The cost of turning on the lights

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

For years, the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council has been struggling with how it can revamp the lighting on Estero

Boulevard, a road owned by Le County From hiring consultants t o e n g a g i n g i n b a c k - a n d - f o r t h with Lee County government for aid in improving the lighting, the town has come up short.

There may be light soon

N e w t u r t l e - f r i e n d l y a m b e r could go up on Estero Boulevard as June, a representative from er & Light recently informed the ncil though the town’s rental costs uld more than double along with an tallation cost of $1 56 million

While the town council has previusly sought the county’s help in improving the lighting on the road, the county has thus far only committed to providing new lights for the crosswalks on the road

The town council recently heard from FPL and what its options may look like for the future, and what the cost could be for the town

Eric Culling, a senior representative for FPL, appeared in front of the council in January to explain how the company intends to replace 131 lighting fixtures on Estero Boulevard at no cost with new

See LIGHTS, page 2

FEMA tips to appeal a determination letter

By FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Weeks ago, you applied for federal disaster assistance FEMA responded with a letter outlining the types of assistance you are eligible or ineligible to receive Read the letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision and learn how to appeal if you disagree Many times, FEMA just needs a document or other information to push your case forward

Some advice to help write a successful appeal letter:

∫ Tip 1 : Know your deadline.

You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to submit your appeal Circle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note and put it on your refrigerator or console of your car Once FEMA reviews your appeal, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more information

∫ Tip 2 : Understand why FEMA determined you are ineligible before writing your appeal.

You may not agree with it, but analyze why FEMA determined you are ineligible Frequently, it’s something as simple as missing documentation or information Read FEMA’s letter from beginning to end and see what the agency needs from you

∫ Tip 3 : Include documents to support your appeal

An appeals letter on its own may not be enough to get FEMA to reevaluate its decision. Consider including documentation to support your reason for appeal It is i m p o r t a n t t o p r o v i d e a n y d o c u m e n t s

F E M A h a s r e q u e s t e d E x a m p l e s m a y include:

Documents from your insurance company which show your policy coverage and/or settlement is not enough to

See FEMA TIPS, page 2