Pine Island

Living in a disaster zone. That remains the reality for some people in Matlacha and on the south end of Pine Island, nearly six months after Hurricane Ian caused massive damage. The stress is taking a toll on some people, while many on the island focus on rebuilding.

The Lee County Department of Community Development has reopened the Downtown Fort Myers main office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays with phone availability from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Lee County’s Pine Island Community Pool, which has been closed since Hurricane Ian due to damages, will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. Jan. 17.

Just the sheer amount of debris produced by Hurricane Ian is difficult to imagine let alone collecting it all in a timely fashion. In Lee County, 5 million cubic yards has been gathered so far, enough to Fill Hertz Arena to the ceiling 13 times.

Head of state Emergency Management and FEMA officials surprise Hurricane Ian victims on Pine Island

The Center will remain open until Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., when it will close permanently.

Most residents of Pine Island were left without water or power after being battered by Hurricane Ian. Part of the bridge connecting them to the mainland was also destroyed. In the aftermath of the storm, WLRN's Gerard Albert III spent a day with the volunteer captains running vital supply to residents trying to get their lives back together.

Pine Island is a barrier island between Cayo Costa and Cape Coral in Southwest Florida. It was among the hardest hit by Hurricane Ian this month.

Here's how residents can help local pet families in need after Hurricane Ian and additional resources for pet owners in Lee County.

The early completion of emergency road and bridge repairs for Pine Island was announced on Wednesday.