As Hurricane Milton approaches, Lee County officials are urging residents to prepare and take advantage of resources available to protect their homes, businesses, and families. Below is a list of vital services and information to help residents get ready for the storm.
Lee County offices will close at 12pm on Monday, October 7th and remained closed through Thursday, October 12th.
LeePrepares helps individuals and families stay informed and ready during disasters in Lee County. The tool offers resources like evacuation zones, shelter info, alert sign-ups, preparedness tools (including ASL videos), local weather, and social media updates. available on iOS and Android.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for the new emergency notification system, AlertLee, which replaces the previous CodeRed system. AlertLee provides quick, critical updates on emergencies like hurricanes, wildfires, evacuations, and missing persons.
Register to receive alerts via cell phone (voice/text), email, home phone, or business phone. To sign up, select your area from the links below or use the interactive map if you’re unsure of your municipality. Countywide alerts will reach all registered users, regardless of location.
You’re encouraged to download the free Everbridge Public Safety app, available on iOS, Android, and Windows, to view public notifications from the Everbridge system at local, state, and national levels.
Lee County Bridges
Lee County doesn’t physically close bridges but advises drivers to avoid them when sustained winds reach 40 mph. Wind gusts can be significantly higher, especially on elevated roadways.
Barricades, cones, and signs can blow away, creating hazards. Law enforcement is not stationed to restrict access, as they may be unable to respond effectively to emergencies during a storm.
Emergency responders cannot operate during tropical storm force winds, making any accidents or issues (like flat tires) life-threatening due to high winds, rain, flooding, and reduced visibility.
Hurricane and Disaster Debris Management
Storm Preparation Guidelines:
Avoid cutting trees or doing major yard work once a storm is named or a hurricane watch/warning is issued.
Only start construction projects if necessary to protect life and property.
Secure loose items on your property and place them at the curb on your regular collection day.
Collection continues until winds reach 39 mph or roads/bridges close.
Post-Storm Debris Collection:
Residents: Place debris at the curb—crews won’t enter private property. Keep piles clear of electrical lines, water meters, mailboxes, and hydrants. Separate hazardous waste and call Solid Waste at 239-533-8000 for disposal options.
Updates: Listen to local media for clean-up dates. Ensure all debris is at the curb by the announced date. Crews will clear emergency roads first, then proceed street by street.
Businesses: Must arrange their own debris cleanup.
Gated Communities: A Right of Entry form must be on file with Lee County for FEMA to allow debris collection. Forms available on the ROE Communities page—submit annually.
Emergency Permit Procedures
Removal of debris from structures.
Minor demolition to prevent injury or further damage.
Structural shoring and bracing.
Replacement of broken glass in existing frames for windows and doors.
Repair or replacement of soffits and gutters.
Replacement of up to one square of roof shingles (10 ft x 10 ft).
Minor non-structural exterior repairs.
Repair of minor plumbing leaks (e.g., drain cleaning, faucet replacement) that do not affect structural, mechanical, or electrical systems.
Re-installation of previously permitted fences in the same location, except for pool enclosure fences, which must comply with safety regulations.
Note: The FEMA 50% Rule is enforced during reviews. Contractors should apply online via eConnect/ACA. For questions, contact the Permitting Department at eConnect@leegov.com or 239-533-8329.
Power Outages
Stay informed with these trackers providing real-time updates on power outages in your area, helping you stay connected and plan ahead. Keep your family safe and prepared—know when and where outages are happening.
Power Outage Tips
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
Generator Safety Tips
Always use generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages.
Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, as this colorless, odorless gas can be deadly to people and pets.
Keep the generator dry and sheltered from rain or flooding to avoid electrical shock.
Use heavy-duty extension cords to connect the generator to appliances.
Allow the generator to cool before refueling to prevent fuel ignition from hot engine parts.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for safe operation.
Food Resources
Most Publix’s in Lee county will close by 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Check to see which stores are still open by you.
Walmart
Walmart has an online tracker to show which stores are open.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, the Harry Chapin Food Bank is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its volunteers and facilities while preparing to assist the community during this challenging time.
The organization is in regular communication with agency partners across its five-county service area, sharing its disaster preparedness plan and supporting their hurricane readiness efforts. In collaboration with Feeding Florida and Feeding America, the food bank is providing updates on anticipated needs and extending support to areas of the state that may also be impacted by the storm.
To minimize potential storm-related damage, the food bank is relocating vehicles to higher ground and fortifying its warehouses in Fort Myers and Naples.
Despite the impending storm, the food bank will continue to offer mobile food distributions on Tuesday at three locations: Cape Coral, Immokalee, and Lehigh Acres. These distributions aim to serve underserved communities, ensuring that residents have access to essential food supplies ahead of Hurricane Milton.
The organization is closely monitoring the storm’s track and stands ready to respond as soon as conditions allow. Emergency distribution and mobile centers are anticipated to be set up starting Friday, with a focus on the hardest-hit areas.
Updates on the food bank’s recovery efforts will be provided in the coming days. For the latest information, visit Harry Chapin Food Bank’s website.
Community support is vital during these emergencies, enabling the food bank to ensure that neighbors have access to food and clean water when they need it most.
Travel Advisory
No flights will operate at RSW on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10.
Free Parking in Downtown Fort Myers
starting Tuesday, October 8th at 8 AM
If you’ve got lithium batteries, park higher to avoid water intrusion.
Available at City of Palms, Main Street, and Luminary Hotel garages. Gates will be removed for easy, free access.
Lee County Transit: LeeTran
Fares suspended starting at Monday, October 7th at noon.
No service to Fort Myers Beach after noon; all routes are off-island only to support evacuations.
All other LeeTran services remain on regular schedules.
Hurricane Milton Evacuation Shuttle for Bonita Springs
LeeTran will shuttle residents from Publix (3300 Bonita Beach Rd) to Estero Rec Center:
- Monday, Oct 7: 1:30 PM – 6 PM
- Tuesday, Oct 8: 9 AM – 6 PM
Use Ultra Mobility on Demand to access the service.
Lee Health
Hospitals remain open.
All Lee Physician Group and outpatient locations closed Tues-Thurs, except:
Lee Convenient Care: Open Tues 7 AM-5 PM, closed Wed-Thurs.
Lab Couriers & Call Center: Open Tues until 5 PM, closed Wed-Thurs.
Complex Care Centers: Open Tues with limited hours.
Normal operations are expected to resume Friday; confirmation will be provided Thursday.
Code Brown staffing starts Tuesday, Oct 8 at 5 PM (Team A reports).
Lyfts available for staff needing off-site parking (details through Lee Health).
Lee County Schools
All schools will be closed, and all before and after-school programs and extracurricular activities are suspended from October 7-10, 2024, including previously scheduled events.
The main District office and satellite locations will close from October 8-9. The Board Briefing and Action meeting set for October 8 is postponed and will be rescheduled. Updates on reopening the District and satellite offices for October 10 will be provided by Wednesday evening.
Price Gouging Hotline
If you suspect price gouging during storm preparation, report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1-866-966-7226 or visit MyFloridaLegal.com.
Insurance and Consumer Protection
The Florida Division of Consumer Services assists residents with insurance claims before and after a disaster. For guidance on filing claims, call 1-877-693-5236 or visit myfloridacfo.com.
Small Business Bridge Loans
Businesses can apply for Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans through the FloridaCommerce program. The loans are available to businesses affected by Hurricane Milton until November 24, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. Apply online at FloridaJobs.org/EBL.
Prepare Now, Stay Informed
Stay tuned to local advisories, prepare for the storm, and use the available resources to ensure your family’s safety. Be sure to sign up for alerts and prepare an emergency plan to weather Hurricane Milton.
