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What was the damage to Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Helene?

What was the damage to Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Helene?

Vaseline 1 month ago

It’s the “day after” Hurricane Helene threw a few punches at Lee County, but thankfully no direct hit. Many areas, especially coastal communities, experienced storm surges, flooding and debris this morning (27 September). Here’s what you need to know about the ‘hotspot’ areas:

What you need to know after Helene: Fort Myers Beach

From the last update from Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno at 6:55 a.m., the roadway on San Carlos Boulevard is open. He warned residents to use caution and not park along the roadway while crews move. Officers responded to San Carlos Boulevard and Pine Ridge Road early at 5:48 a.m. Friday and road assessments will be conducted, Marceno said. As of 7:18 a.m., the roadway will be open from Hickory Island to Fort Myers Beach.

Fort Myers Beach Emergency Management conducted an assessment of the impact of Hurricane Helene early Friday morning, the city shared in a 7:22 a.m. news release. Estero Boulevard and North Estero Boulevard are littered with sand, rocks, mulch and debris. Bay Oaks Recreation Center and the new City Hall experienced water and silt intrusion. Bay Oaks remains closed today for cleanup; the Club Rec After School program has been canceled. City crews will begin cleanup at Times Square and City Hall at 8 a.m., while contractors work on North Estero Boulevard. Residents are encouraged to return to the island but should limit travel this morning, and the city is advising those who do not require immediate access to wait until the cleanup is complete.

What you need to know after Helene: Matlacha

The Matlacha Pass Bridge is open. Officers remain on scene as motorists pass, Marceno said. Roadside services are also investigating the area. Drivers should still proceed with caution.

What you need to know after Helene: Sanibel

Starting at 5:30 a.m., the Sanibel Causeway will be closed to through traffic, Marceno said. Contractors are working to remove debris from the roadway and expect the roadway to be cleared safely around noon today.

What you need to know after Helene: South Lee County

In South Lee County, water has receded on Hickory and Imperial Shores. However, roads are still unsafe due to downed power lines and debris, Marceno’s update at 5:22 a.m. warns. An assessment of the roads is requested, he added. There is also flooding on West Terry and Harbor Drive. There is about a foot of standing water halfway up Harbor Drive and most of the side streets and it is impassable.