For several months now, the Town of Fort Myers Beach has been cleaning out the 43 canals up and down the entire 7-mile island. The canals were filled with all sorts of debris from several hurricanes over the past three years but mainly Ian in September of 2022.
Over 800 cubic yards of debris has been pulled from the canals. Town of Fort Myers Beach Harbormaster Curtis Ludwig says on March 3rd he’ll be asking the Town Council for a one month extension to complete the project which is being paid for 100% by FEMA funds.Â
Some of the debris includes: recliners,other furniture, carpeting, storm shutters, porta-potties, air conditioning units, wood, flower pots, sheds and construction debris.
Ludwig reported that 19 of the 43 canals were clear, 6 need a little more work, and 18 still need a substantial amount of debris removal and are considered navigational hazards, several that include sunken boats.
It’s unknown at this time how much the entire canal cleaning project will cost.
Is there a place where we can see the progress? Our part of the canal is so full we often can’t get our boat out. I would like to know when they are coming so we can have our boat moved so they can get all of the sludge and debris under it.
Anyone thanking FEMA for paying for it all and saving the local taxpayers from having to pay it?
And maybe a thank you to the federal flood insurance program thats been providing a lower cost insurance than the expensive small fly-by-night peddlers who’ve been taking over Florida’s insurance market after the big boys pulled out of the state.
This can’t be an easy or pleasant job. Your efforts are appreciated.
Great job so far! Will the canals be dredged as well? The past storms have filled them with silt. Not able to take the boat out during low tides because of it.