Looming trailer deadline has owners of Fort Myers Beach businesses concerned
As the third year of Hurricane Ian approaches, so is the deadline for temporary trailer permits the town authorized for residents and businessowners after the devastating storm.
On September 23, temporary use permits for residents and commercial uses, will expire.
“The purpose of these permits was to provide means to operate a business or have a living space, all while rebuilding the structure that was lost,” Fort Myers Beach Communications Director Nicole Berzin said. “As of right now, there has not been any discussions of an extension.”
The end of permits for trailers has alarmed businessowners who could potentially be put out of business. Businesses like Buffalo Grill and La Ola at Times Square could be facing the loss of their businesses.
The Goodz owner Graham Bellger has been working on plans to rebuild his hardware business since Hurricane Ian. He has been operating out of makeshift trailers across the street on property where the Sea Gypsy Inn previously stood. In addition to the hardware store, he has an ice cream trailer with popular Love Boat Ice Cream and a gift shop.
Bellger was initially told by town officials that they were working on getting him more time for an extension but that no longer appears to be the case. In May, he was told that he could stay so long as the trailers could be removed with a light pickup truck. That led to him getting lighter trailers that could be removed with a light pickup truck.
“How does that make sense that they are going to have a good truck park here but we can’t (have trailers)?” Bellger said.
“We are a lifesaver for people on the island so you don’t have to go off island to Home Depot or Loewe’s,” Bellger said. Bellger sells ice, propane tanks and even cuts keys.
Town officials met with FEMA officials this week as the town seeks to be put back into the National Flood Insurance Program as it exits FEMA probation. The town lost its 25% flood insurance discount through the National Flood Insurance Program last year.
“Following our recent release from probation, we were informed of an upcoming Community Assistance Visit from FEMA,” Town of Fort Myers Manager Will McKannay said. “This visit is a standard part of the process as we work toward full reinstatement in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).”
According to a notice from the town put out Friday regarding the visit from FEMA, FEMA was “evaluating structures and properties with the intent of correcting processes to bring us to compliance with the NFIP.”
McKannay said the town’s team “has been working diligently and in close coordination with FEMA and FDEM to prepare for the visit. We remain fully committed to transparency, compliance, and continuous improvement, and we view this visit as a vital step in achieving our ultimate goal: being restored as an active member in the NFIP.”
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak, who owns the property where Bellger operates his businesses, said she is concerned about how the town revoking the permits could impact the beach.
“I am really scared about that for everyone,” Liszak said.
According to data provided by the town at a town council meeting this spring, there are more than 100 properties with trailers on them.
Liszak said she has reached out to federal and state officials to get an extension for residents and businesses but so far has been told that getting FEMA to give the town a break, is unlikely. Liszak said she has been in touch with town officials constantly.
“It’s incredibly unfortunate,” Liszak said. “It’s going to hurt everybody.”
Liszak said shutting down businesses would cost workers their jobs and create new difficulties for homeowners who haven’t been able to complete rebuilding their homes.
“We still have a lot of people living in RV’s on the island,” Liszak said.
Fewer businesses will also mean fewer options for tourists and visitors to the island at a time when her chamber is working to attract more visitors, Liszak said.
Liszak said there has been differing information about what could happen when the permits expire. “We’re trying to follow FEMA’s rules.”
Liszak said it was also important for the community to get back its flood insurance discount. “We’re trying to get that flood discount back. Thart means a lot to people too. It’s enough that it definitely matters.”
Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers did not respond to messages seeking comment regarding the trailers.
During previous discussions by the town council there had been talk of giving property owners who are in the middle of rebuilding and who have permits to construct new homes or businesses, more time to stay in their trailers past the September deadline.
That no longer appears to be the case.