Lee County is bracing for impact from Hurricane Milton.Milton strengthened into a major, Category hurricane on Monday (Oct. 7). Landfall is still predicted to be somewhere along Florida's west coast from North of Tampa to around Fort Myers.. The expectations are there will be significant storm surge in coastal areas, wind, rain and along with it flooding and power outages throughout the region.
This is continues to be developing story and our reporters and photographers are providing coverage from different locations in Lee County today, contributing the latest updates on the forecast, evacuations, shelters and supplies and what you need to know.
EVACUATION ZONES FOR LEE COUNTY:Find out where yours hisHERE.
FLOOD ZONES IN LEE COUNTY: Find out where you flood zone is HERE.
WATCHING THE TROPICS:Here's the latest information on Hurricane Milton's track.
Helpful links
WEATHER: GoHEREfor Lee County weather watches, warnings and advisories | FORECAST: GoHEREfor latest forecast from AccuWeather | POWER OUTAGES:LCEC power map isHERE | POWER OUTAGES:FPL's tracker isHERE | POWER OUTAGES:HEREfor United States power outage tracker | AIRPORT:RSW's flight trackerfor delays, cancellations
As Milton wobbles, Sanibel serious about evacuations, curfew
Livestreaming from city hall hours before mandatory evacuation and curfew lock Sanibel down, City Manager Dana Souza gave a sober update on Hurricane Milton.
With winds of 150 mph as he spoke, Souza said storm’s final track was still in question. Slight shifts can be critically important, he said, pointing out that both Ian and Charley made devastating last-minute turns.
Initially, the island was braced for a potentially 6- to 10-foot surge washing over the low-lying island, but Souza said Milton’s most recent wobble might bring up to 12 feet instead. “We know from Hurricane Ian how significant a storm surge of 12 feet is,” he said. "Our message today is not to scare you; it's to prepare you for a scary storm that's coming our way."
He lauded the residents, nonprofits and businesses who’ve already left, and urged everyone else to go.
“We will strictly enforce the curfew,” which applies to people on foot or in vehicles said Acting Police Chief Anthony Thompson. Only city employees, emergency or restoration workers are exempted, he said. Checkpoints will inspect all traffic on and off the island at the causeway, and “Officers will be dispatched throughout Sanibel, stopping vehicles and persons in violation of the curfew … There is no reason for anyone to be on a barrier island at this time,” Thompson said.
Another reason to leave: Once winds reach 45 mph, “We will stop all emergency services,” Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin Barbot said. “That means we will not respond to help you. You will be left alone ,and you will not be taken care of.”
Even if winds die down, Barbot said, with a 12-foot storm surge, “it is not safe for our crews to respond … Gather your belongings, leave the island and come back once it is safe.”
Boca Grande: Reeling from Helene just two weeks ago; now Milton
Boca Grande residents say they generally feel unprepared for the incoming Hurricane Milton, walloped as they were just two weeks ago by Hurricane Helene. The island saw storm surge and significant damage done to homes and businesses, including the Gasparilla Inn.
And the cleanup is not yet complete, leaving dangerous debris lying around that could turn into projectiles as gales from Milton wallop the island.
"Helene was two weeks ago and there is still way too much trash on the roadside," said Debra Herschberger in a local Facebook group for Boca Grande, Placida and Cape Haze residents. "It's dangerous and should have been picked up already."
The storm is currently over the Gulf of Mexico, and is expected to make landfall in the Tampa area around 1 a.m. Thursday, with storm surge and strong winds washing to the south, according to the National Weather Service. Boca Grande is expected to see lifethreatening storm surge of 10-15 feet, and devastating hurricane-force winds as the storm bears down on Florida.
Some residents have told The News-Press / Naples Daily News they plan to evacuate.
One woman, who introduced herself as Victoria, said her Lemon Bay home north of Boca Grande was destroyed by Ian and she's still fighting with her insurance carrier to repair. "Helene flooded it, and now?" she said. "Milton is going to be crazy."
Lee County Hurricane Milton update:
From reporter Mickenzie Hannon:
Lee County announced all county offices will remain closed through Friday. Offices initially closed on Monday afternoon in preparation for Hurricane Milton, and this closure is now extended for the remainder of the week. The County will provide further reopening details in future updates, it shared in a press release at 5:12 p.m. Tuesday.
All hurricane evacuation shelters remain open and have capacity. The Estero Recreation Center is at 75% capacity, while Hertz Arena still has 4,800 available spaces. For full shelter information, visit www.leegov.com/storm.
LeeTran fixed routes and shuttle services will be suspended by 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Check LeeTran’s social media for specific route details and information on when services will resume.
Here’s what the county advises residents to do:
- Get to your shelter location by Tuesday night and remain there throughout Wednesday.
- Avoid driving in flooded areas and refrain from driving at all on Wednesday if possible.
- Stay informed through local meteorologists’ updates.
- Sign up for AlertLee notifications.
- Follow www.leegov.com/storm and Lee County social media channels for real-time updates.
- For any questions, call the United Way’s Emergency Information Hotline by dialing 2-1-1 or 239-433-3900.
- Watch Tuesday’s update from the Emergency Operations Center on the county’s YouTube channel: Lee County YouTube Channel.
City of Cape Coral shares plan for special communication during, after storm
From reporter Kate Cimini:
Tuesday the city of Cape Coral reminded residents of the measures it has taken to ensure they are still informed, even if the internet, cell towers or electricity go out.
One, look for signs outside every fire station, the city announced. These will indicate when you can get crucial updates about Hurricane Milton. If power and cell service go out, head to the nearest fire station for the latest information.
Two, tune your hand crank radio into B 103.9 for daily updates from the city during the storm.
Finally, before Milton makes landfall, sign up for AlertLee to receive emergency updates straight to your phone, and follow the city of Cape Coral on social media for real-time information.
LeeTran update
From reporter Laura Ruane:
Due to expected impacts of Hurricane Milton, LeeTran services will be suspended Wednesday, Oct. 9 until it is safe to resume.
Please continue to follow LeeTran's Facebook page and website for updates:
https://www.leegov.com/leetran/alerts
Rental cars update from RSW
From reporter Laura Layden:
In updates on its website, Southwest Florida International Airport advised that rental car facilities will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, and the short-term parking garage is full. The long-term lot still has availability.
The scene in downtown Fort Myers ahead of Hurricane Milton
From reporter Alex Martin:
The more you walked around Downtown Fort Myers, the more sandbags and plywood you saw, covering various businesses for storm surge that’s expected to peak at 10 feet in Southwest Florida.
Social House’s outdoor garden was being disassembled in the early afternoon. Bars along Bay Street like Firestone, City Tavern, and Bay Street Yard had each taken different approaches when it came to boarding up or sandbagging.
“I think a lot of people are doing more than we did for Ian,” said Kevin Schoensee, as he was helping board up a building along First Street. “We learned our lesson, the people that didn’t do as much, and everybody’s doing as much or more this time. It’s really impressive.”
The two primary parking garages Downtown — at the corner of First and Monroe and the corner of Main and Jackson — were 95 percent full, with very little space remaining. Those garages were opened by the City of Fort Myers for free.
Bruno’s of Brooklyn, which is slated to open this month at the corner of First and Dean, had close to 100 sandbags surrounding the perimeter of their property to ensure their grand opening will remain on time.
“Everybody’s going up higher than they used to,” Schoensee said. “A lot of people just rebuilt (from Ian) and are almost done. I think four restaurants are supposed to open in the next three weeks. They’ve spent millions of dollars down here and now they’re protecting that investment as best they can.”
Despite all of the closures downtown, two popular places remained open: Ichiban and Downtown House of Pizza.
Lee County schools: Closures extended through Friday
From reporter Mickenzie Hannon:
"Out of an abundance of caution and to prioritize safety", the Lee County School District decided to continue all school and district office closures through Friday.
Fresh Market closes two stores in Lee County
In preparation for the impact of Hurricane Milton, The Fresh Market is closing its local stores early (at 2 p.m.) today, and they will remain closed on Wednesday. The stores are at:
- 13499 S. Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers
- 27251 Bay Landing Drive, Bonita Springs
Florida Everblades postpone preseason games
From reporter Alex Martin:
Due to Hertz Arena being used as a shelter, the Everblades preseason contests on Oct. 11 and 12 are postponed until further notice.
Photos: Downtown Fort Myers ahead of Hurricane Milton
Reminder: Lee County Evacuation Zones A and B have 10 p.m. deadline
Residents in Evacuation Zones A and B are reminded to complete their preparations and evacuate by 10 p.m. Tuesday. Over 416,000 people are under the mandatory evacuation order. As of noon Tuesday, 13 shelters are open, including Alico Arena and East Lee County High School.
“You'll be more comfortable if you go to a family member or a friend's home, but we do have plenty of space available at our public shelters,” said Ben Abes, Lee County’s Public Safety Director.
LeeTran is offering free transportation to shelters; just inform the driver that you're heading to a shelter. Officials remind residents to bring essential supplies, such as a 3-day supply of food, water and medication. All shelters are pet-friendly, but pets must be leashed, crated and have necessary supplies.
There is still time to evacuate safely Tuesday. For assistance or if you need a ride to a shelter, contact the Emergency Information Hotline at 211 or 239-433-3900.
While curfews are in effect for Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel starting at 10 p.m. Tuesday, Lee County has not yet issued a county-wide curfew.
“We continue to work very closely with other municipalities as well as the Lee County Sheriff's office, and we'll make a decision when it is appropriate in the near future,” Abes said of a county curfew.
Lee County opens four more shelters ahead of Hurricane Milton
Lee County announced the opening of four additional shelters as of noon Tuesday, in preparation for Hurricane Milton.The new shelters include Alico Arena at FGCU, East Lee County High School, Harns Marsh Elementary School and Harns Marsh Middle School. These shelters are available for residents in Evacuation Zones A and B, as well as those in mobile and manufactured homes under the mandatory evacuation order. More than 500 people are currently sheltering at Hertz Arena, with a total of 1,651 residents now across all open shelters in the county.Shelters already in operation include:
- Dunbar High School, 3800 Edison Ave., Fort Myers
- Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero
- Island Coast High School, 2125 DeNavarra Parkway, Cape Coral
- Gateway High School, 13820 Griffin Drive, Fort Myers
- Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero
- Oak Hammock Middle School, 5321 Tice St., Fort Myers
- Tortuga Preserve Elementary School, 1711 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
- Treeline Elementary School, 10900 Treeline Ave., Fort Myers
- Varsity Lakes Middle School, 801 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
All shelters are pet-friendly, but pets must be leashed or in kennels. LeeTran is offering free transportation to the shelters. Residents are urged to be in a safe location outside of the evacuation zones by 10 p.m. Tuesday.
For more details on shelters, visit the Lee County website or follow their social media updates. Questions can be directed to the Emergency Information Hotline at 2-1-1 or239-433-3900.
News from Lee Health
Visitation of patients at Lee Health facilities will end at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Lee County Sheriff's Office: Closures announced
Lee County Sheriff administrative offices within all precincts and within headquarters are closed for the duration of the storm. LCSO will update future reopening, it shared at 11:40 a.m.
Lee County Sheriff's Office: traffic update
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office announced just before 11:45 a.m. that evacuation signs and sheriff’s deputies conducting traffic are at Bonita Beach Road; Sanibel Causeway Boulevard; Pine Island Road; and San Carlos Boulevard.
Status of Lee Health hospitals
From reporter Liz Freeman:
Lee Health hospitals remain open as Hurricane Milton approaches yet outpatients are closed through Thursday.
Here’s what else you need to know:
- Most Lee Health outpatient facilities are closed Tuesday through Thursday, except for the Complex Care Centers that will be open until Tuesday at 5 p.m. Call Centers will also be open to take calls on Tuesday.
- The Complex Care Centers are located at Lee Memorial Hospital near downtown Fort Myers and Cape Coral Hospital
- Elective Surgeries are cancelled Tuesday through Thursday.
Bonita Springs officials: Monitor water levels
From reporter Laura Layden:
The city of Bonita Springs encourages residents living near the Imperial River and canals to continue monitoring water levels. The level of the Imperial River is currently at 10.73 feet. To check water levels, click here.
In other news, Bonita Springs Utilities has been working to prepare its water supply system for Hurricane Milton's effects. It reports that its supply system is performing well, and it's prepared to weather storm conditions, while continuing to provide water to residents. Residents are reminded to limit water use to ease stress on sewer operations and to help prevent backups or spills. Here are some tips:
•Keep toilet flushing to a minimum
•Abstain from running dishwashers and clothes washers
•Limit the amount of water used during a shower or the amount to fill your bathtub
Boil water notices will be posted on the following web page: https://bsu.us/service-alerts/.
The latest forecast for Hurricane Milton
From Chad Gillis:
Winds are already blowing offshore as Hurricane Milton approaches the west coast of Florida.
Storm surge for the Lee County area is expected to be between 6 and 10 feet, and winds are expected to be of hurricane force for several hours.
Various models and forecasts show the powerful storm making landfall in the Tampa Bay area, but onshore winds here are expected to be significant as Milton passes.
Flooding rains, storm surge and damaging winds are all likely for this area between now and Thursday morning.
Winds are expected to switch to onshore around midnight Wednesday, with storm surge piling up along the coast.
High tide at Bonita Beach is at 7:02 a.m. Thursday, with a low tide at 2:20 p.m.
Lee County Sheriff's Office managing evacuation traffic
Fort Myers Beach clock taken down as precaution
Rachel at the Well all dressed up for Milton
From reporter Amy Williams:
After taking a beating from Hurricane Ian, the Spirit of Fort Myers sculpture (better known as Rachel at the Well) on McGregor Boulevard is ready to face Milton.
City Councilman Liston Bochette snapped these photos of her before touring Fort Myers neighborhoods with council colleague Terolyn Watson. “People need to know we care,” he said.
Swaddled in tangerine bubble wrap cinched with basic black duct tape, the 1926 statue looks more mummy than maiden, but certainly better able to withstand the storm than she did in 2022, when she faced Ian’s winds in just an off-the-shoulder shift.
The ordeal left her bent but not broken, and after 19 month and a FEMA grant, Rachel was restored and rededicated in April
No Sanibel is not cutting off the water supply
From reporter Amy Williams:
Contrary to some social media alarmism, the Island Water Association is not turning off the taps to Sanibel and Captiva.
On the contrary: Even though staff will evacuate the island by 10 p.m. Tuesday, they’ll leave behind a tank filled with 5 million gallons connected to the system with a diesel pump that will supply both islands with domestic use water until it runs out, says the association’s Diana Wilson. “That’s hand-washing, toilet-flushing (and) drinking water until the tank is dry,” she said. “Our hope is that we’ll be back before that happens, but we never know.”
Sanibel and Captiva residents can help the supply last by turning off their irrigation systems, which can quickly drain the tank, she says.
They can also shut their own service off if they’re evacuating.
“If there’s damage in the home plumbing, the last thing we want to do is continue feeding water into the home,” she said.
For those who do stay and continue to use water, she said there will be a precautionary boil water advisory, “because we will no longer be actively monitoring and operating our system.”
Free Uber rides to and from shelters for Hurricane Milton
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to and from shelters in counties evacuating from Hurricane Milton.
To get a free ride:
- Go to the Uber app
- Tap Account on the bottom right and tap Wallet
- Add promo code MILTONRELIEF
24-hour curfew for Fort Myers Beach
A 24-hour curfew will go into effect for the Town of Fort Myers Beach starting at 10 p.m. Tuesday, the Town announced in a press release at 9:27 a.m. The curfew prohibits all pedestrian and vehicle movement within town limits, except for emergency personnel, fire, police and utility workers authorized by the town.
The Town encourage residents to stay tuned for more updates and to contact Town Hall at 239-765-0202 with any questions
Additional shelters open today in Lee County
Lee County has announced additional shelters opened at 8 a.m. today in advance of the approach of Hurricane Milton.
Additional shelters are:
- Gateway High School13820 Griffin DriveFort Myers, FL 33913
- Hertz Arena11000 Everblades ParkwayEstero, FL 33928
- Oak Hammock Middle School5321 Tice St.Fort Myers, FL 33905
- Tortuga Preserve Elementary School1711 Gunnery Road N.Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
- Treeline Elementary School10900 Treeline Ave.Fort Myers, FL 33913
- Varsity Lakes Middle School801 Gunnery Road N.Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
Collaboratory is opening the Hurricane Milton Relief Fund
From Laura Layden:
In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Collaboratory is opening the Hurricane Milton Relief Fund to collectively help Southwest Florida rebuild. The fund supports nonprofits helping people and areas of most pressing need in the five-county region. Donors can contribute at collaboratory.org.
“There is only one way through this disaster, and that is working together,” said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory. “I am grateful for the spirit of collaboration that we share with the hundreds of nonprofits that are responding tirelessly to the many needs of hundreds of thousands of our fellow residents.”
Contributions are tax deductible.
The scene at RSW this morning
Airport spokesperson Victoria Moreland at RSW: "We are open until the last flight arrives tonight unless conditions change. Some airlines though have cancelled flights."
City of Fort Myers offering free parking
From reporter Amy WIlliams:
Free hurricane parking in downtown Fort MyersDowntown garages in the city of Fort Myers will offer free parking starting Tuesday at 8 a.m.City of Palms, Main Street, and the Luminary Hotel garages will have the entrance/exit equipment removed and are available to the public for free.If you're driving a vehicle with lithium batteries, please park on higher levels to avoid potential water intrusion.
Army Corps addresses Lake Okeechobee releases
Lake Okeechobee releases may be in our future, but the U.S. Army Corps says it won’t send water out of the lake before Hurricane Milton passes Florida.
In prior years, the Army Corps would sometimes release water from the lake to make room for anticipated rainfall.
That strategy changed this year with the adoption of new set of lake management protocols.
The surface of the lake was at 15.6 feet above sea level Monday, according to South Florida Water Management District records.
The Caloosahatchee River is one of the main ways the Army Corps can lower the lake.
The river was artificially connected to Okeechobee about a century ago in order to drain the Everglades for farming and development.
Nowadays the Caloosahatchee is dependent upon lake water during dry times.
Supplies: Walmart link provides updates, store status
As Walmart prepares for Hurricane Milton’s landfall, you cancheck here for real-time updates on store/club status and community support. As customers prepare, it's aiming to make it easier for them to get what they need with its Emergency PreparednessShoppable Lists. With these lists, customers can hit the “Add all to cart” button. Customers can also adjust the order by removing unwanted items or increasing the quantity of items in the list, based on their own needs.
Today's weather: What to expect ahead of Hurricane Milton
From reporter Chad Gillis:
Rain is in the forecast for much of the day as the National Weather Service is calling for a 70% chance of rain today.
Hurricane Milton is speeding toward the Sunshine State, and the storm is on track to be a storm of catastrophic scale by the time it makes landfall early Thursday morning.
A weak low-pressure system has made its way across South Florida the past two days, and that system is what has brought the recent rains.
Milton will bring a variety of threats, from high winds to deadly storm surge and inland flooding.
Winds will be blowing offshore all day as the storm approaches from the southwest.
RSW busy this morning as people look to leave the region
Southwest Florida International Airport warned that while it may be operating today, passengers should "look for delays and cancellations." No flights will operate Wednesday or Thursday, as previously announced.
Reporter Dustin Levy is at RSW this morning and he reports that all departing flights are full, according to RSW staff.
RSW will provide updates for operations on Friday after evaluating impact from the hurricane.
Harry Chapin Food Bank's mobile food distribution sites
From reporter Laura Layden:
Harry Chapin Food Bank will have three mobile food distribution sites open this morning to help individuals and families prepare for Hurricane Milton.
The distribution centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the following locations:
- Church of the Nazarene Immokalee, 1207 Carson Road in Immokalee
- San Raphael Church, 2514 Lee Blvd. in Lehigh Acres
- Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal, 151 NE Pine Island Road in Cape Coral
A day ahead of Milton's predicted landfall: today's forecast
As Southwest Florida finalizes preparations and evacuates, weather is expected to be mild today.
Rains have been falling across the region for a few days, and there's a 50% chance of rain across the area on Tuesday, according to NWS forecasts.
The real rains will start Wednesday and continue into Thursday as Hurricane Milton makes landfall and crosses the state.
Reporter Chad Gillis breaks down the Tuesday forecast here.
After Ian, after Helene: Sanibel brace for Hurricane Milton
Stuff’s getting real for Sanibel, as the island city evacuates before Hurricane Milton.
Deadline for everyone to be off the island is 10 p.m. Tuesday, said City Manager Dana Souza.
Read Reporter Amy Williams' Sanibel report.
Monday's Hurricane Milton headlines
- Live blog: Updates, photos, video, more
- Lee County orders mandatory evacuations for two zones
- Photos: Cape Coral residents prepare for Hurricane Milton
- Guide: What to know about hurricane related power outages
- Photos: Sanibel Island businesses, residents prepare for Milton
- What people are saying on social media
Poll: Will you stay, or will you go?
Photos: Fort Myers Beach residents 'here we go again'
Hurricane prep video: Time is running out
See more videos of Southwest Florida preparing for Hurricane Milton
This story was updated to add a video.
