WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1, 2023
VOLUME 38, NUMBER 6
The cost of turning on the lights Fort Myers Beach Council hears from FPL on lighting future By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
For years, the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council has been struggling with how it can revamp the lighting on Estero
Boulevard, a road owned by Lee County. From hiring consultants to engaging in back-and-forth with Lee County government for aid in improving the lighting, the town has come up short. There may be light soon. New turtle-friendly amber lights could go up on Estero Boulevard as early as June, a representative from Florida
Power & Light recently informed the council though the town’s rental costs could more than double along with an installation cost of $1.56 million. While the town council has previously sought the county’s help in improving the lighting on the road, the county has thus far only committed to providing new lights for the crosswalks on the road.
A look inside at Fort Myers Beach 125 days after Hurricane Ian
Photo pages Inside
The town council recently heard from FPL and what its options may look like for the future, and what the cost could be for the town. Eric Culling, a senior representative for FPL, appeared in front of the council in January to explain how the company intends to replace 131 lighting fixtures on Estero Boulevard at no cost with new See LIGHTS, page 2
FEMA tips to appeal a determination letter By FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Weeks ago, you applied for federal disaster assistance. FEMA responded with a letter outlining the types of assistance you are eligible or ineligible to receive. Read the letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision and learn how to appeal if you disagree. Many times, FEMA just needs a document or other information to push your case forward. Some advice to help write a successful appeal letter: ∫ Tip 1: Know your deadline. You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to submit your appeal. Circle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note and put it on your refrigerator or console of your car. Once FEMA reviews your appeal, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more information. ∫ Tip 2: Understand why FEMA determined you are ineligible before writing your appeal. You may not agree with it, but analyze why FEMA determined you are ineligible. Frequently, it’s something as simple as missing documentation or information. Read FEMA’s letter from beginning to end and see what the agency needs from you. ∫ Tip 3: Include documents to support your appeal. An appeals letter on its own may not be enough to get FEMA to reevaluate its decision. Consider including documentation to support your reason for appeal. It is important to provide any documents FEMA has requested. Examples may include: — Documents from your insurance company which show your policy coverage and/or settlement is not enough to See FEMA TIPS, page 2
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Guest Commentary................................4 Beach Living...........................................8 Business..................................................5 Beach Bulletin................................13-18
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