Lee County Provides Update on Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts

LEE COUNTY (FLV) – Lee County government officials provided updates on the progress of local, state, and federal initiatives in response to Hurricane Ian.

District 4 Commissioner Brian Hamman said 75% of traffic signals are functioning.

“We currently have 50 truck crews on the road handling debris removal and will have an additional 50 trucks and crews here by the weekend,” Hamman said.

Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass met with President Joe Biden earlier in the week.

“We are prioritizing getting back out to the community and being with the people of Lee County, especially the victims of the shelter,” Pendergrass said. “Public safety is a priority here in Lee County.”

Pendergrass shared that President Biden promised funding along with long-term efforts to help the people of Lee County.

“He looks forward to working with Governor DeSantis and leadership on the local levels,” Pendergrass said.

Lee County Manager Roger Desjarlais also discussed the efforts of the county related to electric, water, power, roads, etc.

As of today, Florida Power and Light territory is 97% restored and Lee County and Electric Company territory is 60% restored.

Desjarlais warned that people may experience issues with water and sewage and advised locals to report the any leaks.

“As of October 7th: Due to multiple water main breaks you may experience intermittent disturbances in water pressure or no water. Reports of broken pipes continue, however much less frequently,” he said. “The Health Department has started testing the water and will determine when it is safe.”

Those who know of broken water lines should call CALL 239-533-8700.

Desjarlais advised people to be careful on the roads as traffic lights may not be working.

“If you see traffic signals that are simply not operable, treat it as a 4 way stop,” he said.

The crews from the Department of Transportation are continuing to assess the roads and streets in Lee County. The Sanibel Causeway is still closed, along with other bridges and passageways: New Pass Bridge, Big Carlos Pass, Big Hickory Pass Bridge.

There are two shelters that remain open in the system- Estero Recreation Center and Hertz Arena. South Fort Myers High School, for those seeking shelter, will be closing this afternoon. But for those still open, they can be researched prior to visiting here.

There still are approximately 900 people that remain in Lee County shelters and local service crews.

For temporary housing, Lee County and other Floridian residents should register with FEMA at disasterassistance.gov.

“This may, in fact, be the most costly hurricane in Florida’s history,“ said Desjarlais.