UPDATE: Evacuations ordered, county officials urge: ‘Do not wait’
Evacuations have been ordered for coastal and low-lying areas of Lee County as potentially “catastrophic” Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s Gulf coast.
Lee County Public Safety Director Ben Abes announced today, Oct. 7, that the county is ordering a mandatory evacuation for zones A and B by the evening of Oct. 8.
Zones A and B include the barrier islands of Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, Matlacha and Pine Island. They also include portions of Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, San Carlos Park and North Fort Myers. For a detailed map of what areas constitute zones A and B, visit the Lee County government website at www.leegov.com/storm.
Abes also announced that Milton is now a dangerous Category 5. The hurricane could make landfall as a Category 4 storm with a storm surge of up to 12 feet, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane winds could begin to be felt in Lee County by the evening of Oct. 8 or early Oct. 9.
He announced that storm shelters will open today, Oct. 7, at 3:30 p.m. at: Dunbar High School, at 3800 Edison Ave., Fort Myers; Estero Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero; and Island Coast High School, at 2125 DeNavarra Parkway, Cape Coral. All shelters are pet-friendly; pets must be on leashes or in kennels. More shelters will open on Oct. 8.
LeeTran has suspended fares and all routes are free. LeeTran buses will transport residents to shelters for free. For emergency transportation, contact 211.
Effective immediately, tolls on all Lee County bridges have been suspended.
County offices will be closed through Oct. 10, as are all county schools.
“We’ve never seen a storm like this,” Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Greenwell said. “It could be catastrophic.”
Abes said crews are still working to clear debris from Hurricane Helene before Milton hits. Household trash collection is suspended from Oct. 8-10.
“You do not want to drown in storm surge,” Lee County District 4 Commissioner Brian Hamman said. “Get out of those flood zones.”
He said emergency responders were unable to respond to those who called 911 for help and who ultimately died during Hurricane Ian because the conditions were so bad.
“We can always replace stuff, we can’t replace you,” Hamman said. “If you are in an area that flooded in Helene and Ian, you will get water. You have a responsibility to prepare.”
“You do not want to wait,” Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said. “This storm is deadly.”
He said a potential 12-feet of storm surge is life-threatening.
“We know the storm surge takes lives,” Marceno said. “Get out of harm’s way.”
He said that after sustained winds of more than 45 miles per hour, emergency responders will not be able to make rescues.
“We can’t bring back lives,” Marceno said.
In addition, Lee County is asking that residents:
– Obey evacuation notices.
– Pack a go-bag with family and pet needs.
– Bring their own personal items and supplies if going to a shelter.
– Report blocked ditches, swales and canals.
– Know that where it rains, it can flood. Even if you are not in a flood zone, you could still be prone to flooding due to local drainage issues and existing saturated areas.
– Understand that even if you are not evacuated or in an evacuation zone, flooding can still occur. Be prepared for flood inundation.
– Be sure you are signed up for AlertLee by visiting www.leegov.com/storm.
INFORMATION FOR SHELTERS
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, 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.
For more information about preparation, visit leegov.com/storm.
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ORIGINAL (Oct. 7, 2024):
County to provide storm updates
Lee County reported that Public Safety Director Ben Abes, county commissioners and other officials will provide updates on Hurricane Milton today, Oct. 7, at noon on the county’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc/. It can also be viewed on LeeTV and on the Lee County Government YouTube channel.
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ORIGINAL (Oct. 7, 2024):
County parks, rec provides storm update
Lee County Parks and & Recreation reported that due to Hurricane Milton, the following facilities will have early closures today, Oct. 7, beginning at noon:
– All beaches, parks, preserves and boat ramps.
– All recreation, interpretive and community centers.
– Terry Park Administrative Offices.
In addition, the four community pools are closed today, Oct. 7.
All facilities will remain closed through Oct. 10.
For updates on reopening, visit www.leeparks.org.
For weather-related updates and resources, monitor www.leegov.com/storm.
To reach NATHAN MAYBERG / news@breezenewspapers.com, please email