lift stations powered.
“We try and put out as many people directly after that storm as we can to get our community back to a state of normalcy as quickly as we can,” Lamb said.
If cell service is still available, Lamb said the best place to get information is via local media, by visiting www.capecoral.gov, and via social media channels. The city will also provide daily updates on the radio via B103.9.
All in all, a sense of community during trying times such as experiencing a major hurricane, is paramount, especially for new residents that have never gone through such an event.
“As much devastation as we saw after some of these recent hurricanes, the heartwarming part is seeing communities come together, seeing neighbors come together,” Lamb said. “Helping put up storm shutters or helping clean up after…those of the things that really bring our community together.”
The city will host a Hurricane Expo on May 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mercola Market.
Fort Myers Beach Officials: Have a Plan
By NATHAN MAYBERG • nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
Fort Myers Beach public safety officials have a primary piece of advice for residents and business: Have a plan as hurricane season gets under way.
“Planning for future hurricane events requires work ahead of a storm,” Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth said.
“When a state of emergency is issued is not the time to start preparing,” he said. “Part of having a good plan is having all the supplies ahead of time. The state of emergency is the time to evacuate.”
Wirth said every household should have what he calls a hurricane “go-kit” in place and ready that has the essential supplies needed to weather a hurricane at any moment.
Such a kit should include non-perishable foods, water (a gallon per person per day), batteries, battery-powered lanterns, food and medicine for pets and other items on the department’s guide for weathering out a hurricane.
After several major hurricanes the last three years, Wirth said his department has learned a lot.
“We’ve learned what it is like for a major storm event. We know that the time after the storm for people to return to their residences depends on the extent of the
damage,” Wirth said. While residents were able to return back to Fort Myers Beach within 24 hours of Hurricane Milton passing, after the island was evacuated, it was longer for Hurricane Ian due to the search and rescue missions in which 14 bodies were recovered (two others would be found in the months after the storm).
Wirth understands how quickly residents want to return to their homes after a hurricane but in the event of a catastrophic hurricane like Ian residents will need to wait until it is safe. “Opening up the island comes in a certain order. We have to first ensure that life is preserved in rescue and search operations, and that hazards and debris are cleared,” Wirth said.
For Wirth, who personally witnessed the recovery of the bodies of Fort Myers Beach residents who died during Hurricane Ian, it’s one of the toughest moments he has dealt with in his career as a firefighter.
That’s why Wirth said it’s important for residents to heed evacuation warnings.
“The biggest key factor is for people to heed the evacuation warnings,” Wirth said.
Make a Plan
Preparation and planning are critical to being safe during a hurricane. One can never be too prepared or start planning too early for a hurricane as islanders know too well.
Last year, the town experienced flooding from hurricanes Debbie, Helene and Milton. While none of them proved to be deadly, they caused enormous physical damage and left many homeowners needing to replace refrigerators, washers, furniture and other items as storm surge shut down roads and turned San Carlos Boulevard into a river. Three years ago, Hurricane Ian killed 16 people on Fort Myers Beach and destroyed hundreds of buildings. It’s a sight islanders hope they never see again.
The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District maintains a comprehensive hurricane preparedness guide on its website at https://www.fmbfirefl.gov/ files/e5d1e86a7/FMBFD-Hurricane-Preparedness-Guide+-+2023.pdf.
One of the keys to being prepared for a hurricane is staying informed. Follow the latest media reports and weather updates for when a hurricane is coming so you can make the quickest decision possible in order to evacuate before roads are jammed or it is too late.
The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District lists staying informed as the first step in being prepared for a hurricane in the following hurricane preparedness list provided by the department:
One of the keys to being prepared for a hurricane is staying informed.
1. Stay Informed: Local agencies will flood social media platforms with updates. In the days leading up to a possible event, agencies will coordinate unified messages that are pushed out through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District also maintains a Facebook presence to follow to keep informed.
2. Download the alertLee application. This is the platform used for Emergency Notifications within Lee County. Also, Lee County encourages residents to download the Everbridge Public Safety app, which allows you to see all public notifications issued through the Everbridge system across the County, State, and Country. https://www.alertlee.com/
3. Start preparing now. Supply chain shortages could create an issue with obtaining the items you need.
4. Decide early if you will be evacuating. If you need to go to a shelter and have a pet or any type of special needs, register early. There are limited locations that can take residents with special needs, or pets.
5. Download the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Hurricane Preparedness Guide. This provides contact information, information on planning, and a guide on what to do after a storm. This guide is available on the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District website.
FORT MYERS BEACH
The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District
Hurricane Preparedness Guide includes a disaster supply/preparation kit checklist for food and water and other items, including non-perishable food, manual can openers, grills, lighters, waterproof matches, pots, pans, cups, plates, eating utensils, ziplock bags and coolers.
Other items on the preparation kit checklist in the event of an evacuation include a tool kit, plastic tarps, nails, duct tape, work gloves, batteries, radio, flashlights and a whistle (to signal for help if needed).
Sanitation/cleanup supplies include unscented bleach (for clean-up/disinfect water), water for cleaning assorted cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants; rubber gloves, brushes, brooms, mops, towels, buckets, emergency toilet paper and rags.
Other important items on the checklist that are recommended to be in the preparation kit include medications, spare keys, pens, important papers (put in a watertight container), keepsakes/photos (put in a watertight container), coins, cash, credit cards and/or travelers checks, prepaid telephone cards, maps, games and water for pets.
Before leaving before a hurricane, the department recommends homeowners clean gutters of debris, inspect the roof, storm shutters and garage doors.
Prior to evacuating, property owners should shut off all utilities and inspect all tree limbs that could fall on the home.
Creating a Family Hurricane Plan
The fire department recommends that families form a hurricane plan. Residents should know the evacuation zone they are located in. Information on zones can be
found in Lee County’s All Hazards Guide or visit the Lee County Emergency Management website at https:// www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement.
Lee County Emergency Management has identified four options for residents to follow in developing a hurricane plan:
Option A: Stay at home. If your home can withstand the expected winds, and you are away from the coast and not in a flood prone area, consider staying home. Never stay in your home if your area is under an evacuation order.
Option B: Stay with a relative, friend, or at a hotel outside the evacuation area. If you plan to do this, make arrangements in advance, and make sure you leave early. Always have an alternate plan.
Option C: Relocate out of the area. Local officials will tell you which evacuation routes to use. Plan your route ahead of time, and make sure to plan alternate routes. Include maps and directions in your hurricane kit. Leave early to avoid high winds, flooding, and traffic.
Option D: Go to a public shelter if you have no safe place to go. Local media will announce which shelters are open. Do not wait until the last minute to learn the route to the shelter. This includes the shelters that accept pets and the shelters that are equipped for special needs.
When preparing for whether to evacuate before a future hurricane, the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District recommends that residents consider whether their home has hurricane-rated garage doors. “If your home was built prior to 2003, is two or more stories, constructed of wood, or you are in a flood zone you may want to consider evacuating,” the department’s hurricane guide states.
Prior to evacuating, property owners should shut off all utilities.
72 Hours Before a Storm Review
In the three-day window before a hurricane, the department recommends that residents stay informed about the weather through local media coverage, make sure prescriptions are up-to-date, enough cash is on hand to last a lengthy time, bills are paid, sunscreen and insect repellant are at hand in the event one is stuck outside after a hurricane.
One’s car should be filled with gas before planning an evacuation, with a cell phone charger in place, tires and fluids should be checked on the vehicle. Emergency phone numbers should be gathered and readily available. The department recommends freezing Water in containers or bags in a freezer for 48 hours before a storm,
After the Storm
During the days and hours after a storm, the department recommends listening to the local media for updates, staying calm and patient. Be prepared for days of no power or limited power, meaning no air conditioning, lights, refrigerator or access to electrical appliances. Cell phone usage may be affected, water may be unsafe to drink, toilets may not flush and showers may not work. If you smell gas, do not stay in your home and call for help immediately. Be careful of downed electrical wires and report them to the power company and/or fire and police departments. Be on the lookout for fire ants, bees, wasps, snakes, rodents and anything else that may be seeking higher ground.
Do not connect generators to your house wiring. Generators are to be used outside in a well-ventilated area and remember to shut down generators during re-fueling and always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Contractors
Beware of unlicensed contractor activity. Do not sign a repair contract until you are able to verify the contractor is licensed. Remember to ask for a copy of their state license. Is the quote reasonable? If they are putting a lot of pressure on you to sign the quote then this is reason to question. Do not pay for any services in full up front. Make sure the contractor has acquired any required permits before starting work. For permit related questions on residential properties, contact the Town’s Building and Permitting Services, at 239-765-0202, extension 1306. For permit related questions for commercial and multi-family residences, contact Life Safety at 239-590-4210 or the Town’s Building and Permitting Services.
Small Businesses
Business owners should ensure critical operations employees know the plan for when to make contact and when to return to work. Ensure that critical data and business records are backed up electronically. Pre-plan key vendors that are necessary in reopening your businesses as quickly as possible. Review your businesses liability insurance coverage annually. Identify essential employees to help close up the business, and to begin restoring operations as soon as possible. Conduct an annual facility safety inspection with key staff members. Ensure key members of the team know how to shut down, secure power utilities, and preserve critical data. Ensure key members of the team know how to shut off the domestic water supply to the building. Form an employee support network to aid employees and their families in preparing, responding, and recovering after the storm has passed Future plans on hurricane preparedness from Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth: Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth said the department is putting together a form that could speed up search-and-rescue efforts in the event of another devastating hurricane.
From Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth:
“We are finalizing an online form for the community to use to report that their property is vacant,” Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth said. “This lets us have a point of contact for the specific property, and it also lets us know we don’t have to force our way into the property to search for victims. This is a key factor in getting the island opened as soon as possible.”
Source: Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District
Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth
Hurricane Re-entry Pass Information
To receive a Fort Myers Beach hurricane re-entry pass, visit the town hall between Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. One form of identification that confirms status as a resident, business owner or property owner is required. Identification can include a driver’s license, utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement or tax records.
If you are out of town, email hurricane@fmbgov. com with pictures or files of the document.
Everyone who lives in the town, owns or manages a business in the town is eligible to receive two hurricane re-entry passes.
The town’s hurricane re-entry plan, updated last year, specifies that access back onto the island after a future hurricane will be closed for at least 48 hours after the storm ends depending on the severity of the hurricane. Even those with hurricane passes will not have access to the island until emergency responder agencies have deemed the island to be safe, roads have been cleared, debris has been assessed and any search and recovery efforts have concluded. The town was able to open up the island quickly last year after Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. In the event of a storm as severe as Ian where search and rescue crews will be deployed to
*current passes may not be similar to the pictured handtags
the island, the wait to get back on the island could take days. During Hurricane Ian, 16 people were killed and some bodies were not found until months later.
“A key point I would like to highlight is the order in which the island will reopen should we have another storm like Hurricane Ian,” Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth said. “Tensions were high in the days after the storm when residents wanted to access and secure their properties. Their concerns were valid, and emergency services did everything possible to get citizens back to their properties as timely as possible. However, we must ensure that the search and rescue of victims, plus the recovery of human remains, is completed before allowing the public to drive over and through debris to get to their properties. We must also ensure that hazards, such as live power lines and leaking propane and natural gas lines are secured as well.”
State of Insurance in the Eye of the Hurricanes
The homeowners and flood insurance market in Lee County and throughout Florida is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Ian in 2022, and more recently from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
Insurance costs soared after Hurricane Ian though in the last year there does seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel as prices begin to stabilize and new insurance companies enter the market in Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said 11 new companies have entered Florida’s homeowner and flood insurance market in the last year.
Peter Look, of GreatFlorida Insurance in Cape Coral, said the new companies that have entered the homeowner’s and flood insurance market in Florida in the last year, are able to undercut some of the existing insurance companies on price since they don’t have the legacy costs of having to pay out flood insurance claims from Hurricane Ian.
The new companies that have entered the market from out-of-state, “are here for the shark fest.” They are beating the rates of some of the older insurance companies “by a little,” he said. “It’s chaotic.”
The market is still in flux, Look said.
“It’s never been as tough to write insurance policies as it has in the last two years. Consumers are taking a wallop. They are taking hit after hit.”
The new insurance companies entering the market are changing the dynamics.
“Everyday it changes,” Look said. “It’s like dropping a big boulder into a soup bowl and it keeps reverberating.”
Those reverberations have been felt throughout Lee County and Florida since Hurricane Ian as the billions in damages hit insurance companies. Some property owners are still fighting their
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
insurance companies for reimbursement on claims and there have been many reports of property owners in the hardest-hit areas who have filed lawsuits to get fully reimbursed and who have had to settle for less than it will cost them to rebuild.
Look said that between the new companies coming into the market and the old ones who either went belly up or who didn’t fully reimburse property owners, “it has caused chaos.”
Look said property insurance companies are still recovering from the Hurricane Ian claims.
While many homeowners are still feeling the effects of all the price increases, Look said that those feeling the financial pressures of the increases costs can find ways to save on their insurance without feeling the full brunt of the price hikes.
“Many people can’t afford it,” Look said. “They won’t buy insurance if they don’t have a mortgage (those with mortgages are required to have flood insurance).”
One way Look said that property owners can find some savings if they are in financial stress, is to forego wind insurance.
“Wind is the most expensive part of the policy,” Look said.
Many of those who went through Hurricane Ian in some of the hardest hit spots reported having to fight their insurance companies over wind claims. Look said he had to sue the insurance company that was covering his home over a wind insurance claim.
“They lied,” he said. It took him a couple years to recover his money.
“In 37 years of doing this, never did you have to worry about recovering (a claim),”
Look said. “That didn’t come into fruition until after Hurricane Ian.”
Hurricane Ian, Look said, “broke the camel’s back.”
On Fort Myers Beach, which was among the hardest-hit communities after Hurricane Ian, complaints were lodged with the state insurance commissioner’s office over claims.
“Those went nowhere,” Look said.
Look said he believes a lot of insurance companies were essentially insolvent after Hurricane Ian and were waiting on premium payments before they could pay out all their claims.
“It’s a house of cards still,” Look said. Another major hurricane could bring the market crumbling down the way he said it did when Hurricane Andew devastated Florida in 1992. That scattered most of the flood insurance companies out of Florida, leaving Citizens as one of the only ones left, he said. Citizens is Florida’s property insurance company of last resort.
“I don’t think we can weather another big storm for a long time,” Look said.
The problem isn’t just local. The insurance companies that insure Florida’s insurance companies are dealing with natural disasters in other parts of the country, such as the wildfires in California last year, the impact of Hurricane Helene on places like North Carolina last year and the wildfires that gripped Hawaii in 2023.
The insurance market, right now, is like “the wild
west,” Look said.
The property insurances rates in Florida are among the highest in the country, he said. “It’s gone up tremendously since Ian.” While the rate increases have slowed down, the rates are not going down, Look said.
Look said the cost of homeowner’s insurance can range from $1,800 a year for a new home with a new roof to as much as $6,000 a year for a home with an older roof.
The cost of flood insurance has gone from about $1,000 a year up to $2,500 a year, he said.
He advises that homeowners do not try to cut corners by taking higher deductibles. The savings is negligible. A state law requires a minimum 2% deductible for hurricane insurance losses which already puts homeowners at a disadvantage.
“You would be a fool to choose a higher deductible,” Look said.
For those gambling without insurance who might pick up a policy as a hurricane gets closer, Look warned the window is very short. Once a hurricane is considered to be within a certain radius from the Florida coast, new policies are closed off. That could be days before a hurricane lands or even a week.
“It’s hard for people, my heart goes out to them,” Look said.
The cost of flood insurance has gone from about $1,000 a year up to $2,500 a year.
More than 477,000 insurance policies have returned to the private market since 2022.
Governor’s Approach to Insurance Crisis
Gov. Ron DeSantis believes that the new companies entering the market combined with legislation passed over the last few years that make it harder to sue insurance companies and which eased the cap on rate increases, will bring better results to the insurance market.
DeSantis recently announced that Citizens Property Insurance will be instituting homeowners’ insurance premium decreases averaging 5.6%.
The communications office of DeSantis provided a statement from the governor on the state of the insurance market that blames inflation, active hurricanes and “unchecked litigation in Florida” which he said made for “an environment that caused turbulence in insurance markets and steep increases in premiums.”
The office stated that the rate at which insurance rates increased last year compared to the previous year were among the lowest in the nation, though the previous year was among the highest in the nation.
The statement from the governor’s office cited five laws passed by the state legislature on insurance reform that the office believes will help the problem: three bills on tort reform that made it more difficult to sue insurance companies and which tightened claim deadlines and encouraged dispute resolution over lawsuits and eliminated one-way attorney fees. The other bills cited by the governor’s office include the creation of a $2 billion Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders (RAP) program meant to protect insurance companies and soften the rate of premium increases, and protections for consumers against
roofing scams and “enhanced oversight of insurers.”
The state also made the eligibility requirements for Citizens tougher to get for citizens, which is steering for property owners to private insurance companies and away from Citizens – which is the state’s insurer of last resort for the most vulnerable property owners.
The state also lifted the rate cap that Citizens was under to charge Florida residents for their policies, including lifting the Citizens rate cap on all non-primary residences and other specified properties and eliminating insurance subsidies for those whose primary residence is outside of Florida.
According to the governor’s office, more than 477,000 insurance policies have returned to the private market since 2022.
DeSantis said that among the state’s top 10 insurance carriers, 40% have filed for rate decreases. “The average rate increase has dropped significantly, from over 21% in 2023 to a projected 0.2% for 2025,” the office stated.
The governor’s office announced an expansion of the Office of Insurance Regulation’s ability to penalize insurance companies for various violations, though it is not clear what effect that has had locally.
Look said he doesn’t blame state politicians for the insurance crisis the state is in. He believes the reforms passed by the legislature and signed into law by DeSantis will help keep the insurance market together.
“It’s moving in the right direction. Let’s just hop mother nature doesn’t come back and hit us,” Look said.
When it comes to the possibility of a natural disaster, it’s important to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. Ahead of storm season, homeowners should review several sections of their insurance policies, document items that could support future claims and, depending on location, consider additional forms of protection. The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters encourages recommends:
• Knowing what your policy does and does not cover. Not all insurance policies are the same. Some policies contain restrictions that will make it difficult for you to be fully compensated for your losses. Recent legislation limits the amount of time you have to submit a claim to one year from the date of loss, so being prepared beforehand is vital.
• Making sure your deductible is not too high. This represents the out-of-pocket expense you will have to absorb if you have a loss. You may have separate deductible for your roof, so it is important to fully review your policy.
• Knowing your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Confirm whether your policy covers such damage.
• Reviewing the “Duties After Loss” section of your policy. Failure to follow the provisions listed in this section could result in non-payment on your legitimate claim.
• Checking the “Exclusions” portion of your windstorm policy. Many insurance companies have added new exclusions to coverage, which could affect your protection.
• Making a visual record of your home and possessions. Take photos or record video to document the condition of your home and belongings before any damage.
• Preparing a detailed list of all your personal property. This will help document your claim after a loss. Gather up receipts for large items such as major appliances, furniture and electronics; make copies to include with your property inventory.
• Creating a disaster supply kit that includes copies of your insurance policies, family medical information, deeds and wills, etc. Place the originals of those important documents in a safe deposit box, safe or in a tightly sealed container in your car and make a digital copy to keep on the cloud for easy reference.
• Purchasing flood insurance. Standard property insurance does not cover flood damage due to storms, but if you decide to purchase it, be aware that flood insurance has a “grace period” of 30 days before it goes into effect. That means you should purchase it now – before the next major storm comes along. If you purchase it less than 30 days before a flood, you will not have the ability to file a claim. If you have a policy with Citizens, flood insurance will be mandatory – this is a relatively new requirement that will be phased in through 2027.
Hurricane season can be stressful -but it doesn’t need to be!
At Gulf Coast Village, we’ve weathered over 36 years of Florida’s fiercest storms – and not once have our residents needed to evacuate. We’ve never flooded and we are proud of our strong, storm-ready community.
We plan ahead so you don’t have to worry. Our team follows a proven hurricane preparedness plan, managing every detail with care, professionalism, and compassion.
That’s peace of mind you can count on –and you can’t put a price tag on that kind of security!
I love it here and I would not leave here! I believe that Gulf Coast Village is the safest place to be. I’ve been here for 7 years and have experienced 3 major hurricanes and the staff is fantastic! They make us feel very safe and secure and even help us to laugh and have fun through the storms.
~ Delores B.
When Dave and I lived in our house, our daughter always wanted us to evacuate to her home in Indiana for hurricanes.
Now that we live at GCV, she knows that we are safe here during a storm and she doesn’t worry about us anymore.
~ Dave & Brenda Z.
By: Katie Egan • news@breezenewspapers.com
In Southwest Florida, few possessions are more precious than our boats.
When a major hurricane barrels toward the coast, we want to make sure they’re protected.
One way to do that is to store your boat or get it to higher ground.
Office assistant Dan Wilensky from The Boat House in Cape Coral said in late April that they still have storage space available for certain sized boats.
“We get a lot of seasonal residents who put their boats in storage from May to November,” he said.
The Boat House offers a month-to-month storage program with a 90-day minimum.
The boats are stored inside a category 5 hurricane rated building.
If you’re storing your boat on a trailer, Wilensky says you’ll want to make sure the boat is strapped down tightly to the trailer and secure the trailer as well.
“But mainly make sure the boat is secure to the trailer and the drain plug is out of the boat,” Wilensky said.
During Hurricane Ian, he stored his boat behind his house and didn’t have any issues.
“I had a lift and I recommend bringing the boat
as high up on the lift as possible and securing the four corners of the boat,” Wilensky said. “Make sure the drain plug is removed so no water collects in the boat. Hopefully, the cables and piling and straps are in good shape. If you’re securing your boat for a hurricane, you want to use high-quality new lines and straps.”
The more time you give yourself to prepare, the better.
“When they say the storm is coming, any storage that is available is taken up pretty quickly,” Wilensky said.
The Boat House is at 1516 S.E. 46th St. in Cape Coral.
Salty Sam’s Marina is another well-known boat storage facility and marina located on Fort Myers Beach.
Store Manager Jane Ribbink said the marina offers dry storage for boaters and, as of late April, there was still space available.
“People can call or email and request that they want storage,” Ribbink said. “We’ll ask for the make, model year, etc. and pass that information off to the dock master and go from there.”
By: Katie Egan • news@breezenewspapers.com
In Southwest Florida, few possessions are more precious than our boats.
When a major hurricane barrels toward the coast, we want to make sure they’re protected.
One way to do that is to store your boat or get it to higher ground.
Office assistant Dan Wilensky from The Boat House in Cape Coral said in late April that they still have storage space available for certain sized boats.
“We get a lot of seasonal residents who put their boats in storage from May to November,” he said.
The Boat House offers a month-to-month storage program with a 90-day minimum.
The boats are stored inside a category 5 hurricane rated building.
If you’re storing your boat on a trailer, Wilensky says you’ll want to make sure the boat is strapped down tightly to the trailer and secure the trailer as well.
“But mainly make sure the boat is secure to the trailer and the drain plug is out of the boat,” Wilensky said.
During Hurricane Ian, he stored his boat behind his house and didn’t have any issues.
“I had a lift and I recommend bringing the boat
as high up on the lift as possible and securing the four corners of the boat,” Wilensky said. “Make sure the drain plug is removed so no water collects in the boat. Hopefully, the cables and piling and straps are in good shape. If you’re securing your boat for a hurricane, you want to use high-quality new lines and straps.”
The more time you give yourself to prepare, the better.
“When they say the storm is coming, any storage that is available is taken up pretty quickly,” Wilensky said.
The Boat House is at 1516 S.E. 46th St. in Cape Coral.
Salty Sam’s Marina is another well-known boat storage facility and marina located on Fort Myers Beach.
Store Manager Jane Ribbink said the marina offers dry storage for boaters and, as of late April, there was still space available.
“People can call or email and request that they want storage,” Ribbink said. “We’ll ask for the make, model year, etc. and pass that information off to the dock master and go from there.”
Services included are an engine flush and hull wash when you return from the water; the boat is kept securely in a stateof-the-art, hurricane proof boat barn; you can schedule your splash time with an easy-to-see app; and it’s a great central location, minutes to the Gulf, Sanibel, the river and restaurants.
“You don’t have to worry,” Ribbink said. “Come get your boat and go out on the water.”
Salty Sam’s Marina is at 2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach. Everest Marina in Cape Coral offers a hurricane haul out service.
They haul boats out of the water and place them on land in a secure location at the marina at 1838 Everest Pkwy. in Cape Coral.
If you’re considering storing your boat for the summer, owner of Everest Marina Pete Huebner said that as of late April, there are still spots available.
The marina offers dry rack storage.
“The biggest advantage is that the boat is out of the water,” Huebner said. “Essentially what we do is put the boats in pigeon holds. There are three stories of boats in the rack and they are completely safe from the water.”
But, when it comes to a hurricane, Huebner says the best thing you can do is get the boat out of the water and onto a secure location.
“As we saw in Hurricane Ian, boats got blown everywhere,” Huebner said.
“It’s part of living in Florida. We get storms and the last few years has definitely taught us that.”
The Boat House
• Where: 1516 S.E. 46th St., Cape Coral
• When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday; Closed, Sunday Information: 239-549-2628 and www.boathouseh2o.com
Salty Sam’s Marina
• Where: 2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach
• When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday Information: 239-463-7333 and https://www.saltysamsmarina.com/
Everest Marina
• Where: 1838 Everest Pkwy., Cape Coral
• When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; Closed, Saturday and Sunday Information: 239-458-6604 and https:// www.capecoralboatrepair.com/
“The biggest advantage is that the boat is out of the water.”
Electric Tips for Hurricane Season
As hurricane season approaches, residents and businesses must take steps to prepare—not just for the storm itself but for potential power outages that follow. Severe weather can cause extensive damage to electrical infrastructure, leading to prolonged service disruptions. However, proactive planning can minimize risks and improve recovery time.
• Plan before the storm:
• Have an emergency plan that includes communication and evacuation procedures.
• Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, batteries, and medical supplies.
• Protect sensitive electronics with surge protectors and unplug devices when a storm is imminent.
• If you rely on life-sustaining medical equipment, register with your local emergency management for a special needs shelter and consider a backup power source, such as a generator. Be prepared and safe during the storm:
• Stay indoors and avoid using electrical appliances if possible.
• Never go outside to inspect damage until authorities say it’s safe.
• If flooding occurs, do not touch electrical equipment or cords. Be patient after the storm:
• Treat all downed power lines as live and dangerous; report them immediately.
• Use generators safely. Never use indoors or in enclosed spaces to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Be patient with power restoration efforts. Utilities prioritize hospitals, emergency responders, and critical infrastructure before residential areas.
LCEC is committed to restoring service as quickly and safely as possible after a storm. Preparation today can make a significant difference in how quickly recovery happens when nature strikes. That’s why hardening the grid happens year-round through maintenance, inspections, vegetation management, and adoption of technology. Customers can be part of an effective restoration. Stay informed, stay safe, and be patient. We know electricity is important to everyone and LCEC workers and partners will work until all power is restored.
Source: LCEC
By MEGHAN BRADBURY • news@breezenewspapers.com
There are many options to protect your home this hurricane season.
When homeowners decide what measures to take, budget typically drives decision making as does aesthetics, said Iggy Garcia, general manger of ALUFAB USA, a family-owned business in operation in the Fort Myers area since 2009.
“We carry everything from impact windows to doors, accordion shutters, roll downs, hurricane screens and panels. In my opinion they all provide the same amount of protection. Aesthetics and budget come into play,” he said.
The most reasonable priced, and most difficult to use, are the panels.
The accordion shutters, which are slightly more expensive, are easier to deploy, as they stay on the house year-round. Garcia said these shutters fasten around the windows and, when not in use, stack on either side of the window.
The roll down shutters and fabric screens are available in both manual and electric options. These are also permanently attached to a home –
stacked in a box above the window.
“You can activate the switch or crank it down manually. The shutter closes from the top down protecting the openings,” Garcia said.
The greatest investment a homeowner can make is impact windows and doors.
“The house is completely protected at all times,” he said.
Price depends on the home.
“The shared cost of the glass is a lot more expensive than the price of the aluminum to make shutters,” Garcia said.
Homeowners can combine any of the products to fit their needs, as many homeowner associations have limitations as to what can be placed on the front of the home, he said.
“With most options, other than the panels, you can close up your house hours before the storm hits as opposed to putting up panels a day or two before and potentially cutting yourself. Panels are very sharp. Most of the options we sell are quick to deploy,” he said, adding that the accordions are the best bang for your buck.
Lead time can be anywhere from eight to 14 weeks.
“Right now our lead times are currently probably the third week of June and we are booking out further than that,” he said.
Advanced Hurricane Technology also offers options for hurricane protection, including one they say is a new and affordable option.
Family owned and operated business, Advanced Hurricane Technology, got its start in Naples 30 years ago before moving to Fort Myers.
What started off as maintenance and repairs moved into the manufacturing in 2012.
“The retail branch is very successful, but our bread-and-butter is manufacturing,” said Fernanda Ferrell-Zabala.
The business manufactures, assembles, services, repairs, and installs hurricane roll down shutters, as well as manufactures, installs, and services repair hurricane screens. They also assemble and install accordion shutters and are distributors of impact windows.
The research and development department continues to work and come up with new ideas, so they can further protect lives and homes.
“We wanted to continue commitment to quality, but also have a commitment to affordability and accessibility,” Ferrell-Zabala said. “Our products are not the cheapest, and not always accessible to everybody, but everybody in Florida needs hurricane
The newest innovation, which is patent pending, is the Emergency Storm Screen.
The newest innovation, which is patent pending, is the Emergency Storm Screen. She said they believe the screen will replace typical plywood and metal panels.
President Jaime Zabala Jr. said the Emergency Storm Screen takes the energy and impact and disperses it over a large area – up, down, left, and right. When the screen is put under pressure, it still performs and when it is cut with a knife, it still maintains the majority of its integrity.
“It is designed to impact blunt product and disperse it,” Zabala Jr. said.
The screen is made of a heavy-duty industrial fabric and coated with a UV resistant adaptative.
For more information:
ALUFAB USA is at 6360 Topaz Court, Fort Myers where it has all of its products on display.
For more information, visit, www.alufabusa.com, or call 239-226-4872.
Advanced Hurricane Technology is at 16501 Airport Haul Rd., Fort Myers.
For more information, call 239-228-1010. or visit www. advancedhurricanetech.com.
Zabala Jr. said the fabric is breathable, letting about 5-7% airflow in, as well as light.
“Our goal is to make it as economic as possible,” he said, adding that the Emergency Storm Screen runs anywhere from $80 to $200 for a typical window.
The screens are installed by the homeowner and come in four sizes to cover all the openings of a home. A simple drill, and the basic know how of how to drill into the side of the home is all that is needed.
“At this point it is meant to be used in lieu of plywood,” he said. “If you don’t have the means or availability to purchase traditional hurricane shutters, the Emergency Storm Screen is more cost effective to protect your home.”
Zabala Jr. said even under heavy volumes, they should be able to do about a week of lead time for the product.
“Our goal is to make it as economic as possible.”
Ferrell-Zabala said they are currently talking with Cape Coral Fire Department Fire Chief Mike Russell about a partnership to do a co-training on the Emergency Storm Screen.
“We want the fire department to train in all the ways our products are assembled and put together,” she said, adding that when they encounter their product, they can assess homes and are able to easily get inside and save lives. “They can take a blade, or, cut themselves out of an emergency situation. Plywood and metal panels do not provide that.”
Ferrell-Zabala said they are donating some of their product to the fire department.
“We are very much community driven because we live in the community, we suffer through the hurricanes like everybody else,” she said. We are making sure we have the best product in the market to make sure we are protecting life and investment.”
By Katie Egan • news@breezenewspapers.com
With hurricane season kicking off on June 1, now is the time to prepare your property and belongings, including your electric golf carts and electric vehicles.
The best thing you can do is get them to a storage facility or an area that’s not prone to flooding.
Manager of Golf & Electric Vehicles Sherry Glover said if a major hurricane is forecasted to impact Southwest Florida, it’s best to put an electric golf cart in storage.
“After Hurricane Ian, most of the damaged carts were shot,” Glover said. “The water killed them.”
“Once the water hits them, it kills the batteries and controller.”
Glover said very few people chose to fix their golf carts and when they did, it cost an average amount of $6,000.
“And a lot of
people didn’t have them insured,” she added.
In some cases, residents can add coverage for an electric golf cart to their homeowners’ insurance policy, especially if it’s used on the property or within a specific residential community.
Most standard policies won’t automatically cover it and an endorsement or rider may need to be added to the existing policy.
Golf & Electric Vehicles can also help transport golf carts to a safer location.
The cost depends on how far they’re going and the size of the cart.
Golf & Electric Vehicles has a storage facility, but Glover says they’re at capacity.
“People reserve space two years in advance,” she said. “We pick them up when people leave for season and they’re perfectly protected.”
If someone is looking for golf cart transport, it’s best not to wait until the last minute.
“You should call us the minute they announce the hurricane,” Glover said.
Golf & Electric Vehicles goes as far south as Marco Island and as far north as Port Charlotte.
Steve Young, sales manager at CartsMD, agrees that if you’re in a flood zone and a hurricane is coming, storing electric golf carts or getting them to higher ground is the way to go.
“If people have the ability to, they should evacuate with their carts,” Young said. “Trailer their carts, if it’s possible. If you can’t and you’re living in a flood-prone area, you’ll want to elevate it as much as possible and get it to a location that’s not in a flood zone.”
Another thing electric golf cart owners should do is make sure the battery is fully charged and then make sure it’s unplugged, after it’s charged up.
Like Glover, Young highly recommends seeing if the golf cart is covered under a homeowners or personal insurance policy, and if it’s not, getting it covered as soon as possible.
“It’s very inexpensive to insure a golf cart,” Young said.
If an electric golf cart gets flooded and needs repair, it can cost between $6,000 and $9,000, depending on the model.
“It’s definitely worth it to insure,” Young said, adding that it’s usually around $100 a month.
If someone wants to inquire about getting his or her golf cart repaired, CartsMD is at 10650 Metro Pkwy, #100, in Fort Myers.
Golf & Electric Vehicles
Where: 17051 Jean St., #3, Fort Myers
When: 7 a.m. to 4:30, Monday through Friday; Closed on Saturday and Sunday Information: 239-267-8555 and https:// gevehicles.com/
CartsMD
Where: 10650 Metro Pkwy, #100, Fort Myers
When: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday; Closed, Sunday Information: 833-2278763 and https://www.cartsmd.com/
Independent EV Repair Shop
Mobile and comes to you Information: 813-409-8211 and https://independentevrepair.com/
When it comes to electric cars, the best thing to do is put it in a garage or some type of shelter.
“Or transfer it somewhere that’s away from a storm or out of areas that flood,” said owner of Independent EV Repair Shop, Don Agle. “The moment a battery gets wet, it causes fires.”
However, if an electric car does get damaged in a hurricane, it doesn’t mean all is lost.
“(Since Teslas come with built-in diagnostic tools), You can do an initial diagnosis on it and make sure the drive components can still be operational,” Agle said.
The thing that normally goes bad in Teslas are the batteries, he said.
“I bring the shop to you,” Agle said. “When it comes to batteries, we can replace cells in them so you don’t have to buy a new one.”
For more information, the Independent EV Repair Shop can be contacted at 813-409-8211 and https:// independentevrepair.com/.
As hurricane season approaches, taking proactive steps to protect electric golf carts and electric vehicles is key, especially in flood-prone areas of Southwest Florida.
From securing proper insurance coverage to arranging early storage or transport, a little preparation now can save a lot of money in potential repairs later on down the road.
“When it comes to batteries, we can replace cells in them so you don’t have to buy a new one.”
Island Officials: Storm Preparation Means Evacuation
By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
With hurricane season approaching, island officials are advising the community to be prepared and to have a plan to evacuate because it only takes one storm — as learned from those in recent years.
Hurricane season is recognized as June 1 through Nov. 30.
Researchers at Colorado State University, one of the leading entities for the season forecasts that is marking its 42nd year, have predicted an “above average” season in their initial 2025 estimate with 17 named storms. According to their April 3 forecast — three more will be released from June through August — nine will become hurricanes and four will be “major” hurricanes, or a Category 3 or higher.
With Sanibel and Captiva still recovering from the recent storms, local officials reported that being ready to evacuate should always be the plan, as the barrier islands are low-lying ground with wetlands.
“We are susceptible to flooding and hurricanes. It’s just one of things that we have to contend with,” Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Chief Kevin Barbot said. “That’s the important reason for preparing.”
“The last couple of years have proven why it’s important to prepare,” Captiva Island Fire Control District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul said, pointing to Hurricane Ian in 2022 and last year’s Helene and Milton, even Tropical Storm Debby. “Each one has been different, but they’ve affected us just the same.”
“Planning for hurricane season is important because we’re a barrier island. It helps you live through the storm,” Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William Dalton said, noting that people died in
Ian, with about a thousand stranded on the island afterward. “We’re lucky we didn’t lose more than we did.”
As for preparing in advance for storm season, now is the time to create a plan, including when you will evacuate, where you will go and what you will take with you. Share your plan with family or friends.
“Everybody’s mindset should really be, ‘If a storm’s coming our way, we need to evacuate,’” Barbot said. “When evacuation orders are put into place, it is not the time to prepare — have a plan.”
In terms of where to go, plan to stay with family or friends or have a list of hotels.
“You’re going to have many shelter options and most of the shelters in Lee County are pet friendly,” he said. “But shelters are exactly that. They are not great accommodations, but they will keep you safe.”
Along with a short-term evacuation plan, have a long-term one in case a quick return is not possible.
“In the event of a devastatingly large hurricane again, like Ian, what is your plan for a few weeks? What is your plan if the island were to be devastated again?” Barbot asked. “Have a long-term plan.”
Those who need help creating a plan, including those who are disabled or have mobility issues or who reside alone with no nearby family and friends, can contact FISH of Sanibel-Captiva for assistance.
Have a to-go bag prepared with some clothes, basic toiletries, medications, pet supplies and records, and critical documents, like Social Security cards, passports, marriage certificate, medical records and insurance information. Also, buy supplies for securing your home so you have an ample stock ready.
“Everybody’s mindset should really be, ‘If a storm’s coming our way, we need to evacuate. When evacuation orders are put into place, it is not the time to prepare — have a plan.”
— Kevin Barbot, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District chief
“Purchase home-securing supplies early before the season starts, so you have them,” he said.
Those with lithium battery-powered devices, such as electric vehicles, golf carts and bikes, should also have a plan to remove those from the islands or to park them away from structures to prevent a fire.
“As soon as they make contact with saltwater, it’s bad news,” Barbot said.
Plan to have an elevated dry spot where hand or lawn tools can be stored safely, unplugged.
People can also prepare their property in advance. Trim trees and limbs and remove remaining downed vegetation. Part-time residents should store away or secure outside items and furniture being leaving. Consider resiliency or home-hardening measures now, like hurricane windows, flood barriers and such.
“Calling in the middle of season, you likely won’t get somebody until the season is over,” he said.
Another advance preparation is signing up for alerts and updates from the city and Lee County, like AlertLee, and following their social media pages, along with those of island emergency agencies.
When season arrives and a storm is drawing near, monitor those resources for information.
“Stay informed,” Pawul said. “That’s the best thing you can do.”
“Make sure you’re following official government sites and weather forecasts,” he added. “The Weather Channel is great, but they tend to speak in generalities. I usually recommend the local ones because they’re going to be talking specifically about Lee County.”
If the storm is headed for the area, it is time to put your plan into action.
“Take in any outdoor furniture, secure any outside items,” Pawul said of one’s property. “They’re either going to become a projectile in the winds or, if we get
the storm surge, they’re going to float away.”
Put up hurricane shutters or panels, flood panels or barriers, and such — practicing in advance will ensure that you are proficient. Turn off power to any outdoor electrical that could be submerged.
“So it’s not energized during a storm surge,” he said.
Leave the island as early as possible to avoid getting caught in the evacuation traffic.
“You don’t need to leave the state,” Pawul said. “You just need to leave the county or coastline.”
Lee County will issue evacuation orders, and there are parameters and criteria that must be met.
“They do have a lot of things they consider. We’re just relaying the information,” he said. “But, we’re a barrier island. You shouldn’t have to wait for the county to tell you to evacuate before you evacuate.”
During the storm, continue to monitor your resources for updates and information.
“Stay informed, and stay in communication with friends and family so they know where you’re at,” Pawul said, adding that they should know if the plan changes. “Keep them in the know of your plan.”
For those who still choose not to evacuate, shelter in a safe place and stay inside. Be aware that emergency personnel will not be able to help once the winds and waters reach a certain level.
“There’s nothing that you can do to save your property by staying for a hurricane, but you could put yourself in harm’s way,” he said. “A barrier island is not the place to be during a hurricane.”
Once the threat of the storm passes, first responders will arrive first on the islands to access how safe the conditions are for the community to return. City and county staff could be brought in to clear debris and vegetation from roads. The impacts to utilities, like power and water, also have to be determined.
WILLIAM DALTON
KEVIN BARBOT
JEFF PAWUL
The re-entry process will begin — either full or partial by zones — once it is deemed safe.
“We would set up a checkpoint in the area of the toll booth,” Dalton said.
“We use our hurricane pass program,” he added. The city will use reuse the 2024 passes for the 2025 season.
“We typically get about four years out of each series,” Dalton said.
“The pass usually hangs on the rearview mirror, so we can easily see it and wave them through the checkpoint,” he said, explaining that the program is intended to expedite returning to the islands.
A driver’s license with an island address and proof of property ownership will also suffice.
“We encourage everybody to get your pass, and we encourage everybody to get it early,” Dalton said. “Don’t wait until the last minute.”
People should never give their pass away for someone else to use.
Upon returning to the islands, use good common sense and safety measures. When cleaning up, use safety equipment, like gloves and eyewear. Bring bug spray and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
“They should have a good first aid kit, as well. A good quality first aid kit that has tourniquets and more,” he said. “Help might be further away than it normally is.”
Do not overexert yourself or overdue it.
Do not go onto other people’s property — work on your property.
“If you’re going to run a generator, do not run it in your garage. Keep it like 50 feet away from your house,” Dalton said. “Remember, generators get hot. Don’t set it on top of debris. Place it in a safe place to run.”
For more information, visit the city of Sanibel at mysanibel.com.
Lee County is at www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement. It publishes an “All Hazards Guide” that is available online, and people can sign up for AlertLee through the county’s website.
CITY OF SANIBEL
Residents, Businesses Reminded to Obtain Re-entry Passes
By TIFFANY REPECKI • trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
Sanibel and Captiva will reuse the 2024 hurricane passes for the upcoming storm season.
Any older passes from the city are no longer valid and can be discarded.
Property owners, residents and businesses need to apply for the Hurricane Reentry Pass Program in case an evacuation is ordered. The intent of the passes is to maximize security, while providing authorized persons the quickest possible access to their properties.
For residents, a limit of two passes is issued per address.
For businesses, it starts at one to two passes issued per address.
Sanibel and Captiva are broken down into a number of re-entry zones.
The zones are numbered from the re-entry access point — the Sanibel Causeway — then from Sanibel through to Captiva. Typically, a couple of zones are worked on at a time during the re-entry clearing process. A second situation is a full re-entry, which is when all the zones are cleared at the same time.
Those without passes will be required to provide a valid photo ID with an island address, like a driver’s license — P.O. Boxes will not be accepted — and ownership of island property, such as a utility bill.
Acquiring a pass requires a short application and specific documentation.
For more information, visit mysanibel.com and click on the “I Want To” drop-down tab.
In 2022
Hurricane Ian devastated Sanibel like no other storm in nearly 100 years. Hurricanes Charley, Wilma and Irma all had minimal storm surge while Ian brought catastrophic storm surge. The Lighthouse Cottages were built in the 1860ʼ s and weathered many severe hurricanes. Hurricane Ian completely wiped them out with barely a trace of the buildings left. Some bricks from the old water cistern are all that was left. The island community has pulled together and we are in the midst of rebuilding.
Our full time residents, part time residents, visitors and business owners can keep up to date on all approaching storms by accessing our website: http://WWW.MYSANIBEL.COM keeps all residents in the know. From accurate local weather forecasting from Dave Roberts keeping both the government and the residents up to the minute with changes in any storm scenario to the Sanibel Police and Emergency Management Director, to Sanibel Fire and Rescue District and the city Emergency Management Specialist. Steps are taken to coordinate, in the event of an evacuation or storm warning to implement plans with outside agencies to help keep residents safe and help promote quick recovery. Including evacuation plans. In the event of any storm, residents and visitors need to heed the cityʼ s evacuation orders. With the cityʼ s partnership with F.I.S.H., those with special needs can be directed to safety. All contact numbers, including locally licensed contractors with the city can be found on the website.The threat to Sanibel is the flooding. Be sure your property is properly insured. Flood insurance is mandatory on the island for property that has a federally backed mortgage.To learn more go to http://www.fema.gov/nfip/.
BEFORE THE STORM: Know Sanibelʼ s flood warning system. For evacuation, follow the blue and white signs. EVACUATION TIME COULD BE UP TO 18 HOURS. HAVE A PLAN FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR PETS. EVACUATION MEANS GO TO HIGHER GROUND. GET INLAND, AWAY FROM THE STORMʼ S PROJECTED PATH.
HAVE A FOOD SUPPLY AND FRESH BOTTLED WATER. BE SURE TO TAKE MEDICATIONS, IMPORTANT PAPERS. DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE STORM, IT COULD TAKE AT LEAST A WEEK FOR REENTRY
HAVE A SUPPLY OF PLYWOOD, PLASTIC SHEETING, LUMBER and anything you may need to secure your property in the event of an evacuation and reentry. CALL THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT at 239-472-4555 for detailed information regarding structural elevations. Do this BEFORE any storm so you may implement your plan to move valuables etc. Contact Police/Emergency Management at 472-3111 for more tips to prepare for a storm... A SPECIAL UPDATED WEBSITE WILL CHRONICLE AN IMMEDIATE STORM THREAT AND RECOVERY INFORMATION. GO TO http://WWW.MYSANIBEL.COM
We are your hometown. THE CITY OF SANIBEL WILL PROTECT ITʼ S RESIDENTS AND VISITORS THROUGH ANY STORM. YOU MAY VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US DIRECTLY at any of the numbers in this advertisement.
Periwinkle Way, Unit H
Open Mon. — Fri. 10am-4pm
The convenient design center, located in the heart of Sanibel, allows you to see and touch the latest interior finishes for your new home or remodeling project. We feature the leading names in flooring, wall coverings, countertops, cabinets, appliances and accessories. Our complete kitchen and bathroom displays allow you to experience what could be, while our inhouse designer can help you select options at different price levels to fit every style and budget. The Sanibel Design Center is here to help your dreams become reality.
www.thesanibeldesigncenter.com
neighbors helping neighbors
FISH is committed to the safety and well-being of our island community, and hurricane season is no exception. Hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, etc.
It is essential to be ready before a storm approaches and crucial to know what to do if a storm makes landfall.
FISH can help—
THE STORM before&after
U PDATED HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PACKETS
Our annual FISH Hurricane Preparedness Packet is full of essential information people truly need, and available FREE to anyone who requests one. This year's resource is more valuable than ever, with updated content based on recent Ian/Helene/ Milton experiences and recovery work including:
• How to prepare your home ahead of a storm
• Evacuation planning & routes
• Emergency supply checklists
• Local shelter info & pet-friendly options
• Hotel contacts with generator access
• Guidance for vulnerable populations & seniors
• Special Medical Needs Application
If you or someone you know could benefit from this vital program, packets may be obtained in the following ways:
• PICKED UP at FISH—2422 Periwinkle Way
• DOWNLOADED at fishofsancap.org
• MAILED TO YOU upon request by calling 239.472.4775 or email erika@fishofsancap.org
HURRICANE RECOVERY
In the event a storm makes landfall, please contact FISH after the storm for information and assistance at 239.472.0404 (24-hour hotline) or email info@fishofsancap.org
In 2024, FISH helped neighbors through the storms with:
586
HURRICANE PACKETS DISTRIBUTED &
5,680
EMERGENCY MEALS DISTRIBUTED
2422 Periwinkle Way Sanibel FL 33957 239.472.4775 fishofsancap.org
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The Greater Pine Island Alliance Wants You to Be Comforted Yet Prepared for Hurricane Season PINE ISLAND
The Greater Pine Island Alliance has issued the following release to the community as Hurricane Season ’25 begins:
As our community has been recovering from three storms in five years, the Greater Pine Island Alliance - Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) hopes that we are spared from further devastation. Should the need arise, know that the GPIA in collaboration with many partners are here for not only your preparedness, but your recovery.
Post Helene and Milton, GPIA was open immediately with communication, basic necessities, volunteer coordination as well as medical assistance in collaboration to Samaritan Health and Wellness, the American Red Cross, the United Way of Lee Glades and Hendry county to name a few partners.
GPIA volunteers provided more than 3461 hours of work immediately following those disasters, performing muck and guts as well as delivery flood and supplies. As the Long-Term Recovery Group, GPIA is the link with the county, state and federal governments poised to respond and advocate for the needs of the Greater Pine Island community.
unknown.”
GPIA provided more than $1 million of relief with partners in 2024 and hopes to exceed that this year.
One partner was the American Red Cross. “The American Red Cross and Greater Pine Island Alliance share a partnership built on trust and a commitment to Pine Island’s resilience. Together, we are focused on ensuring that the Greater Pine Island community remains prepared, supported, and empowered before, during, and after a disaster,” Jill Palmer, Red Cross Executive Director, Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter.
Lee County Emergency Management and other Lee County Government departments also are partners.
“Lee County understands the importance of collaborating with its community partners and values the trust of the community,” said Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane, who is Board chairman and whose district includes Pine Island.
Ruane encourages island residents to take some simple steps to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season, including:
“The road to recovery is long, but together we are stronger than the storm,” GPIA Executive Director Erin Lollar-Lambert said. “Community involvement is huge; however we are still a community in recovery.”
GPIA has funded multiple starlinks for locations across the Island. John Lynch the owner of the Blue Dog in Matlacha would like to remind people that “the GPIA Starlink will be operational as soon as safety allows, and we will provide in real time community updates as we receive them. We need to acknowledge our limits and help those in need to prepare for the
· Be aware that Florida’s first Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays begins June 1; use that opportunity to buy the supplies you need. · Check out this year’s All Hazard’s Guide to help you build that supply list. Visit www.leegov.com/hurricane. .
· Sign up for Alert Lee so you automatically receive important updates when a storm is approaching. Go to https://AlertLee.com
Adds Executive Director Lollar-Lambert, “Always remember that the GPIA is here for you and ready to help our community be prepared for hurricane season.” If you have any questions regarding preparedness or recovery, please contact the GPIA at www.gpialliance. org.
Kevin Ruane
ONLINE TOOLS
Lee County Emergency Management’s online communication tools have increased its ability to engage the community in a different environment, allowing for more feedback at the local level. The following is a list of online resources providing useful information to help you be prepared for an emergency.
Lee County Emergency Management Website www.LeeEOC.com
The website is a one-stop shop to find the information and tools you need to prepare your family for any hazards that can happen in Southwest Florida. You can find:
• Family Preparedness Plan – A comprehensive, easy-to-use template to help you prepare a plan of action for an emergency situation.
• Special Medical Needs Program Application – A no-cost program available to those with medical needs.
• Shelter locations – A comprehensive listing of shelters in Lee County.
• Notifications & Resources – Links to social media accounts, apps and websites.
Facebook
www.facebook.com/LeePublicSafety
Official Lee County Emergency Management page. Offers preparedness information in addition to emergency information www.facebook.com/LCEMVolunteers
Lee County Emergency Management Volunteers page. Provides information on how you can help Lee County prepare for emergencies.
X (formerly Twitter)
@LeeEOC
Official Lee County Emergency Management X/ Twitter account. Offers emergency information.
LeePrepares
Download this free app to find your evacuation zone and sign up for evacuation text notifications. Shelter locations, preparedness information and local weather is provided. Available through both Apple & Android stores.
AlertLee
Sign up for this free service to receive phone calls,
texts and/or email about significant emergencies or critical protective actions needed to safeguard life and property. Register at www.AlertLee.com.
Volunteer Application
Lee County’s volunteer program provides service opportunities including office assistance, emergency management duties and accredited student volunteer hours. Visit www.LeeEOC.com to apply.
Know Your Evacuation Zone
Lee County service which allows you to find your evacuation zone by entering your address. A link can be found at www.LeeEOC.com and on the LeePrepares app.
NOAA Weather Radios
These radios provide 24-hour broadcasting providing current and forecasted weather conditions. This is the earliest warning system for sudden weather hazards such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. These radios can be purchased online and in stores.
Emergency Alert System
&
Wireless Emergency Alerts
This Federal emergency alert system may be used by State and Local authorities for emergencies. The emergency alert system sends messages on radio and TV. The wireless emergency alerts are sent via phones.
LOCAL MEDIA
NOAA Weather Radios
These radios provide 24-hour continuous broadcasting of current and forecasted weather conditions. The following are the identification codes for Lee and our adjoining counties:
• Fort Myers Channel 4 (162.475 MHz)
• Lee - 012071
• Collier - 012021
• Desoto - 012027
• Charlotte - 012015
• Hendry - 012051
Public Radio Emergency Network
WGCU-90.1FM is the Southwest Florida affiliate of the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, a system created to communicate information statewide before, during and after an emergency.
Stations in the network are equipped to stay on the air even during power outages and will continue to provide information during the recovery of a major weather event or other emergency. Working in partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency
Management and the Lee County Emergency Operations Centers, listeners can be assured of having access to the most up-to-date information.
Breeze Newspapers
Breeze Newspapers will update its local web sites frequently before, during and after storms and will publish print editions as long as conditions permit. If print newspapers can’t be printed due to power outages, electronic editions will be made available via these sites:
• Cape Coral: www.capecoralbreeze.com
• Fort Myers Beach: www.fortmyersbeachtalk.com
• Sanibel/Captiva: www.captivasanibel.com
• Pine Island: www.pineisland-eagle.com
• North Fort Myers: www.northfortmyersneighbor. com
• Lehigh Acres: www.lehighacrescitizen.com
Local TV and Radio
Many local TV and radio stations will continue broadcasting during and after storms and can still be access if power is out via battery operated devices with antennae.
