Spring breakers are flocking to Florida beaches, but Miami Beach is discouraging the annual event due to its negative impact on law enforcement, locals, and businesses. Meanwhile, Fort Myers Beach is unprepared for the influx of visitors, with limited hotel and vacation rental availability. Despite the crowds, the Chamber of Commerce hopes to attract responsible summer tourists and support local businesses.
A year after Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers Beach, Florida, residents are grappling with the question of what kind of town will emerge from the wreckage and who will get to call it home. The storm submerged the barrier island under nearly 14 feet of storm surge, destroying or damaging almost all of its buildings. While some properties have been rebuilt and property sales have accelerated, many residents, particularly those in low-income and work force housing, have been unable to return due to financial constraints and inadequate insurance payouts. The town's recovery has sparked debates about preserving its unpolished charm and diverse population, as well as the impact of climate change on future hurricanes and the feasibility of rebuilding in vulnerable coastal areas.
Fort Myers Beach in Florida is experiencing flooding for the second time in a year as Hurricane Idalia approaches. The monster storm is expected to make landfall in the early hours of Wednesday, with maximum sustained winds of up to 90mph. The National Hurricane Center has warned of a "life-threatening storm surge" of 10 to 12 feet across Tampa Bay and the Big Bend region of Florida. States including Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina have declared a state of emergency, and residents are being urged to evacuate.
A fire broke out at the Bay to Beach condo complex in Fort Myers Beach, which was under construction due to Hurricane Ian and not occupied. The fire was found on the roof and multiple agencies, including the Fort Myers Beach Fire District, Iona McGregor Fire District, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office, are helping to extinguish the flames. No injuries have been reported and the fire is under control.
A fire broke out on the roof of the Bay 2 Beach condo building in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, but has since been contained. The building was vacant at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Aerial footage captured by a drone flown by a visuals journalist for The News-Press shows the scars left behind by Hurricane Ian on Fort Myers Beach, six months after the Category 4 storm hit Southwest Florida, causing catastrophic damage and killing over 160 people. Despite ongoing recovery efforts, the view remains one of a location that was pounded unmercifully by Hurricane Ian's storm surge and winds.
Six months after Hurricane Ian hit Fort Myers Beach, Florida, the town is still struggling to rebuild. Many homes and buildings were destroyed by the 15-foot storm surge, and slow and inadequate insurance payouts are hurting recovery efforts. However, there are signs of progress, with a few hotels welcoming guests and a new Margaritaville resort set to open later this year. Officials are working to add more workforce housing to the area, as many long-time residents are being forced to sell and leave the island due to the slow recovery. The town's vice mayor vows to have a "functional paradise" by next year.
