The residents and businesses of Boca Grande are coming together in the wake of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on Wednesday, October 9 — just under two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit the town. Hurricane Milton brought over two feet of storm surge and four feet of sand to Boca Grande’s downtown, damaging asphalt, roads, and buildings and leaving behind rubble and debris.
From financial support initiatives to restoring essential services, there has been a concerted effort to help the community rebuild stronger than ever. Here’s what you need to know about the recovery updates, available assistance, and guidelines for moving forward.
Community Support Fund Gains Momentum
In response to the damage left by the hurricanes, the Boca Grande community has launched a disaster relief fund to support local businesses. This fund, currently managed by the Lighthouse United Methodist Church of Boca Grande, has had a major impact.
With over $2 million raised so far, the fund aims to reach $3 million to provide crucial financial assistance to local businesses that suffered physical losses due to the storms. This initiative is vital in helping the island's economy get back on its feet and ensure that these businesses not only survive but thrive in the aftermath.
Local businesses are the heart of Boca Grande, and the community is stepping up to provide the resources they need to recover. If you’re interested in contributing to the disaster fund, you may send donations to the Boca Grande Lighthouse United Methodist Church. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in restoring the charm and vitality of Boca Grande.
Unemployment Assistance for Affected Residents
For residents whose employment or self-employment was affected by Hurricane Milton, critical support is available. Florida Commerce is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This assistance is designed for individuals who are not eligible for state or federal reemployment assistance benefits. The aim is to provide temporary financial relief to those facing disruptions in their income due to the hurricane.
If you’re a resident who experienced a job loss or a significant interruption in your work due to the storm, filing a claim is straightforward. Simply visit FloridaJobs.com to start your application and determine your eligibility. The assistance provided through this program can be a lifeline during the recovery period, helping residents regain stability and focus on rebuilding their lives.
If you’re a resident who experienced a job loss or a significant interruption in your work due to the storm, filing a claim is straightforward. Simply visit FloridaJobs.com to start your application and determine your eligibility. The assistance provided through this program can be a lifeline during the recovery period, helping residents regain stability and focus on rebuilding their lives.
Sand and Sandbag Guidelines Post-Hurricane
Restoring the beaches of Boca Grande is an essential part of the recovery process, not only for environmental reasons but also to maintain the island’s natural landscapes. Residents who are working to fill in holes or rebuild dunes using over-washed sand should follow a few important guidelines.
If over-washed sand has been deposited upland onto your property, you can collect the sand and place it above the high tide line on the beach and dune system, as long as the sand is free of stains, odors, debris, rocks, clay, or any foreign matter. Additionally, the sand should closely resemble the pre-hurricane beach sand in both color and grain size.
These measures are intended to ensure the restoration efforts align with preserving the natural beach environment. By following these guidelines, residents can play an active role in rehabilitating Boca Grande’s iconic beaches.
If over-washed sand has been deposited upland onto your property, you can collect the sand and place it above the high tide line on the beach and dune system, as long as the sand is free of stains, odors, debris, rocks, clay, or any foreign matter. Additionally, the sand should closely resemble the pre-hurricane beach sand in both color and grain size.
These measures are intended to ensure the restoration efforts align with preserving the natural beach environment. By following these guidelines, residents can play an active role in rehabilitating Boca Grande’s iconic beaches.
Updates on Debris Cleanup and Water Restoration
The cleanup efforts in Boca Grande are progressing steadily, thanks to the coordinated efforts of Lee County. As of October 15, Douglass Whitehead, the Director of Solid Waste, reported that over 4,000 cubic yards of debris have already been collected. This is a significant step in restoring the area to its pre-hurricane state and ensuring the community’s safety and well-being.
In addition to debris removal, the restoration of essential services like water is a top priority. Water service is gradually being restored, with approximately 15-20% of customers having their water turned back on as of October 15, according to the Senior Manager for Public Utilities. The focus remains on restoring access to clean water for all residents as quickly as possible.
The ongoing recovery efforts by Lee County are a testament to the commitment to rebuild the community swiftly and efficiently.
In addition to debris removal, the restoration of essential services like water is a top priority. Water service is gradually being restored, with approximately 15-20% of customers having their water turned back on as of October 15, according to the Senior Manager for Public Utilities. The focus remains on restoring access to clean water for all residents as quickly as possible.
The ongoing recovery efforts by Lee County are a testament to the commitment to rebuild the community swiftly and efficiently.
Moving Forward: A United Community
The road to recovery after Hurricane Milton is challenging, but the resilience of Boca Grande’s residents and businesses shines through. With ongoing financial support, employment assistance, environmental guidelines, and infrastructural progress, there is hope and determination to restore the island stronger than ever.
The efforts of the community, local organizations, and county officials demonstrate the strength and unity that define Boca Grande. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to brighter days ahead.
For more information about living in the wonderful community of Boca Grande, reach out to Angela Steffan and Zeke Sieglaff of The Steffan Sieglaff Team.
The efforts of the community, local organizations, and county officials demonstrate the strength and unity that define Boca Grande. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to brighter days ahead.
For more information about living in the wonderful community of Boca Grande, reach out to Angela Steffan and Zeke Sieglaff of The Steffan Sieglaff Team.
