Hurricane Milton Brings Devastation to Southwest Florida: Matlacha Residents Prepare for Impact

Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm with winds topping 180 mph, is barreling through the Gulf of Mexico and expected to make landfall in Florida soon. The storm has rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a major Category 5 hurricane in less than 12 hours, posing a significant threat to the state's southwestern coast, including Matlacha and Pine Island.

1. Preparations in Matlacha

Residents of Matlacha and Pine Island are bracing for another storm just a week after Hurricane Helene swept through the area. The recent storms have left many residents without homes, with Virginia Neff, a Pine Island resident, losing her home during Hurricane Ian. She is now evacuating, saying, 'Just got ourselves new houses, back into our houses, and now this is hitting.'

Jay Coughlin, another resident, is taking no chances. He has boarded up his family's houses and is preparing for the worst. 'Im getting a little tired of it,' he said. 'I was thinking of moving to the Carolinas, but after everything that just happened up there, I dont know where to go.'

The community is coming together to prepare for the storm. Residents are lining up at gas pumps to fill cars and cans, determined not to be caught off guard. The sense of urgency is palpable as everyone prepares for the potential flooding and destruction that Hurricane Milton could bring.

2. Evacuation Orders and Shelters

Evacuation orders have been issued for those living in evacuation zones A and B, with residents advised to finalize their hurricane safety plans and evacuate by Tuesday evening. Shelters are opening across the region to accommodate those who need to leave their homes. The Hertz Arena in Fort Myers is one of the shelters filling up as Milton approaches.

Palmetto Ridge High School in Collier County is serving as a Special Needs shelter, providing a safe haven for those with specific needs. The shelters are equipped to handle the influx of residents, but the situation remains dire as the storm draws closer.

3. Community Preparations

The City of Fort Myers has been actively preparing for the storm, with over $4 million dedicated to maintaining public rights-of-way and stormwater management programs. The city has also doubled its alternative power sources since Hurricane Irma, ensuring a more reliable energy supply during emergencies.

Lee County is also taking proactive measures, with teams working to ensure the county is as prepared as possible. The Department of Transportation is scheduling extra on-call personnel to monitor road conditions, while the Department of Natural Resources is inspecting drainage structures to prevent flooding.

Residents are advised to check emergency supplies, fuel their cars, and bring in outdoor objects that could become airborne missiles during the storm. Sand barriers are being installed along Bonita Beach to protect businesses, and Sanibel has implemented a mandatory evacuation and curfew starting at 10 p.m.

4. Impact on Agriculture

Florida agriculture is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, with recent storms causing significant damage to crops and livestock. The USDA Southeast Climate Hub has developed guides to help producers prepare for and recover from hurricane events, focusing on mitigating the impact on cattle facilities and ensuring proper cattle management.

Agricultural producers are advised to prepare forage crops, conserved forage, and grazing areas for potential hurricane damages. The guides also provide long- and short-term recommendations for building resilience to hurricanes in various agricultural sectors, including aquaculture and pecan orchard management.

5. Public Health Concerns

Lee Health is providing updates on its services, with Lee Telehealth offering free services to Florida residents starting Wednesday. The health system will remain open to patients, but visitation at Lee Health facilities has ended. Urgent care and Complex Care facilities at Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital are closed until further notice.

The city of Naples has announced a mandatory driving curfew starting Wednesday at 4 p.m., and flooded roads were spotted on Manasota Key Road before Milton. Residents are advised to store drinking water in clean bathtubs, washing machines, jugs, bottles, and cooking pots to ensure access to clean water during the storm.

Pets are not allowed in emergency shelters for health and space reasons, so residents must make arrangements for their pets. The Charleston Animal Shelter can provide more information on pet care during emergencies.

6. Conclusion

As Hurricane Milton approaches, the residents of Matlacha and Pine Island are facing another challenging storm. The community is coming together to prepare, but the situation remains dire. It is crucial for residents to follow evacuation orders and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this severe weather event.