Lee County has sent out a post-Hurricane Milton update from the Department of Transportation about emergency road repairs on local roads in Boca Grande. A pre-construction meeting was held Thursday, Nov. 21, and work will begin on Monday, Nov. 25.

The contractor will begin by reviewing the damaged areas and preparing an approach. They plan to move equipment to the island Dec. 2 and bring in materials for the emergency road repairs on Dec. 4. 

The county’s contractor will be using a site on Wheeler Road as a staging area for this equipment and material. They will perform repair of the roadways as well as cleaning and repair of the stormwater drainage systems. Work is expected to be completed within 90 days.

Only county roadway and drainage facilities will be repaired under this contract. Private road and driveway repairs remain the responsibility of the property owner.

The roads that will be repaired are:

• 18th Street East
• 17th Street East
• 13th Street East
• 12th Street East
• 11th Street East
• 10th Street East
• 9th Street East
• 7th Street East
• 3rd Street East
• Banyan Street
• Waterways Avenue
• Easy Railroad Avenue + 1st
• Wheeler
• Seabreeze Court
• Revels Court
• Pilot Street
• Gasparilla Street
• Baily Street
• Barbarosa Street
• Lafitte Street

A fund to help island businesses is now over its initial $3 million goal, and has given out over $1.5 million to help jump start business re-openings across Gasparilla Island.

“The people don’t have the seed dollars to go out and make the down payment,” said co-organizer Larry Hannah of Lighthouse United Methodist Church. “It’s important we get some seed money to them so they can get open.” 

The Boca Grande Disaster Fund is a sort of kick-start backer, to get things rolling, and make up the gaps between insurance, deductibles and the unexpected expenses of a storm. 

“We are not the lender of last resort,” Hannah said. “We are the granter of first resort.”

While the fund is not able to give for lost wages, speeding up the process makes the reopening happen faster, and benefits the staff.

“It’s so employers can keep their people on the payroll,” Hannah said. 

IRS guidelines are followed with the disaster fund. Throughout the application and granting process, committee members will meet with applicants, help them identify priorities and reassure them of the community’s support. One hundred percent of the money collected is distributed, with no overhead. The team is made up entirely of volunteers. It was set up by leading families on the island to help spur repairs after Helene and Milton, and modeled after an effort for Hurricane Ian.

If you are able to contribute to the Disaster Fund, please send donations to Boca Grande United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 524, Boca Grande, FL 33921.

Application forms are available at the Beacon office. For questions, email Stephanie Newman at snewman@spiritflighteast.com or Mary O’Bannon at meobannon@yahoo.com.

Lee County Solid Waste asks Boca Grande residents to set all Hurricane Milton sand debris curbside by Friday, Nov.29. Collections will begin on Saturday, Nov. 30 and may take several days to complete.

If you live in an area where sand is still being collected, be sure to place sand correctly to ensure crews can expedite pickup.

• Place sand along the right-of-way.
• Do not place sand on top of the curb or in the roadway.
• Separate sand away from other debris piles.

Residents with questions can call Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000. Additional information is available at www.leegov.com/storm.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.

On Banyan Street the leaves have returned, and trees closest to Park Avenue seem to be in full recovery. After Hurricane Milton, Lee County cleaned around the trees, and also hand-watered them through its emergency water trucks. Across the island, many street and parkland trees are still a mess, where there are huge washouts. Misty Nichols of the GICIA said that they are waiting to see how planting comes back before they make any landscaping decisions. “We won’t know for a little while on planting,” said Nichols.      

Photo by Garland

Lee County Government will close two post-Hurricane Milton comfort stations Friday afternoon because of the decrease in residents using the temporary facilities, including the one at the Boca Grande Community Center.

However, the laundry facilities will stay open for one more week, through the week of Nov. 15.

This week, even more businesses reopened across the island after Hurricane Milton.

As businesses reopen across the island, we are all striving for routine. Stop in & say hi!

BGHC Foundation’s Cannon Jones & Yuliy Fedorshyn; BGHC Karen Harrison-Trent, Dr. Bret Kueber, Cara Onofrio, Lindsay Dalton & Jonna Foos; Kappy’s Kathy Tressler, Hunter Burchell, Richie Woodham, Steve Kaplan & Amber Mazgajewski; Boca Grande Club’s Zack Grimm, Madison Lafferty, Certified Executive Chef Rocco Caggiano, Sous Chef Ashley Esposito, Bardi Bushi, Keryn Tindall & Braiden Walls.   

Photos by Matt  

Lee County is working through a long list of road repairs on the side streets of Gasparilla Island. Currently, Lee County DOT has assessed all the damaged areas of roadways on Boca Grande and is preparing bids for the repair of the side streets, with work potentially beginning in less than two weeks.

These repairs include many of the numbered streets, such as 18th, 13th, 12th, and 10th, as well as streets south of Wheeler, including Seabreeze, Revels, Pilot, Barbarosa, Baily, Lafitte, Kidd, and Luke.

The main roads on Gasparilla Island are mostly repaired. The county-owned side streets that sustained damage fall into a separate category as “non-federal aid roadways.” This designation means that emergency repairs during a crisis must go through FEMA instead of the Federal Highway Administration.

Lee County has sent its damage assessments to its consultant, Hagerty, for coordination with FEMA and is working with Lee County Procurement Management to establish an expedited timeline for construction.

If all necessary steps proceed as planned, DOT expects to have its contractor ready to begin work by Wednesday, Nov. 20.

“We truly believe this construction timeline is the fastest we could possibly restore these roadways while being eligible for reimbursement of these activities from FEMA,” said Lee County’s Betsy Clayton, “which means a savings for Lee County’s local taxpayers.”

The state FWC just updated its website to make it a lot easier to report waterway debris issues locally, including abandoned and suspected abandoned boats.  

Here is the link:

Please share with your friends and neighbors as you see fit.

Boca Grande residents will be able to safely and responsibly dispose of household chemical waste such as leftover paints, cleaners, herbicides, pesticides, automotive fluids and pool chemicals on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

The collection event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Boca Grande Community Park, 131 1st St. W., Boca Grande. Drop-off is an easy, drive-through process available to all residents at no charge. 

Lee County Solid Waste reminds residents to be aware of proper battery disposal. Please bring all rechargeable or lithium-ion batteries to the Nov. 6 collection event or to the Household Chemical Waste and Electronic Recycling Center located at 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers.

An increasing number of products contain lithium-ion batteries, which can be hazardous when disposed of improperly. Lithium-ion batteries are found in these common products along with others:

• Electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets and Bluetooth devices
• Power tools
• Game controllers
• Digital cameras
• Portable power packs
• Greeting cards
• Electric toothbrushes
• Toys
• E-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards

To find out more information on proper material disposal, residents can download the Recycle Coach app or visitwww.leegov.com/solidwaste/recycle-coach.

Residents with questions can call Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000. Additional information is available atwww.leegov.com/storm.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.

The Gasparilla Island Water Association’s Precautionary Boil Water Notice has been rescinded effected Oct. 28, 2024.

Please resume all normal water, including irrigation.

This according to a 9:45 a.m. email from Ron Bolton, executive director.

Toll collections at the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority will resume at midnight tonight, Weds. Oct. 23, 2024. A reminder:

• The left lane will be for GIBA Bridge Passes (No trucks/trailers) 
• The center and right lane will be for GIBA Bridge Passes, Cash, and Credit Card Traffic   
• Vehicles are required to STOP and pay the toll before proceeding onto the island

Also, GIBA has placed a sign on the Causeway letting the public know that the beaches are closed until further notice. The Lee County Sheriff is going to continue the Hurricane Tag checkpoint at the county line.

Above, the exterior of the railroad station shows progress in cleanup. Below, a water truck waits by the Louise duPont Crowninshield House, where water flood marks can still be seen.

Photos by Garland

A disaster fund to assist island businesses has raised nearly $1 million in cash, with hopes of reaching $3 million to help local businesses survive.

The goal of the fund is to “make sure everybody stays in business,” said Larry Hannah, one of three organizers of the fund, which is being run through the Lighthouse United Methodist Church. The fund is directed at businesses, churches, community institutions, and similar groups. Boca Grande’s Crews Bank & Trust is handling the funds.

One of the other organizers of the fund, Stephanie Newman, was present during a Tuesday island tour with Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly. She was handing out application forms and talking individually to businesses. Kelly and his staff, as well as Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nunez, toured businesses and learned about the situation here.

This fund is formed under federal Internal Revenue Service rules, with approval from the United Methodist Conference, as well as the Lighthouse United Methodist Church. Although the church is the administrator of the fund, the money does not come from the church—it is “a conduit for getting the money to those who need it,” Hannah explained.

The committee is meeting weekly. They have already received many applications and will conduct more individual interviews to determine how much to distribute. The fund, which targets island businesses that suffered physical losses, will significantly ease the burden on businesses struggling to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Three families on the island—August and Ginny Busch, the Ginny Nicholas family, and Will and Sarah Farish—stepped up to seed the fund just after Hurricane Helene. Others have quickly stepped up to help bringing it to over $900,000 in less than two weeks.

After Hurricane Ian, the community rallied to support local businesses, and it made a huge impact. “This is what churches are supposed to do… become the vehicle to help people and bring the community together,” said Hannah, a member of the committee, after the announcement of the fund after Helene.

“Many businesses are reluctant to take money to reopen after a disaster like this,” he noted on the launch of the fund. “They fear there won’t be a town left to support their investment. We are here to show them that Boca Grande is coming back and will be bigger and stronger than before.”

Handling the business end of things is a committee made up of Hannah, Mary O’Bannon, Sharon Cross, and Stephanie Newman.

Since the announcement of the fund, the State of Florida came in with $50,000 no interest loans for businesses, which could be doubled.

Other businesses have had individual campaigns.

“We see this fund serving as a 60-to-90-day bridge,” he said. It provides businesses with a way to kick-start their recovery, take care of immediate needs, and remain operational. This is especially crucial as the season is starting. People want to see that we are still in business, and they won’t hesitate to come to the island.

Hannah said 100% of the money collected by the Disaster Fund will be distributed to those in need. The Disaster Fund team is made up entirely of volunteers. Donations are tax-deductible. Throughout the application and granting process, committee members will meet with applicants, help them identify their priorities, and reassure them of the community’s support. Many local businesses are family-owned, have been part of the community for years, and are integral to what draws people to live, vacation, and visit the island.

If you are able to contribute to the Boca Grande Disaster Fund, please send donations to Boca Grande United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 524, Boca Grande, FL 33921.

For questions, you can email Stephanie Newman at snewman@spiritflighteast.com or Mary O’Bannon at meobannon@yahoo.com.

Florida Commerce is accepting applications from eligible residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Milton. Residents are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs. org.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to those who are ineligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and meet one of the following requirements: Is unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster; Was scheduled to start employment but was unable to as a direct resultof the major disaster; Is unable to reach their job or self-employment location because the individual has to travel through an affected area and is prevented from doing so as a direct result of the major disaster; Has become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the major disaster; or Is unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of the major disaster.

DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning October 6, 2024, through April 12, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated disaster areas. The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than December 10, 2024.

To file a claim, go to FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim,” visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call 1-800-3853920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For DUA claims information, call (833) FL-APPLY.

Residents can use over-washed sand to fill in holes and may return sand to the beach as long as the below requirements are met, including the return of sand to the beach dune system which has been deposited upland by the storm.

No state or local government permit or other authorization shall be required for a public or private property owner to return clean sand back onto the beach that has been deposited on the owner’s property by the storm, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection email referencing the emergency authorization.

“Clean sand” is defined as sand that does not have stains or odors and that is similar to the pre-hurricane beach sand in both coloration and grain size.

It must be free of debris, rocks, clay or other foreignmatter. This clean sand can be collected and placedabove the high tide line (or mean high water line) on the beach and dune system.

Sand may not be placed over any existing native vegetation or storm generated debris on the beach. Any sand that does not meet the definition of clean sand may be taken to a department authorized Disaster Debris Management Site that has been designated by the local government to accept the sand.

Residents who picked up sand and sandbags from their local fire department in anticipation of Hurricane Milton are asked to save the sandbags for reuse, use them around their home, or properly dispose of them.

During its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15, the Board of Lee County Commissioners included various updates on Boca Grande Milton recovery, including sand screening and permitting.

Lee Director of Solid Waste Douglass Whitehead gave an update on debris collection, which started for Hurricane Milton on Monday, Oct. 14. By Tuesday’s meeting they had collected 4,018 cubic yards of material collection, Whitehead said. Among the list of priority places he listed was Boca Grande, “once there’s access.”

Sand screening is a particular issue with this storm, he added.

“Our focus areas are Boca Grande and Lover’s Key,” he said. “We have two screeners expected to arrivetomorrow, one for Boca Grande and one for Lovers Key. We just received permission from the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority to drive the 122,000-pound unit across the bridge this morning, so that will be going across the bridge tomorrow [Wednesday] afternoon at their request.”

Nathan Beals, Lee senior manager for Public Utilities said that Boca Grande expected to be able to turn on around 15-20 percent of customers to water on Tuesday.

Lee Director of Community Development Mikki Rozdolski told the commissioners that they would be opening a temporary remote permit office on Pine Island starting on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Commissioner Brian Hamman asked about a plan for remote office for Boca Grande. Rozdolski spoke to the possibility: “Prior to Hurricane Milton we had plans to start a remote office up on Boca Grande for Helene,” she said, “and as soon as we have a facility up and connected to the network, we will be having a remote permit office up there as well.”

Lee Director of Facilities Construction and Management Ehab Guirguis shared some water mark measurements from the first day after Milton. There was up to 4 inches of water in The Island School and up to 33 inches in the Crowninshield House. They are working closely with Friends of Boca Grande, Guirguis added.

To watch the entire recorded meeting visit youtube.com/@LeeCounty-FLBOCC.

The Rev. Anthony Hewitt, priest of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, has begun daily Mass at the parish’s Life Center, and for the time being will have one Mass on Sundays there, as well. The main church, rectory and Boca Grande Preschool, which is under the direction of the Catholic Diocese of Venice, are all closed until further notice. Damages from Hurricane Helene were significant to all three structures, but Hurricane Milton made this much worse.

“In the preschool, we were going to have to remove flooring and drywall up to about four feet,” Fr. Hewitt said. “Then Hurricane Milton came along and added more. The wave action in the building was terrible. It was like a big wave pool in there.”

As a result, water was splashed on the upper walls and ceilings, so the damage is virtually to everything in the building. Additionally, the outside playground and all equipment will have to be made free from all contamination before the staff or children will be allowed to return.

The church and rectory did not fare much better, with water four to five feet in each building. The Life Center, constructed just before Hurricane Ian hit the area, was protected from damage by its new construction and higher elevation.

In the church, Father Hewitt said that water even covered the fuse boxes, the organ and encroached on the altar. It did not quite reach the tabernacle, however. Sand and mud are everywhere in the buildings and grounds.

A parishioner invited Father Hewitt and his two puppies to stay at his home for the time being. He said he is back on the island frequently to meet with inspectors, contractors and others. The Diocese of Venice will be working with the parish to restore the facilities.

The Diocese covers all of Southwest Florida, so damage to churches, schools and other facilities is a major concern following the back-to-back hurricanes. Bishop Frank J. Dewane called on all “to pray and care for our fellow neighbors as the Diocese of Venice begins its recovery from the impacts of the fury of Hurricane Milton,” a press release noted.

It went on: “As soon as it was safe to do so, teams from the Diocese of Venice Office of Buildings and Construction, along with officials from each parish and diocesan Catholic school, were out making initial assessments of the damage.”

“The area suffered a great deal because of Milton, and a lot of people are much worse off than others, but still, we gather in prayer to ask God’s blessing; that he place his healing hand upon all who suffer as a result of Hurricane Milton,” Bishop Dewane said. Earlier statements included damages done by Hurricane Helene.

Catholic Charities, an office within the diocesan administration, is responding to the storms by establishing set Points of Distribution (POD) in areas of greatest need. These POD locations, preplanned and established in coordination with county and state emergency management officials, will include the distribution of water, ice and food. Catholic Charities had to pause its response to help the victims of Hurricane Helene so as to prepare for the arrival of Milton.

People interested in volunteering to assist, donating unused hurricane supplies, or offering financial support for the recovery effort can visitcatholiccharitiesdov.org

BY CHRISTINE OLIVER

We would like to provide you with an update regarding our transition to our temporary location.

We are excited to welcome all students back on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at Fellowship Church in Rotonda. We are grateful to Fellowship Church for allowing us to use their space, and we will continue to follow the Florida State Standards while using our regular curriculum materials.

During our temporary relocation, phone calls will be forwarded to a cell phone. You can still reach The Island School by calling (941) 964-8016.

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this transition.

At press time, a crew from Margate, Florida, hired to help Boca Grande restore its water service, hoped to have the main fully repaired by Friday.

As of Wednesday, the water system was coming back online faster than expected, with a crew from Margate, on Florida’s east coast, assisting in rebuilding the main water line from Rotonda that was destroyed on the Causeway. At the time, between 30% to 40% of the island was back in service.

“Wherever the pipe is intact, we can send the water,” said Ron Bolton, executive director of the Gasparilla Island Water Association (GIWA).

As of Wednesday, GIWA reported the following: With the exception of Gilchrist Avenue and some beach-front homes, water has been restored south of 5th Street. Testing of Boca Grande Isles’ water and sewer systems was scheduled for Thursday.

The north island has several substantial breaks or missing pipes.

Only a few lift stations are still without power. A complete assessment of all lift stations was expected by press time.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection had updated the status of the island’s water and sewer systems to “partially operational” and was scheduled to visit the wastewater plant for a status check.

As Bolton’s team works through the system, they are finding other areas where pipes are missing. Before the storm, GIWA had filled its tanks, and a small line that remained intact has been supplying water.

“The tank is full,” Bolton said. The crew from Margateis making quick progress on installing the main

pipe to the island. Part of the crew is also assisting with lift station evaluations and startups. By Wednesday evening, six lift stations were operational.

Readers have asked about the return of “three-phase” electrical service to the island. Household wiring typically consists of two wires—phase and neutral—in alternating current. Threephase electricity, used in transmission, can carry three times as much power with just one additional wire. Households use 220-volt plugs for dryers, which is a step up from standard household current.

As service is restored, Bolton reminds customers not to use water for irrigation and to please limit any outside water use. There is also a boil water notice.

“Everybody wants to power wash their house,” Bolton said. “It’s not time for that yet.”

An update from Gasparilla Water, and Ron Bolton, executive director. As work continues on the water main to the island on Cole Island in the Causeway, the staff continues to work to bring service back to the whole island, house by house.

A reminder that there is a boil water notice for the island:

• We were able to restore water & sewer service to all of Boca Grande Isles this morning.
• 17 out of 20 sewer lift stations are operational.  14 are running in normal operations.
• The transmission line on Cole Island is 90% complete. We will pressure test and sample tomorrow.
• The plan is to bring water north to 29^th Street by end of day Friday.
• Several leaks need to be resolved between 9^th Street and 39^th Street.
• Currently about 50 percent of our customers/members are back in service for water and sewer.
• The fault error for the substation generator has been resolved so we have generator back up if necessary.
• The office now has temporary water service.

Fort Myers, FL, Oct. 16, 2024 – Lee County now has drinking water and bags of ice available for Boca Grande residents at its comfort station that opened Tuesday at 240 Banyan St. at the rear parking lot of Island School and Community Center.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 16, 2024) – Charlotte County bridgeless barrier islands have reopened to residents and businesses, including Palm Island and Little Gasparilla. As residents return, we urge them to exercise caution:

• FPL continues to work to restore power.
• Use caution crossing Don Pedro Island’s Anne Merry Bridge.
• Many areas still contain debris and storm surge sand.

We are sad to announce that due to Milton’s impacts, Lee County Parks and Recreation needs to cancel the Fall Festival that was to be held Oct. 25. It was to be held at the now-damaged Boca Grande Community Center that afternoon.

Please help spread the word that this is canceled. Our Parks team looks forward to coming up with additional options for island families just as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

A Tuesday, Oct. 15 evening update on the island’s recovery:

• G.I.W.A was able to move water today to 7th street. The goal for tomorrow is to get all the way to 1st street. Three phase power was restored to the waste water plant and the pumping station and they are running. Two lift stations were started back up and are working.
• Pipes were delivered for the repairs on the Causeway, which will begin tomorrow.
• Hurricane Plass distribution will be at the Fire Station tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Remember when coming on the Island, prominently display your hand held tag and get in the left lane.
• F.P.L. continues to restore power.
• The comfort station is available at the Crownandshield House. Restrooms, showers, laundry, and wi-fi are at that location. 
• We have ice, potable water, canned water and various other things available at the Fire Station.
• Debris pick up starts tomorrow. Place your debris curbside and separate.

Lee County this afternoon opened a comfort station for Boca Grande residents to assist with recovery from Hurricane Milton.

The comfort station is located at 240 Banyan St. at the rear parking lot of Island School and Community Center. The comfort station provides residents in need with:

• Restrooms
• Showers
• Laundry facilities

All services are free for island residents. The county and its partners will soon have Starlink for internet connectivity. Once activated, this will provide residents with free open-access WiFi.

Visit www.leegov.com/storm for additional Milton-related information and resources.

The south end of Manasota Key has reopened to residents and businesses. Charlotte County Community Development has done an initial damage assessment and affected properties have been tagged with notifications of the condition by a placard placed on the structure.  

News from Chief C. W. Blosser of the Boca Grande Fire Department:

• Soon you will see comfort stations, portable showers, and restroom trailers.
• When entering the Island use the left lane for Hurricane Tags and the right lane for non-tags
• The Causeway will be down to one lane during the day for repairs at the washout.
• Temporary tags will be issued at the Bridge, and permanent tags are being issued at the Station. Tag distribution at the Station is from 8:30 a.m. till 4 p.m. 
• Curfew is in effect from 9 p.m. till 6 a.m.
• There is ice, canned water, bulk water and a restroom trailer at the Station. A bulk water dispenser for 5 gallon buckets is next to the Barnichol.
• Power continues to be restored on the Island.
• Sand from clean up can go to the Dog Park even by private contractor.

In order to highlight the importance of local commerce, Florida Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly will come to Gasparilla Island to get a tour of small businesses affected by the last two hurricanes.

Kelly will meet with business owners in Hudson’s Park at Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. He will bring his staff to visit business owner’s and store or offices to assist with assessment and explain what the state of Florida can quickly do to provide relief.

The state has a number of programs, including a Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, which is a $50,000 at zero percent interest. Businesses impacted by Helene and Milton could apply for both storms.

Questions? Contact Mary O’Bannon at (239) 229-1611‬.

Links

A link to the Rebuild Florida Business Loan Program is below. Also, below is a link to the Island Fund for Disasters:

• floridacommerce.my.site.com/RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund/s
• Island fund for disasters, led by Lighthouse United Methodist. Applications are available at the Beacon or at the church, at the Beacon office, or HERE.

Lee County Facilities and Library staff were happy to see that the sandbags and plastic combination at the doors worked and the interior of the Island School had minimal water intrusion.

Mrs. Oliver and the Island School staff prepared the building pre-Milton and Lee County staff packed up the library and classroom books today. The books have no visible water damage and will be stored in a climate-controlled Lee County warehouse.

A separate letter to The Island School friends, families and supporters went out today.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), with support from Charlotte County, has established a public fuel depot at Charlotte Sports Park, located at 2300 El Jobean Rd. in Port Charlotte. The site is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice to assist residents in their recovery efforts. Each vehicle is limited to 10 gallons of fuel. 

Access to Gasparilla Island has reopened. Access to the bridgeless barrier islands and South Manasota Key remain closed. Hurricane Hang tags issued by the Boca Grande Fire Department are required for access. These passes, which are part of a longstanding program of the department, were issued before the hurricane.

At right are the old version of the tags; they do not expire.

For storm response and recovery information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Those with internet access can find information on resources at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/storm.

Lee County Solid Waste garbage collection will resume Monday, Oct. 14, on the normally scheduled day for all routes in Lee County franchise areas that are accessible to collection trucks. This collection is for household garbage only, which includes everyday trash items and all spoiled food. The county on Monday also will begin Hurricane Milton storm debris pickup throughout the impacted areas of Lee County. Storm debris is collected separately from household garbage. Residents are urged to set out all Milton debris today for the county’s contractors to collect.

Use the following guidelines so that work crews can quickly and efficiently remove debris:

• Most Important – Please set storm debris at the curb away from your normal weekly garbage service; it will be collected and documented separately.
• Place storm debris at the curb in four separate piles: household garbage, appliances (white goods), yard waste and construction and demolition debris. Federal Emergency Management Agency rules require documentation of the volume and type of debris collected to reimburse the county for storm cleanup, which saves local taxpayer dollars.
• Household garbage must be placed in a 40-gallon can or heavy plastic bag, each weighing no more than 50 pounds. If you have a larger county-provided container for automated garbage collection, you may use that as well.
• Place yard waste in piles that can easily be managed by collection personnel with a claw truck.
• To expedite collection, do not place anything beneath low hanging obstacles like trees or power lines or near anything like fire hydrants or mailboxes.
• Food must be removed from any appliance set at the curb. Inedible food should be placed with your normal weekly garbage.

Everyone,

Let’s end the day on some positives:

Power is being restored sporadically on the Island. Lots of people got on Island today we will continue to expand and support that mission.

Mutual aid firefighting units arrived today and were put to work later this afternoon. We had a structure fire and 2 more small fires within an hour. All were handled swiftly and successfully.

C.W.

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