NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — North Fort Myers residents are understandably fed up with the festering piles of debris left behind by Hurricane Milton, which made landfall over a month ago. Despite the ongoing recovery efforts, the remnants of the storm still choke many streets, dampening community spirits and causing distress among homeowners.
North Fort Myers residents fed up with debris piles still lining their streets
On Grenier Drive, unsightly heaps of debris languish on lawns and driveways, each pile a testament to the devastation endured. Locals like Chris and Lisa Luda, who temporarily reside in an RV while repairing their flood-damaged home, are finding the struggle overwhelming.
“We’re a family of five and it’s a struggle,” Lisa remarked, her voice tinged with the weight of their ordeal. “It’s hard for the kids, for my husband and me—it feels like a daily battle.”
The sight of debris is a relentless reminder of loss, she reflected, “When you get home, it’s always there, a barrier to moving forward.”
“And inside our house, more belongings await, adding to the mold that’s creeping in,” Chris added, shaking his head in concern.
A tangible symbol of neglect, the Luda family’s debris pile has not only become a breeding ground for mold but also an attraction for looters. In their search for clarity, they faced a maze of bureaucracy, desperately trying to identify who bears the responsibility for clean-up.
“We called FEMA right after the storm, and they assured us they would address it,” Chris recounted. “But each time we called back, the answers shifted, with Waste Pro, the county, and state all pointing fingers. It’s like a merry-go-round where no one wants to take charge.”
A spokesperson for the county informed them that debris collection took place on their street on November 5 and 10. Nonetheless, the initial pass remains incomplete on Grenier Drive. Other nearby roads, such as Stipe Street and Green Avenue, have allegedly seen progress, yet for the LudAs, hope feels distant.
While the local government promised a crew would arrive “soon” to pick up the remaining debris, the sense of urgency lingers. Day by day, the Luda family—and many neighbors—grapple with the unsettling presence of storm remnants, hoping for a swift resolution. It’s an unsettling blend of patience and frustration that resonates through the community, reminding each resident that beyond physical recovery lies the emotional grapple of resilience.
