Hurricane Ian Death Toll Rises In Florida

After Hurricane Ian demolished communities in Florida, rescue crews are going door to door in search of survivors. Sadly, more deaths are being reported.

As of Tuesday, at least 102 people have been reported killed by the hurricane in Florida – 55 of them in Lee County, according to Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

The storm slammed into Florida as a furious Category 4 hurricane last Wednesday.

Residents of island communities are cut off from the mainland with bridges washed out, hundreds of thousands of people are without power and many Floridians have found themselves homeless.

State regulators Tuesday approved utilities’ long-term plans to try to bolster the electric system.

The state Public Service Commission approved, with some changes, plans submitted by Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Co., and Florida Public Utilities Co. The plans detail a wide range of projects, including increasing the number of underground power lines.

But with the work expected to cost billions of dollars over the next decade, commissioners expressed concerns about effects on utility customers’ pocketbooks. Monthly electric bills have climbed during the past year because of issues such as high prices of natural gas used to fuel power plants.

In the news: Residents, Neighborhoods Asked For Patience As County Collects Hurricane Ian Yard Waste

Also, customers in the coming months could get hit with additional costs related to restoring power after Ian.

Governor Ron DeSantis received a briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday, and will continue to travel to areas impacted by Hurricane Ian with First Lady Casey DeSantis.

Yesterday, the Governor visited a Lee County shelter to meet with survivors while the First Lady traveled to meal distribution sites and the Douglas T. Jacobson Veterans’ Nursing Home, met with first responders and assisted the National Guard with a food and water delivery to Pine Island.

Governor DeSantis has highlighted relief efforts that directly aid Floridians and promoted debris removal in communities where it is safe to do so.

There are currently 42,000 linemen responding to the more than 428,000 reported power outages. They have already restored power to more than 2.2 million accounts across the state.

There are currently 11 fueling depot stations open statewide, and a mobile fuel truck has been deployed to Arcadia to support residents without access to fuel.

Additional programs that have been but into place to aid communities include the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, the initiation of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation Blue Roof, and FDOT’s diligent work to construct temporary bridges into areas that are cut off from motorists.

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Disaster Fund has raised over $26 million since activation.

To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222. Additionally, the First Lady has worked with the State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator Sara Newhouse to compile a webpage of resources to help first responders navigate resources for mental health needs post-hurricane.

Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan. Floridians’ health and well-being are a top priority, and the Deparment of Children and Families is reminding individuals that they are not alone. All Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can find someone to talk to today through the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 800-985-5990.

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Disaster Fund has raised over $26 million since activation.

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