As we reported earlier today the town of Fort Myers Beach is reopening for everyone by car Sunday morning beginning at 7AM. That includes residents, property owners, business owners and insurance adjusters. Here are the rules you should follow to keep things running smoothly as you make your way back to your property…
Bring you ID
Property owners between the Big Carlos Pass Bridge and Beach Theater on the south end of the island, or between Times Square and Bowditch Point Park on the north end of the island can enter beginning at 7 am.
Properties between the Beach Theater and Publix can enter after 8 am.
Properties between Publix and Town Hall can enter after 9 am.
Properties between Town Hall and Times Square can enter after 10 am.
Keep in mind, there is no power, no water or wastewater service and no trash pickup. Internet and cellular service is not at full strength. Many structures are destroyed, and almost all are unsafe to enter. There is no food or water available on the island. Although Island Carts FMB HQ at 820 Buttonwood is fully stocked with food, water and supplies if you want to stop by that location on your way over the bridge. The electrical systems of most structures on the island are damaged.
No businesses are open.
The Big Carlos Pass Bridge is closed.
The town says a curfew at 7 pm remains in place and those that come to check on their properties should plan to leave the island before 7 pm.
The town also says permits and inspections will be required before power will be turned back on to individual structures. The town recommends property owners use locally licensed contractors.
Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams from FEMA will be on the island in the coming days to help people register for federal disaster assistance. Residents can also register online at disasterassistance.gov or on the phone at 1-800-621-3362.
An interim Town Hall has been set up beside the damaged Town Hall
Do not block streets with your vehicles, or hinder operations like debris removal.
Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Lee County Public Safety, incident management teams and others are assisting the Town in moving forward through the recovery process.
At a press conference today the Mayor and Town Manager said they would now start to hold regular meetings to update the recovery efforts
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