At noon today, Lee County Government provided the following post-storm update on Hurricane Milton:
Milton brought damaging storm surge to coastal areas throughout Lee County and tornado and wind damage across the community.
Crews are continuing to assess impacted areas, including barrier islands and coastal communities, including:
– Sanibel, Captiva, Upper Captiva, Boca Grande
– Fort Myers Beach, coastal Bonita Springs
– Matlacha and Pine Island
– Areas impacted by the possible tornadoes
The county has mobilized Community Coordination Teams to work directly with impacted areas to immediately address issues and needs that arise. This approach was successful following Hurricane Ian.
Residents are reminded that island municipalities may have their own requirements for residents returning and they should check with their local city hall.
The county continues to ask residents to remain in place and avoid travel as much as possible. There are downed powerlines in the roadway, and some are potentially live. Debris is still being removed from the roadways. Power outages are also impacting traffic signals.
About 9,600 people stayed overnight in Lee County shelters and evacuees began leaving this morning. As of 11:30 a.m., 627 remained and that number is expected to vary today as people assess damage at home and may need to come to a shelter. LeeTran will begin offering fare-free trips to people leaving shelters at 1 p.m. today, and some shelters may be consolidated.
ELECTRICITY SERVICE
Lee County continues to work with partners at the EOC to make service restoration a high priority. As of earlier today remaining outages were:
– LCEC: 129,000
– FPL: 111,000
DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS TEAM
Staff from multiple county departments are in communities assessing damage. Residents are reminded to:
– Get a permit for work on your home fix storm damage, especially unincorporated residents in coastal areas and areas that typically flood. Residents or businesses within the Special Flood Hazard Area with any damage to their homes or businesses, including water intrusion. You must obtain a permit for all repairs.
– Email FIRMinfo@leegov.com or call 239 533-8948
– If you’re in a municipality, contact the appropriate entity for permit assistance.
COUNTY OFFICES
– County offices remain closed today and Friday, as previously announced.
– All Lee County libraries will remain closed through the weekend.
– All Lee County Parks & Recreation facilities are closed today – recreation centers, sports complexes, beach sites and boat ramps. Further updates will be provided Friday.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
– More than half of the county’s 453 traffic signals were not operating as of 8 a.m., due either to no electrical service or physical damage.
– Crews are assessing signals.
– Motorists should approach non-functioning signals with caution. If a signal is dark: After coming to a complete stop, proceed carefully through the intersection. If it’s flashing yellow: Proceed with caution. If it’s flashing red: Treat it as a stop sign. If law enforcement is on-scene, follow the directions of deputies or officers.
BRIDGES
– Bridge inspections began early this morning and the majority of our bridges have been assessed and are safe.
– The Sanibel Causeway remained passable to emergency vehicles this morning. The Florida Department of Transportation and its contractors are clearing the road and coordinating a reopening plan with the city of Sanibel.
– The approach to the Blind Pass Bridge is damaged on the Captiva side. A plan is in place to repair this damage by this afternoon, and the bridge itself is safe.
OPERATIONS
Crews are working on the first pass of all road to clear debris, horticulture and over-washed sand.
SOLID WASTE
– Crews are assessing debris and checking debris management sites.
– The county is ready to mobilize its contracted debris vendor.
– Before Milton, Solid Waste and the vendor were able to collect about 90% of all Helene debris in Lee County.
TRASH COLLECTIONS
– Lee County has extended the suspension of residential garbage collection through Friday.
– Regular service will resume Monday following the regular schedule for all accessible routes within the county’s franchise areas.
– Only put out trash. Recycling and yard waste collections are delayed until Oct. 21.
NATURAL RESOURCES
– Water continues to recede.
– High tide has already occurred today.
– Despite the surge, this was not a heavy rainfall event. St. James City recorded 4 inches and the countywide average was 1.1 inches.
– Staff have been monitoring the watershed across the region to the north of Lee County. No sheet flow is anticipated from the north in the coming days.
COUNTY UTILITIES
– Coordinating with Fort Myers Beach to resume water services asap
– All Lee County Utilities treatment facilities are fully operational.
– Water system pressures were maintained, so no broad boil water notices are anticipated.
– Check with your individual utility for any specific questions. There may be individual areas with necessary notices in the future.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL SERVICES
– Animal Services has resumed field operations and is making emergency calls a priority.
– The Lost and Found Center will open Friday to reunited owners with lost pets and to take in any stray pets.
– Lee County residents who currently have a Milton foster pet from LCDAS can return them between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday but anyone able to foster through the weekend would be appreciated.
LEETRAN
– LeeTran regular fixed route services remain suspended today it conducts Emergency Operation Center missions and provides fare-free trips from the shelters as well as life-sustaining paratransit trips.
– Regular fixed route service is expected to return no later than Saturday.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
People who own a business in Lee County are asked to take a moment to complete a brief survey from Lee County Economic Development at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VBWDZ9K.
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ORIGINAL (Oct. 10, 2024):
County provides post-storm update
At 6 a.m. today, Lee County Government provided the following post-storm update on Hurricane Milton:
Lee County Emergency Management urges residents to remain in place this morning, even though Milton made landfall north of the county Wednesday night.
Do not drive this morning. There are dangerous, downed powerlines and downed trees. Debris, standing water and other hazards are on roadways. Traffic signals may not be working.
As of 6 a.m. in Lee County, about 125,000 LCEC customers were without power and 107,000 FPL customers.
The county and its local response partners have started mobilizing crews to assess infrastructure and begin clearing roads.
“We understand everyone’s instinct is to get up and go check on their homes because the weather seems calmer and they may have evacuated,” Lee County Public Safety Director Benjamin Abes said. “Don’t go yet. Stay where you are. Give responders time to do the necessary assessments.”
Residents should continue to monitor local media outlets and trusted information sources. Go to www.leegov.com/storm and other Emergency Management partners’ sites.
Additionally, the county reminded motorists to treat intersections without functioning signals or flashing signals with caution.
– If a signal is dark: After coming to a complete stop, proceed carefully through the intersection.
– If it’s flashing yellow: Proceed with caution.
– If it’s flashing red: Treat it as a stop sign.
If law enforcement is on-scene, follow the directions of deputies or officers.
Do not drive into standing water.
Lee County Department of Transportation crews are working to restore signals and clear roadways.
Lee DOT manages the 453 signals throughout the county.
Tune in at noon for today’s storm briefing at www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc. It also can be viewed on LeeTV and on the Lee County Government YouTube channel.
For additional storm-related information, log on to www.leegov.com/storm.
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ORIGINAL (Oct. 9, 2024):
County: Shelter in place as Milton is near county coast
At about 5 p.m. today, Lee County Government reported that it is time to shelter in place now that Hurricane Milton is very near to Lee County’s coast. It is no longer safe to be on the bridges and roads.
When storm winds reach sustained 45 mph, most emergency responders will shelter in place and not respond to 911 calls for service. When wind speeds drop to less than 45 mph sustained, fire departments will begin to respond to all 911 calls that were placed in the queue.
The National Weather Service recommends the following when sheltering in place:
– Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
– Stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
– If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but at the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane force winds coming from the opposite direction.
Plan to remain inside even after the storm passes so that first responders can ensure conditions are safe.
For the latest information, visit https://www.leegov.com/storm and www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.
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ORIGINAL (Oct. 9, 2024):
County provides storm update
Lee County Government provided an update today at noon on Hurricane Milton.
Below are highlights from the Facebook Live update:
Milton is a powerful Category 4 major hurricane. Residents need to be aware that the forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Florida Division of Emergency Management includes:
– Sustained tropical storm force winds are coming ashore now.
– Sustained tropical storm-force winds, and sustained hurricane force winds at the peak of our impacts.
– Since last night, the NHC has held our storm surge forecast at 8-12 feet.
Everyone needs to be at their shelter-in-place location now. The storm impacts will reach far beyond the cone. It is not safe to be out, or to return to your home if you have evacuated.
As the tropical storm force winds are arriving, the time to shelter in place is now. Do not be on the roads.
A mandatory evacuation order remains in place for Zones A and B in Lee County. The county is monitoring traffic data, reports from municipalities and first responders and is encouraged at the number of people who appear to have evacuated in the last 36 hours. Lee County asks that residents who have evacuated to notify family and friends now of their location in case they lose cellular or internet connectivity.
As of noon, there were more than 6,800 people in 13 shelters in Lee County. The shelters are:
– Alico Arena, at 12181 FGCU Lake Parkway E., Fort Myers
– Dunbar High School, at 3800 Edison Ave., Fort Myers
– East Lee County High School, at 715 Thomas Sherwin Ave., Lehigh Acres
– Estero Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero (approaching capacity; please use another shelter, including Hertz Arena in Estero)
– Gateway High School, at 13820 Griffin Drive, Fort Myers
– Harns Marsh Elementary School, at 1800 Unice Ave. N., Lehigh Acres
– Harns Marsh Middle School, at 1820 Unice Ave. N., Lehigh Acres,
– Hertz Arena, at 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero
– Island Coast High School, at 2125 DeNavarra Parkway, Cape Coral
– Oak Hammock Middle School, at 5321 Tice St., Fort Myers
– Tortuga Preserve Elementary School, at 1711 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
– Treeline Elementary School, at 10900 Treeline Ave., Fort Myers
– Varsity Lakes Middle School, at 801 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
– Special medical needs shelter, operated with the Florida Department of Health
Shelters offer basic life-sustaining necessities, such as protection from the weather; water and basic food; and sanitary services. All shelters are pet friendly. Pets need to be on a leash or in a crate. Owners are responsible for feeding, exercising and cleaning up after their pets.
The full shelter list can be found at www.leegov.com/storm.
COUNTY UPDATE
– Preparations are being made for damage assessment and immediate recovery actions with our teams and stakeholders.
– 1,285 calls were received by the United Way 211 Emergency Information Hotline before 7 a.m. today and continues to accept questions from the community. You can reach them by dialing 211 or 239 433-3900.
– All county drawbridges were locked down at 8 a.m.
– LeeTran operations have been suspended.
– County office closure has been extended through Friday.
REMINDERS FROM THE COUNTY
First responders will be prevented from responding as sustained windspeeds increase. Law enforcement, fire, and EMS representatives in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will coordinate on a plan to halt emergency responses until the weather conditions improve.
– When fire or EMS calls are queued, 911 callers are re-contacted by phone to continue to assess their situation throughout the storm.
– Hospitals may also lock down, preventing access for transporting ambulances
Lee County will not physically close bridges. Law enforcement may be staged as a precaution to warn travelers of flooded roads or other hazards. No one should be on the roads when winds reach 40 mph.
If you require additional assistance, call the Emergency Information Hotline at 211 or 239 433-3900.
To watch the update, visit county’s Facebook page or https://www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc/
or YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@LeeCountyFLBOC.
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ORIGINAL (Oct. 8, 2024):
County provides storm update
Lee County announced that its offices will remain closed on Oct. 11. Reopening announcements will be forthcoming. The county continues its preparation for and planned response to Hurricane Milton.
SHELTERS
The county’s open hurricane evacuation shelters continue to have capacity for more evacuees. Some shelters are more crowded than others. For example, Estero Recreation Center is at 75% capacity, but nearby Hertz Arena has 4,800 spaces available. Get full shelter information at www.leegov.com/storm.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
LeeTran fixed route and shuttle transportation assistance were suspended at 6:30 p.m. today. Visit LeeTran’s social media channels for specific route information. Announcements for resuming services will be forthcoming.
Lee County is asking that residents:
– Get to where you are going to shelter by tonight and remain there Wednesday.
– Do not drive in flooded water. Do not drive Wednesday, if possible.
– Monitor local meteorologists’ reports.
– Sign up for AlertLee at www.leegov.com/storm.
– Monitor www.leegov.com/storm and Lee County social media channels.
– Call the United Way’s Emergency Information Hotline with questions. Dial 211 or 239-433-3900.
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ORIGINAL (Oct. 8, 2024):
County provides storm update
Lee County Government provided an update today at noon on Hurricane Milton.
Some highlights from the briefing, which included Lee County commissioners, Lee County Public Safety Director Benjamin Abes and Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, were:
Milton is a powerful Category 4 major hurricane. Residents need to be aware that the forecast includes:
– Sustained tropical storm force winds, and sustained hurricane force winds at the peak of our impacts.
– Winds will start to impact our area overnight, including gusts to tropical storm force.
– Storm surge of 6 to 10 feet.
– Everyone needs to be to their shelter-in-place location today.
– Do not plan on driving on Wednesday.
The Emergency Operations Center is fully activated, there is a State of Local Emergency in effect and mandatory evacuation orders are in effect.
– The county on Monday ordered a mandatory evacuation of Zone A and B, which includes more than 416,000 residents.
– Zone C is not being evacuated currently.
– Everyone in Zones A and B should move to a safe place by 10 p.m. today and shelter in place all of Wednesday.
As of 11 a.m., there were more than 1,650 people in our shelters. Lee County has 13 shelters open. There is plenty of room for evacuees. The shelters are:
– Alico Arena, at 12181 FGCU Lake Parkway E., Fort Myers
– Dunbar High School, at 3800 Edison Ave., Fort Myers
– East Lee County High School, at 715 Thomas Sherwin Ave., Lehigh Acres
– Estero Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero
– Gateway High School, at 13820 Griffin Drive, Fort Myers
– Harns Marsh Elementary School, at 1800 Unice Ave. N., Lehigh Acres
– Harns Marsh Middle School, at 1820 Unice Ave. N., Lehigh Acres,
– Hertz Arena, at 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero
– Island Coast High School, at 2125 DeNavarra Parkway, Cape Coral
– Oak Hammock Middle School, at 5321 Tice St., Fort Myers
– Tortuga Preserve Elementary School, at 1711 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
– Treeline Elementary School, at 10900 Treeline Ave., Fort Myers
– Varsity Lakes Middle School, at 801 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
Transportation is available to shelters:
– LeeTran — go to any LeeTran stop and advise the driver that you are going to an open shelter. They will take you to a transfer center, and another bus can get you to a shelter. LeeTran staff is there to direct passengers.
– LeeTran is only transporting off-island on Fort Myers Beach.
– Uber — Florida Division of Emergency Management has partnered with Uber to provide Floridians free rides to and from shelters in counties evacuating for Hurricane Milton. To get a ride, use promo code MILTONRELIEF in the Uber app.
– If you require additional assistance, you can call the Emergency Information Hotline at 211 or 239 433-3900.
If you’re heading to one of Lee County’s shelters, you need to bring your Emergency Supply Kit.
Include a three-day supply of food, water and any medications you need. Food should be shelf stable. No access to electricity or refrigeration will be available. You might consider items to make yourself more comfortable as well.
Pets are allowed in all Lee County shelters, but you’re responsible for bringing anything your pets will need:
– Collar, leash and ID tags.
– Photo of your pet in case you become separated.
– Bring a crate or pet carrier.
– Water, food and clean-up supplies, including waste bags for dogs and litter box with litter for cats.
Curfew:
– The town of Fort Myers Beach and city of Sanibel have announced curfews beginning at 10 p.m. today.
– Lee County has not yet announced a curfew. The county is communicating and coordinating with municipalities and law enforcement partners and will make a decision when appropriate in the near future.
To watch the update, visit the county’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@LeeCountyFLBOC.
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ORIGINAL (Oct. 8, 2024):
UPDATE: County announces more shelter openings
At noon today, Oct. 8, Lee County Government announced the opening of additional shelters in advance of the approach of Hurricane Milton. The additional shelters are:
– Alico Arena, at 12181 FGCU Lake Parkway E., Fort Myers
– East Lee County High School, at 715 Thomas Sherwin Ave., Lehigh Acres
– Harns Marsh Elementary School, at 1800 Unice Ave. N., Lehigh Acres
– Harns Marsh Middle School, at 1820 Unice Ave. N., Lehigh Acres
Shelters that were already open include:
– Dunbar High School, at 3800 Edison Ave., Fort Myers
– Estero Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero
– Gateway High School, at 13820 Griffin Drive, Fort Myers
– Hertz Arena, at 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero
– Island Coast High School, at 2125 DeNavarra Parkway, Cape Coral
– Oak Hammock Middle School, at 5321 Tice St., Fort Myers
– Tortuga Preserve Elementary School, at 1711 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
– Treeline Elementary School, at 10900 Treeline Ave., Fort Myers
– Varsity Lakes Middle School, at 801 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
Only the above listed shelters are open.
The list is available at www.leegov.com/storm.
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ORIGINAL (Oct. 8, 2024):
County to provide storm update via social media, more
Lee County Government reported that county commissioners and other officials will provide updates regarding Hurricane Milton today, Oct. 8, at noon on the county’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc/. It can also be viewed on LeeTV and on the Lee County Government YouTube channel.
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ORIGINAL (Oct. 8, 2024):
County announces additional shelter openings
As of 8 a.m. today, Oct. 8, Lee County announced additional shelter openings in advance of the approach of Hurricane Milton. The additional shelters are:
– Gateway High School, at 13820 Griffin Drive, Fort Myers
– Hertz Arena, at 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero
– Oak Hammock Middle School, at 5321 Tice St., Fort Myers
– Tortuga Preserve Elementary School, at 1711 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
– Treeline Elementary School, at 10900 Treeline Ave., Fort Myers
– Varsity Lakes Middle School, at 801 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
To view a video of Public Safety Director Ben Abes discussing the shelters, visit https://youtu.be/Dm9I3J1oVQE.
On Oct. 7, Lee County issued mandatory evacuation orders for Evacuation Zones A and B. People who live in mobile homes and manufactured homes are also part of the evacuation order. All shelters are pet-friendly; pets must be on leashes or in kennels.
Residents are encouraged to make more comfortable arrangements by staying with a friend or family member outside of the evacuation zones. Residents should plan to be in a safe location outside of the evacuation zones by 10 p.m. today, Oct. 8.
The shelters open since 3 p.m. on Oct. 7 include:
– Dunbar High School, at 3800 Edison Ave., Fort Myers
– Estero Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero
– Island Coast High School, at 2125 DeNavarra Parkway, Cape Coral
Only the above listed shelters are open.
Transportation is available to shelters. People can go to any LeeTran stop and advise the driver that they need to go to an open shelter. They will be taken to a transfer center and then to a shelter. LeeTran has suspended fares.
Residents with questions can call the Emergency Information Hotline at 211 or 239-433-3900.
Tolls on Lee County bridges — Cape Coral Parkway, Midpoint Bridge and the Sanibel Causeway — have been suspended.
Lee County is asking that residents:
– Obey evacuation notices.
– Pack a go-bag with family and pet needs.
– Bring their own personal items and supplies if going to a shelter.
– Report blocked ditches, swales and canals.
– Know that where it rains, it can flood. Even if you are not in a flood zone, you could still be prone to flooding due to local drainage issues and existing saturated areas.
– Understand that even if you are not evacuated or in an evacuation zone, flooding can still occur. Be prepared for flood inundation.
– Be sure you are signed up for AlertLee by visiting www.leegov.com/storm.
INFORMATION FOR SHELTERS
If you’re heading to one of Lee County’s shelters, you need to bring a Go Kit. Include a three-day supply of food, water and snacks. You’ll also need a pillow and sleeping bag; folding chair; medications and eyeglasses; disinfectant wipes; toilet paper; a three-day supply of clothing; a sleep mask and earplugs; hygiene items; games or books; a phone charger or battery bank; and instant coffee or teabags.
Pets are allowed, but you’re responsible for bringing what they need. Pack your pet a Go Kit. Make sure there’s a collar, leash and ID tags. Have a photo of you with your pet in case you become separated. Bring a crate or pet carrier. Include a week’s worth of water; food and treats; clean-up supplies including waste bags for dogs and litter box with litter for cats; remember any medicine your pet needs.
For more information about preparation, visit leegov.com/storm.