Gov. DeSantis spoke in Fort Myers Beach after touring Ian cleanup efforts

On Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Fort Myers Beach to tour the area as it cleans up the widespread damage left by Hurricane Ian.

In a press conference, DeSantis addressed plans, concerns, and other efforts being taken to fix everything at Fort Myers Beach.

Residents wanted to know when they would be able to get back to the beach. And on Saturday at 7 a.m. the first group of residents made it to the island to retrieve belongings.

A significant amount of debris in the area has been cleared, which means that they’re on the right track.

There are a couple of spots with LCEC that still do not have power in areas like Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.

It was noted that over 99% of people in Southwest Florida have power except for those few spots that are handled by LCEC.

It was said during the news conference that if a home was damaged enough, it may not accept power until it’s renovated. And, given the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, the infrastructure for power held up well.

DeSantis also remarked that restoration efforts are underway on Pine Island.

There has been a focused effort in terms of helping facilitate thousands of linemen to work with LCEC. And, there are 42,000 linemen stationed and ready to go help with restoring power in Southwest Florida.

The Mayor of Panama City and other staff are coming down to inspect the area and will offer advice to local officials on possible next recovery steps.

Another goal DeSantis discussed was the Sanibel Causeway should be accessible by the end of October. But, in the meantime, they’re helping transport electrical crews on landing crafts that require high tide.

The relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ian have been significant in Southwest Florida. There have been 13,000,000 meals, 2,500,000 pounds of ice, moved 2,200,000 gallons of fuel to Southwest Florida, 375 Star Link devices from Elon Musk, and 2,507 bridges have been restored.

There was an incredible emphasis put forward that the area will bounce back from what has happened, even though it will take time. But it was said that businesses have generally bounced back and that by the winter season comes around, snowbirds should be able to come back.

-sanibel causeway should be accessible by end of month
-helping transport electrical crews on landing crafts which require high tide
-relief efforts have been significant, 13 million meals and 2.5 million pounds of ice delivered
-2,507 bridges have been restored@winknews pic.twitter.com/eN2x2CAo0P

— Michelle Alvarez WINK News (@malvareztv) October 8, 2022

In a solemn moment, it was recognized that there have not been this many rescue teams in one area since 9/11.

And then it was said that efforts will continue to be made to find people and DeSantis wants families who are still missing loved ones to know that.