Hurricane Ian
Emails from the Board of Directors
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 6:44 PM
Subject: Xfinity Contract at Creciente
To All Owners:
We have just completed final discussions with Xfinity about our bulk TV and Internet contract services. It has been shut down for a year with no charges to the association. Owners who have add-on features should contact Xfinity customer service if they wish to make changes.
L. Welker
Treasurer
Sent: Sunday, October 9, 2022 10:14 PM
Subject: Notice on cleaning up at creciente.
Creciente owners there are no dumpsters remaining. Use the chutes but bagged garbage ONLY. We will then pick it up at the bottom. Seems best while we have no elevators and rotten food.
Sent: Saturday, October 8, 2022 6:31 PM
Subject: The City of fort myers at their 2:30 pm press conference
The Town is opening access from the Matanzas Pass Bridge on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 7 a.m.
Mayor Murphy gave specifics at a press conference called by the FMB Fire District this afternoon at the base of the bridge. (See press release below.)
He was joined by Town Councilors Dan Allers and Bill Veach and Town Manager Roger Hernstadt.
Access to the town IS REOPENING beginning Sunday morning, October 9, for residents, property owners, business owners and insurance adjusters now that the responsibility of controlling access to the Town is transitioning from the Fire District to the Town Government of Fort Myers Beach.
“Since the storm, the effort to save lives and recover the remains of lost loved ones has been the top priority,” said Fort Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy. “We are now ready to move to the next step in the recovery process.”
Most residents of Fort Myers Beach have been off the island since they evacuated prior to the storm and are ready to get home to assess their property, take actions to protect their property and begin the insurance claims process.
Beginning Sunday morning, October 9, at 7 a.m. access to the Town of Fort Myers Beach will open to residents, property owners and business owners, claims adjusters and others that need to be on the island.
Residents and property owners should bring ID with them or proof of residency to be allowed on the island.
To minimize traffic congestion, the following plan will be used:
• Property owners between the Big Carlos Pass Bridge and Beach Theater on the south end of the island, or between Times Square and Bowditch Point Park on the north end of the island can enter beginning at 7 am.
• Properties between the Beach Theater and Publix can enter after 8 am.
• Properties between Publix and Town Hall can enter after 9 am.
• Properties between Town Hall and Times Square can enter after 10 am.
Everyone who wants to come to the island needs to know several things:
There is no power, no water or wastewater service and no trash pickup. Internet and cellular service is not at full strength. Many structures are destroyed, and almost all are unsafe to enter. There is no food or water available on the island, and no businesses are open. Big Carlos Pass Bridge remains closed. A curfew at 7 pm remains in place and those that come to check on their properties should plan to leave the island before 7 pm.
The island was covered in 12-18 feet of salt water from the storm surge. The structural integrity of many homes and buildings is compromised. The electrical systems of most structures on the island are damaged.
Permits and inspections will be required before power will be turned back on to individual structures. The town recommends property owners use locally licensed contractors.
Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams from FEMA will be on the island in the coming days to help people register for federal disaster assistance. Residents can also register online at disasterassistance.gov or on the phone at 1-800-621-3362.
An interim Town Hall has been set up beside the damaged Town Hall. Details on required permits and inspections will be made available on the Town’s website and social media channels.
It’s critical that personal vehicles on the island do not block streets, or hinder operations like debris removal.
Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Lee County Public Safety, incident management teams and others are assisting the Town in moving forward through the recovery process.
The Town will be providing regular updates on storm recovery via news releases, the Town website and social media.
Sent: Saturday, October 8, 2022 4:57 PM
Subject: Message from the president 10-8-2022
Here’s the latest as we know it.
Big Carlos Bridge will remain closed for a few more days. Mantansas bridge will reopen, probably tomorrow with Phased reentry. Owners only allowed and initially limited to the north end of the island. No schedule for when the south part will reopen. Private vehicles are prohibited but shuttle service will be provided from the Lee Tran park and ride at 11101 Sumerlin Sq.
We have been in touch with all our vendors and hope to have them on site next week if possible. Our biggest issue remains getting a structural engineer in to insure the buildings are safe. The buildings (all three plus the garage) should be considered unsafe until the engineer signs off on them. Stay away until then. After that, our biggest concern is getting electric into the buildings as soon as possible to prevent damage by mold.
I have been in contact with a first responder regarding concerns about doors being forced. They listen and smell (think canines) but are not busting open doors unless there is cause to believe there’s a need to.
I encourage everyone to make a claim with your own insurance company, even if unsure of damage. Virtually everyone has damage regarding carpets and spoiled food. The insurance companies are processing car claims even if you don’t know where the car is. Here’s hoping that’s tomorrow we can firm up the schedule and know when we can return.
Be Safe, Mike Close
Sent: Saturday, October 8, 2022 10:20 AM
Subject: Creciente owners Please read this. Access Plan Released
THIS IS AN UPDATE TO INFORMATION SENT ON ACCESS. One the FMB fire department posting.
The website is a video! Paste it and listen. It is more detailed info from a press conference.
Fort Myers Beach Access Plan Released
Oct. 7, 2022- The Town of Fort Myers Beach, in partnership with the Fort Myers Beach Fire District, has confirmed a phased access plan for residents following Hurricane Ian to begin Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.
The access process will include only bus transportation to the town and will begin with addresses north of Times Square only.
“I want to be very clear, there is not a single structure that is unaffected in the town,” said Fire Chief Ron Martin, “Every single structure is considered unsafe until they are inspected and that inspection is verified. Anyone choosing to take advantage of this phased access is doing so at your own risk.”
“I know you all want more than what we’re giving you today. I know you not only want to put eyes on your homes, but you want to start your recovery. However, because of the numerous challenges that exist in the town, this access plan is designed to only provide an opportunity for you to see the damage to your properties and collect necessary belongings,” said Mayor Ray Murphy.
Beginning at 5 a.m., residents can park at the access Welcome Center located at LeeTran Park and Ride, 11101 Summerlin Square off of Pine Ridge Road, Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931, and get in line to board buses beginning at 7 a.m. The buses will make multiple trips onto the town along Estero Boulevard and make stops every 500 feet. Buses will continue making in-bound trips, and out-bound trips if desired, until 1:30 p.m., then the buses will only be taking out-bound trips off of the town back to the Welcome Center until 5 p.m. Multiple trips from the town to the Welcome Center will be allowed.
Bus access will only be granted to one homeowner per address and one additional person. Homeownership will be confirmed through a check-in process at the Welcome Center to include verification with county property records available on www.leepa.org that should match identification documentation provided by the homeowner. Once confirmed, residents will be provided with unique identifier sheets, color-coded for allowed days of access. Access will be phased southward in two-day increments as debris management efforts and USAR operations allow.
Residents should be prepared to only bring items that can be carried on their person like tote bags and backpacks and items that can be contained in those objects. Firearms and hazardous materials including but not limited to generators, fuel and batteries of any kind are prohibited.
Be prepared for a challenging infrastructure environment—there will be no power to energize equipment and there will be no running water for drinking, cleaning, bathing, or utilizing toilets. To be ready for these conditions, you should consider bringing bottled water or other hydration sources. Please avoid contact with flood waters, rivers, or gulf/bay waters to prevent exposure to unknown physical, chemical, biological, and/or bacterial pollution in the waterways.
“We hope residents understand the limitations that we still face and why this plan is what we believe is the best and safest opportunity for the town and its residents at this time,” said Martin.
“We are hopeful that we can expand not only the areas that are accessible, but also the manner of access within two weeks,” said Murphy, “But we want residents to be clear that the phases are controlled by the progress of debris management and the effort to locate our friends and loved ones. So we ask for everyone to remain patient with the access process and the town’s overall progress toward recovery.” said Murphy.
For questions, contact Town of Fort Myers Beach Public Information Officer Jennifer Dexter at 239-470-1090.
Sent: Friday, October 7, 2022 5:28 PM
Subject: POSTED ON THE FORT MYERS BEACH FIRE DISTRICT FACEBOOK PAGE
Fort Myers Beach Re-Entry Preparedness Guidance Issued;
Town Closure Partially Extended
Oct. 7, 2022- The Town of Fort Myers Beach, in partnership with the Fort Myers Beach Fire District, is preparing to welcome back residents while extending a portion of the closure of The Beach following Hurricane Ian.
Big Carlos Pass Bridge will remain closed to all for several more days. However, Matanzas Pass Bridge will re-open to select traffic within the next 24-48 hours.
While town leaders are finalizing plans for a phased re-entry, residents are being offered guidelines to prepare for that re-entry.
“We understand not being able to start your own recovery has been frustrating, but we appreciate the cooperation and patience you’ve shown while efforts to locate our friends and neighbors continue,” said Fire Chief Ron Martin.
“While we are working diligently with fire district leaders to identify the best timeline and procedure for welcoming you back home to determine your personal steps to rebuild from this devastating storm, we wanted to be sure residents had all of the necessary information to be ready when The Beach reopens,” said Mayor Ray Murphy.
First, be prepared for a challenging infrastructure environment—there will be no power to energize equipment and there will be no running water for drinking, cleaning, bathing, or utilizing toilets. To be ready for these conditions, you should consider bringing bottled water or other hydration sources and a larger water source for clean-up activities. Please avoid contact with flood waters, rivers, or gulf/bay waters to prevent exposure to unknown physical, chemical, biological, and/or bacterial pollution in the waterways.
When it comes to clean-up activities, a lot of structures may be unsafe for entry; please prepare to be unable to physically enter your home for your own safety. For structures that are safe for entry, prepare to bring a host of supplies to assist with the start of your recovery. Consider including supplies such as:
• Large plastic bins for salvaging items
• Tarps for repairs
• Gloves (latex and work), safety glasses, and N-95 masks
• Paper towels, towels, household cleaners like bleach, disinfectant solutions, dish soap, and laundry detergent
• Brooms, mops, buckets, sponges, scouring pads, scrub brushes
• Small tools like hammers, crowbars, pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches
• Shovels, wheel barrels, dollies
• Heavy-duty trash bags
Make sure to bring a First-Aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and any expected food items or snacks to remain healthy.
Lastly, when a phased re-entry timeline is finalized, the process will involve an ease of access plan including identified entry and exit roads that are least hazardous to vehicles and provide for maximum flow in and out of The Beach. We will also provide ample daylight hours for everyone to get as much done as they’d like to each day. The process will also involve a strict security protocol that will include proof of residency and a limitation on the number of individuals and vehicles per address allowed in at any given time. Once this process is confirmed, we will share it with residents with ample time to prepare.
Be aware that many roadways are still damaged, unidentifiable, covered in sand, and/or covered in debris including sharp objects and nails. Be prepared to make tire repairs either with a repair kit and/or materials as well as spare tires.
“Know that we want to see you back home as much as you want to be back home,” said Chief Martin, “We just have to make sure your time on the island is safe and orderly and that you are prepared to make the most of that time when it’s determined.”
“The Beach will rebuild, that is my commitment to you, the residents,” said Mayor Murphy, “But I know that starts with our residents rebuilding first. We hope this guidance helps you do this as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
For questions, contact Town of Fort Myers Beach Public Information Officer Jennifer Baxter at 239-470-1090.
Sent: Monday, October 3, 2022 6:01 PM
Subject: Creciente information notice 6
Fellow owners:
Your board has tried to be above board as to sharing what we know with you. That isn’t much so far. We do know that the first floor of both the older buildings have been devastated. We know we have no power, nor elevators. We know that no one will have access to inspect for damage until the week of the 9th. Arrangements for the necessary inspections have been made. We will report the results to you as soon as possible. The overwhelming majority of the units are intact although some have some water damage. I only wish the rumors would stop. They are counterproductive and a distraction. You know what we know. The Town of Fort Myers Beach website is a source of information. Feel free to join our meeting at 10:00 on Thursday.
Mike Close
FROM USPS REGARDING MAIL FOR FMB
Captiva, Fort Myers Beach & Sanibel
Customers normally served by the Captiva, Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Main Post Offices should temporarily pick up their mail at the Six Mile Cypress Annex Building, 14651 Ben C. Pratt/6 Mile Cypress Pkwy. Hours for pick up are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, closed Sunday. Customers must present a photo ID for mail pick-up. Retail services are available at the Mobile Retail Unit at the Six Mile Cypress Annex parking lot, 14651 Ben C. Pratt/6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Retail hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays, closed Sunday.
Sent: Sunday, October 2, 2022 8:51 PM
Subject: Creciente information notice 5
Fellow owner:
we have been giving updates as we can. There is NO access now per FMBFD, FEMA and the National Guard. They are going door to door doing damage assessment and looking for bodies. I expect the earliest anyone will have access to the buildings is 10/9, and that is uncertain as the structural integrity of the buildings must be assured. We’re all in the same boat with concerns for mold etc. Some are far worse and have lost everything. We will move as fast as possible but consistent with those who are running the show. Patience is hard but the only way we can presently deal with this devastation.
Mike Close
Sent: Sunday, October 2, 2022 9:10 AM
Subject: Info From Creciente President
Fellow owners:
FMBFD has confirmed that for the next week, no access will be allowed to the island while safety crews investigate.
Mike Close
Sent: Saturday, October 1, 2022 1:26 PM
Subject: Additional Creciente pictures and facebook page
I have included additional pictures of Creciente that were posted on the Brousseau’s facebook page for Creciente. (See Photos Page)
Sent: Saturday, October 1, 2022 12:29 PM
Subject: Update notice on Creciente
Dear fellow owner:
Scheduled to have someone on sight next week to estimate the damage and coordinate a structural engineer to look at the structures. For now, everyone is leaving the island.
Mike Close
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2022 8:33 PM
Subject: INFO on entry to FMB and additional Creciente pictures
Good Evening
Couple items for owners.
First Item. FMB is now being closed off and evacuation beginning by the national guard. This is because of the condition of the infrastructure and working to repair it along with unstable buildings and need to assure safety. Randy talked to the National guard and got the message to Julie. Additionally the Lee County Emergency management center is relaying the same information.
Second item. Some additional pictures that have been forwarded to me of Creciente – mostly N and S building (See Photos Page)
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2022 11:22 AM
Subject: Creciente!!
Creciente owners
The damage is awful. The first floor north and south are wiped out due to the surge. Unsure about east. Electricity is out. Generators flooded and propane tanks floated away. Cars in the garage floated like corks and the ones outside in some cases have disappeared. The authorities are blocking access to the island. Except for the damage we dont know much yet. Will keep you updated as news come in. Creciente will need a structural inspection and major cleanup before we can even start rebuilding. Oh! I forgot, the pool house and our new pool heater pumps are history
From: Michael L. Close