Blue Roof program available for many SWFL residents after Ian damage

Following Hurricane Ian, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has activated Operation Blue Roof to provide temporary blue tarp-like covering to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made.

This service is free to homeowners, and the initial sign-up period lasts until Oct. 23.

Five counties are currently eligible:

• Lee
• Charlotte
• Sarasota
• Collier
• DeSoto

Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm. Homes eligible for Operation Blue Roof include primary residences or a permanently occupied rental property with less than 50% structural damage, excluding vacation rental properties.

All storm debris must be removed for the roof to qualify. Roofs that are flat, metal, clay, slate, or asbestos tile do not qualify.

For more information, call 1-888-ROOF-BLU or visit the Army Corps of Engineers website.

Locations across Southwest Florida:

Charlotte County

19 – 20 Oct.

• 2933 S McCall Rd, Englewood, Fla. 34224  (Wal-Mart)
  (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

21 – 23 Oct.

• Port Charlotte 19100 Murdock Cir, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 (Walmart)
  (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

DeSoto

18 Oct.

• Public Library 125 N Hillsborough Ave Arcadia FL
  (9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

​Lee County

18 – 19 Oct.

• Estero Rec Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero
  (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

18 – 22 Oct.

• Heights Community Center 15570 Hagie Drive, Ft Myers
  (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

22 Oct.

• 10530 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia, FL
  (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

Sarasota County

18 Oct.

• Home Depot 2450 Jacarenda Blvd Venice, FL 34293
  (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

19 – 20 Oct.

• Venice Public Library,  300 Nokomis Ave Venice FL 34285
  (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

21 – 22 Oct.

• Walmart 17000 Tamiami Trail North Port FL 34287
  (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

23 Oct.

• Shannon Straub Public Library (DRC) 4675 Career Lane, North Port FL 34289
  (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)