No Idalia hurricane shelters for Lee County, only two 'safe shelters"

Lee County opened two recreational facilities at 7 p.m. Monday as "safe havens" for residents who are "insecure in their housing situations" as severe weather conditions created by Tropical Storm Idalia impact the community.

Facilities in the north and south county have been selected to serve as the save haven centers near opposite ends of the county.

"These are not shelters. These are a safe place for anyone to go who does not feel secure in their housing situation currently," said County Commissioner Brian Hamman, who suggested that the two facilities "should be seen as a last resort."

One is the North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 North Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers. The recreation center is located behind the North Fort Myers Public Library at 2001 North Tamiami Trail.

The other safe haven is the Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, off Corkscrew Road a short distance from U.S. 41.

"If you were perhaps in a trailer, or a motor home, or a home that was damaged by Hurricane Ian, and you are not sure of the repairs, if they have been fully made, you have a place to go at the safe havens," Hamman said. "Now, these are places to go if you are insecure about your housing needs. You should also keep in mind that if you have a friend or family member's house to go to, you may be more comfortable there."

A decision to open the safe havens was based, in part, on the expectation that there that there may be residents who do not feel safe in their current accommodations because of weather forecasts by the National Hurricane Center.

The safe havens are intended to help people who have no alternatives when the effects of Idalia hit.

Lee County School Superintendent Christopher Bernier told The News-Press that the decision to close schools on Tuesday was based on the possibility that wind speeds may reach 35 miles per hour, which means the buses cannot be used to ferry children back home from schools.

Bernier said that the school district would have been able to provide shelters if the county deemed it necessary, but the county is opting for the safe havens.

While hired from Nevada last year, Bernier is grounded in the adventures of Florida weather, having taught for some 35 years in Florida schools before coming to Fort Myers.

Lee County Transit will arrange routes to the safe havens. Information is available at leegov.com/storm which connects to the LeeTran website and links to info about transportation to the two safe havens. The United Way 2-1-1 hotline can also help people find information on public transportation to the sites.

LeeTran will activate emergency transportation service 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday night from Pine Island and Fort Myers Beach to the safe haven locations.

Lee County government offices will be closed Tuesday, but those needed to work due to the tropical storm, as well as employees assigned to work in the Lee Emergency Operations Center will be on duty.