According to AAA, gas prices have dropped 10 cents since last week, and they []. Flooding from Hurricane Ian in Bonita Springs, Florida, between Fort SWFL nonprofits expect to be impacted by the end of the AmazonSmile program, SWFL gas prices to drop throughout Thanksgiving weekend, How bloodless open heart surgeries are performed, North Naples woman arrested after dog dies trapped in vehicle, After Hurricane Ian, Lee County reopening beach parks with free parking, Public memorial for Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs. When we actually floated down the road he was awake but he never cried. The storm put Fort Myers directly in its path after straying eastward from initial forecasts and is currently a Category 4 hurricane. "They don't normally have dealers from all over Florida that are in the show, so for people who are in the market for a boat, it's a great way to come in. Call 311 if you identify any streets that were not cleared. Dont run a generator in a garage, even with the door open. Fort Myers, Florida Hurricane Ian Insurance Claim Lawyers Stevens Construction broke ground on a 20,764-square-foot medical office building and surgery center at 6201 Alliance Lane, off Metro Parkway. It is dangerous, often illegal, and it should never be attempted under any circumstance. If youre looking to donate or volunteer, we recommend contacting the Red Cross, Volunteer Florida, and United Way by calling 2-1-1. As more people start to pile into the area, and beaches reopen, the fish kill will become a bigger problem. While our community rebuilds in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce stays committed to helping our business community. We've received your submission. A Fort Myers couple had to abandon their flooded home and swim to their neighbors house during Hurricane Ian and used plastic storage tubs as makeshift rafts to float their 3-month-old son and their cat to safety. Unfortunately, this tourist season will be nonexistent. During the 2004 season, more than one out of every five houses in the state received damage. Track the latest tropical systems with the NBC2 Interactive Hurricane Tracker. Officials in Fort Myers did not immediately provide a response to these concerns when contacted by CNN. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Its horrific, Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson told CNN Friday morning from the once-scenic towns obliterated marina. List of Florida hurricanes (2000-present) - Wikipedia Make sure you notify your insurance company in writing of your intent to dispose of any damaged property and give your insurer time to come and inspect it or take possession of it. The National . People and businesses on Fort Myers Beach had to take extra precautions, but people told WINK News that after the past five months, theyre used [], A woman working as a nanny in south Fort Myers was arrested Wednesday after deputies say she stole a familys dog in retaliation for being fired. Common hazards include shocks and electrocution from incorrect use, carbon monoxide (CO) from a generators exhaust, fires from improper refueling or fuel storage, and noise/vibration hazards. Her stove and microwave also mysteriously stopped working after the hurricane, despite power being restored. Visit Leegov.com to find useful information for residents, businesses and visitors of Lee County in Southwest Florida According to the Lee County Sheriffs Office, deputies were called to a home on Caisson Lane for a report of a stolen dog. Residents can call the United Way at 211 or visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/. *Be prepared and aware. Submit the form on the contact page, or reach out using one of 2310 Edwards Dr. P.O. Shrimp and Grit: Fighting to save the Fort Myers Beach shrimping fleet after Ian's devastation, Fort Myers Boat Show opens Friday with hundreds of boats as demand surges, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Once we got out our front door, the current was so strong, we didn't really have a choice on where we were going.. New timelapse video from a web camera in Fort Myers, Florida, shows the storm surge from Hurricane Ian flooding the city's streets. 0:00. You know, they had a 3-month-old in one bin and a cat in the other bin. While Ian's hit didn't throw too much of a wrench into their logistical planning beyond designing around the destroyed basin, Good said they were ready for their November show when Ian hit. Lush landscaping and an outdoor kitchen and bath make lazy days by the pool a breeze. Drowning was likely the cause of at least 40 of the deaths from Hurricane Ian reported in Florida state data. A customer fills out a Mega Millions lottery ticket at a convenience store, July 21, 2022, in Northbrook, Ill. People embrace as they survey property damage from Hurricane Ian, Sept. 29, 2022, in Bonita Springs, Fla. Damaged boats are seen amid a downtown condominium after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction, in Fort Myers, Florida, Sept. 29, 2022. Hurricane Ian devastates Fort Myers: 'The worst storm surge I've ever Awareness is key to safe generator use. Fort Myers, FL Monthly Weather | AccuWeather For Sale: 2 beds, 2 baths 1816 sq. Several homes were in various states of destruction. A lack of. Washington man accused of murdering twin brother outside P Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, What's next for Buster Murdaugh after dad's murder conviction, life sentence, Murdaugh son collapsed outside court after sitting stone-faced through dad's 6-week murder trial: source, Tom Sandoval breaks silence on Ariana Madix split amid cheating claims, Kelly Osbourne posts first photo of baby son as he hangs out with uncle Jack, Greys Anatomy alum Isaiah Washington retiring from acting: The haters have won, Max Scherzer's first look at the new pitch clock, Chris Rock Jokes About Watching Emancipation to See Will Smith Getting Whipped In Advance of Netflix Special: Report, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce. The governor spoke at a press conference in Fort Myers after meeting with President Biden, who also was touring storm damage Wednesday. AMAZING location with incredible sunsets. Eve Kasciuszko, an attorney at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz focuses her practice on estate planning and probate, as well as civil and commercial litigation. Streaming with multiple cameras set . This is also called the 100-year flood. In 2020, COVID restrictions forced abrupt closures at the height of visitors season. Photos taken before and after Ian made landfall show how the storm affected the landscape, with buildings flattened, roads flooded and the famous pier destroyed. One of the biggest issues people are dealing with when it comes to insurance after Hurricane Ian is property damage. This areas hurricane past. To avoid electric shock or electrocution, do not try to fix or work on a generator while it is on or plugged in. The spacious eat in kitchen and . Michael was the strongest hurricane to strike the contiguous United States since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Heavy winds and rain soak SWFL, toppling trees and flooding streets Fort Myers, located in southwest Florida, has an overall average high and low temperatures of 85 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (29 and 18 degrees Celsius) 1 , making it the ideal destination for tourism year-roundwell, except for the Atlantic hurricane season that runs from June 1 through November 30. often built in locations that are more physically vulnerable, Residents of Florida and the Carolinas are, President Joe Biden visited Fort Myers and was, Some residents of hard-hit Sanibel Island, More than 255,000 customers in Florida still do not have power, according to. Back feeding is tying a portable generator directly to your homes electrical panel instead of using a transfer switch. Our hotline is updated daily by 4:30 p.m. each day. [1/14] A family stands next to a damaged boat amid a downtown condominium after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S., September 29, 2022.REUTERS/Marco Bello *Hot. Postal Service Florida 2 District has resumed delivery and retail operations in much of Central and Southwest Florida. Around 50,000 students currently attend schools in the Collier County School District. Business Damage Assessment Survey The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. "But he's alive.. Please check the, Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 14:25, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Debby August 19-24, 2000, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Gordon September 14-18, 2000, Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Leslie September 14-18, 2000, "Detailed Damage Assessment Summary in Florida", "Tropical Storm Allison Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Storm Barry Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Gabrielle Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Storm Arthur - July 9-15, 2002", "Tropical Storm Bertha Tropical Cyclone Report", "This weekend, Atlantic coastline harbors a hazard", "Tropical Storm Edouard Tropical Cyclone Report", Tropical Storm Hanna Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Isidore Tropical Cyclone Report", "Event Report for Tropical Storm Isidore", Tropical Storm Bill Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Claudette Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Depression #7 - July 25-27, 2003", "Tropical Storm Grace - August 30-September 4, 2003", Tropical Storm Henri Tropical Cyclone Report, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "Tropical Storm Bonnie Tropical Cyclone Report", Hurricane Charley Tropical Cyclone Report, Costliest U.S. tropical cyclones tables updated, "Hurricane Frances Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Jeanne Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Jeanne Leaves Path of Destruction", "Tropical Storm Matthew Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Storm Arlene Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Dennis Tropical Cyclone Report", Hurricane Katrina Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Moves Over Gulf After Soaking Southern Florida", Hurricane Ophelia Tropical Cyclone Report, Tropical Storm Tammy Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Wilma Tropical Cyclone Report", Tropical Storm Alberto Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Ernesto Tropical Cyclone Report", "Subtropical Storm Andrea Tropical Cyclone Report", "Barry Downgraded After Soaking Central Florida", "Lifeguards Rescue More Than 35 Off Siesta Key", "Surfer Drowns, 200 Rescued In Gabrielle-Churned Seas Off Coast", "Hurricane Humberto - September 11-15, 2007", "Tropical Depression Ten Tropical Cyclone Report", "System Likely to Deliver More Rain to Polk", "Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Dolly", National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, "Tropical Storm Fay Tropical Cyclone Report", East Central Florida Region Technical Data Report, "Hurricane Gustav Tropical Cyclone Report", "Family sues Delray over death of son who was surfing at city beach", "Hurricane Hanna Hits Bahamas, Threatens US", Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Paloma, "Tropical Storm Claudette Tropical Cyclone Report", "Alex weakens, but rain pounds coastMatamoros, Mexico, 'is practically under water,' official says", "Alex spreads tar balls, oily water along Gulf", "Little flooding, damage as Tropical Storm Bonnie passes South Florida", "Deaths show secluded beaches carry some risk", Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Danielle, "Swedish sailor missing after tropical storm Earl", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Nicole, "Storm surf expected to subside but not rip currents", "Tropical Storm Bret producing strong rip currents", "Hurricane Irene's rough surf kills two off Florida coast, officials say", Tropical Storm Lee September 111, 2011, "Tampa man killed while swimming at Ormond Beach", Summary of Heavy Rainfall/Flood Event of October 2831, Tropical Storm Beryl Tropical Cyclone Report, "Surf Off Central Fla. Coast Still Dangerous Today", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Debby, "As residents cope with major flooding, more rain threatens", "Obama, feds, approve Scott's 2nd try for Hurricane Isaac assistance", "Hurricane Sandy brings rain, strong winds to Central Florida", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Andrea, "Event: Lightning in Miami-Dade County, Florida", "Tropical Storm Karen - October 3-15, 2013", "Bertha passing, but still poses dangers", "Beachgoers warned of high risk of rip currents", "Rip currents cause Kissimmee man to drown at beach, officials day", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Colin, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Hermine, "Hermine claims estimated at $80 million", "FPL customers to be billed for Hurricane Matthew costs starting in March", "7 Deaths, 2 in Miami-Dade, Related to Hurricane Matthew: Officials", "Jacksonville man falls off roof while doing repairs during Hurricane Matthew, dies", "2nd death reported during Hurricane Matthew", "Florida woman is 1st Hurricane Matthew-related death in U.S.", "Two storm-related deaths in St. Lucie County, fire rescue says", "Hurricane Matthew: Florida couple dies of generator fumes; U.S. death toll at 4", "Hermine, Matthew damages near $1.6 billion", "King tides arriving in South Florida with extra swell from Hurricane Nicole", "Hurricane Irma caused over 400 senior deaths in Florida, study says", "Dangerous surf pounds Brevard; rescues of swimmers, surfers", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Philippe, "Gordon drenched South Florida. FEMA will not reimburse the City for this removal. Dealing with issues after an event pose many financial, logistical and psychological challenges such as fighting with your insurance company over fair compensation for your damaged property. Where the bridge . View By Year. List of Florida hurricanes (2000present), Based on preliminary death certificate data from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission as recovery efforts are still active. Top 10 Best Hurricane Shutter Installers in Fort Myers, FL | Angi He has had to tell several clients that their homes are beyond saving. Tropical Storm Eta was a hurricane as is passed by Southwest Florida Wednesday. They could weigh as much as a ton and theyve been thrown around like they were nothing., 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Florida homeowners upset by insulting hurricane insurance payouts. I mean Ive never seen so much water, said Phillip Wyman. Fort Myers Beach continues to rebuild after Hurricane Ian The Lee County Sheriffs Office says Marcus Chiddister, 23, was sentenced to three years in prison and two years of probation. This well-maintained home is a 3/2/2 with a heated pool and spa surrounded by pavers and professionally installed landscaping was added in 2022. Clear 3 to 4 feet around the generator to create airflow space to avoid a fire. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter. "It's gonna be a really a great show. Particularly hard hit by Hurricane Ian, the Fort Myers area in southwest Florida is in shambles. Sanibel Island, Fort Myers severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in Lee In 2017, Hurricane Irma struck. A fish kill is filling up the water in Southwest Florida. A staircase attached to the side of the obliterated house was the only portion of the structure that remained. The winning numbers were 9, 22, 26, 41 and 44, plus the gold Mega Ball 19. "We've been very involved in many aspects of the hurricane relief efforts as well for all of our members and our dealers and despite everything that everybody's been through, there's a huge amount of optimism out there, so I honestly I think people are going to come just to get out and do things," Good said. Now the Gulf Coast braces for a possible hurricane", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Gordon, "Congress must step up for Air Force bases devastated by natural disaster", "Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Michael", "USAF Had Faulty Data About Whether Hangars Full of F-22s Could Survive Hurricane Michael", "Good Samaritans Form Human Chain to Rescue Swimmers from Rip Current in Florida", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Erin, "Should St. Johns County keep lifeguards on longer into summer season? Emig was very apprehensive about what she was about to see. The wind, rain, and storm surge sank boats, damaged some roofs and cars, and caused flooding in some areas. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. TESTIMONIALS. Home - Lee County Schools Place the generator in a dry area or under an open canopy structure. September 18 - Tropical Storm Gordon makes landfall on Cedar Key, dropping up to 9.48 inches (241 mm) of rainfall . You can go over it in a helicopter, and you see damage, but it does not do it justice until you are actually on the ground, and you see concrete utility poles sawed off right in half, massive power lines everywhere, massive amounts of debris, he said. When the power is eventually restored, this could cause a fire for underlying electrical issues. Its just gone, our beach is gone, the buildings trashed, the trees are gone, it was all so lush in there, Paskaly said. This Pier is overlooking the Gulf Of Mexico. 954-523-2525. The show will run Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sunday). Our live coverage has ended. Marine Connection - Vero Beach. Submit the form on the contact page, or reach out using one of At least 127 people in the state have died due to Hurricane Ian, local officials said. As of Tuesdaynight,the Florida Medical Examiners Commission data obtained by CNN via an open records request reflected at least partial information for 72 of the statesstorm victims. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), authorities spotted vehicles speeding. $64,567. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? All Rights Reserved. Flooding also affected Gladiolus and Cypress Lake drives. El Jobean bridge in the distance Charlotte county Fl.#HurricaneEta pic.twitter.com/POpl4OIFP0, Christina Hoaglin (@seasthislife) November 11, 2020. A stunning time-lapse video shows Hurricane Ian overwhelming a Fort Myers waterfront street and washing away a home in a 15-foot storm surge. Missing roof tiles or branches may later be found to have damaged your building. This free, statewide search platform is updated to ensure all listings are accurate and can help you quickly locate an affordable rental property. Hurricane Tracker - NBC2 News One of the winning tickets to Friday's Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Fort Myers, Florida, weeks after Hurricane Ian devastated the area. The residents say they were among the last to get their power restored and shelters and relief centers are being set up too far away for people who dont have access to vehicles. Lee County Government can only provide updates on behalf of Lee County Utilitiesregarding water restoration progress and boil water advisories. Hurricane Ian: Three scenarios, levels of destruction for Florida A south Florida man died Feb. 20 after contracting Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating infection, from using tap water to rinse his sinuses. 2310 Edwards Dr. P.O. 8th and largest location "Bridge Branch" opens at 9311 College Parkway. Hear his response, See why 'Dilbert' comic strips got dropped from US newspapers, Maher: 'It's not wrong' to have debate about transgender issues, Hit horror film is inspired by real events. What is back-feeding? Fort Myers News-Press, 2020. . If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. It is a humbling site where mother nature took out her rage and nearly three months after the fact, the indelible mark still remains. This is a. Other houses on the island: Andy Garcia is the owner of Sanibel Home Concierge, a property management company that monitors about 40 properties. Meanwhile, more than 22% of the teachers live in hard-hit Lee County, but Oliver says the district is confident it is ready to reopen with the help of more than 800 substitute teachers. They thought they were going to be OK as the winds raged around them last Wednesday, but then saw water seeping in under their door. Florida braced for Eta as new study finds hurricanes staying stronger The clip ends with a shot of the storms aftermath after the water finally receded, with the block all but unrecognizable. A HUGE wrap around boat dock with an all-aluminum 30,000 lb lift with remote control, water & power. Worst Places In FL For Hurricanes | Wrights Window & Door Lee County announced that several beach parksLynn Hall Memorial Park, San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, Bonita Beach Park and Bonita Beach Accesses 1 to 10would reopen on Saturday. [1] After Wilma in 2005, it would be 11 years until another hurricane would strike the state, Hermine in 2016. An old, abandoned baseball field is now a debris field. "Fort Myers Beach, and the people, have the biggest hearts in the world, they are all sticking together, they all want to bring this community back," Taylor said. September 14 While moving ashore the northern gulf coast, August 28 Wave heights reached 7ft (2.1m) from, September 29 The extratropical remnants of, November 910 Long-distance swells generated by, August 3 Lightning struck a man in Hialeah, related to, August 4 Two people required rescue off the coast of Jacksonville due to rip currents from, Early May Rainfall reached 3.17in (81mm) in, September 918 Rip currents from distant, September 14 For two days, the NHC forecasted that powerful, September 1213, 2019 Rip currents from, September 30, 2019 Large swells and rip currents generated by. Residents like Taylor can't put the past behind. R R. Storm Smart 5.0 The SFHA is an area that could be inundated by a flood event, with a 1 percent chance of reaching or exceeding the Base Flood Elevations (BFE) in any given year. The boat show still boasts the largest display of boats, boating products, and services on the state's western coast, featuring more than 500 boats on land, representing over 130 manufacturers. One of the winning tickets to Friday's Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Fort Myers, Florida, weeks after Hurricane Ian devastated the area. See the latest news on the storm here or read the posts below. At least 125 people died from Hurricane Ian after it tore through the southeastern US last week, according to CNN's tally, based on data from local and state agencies. Other photographs show entire neighbourhoods levelled. 2023 Local Hurricane Tracker | AccuWeather The state has been working with CDC, FEMA, and the American Red Cross to develop guidance for counties ahead of the 2020 Hurricane Season. Details on this and other Ian-related relief from #IRS at www.irs.gov/disaster IRS extends deadlines, provides tax relief for victims of #HurricaneIan in Florida. Caloosahatchee Conditions Report (February 21, 2023) Flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary had a 7-day average of 1,649 cfs at S-79 with a 7-day average of 1,569 cfs (95%) coming from the lake at S-77. The broken infrastructure continues on a slow, tedious rebuild each day. Keep your policy in a secure place before and after the storm. The show will have boat and accessory displays on-land throughout Centennial Park and Amphitheater and into the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and east along Edwards Drive. Landfall occurred about 20 miles west northwest of Fort Myers and 20 miles west southwest of Punta Gorda, which was struck by Hurricane Charley in 2004. "I'm grateful that I'm living and that I'm able to try and rebuild," Taylor said. 2 min read. This well-maintained home is a 3/2/2 with a heated pool and spa surrounded by pavers and professionally installed landscaping was added in 2022. We have never seen anything like this in our lives since weve lived here for 10 years. A common mistake made is what you do with damaged property. SAIL hotline: 800-342-3557. In downtown Fort Myers, the streets flooded as the rain poured in and palm trees were . Fort Myers Beach Hurricane - Etsy We are not going to be prepared to accept our tourists at this time, Johnson added. Find Your Zone | Florida Storms They wound up in a neighbors backyard near and were able to go up the stairs to the second level of their porch, which was still a few inches above the water. Latson, who lives in the Dunbar neighborhood in Fort Myers, Florida, said she cant get to a relief center to get bottled water and other necessities being distributed because she doesnt have transportation; the bus system is not running in her neighborhood. Home built by "Arthur Rutenberg Homes" with a protected premium power/sailboat dock with 150ft of water frontage. Allison Christian faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, according to an arrest report. Everybody Moved to Fort Myers Just Before Hurricane Ian Hit What are we doing?'. Today her view is a skeleton of what it once was. Duckwall said he brought some tools and his chainsaw in case they needed to cut through the roof. Several studiesfound that the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides less aid to people of color facing disaster relief compared to White people. Gerald Herbert/AP Fort Myers Beach, Florida It is unclear how many of the deathsnot yet included inthedetailedstate data may also have been caused by drowning. The island has a year-round population of 7,000 but that grows to more than 35,000 during the winter months. Some areas may look different right now, but the way our community makes people feel hasn't changed. FMB Boaters affected by Ian months laterShrimp and Grit: Fighting to save the Fort Myers Beach shrimping fleet after Ian's devastation, Previous article on Fort Myers Boat ShowFort Myers Boat Show opens Friday with hundreds of boats as demand surges. Hurricane Ian battered Florida on Wednesday, making landfall as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 150 mph and what the National Hurricane Center called a "catastrophic" tidal surge of 12 to 18 feet. Flynn said it damaged her lanai. 861 Hofstra Drive, FORT MYERS, FL 33919 | MLS# 223015250 "The community is working together," Taylor said. Instead, he and thousands of others dig in to rebuild not only the physical landscape, but the emotional toll you can't see. In 2020, Good and his wife did an economic impact study on their show, determining it brought in $550 million for the Southwest Florida region. Lee County announced that several beach parksLynn Hall Memorial Park, San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, Bonita Beach Park and Bonita Beach Accesses 1 to 10would reopen on Saturday. Air conditioning, laminate floors, interior doors, baseboards, trim and impact resistant front door installed in 2020. The 14-day moving average flow at S-79 is 1,941 cfs and has been in the optimum flow envelope (2,100 - 2,600 cfs; RECOVER 2020) for 6 days after . appreciated. Dont forget the roof! After Hurricane Ian set it off course from its traditional date in November, the 50th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show is set to take over the historic downtown riverfront this weekend with some. The footage, captured by storm chaser Max Olson,. Fort Myers Beach, Florida beach camera capturing Hurricane Ian in LIVE TIME. RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP/Getty Hurricane Ian damage in Cayo Costa, Florida, located west of Fort Myers. Small Business Disaster Assistance Florida SBDC At a BRC, SBA and SBDC disaster specialists will be available to answer questions about available disaster loans and help small business owners with their disaster applications. "I was just talking to some of the restauranteurs since I've been in downtown and since Christmas, they've seen an amazing increase in their businesses, the restaurants and all people are out and doing things, so I think people are ready to get back to some resemblance of normalcy.".