5 minute read
Captiva Current
LCSO: Tips on how to stay safe after the storm
Lee County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Mike Sawicki shared that with public access to Sanibel and Captiva scheduled to resume, it is important residents take time to review the security of their properties. He provided islanders with the following tips: ∫ Lock doors and windows. ∫ Secure personal property and do not leave items in plain view. Many of our homes are now visible from the road and neighboring properties.
∫ If practical, use “No Trespassing” signs, gates and/or barricades to deter unauthorized
persons from
entering driveways your and
properties. ∫ Ensure cameras and security systems are functional. Quality security systems are now inexpensive and easy to install.
Cameras will help protect your property from theft or damage. Video evidence can be immensely important in incident response, suspect identification and criminal prosecution. ∫ Do not forget to include side yards, docks and waterfront access points in your preparations. ∫ Only hire licensed contractors. Unlicensed contractors are operating illegally. Non-permitted work can cause trouble with your insurance and limit legal remedies if the work is unfinished or executed poorly. ∫ Vet contractors to ensure quality work and the security of your property. Do not be afraid to ask about their practices and to check references from previous clients. Make your expectations about work and personal conduct on your property clear. Be “choosey” about who you invite into your home, especially if they will be unsupervised. ∫ If you see something suspicious, notify law enforcement immediately. Sawicki added that he and deputies Chris Lusk and Christine Zumbrum are available to assist. People can also receive assistance through the LCSO non-emergency line at 239-477-1000. For emergencies, dial 911.
The Lee County Library System, which includes the Captiva Memorial Library, is offering the following free virtual programming:
Adult programs
book discussion for adults. There is no assigned title. Instead, participants take turns sharing about the latest books that they have read. Advance registration required before today, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m. Questions can also be directed to 239-479-INFO (4636). Download books, stream video and other online content at www.leelibrary.net. The Captiva Memorial Library is currently closed due to Hurricane Ian. The Captiva library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
Services resume at Post Office located on-island
The United States Postal Service reported that retail operations and Post Office Box service has resumed at the Captiva Post Office, which had been suspended due to Hurricane Ian. The retail hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Captiva Post Office is at 14812 Captiva Drive, Captiva. Among the facilities that remain temporarily suspended until further notice are: ∫ Sanibel Customers normally served by the Sanibel Main Post Office should temporarily pick up their mail at the Fort Myers Processing & Distribution Center at 14080 Jetport Loop, Fort Myers. Retail services are available at the Mobile Retail Unit in the parking lot. The retail hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The USPS reported that efforts continue to restore service as quickly as can safely be done. Customers affected by Ian are reminded that the most important step they can take now is to file a Change of Address. A COA can be filed online at www.usps.com or in person at the nearest operational post office. Filing a COA ensures customers can receive their mail, packages, prescriptions and other important items as timely and efficiently as possible. Customers can contact the Customer Care Centers at 800-ASK-USPS (800275-8777). The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed on Dec. 30 through Jan. 2 in observance of the New Year's holiday. The holiday adjustments include: ∫ Domestic animal services Lee County Domestic Animal Services, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed on Dec. 30-31. Normal hours for the Lost & Found Pet Center and the Pet Adoption Center will resume on Jan. 2. For more information, visit www.LeeLostPets.com. ∫ LeeTran LeeTran will not run bus, trolley or Passport service on Jan. 1. Normal services will resume on Jan. 2. The Blue and Gold River District Trolley Lines will run until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1 to accommodate New Year's Eve celebrations. Route schedules and maps are available at www.rideleetran.com. ∫ Library system All libraries will be closed on Dec. 31 through Jan. 2. They will resume regular hours on Jan. 3. Administrative offices and Talking Book Library will be closed on Dec. 30 and Jan. 2. They will resume normal operating hours on Jan. 3. The Lakes Regional Library, which is currently serving as a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, and the Captiva Memorial Library remain closed post-Hurricane Ian. The online library is always available at www.leelibrary.net/online. ∫ Parks & Recreation The Lee County Parks & Recreation administration office will be closed on Dec. 30 and Jan. 2. It will resume normal operating hours on Jan. 3. Some boat ramps, parks and preserves will be open on Dec. 30 through Jan. 2. For the list of open locations, visit www.leeparks.org. All beach parks remain closed at this time. Pools will be closed on Dec. 31 through Jan. 2. Some will resume normal operating hours on Jan. 3. For the list of open locations, visit www.leeparks.org. The three recreation centers — North Fort Myers, Veterans and Estero — will be closed from Dec. 24 through Jan. 8 for scheduled annual maintenance. They will reopen on Jan. 9. For alternative parks sites, visit www.leeparks.org. The Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center remains closed at this time. ∫ Solid waste All garbage, recycling and yard waste collections in unincorporated Lee County, City of Bonita Springs, Village of Estero and Town of Fort Myers Beach will continue on the regular collection days through the holidays. Christmas trees that have had the stand and all lights and decorations removed, including tinsel, can be set out with regular yard waste and will be ground into mulch. All wrapping paper, except metallic, is recyclable — along with cardboard boxes. Plastic ribbons, bows and lights are not recyclable. Administrative offices and the Topaz Court facilities will be closed on Dec. 30 and Jan. 2. They will resume normal operating hours on Jan. 3. On Dec. 31, the disposal facility hours for the Buckingham facilities will be from 6 a.m. to noon. and for all Hendry County facilities from 7 a.m. to noon. Topaz Court will be open on Jan. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon.
