Naples continues post-Ian recovery

The City of Naples updated residents on the progress of its post-Hurricane Ian recovery in a press release.

Naples confirmed one storm-related death: According to the medical examiner, a 73-year-old woman died of drowning and myocardial infarction.

While the city’s boil water notice was lifted, water pressure fluctuations are expected due to higher-than-normal use. Officials ask that you call (239) 213-4745 if you observe anyone using fire hydrants illegally.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 14% of Naples was without power. Several sections of the city that had power will continue to experience periodic blackouts while FPL continues to troubleshoot issues. Multiple properties sustained serious damage to electrical panels and meter cans that were submerged in water, so FPL cannot energize the private property equipment until they are repaired or replaced. Naples says its team is on the ground working very closely with the FPL team to understand which equipment on private property will need to be replaced and which can be energized.

FPL executives will be present Thursday to help assess how things stand with equipment on private property so Naples officials can communicate realistic timeframes for restoration.

Comcast Cable services continue coming back online but may fluctuate as power is turned off from time to time for FPL repairs. Cell service also continues to improve.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Naples says all roads within the city were passable. Crews will continue to brush dried mud and run multiple street sweepers to pick up fine debris until all roads are back to normal. Storm basins continue to be cleaned and crews will soon begin cleaning alleys.

Only one intersection, Gulf Shore Boulevard North and Park Shore Drive, remains dark, with a temporary stop sign. Six intersections are flashing and all others are operable.
Officials ask that drivers continue to use care and watch for emergency crews.

Debris removal trucks have begun full-scale operations in Naples and continue to address hotspot areas. Additional trucks will be added to the operation in the days ahead. City officials ask that people continue to pay close attention to instructions regarding separating material into various piles (horticulture, C&D – lumber, carpets, furniture), and white goods (appliances – please empty).

Trucks will make as many passes as we need to collect all the debris, so don’t feel hurried to set everything out at once.

A county-wide curfew remains in effect from midnight to 6 a.m. and the city’s curfew (specific to residential areas) remains in effect from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Police will strictly enforce this curfew for those who do not live in residential areas and remain on high alert while patrolling all corners of the community. Police will be at checkpoints after sundown to keep non-residents out of areas experiencing extended power outages.

Naples will be distributing bottled water Thursday and Friday at the River Park Community Center, in the River Park East Neighborhood, at Fleischmann Park, at the Norris Center and at Seagate Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FEMA officials hope to have survivor assistance teams on the ground before the end of the week. Residents can apply for federal assistance at the FEMA disaster assistance website or by calling (800) 621-3362.

Small Business Administration disaster loans are available. Applicants may apply on the SBA website under declaration #17644. You can also call (800) 659-2955 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Those who did not evacuate but now need to leave their home can visit the Florida Disaster website for open general and special needs shelters in Florida.