Hurricane Milton: Recovery Updates in Boca Grande (November 2024)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the Boca Grande community has been working hard to assess and initiate repairs to restore normalcy within the community. Many local organizations, in collaboration with county and state agencies, are coordinating efforts to support both residents and businesses in the recovery process. Here’s what you need to know about the current status of debris removal, park accessibility, and ongoing community measures.

To streamline the cleanup process, Lee County Government, in partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), has secured a FEMA waiver as of November 8 for debris removal in unincorporated areas of Boca Grande impacted by Hurricane Milton. This waiver allows businesses and owners of commercial properties, including condominiums, apartments, and trailer park communities, to have storm debris collected directly from their sites. Previously, the county’s debris hauler was not permitted to collect debris from the Right of Way (ROW) in these unincorporated areas throughout Lee County, meaning property owners were expected to work directly with insurance.

Under this waiver, Lee County’s haulers are allowed to complete a single debris pickup pass along the ROW in these areas, ensuring that businesses and property managers can focus on repairs without the immediate burden of storm debris. This effort, which began the weekend of November 9 and runs until the single pass is finished, is designed to alleviate some of the pressures on commercial property owners as they navigate their recovery path. Contact Lee County Solid Waste at 239-533-8000 for any questions.

The Barrier Islands Parks Society is at the forefront of restoring Boca Grande’s state parks, which suffered damage during Hurricane Milton. Initial engineering inspections at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum indicate that, while the facility does not appear to show signs of structural damage, significant cleanup will be required to remove sand and debris accumulated around the site.

Likewise, the parking area of Gasparilla Island State Park is also being cleared out. Currently, all state parks on Gasparilla Island, including the access areas of Range Light and Port Boca Grande, remain closed for public safety. Some of the beams at the Range Light appear to be loose and may require replacement or adjusting, while pavers, electrical boxes, and vegetation will also need to be restored. The Florida Lighthouse Association has provided emergency funds for Lidar scans to create a 3D model and assess damages to the site.

The Barrier Islands Park Society is committed to evaluating and securing these natural spaces to reopen them safely, with further updates expected as inspections and restorations continue. Donations to the Barrier Islands Parks Society may be made at bips.org/donate.

Effective Monday, November 11, The Boca Grande Health Clinic has fully resumed its operations from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. For after-hours medical assistance, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, a physician will be available by phone. Call 941-964-2276 and follow the instructions provided for after-hours care to speak with a medical professional.

While the clinic is returning to regular service, it faced some setbacks due to Hurricane Milton. Unfortunately, the clinic’s supply of flu, shingles, pneumonia, and RSV vaccines was lost to storm-related damage. For those who haven’t yet been vaccinated this year, the clinic recommends doing so before returning to the island. The nearby Publix at Cape Haze offers these vaccinations. Alternatively, patients can call the clinic and request to be placed on a waiting list to be notified once new vaccine shipments arrive. 

With the recovery process advancing in Boca Grande and surrounding areas, Lee County Government has announced that two post-Hurricane Milton comfort stations have closed as of Friday, November 8, due to a decline in usage by residents. These comfort stations were established as immediate relief centers, providing essential services like laundry, showers, restrooms, and internet access to support residents through the early stages of recovery after the storm.

The following comfort stations are now closed:

For island residents still needing assistance, several resources remain available to support ongoing recovery. FEMA offers aid applications online at www.disasterassistance.gov, providing an accessible way to apply for help. Additionally, United Way is available to provide support and answer recovery-related questions; residents can reach them by dialing 2-1-1 or calling 239-433-3900. For more updates and resources, visit www.leegov.com/storm and subscribe to Lee County’s newsletter at www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters.

In the face of Hurricane Milton’s aftermath, the resilience and unity of Boca Grande’s community shine through. With coordinated efforts from local government, park societies, and residents, progress is steadily being made toward full recovery.

As debris is cleared away, beautiful natural spaces and parks are restored, and support resources reach those in need, Boca Grande is well on its way to bouncing back stronger than before. Staying connected and prepared for future challenges will ensure that this incredible island community remains a place of strength, beauty, and close-knit support.

For more information about living in Boca Grande, reach out to Angela Steffan and Zeke Sieglaff of The Steffan Sieglaff Team.