Boats Missing From Hurricane Ian

The number of boats missing from hurricane Ian are in the thousand in Southwest Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is establishing a special hotline to help.

This is common scene across Southwest Florida. Boats in ditches, roadways and homeowners front yards. In addition, social media sites are teaming with photos of boats in yards. The photo is followed with a question, asking "Are you missing your boat?"

If that describes you and you want to report a boat on your property that is not yours, FWC has a few instructions. Look for the vessel's registration number. Take notice of all details such as it's color, its type, its name, etc.

Then finally, call this number, 850-488-5600. The Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

If  your boat is derelict, you have 45 days to either remove it from the water of the state or bring it into a non-derelict condition. That 45 day mark starts on September 28th, when Ian hit.

However, if you lack the resources to have your boat repaired, or if it is beyond repair, you can release ownership of it. Call that hotline for information on how to do that.

In a press release, Boating and Waterways Section Leader Maj. Rob Beaton says, “FWC officers are diligently working to determine the current number and ownership of storm-related displaced vessels across the state. We are committed to helping boat owners find their vessels and facilitate the removal of vessels from state waters that are posing a threat to the environment or blocking waterways.”

If you have a boat missing from Hurricane Ian or have someone else's missing boat on your property perhaps this hotline can help you. For more Hurricane Ian recovery info, you can click here.

More and more Hurricane Ian donation sites in SWFL are opening. We have been flooded with inquiries as to where people can donate goods.

Some organizations have asked for very specific supplies. To make sure your donations make the most impact, please take a minute to look at the lists. Keep in mind, cleaning out your closet, your kitchen drawers, your garage, or your kid's toy chest, while well intended, may cause more problems than help.

After every disaster of major proportion, government officials say there is a secondary disaster. It's the mounds and mounds of unused clothing and other items that come pouring in. However, this is not the time for a massive spring cleaning. It's a time to be thoughtful about what you are giving.

Some gently worn clothing is OK. Used under garments and socks are not. These need to be new. The old adage "something is better than nothing," is not necessarily the case. Consider what you are about to donate as if it were a donation for yourself. If you were left with only the clothing on your back, would you give them up for an arm stained shirt?

For those who are staying in shelters, basic hygiene items are greatly needed. Cleaning wipes, toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, tissues, towels, contact solution, diapers, feminine hygiene supplies, and such.

You may have a favorite charitable organization to donated too. If not, many business and communities are holding supply drives. While it is nearly impossible to list them all, we have a few of them here. Check out these Hurricane Ian donation sites in SWFL. We will continue to update this list as much as possible.

On behalf of those in need, we thank you for anything and everything you can do to help. Both in this immediate, more short term crisis. And also in the weeks, months and even years to come.

And for lots more Hurricane Ian info, click here.

Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida is looking for donations of school supplies to help both students and teachers impacted by Ian in Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties.

Think basic supplies such as crayons, filler paper, glue sticks, backpacks, scissors and construction paper. In addition, tissues and sanitizing wipes are needed. Drop off supplies until Dec 1st at the Fort Myers Office: 13241 University Dr.,  Suite 102. 239-225-2590

Community Cooperative is committed to helping Southwest Florida recover from the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Ian. Our hearts and prayers go out to those impacted. This organization will be here to assist those in need with getting their lives back on track after the storm.

www.LeeCountyStrong.com 

We forget about organizations such as Hospice, continuing to serve terminally ill patients and their families. Donations needed include towels, sheets, air mattresses, pillows, personal hygiene supplies of toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, wipes, non-perishable food, water, Gatorade, cleaning supplies, trash bags, first aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, battery and cell phone chargers, portable fans, blue tarps, paper towels and toilet paper. Also consider giving gift cards ($25 denominations best)  for gas, grocery, Walmart, and Target.

Avow is located at 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples

Cajun Navy from Louisiana is in Fort Myers providing hot meals every day for people in need. accepting canned food donations, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, water bottles, and trash cans from now until Oct. 14. You can drop off supplies from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 17105 San Carlos Blvd.

Taking care of animals injured in Hurricane Ian, the Conservancy has a few needs. Donations can be dropped off in front of the wildlife hospital, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples.

Family Initiative is seeking donations of nonperishable food items, cases of water, batteries, or financial contributions.

Autism Support Center, located at 734 SW 4th St., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are unable to deliver, Family Initiative can arrange pick up as well as the distribution of goods to families, if possible.

They've partnered with The American Institute of Architects (AIA) to collect items at their  office in Gateway. Looking for: Towels, Clothes, Food, Bleach, Hand Sanitizer, Reusable Ice Packs, Carbon Filters, D-Batteries, Heavy Duty Extension Cords, 25’ or Greater, Heavy Duty Surge Protectors.

12271 Towne Lake Drive, Fort Myers

TwinCutz barber shop collecting clothing donations Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.for all ages at the following locations:

Cape Christian is updating its needs and volunteer lists. They now need volunteers to help with roof repairs for single story homes. Specifically shingle damage. If you can lend a hand to Cape Coral residents call 203-314-5903. Donations needed now include:

Elite DNA is taking donations of non-perishable food items, gently used clothing, baby products, first aid supplies, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items.

These donations can be made at any of the 25 Elite DNA location across the state. Click here for locations.

Hertz Arena has closed the shelter