for immediate release 3:00 pm hurricane charley advisory #1 pages/newsreleasesarchive/news200… ·...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 11, 2004 3:00 PM Hurricane Charley Advisory #1 Local emergency managers held a 3 p.m. briefing today to discuss emergency plans related to Hurricane Charley:

• More information about the storm track will be available after the 5 p.m. conference call with the National Hurricane Center and state Emergency Operations Center.

• The current track from the 2 p.m. intermediate advisory is showing some wobble to the west.

• No evacuations or shelter openings have been announced. Please stay tuned to local media to monitor events.

• The Board of Lee County Commissioners (through Chairman John Albion) has expanded the existing state of local emergency for flooding to cover a hurricane/tropical storm and the use of all hazards emergency funds if needed.

• Some shelter openings will be announced Thursday morning if the current track does not change.

• There will be no trash, horticultural or recycling collection in unincorporated Lee County, City of Bonita Springs or Town of Fort Myers Beach Friday. As of now, Friday's collection will be Saturday.

• The Lee County Emergency Operations Center will go to a full activation (level 1) at 7 a.m. Thursday.

• The Storm Emergency Hotline will be activated at 5 p.m. The number is 477-1900.

• Emergency managers are urging residents to continue to monitor the news to keep apprised of weather conditions and any future actions by emergency management. Residents and visitors should review emergency plans to protect their families, property and pets.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 11, 2004 18:35 5:00 PM Hurricane Charley Advisory #2 Local emergency managers held a 5 p.m. conference call with the National Hurricane Center and state Emergency Operations Center:

• Lee County is under a state of local emergency. Please continue to monitor the media for updates.

• Lee County has ordered no evacuations or shelter openings. • The EOC will fully activate at 7 a.m. Thursday and make a decision about what

evacuations and shelters to open, initially, by 8 a.m. • A citizen information line is activated, 477-1900. • The Hurricane Watch has been expanded to up to Bonita Beach. • Storm surge is a major concern at this point, with a 10 foot surge predicted if Charley

were to intensify to a Category 2 Hurricane. • The track is holding, although centered a little more north now in Charlotte Harbor. • There will be no trash, horticultural or recycling collection in unincorporated Lee

County, City of Bonita Springs or Town of Fort Myers Beach Friday. As of now, Friday's collection will be Saturday.

• Emergency managers are urging residents to continue to monitor the news to keep apprised of weather conditions and any future actions by emergency management. Residents and visitors should review emergency plans to protect their families, property and pets. For answers about Hurricane Charley or Hurricane preparedness, you may contact the storm information hotline 239-477-1900.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 12, 2004 7:00 AM Hurricane Charley Advisory #3

Local emergency managers held a 7 a.m. briefing to further plans for Hurricane Charley. These are the actions taken:

• Lee County is issuing a mandatory evacuation notice for the coastal/barrier islands (Bonita Beach, Estero Island/Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande), starting at 8 a.m.

• Tolls are being suspended at 8 a.m. on the Sanibel Causeway, Cape Coral Bridge and Midpoint Memorial/Veterans Parkway Bridge.

• An announcement of which initial shelters will open will be at 10 a.m. • No mainland evacuations are yet being ordered. • Hurricane Charley is tracking a little more to the west, a track that makes landfall

further north on the Florida Penninsula than yesterday. However, small changes in the track could take it back toward Fort Myers, meaning precuations still need to be taken.

• The county is under a state of local emergency. The Emergency Operations Center is fully activated.

• A citizen information line is activated, 477-1900. • All of coastal Lee County is under a Hurricane Watch (Tropical Storm force winds

within 48 hours) • There will be no trash, horticultural or recycling collection in unincorporated Lee

County, City of Bonita Springs or Town of Fort Myers Beach Friday. As of now, Friday's collection will be Saturday.

• Emergency managers are urging residents to continue to monitor the news to keep apprised of weather conditions and any future actions by emergency management. Residents and visitors should be implementing emergency plans to protect their families, property and pets.

• Building construction sites should be cleaned up and secured. • Emergency managers will hold a conference call with the National Hurricane Center

and state Emergency Operations Center at 11 a.m. and another local briefing meeting at 11:45 a.m.



• For residents on those barrier/coastal islands being mandatory evacuated, you will be allowed back and forth on the bridges to secure your property, businesses and families, meaning you are not being barred from returning to the island. However, residents should do this as quickly as possible realizing it takes longer to evacuate on the islands and on the Sanibel Causeway weight and speed restriction are still in force.

• Remember the citizen storm hotline is 477-1900. • As announced earlier, Lee County is issuing a mandatory evacuation notice for the

coastal/barrier islands (Bonita Beach, Estero Island/Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande), starting at 8 a.m.

• Tolls are being suspended at 8 a.m. on the Sanibel Causeway, Cape Coral Bridge and Midpoint Memorial/Veterans Parkway Bridge.

• An announcement of which initial shelters will open will be at 10 a.m. • No mainland evacuations are yet being ordered.



Lee County is announcing the following hurricane shelter openings:

AT 10 A.M.

• Alva Elementary and Middle School, 21290 Park Street, Alva • Diplomat Middle School, 1039 N.E. 16th Terrace, Cape Coral • Dunbar High School, 3800 E. Edison Avenue, Fort Myers • Germain (TECO) Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, south Lee County • Varsity Lakes Middle School, 801 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres • North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts, 1856 Arts Way, NFM

AT 11 A.M.

• Alico Arena (FGCU), 12181 FGCU Lake Parkway E., south Lee County

SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTERS (Prior registration was required for the special needs shelter. If you haven't pre-registered, please go to a regular shelter).

• Edison Learning Center, 1817 High Street, Fort Myers (ready at 9 a.m.) • Sunshine Elementary, 601 Sara Drive, Lehigh Acres (ready at 11 a.m.)



Local emergency managers held an 11 a.m. conference call with the National Hurricane Center and state Emergency Operations Center, and an 11: 30 a.m. briefing with local agencies. These are the actions taken:

• No further evacuations are being issued at this time, other than the barrier/coastal islands of Lee County.

• Charley's current track takes it parallel to Lee County with landfall in the Tampa area. This is subject to variability.

• Current estimates are for Lee County to begin experiencing tropical force winds at 8-9 a.m. Friday morning lasting to 9 p.m. The worst winds would be from noon to 6 p.m.

• Storm surge estimated at 5 to 6 feet, 8-10 feet if it hits closer to Fort Myers. • There may be some mainland areas of concern that are susceptible to storm surge/flooding

that may be urged to consider taking protective measures. Sandbags are available at fire stations but residents have to go pick them up. Keep tuned to media to monitor continuing developments.

• Currently there is no order to evacuate mainland mobile homes. However, if residents live in older mobile home structures or don't feel safe, they may want to consider evacuating, or if their mobile home community has a recreation center, taking refuge there.

• The barrier island evacuation order stands. • A citizen information line is activated, 477-1900. • There will be no trash, horticultural or recycling collection in unincorporated Lee County, City

of Bonita Springs or Town of Fort Myers Beach Friday. As of now, Friday's collection will be Saturday.

• Emergency managers are urging residents to continue to monitor the news to keep apprised of weather conditions and any future actions by emergency management. Residents and visitors should be implementing emergency plans to protect their families, property and pets.

• Building construction sites should be cleaned up and secured. • Lee County Schools will be closed Friday.


August 12, 2004 Hurrican Charley Advisory #7

Lee Tran will begin four routes at 3 p.m. for those needing to evacuate to a shelter and don't have their own transportation.

These routes will take citizens from specially designated stops along the routes to nearby emergency storm shelters. Three of the four evacuation routes are designed to serve many low-lying and coastal areas in the county, such as Bonita Springs, North Ft Myers and Ft Myers Beach.

Blue and White signs inscribed with, "Storm Shelter Pickup Point" and the hurricane symbol, have been posted at many of the regular stops along the designated routes. The evacuation routes serve the stops that have this special sign. People who would like to use one of the routes mentioned below to get to a public shelter should locate the "Storm Shelter Pickup Point" nearest their home.

These buses will be specially marked with the route numbers below and the word "Evacuation" above the windshield and to the left of the front passenger door. Buses on Evacuation Routes will only stop for passengers at the Storm Shelter Pickup Points. Each bus will deliver passengers to a shelter managed by the American Red Cross or Emergency Management. When the storm clears, the buses will return passengers to the closest pickup point to their home.

Storm Shelter Pickup Points Routes are listed below:

Route 90E in North Fort Myers runs from Merchants Crossing to Pine Island Road along Bayshore Road to Hart Drive, north to Tucker Lane, to Ebson Drive, south to Laurel Lane and back to Merchants Crossing.

Route10E in Fort Myers runs from the Lee Tran Transfer Center along M.L. King Blvd., making numerous stops at side streets, to the Stars Complex, north on Marsh to Ballard Ave., to Nuna Ave., to Tice Street, Palm Beach Blvd., Michigan Avenue and returns to the Lee Tran Transfer Center.

Route 130E begins at Santini Plaza going north on Estero Blvd., making numerous stops, to San Carlos Blvd., to McGregor Blvd., to Pine Ridge Road, to Gladiolus Dr., to Winkler Road, east on Cypress Lake, through Edison College, along Summerlin Road, through the Pine Manor neighborhood and ending at Edison Mall.

Route 150E begins at the Publix Bonita Grande Crossing Shopping Plaza and runs Bonita Grande Drive to Bonita Beach Road to Imperial Street. Continues west on Dean Street, north on Old U.S. 41, east on Rosemary Road to Manna Christian Ministries, back to Old U.S. 41, north to U.S. 41 with stops at Production Circle, Cypress Bend Resort to Woodsmoke Camping Resort ending at the old Winn Dixie Shopping Center.

Riders are asked to limit their carry on baggage to one bag per person. Make sure you have packed your medications, change of clothing, toilet articles, food and some form of picture identification. No animals are allowed on the buses or in the shelters with the exception of service animals.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2004 Lee County Government Offices will be closed Friday Because Tropical Storm force winds from Hurricane Charley are expected to hit Lee County at 8-9 a.m. Friday with the worst winds from noon to 6 p.m., Lee County Government Offices will be closed tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 13th). A hurricane warning for our area has not been issued, but could be sometime after 5 p.m. today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2004 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 3:30 p.m. While no mainland evacuations have been ordered, below are some areas of concern due to historic flooding or storm surge problems (provided by fire districts and cities): NORTH LEE

• Area between Moody & Palm south of Pondella • Betmar, Driftwood and the side streets off them • East of River Rd, south of Pondella (Cabana City) • Rivers Edge MHP and all of Port Edison • Complete Yacht Club Colony as well as Cohn, Jones, Bonita, Stevenson,

Reymoor and Cherrie • Bayshore FD anything south of Bayshore Rd

CITY OF FORT MYERS

• McGregor area, from Colonial to SR 80 • First Street downtown • Dean Park area • SR 80 North to River

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2004 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 4:00 p.m. While no mainland evacuations have been ordered, below are some areas of concern due to historic flooding or storm surge problems (provided by fire districts and cities): BAYSHORE AREA

• Laurel Lynn • Nalle Rd. south end • Civic Center/SR 31, Old Bayshore • Castleview Dr. • Waters Edge Circle • Bay Pointe Boulevard • Upriver Campground • Sunburst RV Park • Pelican Way, Duke Highway • Tarpon Way, North Olga • East Lake Dr. • Waygata Ct. • Caroline Lane

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2004 Alligator Alley Eastbound Tolls Lifted Debbie Tower with the Southwest Florida District Office of Florida Department of Transportation announces that tolls have been lifted at the Naples (Collier) eastbound toll plaza on Alligator Alley.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2004 Fountain Interchange Stuck Truck Update/FDOT Debbie Tower with the Southwest Florida District Office of Florida Department of Transportation announces that the truck with backhoe that was stuck underneath the Fountain Interchange overpass (U.S. 41/McGregror westbound lanes) has been removed; however there is equipment underneath the bridge so that crews can assess damage to the structure. This equipment is expected to be removed soon. Both northbound and southbound lanes on the overpass (over McGregor/MLK) and U.S. 41/Caloosahatchee River bridge are open to traffic. The damage does not appear to affect the structure. FDOT will begin repairs in the next several weeks.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2004 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 6:30 p.m. Emergency managers held a conference call with the National Hurricane Center and state Emergency Operations Center at 5 p.m. and a local briefing with agencies at 5:30 p.m. The following actions were taken:

• Lee Emergency Operations Center is urging residents to complete their evacuation plans THIS EVENING. This is a very serious storm potentially intensifying to a Category 3. While the current track makes landfall around Tampa area, Lee County will begin to experience high winds around 8 a.m. RESIDENTS NEED TO BE IN A SAFE PLACE AT THAT TIME AND SHOULD NOT BE OUT ON THE ROADS EVACUATING.

• On the current track, Lee County will experience the greatest storm surge on the

back end of the storm after it has passed. That should be mid- to late-afternoon Friday.

• No further evacuations are being ordered at this time. The evacuations this

morning of barrier/coastal islands are in-county evacuations, meaning residents should find safe haven with friends, hotels, or storm shelters. If residents do leave the county, they need to evacuate east, not north.

• 7 shelters were opened today with 9,200 spaces. As of 5 p.m. only about 40

people were in shelters.

• Storm surge is still predicted at 5 to 6 feet. 4-6 inches of rainfall, however the storm is moving swiftly, meaning less chance for rain accumulation.

• Hurricane force winds are expected in Lee between noon and 6 p.m. Friday.

• Sanibel Causeway, Matlacha, Alva, Big Carlos, and SR 31 drawbridges all will be

locked down by 7 p.m. tonight

• When tropical storm force winds reach 40 mph sustained, Lee EOC is recommending residents not attempt to cross any bridges.

• Lee Tran is ceasing all operations at 8 p.m.

• You can visit http://www.leeeoc.com/press/default.htm for copies of past releases

detailing other information, including storm shelters that are open.

MN 04-22 Media Advisory #2: Southwest Florida International Airport Status and PR Contact Information There have been some additional flight cancellations at Southwest Florida International Airport (SWFIA) since our 4 p.m. media advisory. (Please see the airline-provided updates below.) Airline and airport officials at SWFIA still strongly urge all those planning to fly or meet passengers during the next 24 to 48 hours to:

1) Contact their respective airlines directly to confirm the status of their flights AND/OR

2) Check the status of flights at the airport’s Web site at www.swfia.com. (Click on “Flight/Airline Information” and then “Flight Arrival/Departure Information”)

Airport PR staff will not be at the airport this evening. We will, however, be available by phone to answer any questions you may have. Please contact Susan Sanders at 239-693-4863. In addition, airport PR staff will continue to forward information about changes in flight schedules received from the airlines. Please note these advisories are not all-inclusive reports on the status of flights at SWFIA. The airport is currently open and will remain open (regardless of flight activity) unless there is debris on the runway that prevents aircraft operations. Contact: Susan M. Sanders, Director/Aviation Marketing, 239-768-4381 Aug.12, 2004 LCPA/Hurricane 8-12-04 #2 Current Flight Cancellation Information Provided by Airlines at SWFIA: AirTran Airways: All flights through Friday, August 13, 2004, have been cancelled. Flights are slated to resume as normally scheduled effective Saturday, August 14, 2004. American Airlines/American Eagle: As of now: All Departures for Friday, AA & AE are Cancelled Thur Aug 12 2094 DFW-RSW SKD 22:18PM CXL Fri Aug 13 5078 RSW-MIA SKD 07:05 AM CXL Aug 13 1085 RSW-DFW SKD 08:31 AM CXL Aug 13 5083 MIA-RSW SKD 11:10 AM CXL Aug 13 5084 RSW-MIA SKD 11:40 AM CXL Aug 13 5073 MIA-RSW SKD 14:40 PM CXL Aug 13 5074 RSW-MIA SKD 15:10 PM CXL Aug 13 5075 MIA-RSW SKD 17:45 PM CXL Aug 13 5076 RSW-MIA SKD 18:15 PM CXL Overnight arrivals Fri AE 5077 at 9:15 PM and DFW at 22:18 PM are scheduled to operate. Current 18:30 PM 12/12 Aug Delta Airlines: All flights departing SWFIA for the remainder of today (Thursday, August 12, 2004) will operate as scheduled. All flights (both departures and arrivals) on Friday, August 13, 2004 have been cancelled.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2004 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 8:00 p.m.

• Lee Emergency Operations Center is urging residents to complete their evacuation plans THIS EVENING. This is a very serious storm potentially intensifying to a Category 3. While the current track makes landfall around Tampa area, Lee County will begin to experience high winds around 8 a.m. RESIDENTS NEED TO BE IN A SAFE PLACE AT THAT TIME AND SHOULD NOT BE OUT ON THE ROADS EVACUATING.


back end of the storm after it has passed. That should be mid- to late-afternoon Friday.

• No further evacuations are being ordered at this time. The evacuations this

morning of barrier/coastal islands are in-county evacuations, meaning residents should find safe haven with friends, hotels, or storm shelters. If residents do leave the county, they need to evacuate east, not north.

• Storm surge is still predicted at 5 to 6 feet. 4-6 inches of rainfall, however the

storm is moving swiftly, meaning less chance for rain accumulation.

• Hurricane force winds are expected in Lee between noon and 6 p.m. Friday.

• Sanibel Causeway, Matlacha, Alva, Big Carlos, and SR 31 drawbridges all will be locked down by 7 p.m. tonight

• When tropical storm force winds reach 40 mph sustained, Lee EOC is

recommending residents not attempt to cross any bridges.

• Lee Tran is ceasing all operations at 8 p.m.

• In the event of power loss, local fire departments recommend caution be used when burning candles or using propane type devices for cooking. Also, residents who do experience home flooding are reminded to turn off the main power breaker in order to prevent electrical shocks.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2004 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 11:30 p.m.

• Lee Emergency Operations Center is urging residents to complete their evacuation plans now. This is a very serious storm potentially intensifying to a Category 3. The forward movement speed of Hurricane Charley has slowed to 14 mph. The current track makes landfall around the Tampa area and Lee County will begin to experience tropical force winds around 11 a.m. on Friday. RESIDENTS NEED TO BE IN A SAFE PLACE AT THAT TIME AND SHOULD NOT BE OUT ON THE ROADS.


back end of the storm after it has passed. That should be late Friday evening.

• No further evacuations are being ordered at this time. The evacuations this morning of barrier/coastal islands are in-county evacuations, meaning residents should find safe haven with friends, hotels, or storm shelters. If residents do leave the county, they need to evacuate east, not north.

• Storm surge is still predicted at 5 to 6 feet. 4-6 inches of rain.

• Hurricane force winds are expected in Lee County between 4 p.m and 11 p.m.

Friday.

• Sanibel Causeway, Matlacha, Alva, Big Carlos, and SR 31 drawbridges all will be locked down by 7 p.m. tonight

• When tropical storm force winds reach 40 mph sustained, Lee EOC is

recommending residents not attempt to cross any bridges.

• Lee Tran has ceased all operations.

• In the event of power loss, local fire departments recommend caution be used when burning candles or using propane type devices for cooking. Also, residents who do experience home flooding are reminded to turn off the main power breaker in order to prevent electrical shocks.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – BULLETIN HURRICANE CHARLEY INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 15A August 13, 2004 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 2:30 a.m NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL 2 AM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ...HURRICANE CHARLEY CROSSING CUBA IN HURRY...EYE OVER WESTERN HAVANA...ABOUT TO MOVE OVER THE FLORIDA STRAITS... A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS FROM THE DRY TORTUGAS TO THE SEVEN MILE BRIDGE...AND FOR THE FLORIDA WEST COAST FROM EAST CAPE SABLE NORTHWARD TO THE MOUTH OF THE SUWANNEE RIVER. A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION. A HURRICANE WARNING ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING PROVINCES OF WESTERN CUBA...PINAR DEL RIO...LA HABANA...CIUDAD DE LA HABANA...MATANZAS...AND THE ISLE OF YOUTH. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS FROM THE SEVEN MILE BRIDGE TO OCEAN REEF...AND ALONG THE SOUTH FLORIDA MAINLAND FROM OCEAN REEF TO EAST CAPE SABLE...INCLUDING FLORIDA BAY. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR LAKE OKEECHOBEE. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN U. S. COAST FROM OCEAN REEF NORTHWARD TO SOUTH SANTEE RIVER SOUTH CAROLINA. KEY WEST AND CUBAN RADAR INDICATE THAT AT 2 AM EDT...0600Z...THE EYE OF HURRICANE CHARLEY WAS LOCATED OVER CUBA NEAR LATITUDE 23.0 NORTH...LONGITUDE 82.6 WEST ABOUT 14 MILES...22 KM...WEST OF DOWNTOWN HAVANA. CHARLEY IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 14 MPH...22 KM/HR. A TURN TOWARD THE NORTH IS EXPECTED TODAY. THIS MOTION SHOULD BRING THE EYE OF CHARLEY AROSS THE SOUTHEASTERN GULF OF MEXICO TOWARD THE FLORIDA WEST COAST LATER TODAY. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 105 MPH...165 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. THIS MAKES CHARLEY A CATEGORY 2 HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE. SOME STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS...AND CHARLEY IS FORECAST TO BE A MAJOR HURRICANE AS IT APPROACHES THE FLORIDA WEST COAST. HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 30 MILES... 45 KM...FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 125 MILES...205 KM. HAVANA AIRPORT RECENTLY REPORTED GUSTS TO 58 MPH..93 KM/HR. THE LATEST MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT IS 973 MB...28.73 INCHES.

STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 10 TO 14 FEET IS PROBABLY BEING EXPERIENCED ALONG THE SOUTH COAST OF CUBA NEAR AND EAST OF WHERE THE CENTER MADE LANDFALL. THE SURGE SHOULD GRADUALLY SUBSIDE AS THE HURRICANE MOVES AWAY FROM CUBA. STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 2 TO 4 FEET...ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...CAN BE EXPECTED IN THE FLORIDA KEYS. STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 10 TO 13 FEET IS ALSO POSSIBLE NEAR AND SOUTH OF THE WHERE THE CENTER CROSSES THE FLORIDA WEST COAST. RAINFALL TOTALS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES ARE LIKELY IN ASSOCIATION WITH CHARLEY. THESE RAINS COULD CAUSE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS. ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN FLORIDA PENINSULA AND THE FLORIDA KEYS TONIGHT. REPEATING THE 2 AM EDT POSITION...23.0 N... 82.6 W. MOVEMENT TOWARD...NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 14 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...105 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE... 973 MB. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE. THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AT 5 AM EDT. FORECASTER AVILA - You can visit http://www.leeeoc.com/press/default.htm for copies of past releases detailing other information, including storm shelters that are open.

MN 04-23 Media Advisory #3: Southwest Florida International Airport Status

Aug.13, 2004

All flights in and out of Southwest Florida International Airport have been cancelled until 5 p.m. tonight.

Airline and airport officials still strongly urge those with questions about future flight activity to contact their respective airlines.

The airport remains officially open but the airlines are the best source of information regarding future flight activity.

We will forward information about the status of flight activity after 5 p.m. as we receive it from the airlines.

Contact: Susan M. Sanders, Director/Aviation Marketing, 239-768-4381

LCPA/Hurricane 8-13-04 #3 Laska L. Ryan, APR Senior Manager, Aviation Marketing Communications Lee County Port Authority 239-768-4379, FAX: 239-768-4711, www.swfia.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2004 at 07:30 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 7:30 a.m Due to dynamic conditions of Hurricane Charley, storm surge levels could reach 9-10 feet in late afternoon today in the Iona McGregor area, Fort Myers Beach, and low lying areas in Cape Coral and along the Caloosahatchee. If you live below 10 feet elevation, evacuate immediately. Shelter space is still available in Lee County. Listen to news media for shelter locations, visit http://www.leeeoc.com or call 477-1900. For the media, please direct all calls from the general public to the Storm Hotline which is 477-1900 and not 477-3600. The Storm Hotline is manned 24-hours a day with volunteers to answer any questions. - You can visit http://www.leeeoc.com/press/ for copies of past releases detailing other information, including storm shelters that are open.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2004 at 10:25 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 10:25 AM Lee County has opened Tanglewood Elementary at 1620 Manchester Blvd. as a storm shelter. Tanglewood Elementary has the capacity to hold 800 people. At this time, Lee County shelters can accommodate more than 14,000 residents. The complete list of open storm shelters includes:

• Alico Arena (FGCU), 12181 FGCU Lake Parkway E., south Lee County • Alva Elementary and Middle School, 21290 Park Street, Alva • Diplomat Middle School, 1039 N.E. 16th Terrace, Cape Coral • Dunbar High School, 3800 E. Edison Avenue, Fort Myers • Germain (TECO) Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, south Lee County • North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts, 1856 Arts Way, NFM • Tanglewood Elementary at 1620 Manchester Blvd., Fort Myers • Varsity Lakes Middle School, 801 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres • For those that have pre-registered, the special needs shelters include: • Edison Learning Center, Fort Myers High, Cortez Avenue, Fort Myers • Sunshine Elementary, 601 Sara Drive, Lehigh Acres

Prior registration was required for the special needs shelter. If you have not pre-registered, please contact 477-1900 and ask to speak with a Health Department official. The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau has opened a toll-free hotline at 1-888-849-4085 for visitor and tourist-related accommodations information. For the media, please direct all calls from the general public to the Storm Hotline which is 477-1900 and not 477-3600. The Storm Hotline is manned 24-hours a day with volunteers to answer any questions. You can visit http://www.leeeoc.com/press/ for copies of past releases detailing other information, including storm shelters that are open.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2004 at 13:10 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 13:10 The shelter at Diplomat Middle School is nearing its capacity of 1000. Lee County officials and the Red Cross are encouraging those that are seeking shelter to consider North Fort Myers Academy of Arts at 1856 Arts Way, just east of business US 41 off of Laurel. Lee County Department of Transportation has limited traffic across the Sanibel Causeway to one-way off the island traffic. You can visit http://www.leeeoc.com/press/ for copies of past releases detailing other information, including storm shelters that are open.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2004 at 14:35 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 14:35 Lee County Emergency Management officials are recommending that anyone intending to seek shelter in a Lee County storm shelter do so no later than 3:30 pm before weather and wind conditions become unbearable. You can visit http://www.leeeoc.com/press/ for copies of past releases detailing other information, including storm shelters that are open.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2004 at 15:20 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 15:20 Lee County Emergency Management officials have announced that all emergency vehicles to include law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services can not respond until sustained wind conditions reach a safe level, below 40 miles per hour. Emergency Management officials asks those that have an emergency to continue to call 911, and emergency response will continue when weather conditions permit. You can visit http://www.leeeoc.com/press/ for copies of past releases detailing other information, including storm shelters that are open.

MN 04-24 Media Advisory #4: Southwest Florida International Airport’s Status

Southwest Florida International Airport (SWFIA) is officially closed because personnel are unable to inspect the runway due to the weather.

All flights into and out of SWFIA have been cancelled through this evening.

Airline and airport officials strongly urge those with questions about tomorrow’s flight activity to contact their respective airlines.

We will provide you with updated airport status and flight status information as it becomes available.

Contact: Susan M. Sanders, Director/Aviation Marketing, 239-693-4863.

Aug.13, 2004

LCPA/Hurricane 8-12-04 #4

Laska L. Ryan, APR Senior Manager, Aviation Marketing Communications Lee County Port Authority 239-768-4379, FAX: 239-768-4711, www.swfia.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2004 at 19:05 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 19:05 Lee County Emergency Management officials have announced that weather conditions have sufficiently improved in some regions, enabling emergency personnel to respond in certain areas of the county at this time. Lee County Emergency Management officials are strongly encouraging all residents to remain in their current shelter while they continue to assess the damage. Lee County Emergency Management officials will notify all residents when weather conditions permit and power and road access are restored. Emergency vehicles, including law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, will continue to mobilize as conditions permit. Citizens are encouraged to continue calling 911. Emergency personnel will respond when able. Calls will be logged for the areas in which safe travel is still not possible. All calls will be prioritized, and as soon as it is possible to respond, appropriate emergency personnel will be on the scene. Representatives from the National Weather Service reported that preliminary reports have indicated that the storm surge peaked at 8 feet in some areas, but did not reach the 10-15 feet of storm surge projected. At 4:00 P.M., Lee County Emergency Operations officials indicated that there is damage being reported in Cape Coral which is characterized as being "rather substantial". Lee County Logistics officials advised that the State Department of Emergency Management will provide a logistical staging team to run the response staging area, which will be manned by personnel from the Florida Department of Forestry. The State logistical staging area is located at Lakeland Airport. State resources will be brought to that location for use as needed in Lee County. Lee County Emergency Planning officials advise that they continue to compile packages to send to the State regarding needs assessment and requests for resources. A representative from the City of Fort Myers advised of downed power lines at the historic Thomas Edison Estate in Fort Myers. Trees are reported down in areas around the city, along with reports of damage to some roofs. A representative for the City of Sanibel advised that post-storm conditions there were reported to be similar to those described in Fort Myers. Cape Coral is reported to have sustained rather significant damage. Water pressure has apparently been lost throughout the city. Additionally, portions of the roof of the Cape Coral Hospital, as well as windows and doors in that facility, have been lost. Due to the absence of water within the hospital, As of 4:00 P.M., no injuries had been reported at Cape Coral Hospital. Cape Coral City Hall, which was being used as a shelter for City employees and their families, sustained damage, forcing people to be evacuated to other, safer areas within the City Hall complex. As of 4:00 P.M., there were 5,399 people confirmed to be in Lee County storm shelters. An additional unconfirmed number of people, estimated at 4,000, were thought to be in Lee County storm shelters, bringing the total to more than 9,000. As of 4:00 P.M., Lee County Electric Cooperative reported power outages of approximately 118,800 units in Lehigh, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island and Sanibel. The number of power outages for FP&L customers is still being assessed. You can visit http://www.leeeoc.com/press/ for copies of past releases detailing other information, including storm shelters that are open.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2004 at 19:15 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 19:15 Department of Transportation officials have announced that all Lee County bridges, with the exception of the Sanibel Bridge, are now open and operational. Department of Transportation officials will assess the Sanibel Bridge tomorrow and determine at that time when it will open Lee County Emergency Management officials continue to strongly encourage all residents to remain in their current shelter while they continue to assess the damage. Lee County Emergency Management officials will notify all residents when weather conditions permit and power and road access are restored.

You can visit http://www.leeeoc.com/press/ for copies of past releases detailing other information, including storm shelters that are open.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2004 at 20:15 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 20:15 Lee County Emergency Management officials continue to strongly encourage all residents to remain in their current shelter or residence while they continue to assess the damage. Lee County Emergency Management officials will notify all residents when weather conditions permit and power and road access are restored. Currently, there are approximately 8,000 residents in the ten open Lee County Storm Shelters as of 7:30 PM. City of Fort Myers officials have announced that some Fort Myers residents may be experiencing reduced water pressure related to a power outage. To minimize the effects of this reduced pressure, City of Fort Myers officials are requesting that all residents continue conservative use of water. City of Fort Myers Police Department officials are reporting that they are without phone service at this time due to a power outage. In the event of an emergency, residents should continue to dial 911. You can visit http://www.leeeoc.com/press/ for copies of past releases detailing other information, including storm shelters that are open.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2004 at 20:30 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 20:30 Lee County Health Department officials have issued a warning to use bottled water or boil water for one minute for those households experiencing a loss of pressure or where a well is covered by water. If residents are unable to boil water or do not have bottled water, add two drops of household bleach to one quart of water. Allow this stand for 30 minutes before drinking. City of Fort Myers officials have announced that some Fort Myers residents may be experiencing reduced water pressure related to a power outage. To minimize the effects of this reduced pressure, City of Fort Myers officials are requesting that all residents continue conservative use of water. There are also reports of loss of water pressure in Cape Coral.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2004 at 21:20 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 21:20 Officials with the Lee County Sheriff's Office have confirmed one storm-related fatality occurring in North Fort Myers today.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2004 at 10 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 10 a.m. Current Information from Emergency Operations Center:

• Residents still are not being allowed back on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, or Pine Island.

• Residents are being allowed into North Cape and Matlacha, but cannot cross the

Matlacha Bridge.

• If you still are out of county, there is no reason to come back yet because of widespread power outages.

• Flights are resuming at Southwest Florida International Airport at 9:30 a.m.

PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE BEFORE HEADING TO THE AIRPORT.

• If anyone needs to go to a shelter, Please go to Germain Arena. All current

shelters are being consolidated to Germain Arena. Germain has power and food supplies, capacity of 6,500.

• Please do not call Emergency Management at 477-3600 unless you do not have

a home and need to coordinate with Red Cross for assistance. Please do not call with general questions.

• Lee EOC is trying to activate an information hotline. When we do that, we will

publish the number.

• Please do not call EMS for minor things. Their resources are being stretched.

• FPL and LCEC are reporting a combined total of 278,000 customers in Lee County without power.

• LEE DOT STRESSES, TREAT INOPERABLE TRAFFIC SIGNALS AS FOUR-

WAY STOPS (UNLESS POLICE ARE DIRECTING TRAFFIC) AND SLOW DOWN! IT WILL TAKE LONGER BUT PREVENT ACCIDENTS.

• Teams with the National Guard and Emergency agencies are in the process this

morning of doing damage assessments.

• The City of Sanibel is requesting that residents who remain on the island not hook up their generators until further notice while assessment teams are doing their assessments. This power running through their homes can be extremely dangerous to assessment team members.

FROM THE LEE COUNTY HEALTH DEPT. (SAFETY TIPS) Lee County Health Department and Public Safety officials have issued several warnings today to its residents:

• Those under boil water notices need to boil their water for one-minutes roiling water.

• There are several reports of downed power lines. Do not attempt to move or work

around power lines.

• ·Be attentive to falling limbs and trees.

• Avoid climbing; specifically as it relates to tree cutting, home repair and roof repair. If you must climb, take appropriate precautions.

• Take extra care when using power tools to include chain saws.

• Use extra caution when working around the house; specifically as it relates to

heat exposure and over-exertion. Be sure to hydrate regularly and to take regular breaks.

• Use proper ventilation when using generators or when cooking.

• Be cautious of animals that have sought refuge to include snakes and alligators.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2004 at 10:48 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 10:45 a.m. Current Information from Emergency Operations Center:

• Initial estimates from the Lee County Property Appraiser's Office are that 250,000 structures in Lee County are damaged with an estimated value of 3 billion (Approximately 50% Water and 50% Wind Damage)

• Approximately 270,000 without electricity in Lee County. Local electricity

providers will be focusing on key facilities such as Hospital/Fire/Police. FPL has over 6000 people in field and 4000 support staff and is bringing in an additional 3500 contractors and other utility representatives from other areas to help restore power.

• Lee County Solid Waste is doing Friday regular scheduled pick-up today in

accessible areas. Lee County serves unincorporated Lee and City of Bonita Springs. Town of Fort Myers Beach in not accessible. The county will be doing a horticulture pick-up in service areas Sunday. Please make sure yard waste is no longer than 6 feet and logs are no more than 50 pounds. Yare waste does not have to be tied. Please don't put next to mail box or fire hydrants. For pick-ups next week please be sure to separate construction and demolition from horticulture.

• Sanibel Causeway closed except for emergency and recovery vehicles

• LEE DOT STRESSES, TREAT INOPERABLE TRAFFIC SIGNALS AS FOUR

WAY STOPS (UNLESS POLICE ARE DIRECTING TRAFFIC) AND SLOW DOWN! IT WILL TAKE LONGER BUT PREVENT ACCIDENTS.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2004 at 12:10 pm Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 12:10 pm Current Information from Emergency Operations Center:

• The National Guard is bringing is 200 troops today to provide security on Sanibel and throughout Lee County. In addition, they will also be bringing in 13 soldiers today with heavy equipment.

• The Lee County Health Department clinics are closed until further notice. • The WIC Clinic at Evans will be open to issue checks. • Lee County Health Department telephones are not in service. For public health

emergencies call 479-8067. Please continue to call 911 for all life threatening emergencies. The Lee County Health Department line is for public health concerns such as food and water concerns, etc.

• The Sanibel Causeway has been inspected by the County and lost some seawall on the drawbridge, but is structurally sound with the weight and speed restrictions in force. However, residents are not permitted over because the damage assessment on the island is ongoing. The City of Sanibel is not allowing residents on the island.


• Lee County's Emergency Information Hotline is still Active, 477-1900. The county also is in the process of activating and 800-number hotline. When that is finalized, it will be published.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2004 at 1 pm Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 1 pm Current Information from Emergency Operations Center:

• Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated - 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

• Lee County drawbridges, Big Carlos, Matlacha and Alva are operational

again. Causeway drawbridge is operational but locked down. No one is allowed over the Sanibel Causeway except for emergency and recovery vehicles.

• Germain Arena is open for people who still need to go to a shelter

because of damage to their homes.

• In Lee County Solid Waste Services Area, there will be horticultural waste pickup in accessible areas.

• Lee DOT crews are removing obstructions from roads based on

information they are receiving from the Sheriff's Office.

• Please treat inoperable traffic signals as four-way stops and slow down.

• No word yet on restoration timetables for power.

• Damage assessment teams are continuing their assessments.


• Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated - 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

• Pine Island, only residents with identification allowed back on the island.

• Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel still closed to residents.

• Florida Department of Transporation reports crews are in town to inspect FDOT

bridges include Matanzas Pass Bridge. Also 70 employees from north central Florida to help remove debris from sides of state roads. State roads are passable and I-75 is open.

• Lee DOT is asking people not to drive over downed power lines. And people

should stay out of standing water.

• Local physicians are reporting many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning from residents running their generators indoors. Please urge listeners to run generators outdoors only. Most SW Florida homes do not have detectors for carbon monoxide in their homes which makes this even more dangerous. Also, do not refuel generators when hot. They may ignite.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2004 at 3 pm Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 3 pm Current Information from Emergency Operations Center: INFO. FROM HEALTH DEPT. REGARDING PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER NOTICES

• The Lee County Health Department is asking residents to conserve water/wastewater. The systems are being strained. That means only use water for essential things and not watering lawns, washing cars, etc.

• Customers of the following systems are under a precautionary boil water notice

(boil water for one minute roiling or use bottled water):

• All of the barrier islands, including Pine Island.

• The City of Cape Coral

• Waterway Esates The following systems ARE NOT under a boil water notice:

• Bonita Springs Utilities • Lehigh (FGUA) • All Lee County Utilities customers except Waterway Estates • Gateway Utilities • City of Fort Myers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2004 at 5:30 pm Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 5:30 pm

• LCEC and FPL are working hard to get power back up in the area. Power has now been restored to approximately 85,000 customers locally. They are focusing on getting all systems up and running and restoring essential services.

• If anyone needs to go to a shelter please go to Germain Arena. All current shelters are being consolidated to Germain. The shelter will have meals during daylight hours. Please note: civilians who aren't staying at the shelter can also come for meals. However, they will have to register.

• The Lee County Sheriff's Office has issued a curfew from 11pm until 6am. • Fort Myers curfew is 8pm to 7am. • Please exercise extra caution due to missing traffic lights. Follow proper order at

4 way stops, etc. • Florida Gulf Coast University will remain closed through Monday, August 16,

2004. They hope to restore services by Tuesday, but efforts are established on getting electricity to the campus. Students are advised to remain home unless advised otherwise and monitor the media for further details.

• Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

• Most of Sanibel and Captiva roads are now cleared including Periwinkle Road.


• Lee County Emergency Operation Center has been provided a list of insurance companies with respective phone numbers from the State Insurance Catastrophic Recovery Section. Residents and businesses needing to make claims as a result of damage sustained by Hurricane Charley should use the phone numbers listed for their insurance company.

• Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated: 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 15, 2004 at 6:45 am Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 6:45 am President Bush is scheduled to visit Southwest Florida this morning. As of late last evening, FP&L reported that approximately 110,000 customers were without power. LCEC reported approximately 81,116 customers were without power. According to FP&L and LCEC officials, power has been restored in all Lee County hospitals. The Lee County Emergency Operations Center is off generator as power has been restored to that building. Lee County Emergency Management and fire officials request that residents of the barrier islands avoid returning to the islands while debris clean-up continues. Clean-up efforts to include removing fallen trees and repairing fallen power lines will continue throughout the day. Flights have resumed at Southwest Florida International Airport. If you are planning to visit Southwest Florida, understand that many parts of Lee County remain without power. Continue to monitor your airlines for arrivals and departures time. Lee County Health Department officials continue to warn residents to use bottled water or boil water for one minute for those households experiencing a loss of pressure or where a well is covered by water. If residents are unable to boil water or do not have bottled water, add two drops of household bleach to one quart of water. Allow this stand for 30 minutes before drinking. Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated: 477-1900 and 888-231-5320. Lee County Department of Transportation officials stress that all drivers treat inoperable traffic signals as four way stops (unless police are directing traffic) and slow down. Germain Arena continues to serve as the sole Lee County shelter. Red Cross officials reported that about 1,400 stayed at the shelter last evening. The shelter will have meals during daylight hours. Please note: civilians who aren't staying at the shelter can also come for meals. However, they will have to register. Contact 239-477-1900 for details. According to Red Cross officials, McGregor Baptist Church is also providing meals throughout the day for those in need. The Sanibel Bridge remains closed while damage assessment continues on the island. City officials will announce when residents may return to their homes. The Fort Myers Beach remains closed while damage assessment continues on the island. Town officials will announce when residents may return to their homes. The total fatality count as a result of the storm remains unchanged at one. The National Guard 153rd Engineers from Lake City arrived yesterday to provide logistics support to include delivery of emergency equipment and debris removal. In addition, more than 100 members of the 1/116th Infantry provided security throughout the county in coordination with the Lee County Sheriff's office. Lee County School District officials will work today to determine when schools will open. Some school structures were damaged by the storm and the school district will continue to assess those damages. Many schools remain without power this morning.

Lee Information Release

August 15, 2004 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 10:45

Current information from Emergency Operations Center. Initial estimates from the Lee County Property Appraiser's office are that 250,000 structures in Lee COunty are damaged with an estimated value of 3 billion (Appoximately 50% Water and and 50% Wind Damage) -Approximately 270,000 without electricity in Lee County. Local electricity providers will be focusing on key facilities such as Hospital/Police. FPL has over 6000 people in the field and 4000 support staff and is bringing in an additional 3500 contractors and utility representatives from other areas to help restore power. LCEC has their entire work force and contract crews covering their five county service area with restoration efforts. -Lee County Solid Waste is doing Friday regular scheduled pick-up today in accessible areas. Lee County serves unincorporated Lee and City of Bonita Springs. Town of Fort Myers Beach is not accessible. The county will be doing a horticulture pick-up in service areas Sunday. Please make sure yard waste is no longer than 6 feet and logs are no more than 50 pounds. Yard waste does not have to be tied. Please don't put next to mail box or fire hydrants. For pick-ups next week please be sure to separate construction and demolition from horticulture. -Sanibel Causeway closed except for emergency and recovery vehicles. -LEE DOT STRESSES, TREAT INOPERABLE TRAFFIC SIGNALS AS FOUR WAY STOPS (UNLESS POLICE ARE DIRECTING TRAFFIC) AND SLOW DOWN! IT WILL TAKE LONGER, BUT PREVENT ACCIDENTS. Karen Ryan, APR LCEC Public Relations Manager People. Power. Possibilities.

Lee Information Release August 15, 2004 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 14:35

LCEC is sending this release for Lee County EOC due to delayed email capabilities: Current Information from Lee County EOC (updated at 10:00am). --Residents still are not being allowed back on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, or Pine Island. --Residents are being allowed into North Cape and Matlacha, but cannot cross the Matlacha Bridge. --If you still are out of county, there is no reason to come back yet because of widespread power outages. --Flights are resuming at Southwest Florida International Airport at 9:30am. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE BEFORE HEADING TO THE AIRPORT. --If anyone needs to go to a shelter, please go to Germain Arena. All current shelters are being consolidated to Germain Arena. Germain has power and food supplies, capacity of 6,500. --Please do not call Emergency Management at 477-3600 unless you do not have a home and need to coordinate to Red Cross for assistance. Please do not call with general questions. --Lee EOC is trying to activate an information hotline. When we do that, we will publish the number. --Please do not call EMS for minor things. Their resources are being stretched. --FPL and LCEC are reporting a combined total of 278,000 customers in Lee County without power. --LEE DOT STRESSES, TREAT INOPERABLE TRAFFIC SIGNALS AS FOUR-WAY STOPS (UNLESS POLICE ARE DIRECTING TRAFFIC) AND SLOW DOWN! IT WILL TAKE LONGER BUT PREVENT ACCIDENTS. --Teams with the National Guard and Emergency agencies are in the process this morning of doing damage assessment. --The City of Sanibel is requesting that residents who remain on the island not hook up their generators until further notice while assessment teams are doing their assessments. This power running through their home can be extremely dangerous to assessment team members. --FROM THE LEE COUNTRY HEALTH DEPT. (SAFETY TIPS) Lee County Health Department and Public Safety officials have issued several warning today to its residents: --There are several reports of downed power lines. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE OR WORK AROUND POWER LINES! --Be attentive to falling limbs and trees. --Those under boil water notices need to boil their water for one-minute rolling water. --Avoid climbing specifically as it relates to tree cutting, home repair and roof repair. --Take extra care when using power tools. Karen Ryan, APR LCEC Public Relations Manager People. Power. Possibilities.

MMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 15, 2004 at 1:00: pm Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 1:00 pm

• Lee County Emergency Management and fire officials request that residents of the barrier islands avoid returning to the islands while debris clean-up continues. Clean-up efforts to include removing fallen trees and repairing fallen power lines will continue throughout the day.

• Lee County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

of this week. The following school employees are to report to work on Monday, August 16, 2004:

o All 12 month school based employees, principal secretaries and custodial personnel.

o All district school level administrators, confidential secretaries and maintenance personnel.

o All principals are to meet with Dr. Browder at 9 a.m., on Monday, August 16, 2004, in the Board room at the Adams Building.

o School teachers, bus drivers and kitchen staff are not to report to work.

Edison College will be closed on Monday and will open on Tuesday. Florida Gulf Coast University will be closed on Monday and is currently without power.

Lee County government will be closed for business on Monday, August 16th,

2004, to allow employees to attend to their personal emergency needs as a result of Hurricane Charley. The Zoning meeting scheduled for Monday will also be canceled.

The Board of County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday morning at 9:00 am,

for a briefing from Lee County Emergency Management and then will conduct their regularly scheduled Board meeting at 9:30 a.m. Lee County Administration and Department Directors will report to work on Tuesday. All essential personnel who have been working throughout the declared State of Emergency will continue to do so. The County will resume standard operations on Wednesday unless otherwise notified.

Horticulture pick up for unincorporated Lee County will begin today. Bundling of

debris is encouraged but not required. Bundling of debris will expedite the pickup process. Keep debris lengths at six feet or less, large logs at 50 pounds or less. Do not put debris piles close to fire hydrants, water meters and mailboxes. There may be a delay in the pickup of large debris piles.

Fort Myers Beach commercial Garbage pick-up will be on Monday and

residential pick-up will be on Tuesday.

Regular household garbage collection schedule for unincorporated Lee County will resume on Monday, August 16, 2004, where accessible.

Special Needs Shelter is now located at Harborside Convention Center. 130

individuals were transferred to the facility on Saturday evening.

Lee County Health Department officials continue to warn residents in to use bottled water or boil water for one minute for those households experiencing a loss of pressure or where a well is covered by water. If residents are unable to boil water or do not have bottled water, add two drops of household bleach to one quart of water. Allow this stand for 30 minutes before drinking.

Lee County Department of Transportation officials stress that all drivers treat

inoperable traffic signals as four way stops (unless police are directing traffic) and slow down.

Florida Department of Transportation officials report that U.S. 41 in Punta Gorda

beween Aqui Esta and the Peace River Bridge is one lane north and one lane south.

Special Needs Transportation for limited non-emergency transportationis

available between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday. for LeeTran ADA or Good Wheels pasengers, who must have life sustaining services (i.e.Dialasis or Medical Care). To receive necessary life sustaining only; first make sure that your medical service provider is open, and can take your appointment, then call 275-8726 to schedule a trip. For emergency transportation needs, call 911.

Germain Arena continues to serve as the sole Lee County shelter. Red Cross

officials reported that about 1,400 stayed at the shelter last evening. The shelter will have meals during daylight hours. Please note: civilians who aren't staying at the shelter can also come for meals. However, they will have to register. Contact 239-477-1900 for details. According to Red Cross officials, McGregor Baptist Church is also providing meals throughout the day for those in need.

Red Cross has five mobile feeding sites located at Sanibel, Ft. Myers Beach,

Cape Coral, Bokeelia and St. James City. All who stop and request a meal will be given one. The Red Cross has two fixed feeding stations at Germain Arena shelter and starting Monday morning McGregror Baptist Church kitchen located behind the church on Colonial Boulevard.

The Sanibel Bridge remains closed while damage assessment continues on the

island. City officials will announce when residents may return to their homes.

Sanibel's dispatch center is operational. 10 damage assessment teams are working on Sanibel.

The Fort Myers Beach remains closed while damage assessment continues on

the island. Town officials will announce when residents may return to their homes.

The total fatality count as a result of the storm remains unchanged at one.

The National Guard 153rd Engineers from Lake City arrived yesterday to provide

logistics support to include delivery of emergency equipment and debris removal. In addition, more than 100 members of the 1/116th Infantry provided security throughout the county in coordination with the Lee County Sheriff's office.

Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated: 477-1900 and 888-

231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 15, 2004 at 8:00 pm Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 8:00 pm - Lee County Emergency Management and Lee County Sheriff's officials have announced that 500 law enforcement personnel have been brought in to assist with the additional needs created in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley. The law enforcement agencies, which have provided personnel, are as follows:

• Homeland Security; Department of Forestry; Department of Fish and Wildlife; U.S. Marshall's Service; FDLE; ATF; Coast Guard; U.S. Customs Service; INS; Sheriff's office (Florida); and Police Department (Florida).

• The National Guard has deployed 725 personnel to our area to assist with law

enforcement, traffic control, and other responsibilities as needed.

• Additionally, the entire staff of the Lee County Sheriff's Office has been activated and is working extended shifts to provide all necessary services to the citizens of Lee County.

• Edison College will be closed on Monday and will open on Tuesday. Florida Gulf Coast

University will be closed with classes canceled on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Tentative schedule is to reopen on Thursday morning. All faculty and staff should plan on reporting to work on Thursday morning, August 19th, 2004. FGCU is currently without power.

• Fort Myers Beach commercial garbage pickup will resume on Monday, August 16th, with

residential pickup to begin on Tuesday, August 17th. This service is being provided for those who did not evacuate the island before the hurricane.

• Florida Department of Transportation officials report that U.S. 41 in Punta Gorda between

Aqui Esta and the Peace River Bridge is one lane north and one lane south.

• Special needs transportation for limited non-emergency transportation is available between 9AM and 7PM on Monday, for LeeTran ADA or Good Wheels passengers, who must have life sustaining services (i.e., dialysis or medical care). To receive necessary life sustaining care only, first make sure that your medical service provider is open and can take your appointment, then call 275-8726 to schedule a trip. For emergency transportation needs, call 911.

• Lee Tran has announced that there will be no fixed route bus service on Monday. Fixed

routes will resume as soon as conditions allow.

• Red Cross has three mobile feeding sites located at Cape Coral, Bokeelia and St. James City. All who stop and request a meal will be given one. The Red Cross has also established two mobile feeding sites at Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach to assist those residents who did not evacuate and are still on those barrier islands. The Red Cross has two fixed feeding stations at Germain Arena shelter and, starting Monday morning, at the McGregor Baptist Church kitchen, which is located behind the church on Colonial Boulevard.

• The Sanibel bridge remains closed while damage assessment continues on the island.

City officials will announce when residents may return to their homes.

• The National Guard 153rd Engineers from Lake City arrived yesterday to provide logistics support including deliver of emergency equipment and debris removal. In addition, more than 100 members of the 1/116th infantry provided security throughout the county in coordination with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

• The City of Cape Coral has reported a number of statistics to Lee County Emergency

officials relating to issues that impact Cape Coral citizens:

• An estimated 30 single family homes and duplexes have been rendered uninhabitable due to structural damage, affecting approximately 90 people.

• An estimated 72 multi-family units which are no longer habitable, affecting approximately

50 people.

• Between 8,500 and 9,750 single family homes have sustained damage to roof shingles, tiles and underlayment. These homes will potentially develop habitation issues as a result of seasonal rains.

• There are 150 Cape Coral commercial structures which sustained moderate to severe

damage as a result of Hurricane Charley. These businesses are presently unable to operate.

• Of the 22 Lee County Electric Cooperative circuits in Cape Coral, eight remain inoperable

at this time. Efforts continue to restore power.

• It is hoped that damage assessments for both residential and commercial properties in Cape Coral will be completed by the end of the day on Sunday, 8/15/04.

• The Lowe's Home Center located in Cape Coral has advised that deliveries of tarps and

plastic sheeting for roof dry-in will be available after scheduled deliveries on Monday, 8/16/04 and Tuesday, 8/17/04.

• Lee County Utilities is urging all citizens to limit water use if their electrical service has not

yet been restored. Once power is restored, allow 1 to 2 hours before resuming normal water use. This will help to ensure that sanitary conditions relating to the sewer system are maintained.

• The Lee County Health Department is collecting water samples in Cape Coral and

Waterway Estates. The water samples will be tested, with results expected in 24 to 48 hours. If test results are favorable, the boil water notice will be suspended.

• City of Fort Myers Police Department advises that the curfew which has been imposed

within Fort Myers city limits is now from 9PM to 7AM.

• The curfew in unincorporated Lee County (all areas of Lee County which are not within Fort Myers city limits) is from 11PM to 5AM.

• Progress is being reported by Florida Power and Light Co. and Lee County Electric

Cooperative with regard to restoration of electrical service throughout Lee County. LCEC reports that while there were initially 132,000 system outages in Lee County immediately after Hurricane Charley, this number has now been reduced to 56,000. FPL also reports significant gains in restoring service, with the majority of FPL customers expected to be on line within one week from this time. However, service to Fort Myers Beach may take somewhat longer to be restored. Sixty contract crews have been dispatched to Fort Myers Beach. Additional utility, contractor and FPL crews continue to be dispatched to Lee County.

• LCEC reports that in Lehigh Acres, 1,475 customers remain without power; in North Fort Myers, 12,227; in Cape Coral, 32,785 (with some service possibly being restored by tonight). Service to Northwest Cape Coral is expected to take another three days before it can be restored. Pine Island, Sanibel and Captiva islands have 9,191 customers who do not have power. It is estimated that it will take another 10 days to 2 weeks before electrical service can be restored to these areas.

• Significant improvements in communications have been made with strong support of

Sprint.

• Overall, officials feel that extensive gains have been made, and continue to be made, in returning primary community functions to full service. Additional information will be released as further progress is made.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 16, 2004 at 7:00 am Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 7:00 am

• Lee County Emergency Management are cautioning all users of portable generators to exercise due care in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When operating a generator, be sure the generator remains outside the home or business. DO NOT operate a portable generator within a confined space such as a garage or in a home. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be lethal.

• Lee County Emergency Management and Lee County Sheriff's officials have announced

that 500 law enforcement personnel have been brought in to assist with the additional needs created in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley. The law enforcement agencies which have provided personnel are as follows:

• Homeland Security; Department of Forestry; Department of Fish and Wildlife; U.S.

Marshall's Service; FDLE; ATF; Coast Guard; U.S. Customs Service; INS; Sheriff's office (Florida); and Police Department (Florida).

• The National Guard has deployed 725 personnel to our area to assist with law

enforcement, traffic control, and other responsibilities as needed

• Edison College will be closed on Monday and will open on Tuesday. Florida Gulf Coast University will be closed with classes canceled on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Tentative schedule is to reopen on Thursday morning. All faculty and staff should plan on reporting to work on Thursday morning, August 19th, 2004. FGCU is currently without power.

• Regular household garbage collection schedule for unincorporated Lee County will

resume on Monday, August 16, 2004, where accessible.

• Horticulture pick up for unincorporated Lee County will begin today. Bundling of debris is encouraged but not required. Bundling of debris will expedite the pickup process. Keep debris lengths at six feet or less, large logs at 50 pounds or less. Do not put debris piles close to fire hydrants, water meters and mailboxes. There may be a delay in the pickup of large debris piles.

• Structural debris is to remain separate from household and horticulture debris. Do not

place structural debris close to fire hydrants, water meters and mailboxes.

• Fort Myers Beach commercial garbage pickup will resume on Monday, August 16th, with residential pickup to begin on Tuesday, August 17th. This service is being provided for those who did not evacuate the island before the hurricane.

• Special needs transportation for limited non-emergency transportation is available

between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, for LeeTran ADA or Good Wheels passengers, who must have life sustaining services (i.e., dialysis or medical care). To receive necessary life sustaining care only, first make sure that your medical service provider is open and can take your appointment, then call 275-8726 to schedule a trip. For emergency transportation needs, call 911.

• Lee Tran has announced that there will be no fixed route bus service on Monday. Fixed

routes will resume as soon as conditions allow.

• Red Cross has three mobile feeding sites located at Cape Coral, Bokeelia and St. James City. All who stop and request a meal will be given one. The Red Cross has also established two mobile feeding sites at Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach to assist those residents who did not evacuate and are still on those barrier islands. The Red Cross has two fixed feeding stations at Germain Arena shelter and, starting Monday morning, at the McGregor Baptist Church kitchen, which is located behind the church on Colonial Boulevard.


Sanibel City Council will be meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday morning (8/16). City officials will announce when residents may return to their homes.

• The National Guard 153rd Engineers from Lake City arrived yesterday to provide logistics

support including deliver of emergency equipment and debris removal. In addition, more than 100 members of the 1/116th infantry provided security throughout the county in coordination with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

• The City of Cape Coral has reported a number of statistics to Lee County Emergency

officials relating to issues that impact Cape Coral citizens:

• An estimated 30 single family homes and duplexes have been rendered uninhabitable due to structural damage, affecting approximately 90 people.

• An estimated 72 multi-family units which are no longer habitable, affecting approximately

50 people.

• Between 8,500 and 9,750 single family homes have sustained damage to roof shingles, tiles and underlayment. These homes will potentially develop habitation issues as a result of seasonal rains.

• There are 150 Cape Coral commercial structures which sustained moderate to severe

damage as a result of Hurricane Charley. These businesses are presently unable to operate.

• According to fire officials, Cape Coral has evacuated two 7-story residential buildings as

a result of roof damage. About 100 residents were affected by this evacuation and thirty residents were taken to Lee County's emergency shelter at Germain Arena, with the assistance of Lee Tran.

• Of the 22 Lee County Electric Cooperative circuits in Cape Coral, eight remain inoperable

at this time. Efforts continue to restore power.

• It is hoped that damage assessments for both residential and commercial properties in Cape Coral will be completed by the end of the day on Sunday, 8/15/04.

• The Lowe's Home Center located in Cape Coral has advised that deliveries of tarps and

plastic sheeting for roof dry-in will be available after scheduled deliveries on Monday, 8/16/04 and Tuesday, 8/17/04.



• The Lee County Health Department is collecting water samples in Cape Coral and

Waterway Estates. The water samples will be tested, with results expected in 24 to 48 hours. If test results are favorable, the boil water notice will be suspended.

• City of Fort Myers Police Department advises that the curfew which has been imposed within Fort Myers city limits is now from 9PM to 7AM.

• The curfew in unincorporated Lee County (all areas of Lee County which are not within

Fort Myers city limits) is from 11PM to 5AM.

• Progress is being reported by Florida Power and Light Co. and Lee County Electric Cooperative with regard to restoration of electrical service throughout Lee County. LCEC reports that while there were initially 132,000 system outages in Lee County immediately after Hurricane Charley, this number has now been reduced to 56,000. FPL also reports significant gains in restoring service, with the majority of FPL customers expected to be on line within one week from this time. As of Monday, August 16th, FPL reports under 100,000 customers are still without power. Note: service to Fort Myers Beach may take somewhat longer to be restored. Sixty contract crews have been dispatched to Fort Myers Beach. Additional utility, contractor and FPL crews continue to be dispatched to Lee County.

• LCEC reports that in Lehigh Acres, 1,475 customers remain without power; in North Fort

Myers, 12,227; in Cape Coral, 32,785 (with some service possibly being restored by tonight). Service to Northwest Cape Coral is expected to take another three days before it can be restored. Pine Island, Sanibel and Captiva islands have 9,191 customers who do not have power. It is estimated that it will take another 10 days to 2 weeks before electrical service can be restored to these areas.

• Significant improvements in communications have been made with strong support of

Sprint.

• The total fatality count as a result of the storm is two.

• Lee County Emergency Operations officials advise that progress continues to be made in dealing with the repercussions of Hurricane Charley. The current status of various elements of the post-storm assessment and action plan are as follows:

• All primary search missions have been completed in all areas of Lee County. The next

goal is to complete the secondary search missions, which are, at this time, 70% complete. According to Lee County's Sheriff's Office, the total number of confirmed fatalities remains unchanged at one.

• Road clearance efforts continue on the barrier islands and throughout other areas of Lee

County.

• At last report, most roads are open on Pine Island. Stringfellow Blvd. is open all the way to Bokeelia and St. James City.

• In North Fort Myers, all roads are open and passable. • Gladiolus Drive, US 41, and McGregor Blvd. are all open and fully available for use. • All roads in Suncoast Estates are clear. • All roads in North Town & River Estates are clear. • All roads in Bonita Springs are clear. • All roads in the East Lee County communities of Alabama Grove, Russell Park, Morse

Shores, and Fort Myers Shores have been cleared. • A Lee County communication resource vehicle has been dispatched to the Charlotte

County Sheriff's Office for temporary assistance.

• Traffic issues also continue to be addressed. At present, there are 80 major intersections upon which work is being done. Of those major intersections, 20 are operational; 4 have no power; 6 are partially functional, with flashing lights only; and officials await updates on the remaining 50. Three trucks have been dispatched interdepartmentally for use by Lee County DOT, bringing the total of bucket trucks available to seven. One additional truck may be added to the total in the immediate future as efforts continue to restore full function to all Lee County traffic signals.

• The Red Cross and Salvation Army are accepting donations of money and specific items

to assist the victims of Hurricane Charley.

• The Salvation Army has requested donations of the following items: o Non-perishable staples; Sunscreen; Insect repellant; Baby supplies (i.e., formula,

diapers); Hygiene items. If you would like to donate money or any of the above items, please call the Salvation Army at 239-334-3745.

• The Red Cross has requested donations of money and is also requesting that people

volunteer to provide assistance. If you would like to donate money, or wish to volunteer your services, please telephone 239-278-3401 or 866-438-4636.

• Overall, officials feel that extensive gains have been made, and continue to be made, in

returning primary community functions to full service. Additional information will be released as further progress is made.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 16, 2004 at 9:00 am Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 9:00 am



Sanibel City Council will be meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday morning (8/16). City officials will announce when residents may return to their homes.

• Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach remain restricted to emergency utility crews law

enforcement personnel. Pine Island is now open to Pine Island residents who have proper identification.



• Lee County Emergency Operations officials advise that progress continues to be made in

dealing with the repercussions of Hurricane Charley. The current status of various elements of the post-storm assessment and action plan are as follows: o All primary search missions have been completed in all areas of Lee County. The

next goal is to complete the secondary search missions, which are, at this time, 70% complete. According to Lee County's Sheriff's Office, the total number of confirmed fatalities remains unchanged at one.

o Road clearance efforts continue on the barrier islands and throughout other areas of Lee County.

o At last report, most roads are open on Pine Island. Stringfellow Blvd. is open all the way to Bacilli and St. James City.

o In North Fort Myers, all roads are open and passable. o Gladiolus Dr., U.S. 41, and McGregor Blvd. are all open and fully available for use. o All roads in Suncoast Estates are clear. o All roads in North Town & River Estates are clear. o All roads in Bonita Springs are clear. o All roads in the East Lee County communities of Alabama Grove, Russell Park,

Morse Shores, and Fort Myers Shores have been cleared.

• The Red Cross and Salvation Army are accepting donations of money and specific items to assist the victims of Hurricane Charley.

• The Salvation Army has requested donations of the following items:

o Non-perishable staples; Sun screen; Insect repellant; Baby supplies (i.e., formula, diapers); Hygiene items. If you would like to donate money or any of the above items, please call the Salvation Army at 239-334-3745.



• The Red Cross reports that there are now 532 people at the Germain Arena shelter.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 16, 2004 at 9:30 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 9:30 p.m.


• Sanibel City officials announced Monday evening that RESIDENTS ONLY may return to

the island beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday (August 18, 2004). In order to access the island, Sanibel residents must present a city issued Hurricane Pass or photo identification with a physical Sanibel address. Residents who do not have any identification must go to the Bell Tower Holiday Inn, where the City has setup a temporary office in order to obtain a Hurricane Pass. Business owners and employees will not be permitted on the island at this time.

• NOTE: Captiva residents will NOT be able to return at this time. Roads on Captiva are

not open due to storm debris. Law enforcement officials will not permit Captiva residents on the island.

• Officials from the Town of Ft. Myers Beach have announced that Ft. Myers Beach

RESIDENTS ONLY will be able to return to their homes beginning 9 a.m. on Wednesday (August 18, 2004). Residents returning must present photo identification with a physical Ft. Myers Beach address. Business owners and employees will not be permitted to return at this time

• Curfews - City of Bonita Springs: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., City of Fort Myers: 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.,

Town of Fort Myers Beach: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., City of Cape Coral: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., City of Sanibel 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and Lee County, no curfew.

• Lee Tran will resume regular bus service on Tuesday, August 17, except Fort Myers

Beach and Bonita Beach Routes. Service hours are subject to any curfews which remain in effect. ADA paratransit service will be available on a same-day trip request, by calling 275-8726. Lee Tran asks that ADA trips be limited to life sustaining needs. All Lee Tran employees should report for scheduled work on Tuesday.



• For Cape Coral residents, Branch Banking & Trust has announced that bags of ice will be

available free of charge on a first come basis beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (August 17, 2004). The ice will be distributed from a truck that will be parked at 1321 S.E. 47th Terrace (across from Big John's).



• The Salvation Army has requested donations of the following items: o Non-perishable staples; Sun screen; Insect repellant; Baby supplies (i.e.,

formula, diapers); Hygiene items. If you would like to donate money or any of the above items, please call the Salvation Army at 239-334-3745.

• The Red Cross has requested donations of money and is also requesting that people volunteer to provide assistance. If you would like to donate money, or wish to volunteer your services, please telephone 239-278-3401 or 866-438-4636.

• The Red Cross reports that there are now 250 people at the Germain Arena shelter.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 17, 2004 at 8:00 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 8:00 a.m. The following is update information from Lee Emergency Ops. Center:


• Sanibel City officials announced that RESIDENTS may return to the island beginning at 7

a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. In order to access the island, Sanibel residents must present a city issued Hurricane Pass or photo identification with a physical Sanibel address. Residents who do not have any identification must go to the Bell Tower Holiday Inn, where the City has setup a temporary office in order to obtain a Hurricane Pass. Business owners and employees will not be permitted on the island at this time.

• Sanibel City officials announced that BUSINESS owners will be permitted on the island

beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. In order to access the island, business owners must have a City issue Business Owner Hurricane Pass. If business owners do not have a pass, one can be secured at Sanibel's temporary office located in the Holiday Inn at the Bell Tower Mall.

• NOTE: Captiva residents will NOT be able to return at this time. Roads on Captiva are

not open due to storm debris. Law enforcement officials will not permit Captiva residents on the island.




Town of Fort Myers Beach: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., City of Cape Coral: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., City of Sanibel 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and Lee County, no curfew.

• Lee Tran will resume regular bus service on Tuesday, August 17, except Fort Myers

Beach and Bonita Beach Routes. Service hours are subject to any curfews which remain in effect. ADA paratransit service will be available on a same-day trip request, by calling 275-8726. Lee Tran asks that ADA trips be limited to life sustaining needs. All Lee Tran employees are to report for scheduled work on Tuesday.







• The Salvation Army has requested donations of the following items:

o Non-perishable staples; Sun screen; Insect repellant; Baby supplies (i.e., formula, diapers); Hygiene items. If you would like to donate money or any of the above items, please call the Salvation Army at 239-334-3745.



• The Red Cross reports that there are 354 people at the Germain Arena shelter.

• The Lee County Health Department reports that 64 people are at the Special Need

Shelter (Harborside Convention Center).

• FEMA is putting out the following information about DISASTER ASSISTANCE:

DISASTER ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE NOW If you sustained losses or damage in one of the counties declared a federal disaster area, you may be eligible for federal and state disaster aid. Apply by phone, 1-800-621-FEMA, TDD 1-800-462-7585 When you apply for disaster assistance please have the following available:

• Social Security Number (including spouse) • Address and zip code of the damaged property • Directions to the damaged property • Telephone numbers where you can be reached during the day

CALL TODAY, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE BUT YOU MUST APPLY Help may include: grants for temporary housing, repairs and personal property for individuals and households, low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners

• Tennessee Baptist Relief has a food kitchen set up at McGregor Baptist Church, 3750

Colonial Blvd. serving meals to anyone.

• Power restoration info. from company representatives at EOC:

o Progress is being reported by Florida Power and Light Co. and Lee County Electric Cooperative with regard to restoration of electrical service throughout Lee County. LCEC reports that while there were initially 132,000 system outages in Lee County immediately after Hurricane Charley, this number has now been reduced to 22,071. FPL also reports significant gains in restoring service, with the majority of FPL customers expected to be on line within one week from this time. As of Tuesday, August 17th, FPL reports under 90,000 customers are still without power. Note: Staging at Metro is fully operational with far improved communications thanks to the diligent support from Sprint.

o LCEC reports that 22,071 are still out of service, down from 132,000. In Lehigh

Acres, 646 customers remain without power; in North Fort Myers, 7,386; in Cape Coral, 7,285 (with additional service possibly being restored by tonight). Service to Northwest Cape Coral is expected to take another three days before it can be restored. Pine Island, Sanibel and Captiva islands have 6,754 customers who do not have power. It is estimated that it will take another 7 to 10 days before electrical service can be restored to these areas.




• Lee County Health Department says the "boil water" notice still is in effect for Fort

Myers Beach, Sanibel Captiva, Pine Island, Cape Coral and Waterway Estates. All other Lee County Utilities customers are under a precautionary "boil water" notice if they are or have been experiencing low water pressure.

• Power restoration info. from company representatives at EOC:

o Progress is being reported by Florida Power and Light Co. and Lee County Electric Cooperative with regard to restoration of electrical service throughout Lee County. LCEC reports that while there were initially 132,000 system outages in Lee County immediately after Hurricane Charley, this number is now 28,000. The increase from 22,000 reported earlier is due to outages in Lehigh Acres from last night's storm and a circuit outage in Cape Coral. Those two occurances should be repaired today. FPL also reports significant gains in restoring service, with the majority of FPL customers expected to be on line within one week from this time. As of Tuesday, August 17th, FPL reports under 41,000 customers are still without power down from 175,000 after the hurricane.





• NOTE: At the Sanibel Causeway Toll Plaza, Sanibel residents will use the two far right

lanes. The express lane is for emergency workers only. There will be no access to Captiva Road, beginning at Blind Pass. The National Guard is providing security at Blind Pass.

• The Lee County Board of Commissioners has extended the State of Emergency for a

week. Lee County has suspended issuing and processing new building permits for up to five business days. This results in buildiing inspectors being able to redirect their efforts to emergency operations.

• Lee County Animal Services wants to make sure that all stray animals are teken to the

Lee County Animal Shelter and not to private citizens. Contact Animal Servicves at 432-2083 to let them know of private citizens holding strays at thir homes. Animal services has suspended euthenasia.

• NOTE: Captiva residents will NOT be able to return at this time. Roads on Captiva are not open due to storm debris. Law enforcement officials will not permit Captiva residents on the island.




Town of Fort Myers Beach: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., City of Cape Coral: no curfew, City of Sanibel 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and Lee County, no curfew.

• Good Wheels will conduct a normal schedule and run as usual beginning on Wednesday,

August, 18. The normal phone number is out so call the new phone number at 275-8726.

• Lee Tran will resume regular bus service on Tuesday, August 17, except Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach Routes. Service hours are subject to any curfews which remain in effect. ADA paratransit service will be available on a same-day trip request, by calling 275-8726. Lee Tran asks that ADA trips be limited to life sustaining needs. All Lee Tran employees are to report for scheduled work on Tuesday.












• The blood centers at HealthPark and Cape Coral Hospital will be open today, August 17

and accepting blood donations. The blood centers at Lee Memorial and Cape Coral Hospital will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The blood centers are in desperate need of blood to return to a state of narmalcy. The blood centers are also asking for more platelet donors. These special donors help children and adults with cancer. For more information on donating your platelets, contact the Lee Memorial Hospital Blood Center at 334-5333. For other Lee Memorial Health System questions, call 334-5338.




DISASTER ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE NOW If you sustained losses or damage in one of the counties declared a federal disaster area, you may be eligible for federal and state disaster aid. Apply by phone, 1-800-621-FEMA, TDD 1-800-462-7585 When you apply for disaster assistance please have the following available: Social Security Number (including spouse) Address and zip code of the damaged property Directions to the damaged property Telephone numbers where you can be reached during the day CALL TODAY, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE BUT YOU MUST APPLY

• Help may include: grants for temporary housing, repairs and personal property for

individuals and households, low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners

• Residents returning must present Tennessee Baptist Relief has a food kitchen set up at

McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd. serving meals to anyone.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 17, 2004 at 7:30 pm Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 7:30 pm

• Sanibel City officials announced that RESIDENTS may return to the island beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. In order to access the island, Sanibel residents must present a city issued Hurricane Pass or photo identification with a physical Sanibel address. Residents who do not have any identification must go to the Bell Tower Holiday Inn, where the City has setup a temporary office in order to obtain a Hurricane Pass. Business owners and employees will not be permitted on the island at this time.

• Sanibel City officials announced that BUSINESS owners will be permitted on the

island beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. In order to access the island, business owners must have a City issue Business Owner Hurricane Pass. If business owners do not have a pass, one can be secured at Sanibel's temporary office located in the Holiday Inn at the Bell Tower Mall.

• Media representatives will be permitted access to Sanibel Island beginning at 5

a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. A staging area for all media personnel will be at the Sanibel - Captiva Chamber of Commerce at 1159 Causeway Blvd. The Chamber building is on the right after exiting the causeway. The staging area will be open from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Sanibel City Manager, Judie Zimomra, will be available for media interviews at 6 a.m. at the media staging area. Public Information Officer, Booch DeMarchi (239-940-2176), will be the media contact person and liaison at the media staging area. All members of the media wanting access on Sanibel Island must present their personal media credentials to law enforcement.

• For further information on the City of Sanibel's response to Hurricane Charley,

please visit the website: www.mysanibel.com


IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 17, 2004 at 9:00 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 9:00 p.m. • Captiva RESIDENTS and BUSINESS owners may return to the island beginning at 7

a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. In order to access the island, Captiva residents must present a photo identification with a physical Captiva address. Business owners must be able to show proof of ownership of a business on Captiva (ie. occupational license).

• Captiva residents and business owners are to park their vehicles at Ding Darling

National Wildlife Refuge. Lee Tran will be providing complimentary shuttle bus service to Captiva and will drop residents off at or near their homes. The bus shuttle will run on Wednesday, August 18th and Thursday, August 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge will serve as a temporary staging area for resident vehicle because most driveways are blocked by landscape / horticulture debris caused by Hurricane Charley. If residents were permitted to park on the road as a result of their driveways being blocked, the clean up process would be severely hampered.

• Residents are encouraged to visit their homes and secure the property and assess

any damage. They are to return to their vehicles to leave the island until normal public services are resumed.

• Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated: 477-1900 and 888-231-

5320.


• The Disabled American Veterans Mobil Unit will be in Cape Coral on Wednesday, August 18, 2004, to assist Disabled American Veterans with Disaster Relief Grants. The mobil unit will set up at 9 a.m in the parking lot of Cape Coral City Hall located at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Veterans requiring assistance will need to present documentation of service connected disability. Veterans with questions can call the Disabled American Veterans Office located in St. Petersburg, Florida at (727) 319-7444.

• Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated: 477-1900 and 888-

231-5320.


• The Sanibel Drawbridge fender system in the main navigation channel was damaged by Hurricane Charley. Debris removal and repairs to the fender system in the main channel will begin on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. Boaters are to use extreme caution when passing through the drawbridge channel. No Wake is permitted. In addition, a portion of the seawall on the south side of the east end (mainland) of the bridge was damaged by the hurricane and is being assessed.

• The safety of construction workers in the bay is a priority. Bay users must slow their

speed down and abide by the no-wake zone signs at the drawbridge. Boats can create dangerous conditions for construction workers. Operation of boats or personal recreational water craft in proximity to the repair zone can result in distractions and disruptions to the construction activity and could result in unnecessary hazards for the public and construction workers.



• Captiva 's Postmaster, Mark Lewis, has made arrangements for residents of Captiva to receive their mail beginning Wednesday, August 18, 2004.

• Captiva residents will be able to pick up their mail between the hours of 9 a.m.

and 12:00 p.m., Monday - Friday in the Edison Conference Room at the Hampton Inn & Suites, located at 11281 Summerlin Square Blvd (directly behind the Taco Bell on Summerlin Blvd.). Please note, there will be NO retail services at this location. Only incoming mail will be distributed.

• Captiva's Postmaster has retrieved all mail that was in the Post Office boxes. All

1st Class mail will be available for pickup.

• Mark Lewis and postal clerk Diane Schmid, will be available at the Hamptom Inn & Suites to assist all Captiva residents.


231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 18, 2004 at 12:00 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory12:00 a.m.

• Hurricane Charley damaged many Lee County beach areas, resulting in septic system and sewage spills and overflows. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals.

• As a precaution, the Lee County Health Department recommends that no

swimming at Lee County beaches until a bacteriological survey shows that the beaches are safe. Bacteriological survey results should be available by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2004.

• More information can be obtained from the Lee County Health Department

website at www.doh.state.fl.us and select Beach Water Quality from the pull down menu, or contact the Lee County Health Department Environmental Engineering at (239) 274-2200.

• Also, Lee County Health Department reports the "boil water" notice is still in

effect for Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Pine Island, and Waterway Estates. All other Lee County Utilities customers are under a precautionary "boil water" notice if they are or have been experiencing low water pressure.


231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 18, 2004 at 5:45 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 5:45 a.m. LANZAMIENTO INMEDIATO De AGOSTO el 18 de 2004 en 12:00 mañana. el huracán Charley dañó muchas áreas de la playa del condado de lee, dando por resultado sistema y los derramamientos y los desbordamientos sépticos de las aguas residuales. El contacto del agua puede plantear un riesgo creciente de la enfermedad, particularmente para los individuos susceptibles. Como precaución, el departamento de la salud del condado de lee recomienda que ninguna natación en el condado de lee hasta que un examen bacteriológico demuestra que las playas son seguras. Los resultados bacteriológicos del examen deben estar disponibles por 3:30 P.M. el martes, de agosto el 24 de 2004. Más información se puede obtener en el Web site del departamento de la salud del condado de lee en www.doh.state.fl.us y de la calidad del agua selecta de la playa del menú del tirón abajo, o entre en contacto con la ingeniería ambiental del departamento de la salud del condado de lee en (239) 274-2200. también, el departamento de la salud del condado de lee divulga que es necesario para hervir la agua; el aviso todavía está en efecto para la playa de Fort Myers, las islas de Sanibel y de Captiva, isla del pino, y los estados del canal. El resto de los clientes de las utilidades del condado de lee están bajo un preventivo i se avisa a hervir la agua; aviso si son o han estado experimentando la presión baja del agua. el condado de lee tiene dos teléfonos directos de la información del ciudadano activados: 477-1900 y 888-231-5320.




Myers Beach, Sanibel Captiva, Pine Island and Waterway Estates. All other Lee County Utilities customers are under a precautionary "boil water" notice if they are or have been experiencing low water pressure.

• The Lee County Board of Commissioners has extended the State of Emergency for

a week. Lee County has suspended issuing and processing new building permits for up to five business days. This results in buildiing inspectors being able to redirect their efforts to emergency operations.

• Lee County Public Schools will remain for the entire week.





• Media representatives are permitted access to Sanibel Island beginning at 5 a.m. on

Wednesday, August 18, 2004. All members of the media wanting access on Sanibel Island must present their personal media credentials to law enforcement.



• For further information on the City of Sanibel's response to Hurricane Charley, please

visit the website: www.mysanibel.com

• Captiva RESIDENTS and BUSINESS owners may return to the island beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. In order to access the island, Captiva residents must present a photo identification with a physical Captiva address. Business owners must be able to show proof of ownership of a business on Captiva (ie. occupational license).

• Captiva residents and business owners are to park their vehicles at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Lee Tran will be providing complimentary shuttle bus service to Captiva and will drop residents off at or near their homes. The bus shuttle will run on Wednesday, August 18th and Thursday, August 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge will serve as a temporary staging area for resident vehicle because most driveways are blocked by landscape / horticulture debris caused by Hurricane Charley. If residents were permitted to park on the road as a result of their driveways being blocked, the clean up process would be severely hampered.

• Residents are encouraged to visit their homes and secure the property and assess any

damage. They are to return to their vehicles to leave the island until normal public services are resumed.

• Captiva 's Postmaster, Mark Lewis, has made arrangements for residents of Captiva to

receive their mail beginning Wednesday, August 18, 2004.

• Captiva residents will be able to pick up their mail between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Monday - Friday in the Edison Conference Room at the Hampton Inn & Suites, located at 11281 Summerlin Square Blvd (directly behind the Taco Bell on Summerlin Blvd.). Please note, there will be NO retail services at this location. Only incoming mail will be distributed.

• Captiva's Postmaster has retrieved all mail that was in the Post Office boxes. All 1st

Class mail will be available for pickup.

• Mark Lewis and postal clerk Diane Schmid, will be available at the Hamptom Inn & Suites to assist all Captiva residents.


RESIDENTS ONLY will be able to return to their homes beginning 9 a.m. on Wednesday (August 18, 2004). Residents returning must present photo identification with a physical Ft. Myers Beach address. Also, Ft. Myers Beach business owners will be permitted to return to assess the damage to their business. Business owners must be able to show proof of ownership (ie. occupational license).

• Curfews: City of Bonita Springs: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., City of Fort Myers: 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.,

Town of Fort Myers Beach: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., City of Sanibel 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.




• Hurricane Charley damaged many Lee County beach areas, resulting in septic system

and sewage spills and overflows. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals.

• As a precaution, the Lee County Health Department recommends that no swimming at Lee County beaches until a bacteriological survey shows that the beaches are safe. Bacteriological survey results should be available by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2004.

• More information can be obtained from the Lee County Health Department website at

www.doh.state.fl.us and select Beach Water Quality from the pull down menu, or contact the Lee County Health Department Environmental Engineering at (239) 274-2200.

• Lee County Health Department reports the "boil water" notice is still in effect for Fort

Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Pine Island, and Waterway Estates. All other Lee County Utilities customers are under a precautionary "boil water" notice if they are or have been experiencing low water pressure.

• The Disabled American Veterans Mobil Unit will be in Cape Coral on Wednesday, August

18, 2004, to assist Disabled American Veterans with Disaster Relief Grants. The mobil unit will set up at 9 a.m in the parking lot of Cape Coral City Hall located at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Veterans requiring assistance will need to present documentation of service connected disability. Veterans with questions can call the Disabled American Veterans Office located in St. Petersburg, Florida at (727) 319-7444.

• Lee County Animal Services wants to make sure that all stray animals are teken to the

Lee County Animal Shelter and not to private citizens. Contact Animal Servicves at 432-2083 to let them know of private citizens holding strays at thir homes. Animal services has suspended euthenasia.


August, 18. The normal phone number is out so call the new phone number at 275-8726.

• Power restoration info. from company representatives at EOC: o Progress is being reported by Florida Power and Light Co. and Lee County

Electric Cooperative with regard to restoration of electrical service throughout Lee County. LCEC reports that while there were initially 132,000 system outages in Lee County immediately after Hurricane Charley, this number is now 26,600. The increase from 22,000 reported earlier is due to outages in Lehigh Acres from last night's storm and a circuit outage in Cape Coral. Those two occurances should be repaired today. FPL also reports significant gains in restoring service, with the majority of FPL customers expected to be on line within one week from this time. As of Tuesday, August 18th, FPL reports under 27,000 customers are still without power, down from 175,000 after the hurricane.

• Lee Tran has resumed bus service except for Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach

Routes. Service hours are subject to any curfews which remain in effect. ADA paratransit service will be available on a same-day trip request, by calling 275-8726. Lee Tran asks that ADA trips be limited to life sustaining needs.



• The blood centers at HealthPark and Cape Coral Hospital are accepting blood donations.

The blood centers at Lee Memorial and Cape Coral Hospital will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The blood centers are in desperate need of blood to return to a state of narmalcy. The blood centers are also asking for more platelet donors. These special donors help children and adults with cancer. For more information on donating your platelets, contact the Lee Memorial Hospital Blood Center at 334-5333. For other Lee Memorial Health System questions, call 334-5338.











DISASTER ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE NOW If you sustained losses or damage in one of the counties declared a federal disaster area, you may be eligible for federal and state disaster aid. Apply by phone, 1-800-621-FEMA, TDD 1-800-462-7585 When you apply for disaster assistance please have the following available:

• Social Security Number (including spouse) • Address and zip code of the damaged property • Directions to the damaged property • Telephone numbers where you can be reached during the day

CALL TODAY, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE BUT YOU MUST APPLY

Help may include: grants for temporary housing, repairs and personal property for individuals and households, low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners

• Residents returning must presentTennessee Baptist Relief has a food kitchen set up at

McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd. serving meals to anyone.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 18, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 9:00 a.m. SFWMD COMMITS RESOURCES TO ASSIST AND SUPPORT SOUTHWEST COUNTIES Continuing rains compound sheetflow runoff to Northern Lee County In the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, the South Florida Water Management District has committed available staffing, equipment, services and other needed resources to assist and support Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Collier counties in the recovery effort. Despite these actions, there is a significant likelihood for local flooding due to continuing rainfall over the area. Governing Board member and Fort Myers resident Trudi Williams surveyed the impacts today by District helicopter and was instrumental in securing the additional resources for the southwest area. "The District sent field engineering staff to the area as soon as it was safe in order to help locate and clear any obstructions that might block water flow," said Williams. "We are responding to requests as they come in and we continue to work closely with the counties, the Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Transportation to do whatever we can to assist our local citizens and businesses." As the District and other agencies work to ensure that natural waterways and water flows are unobstructed, continued rainfall is contributing to an increased buildup of sheetflow runoff, especially impacting northern Lee County. Residents should take all necessary precautions for potential flooding in the area. On Monday, SFWMD Executive Director Henry Dean and Lee County Commission Chair John Albion toured the county's storm-impacted areas and Dean reiterated the District's full support and commitment to the hard-hit southwest communities. • Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated: 477-1900 and 888-231-

5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 18, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 10:30 a.m. The following is update information from Lee Emergency Ops. Center: -------------------------------------------------------------------- PRIORITY -------------------------------------------------------------------- • Lee County Emergency Management are cautioning all users of portable generators to

exercise due care in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When operating a generator, be sure the generator remains outside the home or business. DO NOT operate a portable generator within a confined space such as a garage or in a home. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be lethal. Daily there have been reported exposures from poor ventilation.


Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island and Waterway Estates. All other Lee County Utilities customers are under a precautionary "boil water" notice if they are or have been experiencing low water pressure. The "boil water" notice has been lifted for Cape Coral. Water maybe used for hygiene purposes. There is a ban on lawn irrigation.


week. Lee County has suspended issuing and processing new building permits for up to five business days. This results in buildiing inspectors being able to redirect their efforts to emergency operations.

• Lee County Public Schools will remain closed for the entire week. • There is now ice and water available for those in need at City of Fort Myers Fire Station

#1 at Lee and Martin Luther King in downtown Fort Myers. • As of Wednesday, August 19, LCEC reports that while there were initially 132,000

system outages in Lee County immediately after Hurricane Charley, this number is now 26,200. Officials report that emphasis will be on Cape Coral and North Fort Myers today, so that they can move resources in the barrier islands which represents one-third of the LCEC outages. FPL also reports significant gains in restoring service, with the majority of FPL customers expected to be on line within one week from this time. FPL reports under 27,000 customers are still without power, down from 175,000 after the hurricane.

• Many emergency vehicles and debris removal trucks are near bridge-weight

restrictions. Bridges and causeways may close intermittently throughout the day for up to 20 minutes to allow these vehicles to pass.

-------------------------------------------------------------------- BARRIER ISLANDS & BEACH AREAS -------------------------------------------------------------------- • At the Sanibel Causeway Toll Plaza, Sanibel residents will use the two far right lanes. The

express lane is for emergency workers only. There will be no access to Captiva Road, beginning at Blind Pass. The National Guard is providing security at Blind Pass. For further information on the City of Sanibel's response to Hurricane Charley, please visit the website: www.mysanibel.com

• Captiva residents and business owners are to park their vehicles at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Lee Tran will be providing complimentary shuttle bus service to Captiva and will drop residents off at or near their homes. The bus shuttle will run on Wednesday, August 18th and Thursday, August 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge will serve as a temporary staging area for resident vehicle because most driveways are blocked by landscape / horticulture debris caused by Hurricane Charley. If residents were permitted to park on the road as a result of their driveways being blocked, the clean up process would be severely hampered.

• Captiva 's Postmaster, Mark Lewis, has made arrangements for residents of Captiva to

receive their mail beginning Wednesday, August 18, 2004. Captiva residents will be able to pick up their mail between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Monday - Friday in the Edison Conference Room at the Hampton Inn & Suites, located at 11281 Summerlin Square Blvd (directly behind the Taco Bell on Summerlin Blvd.). Please note, there will be NO retail services at this location. Only incoming mail will be distributed. Captiva's Postmaster has retrieved all mail that was in the Post Office boxes. All 1st Class mail will be available for pickup.

• Mark Lewis and postal clerk Diane Schmid, will be available at the Hamptom Inn & Suites to

assist all Captiva residents. • The Sanibel Drawbridge fender system in the main navigation channel was damaged by

Hurricane Charley. Debris removal and repairs to the fender system in the main channel will begin on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. Boaters are to use extreme caution when passing through the drawbridge channel. No Wake is permitted. In addition, a portion of the seawall on the south side of the east end (mainland) of the bridge was damaged by the hurricane and is being assessed.

• The safety of construction workers in the bay is a priority. Bay users must slow their speed

down and abide by the no-wake zone signs at the drawbridge. Boats can create dangerous conditions for construction workers. Operation of boats or personal recreational water craft in proximity to the repair zone can result in distractions and disruptions to the construction activity and could result in unnecessary hazards for the public and construction workers.

• Hurricane Charley damaged many Lee County beach areas, resulting in septic system and

sewage spills and overflows. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. As a precaution, the Lee County Health Department recommends that no swimming at Lee County beaches until a bacteriological survey shows that the beaches are safe. Bacteriological survey results should be available by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2004. More information can be obtained from the Lee County Health Department website at www.doh.state.fl.us and select Beach Water Quality from the pull down menu, or contact the Lee County Health Department Environmental Engineering at (239) 274-2200.

• Curfews: City of Bonita Springs: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., City of Fort Myers: 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., Town

of Fort Myers Beach: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., City of Sanibel 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. -------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY -------------------------------------------------------------------- • Lee County Emergency Management are cautioning all users of portable generators to

exercise due care in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When operating a generator, be sure the generator remains outside the home or business. DO NOT operate a portable generator within a confined space such as a garage or in a home. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be lethal. Daily there have been reported exposures from poor ventilation.

• Lee County Health Department says the "boil water" notice still is in effect for Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island and Waterway Estates. All other Lee County Utilities customers are under a precautionary "boil water" notice if they are or have been experiencing low water pressure. The "boil water" notice has been lifted for Cape Coral. Water maybe used for hygiene purposes. There is a ban on lawn irrigation.


sewage spills and overflows. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. As a precaution, the Lee County Health Department recommends that no swimming at Lee County beaches until a bacteriological survey shows that the beaches are safe. Bacteriological survey results should be available by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2004. More information can be obtained from the Lee County Health Department website at www.doh.state.fl.us and select Beach Water Quality from the pull down menu, or contact the Lee County Health Department Environmental Engineering at (239) 274-2200.

• Dr Mauney, a primary care doctor, is accepting new patients at 10484 Stringfellow Unit

1 in St. James City (239) 283-5200. To minimize the surge on local hospitals, residents are encouraged to visit their primary physician or visit a local convenient care clinic. Residents and visitors should only go to the emergency room when it is a potentially life-threating situation.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VOLUNTEERISM/DONATIONS/NEEDS/PUBLIC ASSISTANCE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- • Lee County Animal Services wants to make sure that all stray animals are teken to the Lee

County Animal Shelter and not to private citizens. Contact Animal Servicves at 432-2083 to let them know of private citizens holding strays at thir homes. Animal services has suspended euthenasia.

• The Disabled American Veterans Mobil Unit will be in Cape Coral on Wednesday, August 18,

2004, to assist Disabled American Veterans with Disaster Relief Grants. The mobil unit will set up at 9 a.m in the parking lot of Cape Coral City Hall located at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Veterans requiring assistance will need to present documentation of service connected disability. Veterans with questions can call the Disabled American Veterans Office located in St. Petersburg, Florida at (727) 319-7444.


August, 18. The normal phone number is out so call the new phone number at 275-8726. • The blood centers at HealthPark and Cape Coral Hospital are accepting blood donations.

The blood centers at Lee Memorial and Cape Coral Hospital will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The blood centers are in desperate need of blood to return to a state of narmalcy. The blood centers are also asking for more platelet donors. These special donors help children and adults with cancer. For more information on donating your platelets, contact the Lee Memorial Hospital Blood Center at 334-5333. For other Lee Memorial Health System questions, call 334-5338.

• The Red Cross and Salvation Army are accepting donations of money and specific items to

assist the victims of Hurricane Charley. The Salvation Army has requested donations of the following items: Non-perishable staples; Sun screen; Insect repellant; Baby supplies (i.e., formula, diapers); Hygiene items. If you would like to donate money or any of the above items, please call the Salvation Army at 239-334-3745. The Red Cross has requested donations of money and is also requesting that people volunteer to provide assistance. If you would like to donate money, or wish to volunteer your services, please telephone 239-278-3401 or 866-438-4636. The Red Cross reports that there are 230 people at the Germain Arena shelter.

• Lee Tran has resumed bus service except for Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach Routes. Service hours are subject to any curfews which remain in effect. ADA paratransit service will be available on a same-day trip request, by calling 275-8726. Lee Tran asks that ADA trips be limited to life sustaining needs.


Shelter (Harborside Convention Center) and 130 remain at Germain Arena. -------------------------------------------------------------------- POWER RESTORATION -------------------------------------------------------------------- • Power restoration info. from company representatives at EOC:

o LCEC reports that while there were initially 132,000 system outages in Lee County immediately after Hurricane Charley, this number is now 26,200. Officials report that emphasis will be on Cape Coral and North Fort Myers today, so that they can move resources in the barrier islands where one-third of the LCEC outages are from the barrier islands. FPL also reports significant gains in restoring service, with the majority of FPL customers expected to be on line within one week from this time. As of Wednesday, August 19, FPL reports under 27,000 customers are still without power, down from 175,000 after the hurricane.

-------------------------------------------------------------------- FEMA -------------------------------------------------------------------- DISASTER ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE NOW If you sustained losses or damage in one of the counties declared a federal disaster area, you may be eligible for federal and state disaster aid. Apply by phone, 1-800-621-FEMA, TDD 1-800-462-7585 When you apply for disaster assistance please have the following available: • Social Security Number (including spouse) • Address and zip code of the damaged property • Directions to the damaged property • Telephone numbers where you can be reached during the day CALL TODAY, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE BUT YOU MUST APPLY Help may include: grants for temporary housing, repairs and personal property for individuals and households, low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners • Residents returning must presentTennessee Baptist Relief has a food kitchen set up at

McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd. serving meals to anyone. • Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated: 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 18, 2004 at 11:45 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 11:45 a.m.

• The following is update information from Lee Emergency Ops. Center:

• In order to provide a recreation outlet for children and relief for parents, Lee County Parks and Recreation will open the following recreation facilities (Centers and Swimming Pools).

Recreation Centers What: Supervised open recreation (non-structured play opportunities). Parents may leave their children with the recreation staff. Where: Alva Community Center (21471 N. River Rd, 728-2882) Olga Community Center (2325 S. Olga Dr., 694-0355) Lehigh Community Center (1299 Homestead Rd, 369-1521) Karl Drews Community Center in San Carlos (18412 Lee Rd, 267-2181) North Community Park (2021 N. Tamiami Tr, 652-6002). Schandler Hall (419 Florence Ave, 694-6467) Rutenberg Park (6500 S. Point Blvd, 432-2076) When power is restored, open recreation will be offered at Harlem Heights Center (7320 Concourse Dr, 432-2081). Please call Harlem Hts for updates. Who: Children kindergarten through 5th grade. Children must bring their lunch, snack, and drinks. When: Wednesday (August 18), Thursday, (August 19), and Friday (August 20) 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. Additional days dependent on when schools resumes. Cost: Free Participation numbers limited to facilities' capacities. Swimming Pools The following swimming pools will offer free admission swimming 9 am to 4 pm on Wednesday (August 18), Thursday, (August 19), Friday (August 20), Saturday (August 21) and Sunday (August 22) for all ages. Monday swimming TBA. Call the pool for more information. San Carlos Pool (8208 Sanibel Blvd, 267-6002) Lehigh Pool (1400 W. 5th St., 369-8277) Please call your local recreation center or swimming pool for information on when regular programming and hours resume.

-------------------------------------------------------------------- PRIORITY --------------------------------------------------------------------

• Lee County Emergency Management are cautioning all users of portable generators to exercise due care in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When operating a generator, be sure the generator remains outside the home or business. DO NOT operate a portable generator within a confined space such as a garage or in a home. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be lethal. Daily there have been reported exposures from poor ventilation.

• Lee County Health Department says the "boil water" notice still is in effect for Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island and Waterway Estates. All other Lee County Utilities customers are under a precautionary "boil water" notice if they are or have been experiencing low water pressure. The "boil water" notice has been lifted for Cape Coral. Water maybe used for hygiene purposes. There is a ban on lawn irrigation.

• The Lee County Board of Commissioners has extended the State of Emergency for

a week. Lee County has suspended issuing and processing new building permits for up to five business days. This results in buildiing inspectors being able to redirect their efforts to emergency operations.

• Lee County Public Schools will remain closed for the entire week.

• There is now ice and water available for those in need at City of Fort Myers Fire

Station #1 at Lee and Martin Luther King in downtown Fort Myers.

• As of Wednesday, August 19, LCEC reports that while there were initially 132,000 system outages in Lee County immediately after Hurricane Charley, this number is now 26,200. Officials report that emphasis will be on Cape Coral and North Fort Myers today, so that they can move resources in the barrier islands which represents one-third of the LCEC outages. FPL also reports significant gains in restoring service, with the majority of FPL customers expected to be on line within one week from this time. FPL reports under 27,000 customers are still without power, down from 175,000 after the hurricane.

• Many emergency vehicles and debris removal trucks are near bridge-weight

restrictions. Bridges and causeways may close intermittently throughout the day for up to 20 minutes to allow these vehicles to pass.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Brad Ruiter 612-375-7489 Tuesday, August 17, 2004 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 11:50 a.m. MINNESOTA TWINS PROVIDE SUPPORT TO VICTIMS OF HURRICANE CHARLEY Fans Able To Make Donations During The Team's Current Homestand Twins Community Fund Will Provide $10,000 for Clean Up Efforts MINNEAPOLIS - ST PAUL, MN - The Minnesota Twins, in conjunction with the Minnesota Twins Community Fund, today announced efforts to assist individuals across Southwest Florida affected by Hurricane Charley. Last week's tragic storm damaged areas in and around Fort Myers, including the Lee County Sports Complex, the team's spring training home since 1991. Beginning today through Sunday, August 22, fans attending the Twins-Yankees or Twins-Indians games at the Metrodome are encouraged to make in-stadium donations to the American Red Cross, one of many organizations assisting with the hurricane relief effort. On Friday and Saturday, August 20-21, American Red Cross volunteers will be stationed at every Metrodome aisle collecting donations. Also this week, fans watching the Twins on Fox Sports Net North or listening on WCCO-AM or the Twins Radio Network will be encouraged to make donations by calling the American Red Cross (1-800-HELP-NOW) and The Salvation Army (1-800-SAL-ARMY) donation lines. All contributions will be used to assist with the hurricane relief efforts throughout Lee County and surrounding areas. "Southwest Florida is our home-away-from-home and our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by Hurricane Charley," said Twins President, Dave St. Peter. "We understand the significant impact the hurricane has had on our fans across the region and are working to assist those in need." In addition to helping facilitate fan donations, the Twins Community Fund will make an initial $10,000 donation to Lee County Parks and Recreation and Charlotte County Parks and Recreation ($5,000 each) to assist with clean-up efforts. In the weeks and months ahead, the Fund will work with park and recreation representatives to assess and monitor the hurricane's impact on park and youth recreation facilities. The Twins will also designate a 2005 Spring Training game to honor those affected by the hurricane and the important relief organizations assisting with the recovery. The Twins Community Fund is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich local and regional communities by providing resources for the healthy development of children and families through an association with baseball, softball and the Minnesota Twins. The Minnesota Twins and the Twins Community Fund annually distribute more than $2.8 million in charitable support. - www.twinsbaseball.com -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2004 – 11:57 AM Interview Availability - Lee County Parks & Recreation Debbie Derums or Barbara Manzo Parks for Lee County Parks and Recreation are available for interviews regarding the extended free open recreation and swim days designed to provide a recreation outlet for children and relief for parents. They can be reached at (239) 461-7478.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18,2004 – 12:10 PM Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 12:10 p.m. from By Alan Ginsberg / MLB.com BOSTON -- The Red Sox Foundation will make a financial contribution to the Hurricane Charley relief effort in Lee County and southwest Florida, it was announced on Monday. City of Palms Park, located in Fort Myers and host to Boston's home Spring Training games, was damaged by the hurricane last week, along with an estimated 250,000 homes in the Fort Myers area. The storm also caused at least 17 deaths, according to officials. Fans attending Boston's series against Toronto this week will be able to contribute at collection tables located throughout Fenway Park. Donations can also be mailed to the Red Sox Foundation, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, Mass., 02215. "Lee County is more than our Spring Training home. It's an important part of Red Sox Nation," Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino said in a press release. "We know we have many devoted fans there, and we will collaborate with our fans, once again, to bring aid to people in need, including those in the county and the surrounding areas." The Red Sox and the Red Sox Foundation also contributed to an initiative led by Dominican-born players Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez that resulted in a donation of more than $200,000 to aid the Dominican Republic and Haiti in the wake of flooding that occurred there at the end of May. Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe and assistant trainer/rehabilitation coordinator Chris Correnti both live in Fort Myers with their families. Neither of their homes suffered more than minor damage from the storm. The Red Sox Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of baseball and the passion fans have for the Red Sox to improve the health, education and recreational opportunities for children and families across New England.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2004 Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 12:20 p.m. William R. Opp, CONTACT (239) 694-2174 In order to provide relief from mosquitoes to returning residents and the many workers toiling around the clock to repair the extensive damage on Sanibel Island, Pine Island and other coastal areas, Lee County Mosquito Control District will be treating these areas, including some Federal and State lands, by aircraft beginning Thursday morning August 19, 2004. The District will be applying Naled which is an EPA registered and approved material for the control of adult mosquitoes. Naled can be used for public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to the general population, wildlife or the environment when applied according to the label. Additional affected areas of Lee County will be treated by aircraft and trucks as the relief effort progresses.


August 18, 2004 01:00 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 1:00 p.m. The Lee County Water & Ice Distribution Sites:

• Fort Myers-2404 Martin Luther Kind, Jr Blvd. • North Fort Myers-43 Willis Rd. • Sanibel/Captiva-1700 Periwinkle Way and 2477 Periwinkle Way • Fort Myers Beach - 6425 Estero Blvd. • Cape Coral EOC-815 Nicholas Parkway • Islands-10700 Russell Rd and 12175 Stringfellow Rd • Hammond Stadium-14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway

August 18, 2004 – 1:27 PM RE: Lee Info. Release (Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 1:00 p.m.) CORRECTION Please note that the Cape Coral EOC is NOT the distribution site for ice and water in Cape Coral. Ice and water will be distributed, when available, at the Arts Studio at 4533 Coronado Parkway and Fire Station #7 at 230 Burnt Store Road. Connie Barron Public Information Director City of Cape Coral, FL (239) 574-0448

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2004 02:00 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 2:00 p.m. The local community-based and faith based organizations are coordinating certain disaster assistance on Pine Island and in North Fort Myers, including counseling services and emergency assistance such as:

• plywood for minimal repairs • tarps • rope • vizqueen

The two locations are: Fisher of the Men Lutheran Church 10360 Stringfellow Road St. James City, 283-7041 Suncoast Baptist Church 2033 Laurel Lane North Fort Myers, 543-7744 Partners in this effort are Department of Children and Families, Lee County Human Services, United Way, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Senior Solutions, Workforce Development Board and Faith-Based Communities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2004 05:10 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 05:10 p.m. Status of Lee County Parks and Recreation Facilities

* Please note: any leagues scheduled to play on fields that are open may use them until dusk, currently no field lights are available*

Alva Community Center and Park - Open Alva boat ramp – Open Bay Oaks Recreation Center – Closed Bayshore elementary – Closed Boca Grande Community Center – Closed Bonita Beach Park – Open Bowditch Regional Park- Open * no power Buckingham Community Park – Open Buckingham Community Center – Open Caloosahatchee Regional Park – Open Cape Coral High School Pool – Closed Cypress Lake High School Pool – Closed Davis Boat Ramp – Open 5th Street Nature Trail(Fort Myers Shores) – Closed Hancock Park – Closed Hickey’s Creek Park – Open *no drinking water Harlem Heights Center – Closed Harlem Heights Park – Open * no power Kelly Road Soccer Complex – Open * no power Hunter Park – Open Imperial River Boat Ramp – Open Jerry Brooks Park – Open Judd Park – Closed Karl Drews Community Center – Open Lakes Regional Park – Closed Lee County Sports Complex – Closed * Staging area Lehigh Community Center – Open Lehigh Acres Community Park – Open Lehigh Acres Community Pool – Open Lynn Hall Park – Closed Manatee Regional Park – Open Matlacha Community Center – Closed * Red Cross Staging area Matlacha Community Park – Closed Matlacha Boat Ramp – Open North Ft. Myers Community Park- Open North Ft. Myers Community Pool - Closed North Ft. Myers High Pool – Closed Olga Community – Open Pine Island Pool – Closed Phillips Park – Closed Punta Rassa Boat Ramp – Open Riverdale High School Pool – Closed Rutenberg Community Park – Open San Carlos Community Pool – Open Schandler Hall Community Center – Open Six Mile Cypress Slough – Open Terry Park – Open Three Oaks Community Park and Center – Open Tice Community Pool – Closed Lehigh Veteran’s Park – Open Waterway Estates Community Park - Closed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2004 05:15 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 05:15 p.m. Department of Tranportation Officials announced today that they will re-institute checking and issuing overweight truck permits for trucks crossing the Sanibel Bridge tonight at midnight. DOT will issue the permits at DOT Operations at Billy's Creek from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. On a temporary basis, permits will be issued at the Lee County Sports Complex and at the Tangiers Outlet Mall, at McGregor & Summerlin. All trucks over 3 tons must have a valid permit. Please note that any trucks that do not have a valid permit will not be permitted to cross the bridge. Any questions, information is available at the County web site or at 335-2852 or 694-3334 which is the Billy's Creek, DOT Operations site.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2004 06:45 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 06:45 p.m. Law enforcement officials will continue to impose the following CURFEWS this evening:

• Sanibel/Captiva Islands 19:30 to 07:00 • Fort Myers Beach 19:00 to 07:00 • Fort Myers 22:00 to 07:00 • Cape Coral 23:00 to 05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2004 10:30 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 10:30 p.m. • Sanibel City officials announced that insurance adjusters requiring access to Sanibel

Island should pick-up a City issue Hurricane Pass. Passes can be obtained at Sanibel's temporary city hall located at Holiday Inn Select at the Bell Tower Mall (13051 Bell Tower Dr., Ft. Myers). For additional information regarding access to Sanibel Island call (239) 482-2900, ext 201.

For further information on the City of Sanibel's response to Hurricane Charley, please visit the website: www.mysanibel.com

• Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated: 477-1900 and 888-231-

5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 19, 2004 at 10:45 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 10:45 a.m. The following is update information from Lee Emergency Ops. Center: ===================================== PRIORITY FOR Thursday, August 19: ===================================== • Lee County Emergency Management are cautioning all users of portable generators to

exercise due care in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When operating a generator, be sure the generator remains outside the home or business. DO NOT operate a portable generator within a confined space such as a garage or in a home. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be lethal.


week. Lee County has suspended issuing and processing new building permits for up to five business days. This results in building inspectors being able to redirect their efforts to emergency operations.

• Tolls on the Midpoint and Cape Coral Bridges will resume tomorrow, Friday, August

20, 2004 at 5:45 a.m. • Tolls on the Sanibel Bridge will resume on Monday, August 23, 2004 at 5:45 a.m. • Lee County Public Schools will remain closed for the entire week. • LCEC reports 12,000 customers are still without power. • FPL reports 20,000 customers are still without power. • Red Cross reports there are 250 people at the Germain Arena shelter. • Lee County Health Department reports that 50 people are at the Special Need Shelter

(Harborside Convention Center). • There are still 229 Florida National Guard assigned by FDLE to the taskings in Lee

County . ===================================== BARRIER ISLANDS & BEACH AREAS =====================================

• Sanibel City officials announced that RESIDENTS may return to the island. In order to access the island, Sanibel residents must present a city issued Hurricane Pass or photo identification with a physical Sanibel address. Residents who do not have any identification must go to the Bell Tower Holiday Inn, where the City has setup a temporary office in order to obtain a Hurricane Pass. Business owners and employees will not be permitted on the island at this time.

• Sanibel City officials announced that BUSINESS owners are permitted on the island. In

order to access the island, business owners must have a City issue Business Owner Hurricane Pass. If business owners do not have a pass, one can be secured at Sanibel's temporary office located in the Holiday Inn at the Bell Tower Mall.



• Sanibel City officials announced that insurance adjusters requiring access to Sanibel

Island should pick-up a City issue Hurricane Pass. Passes can be obtained at Sanibel's temporary city hall located at Holiday Inn Select at the Bell Tower Mall (13051 Bell Tower Dr., Ft. Myers). For additional information regarding access to Sanibel Island call (239) 482-2900, ext 201.

• For further information on the City of Sanibel's response to Hurricane Charley, please

visit the website: www.mysanibel.com


• Captiva RESIDENTS and BUSINESS owners may return to the island beginning at 7

a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. In order to access the island, Captiva residents must present a photo identification with a physical Captiva address. Business owners must be able to show proof of ownership of a business on Captiva (ie. occupational license).

• Captiva residents and business owners are to park their vehicles at Ding Darling National

Wildlife Refuge. Lee Tran will be providing complimentary shuttle bus service to Captiva and will drop residents off at or near their homes. The bus shuttle will run on Wednesday, August 18th and Thursday, August 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge will serve as a temporary staging area for resident vehicle because most driveways are blocked by landscape / horticulture debris caused by Hurricane Charley. If residents were permitted to park on the road as a result of their driveways being blocked, the clean up process would be severely hampered.

• Residents are encouraged to visit their homes and secure the property and assess any

damage. They are to return to their vehicles to leave the island until normal public services are resumed.

• Captiva residents will be able to pick up their mail between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12:00

p.m., Monday - Friday in the Edison Conference Room at the Hampton Inn & Suites, located at 11281 Summerlin Square Blvd (directly behind the Taco Bell on Summerlin Blvd.). Please note, there will be NO retail services at this location. Only incoming mail will be distributed.

• Officials from the Town of Ft. Myers Beach are allowing Ft. Myers Beach RESIDENTS to

return to their homes. Residents returning must present photo identification with a physical Ft. Myers Beach address. Also, Ft. Myers Beach business owners will be permitted to return to assess the damage to their business. Business owners must be able to show proof of ownership (ie. occupational license).

• All contractors who want to work in FMB must register at the town hall (2523 Estero Blvd)

before work can be done. This regulation applies to current Lee County contractors.

• Residents may pick up a list of registered in contractors at town hall.

• Residents who want to repair their own property may pick up temporary repair permits at town hall on Friday (August 20) from 9 am to 3 pm and Saturday (August 21) from 9am to noon.

================================== PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY ==================================

• Lee County Health Department has opened a First Aid Station staffed with a physician at 6875 Estero Blvd on Ft. Myers Beach. The hours of operations: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday - Friday.



• Hurricane Charley damaged many Lee County beach areas, resulting in septic system

and sewage spills and overflows. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals.

• As a precaution, the Lee County Health Department recommends that no swimming at

Lee County beaches until a bacteriological survey shows that the beaches are safe. Bacteriological survey results should be available by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2004.



• Lee County Health Department reports the "boil water" notice is still in effect for Sanibel &

Captiva Islands and Pine Island. All other Lee County Utilities customers are under a precautionary "boil water" notice if they are or have been experiencing low water pressure.

• Lee County Animal Services wants to make sure that all stray animals are taken to the

Lee County Animal Shelter and not to private citizens. Contact Animal Servicves at 432-2083 to let them know of private citizens holding strays at their homes. Animal services has suspended euthanasia.

• Upon arriving at an intersection with yellow flashing lights, drivers should proceed with

caution unless a stop sign is at the intersection also. In this case, obey the most restrictive action.

• There are still 229 Florida National Guard assigned by FDLE to the taskings in Lee

County . ================================= VOLUNTEERISM/DONATIONS/NEEDS/PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ==================================

• Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate goods to the: o bulk distribution center should contact (239) 561-1767. o Salvation Army should contact at 239-334-3745. o Red Cross should contact 239-278-3401 or 866-438-4636. o Items requested for the bulk distribution center include: water on pallets,

ice on pallets, disposable diapers, Depends, handiwipes, insect repellant, cases of combs, cases of shampoo, cases of deoderant, cases of toothpaste, cases of toothbrushes, femine hygiene items, Sun screen

o The Salvation is requesting: Non-perishable staples; Sun screen; Insect repellant; Baby supplies (i.e., formula, diapers); Hygiene items.

• Good Wheels is running a normal schedule. The normal phone number is out so call the new phone number at 275-8726.

• The blood centers at HealthPark and Cape Coral Hospital are accepting blood donations.

The blood centers at Lee Memorial and Cape Coral Hospital will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The blood centers are in desperate need of blood to return to a state of normalcy. The blood centers are also asking for more platelet donors. These special donors help children and adults with cancer. For more information on donating your platelets, contact the Lee Memorial Hospital Blood Center at 334-5333. For other Lee Memorial Health System questions, call 334-5338.



Shelter (Harborside Convention Center). ================================== POWER RESTORATION/UTILITIES ==================================

• Power restoration info. from company representatives at EOC: o As of Thursday, August 19: o LCEC reports 12,000 customers are still without power. o FPL reports 20,000 customers are still without power.

• Lee Tran has resumed bus service except for Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach

Routes. Service hours are subject to any curfews which remain in effect. ADA paratransit service will be available on a same-day trip request, by calling 275-8726. Lee Tran asks that ADA trips be limited to life sustaining needs.



================================== FEMA ==================================

• FEMA is putting out the following information about DISASTER ASSISTANCE: DISASTER ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE NOW If you sustained losses or damage in one of the counties declared a federal disaster area, you may be eligible for federal and state disaster aid.00. Apply by phone, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TDD 1-800-462-7585 When you apply for disaster assistance please have the following available:

o Social Security Number (including spouse) o Address and zip code of the damaged property o Directions to the damaged property o Telephone numbers where you can be reached during the day

CALL TODAY, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE BUT YOU MUST APPLY Help may include: grants for temporary housing, repairs and personal property for individuals and households, low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners.

• Red Cross will open on Thursday, August 19, 2004, a Service Center at the Riverside

Church located at 8660 Daniels Parkway, Ft. Myers (239) 689-9000. The Service Center will be open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. The center will supply citizens emergency needs such as housing assistance; clothing; food; and medical. NOTE: Those in need of services must first pre-register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

• The Tennessee Baptist Relief has a food kitchen set up at McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd. serving meals to anyone.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 19, 2004 at 11:35 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 11:35 a.m. Some things you should know about Lee County's Emergency Permitting Process: • Make sure the contractor shows you his or her license. • For roof repairs less than 25% of the value, you do not need an emergency permit. • Many certified roofing contractors already have prepaid roof permits in hand, so the

process should be expedited. • For total homeowner repairs up to $20,000 and contractor repairs up to

$50,000, a permit is require; however, detailed plans are not required. CLARIFICATION: THE RULE BELOW ABOVE FOR PERMITS IS ANYTHING OVER 25% OF SIZE (NOT VALUE) OF ROOF.........THANKS Pete Winton Assistant to the County Manager Lee County Administration [email protected] Phone: (239) 335-2777 FAX: (239) 335-2262

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE William R. Opp, CONTACT (239) 694-2174 August 19, 2004 3:45 PM Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 3:45 PM

Lee County Mosquito Control District has completed initial spraying of Sanibel and Pine Island by aircraft for adult mosquitoes and will begin aerial treatment of inland areas of Lee County tomorrow morning, August 20, 2004. Areas scheduled for treatment by air tomorrow morning include portions of North Fort Myers, Iona, Bonita Springs and South East Lee County. Additional affected areas of Lee County will be treated by aircraft and trucks as quickly as possible. The District will be applying Naled which is an EPA registered and approved material for the control of adult mosquitoes. Naled can be used for public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to the general population, wildlife or the environment when applied according to the label.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 19, 2004 19:30 PM Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 19:30 PM

Seminole Gulf Railroad has resumed normal service. All drivers are cautioned to drive defensively at railroad crossings.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 19, 2004 06:45 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 18:45 Law enforcement officials will continue to impose the following curfews this evening:

• Sanibel/Captiva Islands 19:30 to 07:00 • Fort Myers Beach 19:00 to 07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 19, 2004 07:25 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 19:25 The Red Cross will open three additional shelters tomorrow at noon. The locations are: Chapel by the Sea 100 Chapel Street Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932 Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church 12175 Stringfellow Road Bokeelia, FL 33922 Northside Baptist Church 8250 Littleton Road North Fort Myers, FL 33903

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 20, 2004 at 8:30 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 8:30 a.m. The following is update information from Lee Emergency Ops. Center: ===================================== PRIORITY FOR Thursday, August 20: ===================================== • Lee County Emergency Management are cautioning all users of portable generators to



week. Lee County has suspended issuing and processing new building permits for up to five business days. This results in building inspectors being able to redirect their efforts to emergency operations.

• Tolls on the Midpoint and Cape Coral Bridges resumed today Friday, August 20, 2004. • Tolls on the Sanibel Bridge will resume on Monday, August 23, 2004 at 5:45 a.m. • Lee County Public Schools will remain closed for the entire week. • LCEC reports 15,500 customers are still without power. • FPL reports 2,900 customers are still without power. • There are still 229 Florida National Guard assigned by FDLE to the taskings in Lee

County . ===================================== BARRIER ISLANDS & BEACH AREAS ===================================== • Sanibel residents may return to the island. In order to access the island, Sanibel residents

must present a city issued Hurricane Pass or photo identification with a physical Sanibel address. Residents who do not have any identification must go to the Bell Tower Holiday Inn, where the City has setup a temporary office in order to obtain a Hurricane Pass. Business owners and employees will not be permitted on the island at this time.

• Sanibel business owners are permitted on the island. In order to access the island, business

owners must have a City issue Business Owner Hurricane Pass. If business owners do not have a pass, one can be secured at Sanibel's temporary office located in the Holiday Inn at the Bell Tower Mall.

• NOTE: At the Sanibel Causeway Toll Plaza, Sanibel residents will use the two far right lanes.

The express lane is for emergency workers only. There will be no access to Captiva Road, beginning at Blind Pass. The National Guard is providing security at Blind Pass.

• Sanibel City officials announced that insurance adjusters requiring access to Sanibel Island

should pick-up a City issue Hurricane Pass. Passes can be obtained at Sanibel's temporary city hall located at Holiday Inn Select at the Bell Tower Mall (13051 Bell Tower Dr., Ft. Myers). For additional information regarding access to Sanibel Island call (239) 482-2900, ext 201.

• For further information on the City of Sanibel's response to Hurricane Charley, please visit the website: www.mysanibel.com

• The Sanibel Drawbridge fender system in the main navigation channel was damaged by

Hurricane Charley. Debris removal and repairs to the fender system in the main channel are underway. Boaters are to use extreme caution when passing through the drawbridge channel. No Wake is permitted. In addition, a portion of the seawall on the south side of the east end (mainland) of the bridge was damaged by the hurricane and is being assessed.

• Captiva residents and business owners are now able to drive onto the island.

Contractors are also permitted on Captiva. Residents and business owners on Captiva are required to provide identification and proof residency / ownership at the Causeway check point.

• Captiva residents will be able to pick up their mail between the hours of 9 a.m. and

12:00 p.m., Monday - Friday in the Edison Conference Room at the Hampton Inn & Suites, located at 11281 Summerlin Square Blvd (directly behind the Taco Bell on Summerlin Blvd.). Please note, there will be NO retail services at this location. Only incoming mail will be distributed.

• Officials from the Town of Ft. Myers Beach have announced that traffic to Ft. Myers

Beach is no longer restricted. A swimming advisory is still in effect due to the possibility of a high bacterial count.

• All contractors who want to work in FMB must register at the town hall (2523 Estero Blvd)

before work can be done. This regulation applies to current Lee County contractors. • Residents may pick up a list of registered in contractors at town hall. • Residents who want to repair their own property may pick up temporary repair permits at

town hall on Friday (August 20) from 9 am to 3 pm and Saturday (August 21) from 9am to noon.

• Lee County Permits Information: • Some things you should know about Lee County's permit process: • Make sure the contractor shows you his or her license. • For roof repairs less than 25% of the value, you do not need an emergency permit. • Many certified roofing contractors already have prepaid roof permits in hand thereby,

expediting the process. • For total homeowner repairs up to $20,000 and contractor repairs up to $50,000, a permit is

required; however, detailed plans are not required. • Law enforcement officials will continue to impose the following curfews this evening: • Sanibel/Captiva Islands 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. • Fort Myers Beach 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. ================================== PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY ================================== • Lee County Health Department has opened a First Aid Station staffed with a physician at

6875 Estero Blvd on Ft. Myers Beach. The hours of operations: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday - Friday.

• The safety of construction workers in the bay is a priority. Bay users must slow their speed down and abide by the no-wake zone signs at the drawbridge. Boats can create dangerous conditions for construction workers. Operation of boats or personal recreational water craft in proximity to the repair zone can result in distractions and disruptions to the construction activity and could result in unnecessary hazards for the public and construction workers.


sewage spills and overflows. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals.

• As a precaution, the Lee County Health Department recommends that no swimming at Lee

County beaches until a bacteriological survey shows that the beaches are safe. Bacteriological survey results should be available by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2004.

• Lee County Health Department reports the "boil water" notice is still in effect for Sanibel &

Captiva Islands and Pine Island. All other Lee County Utilities customers are under a precautionary "boil water" notice if they are or have been experiencing low water pressure.



• Lee County Mosquito Control District has completed initial spraying of Sanibel and Pine

Island by aircraft for adult mosquitoes and will begin aerial treatment of inland areas of Lee County tomorrow morning, August 20, 2004. Areas scheduled for treatment by air tomorrow morning include portions of North Fort Myers, Iona, Bonita Springs and South East Lee County. Additional affected areas of Lee County will be treated by aircraft and trucks as quickly as possible. The District will be applying Naled which is an EPA registered and approved material for the control of adult mosquitoes. Naled can be used for public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to the general population, wildlife or the environment when applied according to the label.

• Lee County Animal Services wants to make sure that all stray animals are taken to the Lee

County Animal Shelter and not to private citizens. Contact Animal Servicves at 432-2083 to let them know of private citizens holding strays at their homes. Animal services has suspended euthanasia.

• Upon arriving at an intersection with yellow flashing lights, drivers should proceed with

caution unless a stop sign is at the intersection also. In this case, obey the most restrictive action.

• Seminole Gulf Railroad has resumed normal service. All drivers are cautioned to drive

defensively at railroad crossings. • There are still 229 Florida National Guard assigned by FDLE to the taskings in Lee County . ================================= VOLUNTEERISM/DONATIONS/NEEDS/PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ================================== • A Volunteer and Bulk Receiving & Distribution Center has been setup at the rest area

parking lot located at the I-75 (Exit 131) and Daniels Road interchange. The distribution center will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The center is for bulk deliveries to Lee County from outside resources. The purpose of the center is to allow large quanties of supplies to be picked up by organizations who will then distribute the items to the community (i.e. churchs, community groups). The center is being staffed by Salvation Army volunteers.

• Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate goods to the: • bulk distribution center should contact (239) 561-1767. • Salvation Army should contact at 239-334-3745. • Red Cross should contact 239-278-3401 or 866-438-4636.

o Items requested for the bulk distribution center include: water on pallets, ice on pallets, disposable diapers, Depends, handiwipes, insect repellant, cases of combs, cases of shampoo, cases of deoderant, cases of toothpaste, cases of toothbrushes, femine hygiene items, Sun screen

o The Salvation Army is requesting: Non-perishable staples; Sun screen; Insect repellant; Baby supplies (i.e., formula, diapers); Hygiene items.

• Good Wheels is running a normal schedule. The normal phone number is out so call the new

phone number at 275-8726. • The blood centers at HealthPark and Cape Coral Hospital are accepting blood donations.

The blood centers at Lee Memorial and Cape Coral Hospital will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The blood centers are in desperate need of blood to return to a state of normalcy. The blood centers are also asking for more platelet donors. These special donors help children and adults with cancer. For more information on donating your platelets, contact the Lee Memorial Hospital Blood Center at 334-5333. For other Lee Memorial Health System questions, call 334-5338.

• The Special Need Shelter located at the Harborside Convention Center is caring for 39

pepole. • NOTE: The Red Cross announced the Germain (TECO) Arena shelter will no longer be

used as a shelter effective Noon on Friday, August 20, 2004. There are approximately 200 who remain at the shelter who will be taken to one of the following three shelters:

Chapel by the Sea 100 Chapel Street Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932 Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church 12175 Stringfellow Road Bokeelia, FL 33922 Northside Baptist Church 8250 Littleton Road North Fort Myers, FL 33903

================================== POWER RESTORATION/UTILITIESa ================================== • Power restoration info. from company representatives at EOC:

As of Friday, August 20, 2004: o LCEC reports 15,500 customers are still without power. o FPL reports 2,900 customers are still without power.

• Lee Tran has resumed bus service except for Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach Routes.

Service hours are subject to any curfews which remain in effect. ADA paratransit service will be available on a same-day trip request, by calling 275-8726. Lee Tran asks that ADA trips be limited to life sustaining needs.

• Lee County Utilities is urging all citizens to limit water use if their electrical service has not yet

been restored. Once power is restored, allow 1 to 2 hours before resuming normal water use. This will help to ensure that sanitary conditions relating to the sewer system are maintained.

================================== FEMA ================================== • FEMA is putting out the following information about DISASTER ASSISTANCE:

DISASTER ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE NOW If you sustained losses or damage in one of the counties declared a federal disaster area, you may be eligible for federal and state disaster aid.00. Apply by phone, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TDD 1-800-462-7585 When you apply for disaster assistance please have the following available: Social Security Number (including spouse) Address and zip code of the damaged property Directions to the damaged property Telephone numbers where you can be reached during the day CALL TODAY, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE BUT YOU MUST APPLY Help may include: grants for temporary housing, repairs and personal property for individuals and households, low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners.

• Red Cross will open on Thursday, August 19, 2004, a Service Center at the Riverside Church

located at 8660 Daniels Parkway, Ft. Myers (239) 689-9000. The Service Center will be open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. The center will supply citizens emergency needs such as housing assistance; clothing; food; and medical. NOTE: Those in need of services must first pre-register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

• The Tennessee Baptist Relief has a food kitchen set up at McGregor Baptist Church, 3750

Colonial Blvd. serving meals to anyone. • Lee County has two citizen information hotlines activated: 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 20, 2004 at 10:55 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 10:55 a.m.-Toll Information • Tolls on the Midpoint and Cape Coral Bridges resumed today Friday, August 20, 2004. • Tolls on the Sanibel Bridge will resume on Monday, August 23, 2004 at 5:45 a.m. • Recovery vehicles that the county can easily identify WILL NOT be charged a toll through

Sunday for the Cape Coral and Midpoint bridges and through next Sunday (Aug. 29) for the Sanibel Causeway.

• The county does ask the vehicles to use a manned lane for all bridges except the Midpoint

Bridge (where there are express lanes without gates) so that someone will not have to leave their station and open the gate, causing traffic delays.

• In addition, Department of Tranportation Officials have reinstated checking and issuing

overweight truck permits for trucks crossing the Sanibel Bridge. DOT will issue the permits at DOT Operations at Billy's Creek from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. On a temporary basis, permits also will be issued at the Lee County Sports Complex and at the Tangiers Outlet Mall, at McGregor & Summerlin. All trucks over 3 tons must have a valid permit.

• Please note that any trucks that do not have a valid permit will not be permitted to cross the

bridge. Any questions, information is available at the County web site or at 335-2852 or 694-3334 which is the Billy's Creek, DOT Operations site.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Jennifer Dunn, (239) 851-8973 AUGUST 20, 2004 at 11:30 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 11:30 a.m. - Economic Development As Florida recovers from the effects of Hurricane Charley, the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO) is working with Enterprise Florida (EFI) and the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) to provide assistance to business owners as they assess their damages and work toward recovery.

See attached for complete details.

Surviving the Aftermath of Hurricane Charley Business Recovery Fact Sheet

As Florida recovers from the effects of Hurricane Charley, the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO) is working with Enterprise Florida (EFI) and the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) to provide assistance to business owners as they assess their damages and work toward recovery. For updates regarding resources available for local businesses that have been adversely affected by the storm visit the Lee County Economic Development Office website at www.LeeCountyBusiness.com.

Financial Assistance – Short term The state is in the process of making state bridge loans available to local business owners. Bridge loans provide immediate financial assistance to businesses before funding from insurance claims or SBA loans are available.

Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan • The State is finalizing arrangements for small business emergency bridge loans

o This is a SHORT TERM loan to provide temporary working capital to viable, established small businesses in Lee County, FL that have experienced adverse impacts of a disaster who are experiencing difficulty surviving or continuing business operations.

o The purpose of this program is to facilitate business survival and rapid restoration of business operations during the time between the storm and the receipt of other financing or financial assistance.

o Amount: Minimum loan - $1,000; Maximum loan $25,000. o Term: 90 or 180 days depending on individual business circumstances o INTEREST FREE for the term established for each loan o Eligibility:

Small businesses established in Lee County prior to one year of the hurricane Minimum number of employees – 2; self-employed individuals may be eligible

on a case-by-case basis. Maximum number of employees – 100 employees Need for the loan and use of proceeds must be directly related to the impact of

the storm. Credit will be reviewed prior to awarding funds.

o Getting the process started:

Go to a designated bank (See attached list for Lee County Banks) Applications are available at the attached list of locations that includes banks,

the local SBDC and various other locations. Take completed application to one of the designated banks. Applications are also available online at:

www.LeeCountyBusiness.com

Financial Assistance – Long term

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has established business assistance resource centers in Lee County.

The SBA provides loans with rates as low as 2.9 percent to businesses for uninsured losses. Loans are available for up to $1.5 million per loan for qualified businesses.

SBA loans The Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan program was established to provide necessary funding to areas declared a disaster by the President of the United States. SBA is the only recovery source for loans to businesses other than Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans. SBA provides low interest loans for businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations. It is designed to provide funding to repair damages to real estate, machinery, equipment and inventory. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) also are available to small businesses unable to pay bills or meet operating expenses. SBA will not run out of money, but will serve on a first come, first serve basis as far as establishing priority for dispersal of funds.

• Expect approximately a 60 day filing period – 20 days from file to approval; closing may take longer than that. This is similar to construction loans.

• Up to $1.5 million per SBA loan available • 2.9% interest rates • Maturity extends up to 30 years • Unsecured cap of $10,000 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SBA LOANS BUSINESSES SHOULD NOT WAIT FOR INSURANCE PAYMENTS TO BEGIN LOAN PROCESS

o Businesses are encouraged to get entered into the system as quickly as possible (To get into the system businesses must call FEMA and get a case number.)

o SBA will deduct insurance and other funding sources later. • Eligibility – businesses must have uninsured damage from the disaster • Getting the process started:

A SBA disaster loan representative is available at the Lee County Public Works building at 1500 Monroe Street in Downtown Ft. Myers from 8am-8pm seven days a week and at Germain Arena in Estero to meet with small business owners in regards to a disaster loan.

1. Call 800-621 FEMA (3363) to get a case number. 2. You must register with FEMA before submitting an application. 3. Obtain application from the local outreach center located at:

Lee County Public Works 1500 Monroe Street Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Open seven days a week, 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. until further notice. Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Parkway Estero, FL 33928 This Mobile Disaster Recovery Center location, which also serves as a shelter, is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. until further notice.

OR go to www.sba.gov for an application and additional information

4. Submit application at local outreach center 5. SBA will conduct on-site evaluations

SBA Help Line – 1-800-359-2227

Small Business Development Center The Small Business Development Center of Florida Gulf Coast University (SBDC) covers the SW Florida Five-county market and will be available to the small business owners. SBDC will assist businesses with the SBA loan packages and offer free, confidential, one-on-one counseling for small business owners affected by Hurricane Charley. An SBDC representative will also serve as a liaison for the government loan programs and help determine the best loan for each business’ needs.

• For additional information, call or visit the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

FGCU Small Business Development Center 12751 Westlinks Drive Building III, Unit 8 Fort Myers, FL 33913 Phone: (239) 225-4220

(Additional locations may be added based on need)

Permitting Assistance: Lee County will issue emergency permits & contractor licenses only until August 24, 2004. No other intake will be accepted during this period including zoning and Development Order (DO) intake. Phone: (239) 479-8585 Website: www.lee-county.com/dcd. Workforce Development Board: Workforce development efforts are important to the recovery process. The Workforce Development Board provides information and services to assist in filing unemployment, securing employment and pursuing job training. The Career and Service Center in Fort Myers is open to assist both the business community and the workers who need information and employment services.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance If you have been working or residing in one of the officially declared disaster counties, which includes Lee County, and are now unemployed as a result of the disaster, you may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation Benefits or Disaster Unemployment Assistance. You will need the following information:

• Social Security Number • Alien registration number and expiration date (if applicable) • Name and address of your last employer • If you worked in another state during the past two years, have the name and address of

the out-of-state-employer • If self-employed, have proof of self-employment for the past two years. (W-2’s, State or

federal tax returns, bank records of accounts, statement from a bank showing business account, or a copy of title or deed to a business property.)

o The quickest way to obtain a copy of a W-2 is through your employer. You can order and pay for copies of your return from the IRS, or order W-2 information at no charge from IRS.

o Complete and mail Form 4506 for a Copy of Tax Return Form 4506-T for Transcript of Tax Return. Allow 60 calendar days for response.

• If you were scheduled to work but could not work due to the disaster, have name and address of employer and date scheduled to work.

Explanation of Unemployment Benefits

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a federally funded unemployment benefit program which provides assistance to individuals who become unemployed as a result of a disaster.

• All eligible individuals have 30 days from the announcement date to file a claim for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. If the date of separation is later than the announcement date, state law will apply. • The disaster period is the 26 week period beginning with the first week following the date the

major disaster began and ending with the 26th week subsequent to the date the major disaster was declared.

• Depending on the date of the declaration, it is possible for individuals to receive more than 26 weeks of benefits.

• An individual must exhaust all entitlement (Unemployment Compensation, EUC) prior to being eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. A claimant who is disqualified from receiving regular unemployment may be entitled to Disaster Unemployment.

• The Disaster Unemployment Assistance entitlement will be calculated with a base period of the most recent tax year that ended prior to the individual’s unemployment that was the direct result of a disaster.

• For any week that the claimant’s earnings are in excess of the calculated weekly benefit amount, the individual receives no payment for the week.

• Aliens may receive Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits if they meet the able and available criteria, within the state law: They must be able and available for work and authorized by INS (http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm) to work in this country.

To apply for this benefit you may do any one of the following:

1. File your claim electronically: Unemployment Form (https://www2.myflorida.com/apps/uc/fluid/)

2. Call 1.800.204.2418 or visit your local One Stop Center or Temporary location Please refer to our printable fact sheet page for a list of information you will need to file your claim.

Career and Service Center of Lee County 4150 Ford St. Extension Fort Myers 239.275.3100 (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) www.careerandservicecenter.org

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 20, 2004 at 11:35 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 10:55 a.m.-Toll Information

Lee County will not be issuing overweight permits at Tanger's Outlet Mall.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 20, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 1:30 p.m. - Shelters & Red Cross

• The American Red Cross reports that they disseminated more than 41,000 meals yesterday in Lee County.

o Total of 350 volunteers in the field (Lee County) o 19 emergency response vehicles are being utilized as mobile feeding

units o 20 damage assessment personnel focusing on Pine Island, Fort Myers

Beach, Sanibel/Captiva and North Fort Myers. o 75 family service personnel are processing requests at Riverside Church

• The Red Cross has completed its primary damage assessment on all the outer

islands except for Fort Myers Beach. Red Cross officials are increasing food production and distribution and opened an additional food production kitchen at Fort Myers Beach. The Red Cross family locator number is (239) 278-3401. The complete list of shelters appears below:

Chapel by the Sea 100 Chapel Street Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932 Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church 12175 Stringfellow Road Bokeelia, FL 33922 Northside Baptist Church 8250 Littleton Road North Fort Myers, FL 33903 St. John's Episcopal Church 7771 Stringfellow Road Pine Island, FL 33956 (Red Cross is not running this shelter)

Germain Arena shelter was closed today at noon and evacuees who needed shelter were transported to one of the shelters above.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE William R. Opp, CONTACT (239) 694-2174 August 20, 2004 3:05 PM Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 3:05 PM - Mosquito Control Lee County Mosquito Control District is working to provide relief from the many mosquitoes that are emerging as a result of the flooding from Hurricane Charley. The Bokeelia area will be treated by air around 6:00 P.M. this evening, weather permitting. Areas scheduled for treatment by air tomorrow morning include portions of North Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Buckingham, Gateway, Flamingo Bay and Burnt Store Marina. Additional affected areas of Lee County will be treated by aircraft and trucks as quickly as possible. The District will be applying Naled which is an EPA registered and approved material for the control of adult mosquitoes. Naled can be used for public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to the general population, wildlife or the environment when applied according to the label.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Kurt Harclerode, Fort Myers (239) 229-7295 August 20, 2004 4 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 4:00 PM - Water Management WATER MANAGEMENT EMERGENCY ORDER EXPEDITES CLEANUP, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF FACILITIES DAMAGED BY HURRICANE CHARLEY Additional staff sent to area offices to help handle workload In another effort to assist and support the Hurricane Charley recovery process, South Florida Water Management District Executive Director Henry Dean has signed an emergency order authorizing the repair, replacement and restoration of existing structures and facilities damaged by the storm. This action will allow governments, businesses and property-owners to identify and move forward with needed work - without the potential delay of a permit review process. This special authorization applies to Charlotte, Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades, Polk, Highlands, Orange and Osceola counties, and allows for the repair and rebuilding of damaged facilities and systems - such as canals, culverts, docks, piers, seawalls, fences, drainage systems, etc - to the same configuration and conditions as designated in existing permits, without prior notification to the District. While minor deviations to upgrade structures or facilities to current standards are authorized, it does not allow for any major changes or the building of new facilities. The emergency order does NOT apply to the complete replacement of structures or facilities totally destroyed by the storm, other than those that would otherwise be exempt from District permitting. And it does NOT authorize the construction of structures that did not exist before the hurricane. If in doubt, contact the local SFWMD office before commencing any work. The District has redirected additional staff to the Orlando and Fort Myers offices to help with local permitting issues, and efforts are also under way to establish on-site field authorizations. As part of this initiative, the District is coordinating closely with the state and with the other water management districts to ensure consistency and timeliness with regards to permitting concerns in the affected counties. On Wednesday, the Department of Environmental Protection issued an executive order suspending the required deadlines to take formal actions on routine permits and variances in order to allow staff to address the emergency situation. # # # The South Florida Water Management District is a regional, governmental agency that oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state - 16 counties from Orlando to the Keys. With headquarters in West Palm Beach, it is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts. The agency mission is to manage and protect water resources of the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems and water supply. A key initiative is cleanup and restoration of the Everglades.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 20, 2004 4:10 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 4:10 PM - Pine Island Roof Repair

More than 400 volunteers will be on Pine Island August 21 drying-in roofs at no cost. Call 239-282-2386 to get on the list for this service. Volunteers can call that same number or meet at the Pine Island Methodist Church at 7 am Saturday morning.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 20, 2004 5:05 P.M. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 5:05 PM - Pine Island Access/Curfew

According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, there is no curfew on Pine Island; however, access will be restricted to Pine Island residents from 9 PM-6AM.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 21, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 9:30 a.m. The following is update information from Lee Emergency Ops. Center: ===================================== PRIORITY FOR Saturday, August 21st: ===================================== • Lee County Emergency Management are cautioning all users of portable generators to


• The Lee County Board of Commissioners has extended the State of Emergency for a week;

expires August 24. Lee County has suspended issuing and processing new building permits for up to five business days. This results in building inspectors being able to redirect their efforts to emergency operations.

• Tolls on the Sanibel Bridge will resume on Monday, August 23, 2004 at 5:45 a.m. • LCEC reports about 12,000 customers are still without power, primarily on the islands of

Sanibel, Captiva and Pine Island. • FPL reports 99% of its customers power has been restored. Hurricane Charley had affected

175,000 Lee County FPL customers. • There are 106 Florida National Guard assigned by FDLE to the taskings in Lee County. • Lee County EOC remains at Level 1 activation. • The storm information hotline can be accessed by dialing the United Way help line 211. • The Health Department reports that there are 16 evacuees remaining in the specials needs

shelter at Harborside Event Center. The Red Cross reports that they have 79 evacuees in 2 (Fort Myers Beach & North Fort Myers) of its three remaining shelters. Report from the third shelter (Pine Island) was not immediately available.

• LeeTran officials report that they are fully operational with the exception of Fort Myers Beach,

which will be operational on Monday. • The Volunteer & Donations Center at the rest stop at I-75 & Daniels (239) 561-1709 is

requesting donations of debris removal and roof repair supplies to include: o tar paper o roofing nails & hammers o shovels o rakes o wheel barrows o saws o garbage bags

• If you are interested in volunteering to help with debris removal and roof repair, contact (239) 283-2386.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 21, 2004 at 11:30 a.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 11:30 a.m.

If you are interested in volunteering to help with debris removal and roof repair, contact (239) 283-2386.


The City of Sanibel will hold a press conference regarding electricity at 5 p.m. today at 1610 Meadow Golf Drive.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 21, 2004 at 2:15 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 2:15 p.m.-211 Citizen Hotline Lee County Emergency Management officials requests that those with questions or specific needs dial 211, the human services hotline. With current call volumes remaining low, the 477-1900 and 888-231-5320 citizen information are minimally staffed and emergency management officials will begin to transition all citizen requests to the human services hotline, 211. For broadcast media, put 211 in the ticker and remove all references to 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE AUGUST 21, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 4:00 p.m -211 Citizen Hotline • Lee County Mosquito Control District is working to provide relief from the many

mosquitoes that are emerging as a result of the flooding from Hurricane Charley. Areas scheduled for treatment by air tomorrow morning include portions of Boca Grande, St. James City, West Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Buckingham, and South Ft. Myers. Additional affected areas of Lee County will be treated by aircraft and trucks as quickly as possible. The District will be applying Naled or Permethrin which are EPA registered and approved materials for the control of adult mosquitoes. These materials can be used for public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to the general population, wildlife or the environment when applied according to the label.

• Lee County Emergency Management officials requests that those with questions or

specific needs dial 211, the human services hotline. • With current call volumes remaining low, the 477-1900 and 888-231-5320 citizen

information are minimally staffed and emergency management officials will begin to transition all citizen requests to the human services hotline, 211. For broadcast media, put 211 in the ticker and remove all references to 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 21, 2004 at 4:15 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 4:15 p.m.-211 Citizen Hotline • The City of Sanibel and Lee County Electric Cooperative will be holding a 5 p.m.

press conference today. The location of the press conference is 1610 Middle Gulf Drive. For additional information call the Sanibel Command Center at (239) 472-9072


specific needs dial 211, the human services hotline. • With current call volumes remaining low, the 477-1900 and 888-231-5320 citizen

information are minimally staffed and emergency management officials will begin to transition all citizen requests to the human services hotline, 211. For broadcast media, put 211 in the ticker and remove all references to 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 21, 2004 at 4:30 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 4:30 p.m -211 Citizen Hotline • Pine Island officials are requesting all donations be dropped off at the Bulk Receiving and

Distribution Center located at the rest area parking lot at the I-75 (Exit 131) and Daniels Road interchange. Pine Island officials will have all supplies / equipment delivered from the distribution center as needed. It is imperative that donations be not delivered directly to Pine Island but be taken to the distribution center.

• Today, the Lee County Health Department rescinded the precautionary boil water notice for

the southern half of Pine Island. The municipal public water (Greater Pine Island Water Association) is safe to drink at Pine Island Elementary School and south of Pine Island Road. The municipal public water is also safe east of Pine Island Creek, including Matlacha.

• All Pine Island residents and businesses north of Pine Island Road should continue to boil

their water or use bottled water until further notice. • The following are still on precautionary boil water notice.

All community water systems in Lee County that are not on these lists are fine and the water is considered safe to drink.

The following large community water systems are still on precautionary boil water notice:

o Island Water Association (Sanibel and Captiva). o Greater Pine Island Water Association (Pine Island), north of Pine Island Road.

The following small community water systems are still on precautionary boil water notice:

o Covered Wagon Trailer Park. o Glade Haven. o Useppa Island Club. o Sunseeker's RV Park. o Sunrich MHP. o Lake Fairways MHP.

• All other community water systems in Lee County are fine.


specific needs dial 211, the human services hotline.

• With current call volumes remaining low, the 477-1900 and 888-231-5320 citizen information are minimally staffed and emergency management officials will begin to transition all citizen requests to the human services hotline, 211. For broadcast media, put 211 in the ticker and remove all references to 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 21, 2004 at 4:30 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 4:30 p.m -211 Citizen Hotline • Pine Island officials are requesting all donations be dropped off at the Bulk Receiving and

Distribution Center located at the rest area parking lot at the I-75 (Exit 131) and Daniels Road interchange. Pine Island officials will have all supplies / equipment delivered from the distribution center as needed. It is imperative that donations be not delivered directly to Pine Island but be taken to the distribution center.

• Today, the Lee County Health Department rescinded the precautionary boil water notice for

the southern half of Pine Island. The municipal public water (Greater Pine Island Water Association) is safe to drink at Pine Island Elementary School and south of Pine Island Road. The municipal public water is also safe east of Pine Island Creek, including Matlacha.

• All Pine Island residents and businesses north of Pine Island Road should continue to boil

their water or use bottled water until further notice. • The following are still on precautionary boil water notice.

All community water systems in Lee County that are not on these lists are fine and the water is considered safe to drink. The following large community water systems are still on precautionary boil water notice:

o Island Water Association (Sanibel and Captiva). o Greater Pine Island Water Association (Pine Island), north of Pine Island Road.

The following small community water systems are still on precautionary boil water notice:

o Covered Wagon Trailer Park. o Glade Haven. o Useppa Island Club. o Sunseeker's RV Park. o Sunrich MHP. o Lake Fairways MHP.

All other community water systems in Lee County are fine.

• Lee County Emergency Management officials requests that those with questions or specific

needs dial 211, the human services hotline. • With current call volumes remaining low, the 477-1900 and 888-231-5320 citizen information

are minimally staffed and emergency management officials will begin to transition all citizen requests to the human services hotline, 211. For broadcast media, put 211 in the ticker and remove all references to 477-1900 and 888-231-5320.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 22, 2004 at 4:15 p.m Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 4:15 p.m -From the Pine Island EOC. The following is update information from the Pine Island EOC. ==================================== MEDICAL ==================================== • Lee County and Pine Island officials are cautioning all users of portable generator to exercise

due care in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When operating a generator be sure the generator remains outside the home or business. DO NOT operate a portable generator with a confined space such as a garage or in a home. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be lethal.

• A mobile Urgent Care Center is now available for Pine Island Residence needing minor

medical attention. A doctor and a nurse will be treating patients for free in the public shelter at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 12175 Stringfellow Road, from 11:00 to 6:00 pm today. The center will treat victims for cuts, scraps, burns and other minor injuries. Minor illnesses will also be treated and general health will be assessed. Free tetanus shots will be available from 1:00 p.m.

==================================== SCHOOL ==================================== • School will resume on Pine Island on Monday, August 23, 2004. All bus schedules and bus

stops for St. James City from Pine Island Road (4-way stop south) WILL NOT CHANGE. They will be the same as pre-Charley.

• All bus schedules and bus stops for Bokeelia from Pine Island Road (4-way stop) north on

Stringfellow Road to Pomegranate WILL NOT CHANGE, EXCEP THERE WILL BE NO STOPS MADE ON ANY SIDE STREETS OFF STRINGFELLOW ROAD. All stops will be made on Stringfellow Road only.

• For all students living north of Pomegranate Drive, buses will pick up and drop of students at

the GRAB BAG parking lot. NO BUS STOPS WILL BE AVAILABLE NORTH OF STRINGFELLOW AND POMEGRANATE.

• 2,400 bottles of drinking water has been delivered at the school. Free lunch is being offered

to the children this week. ==================================== UTILITIES ==================================== • The Greater Pine Island Water Association have announced all Pine Island residents and

businesses north of Pine Island Road should continue to boil their water or use bottle water until further notice. The following areas are still under a "Boil Water Notice." The Lee County Health Department has rescinded the precautionary boil water notice for the southern half of Pine Island. The municipal public water is also safe to drink east of Pine Creek, including Matlacha.

• Lee County Solid Waste has resumed normal garbage pickup on Pine Island. Residents are

encouraged to separate regular garbage from recyclable, horticulture and structural debris. Storm debris will be picked up as soon as possible.

==================================== BUILDING PERMITS ==================================== • Some things you should know about Lee County's permit process:

o Make sure the contractor shows you his or her license. o For roof repairs less than 25% of the size of the roof, you do not need an emergency

permit. o Many certified roofing contractors already have prepaid roof permits in hand thereby,

expediting the process. o For total homeowner repairs up to $20,000 and contractor repairs up to $50,000, a

permit is required; however, detailed plans are not required. ==================================== FEMA ==================================== • FEMA will establish a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Fishers of Men Lutheran

Church located at 10360 Stringfellow Road, Pine Island. The DRC will be operational beginning Tuesday, August 24, 2004, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• If you sustained losses or damage, you may be eligible for federal and state disaster aid.

CALL TODAY, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE BUT YOU MUST APPLY. • You may apply by phone, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TDD 1-800-462-7585. When you

apply for disaster assistance please have the following available:

o Social Security Number (including your spouse) o Address and zip code of the damaged property o Directions to the damaged property o Telephone number(s) where you can be reached during the day

• **** Help includes: grants for temporary housing, repairs and personal property for individuals and households, low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners.****

==================================== PINE ISLAND DISASTER RELIEF ==================================== • The Pine Island Disaster Relief Warehouse located at the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Catholic Church (12175 Stringfellow Rd) is open for the distribution of relief supplies to the shelters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who are in need of supplies such as food, water, clothing, toiletries can be picked up at the two designated shelters on Pine Island:

• Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, 12175 Stringfellow Rd. (north of Pine

Island Road). • ·St. John's Episcopal Church, 7771 Stringfellow Road (south of Pine Island Road).

• Limited relief supplies can be picked up at: o Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Road. o Pink Citrus Mobile Home Park, 5 miles north of Pine Island Road. o The Salvation Army has setup a mobile canteen at the Elks Club located next to the

Pine Island Fire Department at Park and Pine Island Road. The canteen is serving meals to residents and disaster relief staff. Pine Island officials are requesting all bulk deliveries of supplies be taken to the Volunteer and Bulk Receiving & Distribution Center located at the Rest Area parking area at the I-75 (Exit 131) and Daniells Road Interchange. The center is bulk deliveries to Lee County from outside sources. The distribution center is open 7 days per week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

o COSCO on Cleveland Ave and Daniels Road has setup a collection bin for the Pine Island relief effort.

==================================== FIRE & SAFETY ==================================== • Fire officials are urging resident to use due care if using open flames within the home (i.e.

candles). Do not leave any open flame devices unattended and be sure that flammable material is not near flames.

• Coleman type lanterns should not be used inside a home due carbon monoxide fumes that are emitted and the fuel is an extremely flammable fuel. Use lanterns only well ventilated areas.

• Check smoke detectors, especially battery-operated detectors. • Use caution when walking due the large amount of debris caused by the Hurricane Charley. • Watch out for nails, broken glass etc. • Environmental:

o Where sunscreen when working during daylight hours. o Be sure to drink plenty of water while working outside. Heat exhaustion and Heat

Stroke are serious medical conditions caused by working in extreme heat. o Be on the look out for "critters" such as snakes, gators, rats, fire ants ect. that has

been displaced. Expect to find them anywhere. o At dawn and dusk hours be sure to use mosquito repellant.

==================================== LAW ENFORCEMENT ==================================== • Law enforcement and National Guard continue to patrol and provide traffic control on the

Island. • A checkpoint at the base of the Matlacha Bridge is in force from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Only

residents and business owners are permitted through the checkpoint. • The Pine Island EOC is located at the Pine Island Library, 10700 Russell Road. Contact

phone number is (239) 283-2071 - fax number is (239) 283-7711. • Residents with questions or specific needs are encouraged to dial the United Way hotline

number 2-1-1.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 23, 2004 at 5:35 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 5:35 p.m - Tetanus Vaccine DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOMMENDS TETANUS VACCINE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO SUFFER SEVERE WOUNDS With the amount of debris left by Hurricane Charley, Floridians working on clean-up efforts could be at risk of sustaining injuries. This is causing frequent questions regarding the need for tetanus vaccinations. Below is information on who may or may not need to receive a vaccination.

o Individuals who have not had a cut or wound do not require tetanus vaccination regardless of their exposure to flood waters.

o Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds and have not had a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years require a tetanus booster.

o If a person has an especially serious wound, then it is advised that he/she receive a tetanus booster within five years of last vaccination.

o If you sustain a wound or deep cut that concerns you, seek medical attention. Medical attention is required to determine if a tetanus booster is needed.

Proper wound care is essential for all cuts and lacerations regardless of exposure to flood waters. What is tetanus? Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is a bacterial disease that affects the nervous system. It is contracted through a cut or wound that becomes contaminated with tetanus bacteria. The bacteria can get in through even a tiny pinprick or scratch, but deep puncture wounds or cuts like those made by nails, knives or barbed-wire, for example are especially susceptible to infection with tetanus. Tetanus bacteria are present worldwide and are commonly found in soil, dust and manure. Infection with tetanus causes severe muscle spasms, leading to "locking" of the jaw so the patient cannot open his/her mouth or swallow, and may even lead to death by suffocation. Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms Common first signs of tetanus are a headache and muscular stiffness in the jaw (lockjaw) followed by stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing, rigidity of abdominal muscles, spasms, sweating and fever. Symptoms usually begin 8 days after the infection, but may range in onset from 3 days to 3 weeks. For more information on tetanus, contact your local county health department at (239) 332-9627 or visit the Department of Health website at www.doh.state.fl.us.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT (for media) Molly Bundy, Social Services Director, The Salvation Army, 239-334-3745 AUGUST 23, 2004 at 18:20 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 6:20 p.m - Aid for Pine Island Local, State and Federal organizations have partnered to provide aid to the residents of Pine Island and Matlacha. Those residents in need of aid to include:

o Home Repair Service o Unemployment o Non-perishable food items o Baby supplies o School Supplies o Vouchers for food o Crisis counseling o Specialized services to seniors

Disaster cleanup supplies are asked to go to the Pine Island Disaster Recovery Center located at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Road, Pine Island (just south of Pine Island Road on Stringfellow) during the hours of Monday-Friday 8:00AM-6:00PM. [See attached flier.]

Pine Island/Matlacha Residents… DO YOU NEED HELP?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Go to the Pine Island

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER located at:

Fishers of Men Lutheran Church 10360 Stringfellow Road

Pine Island (just south of Pine Island Road on Stringfellow)

OPEN: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-6:00PM

Services Available Include: Home Repair Service (through FEMA)

Unemployment Non-perishable food items

Baby supplies School Supplies Vouchers for food Crisis counseling

Specialized services to seniors Disaster cleanup supplies

Services Provided By: FEMA The United Way of Lee County The Salvation Army Workforce Development Board Lee County Dept. of Human Services AT&T Wireless Phones American Red Cross

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 24, 2004 at 4:15 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 4:15 p.m - Daily Update • Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 4:15 p.m - Daily Update

Lee County Emergency Management officials are urging those with needs or questions related to the storm to use the new storm hotline (239) 433-3900 or dial 211.

• In order to minimize the impact on the debris removal and emergency aid/response, emergency management and law enforcement officials are discouraging onlookers from driving in the areas of Sanibel, Captiva and Pine Islands.

• Emergency Management and Lee County Sheriff’s officials remind all drivers to exercise due care while driving, especially in those area with a high volume of storm debris. Because many roadsides are covered with debris, children, walking to school or waiting for buses, are forced to walk or stand closer to the edge of the road or on the road. Be on the lookout for children walking on or near the road.

• Debris from Hurricane Charley should be separated between horticultural (yard waste) and construction & demolition. It does not have to be bundled or cut to length, and there is no additional charge for pickup. The county is putting in place more resources for debris pick-up. Also, separate items that you would normally put in your trash, including things that rot quickly.

========================================== From Pine Island EOC ==========================================

The following is update information from the Pine Island EOC. MEDICAL • Lee County and Pine Island officials are cautioning all users of portable generator to exercise

due care in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When operating a generator be sure the generator remains outside the home or business. DO NOT operate a portable generator with a confined space such as a garage or in a home. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be lethal.

• A mobile Urgent Care Center is available for Pine Island Residents needing minor medical

attention. A doctor and a nurse will be treating patients for free every day in the public shelter located at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 12175 Stringfellow Road, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The center will treat victims for cuts, scraps, burns and other minor injuries. Minor illnesses will also be treated and general health will be assessed. Tetanus shots will also be available.

What happens if you get diarrhea after the hurricane? Poor sanitation, faulty plumbing, and contaminated water are conditions now present in many areas impacted by Hurricane Charley. Special precautions are needed for treatment of diarrhea in these conditions as severe cases may lead to dehydration and other health concerns. Diarrhea symptoms a. The symptoms are diarrhea with cramps, nausea and a general feeling of illness. This

diarrhea is usually caused by germs (bacteria, parasites or viruses) which have contaminated your food, water or fingers.

b. The illness is usually mild and clears up on its own within a few days. The most important

treatment is replacing your body's lost fluids and electrolytes (salt, potassium and sugar).

Treatment 1. Replace lost fluids and electrolytes (salt, potassium, and sugars). 2. Drink clear fluids (at least 3 liters/day for adults). Choose fruit juices rich in

potassium (e.g. orange, apple). Dilute with carbonated or bottled water if desired. Do not use water out of the faucet because it may be contaminated. Commercial packets of rehydration salts (e.g. Gastrolyte) can be used for infants, children or adults. Examples of prepackaged solutions include Gatorade and Pedialyte for infants.

3. Add solid foods slowly once symptoms subside. Avoid milk for 1-2 weeks. Breast-fed infants should continue to breast-feed.

4. Medications other than antibiotics – (THESE MEDICATIONS SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN)

• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

o Relieves nausea and cramping, but does not stop diarrhea. o Pepto-Bismol contains a salicylate and therefore it is not recommended for

people who are allergic to ASA (Aspirin), or taking blood thinners or therapeutic doses of salicylates.

• Antimotility drugs (Imodium, Lomotil)

o Decrease the frequency of diarrhea and reduce cramps. o You may need a prescription. o Useful when diarrhea interferes with a busy schedule or when it is difficult to

find a toilet.

If diarrhea is severe OR YOU DEVELOP A FEVER, antibiotic treatment may be needed. Seek medical advice. ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS UNDERLYING MEDICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS AIDS, CANCER, DIABETES, HEART, LIVER OR KIDNEY DISEASE ARE MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP COMPLICATIONS AND ALSO SHOULD SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE EARLY. Symptoms of severe diarrhea

o persistent diarrhea (longer than 2-3 days) o more than 6 stools/day o fever and shaking chills o CRAMPING ABDOMINAL PAIN o blood, mucus or pus in the stools o dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration o small amount of strong smelling, dark yellow urine o thirst o absence of tears or saliva o dry mouth and skin o fatigue and dizziness o sunken eyes and/or sunken fontanel (soft spot on the head) in infants

Antibiotics are needed when diarrhea is severe (contains blood or pus or is accompanied by high fever.)

Three days of treatment is recommended with one of the following drugs: For Adults. Quinolone antibiotics, e.g. Ciprofloxacin; Norfloxacin

OR For Children and Infants. Azithromycin (Zithromax) - A macrolide antibiotic. Indicated for children < age 16 and/or anyone allergic to quinolones

These are prescription antibiotics and require a doctor’s order. The doses differ for adults, children and infants. Do not self-medicate. If you have questions, call your local county health department. • In order to prevent the spreading of disease all residents who do not have access to normal

utility services are asked to WASH HANDS when: 1. Before preparing or eating food 2. After going to the bathroom 3. After cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom 4. When tending to someone who is sick 5. After handling uncooked foods, particularly raw meat, poultry, or fish 6. After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing 7. After handling an animal, a pet, or animal waste 8. After handling garbage 9. When treating a cut or wound

• Handwashing with alcohol based products • When hands are visibly soiled, they should be washed with soap and water. • When using an alcohol-based handrub, apply product to palm of one hand and rub hands

together, covering all surfaces of hands and fingers, until hands are dry. Note that the volume needed to reduce the number of bacteria on hands varies by product.

• Alcohol-based handrubs significantly reduce the number of microorganisms on skin, are fast acting and cause less skin irritation.

• Handwashing with soap and water: Steps in Proper Hand washing techniques:

1. Place your hands together under water (warm water if possible) 2. Rub your hands together for at least 10-15 seconds (with soap if possible). Wash all surfaces thoroughly, including wrists, palms, backs of hands, fingers, and under the fingernails. 3. Clean the dirt from under your fingernails 4. Rinse the soap from your hands 5. Dry your hands completely with a clean towel if possible (this helps remove the germs). However, if towels are not available or if they are shared by many people, then it is acceptable to air dry your hands. 6. Pat your skin rather than rubbing to avoid chapping and cracking 7. If a disposable towel was used, throw it in the trash so that no one else can get your germs.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOMMENDS TETANUS VACCINE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO SUFFER SEVERE WOUNDS With the amount of debris left by Hurricane Charley, Floridians working on clean-up efforts could be at risk of sustaining injuries. This is causing frequent questions regarding the need for tetanus vaccinations. Below is information explaining who may or may not need to receive a vaccination. • Individuals who have not had a cut or wound do not require tetanus vaccination regardless

of their exposure to flood waters. • Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds and have not had a tetanus

vaccination within the past 10 years require a tetanus booster. • If a person has an especially serious wound, then it is advised that he/she receive a tetanus

booster within five years of last vaccination. • If you sustain a wound or deep cut that concerns you, seek medical attention. Medical

attention is required to determine if a tetanus booster is needed. • Proper wound care is essential for all cuts and lacerations regardless of exposure to flood

waters. What is tetanus? Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is a bacterial disease that affects the nervous system. It is contracted through a cut or wound that becomes contaminated with tetanus bacteria. The bacteria can get in through even a tiny pinprick or scratch, but deep puncture wounds or cuts like those made by nails, knives or barbed-wire, for example are especially susceptible to infection with tetanus. Tetanus bacteria are present worldwide and are commonly found in soil, dust and manure. Infection with tetanus causes severe muscle spasms, leading to "locking" of the jaw so the patient cannot open his/her mouth or swallow, and may even lead to death by suffocation. Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms Common first signs of tetanus are a headache and muscular stiffness in the jaw (lockjaw) followed by stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing, rigidity of abdominal muscles, spasms, sweating and fever. Symptoms usually begin 8 days after the infection, but may range in onset from 3 days to 3 weeks. _____________________________________________________________________________ SCHOOL • School has resumed on Pine Island. All bus schedules and bus stops for St. James City

from Pine Island Road (4-way stop south) WILL NOT CHANGE. They will be the same as pre-Charley.

CAUTION: Lee County Sheriff’s office reminds all drivers to exercise due care while driving on Pine Island. Children are walking to school and the roadside is cluttered with storm debris thereby, forcing the children to walk closer to the edge of the road or on the road. Be on the lookout for children walking on or near the road. • All bus schedules and bus stops for Bokeelia from Pine Island Road (4-way stop) north on

Stringfellow Road to Pomegranate WILL NOT CHANGE, EXCEP THERE WILL BE NO STOPS MADE ON ANY SIDE STREETS OFF STRINGFELLOW ROAD. All stops will be made on Stringfellow Road only.

• For all students living north of Pomegranate Drive, buses will pick up and drop of students at

the GRAB BAG parking lot. NO BUS STOPS WILL BE AVAILABLE NORTH OF STRINGFELLOW AND POMEGRANATE.

• Free lunch is being offered to the children this week. Note, the water at Pine Island

Elementary is safe to drink. • Office Depot is donating 500 back packs for Pine Island students.

UTILITIES • The Greater Pine Island Water Association have announced all Pine Island residents and

businesses north of Pine Island Road should continue to boil their water or use bottle water until further notice. The following areas are still under a “Boil Water Notice.” The Lee County Health Department has rescinded the precautionary boil water notice for the southern half of Pine Island. The municipal public water is also safe to drink east of Pine Creek, including Matlacha.

• The Greater Pine Island Water Association is requesting that all water leaks noted be

reported to (239) 283-1071.

• Lee County Solid Waste has resumed normal garbage pickup on Pine Island. Residents are encouraged to separate regular garbage from recyclable, horticulture and structural debris. Storm debris will be picked up as soon as possible.

FEMA • FEMA will establish a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Fishers of Men Lutheran

Church located at 10360 Stringfellow Road, Pine Island. The DRC will be operational beginning Tuesday, August 24, 2004, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• If you sustained losses or damage, you may be eligible for federal and state disaster aid.

CALL TODAY, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE BUT YOU MUST APPLY.

• You may apply by phone, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TDD 1-800-462-7585. When you apply for disaster assistance please have the following available:

o Social Security Number (including your spouse) o Address and zip code of the damaged property o Directions to the damaged property o Telephone number(s) where you can be reached during the day

• **** Help includes: grants for temporary housing, repairs and personal property for

individuals and households, low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners.****

NOTE: An MCI bus is now located at the Disaster Recovery Center (Fishers of Men Lutheran Church) and is equipped with 12 phones that can be used to call FEMA to register for disaster assistant.

PINE ISLAND DISASTER RELIEF

• The Pine Island Disaster Relief Warehouse located at the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Catholic Church (12175 Stringfellow Rd) is open for the distribution of relief supplies to the shelters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who are in need of supplies such as food, water, clothing, toiletries can be picked up at the designated shelter on Pine Island:

• Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, 12175 Stringfellow Rd. (north of Pine

Island Road).

• Limited relief supplies can be picked up at: o Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Road. o Pink Citrus Mobile Home Park, 5 miles north of Pine Island Road.

• The Salvation Army has setup a mobile canteen at the Elks Club located next to the Pine Island Fire Department at Park and Pine Island Road. The canteen is serving meals to residents and disaster relief staff. Pine Island officials are requesting all bulk deliveries of supplies be taken to the Volunteer and Bulk Receiving & Distribution Center located at the Rest Area parking area at the I-75 (Exit 131) and Daniells Road Interchange. The center is bulk deliveries to Lee County from outside sources. The distribution center is open 7 days per week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• The Salvation Army contact (for media) is Molly Bundy, Social Services Director, The

Salvation Army, 239-334-3745. • Local, State and Federal organizations have partnered to provide aid to the residents of Pine

Island and Matlacha. Those residents in need of aid are asked to go to the Pine Island Disaster Recovery Center located at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Road, Pine Island (just south of Pine Island Road on Stringfellow) during the hours of Monday-Friday 8:00AM-6:00PM.

• The aid offered is as follows:

o Home Repair Service o Unemployment o Non-perishable food items o Baby supplies o School Supplies o Vouchers for food o Crisis counseling o Specialized services to seniors o Disaster cleanup supplies

• COSCO on Cleveland Ave and Daniels Road has setup a collection bin for the Pine Island

relief effort. FIRE & SAFETY • As power is restored, residents are encouraged to double check circuit breakers to insure

they are operational. Make sure all appliances are working correctly. • Residents or businesses utilizing portable generators are encouraged to make sure all storm

debris (horticulture & structural) are clear • Fire officials are urging resident to use due care if using open flames within the home (i.e.

candles). Do not leave any open flame devices unattended and be sure that flammable material is not near flames.

• Coleman type lanterns should not be used inside a home due carbon monoxide fumes that are emitted and the fuel is an extremely flammable fuel. Use lanterns only well ventilated areas.

• Check smoke detectors, especially battery-operated detectors. • Use caution when walking due the large amount of debris caused by the Hurricane Charley. • Watch out for nails, broken glass etc. Environmental: • Wear sunscreen when working during daylight hours. • Be sure to drink plenty of water while working outside. Heat exhaustion and Heat Stroke are

serious medical conditions caused by working in extreme heat. • Be on the look out for “critters” such as snakes, gators, rats, fire ants ect. that has been

displaced. Expect to find them anywhere. • At dawn and dusk hours be sure to use mosquito repellant.

LAW ENFORCEMENT • Law enforcement continues to patrol and provide traffic control on the Island. All drivers are

cautioned not to exceed the speed limit and are requested to reduce their speed around and near shelters (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church and St. John Episcopal Church).

• CAUTION: Be advised that a Pedestrian Crosswalk has been setup in front of Pink Citrus

Park on Stringfellow Rd. All drivers are encouraged to use due care when driving near Pink Citrus which is located approximately 6 miles north of Pine Island Road (4 Way Stop Intersection). Residents of Pink Citrus will be crossing Stringfellow Road to stay in temporary housing setup.

• A checkpoint at the base of the Matlacha Bridge is in force from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Only

residents and business owners are permitted through the checkpoint. BUILDING PERMITS

• Some things you should know about Lee County's permit process: o Make sure the contractor shows you his or her license. o For roof repairs less than 25% of the size of the roof, you do not need an

emergency permit. o Many certified roofing contractors already have prepaid roof permits in hand

thereby, expediting the process. o For total homeowner repairs up to $20,000 and contractor repairs up to $50,000,

a permit is required; however, detailed plans are not require ANIMAL CONTROL

• Lee County Animal Services is Lee County's only shelter that accepts stray animals. They took in more than 430 animals in the first ten days after Hurricane Charley hit Southwest Florida. To make room for more lost pets, animals available for adoption prior to the hurricane were transferred to the Humane Society of Lee County and the Humane Society West Palm Beach. Animal Services encourages anyone still missing pets to check their shelter located at 5600 Banner Drive, next to the Sheriff's Dept. off Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. A list of persons willing to foster animals until their owners can take them back is available.

• On August 28 and 29 Animal Services and the Humane Society will have pets for

adoption at PETsMART in Page Field Commons, Fort Myers, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. These are the animals that were at the shelter prior to the hurricane.

• For more information call Lee County Animal Services at (239) 432-2083 or the Humane

Society of Lee County at (239) 332-0364. Information and photos of lost pets are available on Lee County Animal Services web site at www.LeeLostPets.com.

• The Pine Island Animal Safe Home located at 14801 Stringfellow Road, is need of animal

food and containers to put the food in. The Animal Safe Home can be contacted (239) 634-6321.

• The Pine Island EOC is located at the Pine Island Library, 10700 Russell Road. Contact

phone number is (239) 283-2071 – fax number is (239) 283-7711.

• Residents with questions or specific needs are encouraged to dial the United Way hotline number 2-1-1 or (239) 433-3900.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 24, 2004 at 5:45 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 5:45 p.m - Daily Update • The Lee County Department of Health rescinded the precautionary boil water

notices for Island Water Association (Sanibel and Captiva Islands); for Greater Pine Island Water Association (Pine Island); and for two small community water systems, Covered Wagon Trailer Park and Sunrich MHP. Their water is considered safe to drink. The following small community water systems in Lee County continue on precautionary boil water notice:

o Glade Haven. o Useppa Island Club. o Sunseeker's RV Park. o Charleston Park.

• Lee County Emergency Management officials are urging those with needs or

questions related to the storm to use the new storm hotline (239) 433-3900 or dial 211.

• On August 28 and 29 Animal Services and the Humane Society will have pets for

adoption at PETsMART in Page Field Commons, Fort Myers, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. These are the animals that were at the shelter prior to the hurricane

• The Salvation Army contact (for media) is Molly Bundy, Social Services Director,

The Salvation Army, 239-334-3745.

• The Pine Island EOC is located at the Pine Island Library, 10700 Russell Road. Contact phone number is (239) 283-2071 – fax number is (239) 283-7711.

• Residents with roof damage and requiring temporary covering are encouraged to notify the Army Corps of Engineers. Residents will need to sign a waiver authorizing an Army Corps contractor rights to access to the property to place temporary covering on the roof. For additional information call the Army Corps of Engineers at 1-888-766-3258.

• If you sustained losses or damage, you may be eligible for federal and state disaster aid. CALL TODAY, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE BUT YOU MUST APPLY. You may apply by phone, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TDD 1-800-462-7585.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 26, 2004 at 11:35 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 11:35 p.m -from the Pine Island EOC FUNDS NEEDED: An account has been setup at the SunTrust Bank on Pine Island for anyone who would like to contribute money for relief to victims of Hurricane Charley. The local churches on Pine Island have established a fund to assist residents with financial needs. Contributions can be made to the Pine Island Churches Relief Fund. Funds can be deposited at any branch of the SunTrust Bank, or mailed directly to SunTrust Bank at 10202 Stringfellow Road, St. James City, Florida 33956. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Salvation Army and American Red Cross are in urgent need of volunteers to assist with on-going disaster relief efforts. Anyone wishing to volunteer their time can call one of the following Volunteer Helpline phone numbers:

• Salvation Army – (239) 334-3745 • American Red Cross – (239) 278-3401 • Pine Island Volunteer Coordinator – (239) 822-8360

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 26, 2004 at 17:15 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 5:15 p.m - Daily Updates ==================================== DEBRIS REMOVAL ==================================== Debris from Hurricane Charley should be separated between horticultural (yard waste) and construction & demolition. It does not have to be bundled or cut to length, and there is no additional charge for pickup. The county is putting in place more resources for debris pick-up. Also, separate items that you would normally put in your trash, including things that rot quickly. ==================================== FLOODING ==================================== The effects of excessive rainfall pose a certain risk of flood conditions in the areas of Hickeys Creek and Bedman Creek in East Lee County. Call 239-410-8130 to report flooding or for additional information. ==================================== MOSQUITO CONTROL ==================================== Since Hurricane Charley, Lee County Mosquito Control District has been monitoring and working diligently to reduce mosquito populations in Lee County. The entire county is surveyed each night through the use of truck traps that collect adult mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are brought back to the District where they are counted and identified. This trap information is combined with mosquito service requests from Lee County citizens to prioritize and schedule areas to be treated by truck or aircraft. Following the storm the District began concentrating initial control efforts in the areas of the county hardest hit by the hurricane. This included Sanibel, Pine Island, Boca Grande, Upper Captiva, Captiva, and the other outer island areas where phones and electricity are still lacking in many areas. These areas have many residents and relief workers toiling outdoors during the day and sleeping in structures without screens or air conditioning. We are continuing to concentrate efforts to protect these residents from mosquitoes as the recovery effort continues. Many inland areas of the county are flooded and continue to remain flooded due to the repeated daily rains. This has created significant mosquito breeding over the entire county and generated many requests for service. Each evening ten trucks are dispatched to treat residential areas and each morning several aircraft are dispatched to spray large areas of the county. We have completed an initial aerial treatment of the county and are now targeting specific areas where new broods of mosquitoes are hatching. In addition, we are continuing to monitor our sentinel chicken flocks for West Nile virus activity and will use that information to further prioritize mosquito spraying activity.

This morning Boca Grande, Captiva, Upper Capita, Useppa, Mondongo, Cabbage Key, Burgess Island, Central Pine Island and South East Lee County were treated by aircraft. Areas treated by truck last night included South Winkler, Iona, Bonita Springs, Estero, San Carlos Park, NW Cape Coral, Gateway, St. James City and Sanibel.

==================================== INFORMATION HOTLINE ==================================== Lee County Emergency Management officials are urging those with needs or questions related to the storm to use the new storm hotline (239) 433-3900 or dial 211.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 27, 2004 18:00 Restricted Access/Curfew for Upper Captiva 06:00 PM Lee County Emergency Management officials advise that an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew is in effect for Upper Captiva Island. In additon, access to Upper Captiva is limited to residents, licensed contractors, emergency personnel, aid and volunteer workers, and those with legitimate business on the island.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 30, 2004 at 5:45 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 5:45 p.m - Daily Update Lee County Emergency Management officials are asking homeowners to remove all grocery contents from any refrigerated appliances being disposed. These contents are subject to decomposition or decay and should be placed in plastic bags with your normal garbage. Also continue to separate between horticultural (yard waste) and construction & demolition.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 31, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. Hurricane Charley Media Advisory 5:30 p.m - Daily Update

• The American Red Cross, using its mobile food units, continues providing meals to residents and relief workers on Pine Island.

• *Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal Catholic Church will no longer serve as a

shelter after Thursday night. o *The Catholic church will serve its last meal Friday at noon. o *The remainder of food donations and relief supplies housed at the

Catholic church will be distributed to local churches and Pine Island non-profit groups to be given out to the community as needs are assessed.

• *The Salvation Army canteens or mobile food units will be serving their last meal

at Pink Citrus mobile home park Wednesday evening.

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