Aerial view of Hurricane Ian damage on Fort Myers Beach, Florida

[@claudiahansen4938]

It is great to have a reporter who knows the area so well do the commentary. Excellent!

[@charlessoukup1111]

A looters Paradise... But where the hell do o ya start????((+++7

[@charlessoukup1111]

Used lumber...call 1-800 FLORIDA

[@jsutherland1043]

This is the best video I've seen of where my former house used to be, on Madison Ct. At 19:01 time-line. It is clearly gone but the lot looks quite green because of all the palms, trees and shrubs we planted. Lost our fresh water mini-pond, yrs ago in an unpredicted storm surge that rolled across the island. The white Sears house across the street is still there. It, along with 5 other Sears homes were barged to the island and the homes were constructed on site, many yrs ago. Strong bones! Thank you for posting...just breaks my heart for everyone affected by this hurricane...

[@venetalamberg2771]

They say how long it's going to take to rebuild and clean up,

[@larry1754]

I have lived in SW FL for the last 55 years of my life, have been to Ft Myers Beach countless times. Always loved it, our own little tropical SW FL paradise. And to see it now after Ian, totally wiped out, it's just so heartbreaking I am crying watching this. It will never be the same there, certainly not in my lifetime. What a loss for those who lived there, visited there, for our whole community in general! So sad, but thank you for posting this.

[@sassafraspaul7528]

Hopefully they will let it stay downsized.

[@nickmcnellis3937]

A reporter with real sorrow in her voice, unlike so many others.

[@angelwhite7317]

NBC2 News team is the WORST! HOW DO YOU MISS AN ENTIRE CHILDREN SCHOOL & all of the damaged places around the FMB school! I can’t believe lee county allows their business in our area. Their lack of news reports on FMB landmarks & homes & schools on FMB & even Sanibel hurt SWFL Community.

[@ramonmoreno8014]

wah

[@tasbar7743]

Thanks Kellie. Loving your coverage!! Thanks for sharing with us all.🙏🏽❤️

[@KayMN.]

You deserve an Award for this coverage and the one on Sanibel. Amazing.

[@gm-classics]

Beyond excellent reporting!!! So so so sad of situation.

[@angelwhite7317]

NBC2 News team is the WORST! HOW DO YOU MISS AN ENTIRE CHILDREN SCHOOL & all of the damaged places around the FMB school! I can’t believe lee county allows their business in our area. Their lack of news reports on FMB landmarks & homes & schools on FMB & even Sanibel hurt SWFL Community.

[@elizabethpeters9875]

So dizzying to watch! Who is on the camera? I cannot keep watching this

[@jtbukkinbronko]

Agree!!! Horrible visuals. Gave me a headache. What a shame.

[@3sons66]

My heart aches for the home owners, business owners and 1000's of employees that this area supported. Crazy. Will never be the same. A part of "old Florida" is gone forever.

[@MaryMacElveen]

I live in North Fort Myers and this is so heartbreaking. My home sustained limited damage. My prayers are with all of the victims. 🙏😭💔✝️

[@laipply1]

Moved away from the Iona area in Ft Myers. Front threshold was 6.5 feet above sea level. People fall in love with a property and do not understand the power of water . Go to the Sanibel museum and check out the sign of the highest level of storm surge. I believe it’s 14 feet 100 years ago. This will happen again.

[@darynfl]

It's almost like all the rich people that just moved here have no idea how wild the SWAMP they moved to is.

[@gm-classics]

Yes like the 1900 hurricane in Galveston, still the biggest disaster in US history. It will all happen again. If you build anything by the water, you were leasing it from mother nature, with a lease that can be terminated anytime. There’s a certain group of peer mongers who want you to believe that you are causing this and your ways are causing this, the word climate change is involved. But the reality is, it has happened before, and it will happen again. sun shines, people forget.

[@angelwhite7317]

NBC2 News team is the WORST! HOW DO YOU MISS AN ENTIRE CHILDREN SCHOOL & all of the damaged places around the FMB school! I can’t believe lee county allows their business in our area. Their lack of news reports on FMB landmarks & homes & schools on FMB & even Sanibel hurt SWFL Community.

[@LilyWillow22]

Believe the storm surge was higher

[@boltentoke]

They recorded water heights of 18 feet on parts Ft Myers Beach during this hurricane from what I have heard (I live in Ft Myers).

[@deanvoss7098]

My heart goes our to all affected... We certainly take huge risk building in paradise..

[@hoosierbaddy3052]

Paradise? That’s what you’re calling Florida?! AYKM!? Lived there for 8 months. Gorgeous during the winter. Hence the mass exodus from NY to FL for winter. Freaking snowbirds are what they’re called. They are thee rudest most self entitled group of folks ever! I worked as a personal trainer to these would be kings and queens. An absolutely miserable place to be in summer. 95 degree temp with 95% humidity. Still sounding like Shangri-La? Now add hurricanes that seem to be building in intensity, amount of ground covered and overall oomph.

[@WMFNINDY23]

This breaks my heart. I had some great times at the Lani Kai with someone I really and truly cared about. This is just so surreal. I was just there a year ago. Such a beautiful place just gone

[@hoofpanels6519]

when i lived there many years ago it was only small homes on poles

[@nateorus]

The state of Florida should offer to buy all destroyed waterfront properties at fair market value and turn them all into public access recreational and conservation land. Of course this would require some new taxes, but the public benefit would be so worth it. And it would cost less than all the emergency bailout money when the hurricane hits. All the best waterfront in florida belongs to rich people so unless you have a boat, accessing the water can be frustrating. This would open up even more tourism possibilities, and ultimately improve everyone's quality of life in Florida.

[@sharonadams9546]

Exactly! Just like it was years ago.

[@maumor2]

Florida has been under Republican control for decades now. There is no way that's going to happen

[@muskietime]

Same for Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

[@m83-b7y]

I live in Estero and loved this area, it is unreal to see how much destruction there is and how much erased. I think of the lady who I always bought sunglasses from near the sunset beach grill, her business gone. Lives lost and changed forever. And man I will miss SOB, such a great place

[@deborahelliott3826]

Spending today watching videos of ian damages. Nothing I'm facing today comes close to this.

[@scooterbelle7825]

This is devastating. But you should expect nothing less when you build on water & a hurricane hits. Yes, eventually, it will hit you. I'm a native Floridian (yes we do exist) & IMO coastal building shouldn't be allowed anywhere. Period.

[@amorecj7]

Native Floridian & I couldn't agree more. Too crowded & close to shore lines. All for convenience & a pretty view, until this happens. It's a risk in many places on earth. We're a being upon an earth that chooses It's movements, etc. Humans aren't helping enough to make our over use & destruction of it less. Or replace what's taken for future generations. We all want a beautiful place on earth, but it's at a risk. JustSayin

[@angelwhite7317]

NBC2 News team is the WORST! HOW DO YOU MISS AN ENTIRE CHILDREN SCHOOL & all of the damaged places around the FMB school! I can’t believe lee county allows their business in our area. Their lack of news reports on FMB landmarks & homes & schools on FMB & even Sanibel hurt SWFL Community.

[@emchadwick4275]

Life changes so quickly now days..time to stand together ❤

[@nickmcnellis3937]

Just visited here for the first time in August, stayed at the Pink Shell. The damage and destruction is unimaginable.

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Wow, She really knows the area. Good call on the person doing the overview.

[@titaniumshinbone32]

Devastating. I worked out on fort Myers beach at the Pink Shell. Now I have to move back to my hometown for who knows how long. House destroyed. Luckily I have a lot of family friends that I could lean on, I really feel for those who’s lives are completely washed away. I’ll never forget

[@kendallsue259]

was pink shell destroyed?? i have so many memories there

[@titaniumshinbone32]

@@kendallsue259 structure is still intact, but the extent of the damage is pretty wide. Rebuilding will take a while, but it will happen.

[@raymondcoulombe9149]

Great job. Your knowledge of the geography there is amazing

[@ParadeTheGospel]

Wow... I used to vacation there many times as a kid.

[@megachristianx6592]

Me too!

[@whitelion1111]

clean up crews "so where do we start?" faint

[@antonioberuff5033]

Imagine all the bacteria in the water from sewers, fecal, dead rotting animals, garbage bins, outhouses, and worse. I'll never swim in the Gulf again.

[@suskelleykelley7241]

I live in Port Charlotte Florida about 40 min north of Ft Meyers!! I raced to my friends hurricane proof home with generaters but watched that hurricane pound us for about 9 hours straight!!! My home was further in but my whole neighborhood took a beating but I lost a few shingles and all trees in area in my back yard!! But volunteers from all over told me they will remove them!! I survived a tornedo while living in Kansas City and came up from basement to open air and half my house gone!!

[@wyldchild346]

Diamond Head Beach Resort is Leaning Whoa! Yeah Thousands of people are missing they cant give us the True Numbers Much Love and Prayers for all.

[@angelwhite7317]

NBC2 News team is the WORST! HOW DO YOU MISS AN ENTIRE CHILDREN SCHOOL & all of the damaged places around the FMB school! I can’t believe lee county allows their business in our area. Their lack of news reports on FMB landmarks & homes & schools on FMB & even Sanibel hurt SWFL Community.

[@maumor2]

I saw that on the video but I think is a weird angle of the camera. I have been twice to the beach since Ian and didnt noticed it

[@avavincent9481]

You can hear in this reporters voice the awe at seeing devastation, very much shocked and I'd venture to say something they couldn't have been prepared to see this. These folks are from that area too. Still sending you prayers a year later 🙏

[@kimberlyagreene343]

Very well done! I can't even imagine what these poor people went through! By time the hurricane hit us it was a Cat2! I pray they find survivors! God bless all who are effected! Thank you for the great video coverage!

[@lindahollfelder1201]

No it was a cat 3!

[@lindahollfelder1201]

Just looks like a massive bomb went off! This makes me so sad! God in heaven please, please help these ppl!

[@kimberlyagreene343]

@@lindahollfelder1201 I said by time it hit "us" it was a Cat2!!!! I'm in Central Florida!!!!

[@frey8725]

@@lindahollfelder1201 It was a strong 4 when it made landfall. 2mph shy of a 5.

[@ritaallen2268]

Thank you, NBC for your coverage of this horrible storm.

[@angelwhite7317]

NBC2 News team is the WORST! HOW DO YOU MISS AN ENTIRE CHILDREN SCHOOL & all of the damaged places around the FMB school! I can’t believe lee county allows their business in our area. Their lack of news reports on FMB landmarks & homes & schools on FMB & even Sanibel hurt SWFL Community.

[@avavincent9481]

For what ever reason I stopped to view coverage that was the whole storm surge uninterrupted, start to finish. I was focused on the pink house that eventually was washed away and still can't believe 2 people and their 2 dogs survived. Most of all I am just struck dumb to witness how the sea claimed all this, the speed, actual waves that just kept coming and coming and coming. News footage can't capture, we see the aftermath in bits and pieces. I live on the Atlantic Coast wasn't prepared for this. So when this video came along of the after math it brought some clarification that oh, so thats what was under the surge that Mother Nature said it's mine and don't forget it. The pink house souls were certainly spared, divine intervention I'd guess.

[@r6e2k99]

The video you’re referring to is startling and terrifying. I did not truly understand what a storm surge was or what it could do until I watched that. (I’ve never lived in a hurricane area.)

[@ekosyahputra5358]

Thanks kelli.🌷🌷👍👍

[@jimffra8584]

Kellie Burns does an excellent job here. She is a positive figure for a journalist.

[@kathygerulaitis]

It's 2024...how can people think they can retire in a place that suffers like this ALMOST every year? People are crazy to not face the facts staring them in the face....it's not habitable to live in Florida off the coast tiny islands....

[@janetbutler2989]

My heat goes out to the families.

[@akosh1976]

ur heat goes out?

[@lindapindabelinda3570]

I do not understand why the state of Florida is selling building permits for barrier islands. Those should be national parks. People should be in the areas that won’t result in their death and destruction of their home.

[@fanchonjackson8515]

Can you imagine watching this on the news and realizing your home is missing and all you see in your pool or empty yard😢

[@eliseolopez2790]

I didn't know a mind could understand and see how she does.when I concentrate i see but a faithful heart is much more valuable than a mind of wonder

[@delphinedefever9453]

Did Margaritaville’s new construction site survive Ian?

[@SSHitMan]

Yes

[@angelwhite7317]

@@SSHitMan how do you know!

[@angelwhite7317]

NBC2 News team is the WORST! HOW DO YOU MISS AN ENTIRE CHILDREN SCHOOL & all of the damaged places around the FMB school! I can’t believe lee county allows their business in our area. Their lack of news reports on FMB landmarks & homes & schools on FMB & even Sanibel hurt SWFL Community.

[@SSHitMan]

@@angelwhite7317 because it's that giant Y-shaped building downtown you see in all the footage.

[@michelleweaverjackson7831]

I'm curious about the river and homes off McGregor

[@jenridge7768]

@2:51 my childhood home was next to Church of the Ascension (Catholic Church). It's gone. Was a cottage style frame house on Estero blvd that made it through Donna 1960. I pray no one was in it at the time.

[@blakespower]

seems like the larger buildings were built to withstand hurricane force winds are the smaller ones not on the same level of protection?

[@davidg813]

Unfortunately after billions and billions are spent to fix this back to normal again all the buildings will be put back and the whole cycle will start all over again

[@screechingwind114]

Well the weather is making it easier to clean up, so much drier now. Hurricane season is over ?

[@brendalea2339]

Wished I could have seen Red Coconut RV park.. We were there 4 days before it hit. What about Lovers Key State Park?

[@garrisonwayne1381]

What could be good coverage is unfortunately not, because the video is so bad. The camera person needs to learn how to pan and zoom. A good portion of the video is dizzying and nauseating as a result.

[@marilynnh965]

I agree. Almost unwatchable…

[@bradhayescamoman9348]

There was homes & cottages that survived 50 plus years of hurricane seasons until now.. this small island community is forever transformed 💔well done & better said pilot ✨🕊️

[@maumor2]

Last big hit on FMB was Donna in 1960. Charley and Irma were close calls but not direct hits

[@leddhed5480]

I lost some ceiling on my balcony and in my living room on Boca Grande North. Watching this puts things into perspective. I was actually very, very lucky. Sure it’s going to be a hassle getting it fixed but I certainly can’t feel sorry for myself.

[@maryhodgson8604]

My prayers go out to all ,my consultant to all thoes who lost love ones and lost their homes. GOD BE WITH US ALL

[@raydemos1181]

How about making Sanibel Island and ft Myers beach a wildlife park and a build free zone, they are polluting this area to much when these storms roll through, The same thing is going to occur in the future with more pollution in the environment, it is stupid to build on barrier islands

[@jenny2282]

It looks like the backdrop for the walking dead series

[@handlenumber707]

Why do people build towns in a place affected routinely by dangerous storms? Wouldn't it make more sense to allow nature to reclaim those islands?

[@maumor2]

Donna, 1960, Charley 2004, Ian 2022. Is that "routinely"?????????

[@handlenumber707]

@@maumor2 There are some places down the road that have never been affected by such storms, so yeah, you could call that routinely. Think about it. A kid born in 1960 would be 44 the next a storm hit. His kid born in 2004 would be 18 this year. Including the grandparents, every generation of that family would experience a storm in the same place. It's not like it's a mystery. Any storm that develops in mid-Caribbean latitudes, heads for the Gulf of Mexico, and curls eastwards. That exact place will be struck again.

[@mrknotthall]

That’s exactly my thought. Give these islands back to Mother Nature. It’s going to be too damn expensive to re-build, and why would you re-build?

[@karinstevens5070]

@@maumor2 Yes..If once a generation a hurricane virtually destroys the community that would be considered extremely routine. Are you 12 and think these storms are far apart?

[@maumor2]

@@karinstevens5070 my 90 year old house has survived all those (plus some others storms that came close like Frances and Wilma) with minimal damage so you can build houses strong enough to handle a hurricane. Now if instead of rebuilding the electrical grid exactly the same we had underground power lines it would be no longer an issue.

[@OrpheusMay]

Report had said that the eye would make landfall much further north, near Tampa. I pray that people in FMB didn't see this report and decide to stay and ride it out. The large gathering of first responders in that washed out neighborhood in mid-island was not encouraging.

[@majorbarbara1]

Yes, unfortunately, Ian took a turn inland earlier then expected and I don’t believe that Fort Meyers and the entire surrounding area was prepared. The news kept talking about the Tampa/Sarasota area being where Ian would make landfall. Very unpredictable these hurricanes-if anything-this is a lesson to evacuate even if it is voluntary evacuation. I’m afraid the death toll will be rising for weeks.

[@martinkuo1380]

They were in the cone of uncertainty and chose to take their chances. Bad move.

[@angelwhite7317]

NBC2 News team is the WORST! HOW DO YOU MISS AN ENTIRE CHILDREN SCHOOL & all of the damaged places around the FMB school! I can’t believe lee county allows their business in our area. Their lack of news reports on FMB landmarks & homes & schools on FMB & even Sanibel hurt SWFL Community.

[@meshathomas9445]

They should be allowing more people to come help not just fema and the hand full of agency. There was still people there. But they are taking way to long to get to them....more people more help less time. The same way fema got there other people can get there too. At Least the residents and family members, they know the area and most of the local residents. So they can help allot. Believe or not there is people still alive down there. Waiting and waiting to get help. How long you think they can hold on after something like this? Come on ...

[@storii4172]

DeSantis sent the National Guard home last Friday. Denied other's from coming.

[@debbie7333]

This is heartbreaking to see, I love Florida with all my heart, I honestly front know how anyone can come back from this.? To the commentator you could heart it in your voice how upsetting it is to film this, God bless everyone in all of this areas, all I can do is donate and pray

[@kylebucy9541]

You have to ask yourself "Who is next" Everybody will get their turn someday.

[@handlenumber707]

Not necessarily. If you respect what ought to be respected, you don't need to worry so much about these kinds of things. Clearly, the rich people who developed these islands, completely ignored the fact that they're hurricane prone. It's not as if they didn't know. If you live further inland you have better chances.

[@lindahollfelder1201]

Prayers for all

[@tonybandiera2172]

The area where the briefing is taking place was the remnants of the Red Coconut RV Park.

[@jimfrankovich2339]

It will never ever be the same. Sad.

[@gm-classics]

You are correct it will never be the same but I bet in 15 years it will be even better. The problem is it will cost so much to build, and the building codes are just going to get harder and for good reason. I for one believe anyone that builds by the coast must self-insure if you’re going to risk it that hard, build it like a fortress.

[@antonioberuff5033]

A cubic meter of water weighs 1 ton. Imagine a 12 ft. surge moving really fast...

[@maumor2]

a cubic meter of water weights aprox one ton

[@antonioberuff5033]

@@maumor2 yes. I stand corrected.

[@FendergtrJam]

Total destruction this area will never be the same God Bless 🙌 🙏 the one's going through Hell right now and the loss of life 💔 😢 I used to vacation here from the east coast of Florida.

[@johngardener1156]

Looks like a really good place to build.

[@Lewisa369]

Praying for my fellow Lee county folks.

[@josetorres4081]

El mar aropo todo todo a su arededor

[@hoosierbaddy3052]

The sea wrapped everything around it? That’s poetic my friend.

[@blakespower]

were all these building built on sand? in an area prone to strong hurricanes and tropical storms?

[@valvodka]

The island is a sandbar essentially

[@connormcdonald6044]

Is the world coming to an end with all these weather disasters and diseases? There are more and more disasters every year

[@connormcdonald6044]

I was in fort myers many years ago. One of my favourite places

[@Nixonskitchen]

These things have happened for years. The population is going up so it seems worse.

[@FloridaLife_7777]

According to the Holy Bible, yes these disasters and diseases are a sure sign the end times are surely upon us. The Bible said the frequency is referred to as birth pains like a woman when she's in labor. Read Matthew Ch 24.

[@muskey5082]

Dang shame nobody should live that close to the water let alone a city

[@global-hellsorosshjt5469]

Is there some aversion to zooming in to homes and businesses that were on stilts that survived? It would be beneficial to study the structure and ascertain the reason for their survival. All you focus on is destruction and dismal narrative, quickly moving passed houses that looked intact and undamaged save the landscaping and debris on their grounds. Why is that?

[@janetpattison8474]

When everyone knew there would be terrible storm surge from a cat 4 hurricane, why would people leave cars near the sea, and themselves?

[@jetsmarth]

praying 🙏

[@emptychair8141]

Just imagine how real catastrophic it actually could've been had people not evacuated! Noone should've been allowed to stay !

[@MsTeri2009]

God be with these folks. This looks worse than a war zone. What a crying shame. My heart and prayers are with everyone that was affected by this terrible hurricane.

[@michaelsorrentino9279]

LOOKING FOR MICHELLE AND HER DAUGHTER JENNIFER. BORN NOV.15 ,92..SHE LIVED ON FAIRWEATHER LN. YEARS AGO, WORKED AT THE HESS STATION.IF SOME ONE KNOWS HER PASS THIS POST ON TO HER "MANY PRAYERS & THANKS "

[@marktate6866]

The indians were smart enough not to live on the coast.

[@doug2445]

My heart breaks for you.

[@cindyohern6541]

Does anyone know how the Leonardo Arms Condo came out? 7400 Estero.

[@penidulm]

Well people of florida sorry for your loss now tell your silly governor go get those workers he promise jobs living places bring them back to Florida you see god don't like ugly ask him.

[@jeg5438]

Oh yeah. Feel real bad for all the rich peoples multi million dollar houses. Now they have to live in their Aspen houses or worse California or New York. Maybe just tour Europe for a year or two until they can build a bigger house on the island.

[@davidhennen7045]

Thank you so much for your commentary of what use to be there, had me choking up. I would not be able to talk, it is horrifying beyond imagination.😱😱😢😢😭😭😿😿💔💔

[@cherylst6475]

Anyone know how the aquarium fared?

[@dave.bosarge840]

Nature reclaiming from invasive things.

[@711cwn]

Interesting video. The camera crew needed an island map, and would therefore have provided more details about the named streets they were filming.

[@josetorres4081]

Yo creo keai hay mucha gente muerta nokisieron salir sekedaron

[@hoosierbaddy3052]

You think that there’s lotsa dead people? Going out where? Your Spanish is misspelled. Written out phonetically. Nokisieron isn’t a Spanish word. It sounds like ‘no qui ceron’. Or, ‘no que saron’. Sekedaron isn’t a Spanish term either.

[@Breckisgoof]

This makes me so sad 😞

[@jonosborne4711]

Very sad ,private reports from first responders say loss of life was massive and is not being reported; Families drowned in cars unable to get away others drowned when surge went over rooftops. Reports of 15000 body bags being requested.

[@LibertarianLatina]

I heard the same but they are silent w the death toll

[@tracyriordan7011]

I knew Desantis would hide the death toll and that it had to be much worse with all this devastation! How sad! They aren't even getting recognized in death. ) : Rat in peace to all of the many thousands lost in this hurricane! ) :

[@LilyWillow22]

Why are they not telling?

[@nanablue3748]

🙏🙏🙏

[@frey8725]

We're seeing some buildings that weren't build to state specifications. The marina's roof should have held up, better. They might have some insurance issues.

[@richricogranada9647]

GREEDY DEVELOPERS building in areas designated to flora and fauna ONLY!

[@xevious2501]

make no mistake, this was always in the back of our minds. the fact such low laying gulf coast residential areas would one day see to that of a major hurricane. And all these decades of rarely ever seeing anything that would commit to the level and scale of damage that we all knew was possible. And to make matters worse, Even this was not the worst of the worst that we know is possible. not even this. This storm was a cat 4 with minor cat 5 gusts. a full outright cat 5 with near cat6 gusts (that which we know is possible from global warming and that of hurricane Irma and the island of Barbuda in 2017 with sustained wind speeds of over 185 mph gusts over 200 saw to concrete structures being wipes from their foundations. we know such a storm on the gulf coast would result in utter devastation several times that which we see even here. Storm surge on a biblical scale encroached upon the mainland. This storm has eliminated Fort Myers Beach for certain. at best. if there are any that would see to continued residence it would be that of those larger condominiums and only if their first floors dont deem the remaining structure unlivable. I never thought ide see such a storm commit to the path Ian did. All together rare, but so its been with these storms now hitting Puerto Rico. Global warming has altered the typical path of these storms, and the speed of which they can build up strength. And In Ian's wake, we must take into account how the rainfall would effect florida's rivers, as seen in Arcadia , yet another major tradedy less televised by the news agencies. The results of which may double the death toll that of Lee county.

[@46vblondie]

Yes, exactly. Manufactured homes were ALLOWED to be built in this and other vulnerable locations. Florida's lack of regulation on buildings like this in hazardous locations is CRIMINAL. People die, our insurance sky rockets and the waste of all these homes goes to the landfill. REPUBLICANS have messed up this state sooooo much. Environmental degradation and out of control development, its a tragedy.

[@m118lr]

“Global warming”..or Mother Nature, with people playing (Russian) ROULETTE with KNOWN low-lying areas IN hurricane-prone territory. And with this..ALL OUR insurance policies go into the sratosphere. I grew up just off the immediate coast of Texas..near Galveston (Alvin). We were only 8-10 miles from the coastal inlets and bays. Dad and I used to go fishing ALL the time in the bays and intercoastal areas. I GOT AWAY FROM THERE as soon as I could..never liked living ON the coast. Knew it was a matter of time before some ‘bad’ storm screwed your life up..

[@SmossyYT]

bro chill.

[@tracybarhite1764]

If you look at national hurricane historical data, Ian was no worse than other hurricanes. There is more population now, that is what makes the devastation worse.

[@laipply1]

Moved away from the Iona area in Ft Myers. Front threshold was 6.5 feet above sea level. People fall in love with a property and do not understand the power of water . Go to the Sanibel museum and check out the sign of the highest level of storm surge. I believe it’s 14 feet 100 years ago. This will happen again.

[@patrickwhelan5703]

For Christ's Sake. Mobile Homes have absolutely no business being anywhere near any body of water in Florida. Fort Meyers needs tougher building codes NOW!!!

[@suskelleykelley7241]

I saw the national guard here I. Port Charlotte 40 min north Ft Meyers!! I said " help me please I live alone and they arrogantly said they are watching after seven Eleven!! I laughed saying " big freaking deal so ya make sure no one steals a sluppie while my neighbors are all homeless?! Give me a break

[@BeakyFloof]

They can't leave where they're assigned. Ask the governor why they're protecting money instead of people.

[@patrickwhelan5703]

I agree with the below comments. Stop building RIGHT ON THE BEACHES. Now you'll beg, cry and bitch that you need to rebuild. Florida's building codes are out of touch with current day reality. FIX THEM!!

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

Yet to see cost estimates.. I'm thinking most costly disaster in Americas history

[@maumor2]

what abiout the death toll? nobody is reporting an actual number that will include the missing persons

[@hugegamer5988]

That is not “santiva” plaza it’s Santini and it’s a damn shame it’s gone.

[@eliseolopez2790]

Formation in ocean begin running for you'll get blown

[@williambrown4086]

Well I thought the last hurricane was bad....I was wrong ! all Island bridges are gone.....The storm surge destroyed everything......Flooding is 10-12 feet deep....Boats are all over Naples ..Bonita springs...Fort Myers.....Miles from where they started. ....Kayaks are in trees......Cars are miles from where they were parked......Power...Water.....sewer systems...off line....ALL OF FORT MYERS BEACH is leveled.....Sanibel island causeway is breached in 5 places will take a year to repair....Pine island bridge is gone no way off.....This is the worst hurricane in U.S. history.

[@Tammy121111]

& UNFORT. THEY WILL REBUILD THEIR HOMES ON SINKING SAND

[@StephenPatuto]

They do t report like this anymore in detail

[@screechingwind114]

The houses completely destroyed next to houses standing,definitely an insurance nightmare.

[@xebxeb19]

Again, yes it’s horrible, but anyone who lives in Florida has chosen to take that risk. It will happen again. It’s happened before, and in the way past hurricanes over 4000 people would have died. Houses should only be built that are hurricane proof and up on stilts, if at all. Make these island should become parks, but will never happen, govt wants the tax money. Many home did survive, multi million dollar homes by the looks of it.

[@LilyWillow22]

I think far more than that died in the storm we are not being told