WEEK OF DECEMBER 21, 2022
VOLUME 61, NUMBER 5
Storm damage assessments continue for school district By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
Historical village provides update on Rutland, Tea Room ast week, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village provided a post-hurricane update on two buildings — the Rutland House and Miss Charlotta's Tea Room — as well as their histories. Officials reported that due to the storm surge, the Rutland House suffered substantial damage to its floors. The hurricaneforce winds attacked the exterior siding, and the metal roof will need to be replaced. The gift shop at the back was a total loss. The top-story window at the front of the
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house broke and is covered with plywood to avoid any further water intrusion. They noted that the building will require historic preservation repairs to match and maintain its historical character. The village is currently in discussions with the city of Sanibel, with the goal of restoring the structures on its grounds within the standard guidelines for historical preservation. Officials continued that Miss Charlotta's Tea Room sustained severe damage. Part of the roof was torn off and is
missing, and there was water intrusion in the building and damage to the front porch. It required drying and dehumidification. The building requires selective demolition See HISTORICAL VILLAGE, page 11 The Rutland House at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village will require historic preservation repairs to match and maintain its historical character following Hurricane Ian.
The overall impacts of Hurricane Ian on the School District of Lee County could be as high as $273 million to a low of $179 million, depending on the measures used. The Lee County School Board was updated last week on its rough order of magnitude, the preliminary estimate of the overall impacts that Hurricane Ian left behind. Imperium Consulting Group Director Joseph Mascali said they create a high and low range in terms of the preliminary estimates. It ranges from a high of $273 million to a low of $179 million, which is different from the preliminary damage assessment of $230 million. That difference is mainly driven by the absence of specific categories. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said the numbers will consistently, at any given hour and day, be an updated version. Imperium Consulting Group Managing Director Arnold Mascali said Imperium assists policy holders and public entities with insurance and FEMA. Its diverse group of professionals helps provide different perspectives to accomplish a common goal. See ASSESSMENTS, page 11
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SANIBEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND VILLAGE
City, others provide updates on hurricane recovery By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The city of Sanibel shared the following during its Facebook Live update on Dec. 13: ∫ City Manager Dana Souza reported that Jan. 2 is still the target date for reopening the Sanibel Causeway to those without city-issued hurricane re-entry passes. He added that part of the intention for discontinuing the use of the passes is to help in the recovery efforts for residents and businesses. Souza also reported that the city's beaches and beach access parks will remain closed and are not open for beach business, and the fishing pier and boat ramp are closed. Most businesses are also
closed. “There is nothing to see or do — yet,” Souza said. He also shared the following benchmark criteria for the city to reopen the causeway: — Right-of-way debris collection at 80 percent. — East Periwinkle Bridge open to traffic. — LCEC completes majority of pole replacement on main roadways. — Traffic will not interfere with FDOT causeway construction. — Police security is sufficient. — Continuing use of re-entry passes does not interfere with recovery efforts. ∫ Souza also reviewed the city's recent mayoral proclamation that prohibits pool
water from being discharged into a waterbody, canal or other neighboring property, and noted the following: — Discharge on your own property. — Contain water with adsorbent booms. — Use slow release if needed. — Penalty is $500 citation issued by police. ∫ Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton reported that some areas have a Neighborhood Watch program in place and that he encourages interested residents to start one. “That would just give us more eyes, more ears out in the community,” he said. ∫ The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District is asking people not to burn on their property due to the conditions, and reminded See UPDATES, page 11
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