There may be quite a lot of excellent news. Every day, I proceed to be impressed and hopeful once I see so many in our group serving to these in want and dealing collectively to rebuild. The spirit of generosity could be very robust and the tales assist us to heal and transfer towards restoration someday at a time.
Just like the Inexperienced Cup Café in downtown Fort Myers. After struggling main injury following Hurricane Ian, proprietor Rob Podgorski wrote a submit on Fb asking for assist cleansing up. He obtained an awesome response and, as he mentioned, what might have been the worst week of his life, turned out to be one of the best due to all of the love that was proven. They’re nonetheless cleansing up and hopeful. Try his story on this video that’s a part of our Highway to Restoration collection at youtube/XdsJU_VziaU
Matthew and Amber Loebs used their private watercraft tour firm, Elite Journey Leases, to assist residents instantly following the storm. They made sandwiches, packed water, ice and provides, hopped on their jet skis and helped everybody they encountered. They discovered folks glad to be alive and grateful to share their story with the Loebs. Paradoxically, Matt, an Military veteran, not too long ago left his Danger Administration job with the Metropolis of Cape Coral to open his private watercraft tour information firm in April. That is their story: youtube.com/watch?v=-xKDABIGIWk
Hurricane Ian broken the Spirit of Fort Myers statue on McGregor Boulevard nevertheless it didn’t break. Actually bent however not damaged, she is the Grecian maiden who welcomes residents and guests to Edison Park on McGregor Boulevard, a stone’s throw from the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Locals affectionately name her Rachel on the Effectively as a result of she’s depicted pouring water from an urn right into a basin at her toes. The caretakers are decided to maintain her standing. Watch as Gina Sabiston, Lee Belief for Historic Preservation, and Liston Bochette, Fort Myers Metropolis Council – Ward 4, talk about at youtube.com/watch?v=zZunIKwmfAQ
Extra: Sanibel shell museum to Depraved Dolphin: How did acquainted Lee County landmarks fare after Hurricane Ian?
Within the information
Al Roker of “At present” was dwell from Fort Myers Seaside assembly with first responders and residents. As a part of Roker’s “Lend a Hand” collection, watch how he brings much-needed assist to many individuals, one month after Hurricane Ian (right this moment.com/information/hurricane-ian-how-donate-help-t268185)
Journey and meals author Chelle Koster Walton offers TravelAwaits readers an replace on restoration, standing and openings on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The Sanibel Island resident provides an trustworthy perspective with hopeful indicators of progress whereas referring to the loss that her circle of relatives is coping with following the hurricane at travelawaits.com
Vacation buying? Presents that assist our group
If you happen to’re starting to consider vacation buying as we head into the season, contemplate a few concepts that can assist in the world’s restoration. Store native. You may be supporting a small enterprise because it will get again on its toes and assist to maintain its workers employed.
Extra: Southwest Florida is getting again in enterprise a month after Hurricane Ian
And this 12 months, why not make donations within the identify of everybody in your Christmas reward record? It offers family and friends who need to assist an opportunity to be concerned. The United Approach and Collaboratory have put collectively the SWFL Emergency Aid Fund. Donations given at SupportFortMyers.org will instantly help hospitality staff within the higher Fort Myers Space. I can’t consider a greater reward this 12 months.
What’s open?
In every space of the county, openings are occurring day-after-day. Try a listing of lodging and sights which might be at present open at visitfortmyers.com/open. As data is quickly altering and there could also be restricted availability, hours and facilities, please test with the person companies on their standing.
Lee Parks & Recreation opens a number of places: Six Mile Cypress Slough Protect in Fort Myers has partially reopened. Following assessments by Lee County Parks & Recreation, a number of parks at the moment are open. Test leeparks.org for a listing, hours and facilities.
Extra: What’s going to season appear like in Southwest Florida? Differing experiences in Ian’s aftermath
Essential data
We proceed to work with federal, state and native companions. For the most recent data go to www.leegov.com/storm and observe fb.com/leecountyflbocc
Tamara Pigott is the manager director of the Lee County Customer & Conference Bureau, the lead advertising company charged with bringing worldwide guests to Lee County. Nearly 5 million guests spend greater than $3.7 billion yearly. The VCB is funded solely by a 5 p.c vacationer tax and works to protect and defend space seashores and the setting.
