Fort Myers Beach loses FEMA insurance discount

Reporter: Haley Zarcone Writer: Elyssa Morataya
Published: Updated:

According to the Lee County Government, residents in parts of Lee County will keep their FEMA discount.

Over 43,000 people got their FEMA discount back with flying colors.

Kevin Ruane is the District 1 commissioner for Lee County. He said that FEMA recognized the county for its hard work.

“You heard FEMA indicate and clearly say we did above and beyond the normal call of duty,” said Ruane. “They were very impressed with our workmanship. So those are compliments when you’re in really an unusual situation.”

This got the ball rolling. From there, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Estero also got theirs back.

On Fort Myers Beach, the word “Probation” hangs over their homes.

Kelly Haynes is a Fort Myers Beach resident. She said that she doesn’t feel like she will be compensated.

“I think it’s another false promise, and we’re gonna be left with nothing,” said Haynes. “It’s a way for them to have control.”

Todd Kluener is a Fort Myers Beach resident. He said that it is difficult to subsidize barrier islands like Fort Myers Beach due to the flood risk.

“A barrier island that’s going to deal with constant flood risk. Why are we subsidizing an area that is constantly going to be battered by floods and have just insane claims going forward?” asked Kluener.

Nearly losing the discount lit a fire under the county to bring it back.

“It’s going through the process,” said Ruane. “It’s answering the questions that need to be asked to give the documentation necessary. It’s a tedious, very emotionally devastating process you go through. Not only did your home get damaged, but then you’re arguing with the insurance company, get the appropriate reimbursement, and you’re trying to get your family back into a normal way of living.”

Rick Loughrey said Fort Myers Beach is no different. He’s seen it firsthand, trying to get back into his home.

“Nowadays we put in a permit, it gets reviewed pretty quick and gets returned back to us,” said Loughrey. “But it has to be thorough. It’s become even a couple more pages in the last year or so from Ian, that we have to make sure, as far as the FEMA regulations are filled out properly, and that everything’s nickel and dimed on that form,”

This begs the question…

“What would be the reason? There has to be reason that we’re not getting because it makes absolutely zero sense to anybody,” asked Loughrey.

For more information on the town’s efforts, click here.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.