Category: Island Update

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that it has created a Hurricane Ian Relief Fundraiser on Bonfire, a merchandise company that allows non-profits to develop designs for items to sell and raise money for a cause. For its fundraiser, the DDWS has used Bonfire to create shirts and sweatshirts. Due to the destruction of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Nature Store2 on Periwinkle Way and inaccessibility of the flagship Nature Store, e-store operations are stalled for a few weeks. Supporters who would like to purchase merchandise to help with rebuilding can visit https://www.bonfire.com/dingstrong-hurricane-ian-relief-fundraiser/

The city of Sanibel reported that residents can apply for debris removal on private and commercial property through the Hurricane Ian Debris Cleanup Program, which is managed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

The debris removal service includes displaced and abandoned vehicles, vessels, and other titled property from qualifying private and commercial properties, as well as waterways in Lee County.

Submit an application if you (1) own a property in Lee and would like to request the removal of the debris on that property or (2) if you lost a vehicle, vessel, or other titled property due to Hurricane Ian and would like to report the vehicle, vessel or other titled property missing.

The city noted that completing an application does not guarantee eligibility for debris removal or the return of one’s displaced title property.

For more information or to apply, visit https://iandebriscleanup.com/.

For assistance with the application or for general questions, call the FDEM’s Hurricane Ian Debris Cleanup Hotline at (850) 961-2002 or email IanDebrisCleanup@em.myflorida.com

Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed an executive order to suspend deadlines for payment of property taxes in counties that have been impacted by Hurricane Ian.

The order extends to real property, including personal homes and commercial property, that was destroyed or otherwise rendered uninhabitable.

“Floridians who have lost their homes and businesses because of Hurricane Ian shouldn’t have to now worry about their property taxes,” he said in a prepared statement.

Counties included in the order are Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia.

To read the full order, visit https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/EO-22-242.pdf

Local Roots, which owns and operates the Sanibel Island Farmers Market and Captiva Island Farmers Market, is adjusting and relocating some of its markets across Lee County following Hurricane Ian.

The following markets will be operational weekly beginning today, Nov. 2:

• Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harbour Plaza, at 17660 South Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers (previously the Lakes Park Farmers Market)
• Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coconut Point, at 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero (Coconut Point Farmers Market)
• Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at The Promenade at Bonita Bay, at 26795 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs (Bonita Springs Farmers Market)
• Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Founder’s Square at Babcock Ranch, at 42850 Crescent Loop, Babcock Ranch (Babcock Ranch Farmers Market)

The Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market is on hold due to Ian’s impact to the area.

Ventura and Baer said they are thankful for the support they have received from the community. In 2009, Lee County approached them to organize a market at Lakes Park and soon others followed.

For more information or to become a vendor, visit https://www.buylocallee.com/

Sanibel Causeway reopened today, Wednesday, Oct 19th, at 11:00 am. This reopening comes two days ahead of the scheduled date, Friday, and 36,000 work hours were required to make the repairs.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reopening in a news conference today morning.

Hurricane passes or proof of residency will be required for residents and property owners to access the island. Both 2021 and 2022 passes both valid for re-entry, and they can be accessed online at the links below.

• Resident Access: Residential Hurricane Reentry Pass or valid ID with Sanibel address.
• Property Owner Access: Hurricane Reentry Pass with valid ID
• Contractor access: Commercial Hurricane Reentry Pass with valid ID
• Insurance Adjuster Access: Insurance Adjuster Reentry Pass with valid ID

Applications can be submitted to Emergency.Management@mysanibel.com or delivered to the temporary Sanibel City Hall at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers.

Click here to download the PDF version of Insurance Claim Checks

Have you been impacted by Hurricane Ian?

LMCU is dedicated to helping you navigate through these difficult and uncertain times.

Mortgage Assistance
If you are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Ian and are in need of mortgage assistance, we are here to help you determine what options may be available to you. To speak to one of our Mortgage Loan Counselors, please contact us at 844-754-6280 ext. 9931.

Hazard Loss Claim
If your home has sustained damage, contact your insurance agent immediately to file a claim. After your claim has been filed, please contact our Construction Administration Team at 844-754-6280 ext. 6492 with your claim information so we can help you determine next steps. Claims over $40,000.00 will be administered by LMCU. Upon review of the Claim Report any claim funds received for contents, personal property, or living expenses will be released to you without delay.

Loan Currently In Process
If you currently have a new mortgage in process and have questions about how Hurricane Ian may affect the processing of your loan or the timing of your closing, your loan officer will be able to assist in answering these questions.

The following Counties have been declared Disaster areas by FEMA

What if my property is located in one of these counties?
If you had an appraisal completed prior to 9/30/2022, we will need to order a Catastrophic Disaster Area Property Inspection Report to verify that the home/condo/project did not suffer interior or exterior damage due to Hurricane Ian, prior to being able to close. This also holds true for a construction or vacant land loan; while a house may not yet be there, we want to ensure that the buildability of the land has not been impacted. Applications with an appraisal waiver will also need to have a Catastrophic Disaster Area Property Inspection Report completed prior to close.

What are the additional costs of this inspection?
LMCU is presently covering the cost(s) of these required inspections.

What if my rate lock is coming due and we cannot close in time?
LMCU is covering the cost(s) of rate extensions for a period of 15 additional days at no cost to our members for properties in the declared disaster areas. We will work with you on an individual case by case basis should additional extensions be necessary

Is there any additional documentation requirements?
Not at this time. Credit, income and asset verification requirements have not changed for those located in impacted areas.

Construction Loans Currently In Process
If your project has sustained damage, contact your builder and insurance agent immediately to file a claim. For additional information please contact your draw specialist or the Construction Administration Team at 844-754-6280 ext. 6492 to discuss extending the construction term, payment relief options as well as the insurance claim process.

Other Steps You Can Take Now
Sign Up for eStatements
eStatements are a convenient way to see all of your mortgage statements in one place, but it is also a valuable service to ensure you continue to receive your monthly statements should postal service become unavailable at your property. Signing up is easy. Simply log into your OnLine Banking Account at LMCU.org, click your mortgage loan, and then navigate to Account Management. Select Document Center and under Delivery Preferences, choose paperless statements and click “Let’s do this!”

Payment Methods
Be prepared during a disaster by making payment arrangements. In addition to sending a check or making a payment by phone, we have convenient payment options available right on our website. To set up automatic payments or make a one-time payment, simply log into your OnLine Banking Account at LMCU.org, click your mortgage loan, and navigate to the Payments menu.

Consider Applying for Aid Through FEMA
For those affected by Hurricane Ian, FEMA may be able to support your recovery. For more information about FEMA’s disaster assistance and support services, visit: fema.gov/assistance

New air service at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

• Breeze Airways: nonstop to Las Vegas (LAS) and Charleston, South Carolina (CHS), twice weekly.
• Eurowings Discover: Frankfurt, Germany (FRA), weekly, year-round service
• Alaska Airlines: Seattle (SEA) weekly, year-round service.