Then we come back.. Recovery has been slow in places like Puerto Rico, but its well on its way in St. Martin, an island that is controlled by France in the north and the Netherlands in the south. Florida Gov. Public educators all over the state of Florida are being asked to hand over their emails and explain their teaching plans. COVID didn't help the rebuilding effort. It was Miller says, "the working man's beach, nothing too fancy. WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (WPBF) West Palm Beach native John McKendrick says he missed all the warning signs. WebUpdate July 2021: Grand Case has been hit very hard by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and is only slowly recovering from the damages. Its been two years since the Florida Panhandle town of Mexico Beach was leveled by Category 5 Hurricane Michael. One of Boykin's concerns is where he'll find housing for his employees. Immediately after the storm blasted the island, President Emmanuel Macron of France promised a speedy recovery for the French side. How much money has been distributed from the Florida Disaster Fund? He owns a local chain of restaurants and has heard the insurance woes. The funding Puerto Rico did use was largely spent on emergency work projects, such as debris removal. Everything was brown, the dirt, the mud everywhere. As with two competitive siblings close in age, just about everything that happens on one side demands comparison with the other. "And we also made some differences in elevation. In my conversations with the Governor, we were talking about having a Ferry. Two years after Hurricane Irma, many damaged buildings can still be seen on Saint Martin, the French side of the island.CreditMeghan Dhaliwal for The New York Times. It came ashore not far from Mexico Beach. The island that Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten occupy was divided between the French and the Dutch in the 17th century. Construction here also was put on hold until the town revised its building code. Friday, for perhaps the first time, we know what happened behind closed doors in the days after Hurricane Ian. The storm devastated the islands main airport, blocked its ports and effectively shut down the islands essential tourism industry for months. Officials said the damage was worse in places that from Hurricane Ivan, which landed a direct hit on the same area in 2004. Its up to about 8,000 a day, Marcus Preece, general manager of Cielo, said. Friday marks seven months since Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida, and in that time, many people have gone the extra mile to help others in their community. Pastor Shawn Critser of Beach Baptist Church operates a forklift moving supplies into his damaged church. It allocated more than $500 million in aid and subsidies in the first six months after the storm to the recovery and reconstruction of Saint-Martin and the smaller, nearby French island of Saint-Barthlemy, according to Sylvie Feucher, the French states top representative based in the two territories. When he returned to the island, Preece didnt know if his restaurant would even be standing. "For 20 months we have worked together to rebuild, retrain and reunite, and we're gaining momentum day by day.". "Individual houses (are) coming back tenfold," Wood says. The new Driftwood Inn sits 6 feet higher than the previous one and is built to withstand a Category 4 hurricane. This week, major flooding is threatening that recovery. Building materials need to be brought in by ship or plane, increasing costs. My arrival was just as I remembered from previous visits. And you can tell the car was under had been underwater. There are few places to stay on Fort Myers Beach now, but visitors, especially those with long ties to the island, have already begun to return. The town's vice mayor, Jim Atterholt, compares it to the destruction some European cities saw in World War II. A few hotels have begun welcoming guests. Its about wealth., Protests against the plan could turn violent, Mr. Bash warned. Aid has flowed in, but a fight has followed about recovery plans, exposing racial and class tension. But with the hurricane, Critser says, for better or worse, opposition to redevelopment has melted away. We have shown resilience, and we share the same goal: to rebuild and restrengthen our tourism product. He doesnt understand why FEMA wont help. I had a rum punch at one of the reopened beach bars along that stretch of sand, and I talked with several cruise ship passengers shopping in the colorful Marigot market. That rules out high-rise condo buildings and other developments that might begin to erode Mexico Beach's small-town character. Town officials are working on a new comprehensive plan that will determine what the new version of Fort Myers Beach will be. The wounds from the 2017 hurricane season were still too fresh. He fractured his foot while picking up the pieces of his life. Perhaps more incredible than the story of the Sanibel Causeway and the status of local businesses is the stories of the people who rode out that storm on the island and had to fend for themselves and each other to survive. Princess Juliana Airport on the Dutch side, which had its roof ripped off and its innards torn apart by the hurricane's wind and water, is functioning pretty well. "You can see how the front of the sanctuary was just devastated." Visitors still have limited options for getting to the sand because so many boardwalks and beach entry points were damaged, and residents in hard-hit Baldwin County are complaining about the response from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Theres nothing we couldve done for Michael. Our opinions only. The town hall was destroyed. Your gift helps pay for everything you find on texasstandard.org and KUT.org. On the French side, some believe their patience will pay off with a more resilient island, better able to withstand the effects of the Atlantics warming waters. GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) Alabamas beaches have reopened, but the states coast has hardly recovered fully from the effects of Hurricane Sally last month. But to qualify for $100 million in federal grants, he says Mexico Beach had to take steps to harden the city and require new construction to be able to withstand hurricane-force winds. I watched out my window ground-level homes go totally underwater, Tillo said. I'm not a slow learner when it comes to storms anymore.". Greg Allen/NPR Six months after the storm, he and other officials are working in tents and trailers. As with many places in the Caribbean, the economy is over-reliant on a single industry tourism for jobs and tax revenue. There was about 5,500 cars coming on the island. After all, Where shopping is a pleasure is worth waiting for. Several of the flood-prone coastal neighborhoods of greatest concern to Ms. Feucher have large low-income populations, and many residents suspect the French government is waging a veiled campaign to drive poor, black residents off their land through condemnation so it can be sold to developers. "More restaurants are reopening each week, including the lolos [open-air food stands selling local street food] in Grand Case.". And she is trying to convince the population of this, too. In Saint-Martin, the toughest, most uncomfortable questions are less about who will pay for rebuilding France has delivered more than a half-billion dollars of aid but where and how to rebuild, or whether to rebuild at all amid the threat of evermore powerful storms. But for some, it's a chance to get a last look at the island before it changes forever. He considers a moment and then says, "I don't know. Concessions are open, and although the gate area is cramped and often overcrowded if a flight is delayed, everyone I saw kept their tempers in check and their humor intact. Published April 24, 2023 at 11:01 AM EDT. FEMA has obligated about $28 billion to help the island recover from this damage. But do they? It was crazy.. The Takeaway: As storms become more destructive, hurricane recovery is as much about rethinking as it is rebuilding. I knew I'd be seeing a lot of change on the island, but I was heartened that the landing pattern was still the same. Household trash pickup is operating on a regular schedule. Home News Local Lee County When will the Publix on Fort Myers Beach reopen? It's the first major business to reopen here since the storm. And you can see just driving through town, our town is taller. "Thanks for coming," he said. Ocean or bay water advisories are issued to alert the public of real or possible elevated bacteria levels associated with urban and storm runoff at At least 149 people were killed in the storm from flooding and 155-mile per hour winds. Although the new code requires buildings to be more resilient, the town retained its height and density limits. After buying Seabourn Odyssey, Japanese cruise line to put focus on U.S. River lines put more sports-related cruise options in play, Returning to St. Maarten/Martin, 20 months after Hurricane Irma, IGLTA conference is returning to an LGBTQ-friendly Puerto Rico, Challenges ahead for Caribbean tourism, CHTA survey says, Caribbean tourism outlook: Very good and getting better, Celebrity chef's visit inspires a dining series at Pineapple Beach Club Antigua, Anguilla is out to improve first impressions, Rays of 'Sunshine' brighten Puerto Rico's tourism outlook for 2023, Leaders gathering in Jamaica to take on tourism's challenges. After a wet and active week, Monday begins a much more calm and dry stretch for this work week. What is the PPRN and why does it affect Club Orient? When things go wrong, those in power often promise to make it right. What I saw was an island destination that has come a long, long way since Sept. 6, 2017. Rising waters have also hidden potholes and sinkholes from the view of drivers, making the roadways in deep water areas treacherous. Rockport, Texas continues to recover from Hurricane Harvey. The amount of traffic on Sanibel and the Causeway, rebuilt in less than a month after Ian, its clear that the people of Sanibel can, and will, do whatever it takes for their community. He says, "Our push for that is that we can get kids into those apartments that then funnel (them) into the school system. But the threat of hurricanes, climate change and rising seas is not discouraging development along the coasts. Since the Causeway is open, places like Cielo have sprung new life. Condo with new seawall in Daytona Beach Shores, Tiger dams on Daytona Beach Shores help build up sand, Flagler Beach walkway lost steps from hurricanes, Currently, there are very few hotels available on the beach. I had 15 feet of water and other parts of my property. We didnt know it could take months, it could take a year we didnt have a timeline, really, Councilmember Smith said. The top French official on the island says she wants more restrictions on construction in the areas most at risk to future storms, in order to protect lives and the economy. On the town's streets, huge piles of debris are still everywhere. But there are signs the town is starting to come back. A woman is accused of breaking into a retail store in Naples on Monday, April 3, hiding her identity by holding an umbrella while taking money from the business. "Right now we have 862 rooms available in hotels, timeshares and guesthouses, and 65% of the villa inventory has been renovated," Damaseau said. Some suspect a land grab, where their waterfront plots will be taken and sold to wealthy developers. One of the places severely damaged by Hurricane Ian was Fort Myers Beach, and seven months later, theres still more to do, but theyve come a long way. Its astounding to see, Preece said. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share. Mexico Beach has adopted one of the toughest building codes in Florida. Businesses still shuttered. City and county residents give each other a helping hand, New security system will greet Lee students come 2023-24 classes, Tracking the impact of U.S.-China tensions on global financial institutions, 'I'll lose my family.' April 28, NBC2 asked when the store will reopen, but we havent heard back. It's a story you hear often. Charlie Doster took the maximum available, 25 sheets saying, "I need probably five times this many. A week before the official start of hurricane season, meteorologists began tracking a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico. Ms. Carty has been living in a temporary apartment ever since, and hopes to get permission to rebuild her house. The beaches are OK, but if you look at the south side of the dunes and the loss of sand, its pretty amazing.. The hotel has been reopened, though some rooms are still unavailable for guests as of Feb. 27. One of the places severely damaged by Hurricane Ian was Fort Myers Beach, and seven months later, theres still more to do, but theyve come a long way. We write about Florida beaches on every coast. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. The only grocery store on Fort Myers Beach is still closed after being damaged by Hurricane Ian. This has made the debate less an economic one and more about politics, class, culture and race, often pitting the local majority-black population against the French state. It should be. Fort Myers Beach was particularly hit hard by the 15-foot storm surge. And then shortly after that, the gas station. WebThough much smaller than Simpson Bay Lagoon, Oyster Pond is at the center of one of the island's most desirable neighborhoods. Hundreds of hotel rooms and condominium units were rented in Gulf Shores and neighboring Orange Beach for this weekend, officials said, and visitors can get to the beach from private areas. Here's how Fort Myers Beach, Southwest Florida are recovering 6 months after Hurricane Ian Kim Luciani USA TODAY NETWORK FLORIDA 0:00 2:11 On Sept. The current rains are primarily causing flooding. Rockport Mayor Pat Rios says serious flooding this week has prompted the city to make its ninth disaster declaration since Hurricane Harvey. "And we upped [the building code] to 140 mile-an-hour wind," Cathey says. Tourists on Great Bay Beach in Sint Maarten. Sylvie Feucher is the French states top representative in Saint-Martin. The southern Volusia coastline was devastated by Brown said he was hopeful some public beach access areas can reopen by next weekend. ", Three-and-a-half years after Hurricane Michael, real estate prices in Mexico Beach are as high as they've ever been. Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria left a trail of destruction when they swept over the Caribbean last September. The rights-of-way along the roads are covered with construction debris and stuff and its just not the same experience. WINK News asked if Isaacson would be going anywhere anytime soon. hide caption. Rios says, so far, Rockport hasnt lost access to safe drinking water, and sewer systems arent severely affected. April 28, 2023 FORT MYERS hide caption. People go for a swim in Mexico Beach. Meteorologists say some Rebuilding Details Historical Timeline Fort Myers Beach was particularly hit hard by the 15-foot storm surge. hide caption. We had to do things like put hurricane-proof windows in, had to put pilings down. But Saint-Martins slow, if steady, recovery shows just how difficult coming back from a hurricane can be on a small island, with challenges that go well beyond just the size of financial aid packages. People on Florida's Panhandle used to think they were unlikely to experience a direct hit from a major hurricane. Ron DeSantis, and the effort has made its way to schools here in southwest Florida. Two died on the Dutch side, according to the prime ministers office. It would be an understatement to say they went on a mission. "This is a chance todo probably 40 years of (development)in what will probably look like four or five years.". The remarkable grit and resolve of the people on Sanibel are evident after seeing how the island came back. "I don't think you'll see the skyrises. Recovery has been slow in places like Puerto MUST WATCH: Aerial tour of SWFL seven months post-Hurricane Ian, Official opening day scheduled for Fort Myers Beach Publix, Fort Myers Beach, FL Publix Structural Analysis, Man arrested after throwing Bud Light can at woman & children in San Carlos Park, Clewiston man dead after car crash in Alva, Panthers oust record-setting Bruins 4-3 in OT in Game 7, Forecast: Warm, sunny and less humid weather Monday, One victim from Downtown Fort Myers shooting identified. Shawna Wood and her father, Tom Wood, say their hotel has been rebuilt to be able to withstand 140 mph winds. "Everybody is faced with this situation," he says. Well, thats the million-dollar question. But, while going through his home. Uber and Lyft drivers demanding change to make ends meet, Former employee accused of breaking into, stealing money from Naples store, Future of education uncertain as DeSantis targets DEI, Sanibels recovery efforts seven months after Hurricane Ian. Nowhere else in the world are you Read more Marigot On this anniversary, weve taken to the sky again, this time to In 2017, Mr. Macron said Saint-Martin will be rebuilt in a durable way that also meets seismic and environmental needs. The widespread destruction, he said, could be blamed in part on buildings that were constructed under conditions that wouldnt have been accepted in other territories of France.. If anything happen, we leave the home. We'd really like to see that school come back on the island. With the help of a developer, he hopes his rebuilt church complex will include workforce housing. While the French state may seem overbearing to some in Saint-Martin, whose residents are French citizens, its people are entitled to all the protections of Frances generous social net. Remember to call the business directly for up-to-date information. And someone had put in a new starter and a new battery in the car well, and they rolled down the window, and they say, Excuse me, sir, do you need help? Hotels and restaurants have reopened, and tourists are again lounging on its beaches. For more information on red tide status, https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html, Florida Beach Conditions After Hurricanes 2022 with Red Tide Updates, Coconut Jacks Waterfront Grille in Bonita Springs, Beach Conditions Report by Mote Marine Laboratory. This church was destroyed by Hurricane Ian's 150 mph winds and a wall of water that pummeled the island in September 2022. Weve shut off the bedroom where the mold is, and my wife and I are now living in our living room, said Boffman. hide caption, "When a storm gets in the Gulf, I perk up," he says. Buildings will now have to be elevated to protect them from flooding in future storm events. Nearly two years after hurricane Irma hit Saint Martin, Orient Beach is bouncing back quite nicely. Doug Miller grills up free food to give to weary homeowners and workers at Beach Baptist Church on Fort Myers Beach. The man behind Mattress Mack: salesman, gambler introvert? Im praying out of nowhere a car pulls up right after I was done praying right where a car pulls up out of nowhere. Lufthansa gives it a try, I found the rest I needed across from a strip mall, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, What's hot on the Las Vegas pool scene this season, Hyatt is acquiring the Mr and Mrs Smith hotel collection, Western mountain resorts are facing a demand erosion this summer, With more ships and new homeports, MSC Cruises is attracting Americans, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is getting new cabins, Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady will have a branded poker room. "And I've talked to two that have had a positive outcome. This church was destroyed by Hurricane Ian's 150 mph winds and a wall of water that pummeled the island in September 2022. But the differences have also left some on the Dutch side wondering whether in their haste to rebuild, and in their comparatively looser regulatory environment, the rebuilding did not happen with enough thought given to withstanding future storms. This sailing boat ended up beached in the cemetery of Marigot near the Bay of Nettle on Sept. 9. Many homes, too damaged to be repaired, are waiting to be demolished. It's an on going rebuild. One of his goals is to get more families back on the island. The French governments promise to deliver substantial help was not an empty one. More than a week after Hurricane Ian, the shock of what's ahead settles in for people, One Florida community built to weather hurricanes endured Ian with barely a scratch, Florida's property insurance market was already under stress. We are going through our standard processes before we open any store to ensure we are prepared to provide all our customers with the best possible experience. "I have talked to tens of thousands of people," he says. ", Pastor Shawn Critser of Beach Baptist Church operates a forklift moving supplies into his damaged church. Pinel Island in St. Martin is a popular day trip for visitors. May-Ling Chun, director of tourism for St. Maarten, referred to the Sonesta re-openings earlier this year as "just one of many stories of inspiring recovery on this island. Well in this small world, people want to know when Publix will be open.. Rockport, Texas continues to recover from Hurricane Harvey. WebSome places have recovered but there is still very noticeable areas of ruin. Like the story of Trace Tillo, who had one leg and had to get out of his house surrounded by water and debris before signaling for help. But in May 2018 neither destination was yet ready for prime time. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000. What happens, come what may.". I dined at an elegant French bistro called L'Atelier at Orient Beach. So, Friday night, theyre demanding action in the cell phone lot at Southwest Florida International Airport. Join TravelAge West and severalAlaskapartners for a three-part series exploring all the incredible possibilities https://www.travelweekly.com/Caribbean-Travel/Insights/A-return-to-St-Martin.