A lot done, more to do in recovery from Ian

Naples: A City in the Midst of a Massive Restoration Effort

In September 2022, Hurricane Ian hit the city of Naples, Florida, causing widespread damage and leaving a trail of destruction. More than two months later, the city is still working hard to recover and rebuild. According to a news article from the Naples Daily News, City Manager Jay Boodheshwar gave a presentation on the current state of recovery at a recent City Council workshop, sharing updates on debris cleanup, rebuilding plans, and more.

Structural Damage: The storm affected over 3,000 structures in the city, with 22 buildings completely destroyed, 708 buildings suffering major damage, and 1,937 buildings sustaining minor damage. As of January 18, 2023, the city had issued or queued 1,119 permits related to the storm, including 97 demolition permits, most of which were for single-family homes. The damage to public assets is estimated to be over $26 million, and the total cost of recovery and rebuilding is expected to exceed $30 million.

Rebuilding the Naples Pier: The Naples Pier, a beloved landmark in the city, suffered significant damage from the storm. Rebuilding the pier to be bigger and better will cost more than restoring it to its pre-Ian conditions, with early estimates of the cost ranging from $15 million to $16 million. The city has reserves, and it is expected to receive significant financial assistance from FEMA and insurers to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Debris Cleanup: The city has nearly completed its debris cleanup efforts, collecting 303,000 cubic yards of debris, equivalent to over 5,800 truck loads. In partnership with the state and Collier County, the city has identified submerged vehicles in its waterways, and removal efforts have begun.

Beaches Reopen: Since the storm hit, the city has been working hard to reopen its beach access points, with safety as its top priority. Of the 16 beach access points, 16 have already reopened, with the rest expected to open by the end of this week. The city is now focusing on its waterways, with the state taking the lead.

Beachgoers’ Safety: Although the beaches have been raked multiple times since the storm, Boodheshwar still recommends that beachgoers wear shoes to protect their feet from any hidden debris that might have washed up on the shore. Nine street ends at the shoreline, which have been undermined, remain closed and are not safe for vehicles to drive on.

In conclusion, the city of Naples is making significant progress in its recovery and rebuilding efforts, but there is still a long way to go. It will take time, patience, and a massive restoration effort to return the city to its former glory. The city is fiscally sound and is expected to receive significant financial support from FEMA and insurers to help with its recovery efforts. The city is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors, and it is eager to reopen its beaches and get back to normal as soon as possible.