Island dwellers digging out from Ian’s destruction
ST. JAMES CITY, FLA. — Following Hurricane Ian’s destruction, many residents on one Florida island stayed put for days without electricity and other resources while waiting for the lone bridge to the mainland to be repaired.
Pine Island, the largest barrier island off Florida’s Gulf Coast, has been largely cut off from the outside world after Ian heavily damaged its causeway and rendered its towns reachable only by boat or aircraft.
“We feel as a community that if we leave the island — abandon it — nobody is going to take care of that problem of fixing our road in and out,” Pine Island resident Leslie Arias said as small motor boats delivered water and other necessities.
Power restoration has become job one, but vehicle access from barrier islands to the mainland is also a priority. Florida Gov. Ron Desantis said a temporary bridge to Pine Island that was hoped to be finished by the end of the week was going to be completed Wednesday night for public access.
“We wanted it to be done by the end of this week, and they got it done by the middle of this week,” Desantis said.
Officials are planning a similar temporary bridge for nearby Sanibel Island, but it will take a little more time. Desantis said the Sanibel Causeway could open by the end of October. “They were talking about running ferries and stuff,” Desantis said. “And honestly, you may be able to do that, but I think this is an easier thing .... ”
A week after the Category 4 storm hit southwest Florida, the full breadth of its destruction is still coming into focus. Utility workers continued Wednesday to restore power and crews searched for anyone still trapped inside flooded or damaged homes, while the number of storm-related deaths has risen to at least 84 in recent days.