Hurricane Ian Reveals Building DESTRUCTION on Fort Myers Beach

[@lilvegan]

It just kills me because half of these buildings that were destroyed are from the 60s/70s... a beautiful vintage city wiped out, with history that cant be replaced, even if you rebuild.

[@Columbus1152]

That's what made Ft. Myers Beach unique, I fear that it's gone forever. The rebuild will probably be high end resorts and luxury condos.

[@kcsunnyone]

Florida basically did not have a building code before 1998, and now they are the most stringent in the country. If you look around, you’ll see that the buildings that survived were built after 2005. All this old stuff needed to go. Whatever replaces it will not have people die in it should another hurricane come. It will probably be another 500 or 1000 years before a storm of this magnitude hits this area again.

[@idontcare1481]

@@kcsunnyone I dont know the weather seems to be becoming more volatile. Look at all the devastating hurricanes the last 15 years. Things are changing and not for the better.

[@Hyestar]

@@Columbus1152 thats exactly what is going to happen...For better or worse I suppose....At least the remaining buildings will be rebuilt nicer and stronger....there will be another CAT 4/5 Hurricane...The new resort buildings and condos will be built to withstand it. I think what its going to look like is a combination of New Naples and Miami......

[@ScooterWisdom]

The new codes probably have most of those new houses 20ft above sea level. That ground floor level cost more than most of those homes were worth. It’s very sad, but it is the price of living in such a risky area. They may not get a direct hit but I bet a lot of those flooded more often than we imagine over the years.

[@buffybrown1619]

What gets me is Ft Myers Beach has really been turned into a version of itself that did not exist in the old days of Florida. It used to be a great place to go with only a few big hotels (Lanai Kai, the boil on the butt of humanity). If you have tons of money, you will rebuild. But the original feeling of the beach, that I’ve known 🎉since 1966 is gone forever. I have no hope that the quaint village will be re-built. And this saddens me.

[@jasonrobinsonjr6846]

How right you 🎯 are.

[@tammyernewein15]

It was trying to hold onto on bvn to the old charm..best bv it could

[@AuntDi2]

I sort of feel like Mother Nature took things back to what the beaches should be in SWF instead of the congested tourist trap that many areas have taken over the natural beauty. I am equally guilty of being part of that problem which is what makes all of us love that area so much because we all have special memories there. I have cried since the storm hit and continue to do so daily. My thoughts and good energy go out to all of the wonderful people that have been affected by this. May you find the strength to get through this. Much love from Ohio. 💔❤️‍🩹💔❤️‍🩹

[@hawknews8503]

Just heartbreaking, our hearts go out to all the wonderful folks that we have met there. Looking forward to visiting once again! 🙏

[@ljaytree8234]

At 13:44 left side is where Hideaway Village used to be, you can only see what's left of the blue walls, it was a 2 story building completely wiped away, such a cute little hotel, me and my girlfriend always wanted to return to that place, so sad. Ty for the video

[@ExperienceFlorida]

So unfortunate how many things are gone now

[@jasonallen1532]

Split screen... excellent idea! Appreciate your work.

[@judycoyne7818]

Totally unimaginable, no matter how many vids I’ve watched I’m still in awe of the destruction!!!!😱😳😰

[@christinadaily185]

Having lived in swflorida since 1981, this breaks my heart. Just over the weekend I was able to actually go around and see some of this destruction in the flesh and it was really sad.

[@marybethkrol7361]

We stayed at The Diamond Head in August. We have been going there every year for 10 years. I am heartbroken 💔 watching these videos and feel helpless. I wish I could help. It is so sad . 😢I have been praying for everyone.

[@ExperienceFlorida]

🙏

[@pilotgal6191]

The DiamondHead, although badly damaged, is structurally sound and will be repaired. I'm an owner and we had an update last Friday. The first floor, like every building/house on FMB was a total loss. The 2nd floor was heavily damaged. But, the structural foundation survived the storm surge and the critical double-cooling systems on the roof somehow survived 155 mph winds! The roof does need to be repaired as does the water and electrical infrastructure. The biggest hurdle is the restoration of the FMB infrastructure and how soon the city council will start allowing restorations to begin. The DBR will be back...it will just take awhile.

[@ryanrohlfing6849]

Very sad. Diamondhead was beautiful.

[@marybethkrol7361]

@@pilotgal6191 Thank you for this update! I am happy to hear this ! 🙌

[@mikeames8339]

This tragedy opens up a blank canvas on how a coastal (island, in fact) town should be rebuilt. If all the universities in Florida are not having their architectural and urban planning departments working on rebuilding Ft. Myers with new inventive and creative ideas, then that would be a shame. What an opportunity for this generation to help rebuild a town that will not suffer the fate that Ft. Myers did again. Come on DeSantis, head this effort up and show the world what Florida can do.

[@Hyestar]

Great Idea....I do think that alot of building will end up looking like Miami

[@ryanrohlfing6849]

We stayed at a house next to diamond head in June and even proposed to my now fiancé at the house. Wrote on a shell our initials and date and so sad to see the house and feel so bad for the residents of Fort Myers Beach. Prayers for all!

[@marthaboyte8252]

🙏

[@soleraknight]

Nature always reclaims what is hers. In the end all things return to its natural settings. Human beings at some point in the future will learn to live within nature instead of destroying nature, but until that time the battle will rage.

[@janicevitta2834]

very hard to see this devastation i have so many memories here. this was such a colorful fun place to take my daughter so close to home.

[@sidneywhite749]

This happened on the Mississippi gulf coast after Camille and it had not fully recovered.

[@jimforslund2023]

Please post every week as the news channels are busy covering elections and violence. I am saddened beyond words.

[@ExperienceFlorida]

I will be posting videos frequently to keep you guys updated.

[@MsRandieK]

@@ExperienceFlorida You’re doing an EXCELLENT job … I’m so appreciative! I was going to go & do the drive but I don’t want to be in the way of those who live/lived there trying to get in & out . My prayers are with you 🙏 ❤

[@ambienthustler6964]

@@MsRandieK thank you so much!

[@bobgrant7593]

The still standing structures will be expensive to remodel if possible. The reality is that there is a standing 50/50 chance a powerful storm will hit the South/Souwest Florida region next Hurricane season. Rising sea levels also. As a former Fort Myers Beach resident, Investors beware. Global warming is a for real issue. Sad to see this happen.

[@herekittykittykitty6637]

It’s called haarp look it up this was done on purpose.

[@susanbabb5235]

We stayed at Red Coconut Campground last December, so Beautiful! Very sad to see all this destruction in Fort Myers😭

[@ExperienceFlorida]

Super unfortunate with everything that happened.

[@lynntropf7157]

This is absolutely heart-wrenching to watch. The pure devastation. I'm crying watching this video. I've lived in Florida for 42 years and never seen complete destruction like this. Mostly all buildings, homes and businesses are severely damaged or have been completely obliterated. This hurricane affected people differently. I now suffer with post-traumatic stress and a panic and anxiety attacks because of this storm. But I know we can always rebuild. It may never look the same but we will heal from this because we are Florida Strong!

[@ExperienceFlorida]

Such a tragedy, that no one expected to happen. 😞💔

[@jensky6486]

This is one of the reasons my family and I chose to move to Arizona instead of Florida last year. I love the beach and I'm a Saltlife kinda girl and this is what mother nature's unpredictable weather can do?? Coastal living is a no go for me. Take care 💔

[@KHH-87]

I live in Michigan, only been to Miami Airport twice, never set foot on Florida ground…. I cannot believe the devastation left behind….makes me sad….. and, our son’s name is Ian. 🙏🏻 for everyone affected.

[@kcuzz4091]

I hope and pray that construction laws/codes will include building up and strengthening the buildings.

[@ExperienceFlorida]

🙏

[@brianmathew09]

So very many buildings are compromised to a point that they should probably be demolished .. an inspection regulation process should be put in place before a rebuild plan begins. If my neighbor goes in and fixes his property while a neighboring property needs demolished ,havoc could ensue. And the grand hotels? ...repairing vs demolishing and starting over could be cheaper in many cases. The magnitude of this is on a whole different scale.

[@sauronthegreat5799]

What once was will never be. RIP old Ft Myers. A rebirth is coming. The phoenix shall rise again.

[@stankaftan5816]

Heart breaking. We used to walk Estero Blvd. every day. I wonder if the shrine with the two statues on the rocks (Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart) were spared at Ascension Catholic Church? It's hard to see from the video. I heard the outdoor statue of St. Clare of Assisi was intact.

[@medic5399]

They tamed the wind very well. The water...not so much. Can't wait to come back and visit!

[@lumin3370]

Thank you for this. Our condo is The Riviera (7500 Estero) & this is the closest I’ve come to a peak 🙏🏻❤️

[@ExperienceFlorida]

Of course! ❤️

[@Chas1160]

Unless one can build structures to withstand such storm surge and wind force, I would not want to risk living in these areas. Hopefully their are building technologies that can accomplish this task. I imagine the lenders and insurance companies will avoid these areas like a plague. Prayers go out to everyone affected by this horrible storm.

[@karmabeachtique5971]

It’s unfortunate that Fort Meyers allowed the removal of vegetation and trees which serve as barriers for surges and wind. Hopefully, when they rebuild the City will listen to Mother Nature and not the rich beach owners in protecting the island for all. Building homes too close on the beach and not having vegetation, trees, structural blocks and a boardwalk will help. If not, it’ll happen again and the next one they won’t be so lucky.

[@kristine6473]

Praying for Florida!

[@doloressilverio9536]

Praying helps our soul to clean rusty thought,and reading the bible give us insight of todays event. Read revelation chap.7 1,2&3-GOD is HURTing the earth/the sea/and the trees(note)forest fires are also wordwide,like the tsunami,flash floods,hail storms,super typhoon,sink hole,volcanic,eruption, and earthquake. HURT meaning to DAMAGE or to DESTROY.we are at the end times,be vigilant...

[@kristine6473]

@@doloressilverio9536 I know a few people that live in Florida. Thank God they are save. I do believe we are living our last years here. People need to get right with God, he’s coming back.

[@paulr1784]

@@kristine6473 religious nuts have been saying that for centuries. How about get right with science? It's called global warming which is causing climate change. That is the reality of the world we live in. Prayer doesn't do squat.

[@kristine6473]

@@paulr1784 I’m not a religious nut, I don’t push prayer and God down peoples throats. You believe what you want, and I believe what I want.

[@paulr1784]

@@kristine6473 You didn't say "people need to get right with god? That's not pushing your beliefs? I believe what I'm convinced to be true. You believe because you lack the "want" to honestly challenge your beliefs. Christian, Muslim, Mormon, Hindu, Zoroastrian, etc...they can't all be right, but they can certainly ALL BE WRONG. Religion is dangerous because it can make good people do awful things. 9-11 ...Jan 6th

[@firecracker8071]

I cant ever recall a time when I have seen this much damage 3😭😭😭😭😭🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@juani352]

I half to believe that God is doing a new thing!!!

[@bg-fp9cr]

In God We Trust

[@FREEDOM195844]

Many times when the first floor floods especially with saltwater you have to gut all floors because of the corrosion etc. At least that was my experience. Feel for all the people and animals affected by Ian not to mention the environment which was doing better before this hurricane!

[@ExperienceFlorida]

Everything has to be gutted that had anything 2 feet and above because of all the mold.

[@judycoyne7818]

We had minor flooding in our house in Venice but it came up from the foundation; fortunately our tile roof was replaced in April!! The items in the closet that were on the floor began to grow mold after only Three days!! That particular closet in a guest bedroom was carpeted along with the bedroom so my hubs ripped it up and is in the process of laying tile. Amazing how quick mold grows!!

[@ambienthustler6964]

@@judycoyne7818 imagine how many houses are ruined because of not enough help to get rid of the mold? It’s so upsetting. So sorry about your house.

[@fayeclark7800]

Those people on the inland thought they owned the sand they didn't even want anyone walking on the sand, and now they have it, only one road, because they didn't want a lot of people coming in...

[@tammyernewein15]

Yep i agree..u dont own the beach or the ocean..the elite try to also do this on the great lakes..i walk in the water and smile back

[@elroysteele4949]

split screen made me sick don't do it. had to turn off

[@diannt9583]

After a moment or two of adjustment, it worked just fine for me. Each side of the street.

[@ronvoyagew912]

Cut the video speed to 1/2 or 1/4 and it’s a lot better

[@ronvoyagew912]

Better to watch split screen on 1/2 or 1/4 speed

[@robedwards5458]

I lived in a neighborhood off of San Carlos blvd on the mainland side, called siesta isles. I’m wondering if that neighborhood is even still there?

[@ExperienceFlorida]

Unfortunately I am not sure, if I happen to swing by that way again I’ll let you know 😁

[@bradhayescamoman9348]

Sadly it is not.. sorry

[@robedwards5458]

@@bradhayescamoman9348 thank you for the response. That makes me sad. 😢

[@bradhayescamoman9348]

@@robedwards5458 same here bro

[@davidbolduc828]

Houses built to modern code survived and those that didn't were washed away. Think about it. Sadly many people either don't have the resources or desire to upgrade or rebuild their homes to these standards.

[@ExperienceFlorida]

Super unfortunate

[@leeteplitz7673]

Really! Nothing was built to code. It will never be the same but a new fort Myers beach will emerge one day.

[@kcsunnyone]

The looky lous need to quit sightseeing the tragedies of peoples lives wiped out.

[@MsRandieK]

Thank you ❤🙏

[@gayle5945]

The perfect storm

[@the1brod2]

Because I know the area, I can determine the direction of travel on most occasions. However, you should be consistent in defining the camera's "eye" in direction.

[@veronicaroach3667]

I don't know if it's because everybody has to leave it all until their insurance company gets there - but it seems like everybody is just walking around in the mess instead of starting to sweep the sand off their ground & and pick up & organize the junk that used to be household items. What am I missing? I see a feeling of total helplessness which I'm sure is understandable, but if you can start the cleanup then do something - every little will make you feel better & better! Tell me if I am wrong about this !

[@ExperienceFlorida]

Your completely right, insurance is telling people to wait for them instead of telling them to get the mold and debris out and gone. One of my buddies had the same issue happen with their insurance telling them they should’ve waited to rip the walls and floor out before they did.

[@b-a4798]

Lack of people helping is what I notice . Why isn’t the national guard out helping with the clean up ????

[@idontcare1481]

So sad! I’m hearing insurance is getting ridiculous and people can’t afford to stay there anymore. Have you seen places for sale yet?

[@ExperienceFlorida]

One of the newer videos that I published for you guys to see has a house that was for sale, that I went inside of.

[@idontcare1481]

@@ExperienceFlorida OK thanks! If you can find out how much they want for any of them, I’d love to know. I’m looking for investment properties. Thanks I’m subbed up. You’re doing great work, thank you!

[@ambienthustler6964]

@@idontcare1481 thanks man!

[@wendysamples9156]

I bet they elevate all the new. Buildings from now on. The integrity an only be measured by the strength of that building against 160 mph wind surges. Maybe iron beams and more cement block homes should be on the next new thing cause plywood whatever is not gonna cut the mustard. Plywood is not a good investment as far as home buildings of value is concerned.

[@AnnYates-ux6ki]

Do these people ever think, god doesn't want us here? Yet, they go back and build again.

[@bretthibbs6083]

I visited Fort Meyers way back in 1986 or 87 for spring break and I was only there for I think one night cause I think my family and I were catching a flight out of Fort Meyers back then and so we were only there for about 24 hours. But the time I spent there was awesome and so beautiful there as well. I've lived in Florida on and off almost half my life and I've been fortunate not to have experienced a storm like Ian or Andrew my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the storm. One last thing there was a motel or hotel called the laquinta hotel that was in Fort Meyers does anyone know that was still there before the storm hit? I know that it was a long time ago that I stayed there but just curious. It was on the beach but as I was looking it up Laquinta didn't look like it was on the beach unless they moved but I do remember the exterior being yellow for sure and it was for sure on the beach and now that I remember it had brown trim too.

[@TheMambomaster]

Remember! You can not rebuild like it was! No mobile homes. Must be built to "V" zone standards

[@Hyestar]

Honest question....How long until we are back at 100%? Its mind boggling to think and try to come up with an answer.... :(

[@ExperienceFlorida]

Months to years most likely

[@tammyernewein15]

The 100% will never be what it was..commoners will shut out , more so than ever..it was already $40 to park for a few hrs at pier and beach

[@nancywamack3791]

So much destruction! Where do you begin?

[@avalon1108]

Hurry back, Florida.

[@brendandimitri]

This video makes me dizzy. Long live the Lani Kai!

[@warningsigns4526]

Good time for families to unite and have the snowbirds pass down some of that good ole wisdom to the youngins - as God said to do. Now that the toys are broken and the golf clubs are no longer needed, grannie and pop pop can help with day care and home school their precious investments. (their children) pensions and social security are going the way of the dinosaur - learn to get along and help each other - Families Unite - and smile

[@rickgalla3377]

Split screen very bad idea

[@TomiTakamaa]

Ummmm, we've seen tons of videos that pan from left to right, back and forth. With split screen you don't miss the buildings you want to see. Like for me it was Flamingo Inn Motel, which seems to be ok.

[@MaverickGrabber71]

No, this was great. Watch at 1/2 or 1/4 speed if you want a closer look at something. This is the first real good look I've gotten of the place we stayed at last year, Smuggler's Cove @12:22

[@patrickthennigan]

Here's an IDEA, Don't build on the beach!

[@medic5399]

I still see quite a few structures standing on the beach!

[@patrickthennigan]

@@medic5399 Try living in them moron.

[@martinavaslovik3433]

From all I've seen since Ian nowhere got hit as bad as FMB.

[@ExperienceFlorida]

Yes, it was very unfortunate😔

[@fin72351]

Please stay away from the islands so people who are cleaning up can do so with less traffic! All day people riding up and down the streets taking videos and pictures while behind them is someone with a load of debris.

[@bretthibbs6083]

I think the people that filmed this lives there cause at the end of the video they were walking through a house.

[@bradhayescamoman9348]

Only things still standing are condo towers.. all the bars & restaurants are gone! Now it will turn into another myrtle beach 🤮

[@herekittykittykitty6637]

Haarp can kick rocks 🤌

[@DucTran-qy9js]

Chỉ trong một ngày mất hết tất cả

[@edrepard]

will anyone think of the millionaires

[@diannt9583]

Just think of anybody - rich or poor.

[@bradhayescamoman9348]

Nope not really.. the locals are what made it great!

[@rla1000]

"How everything has been destroyed or needs to be rebuilt/ demolished." Rebuilt? Are you out of your ever loving mind? On a barrier island in major hurricane country with an average elevation of 3 feet? lol The next big one could be next year. Maybe it will come in time to wash all the debris from Ian out to sea, save on cleanup costs.

[@bg-fp9cr]

Protect our environment not destroy it

[@Christophernorbits]

Besides obvious damage, What's the status of the Neptune inn?? Complete teardown?

[@ExperienceFlorida]

One of the videos that I posted should have that building in it depending if it is even their