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Assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Helene

Florida homeowners and renters in counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Currently eligible counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla. Ways to apply for disaster aid: FEMA Disaster Assistance Online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov Call: 1-800-621-3362 When you apply, have the following information on hand: • The address of your damaged home or apartment • Names of people ...

Sanibel Causeway is now open

The Sanibel Causeway is open to travel in both directions. The City of Sanibel is not requiring hurricane re-entry permits. "There are still areas of the island with standing water over portions of road," city of Sanibel officials said in a release issued shortly after noon. "The Public Works Department has placed signage on the roads effected. Please use extra caution when navigating these areas. Do not travel around barricades indicating a road is closed. "Individuals arriving on Sanibel and moving about should do so with caution, as there are power outages, displaced wildlife, ...

Southwest Florida in cleanup mode following brush with Hurricane Helene

While Southwest Florida dodged the total wrath of Category 4 Hurricane Helene, its outer bands certainly brought heavy wind and rain to the area. Flooding across many areas of the region, including Cape Coral and especially the barrier islands, shut down roads and bridges due to storm surge, ...

Lee County crews working post-Hurricane Helene

Lee County has crews throughout the county assessing parks, beaches, roadways, weirs and swales, and flooded structures. Lee County Emergency Management continues to ask residents to avoid unnecessary travel. "Please allow county crews to perform their assessments and to clean up areas that flooded due to Hurricane Helene," county officials said in a release issued this morning. Lee County Parks & Recreation sites are closed until 9 a.m. LeeTran service will resume at 10 a.m. with the exception of the 410, which runs to Fort Myers Beach. The 490 will only travel from the Main Street ...

Sanibel Causeway remains closed as of 5:35 a.m.

As of 5:35 a.m., the Sanibel Causeway remains closed. Both inbound and outbound lanes were closed as crews assess and remove debris from the roadway, city officials said. Updates will be provided.