Since Hurricane Ian hit, Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches & Neighbourhoods, has spearheaded a relief effort to directly assist local hospitality workers impacted by Hurricane Ian. The Southwest Florida Emergency Relief Fund, organised and managed through United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades and the Collaboratory, will support immediate and long-term recovery needs.
The Lee County team has been hard at work assessing the impact to the area, finding that Fort Myers Beach (Estero Island), Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island and Matlacha sustained the most storm damage. The area is currently in recovery mode, and its top priorities are to help build back the major infrastructure, provide shelter and aid to people with basic needs, and continuing to assess the extent of the damage. Electricity and internet connection have now been restored to most of the inland parts of the area.
“Thousands of Lee County hospitality workers immediately lost their livelihoods when Ian struck,” said Cecil Pendergrass, Chairman of the Lee Board of County Commissioners and the Tourist Development Council.“These folks have worked tirelessly to provide us with the best destination experiences possible, and now it’s our turn to give back to them. While the road to recovery will be long and difficult, we are confident in our strength and resilience. With help, we will all experience good days again soon.”
Contributions to The Southwest Florida Emergency Relief Fund – designated as Support Fort Myers Hospitality Workers – will directly support hospitality workers in Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande and the outer islands, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres.
Those wishing to make a donation and support disaster relief in the area can do so though this QR code.
