Lunch crowd at Wahoo Willie's, which opened last month in downtown Fort Myers Beach. ", Power outages: Florida Power & Light getting power back in SWFL but more than 300,000 still out, Flood damage: Naples takes stock of their homes, belongings after Hurricane Ian. Sanibel Island Volunteer & Giving Opportunities, Signs of HOPE on Sanibel Island after Hurricane Ian (in Photos), Signs of LIFE on Sanibel Island after Hurricane Ian. All those things are just - they're pretty much gone. Owners of the venerable Lani Kai on the beach have vowed to rebuild, as has the DiamondHead Beach Resort. Mayor Dan Allers estimates that perhaps 50% of the islands 3,500 structures will be gone when the cleanup is complete. Most of the towns 560-foot-long pier, a community gathering spot, was washed away. They are currently closed for repairs, but hope to open their gift shop next week. Two months after Hurricane Ian came barreling through Southwest Florida, recovery on Fort Myers Beach is very much a work in progress. ELLIOTT: Wall owns Ricaltini's restaurant and bar in Inglewood. The structure was barely damaged by Ian, said David Cesario, vice president and general manager for the property. Several beachfront hotels suffered siding, roofing, and facade damage from the winds. Nearly every 1st block home or hotel has some degree of wind damage. Photo courtesy of Mark Willis. I can't wait to be able to do this again! Significant storm surge damage just south of the Cherry Grove Pier. The storm surge from Ian submerged the island for hours, causing massive flooding. A gauge at Calabash recorded water levels almost 5 feet above mean higher high water. (Photo: GIORGIO VIERA via Getty Images) Extremely dangerous conditions persist in Florida as Hurricane Ian, now a tropical storm, moved north up the Atlantic coast, leaving a trail of destruction. Well Hurricane Ian. Sand dunes at Atlantic Beach suffered some erosion but held up against the surge. $39.00 Quick view. An NWS storm survey found mud lines over 4 feet above ground level along Doyle Avenue, almost 3 feet above ground level on Hazard Street, and slightly over 2 feet above ground level on the south portion of Springs Avenue. On Bald Head Island, large waves and storm surge breached a portion of the island's dunes leading to some flooding. Liszak said every small-business owner shes talked to has said they want to rebuild. Sanibel and Captiva have long been dependable economic engines for Lee County, Florida. It's just a lot of work. Neither do we. Hundreds of trees are down. In northern Georgetown County, storm surge flooding in Murrells Inlet flooded the Marshwalk and marina area. Water entered the first floors of multiple homes and there was major damage to dunes along the beach. Tropical Storm Ian formed late on September 23, but only slowly strengthened over the following few days as the storm had a tilted vertical structure. At least 35 people had been killed by Ian in Lee County, which is home to the barrier island. US Dept of Commerce The NOAA water level gauge at Mercer Pier at Wrightsville Beach peaked at 8.03 feet above mean lower low water during the afternoon of September 30. Its more important than ever to open, said Cesario. Storm surge from #Hurricane #IAN in #SouthCarolina. NOAA Weather Radio Its also unclear, simply by looking at a property, how extensive the damage is. One of several dozen homes in the Futch Beach section of northern Horry County that experienced storm surge water levels 3 to 4 feet above ground level. For some residents, it was the first time they had seen outsiders since Wednesdays landfall. Rescue efforts continued Sunday on Florida's decimated barrier islands, where Hurricane Ian made landfall last week. This is from Atalaya Towers from Morgan. This disturbance gradually became more organized as it moved westward and became Tropical Depression Nine while over the central Caribbean Sea well southeast of Jamaica. They also. He said that if we didnt bring him the food, he was going to take his life that night because it was so bad.. Simple, hard-working, not pretentious these are words that keep coming up to describe this place and its people. EM Briefing Jan. 17, 2023, 10:12 a.m. What makes that song swing? pic.twitter.com/gBmyjMfiHp, Damage in the Belle Isle neighborhood near Georgetown, SC #HurricaneIan #Ian #scwx pic.twitter.com/XiG1Meylnt. We've received your submission. A Colorado library is closed after meth contamination. Severe erosion was also noted in Myrtle Beach where six foot tall cliffs were eroded into the beach. NWS Product Guide Part of that new normal will include Margaritaville, which is expected to debut in late 2023 with five restaurants and a spa open to the public. We don't have that kind of time in our day, and now we have to pay tolls to do it as well, she said. But Ian was too much for the fragile buildings to take. Look . A picture of Jesus Christ and Powerade were among the items Jose Luis recovered from his mobile home on Pine Island on Friday (9/30/22). Did The Bubble Room by Paula Ramm | Dec 5, 2022 | Hurricane Ian, Sanibel Island. On neighboring Pine Island, residents can pick up their mail at an outside table under a tent, though Fort Myers Beach residents also must travel to Jetport Loop. At Windy Hill Beach, NWS storm surveys found evidence for widespread 1 to 2 foot water depth above ground level extending from South Ocean Blvd and as far as six blocks inland along Eyerly Street. Paul stayed behind with the other dogs and was waiting for a second ride off the island. To see more, visit WGCU. Siding was damaged on a hotel in Myrtle Beach by the winds, while another in North Myrtle Beach suffered extensive roof damage. A commercial shrimp boat, the "Shayna Michelle" from Holden Beach, NC washed ashore at Myrtle Beach during the storm. Hurricane Ian devastated much of Pine Island and the areas of Bokeelia, St. James City and Matlacha. Required fields are marked *, by Paula Ramm | Jan 10, 2023 | Hurricane Ian, Sanibel Island. After Sanibel & Captiva Islands were devastated by Hurricane Ian, many of you have been wondering how you can help. It seems like anything on the first floor was flooded by the storm surge. View of the northern end of Fort Myers Beach as seen from the Matanzas Pass Bridge. Never good when ocean waves are breaking on your house. So it's hard. We were prepared to support the community right after the wind died down, he said. Video shared by local law enforcement showed water swiftly flowing across the road surface. The storm surge came up to the bottom of the railing of the outdoor patio of this beachside restaurant, but did not enter or damage it. On the way to Fort Myers Beach down San Carlos Boulevard, yachts and other large boats lined the sidewalks Friday, two days after Hurricane Ian brought Category 4 winds of up to 150 mph and a level of destruction not seen in anyone's lifetime on Estero Island. Video shared on social media showed vehicles flooded by several feet of moving water. And the shoreline is firmly closed to nonresidents, says Chief Dalton. At last, physicists unravel a jazz mystery, Hundreds of North Port residents trapped by flooded waters after Hurricane Ian, Federal disaster aid for Florida will expand in Ian's aftermath, FEMA chief says, Most Tampa Bay area schools will reopen Monday - except Sarasota and Manatee, Fort Myers photographer captures powerful images in Hurricane Ian's aftermath. Section of Sanibel Island, Florida, before and after Hurricane Ian, 2022. Upwards of three feet of sand was deposited onto South Waccamaw Drive in Garden City. Repairs to the islands three-mile-long causeway were faster than most expected; it opened to helpers in early October, to residents Oct. 21 and to the public the first week of January. Return to Sanibel Island after Ian:Smashed homes, slick ooze, and wondering how to rebuild, Sanibel reality check:Displaced businesses, orphaned trombones and debris fields, We absolutely needed the contractors, the adjusters and the appraisers here to move this ball forward to take the next step. Plus, with the chamber advocating for a large hurricane relief package for both residents and businesses, the chances of us getting the funding decrease significantly if we did not open the bridge, Lai said. Marco Island is special in our hearts as well as many others, who are heartbroken over the devastation that Hurricane Ian brought this friendly little island in SW Florida. 3 pm. Photo from Scott Ship@SpecNews1ILM #NCwx pic.twitter.com/pu9DSKIlGu. Its like going back in time, she said. Fort Myers photographer Kinfay Moroti got access to Pine Island Friday and found an island in tatters. Then Hurricane Ian slammed on the brakes. pic.twitter.com/7SAJIeychX, Ryan Clarke Arbogast (@ryanarbogastTV) September 30, 2022. What will it take to clean it? Few hotels, shops or restaurants are open, nor are the famed J.N. Join the locals that love to enjoy resfreshing beverages and good food in our relaxed, waterfront location! It opened six weeks later, in mid-November. The . This is not a political statement it just is that we could not openly accept the (money) and be appreciative of it if we were going to not let the taxpayers come over the bridge.". The US Coast Guard was running evacuations by boat from Sanibel and Pine. Local Forecasts Climate Plots EISEMANN: So I just think that it's harder for us to put our lives back on track because we don't have the stability that a lot of people do. ET. So my daughter designed this Marco Beautiful Strong Loved shirt. Our water is beautiful, and tourism is dying to get back. News never stops. The degree of wind damage appeared worse in North Myrtle Beach than at points farther south. It survived Category 4 Hurricane Charley that year but . Emergency vehicles were dispatched during the storm to rescue people and pets surrounded by rising storm surge. Decades before it was incorporated in 1995, Fort Myers Beach was enticing northerners to its sandy paradise. Marco Island was greatly impacted by Hurricane Ian that swept through the night of September 27 through the day September 28, 2022. What are you going to do - fight them? The storm surge from Ian submerged the island for hours, causing massive flooding. Ian spent many hours slowly crossing Florida and emerged off the east coast as a tropical storm with winds around 65 mph during the late morning hours of September 29. How to help victims of Hurricane Ian Boats are pushed up. It was a wonderful place to enjoy the Marco Island Christmas Boat Parade. Sandbags placed before the storm helped mitigate more significant flooding. Angler's Cove Condos were completely flooded on the first floor. Parking is extremely limited; a curfew remains in effect, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m..; and Lee County has closed its oceanfront beaches, due to concerns about debris in the water and sand, plus an ongoing risk from red tide, a harmful algal bloom, in the area. The Dolphin Tiki Bar on Marco Island is open after Hurricane Ian! Its not that Paolantonio doesnt understand the need for an economic jump-start I used to own a business in Sarasota so I get it revenue means something but it burdens already overloaded residents, she says, especially since residents must travel to south Lee County if they want their mail. She covers the latest news and politics, and is attuned to the region's rich culture and history. Living in southwest Florida ourselves, we wanted a way to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian to rebuild and come back stronger and more beautiful than ever, so that families can continue to be able to create wonderful lifelong memories in this little slice of paradise. Local Hazards Latest Briefing The towns year-round population of about 7,000 swells to more than 50,000 on busy days in March. Marine Obs (Map) Dolecki moved to Marco Island from Chicago two years ago. Yet three months later, the money isnt flowing, says Lai, CEO of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. Visitors wont be returning to the same island at least not right away, he says. Mobile Weather And business owners like Ryan Wall are taking stock of what they've got left. South Marco Beach is still absolutely gorgeous one week after Hurricane Ian. JAKE DAY: I don't know. Now, as the initial high-spirited push to get back in gear passes the three-month milestone, strain is starting to show, though optimism persists. "So the shifting sands of the Ten Thousand Islands will continue to move in the future; thatmovement will be exacerbated by higher sea levels and stronger storms. Surprisingly, business has been really good, said owner Peter Ennis, who has served a combination of workers, displaced residents and curiosity seekers during his first few weeks of operation. Observed wind damage actually appeared worse in North Myrtle Beach than at points farther south. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibels shell museum, or the islands historic village. Check out our post, Naples to Marco Island by Boat. Those cars really dont have to be there … Im not being a snob and I dont want to close off our island, but we just needed a little more time.. On Captiva, Gregg Fergus is trying to stay positive, but its an effort. Joe Raedle/Getty Images. And every one of the 500 or so houses on the island suffered serious damage. I decided to start compiling a list of volunteer and donation opportunities so we can all help beautiful Sanibel and its residents recover. by Paula Ramm | Nov 29, 2022 | Hurricane Ian, Sanibel Island. The island endured severe damage and coastal change from the storm including overwashed sand, coastal flooding, and in some places, erosion. Hurst was last seen alive on his boat at the Island Bay Marina in Fort Myers Beach on Sept. 28. Built in 1982 by aretired oil producer, Bob Lee, the homes survived the battering fromGulf of Mexico storms for decades. An upstairs observation deck serves as a waiting area, as well as aprime spot to catch the sunset and watch dolphins at play. It has to be modernized. NOAA Hurricane Ian Post-Storm Overflight Imagery: https://storms.ngs.noaa.gov/storms/ian, NWS Wilmington, NC Post-Storm Hurricane Report on Ian: https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PSHILM&e=202210260216, National Hurricane Center archive of Hurricane Ian forecast products: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2022/IAN.shtml, Other Local NWS Office Ian Summaries: Charleston, SC | Columbia, SC | Raleigh, NC, Page Author: Tim Armstrong It was always, If you need something, then by all means, come on in and well work it out, she said. This vehicle was flooded by storm surge, then immobilized by deposited sand. 7:27 p.m. | Two confirmed deaths on Sanibel Island Sanibel Island officials confirmed that two people are dead following Hurricane Ian. Whether you come by boat or car, Snook Inn's tables are seat-yourself. ", He shrugs toward a pile of palm fronds. JOHN DAY: Right now it's just pure survival mode - bring groceries, bring gasoline and then have - if you're lucky enough to have a generator. The latest news and how to stay informed. It severed the barrier islands mainland connection, shredding them with 155 mph winds that shoved 12 feet of storm surge over cottages, condos and businesses. Topsail streets DO get high water during solid rains. Along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, the tide gauge there reached 7.66 feet above mean lower low water. To get people back to work. John Lai is less worried about tourists memory than he is about available lodging, which is lagging in the absence of promised Small Business Administration loans. Fish and Wildlife Service for his take on the unique aquatic structures. pic.twitter.com/0XyBOVpXYh. The demand will be there when we reopen and I think the natural beauty of Southwest Florida will continue to rebound, he said. Storm Ready Those are all gone. This was 6.42 feet above the astronomical tide at the time. Infrared satellite loop of Hurricane Ian's final landfall on the South Carolina coast on September 30, 2022. The Sunset Grille on the Marco Island South Beach is open! This proves it., The Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau maintains an updated list of operating businesses on Fort Myers Beach and elsewhere. Request a Tour/Presentation My own grandparents built a small beachfront house here in the 1960s, then moved to one of the islands first high-rise condo complexes in the 1970s. Fourteen people died. And just off Cape Romano Island and south of Marco Island, the dome homes endured for 40 years. Residents are returning to barrier islands and flooded communities to assess the damage. Upwards of three feet of sand was deposited onto South Waccamaw Drive in Garden City, entombing parked vehicles. $48.00 Quick view. This disturbance gradually became more organized as it moved westward and became Tropical Depression Nine while over the central Caribbean Sea well southeast of Jamaica. The entire tiki bar was taken out, and I believe they had just renovated it in September. Photo courtesy of Jackson Armstrong. While social media photos posted around noon suggested the water depth was generally less than one foot as law enforcement vehicles were still able to move about, later photos showed water one to two feet deep entering garages and the first floors of some beachfront homes. Sue Martin, 79, was taken to the . And it smells horrible in here. Doyle Avenue on Pawley's Island had storm surge flooding in excess of four feet above ground level at this location. Unlike nearby Sanibel, which has restricted access to the island for the past two months, with only workers and residents allowed, the bridge to Fort Myers Beach is open, and plenty of folks have been coming over to check out Ians wrath. Palm trees are surprisingly resilient. Hurricane Ian pummeled through Florida Wednesday, devastating an entire state. How is Captiva Chapel by the Sea after Hurricane Ian? #scwx #ncwx pic.twitter.com/BG6dGy96YV. Ian was her first hurricane. And for some, rebuilding is just not an option. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Marine Another iconic Collier County staple, destroyed by #hurricaneian. The plan is to tear . ELLIOTT: The 2 1/2-mile barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico has only ever been accessible by boat. "The iconic dome homes at Cape Romano sadly didnt make it through this storm. The message trumpeted to businesses following the storm: Apply to the federal agency for aid. Islanders have mounted a so-far ineffective email campaign to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Fourteen people died. The resort started construction in mid-2021, with an opening date scheduled for September 2023. There are challenges upon arrival, however. The siding has been ripped off one side, and the wall has completely detached. By this time next year, predicts Liszak, We should be well on our way to whatever normal is.. Plus, with the islands still raw, many residents didnt feel ready to welcome mainlanders, many with little to do on the island but gape. Surprisingly though, beautiful Marco faired pretty well during the hurricane. Copyright 2022 WGCU. ELLIOTT: Inside, there's water damage. Days after the storm, once bucolic Pine Island resembled a war zone, with homes splintered or leveled and boats strewn on top of roadways. I started to lose sensibility, because when the waters at your door and its splashing on the door and youre seeing how fast its moving, theres no way youre going to survive that, Conforti said, crediting his wife Dawn for thinking to get the couple up on a table to prevent being swept away by flooding in their house. Model Guidance, Hazards Ian weakened only slightly as it crossed Cuba, then strengthened into a monstrous category 4 storm before making its second landfall just south of Punta Gorda, FL on September 28. every day, but won't., Unlike Paolantonio, Lanier says the causeway opening was overdue. Discussion They dont want somebody rooting though all their personal items. And while we want you to come and enjoy watching the marathon, understand were in the first leg of this race. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration They can certainly come out with a bike but Billys isnt open. Buildings that stood for 100 years theyre just gone, said Liszak, whose own small inn, the Sea Gypsy, was razed by the storm. Surf City Emergency Management reported 80 percent of the beach saw the formation of a 1 to 3 foot tall erosion scarp, with local heights of 5 feet. Portions of the marshwalk piers were damaged. Fighting to save the Fort Myers Beach shrimping fleet after Ian's devastation, Ian's deadly path: A visual look at how the hurricane devastated Florida region by region, Smashed homes, slick ooze, and wondering how to rebuild, Displaced businesses, orphaned trombones and debris fields, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. By Chantal Da Silva. At last, physicists unravel a jazz mystery. A group of Ohio ex-pats hand out free lunches to workers on Fort Myers Beach. The city, however, isnt trying to keep people off the beach, though Allers advised beach walkers to wear shoes. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Most areas picked up between 3 and 5 inches of rain. Two icons of the Marco Island region did not survive Hurricane Ian, reports say. Scene from Fort Myers Beach; that's the Lani Kai Island Resort in the background. The city was already planning to redevelop downtown, a task which may be hastened with so much vacant land. Hurricane Ian's impact, DeSantis said, is "historic.". Arrive by car or by boat for lunch, happy hour or dinner. $49.00 View all 246 products . For those running businesses, the imposition of a 60-plus minute commute is galling, says Cathy Gibson Lanier, who got only a form-letter response from DeJoy.