FORT MYERS, Fla. — Nearly a week after Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida's southwestern coast, search and rescue efforts are ongoing, as the region takes steps to recover from the devastating storm.
Lee County -- home to Fort Myers and the barrier islands Sanibel and Pine -- was especially hard-hit by the powerful Category 4 storm, with Fort Myers Beach frequently referred to as"ground zero" by local officials.
"I need patience," Marceno said during a press briefing Tuesday."We know people want to get back. They want to see their homes. They want to see if they have a home. They want to grab a photo album -- things that cannot be replaced by insurance or money. Marceno said crews are currently following up search efforts of properties and identifying if anyone is in need or is unaccounted for, as the search and rescue mission continues"around the clock."
In the short term, the state Department of Transportation is working on building a temporary gravel bridge to Pine Island.
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