Heavy rain shuts down Food for Florida disaster assistance site

SOUTH FORT MYERS, Fla. Heavy rain and storms Saturday afternoon shut down the first Southwest Florida Food for Florida disaster assistance site.

The Department of Children and Families spokesperson Natalie Harrell stated earlier the site was expected to remain open despite the rain, but due to increased inclement weather her statement was later retracted.

The site might reopen depending on weather, but the chances are unlikely, Harrell said. Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies were turning people away as of 4 p.m.

Those who waited in line and were turned away will have the opportunity to return Sunday for post-Irma food assistance, Harell said.

MORE: Thousands crowd first SWFL Food for Florida disaster assistance site

Approximately 4,474 households have been served as of 12 p.m. Saturday and 23,079 households have been served since the site opened on Thursday, Harrell said.

The relief site is set up for Lee and Collier county residents from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Oct. 31 at the Lee County Port Authority overflow parking lot at Southwest Florida International Airport via Chamberlain and Daniels parkways.

*Times may be effected due to unforeseen circumstances.

Applicants should attend only on the day corresponding to their last name as detailed in the schedule below:

Lee/Collier:
Oct. 26: A – E
Oct. 27: F – I
Oct. 28: J – M
Oct. 29: N – P
Oct. 30: Q – Z
Oct. 31 Makeup Day

Hendry:
Oct. 28: A – P
Oct. 29: Q – Z
Oct. 30: Makeup Day

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