FEMA denies extension for business trailers on Fort Myers Beach

FEMA has denied an extension for business trailers on Fort Myers Beach.

Any structure that cannot be attached to a light duty truck and moved off the island during an evacuation must be gone by Monday.

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This comes as snowbirds and season make their to way to Southwest Florida.

This will have an impact on not just businesses but the local economy on Fort Myers Beach.

The Fort Myers Beach PIO said that over 50 businesses have been affected, but that’s not a final number.

The town of Fort Myers Beach requested an extension for June 1, 2025 from FEMA, but it was denied.

A spokesperson with Fort Myers Beach said if these businesses don’t move by the Monday there is a chance FEMA will take away the 25% discount for residents.

Fred Mallone is a co-owner of Buffalo Grill. He said that he has reservations about other businesses being forced to leave Fort Myers Beach.

“If others leave this area is done,” said Mallone.

Nov. 18, is a day most businesses working out of shipping containers, trailers, and other temporary structures on Fort Myers Beach must leave.

“You’re taking food off someone’s table by doing that to them and they have done everything they can to be with the resources they have to make a business down here,” said Mallone.

The town of Fort Myers Beach requested an extension to June 1, 2025 from FEMA, but FEMA denied it.

But business owners like Mallone said this isn’t right.

“I understand FEMA’s side of it but if you can prove you can be in and out of here in a few hours I don’t see why there is an issue,” said Mallone.

Jim Adderholt is a member of the Fort Myers Beach City Council. He said that he is disappointed in FEMA.

“It is disappointing to see FEMA put the regulatory hammer down just as hurricane season ends,” said Adderholt. “The people would be better served if FEMA allowed the town to continue its recovery by waiting to implement its decree until next summer before the start of the new hurricane season.”

Mallone said this can affect the economic impact on the island as well as residents and tourists.

“A lot of the locals are just getting into their condos now and it’s two years from Ian and they want to come down here and support the businesses how are they going to do that if there is no businesses here,” said Mallone.

Businesses that are in violation said they are waiting to see what happens.

The town of Fort Myers Beach said most people are complying but others who stay will get a notice and go in front of the magistrate and plead their case. Anyone in violation faces a fine.