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FEMA, state open Disaster Recovery Center on Sanibel

FEMA and the state of Florida recently announced the opening of new Disaster Recovery Centers in Lee County, including one at the Sanibel Community Church, at 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The hours for the center is from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Additional DRCs in Lee are located at: ∫ Beach Baptist Church, 130 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach ∫ Lakes Regional Library, at 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers ∫ Lake Kennedy Center, at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral ∫ Pine Island — Phillips Community Park, at 5675 Sesame Drive, Boleelia

All centers are operating seven days a week, hours may vary. No appointment is necessary.

DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from state agencies, FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text DRC along with your zip code to 43362.

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI.

Interpretation services and translated materials are available at the centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable. DRC locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.

In addition, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

City releases information on emergency repair permits

The city of Sanibel reported that the Building Department has posted information concerning the Emergency Repair Permitting Policy, along with Emergency Permit Applications for alterations, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and roofs. To review the Hurricane Ian policy, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/content/download/30809/file/Hurricane%20Ian%20POLICY%2011-4-22.pdf.

To review the city’s Guidance for Structures That Sustained Significant Damage or Require “Significant Improvement,

” visit https://www.mysanibel.com /content/download/30814/file/Substantial%20 Damage%20Information%2011-4-22.pdf. To access the city’s Emergency Permit Applications, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/city-forms/building-department-forms. The city added that the Building Department expected to open the EnerGov Electronic Permitting portal last week. A news release will be issued when the permitting site is open for applications.

Free health clinic sets up on Sanibel

The city of Sanibel reported that a free medical clinic has been established in a partnership between the Lee County Medical Society, Lee Emergency Medical Services and Broward County Medical Corp.

Beginning Nov. 14, it will operate from a white trailer in front of Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel. The hours are generally Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on travel times to the island.

Services offered by volunteer physicians include free flu shots, including the vaccine for those 65 and over, tetanus shots, wound care, and assessment and treatment of respiratory issues, like cough, flu, pneumonia and bronchitis. Property tax bill deadline extended in Lee County

The Lee County Tax Collector reported that property owners typically receive their property tax bills the last week of October. However, because of Hurricane Ian, this year’s tax roll instead opened in early November for collection of payments, with tax bills being mailed later in the month.

The 4 percent discount usually offered during the month of November will be extended into January due to the delayed mailing, with a firm date set once the bills have been mailed.

Once the tax roll is open for collection, customers will be able to access and print their bills online or have them emailed, by visiting LEETC.com, clicking “Online Service Center, ” then “Property Tax” and entering a name, address, or account number.

If your property was destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by Ian, contact the Lee County Property Appraiser’s office at 239-533-6100 or visit https://www.leepa.org/.

Chiklakis named trust officer at Trust Company

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company announced the addition of Jason Chiklakis as vice president and trust officer in the company’s temporary office, at 7910 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Fort Myers.

He is responsible for managing individual and family client relationships, coordinating efforts with internal team members and external advisors to provide trust and investment services.

Prior to joining the company,

Business Note

Chiklakis served as associate vice president and trust officer at FineMark National Bank & Trust in Fort Myers. He was responsible for demonstrating prudent fiduciary management, ensuring trust accounts were administered in accordance with estate documents and applicable laws, and

Jason Chiklakis

developing and implementing financial plans consistent with client objectives.

Chiklakis is a graduate of The Florida Trust and Wealth Management School, and he obtained his Bachelor of Science in political science from Florida State University.

VIP Realty Group announces top producers

VIP Realty Group announced its top producers for the month of October.

Debbie Ringdahl had the top sales and top listings. With lifetime sales exceeding $90 million, she specializes in luxury homes, condos and new home lots in waterfront and golf communities. Ringdahl is a 20-year member of the VIP President’s Club and receives over 130 hours of continuous advance sales training annually.

Bob Berning was the top producer. Through his specialty in residential, luxury, new construction, golf course and gated communities, he shares his expertise. Berning applies his negotiating skills and strategies to ensure his client’s goals are reached.

For more information, call 239-472-5187 or go to SanCapIslandRE.com.

VIP Realty Group is at 1560 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.