Hurricane Milton Updates

The Town of Fort Myers Beach has issued a Mandatory Evacuation for the entire Island. We encourage residents and business owners to make a plan and be evacuated by 3:00pm, on Monday, October 7, 2024.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Town Hall will be closing at noon, on Monday, October 7, 2024, and will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, plan to reopen on Friday, October 11, 2024. Sandbags and sand will be available tomorrow, Monday, October 7, 2024, from 7:00am – 3:00pm.

Lee County Utilities will shut off water to Fort Myers Beach at noon Wednesday, Oct. 9. This is a precautionary measure to protect the infrastructure.

Hurricane Re-Entry Passes

Re-entry passes for Estero Island Residents ONLY will be available tomorrow, October 8, 2024, at Target, from 8:00am – 12:00pm.

If your pass is not teal, you must get the updated version. The old purple pass will not work for re-entry.

Target Address: 15880 San Carlos Blvd Ste 101, Fort Myers, FL 33908

From The Florida Department Of Health – Lee County

All Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) offices will be closed on Monday, October 7, 2024, in response to severe weather impacts. Offices will remain closed until Friday, October 11, 2024.

From Lee County Government

Evacuation And Shelter Info

Lee County is issuing mandatory evacuation orders for Evacuation Zones A and B in advance of Hurricane Milton’s approach, and the county will open some of its shelters for evacuees who do not have other locations to stay. A map is available at www.leegov.com/storm.

People who live in mobile homes and manufactured homes are also part of the evacuation order. Shelters will open at 3 p.m. today, Monday, Oct. 7, at the following locations. Only the listed shelters are opening at this time. All shelters are pet-friendly; pets must be on leashes or in kennels

Dunbar High School
3800 Edison Ave.,
Fort Myers, FL 33916

Estero Recreation Center
9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd,
Estero, FL 33928

Island Coast High School
2125 DeNavarra Parkway
Cape Coral, FL 33909

If you’re heading to one of Lee County’s shelters, you need to bring a Go Kit. Include a three-day supply of food, water and snacks. You’ll also need a pillow and sleeping bag; folding chair; medications and eyeglasses; disinfectant wipes; toilet paper; a three-day supply of clothing; a sleep mask and earplugs; hygiene items; games or books; a phone charger or battery bank; and instant coffee or teabags.

Pets are allowed in all Lee County shelters, but you’re responsible for bringing what they need. Pack your pet a Go Kit. Make sure there’s a collar, leash and ID tags. Have a photo of you with your pet in case you become separated. Bring a crate or pet carrier. Include a week’s worth of water; food and treats; clean-up supplies including waste bags for dogs and litter box with litter for cats; remember any medicine your pet needs. You can find out more about preparation at leegov.com/storm.

Lee County Port Authority

At the moment, Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field remain operational. Please check with individual airlines regarding cancellations.

Other Info

The county will be closed from Monday afternoon through Thursday. The county will announce information about Friday operations on Thursday, depending on the storm’s impact.

Helene debris collection continues to happen today. Debris will be collected Monday and will continue Tuesday as weather allows.

Residents throughout Lee County are to not place any additional garbage, recycling or yard waste to the curb. Tuesday through Thursday, Solid Waste collection services will be suspended countywide. Announcements about Friday collections will be made Thursday.

From Visit Florida

The Expedia Emergency Accommodations Module, Priceline Emergency Accommodations Portal, and the Booking.com Portal  have been opened to provide real-time information on hotel availability for any residents or visitors seeking a place to stay.

State Info

Tolls have been suspended across Central Florida and West Florida, as well as Alligator Alley, to help visitors and residents quickly and safely evacuate. Tolls will be waived for seven days beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024.

From The FWC

Move your vessel out of the water! If you cannot move your vessel, take extreme measures to secure it

• If your boat can be trailered, haul it out of the water and move it to a safe location as far from tidal waters as possible. This includes kayaks and other recreational watercraft.
• If your vessel must stay in a marina berth, double all lines and rig cross-spring lines fore and aft, and attach lines high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge.
• If your vessel is at anchor, move to the most protected area possible and set out multiple anchors with at least a 10:1 scope, remove canvas coverings if possible, and remove or secure any sails.
• If your vessel is to remain on a mooring, make sure it is designed to withstand the load that your vessel will place on it. Inspect chains and swivels connecting to the mooring buoy and double up on the pendant.
• Remember to remove Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), life rings, life jackets and loose items from the boat and store them in a safe, indoor location.
• Use the Florida Boat Ramp Finder to find a ramp near you.

GET MORE TIPS HERE

Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline:

Report violations online or via the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline at 1-866-966-7226.

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Get Prepared

Visit our Hurricane Preparedness Resources page.