Hurricane Ian Update from Fort Myers Beach

For 36 years, my husband and I have been owners of Tropical Sands Resort on Fort Myers Island! We donated to the RAL employee's who are now out of a job! I encourage one and all to support the families who have given us so much pleasure in visiting and being a part of paradise in Fort Myers Beach!❤

You all are not forgotten!! God knows Florida paid a high price. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers for restoration. Hugs!!

Your idea of documenting the comeback would be uplifting, and I'd definitely be interested in following the healing and revitalization. ❤

My wife and I have been going to Fort Myers Beach for many years. It breaks our hearts and we are praying for all who lost loved ones, friends, homes businesses. We not only lost our very favorite place we came to in all of Florida but we also lost our honeymoon spot Lahaina Inn and resorts. It’s completely gone. We loved being on Fort Myers Beach we loved the peaceful feeling that we got when we thought about it. It was our place on this earth of peace before we have eternal peace in heaven one day. We are praying for you all. We had plans of returning and finding a place to live on Fort Myers Beach or at least close as possible. Who knows it might still be possible someday God willing. My wife loves looking for shells and I have shared your YouTube videos with her. Thank you so much for your videos. Sincerely John & Nancy Wilkins - Indiana

Looks like the clean-up is fairly well organized. A lot of work ahead, but from the first fly-over videos from just after Ian and then today... I can see the improvements. Faster than expected. Step by step.... you'll get there. Praying for you all!

Praying for all who have been affected by this storm it’s devastating but I believe everyone will make it back stronger than ever

There are no words to describe the loss SWFL has gone through. My heart and prayers to everyone🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

Thanks for the update. So sorry for all who have been affected by Ian. I have been praying for you all. 🙏❤️🏝

Im supporting Maria’s Garden in Punta Gorda who has a YouTube channel, as well. On my way to Ft Myers last year, I stopped at her garden to buy some of her plants & was happy I got to meet her & her husband. She lost her business & part of her home to Ian & all her vehicles. As soon as Ft Myers & Sanibel opens, I’m coming back down. Last year I visited for the first time & absolutely loved it. (caught the Key West Express to Key West, too.) Going to do it again as soon as things are up & running. Love & hugs to my childhood state of FL from GA.

I have no words other than...heartbreaking. 💔 My prayers to you and to everyone affected by Hurricane Ian. 🙏🙏🙏

I’m glad you’re ok. Thanks for updating us

I know for me I am absolutely not concerned with seeing seashells. I am concerned for the people of Florida and their well being. It is heart wrenching to see this footage. I also know without watching your channel I would have never known the true beauty of SWF prior to Ian. I am very thankful for that and for you. I am absolutely going to plan a trip to come support in the future and In the meantime I will support you and your efforts by becoming a patron! God Bless Florida 💕🙏

I lived through your videos, y'all are living the destruction but our hearts are with you. I will be back. To the area as soon as it's ready for visitors again. Swfl is mine and so many peoples happy place. Take care and thank you for the update.

Thank you so very much for the update. Blessings to all.

Thanks for keeping all of us updated. Between you and friends we have in Cape Coral and links to local SWFL news stations we can keep up with the recovery and see the current conditions. National news has the attention span of a 6 month old baby so they have already moved on. I remember the residents of Mexico Beach after Hurricane Michael who complained that nobody cared after about a couple months. Those of us who love to visit the towns, cities, beaches of southwest Florida will not forget and will be waiting for the time we can return.

You are so optimistic and strong! I can just hear it in your voice, that this entire thing has shaken you up. Rightfully so. 😔 been praying for you and every other Floridian 🏝 every morning I look at the shells you traded with me while I have my coffee. They’re an example of beautiful Florida. Remain strong ❤️

Thank you for the update! To hear your voice is wonderful. Thinking of all of you in SWF

I’m at a loss for words. I’m glad you’re ok. Wow… I’ll be watching.

Thank you for keeping us abreast of all things SWF. It would be great to see how the areas progress and recover. Knowing the devastation and regrowth enables us to empathize with all effected. Sending our prayers to all.

We won’t forget! We promise!!! I was there at the beginning of September. My very first trip to Ft. Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, Cayo Costa, Naples, and Marco Island and the 10,000 Islands… and I fell in love with the entire area. I was already planning another trip hoping for the winter. As it turned out, that may have to be moved out a little while, but I will definitely be back when y’all are ready. I’m glad that you and your family are safe, that you are in good shape and able to help your neighbors and community. It will be a process, but slowly things will improve. The area will come back. It won’t be exactly the same, there will be businesses that don’t recover, there will be people who give up and move to higher ground. There will be changes. But in other ways, things will be better. New business will open. Buildings will be built stronger and lessons that are learned will improve safety in the future. While there’s really no way to even mentally prepare, let alone physically prepare for a catastrophic event as huge as this was, SWFL has handled it with grace, dignity, and caring for one another. The progress made so far has been impressive. I think your State Government and the National Government have put politics aside and cooperated in the best interest of the people and it is showing. I have seen cat 3 hurricane recoveries in person that didn’t move this swiftly. Sending lots of love and prayers, and support your way, and for all of SWFL. ❤