Hurricane passes offered to applicants
There are certain ways that allows one to apply for a hurricane re-entry pass on Fort Myers Beach this summer – and the application process can be completed every Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Town Hall.
Debi Turner, executive assistant to Town Manager Scott Janke, is ready to help you through the process. Come to Town Hall and see her during the three-hour time slot on any given Thursday…before the wind blows too much.
These tips, supplied by Turner, will help you expedite the process.
> 1. Property/land owners – If you own property or land on the Beach, go to www.leepa.org to enter your name or address, then print out a copy of your property page. A deed is also acceptable. You also need a vehicle registration card -or a copy of it- for each vehicle that you are requesting a re-entry pass.
> 2. Renters/Leasers – If you rent or lease a place on Estero Island, bring a copy of your current lease or letter from your landlord on company letterhead, complete with name and phone number. You also must supply a utility, cable, cell phone or car payment. You also need a vehicle registration card -or a copy of it- for each vehicle that you are requesting a re-entry pass.
> 3. Business owners – If you are a business owner on the Beach, go to www.sunbiz.org and click on Document Searches, then find and print your current business page. This step will easily prove your ownership and physical FMB business address. If your business listing is not listed, expired or inactive, you will be required to bring in a current tax bill and/or Business or Occupational License copy. Remember to list all your employees that may need to return along with their license plate numbers.
> 4. Out-of-town owners/residents/businesses – If you are unable to physically apply, you may submit copies of the same information that has been listed above via fax or mail. You must include all information -including phone number- as well as the preferred return mailing address. If no address is listed, permits will be mailed to the Fort Myers Beach address.
Mail or Fax to: Town of Fort Myers Beach; ATTN: Debi; 2523 Estero Blvd.; Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; Phone: 239-765-0202, ext. 116; Fax: 239-765-0909.
“My job is to protect the people and the property on the island,” said Turner. “If people are renewing (their re-entry pass), you can just put down your permit number from last year if your information is exactly the same and we’ll look it up for you.”
Turner said there have been 1,700 applicants that have submitted the paperwork for their re-entry passes since March. Over 100 people -including this writer- applied Thursday, June 4.
“This year I started four months earlier,” said Turner. “Last year, we had it where people could come in anytime. This year, I set a strict time so that way everybody can get their paperwork together. Plus, people have the option to mail or fax it in and I’ll mail it back. There’s really no reason not to have (a re-entry pass).”
Types of Evacuations
> Voluntary evacuations – a warning to a specified area that a threat to life and property exists or is likely to exist in the immediate future. This type of warning does not require an evacuation; however it is advised.
> Mandatory evacuations – a warning to a specified area that an imminent threat to life and property exists and individuals must evacuate. If you choose not to evacuate, there will be no emergency assistance until the threat has ended.
Tips for Evacuation preparation
> fill the gas tank of your car
> shut off the water to the house
> turn off the electricity at the main breaker
> let people know where you are going
> lock your windows and doors
> cover televisions, computers, etc. with garbage bags
> fill your sinks and bathtubs with water
> adjust the refrigerator and freezer to the coolest possible setting
> turn off natural gas and propane tanks
> cover windows and doors with shutters or plywood
> secure outdoor items
> take your disaster supply kit, food water and important documents
The above information was supplied by the Fort Myers Beach Fire District’s Hurricane Safety & Preparedness Guide.
Hurricane Preparedness seminar set for June 11
The Town of Fort Myers Beach will hold a public Hurricane Preparedness Seminar on June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall in the Council Chambers. Presenters on hand to provide information and answer questions include: John Wilson Director of Lee County Public Safety; Jim Reif Chief Meteorologist for ABC Channel 7; Mike Becker Fire Chief Fort Myers Beach Fire District; Matt Powell Captain West District Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Town Hall is located at 2523 Estero Boulevard between Chapel by the Sea and Topp’s Supermarket. Council Chambers is on the first floor.
Light refreshments will be served.