Church ministry helps feed Beach but unclear if they can return

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

While Hurricane Ian brought the worst darkness Fort Myers Beach has seen and the worst possible outcome its residents could have imagined, folks from around the state and country have been chipping in to give residents left without a home a leg up

For a town without power, water or sewer for more than two weeks and going on three for most, a myriad group of do-gooders have assembled around Fort Myers Beach from WalMart to Santini Plaza and places in between

A group of 10 families and friends from the Ministry Center of Highlands County in Sebring spent Saturday and Sunday on the south side of Estero Boulevard serving about 1,000 hamburgers and hot dogs at a parking lot to hungry folks on the island, along with Gatorade and about 350 sausage burritos, as well as non-perishable foods, canned goods, diapers, wipes and hygiene products

They are planning to return this weekend though It’s not clear if they will be allowed back on the island with the edict being announced that only residents and their contractors will be allowed on Fort Myers Beach Sunday through Wednesdays from 9 a m to 5 p m

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Roger Hernstadt and Town of Fort Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy said the county made the decision to change the hours Lee County Government spokesperson Betsy Clayton said the decision-making process for the opening of access to Fort Myers Beach and the limits of hours for residents was done in concert with the Town of Fort Myers Beach, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Clayton said residents or their contracts, or those who can show an affiliation with an address on Fort Myers Beach, will be allowed on the island

“There has been a lot of need,” Brad Stephan said “We’ve done everything on donations from the church and individuals who want to give ”

Tia Hodges Simpson said the group plans to return to the parking lot of Charley’s Boat House and Grill with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, drinks and non-perishable items for anyone in need “We have over 400 hamburgers and hotdogs and plenty of cold beverages – all free,” she said The restaurant was totaled by Hurricane Ian Stephan said he and his group were the “hands and feet” of the congregation ”