Hurricane Helene hit Fort Myers Beach hard, prompting Senator Rick Scott to visit the area and evaluate the ongoing crisis. His presence brought a wave of hope for those affected, as he assured the local community they would receive assistance from the federal government.
WATCH FOX 4’S COMMUNITY CORRESPONDENT ANVAR RUZIEV’S COVERAGE HERE:
Rick Scott: ‘Water is what’s killing us,’ urges coastal safety during Fort Myers Beach visit
“I will collaborate with my colleagues in Congress to secure FEMA funding for our hurricane-affected residents,” Senator Scott stated, his determination clear. The emphasis on a fresh approach to storm preparedness resonated with many. “When we casually observe that a storm is a category one or a category three, we misjudge its true impact,” he continued. “It’s no longer about the wind; it’s the relentless water that poses the real threat.” This reframing highlights a growing understanding of the dangers that severe weather presents to coastal communities.
In the neighborhood he revisited, he encountered David McPhail, a mitigation expert and owner of Westoration. Standing on Seminole Way, he surveyed the destruction and pointed out that this street bore the brunt of the storm’s fury. “This has become the most devastated street I have seen thus far,” McPhail remarked, showing the unmistakable water lines etched on homes, telling a silent yet powerful story.
Jeff Baroli, a resident of Seminole Way, detailed the harrowing flooding he experienced. He shared before-and-after videos of his backyard, starkly contrasting the vibrant space it once was with the floodwaters that invaded his home.
Baroli’s backyard during Hurricane Helene.
Baroli’s backyard after Hurricane Helene.
“Neighbors faced nearly three feet of water within their homes,” Baroli reported, reflecting on the devastation. His own damages are around $14,000, a steep price for what once was a sanctuary—a mancave that now lies in ruins. Despite these losses, he looked back with a sense of perspective, noting that this destruction is still less severe than the ravages left by Hurricane Ian two years earlier.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno shared insights into the rescue operations, stating that his team executed over 101 calls for help, utilizing jet skis and boats. “We are grateful to report no loss of life,” Marceno said, highlighting the dedication and effectiveness of emergency services during this perilous time.
Yet, the story takes a darker turn elsewhere. The toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to 84 lives lost across other impacted counties, forcing some in the coastal community to rethink their futures. Living on the edge of paradise has its price, it seems.
Watch the Full Press Event featuring Senator Rick Scott, Sheriff Carmine Marceno, and Mayor Dan Allers:
Fort Myers Beach Hurricane Helene Full Press Event
