DeSantis Directs Department of Transportation to Expedite Rebuilding Pine Island Bridge

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Transportation to expedite emergency repairs for access to Pine Island, a large island in Lee County with 9,000 residents. Access was destroyed during Hurricane Ian.

“The 9,000 residents of Pine Island – some still on the island and those not – are without power, water, and other critical resources needed to recover from Hurricane Ian,” DeSantis said. “FDOT has the workforce and resources needed to quickly restore this road and bridge and allow these families access to their homes so they can start rebuilding their lives.”

He said access to Pine Island can be expected by Oct. 8. Once an emergency road is constructed, crews can enter the island to begin to clear debris and restore infrastructure.

“FDOT is committed to serving Florida communities and assisting our partners, especially in such challenging times. Lee County has been a tremendous partner throughout this crisis, and we are glad to support them as they accelerate work to rebuild their community,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “The Department is proud to offer our expertise to be able to safely and quickly restore access to the island and get families the vital supplies and services they desperately need.”

The governor’s office said permanent repairs are expected to take “some time to complete,” and that the emergency access will only be short term.

They said the Department has already cleared 88% of roadways across the state, making them passable. Affected Florida counties still have a lot of work to do to restore their communities, but the governor said restoration assistance will continue as long as necessary.

“When the cameras go away, we will still be here to help rebuild.”