On September 27th, Florida’s west coast began to feel the impact of Hurricane Ian as a category 4 hurricane. Though the east coast went largely unaffected, many cities that were directly hit by the storm are still suffering the effects of the storm.
Joint reports from Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and Cuba show that the death toll from the storm surpassed 100, according to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission. Lee County, one of the many counties in the Fort Myers area, has a current death toll of 52. The areas of and surrounding Fort Myers are especially devastated areas in Florida.
Sanibel Island, an island in Lee County, has been inaccessible until earlier this week. The bridge connecting the island to the mainland was destroyed by the winds of Hurricane Ian, leaving many without any way to access their homes. Governor Ron DeSantis has expedited the temporary repair of the Sanibel Causeway by the Florida Department of Transportation in order to allow for faster restoration of the island.
Areas of west Florida and Sanibel Island have been flattened by the storm, leaving buildings in rubble and unidentifiable. This doesn’t account for the major flooding in these areas, which has left countless areas almost unlivable. News Press records that the island smells of diesel, drying sewage, and hot plastic.
Estero Island, home of Fort Myers Beach and Pine Island are reeling from the storm as well. Island residents were only able to go back home and survey the damage almost a full two weeks after evacuating.
However, there is still positivity to be found in these areas. Members of the Miami Dolphins traveled to the west coast of Florida to distribute food, water, generators, and more. The Dolphins partnered with Lee County Public Schools for the event, allowing some players to revisit their alma maters and give back to the communities that raised them, according to a report by NBC 6.
Organizations such as the Red Cross are still actively fundraising relief funds; the relief effort is not over.
While many throughout Florida, across state borders, and in other countries still face financial insecurity due to the after effects of Hurricane Ian, communities have found ways to come together and support those around them.
