Most residents of Fort Myers Beach have been off the island since being evacuated when Hurricane Ian approached the area at the end of September.
"Since the storm, the efforts to save lives and recover the remains of lost loved ones have been the top priority," Fort Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy said. "We are now ready to move to the next step in the recovery process."Urban Search and Rescue Florida Task Force 2 team member R. Martin searches the damaged homes on Fort Myers Beach on Monday, October 3, 2022.
The town of Fort Myers Beach has started allowing residents, business owners and insurance adjusters to return to the island for the first time since Hurricane Ian devastated the region nearly two weeks ago. FOX Weather multimedia journalist Will Nunley is Fort Myers Beach with the latest.There is still no power, water, wastewater service or trash pickup in the region, according to town officials.
Town officials warn many structures have been damaged or destroyed, and almost all structures are unsafe to enter.A 7 p.m. curfew also remains in place., which compromised the structural integrity of many homes and businesses. Electrical systems are also damaged across the island.Town officials are handing out notices to people returning to Fort Myers Beach warning that damage to homes and businesses is "catastrophic.
"There were 20 buildings here," he said while pointing to the scene of devastation behind him. "Gone. Parking lot - gone. That's pretty amazing."
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