Hurricane Season Ends, Recovery Continues Across Florida

FORT MYERS (FLV) – Hurricane Season has officially ended as recovery and clean up efforts continue across Florida amidst the aftermath of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 2022 season saw three hurricane landfalls along the coast of the U.S. mainland.

Hurricane Ian made landfall first as a Category 4 storm in Cayo Costa, Florida, and again as a Category 1 in Georgetown, South Carolina.

As a Category 4 with 150 mph maximum sustained winds, Hurricane Ian tied for the fifth-strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the U.S.

Hurricane Nicole made landfall as a Category 1 in north Hutchinson Island, Florida. 

Hurricane Ian Recovery

Hurricane Ian’s destruction was widespread with hard-hit areas including Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel. Fort Myers Beach continues to clean up and rebuild following the destructive path of Hurricane Ian. A beach clean up event is scheduled for Dec. 3.

Hurricane Ian damaged the Sanibel Causeway and Pine Island Bridge, which were repaired well ahead of schedule after they were battered by the storm.

DeSantis said although they didn’t know exactly where Hurricane Ian was going to end up, they had the quickest restoration of any major hurricane because of the preparation, including pre-staging 42,000 lineman stationed ahead of the storm.

Recently, Florida’s first-ever state-led sheltering and housing program launched through IanRecovery.fl.gov to provide temporary sheltering options — such as travel trailers and recreational vehicles — and temporary or permanent repairs for households whose needs are not met through insurance or FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can also access the Unite Florida Portal to report unmet needs such as transportation, household items and social services.

“Southwest Floridians have a long road to recovery ahead of them, and my administration is working hard to ensure we’re making that process as smooth as possible,” DeSantis said.

“This recovery portal will assist eligible Floridians with navigating the available support options, including resources available through Florida’s first-of-its-kind state-led sheltering and housing relief program.”

The 2023 hurricane season will officially begin on June 1.