WEEK OF DECEMBER 28, 2022
VOLUME 38, NUMBER 1
Getting up to date with recovery Informational meeting provides residents with guidance By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
If there was one overriding message from the informational meeting held for Town of Fort Myers Beach property owners with representatives from the
Florida Division of Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration, it was: apply. Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, repeatedly urged residents to go on www.Ianrecovery.fl.gov to apply for cleaning up debris or to
apply for a trailer. Guthrie explained that the agency needs the signature of homeowners to go on their property and clean up. “Is there a cost? Yes, there is. However, we do not bill you, the homeowner. We only bill the insurance company. For the structure itself, 73 cents per square foot. If we have to remove your slab,
those are $6 per square foot,” Guthrie said. Guthrie said the agency will work directly with insurance companies to make a claim. If you do not have insurance, Guthrie said the state will seek reimbursement through FEMA. Guthrie also aimed to clear up how See RECOVERY, page 5
Post office searching for trailers By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
With Shucker’s gone, GM Brian Nagle starts handyman business By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
ne year ago, Shucker’s on the Gulfshore and Cottage Bar General Manager Brian Nagle was overseeing an extravagant centennial celebration for Shucker’s complete with 1920s outfits in a dual fundraiser for the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. Nagle helped bring the landmark restaurant out of the Covid pandemic and teamed up with the Fort Myers Beach Art Association for an art galleria in its
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dining room. All that work was washed away Sept. 28 by Hurricane Ian though Nagle’s work at the restaurant established connections he hopes will help him find a successful new start as a handyman during a time when a lot of work is needed in the area to rebuild from one of the most devastating hurricanes in American history. “I have my handyman license for now,” Nagle said. Soon, he hopes he can gain a general contractor’s license to do more work.
“I couldn’t see myself going into another restaurant right now,” said the 38-year-old married father of three. Nagle was working in restaurants for See MOVING ON, page 3 Shucker's General Manager Brian Nagle (left to right), server Lisa Wanjiku, host Sarah Shirey and server Allie Stora helped put on the 100th anniversary for Shucker’s last year in Fort Myers Beach. Nagle has started his own handyman business after Shucker’s was wiped out by Hurricane Ian. FILE PHOTO
Town of Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said he received the “first substantial” piece of information for when the Beach post office may finally start to move toward reopening. Atterholt said he had a number of exchanges this past week with Tim Costello, vice president of Retail and Delivery Operations Jim Atterholt for the Southern Region for the US Postal Service. “He texted me and, I quote, ‘Lot cleanup is scheduled to begin on December 26th. Facilities is looking for trailers right now (one double wide and one single wide). Once trailers are secured they will have to arrange for transportation. I will have a timeline before the lot is cleared. Lot is scheduled to be clear January 3,’” Atterholt stated. Atterholt called the reply “the first substantial piece of information the Postal Service has supplied” since Hurricane Ian regarding the resumption of postal operations on the island. Currently, residents must make a lengthy drive into Fort Myers to pick up their mail. “The status quo is clearly unacceptable,” Atterholt said. “Forcing people who are already struggling to drive out to the airport to get their mail is outrageous. There is no place to even mail a letter on the island. This is completely unacceptable. I plan to keep fighting until we get a temporary Post Office open and operational on Fort Myers Beach,” Atterholt said.
Guest Commentary......................................................4 Business.......................................................................6 Web Poll........................................................................4 Beach Bulletin.......................................................9-15