Village Connection – Recovering from Hurricane Ian
Many resources are available to assist residents with hurricane recovery. Find the most up-to-date information at www.leegov.com/storm.
ONE-STOP DISASTER RECOVERY
Lee County has opened a Multi-Agency Resource Center to provide one-stop assistance to residents. Center hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers.
The center is co-located with the Disaster Recovery Center opened by FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Representatives of the Small Business Administration also are available.
Organizations onsite include numerous property insurance companies, local and state government offices, wireless providers, mental health providers and nonprofits. The Initial Payment Center is also at the resource center.
For updates on hurricane resources, follow @Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc, or visit www.leegov.com/storm.
FEMA ASSISTANCE
There are three ways to apply:
(1) DisasterAssistance.gov (2) Download the FEMA App for mobile devices (3) Call 800-621-3362.
FEMA makes these payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter.
VILLAGE OF ESTERO ONLINE PERMITTING
The Village of Estero is now operating online emergency permitting.
Building repairs not requiring a permit: Screen replacement (structural components of the lanai require a permit); and window glass or door glass replacement (glass only); removal of debris; repair or replacement of soffits or gutters, structural shoring or bracing.
Building repairs requiring a permit: Roof repairs; drywall replacement over 100 sq. ft.; all structural components; fence replacement; lanai, door, window (except as detailed above).
For all work done on an emergency basis, application should be made within 24 hours of the commencement of repairs. If you have questions or require assistance in obtaining a building permit, please contact the Village of Estero Permitting Department at 239-221-5036 or email: permitting@estero-fl.gov.
To protect yourself, please make sure all contractors are licensed and insured.
HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS
Some of our Estero neighborhoods have lost everything. The most extreme damage occurred in communities on the west side of U.S. 41. This includes neighborhoods along West Broadway, Williams Road and Coconut Road.
One way to help is to make a donation to the Estero Forever Foundation, www.esteroforeverfoundation.org.
In addition, Ocean Church, located at 22100 S. Tamiami Trail, is collecting donations. Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Items needed include: drinking water, over-the-counter medications, toiletries, non-perishable food, adult and baby diapers, baby formula, tarps, generators, gas cans, plywood, portable grills and propane tanks. No clothing, furniture, blankets or toys will be accepted.
Those wishing to sign up to volunteer, or to report needs in the community, can do so at: www.oceanchurch.com/relief.
To receive the latest information about the Village projects and community activities, go to the Village website and subscribe at www.estero-fl.gov.