Town of Fort Myers Beach Issues Re-Entry Guidance

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While there is no date announced for when Fort Myers Beach residents can return to their homes, Fire Chief Ron Martin has issued guidelines for when you can return. Here’s the full statement from Martin…

At this time, Matanzas Pass Bridge and Big Carlos Pass Bridge remain closed to all traffic except emergency crews at least through Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.

“We understand not being able to start your own recovery has been frustrating, but we appreciate the cooperation and patience you’ve shown while efforts to locate our friends and neighbors continue,” said Fire Chief Ron Martin.

First, be prepared for a challenging infrastructure environment—there will be no power to energize equipment and there will be no running water for drinking, cleaning, bathing, or utilizing toilets. To prepare for these conditions, you should consider bringing a portable generator, fuel for that generator, and a carbon monoxide detector as well as bottled water or other hydration source and a larger water source for clean-up activities. Please avoid contact with flood waters, rivers, or gulf/bay waters to prevent exposure to unknown physical, chemical, biological, and/or bacterial pollution in the waterways.
When it comes to clean-up activities, a lot of structures may be unsafe for entry; please prepare to be unable to physically enter your home for your own safety. For structures that are safe for entry, prepare to bring a host of supplies to assist with the start of your recovery.
Those supplies should include:
• Large plastic bins for salvaging items
• Tarps for repairs
• Tents for shade
• Gloves (latex and work), safety glasses, and N-95 masks
• Paper towels, towels, household cleaners like bleach, disinfectant solutions, dish soap, and laundry
• detergent
• Brooms, mops, buckets, sponges, scouring pads, scrub brushes
• Large tools like an ax, chainsaw, hacksaw
• Small tools like hammers, crowbars, pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches
• Shovels, wheel barrels, dollies
• Heavy-duty trash bags

Make sure to bring a First-Aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and any expected food items or snacks to remain healthy.

Lastly, when a re-entry timeline is finalized, the process will involve an ease of access plan including identified entry and exit roads that are least hazardous to vehicles and provide for maximum flow in and out of The Beach. We will also provide ample daylight hours for everyone to get as much done as they’d like to each day. The process will also involve a strict security protocol that will include proof of residency and a limitation
on the number of individuals and vehicles per address allowed in at any given time. Once this process is confirmed, we will share it with residents with ample time to prepare.

Be aware that many roadways are still damaged, unidentifiable, covered in sand, and/or covered in debris including sharp objects and nails. Be prepared to make tire repairs either with a repair kit and/or materials as well as spare tires.

“Know that we want to see you back home as much as you want to be back home,” said Chief Martin, “We just have to make sure your time on the island is safe and orderly and that you are prepared to make the most of that time when it’s determined.”

12 COMMENTS

  1. We have a timeshare in Fort Myers. Have been going to FMB for many years. Our hearts go out to all the wonderful businesses and residents. It s so heartbreaking. I am a licensed therapist in Vermont and would be more than willing to set up teletherapy with anyone. Stay strong.

  2. Does anyone know when this will actually happen. Something definitive!
    How about a plan ? Everyone should be allowed to bring a close relative with them for physical and emotional support Patience can only go so far !!!!!!

    • The response from the town officials is pathetic. Our homes are rotting from the water and mold and they are playing little games and not communicating with us. Every barrier island is open except ours. 11 days now and I still have not seen my home. Renters have been roaming the streets, looters, search and rescue breaking down our doors rummaging around and we are still not allowed access. You send out alerts for a rip currents but you couldn’t make a website to have us check-in and you could have notified us by phone with one of your alerts to go to the webste? Now they are starting with the north end when I live on the south end and I can only bring a backpack? Our patience is gone. Answer our questions NOW!

  3. Thank you, Chief Martin, for your leadership in this crisis, the rescues, and the most difficult task of recovering the deceased. And thank you for addressing the residents concerns with such patience and grace.

  4. I wonder would imagine they would allow us in in a gradual way area by area each day as they did during jSandy. Can’t imagine the turmoil of trying to let everyone on the beach in one day. I hope they have a plan

    • BTW Thank you so much for Beach Talk Radio. If it wasn’t for the updates from y’all, we would have no idea what is going on. I thank God for BTR.

  5. It took the officials here in New Jersey after superstorm Sandy… 3 months to allow us residents back on the barrier Island in Seaside heights.. the entire sewer system was filled with sand there was no power no running water for months

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