Here we go again… Hurricane Milton is out there in the Gulf doing its thing, and here in Southwest Florida, you know flooding’s coming for those low-lying and coastal spots. Don’t wait around for the water to start knocking on your front door. Get prepared now! The good news? You can grab sandbags to protect your home. But supplies are going fast, so check in with your local fire station before you roll up, or else you might be wasting gas, and we know what a pain getting that right now is.
According to NBC2, Lee County's got Hurricane Milton sandbag stations at Matlacha Fire Station and South Fort Myers, but they’re already running out of bags. So bring your own shovel, pack 'em yourself, and try not to overload your ride with too much sand. They’re limiting households to about 10 or 20 bags, depending on the spot. And at Sanibel, they’ve got sand and bags—but you better show up ready to fill and haul.
Hurricane Milton Sandbags:
Down in Collier County, all their sand is out for the day, but no worries, they’ve got a fresh batch coming tomorrow at 10 a.m. Same drill: first come, first served. Locations like Sun-N-Fun Lagoon and Donna Fiala Park are where you need to be. Just ten bags per person, so don’t get greedy!
Charlotte County? Hit up parks like Franz Ross and Carmalita. They’re throwing out sand and up to 10 bags, but you gotta handle the shoveling and loading yourself. Remember, this is all self-service, people.
Need Hurricane Milton sandbags in Hendry County? You can start picking up bags from the Clewiston Public Works and other spots starting Monday. No one's helping you fill them, but they got funnels to make the job less of a pain.
Just be sure to grab what you need, don’t go crazy, and help each other out. We’re all in Hurricane Milton together. Get your sandbags, and stay safe out there!
Dealing With Stress And Trauma One Year After Hurricane Ian
It was a tough week for many people, looking back at what was happening in Southwest Florida a year ago. So we turned to the experts for some perspective and help. Here are a few tips for dealing with stress and trauma one year after Hurricane Ian. The storm came ashore on September 28th and when the sun came up the morning of the 29th, our region was not the same. And it hasn't been the same since. The downtown areas for both Fort Myers and Naples were underwater. Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island, were devastated. Even Marco Island sustained damage.
The storm was so intense, there was so much loss, and so much media coverage this week, that it caused distress for many people. I talked to well known Southwest Florida counselor Dr. Laura Streyffeler who reassured me that it is normal to feel sad, angry and out of sorts on big anniversaries of traumatic life events.
She calls Ian a trauma by nature saying what makes it even harder is that there was nothing any of us could do about it. That gives a feeling of helpless and hopelessness. Those feelings still exist for those who are struggling to get their homes repaired or find a place to live one year later. Our homes are our safe place and when they are under construction or gone, we don't feel safe.
Trauma After Hurricane Ian
Even for those who didn't suffer loss of property or life, they lost their happy place, the beach. It will come back but it will never be the same. Dr.Streyffeler says it might not feel good, but it is normal to feel all of the emotions we are feeling this week. The one good thing is that we went through this as a community. There are so many people to talk to and who understand.
She says if gets to a point where your sadness, anger, depression and other feelings are beginning to interfere with relationships, work, and your happiness, it's time to seek counseling. She says, "Counseling is for healthy people who want to live healthier lives. They just need to process things."
Dealing with stress and trauma one year after Hurricane Ian, Dr. Laura is taking new patients or you can scroll down for sdditional resources. Please take care of yourself.
Mental Health Helpline
If you are in need of immediate help or worried about someone else, call 211. This number connects you to local services. It is manned 24/7.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Another important hotline that is manned round the clock. Call 988 to reach a live person who can immediately help you through a crisis
NAMI Collier County
NAMI offers a variety of services. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need to talk to someone call the WAM Line at 1-800-945-1355.
Elite DNA Behavioral Health
Elite DNA has several locations in Southwest Florida, each one staffed by behavioral and mental health care professionals.
Fort Myers – Metro: 4310 Metro Parkway, Suite 205, 239-223-2751
Fort Myers – Plantation: 6430 Plantation Park Court, Suite 200, 239-223-2751
Naples – 2230 Venetian Court, Suite 1, 833-362-7935
Port Charlotte – 3191 Harbor Blvd., Suites A-B, 941-883-4518
Venice – Open for telehealth appointments only, 941-244-4377
Healthcare Network
Elite DNA has several locations in Southwest Florida, each one staffed by behavioral and mental health care professionals.
Fort Myers – Metro: 4310 Metro Parkway, Suite 205, 239-223-2751
Fort Myers – Plantation: 6430 Plantation Park Court, Suite 200, 239-223-2751
Naples – 2230 Venetian Court, Suite 1, 833-362-7935
Port Charlotte – 3191 Harbor Blvd., Suites A-B, 941-883-4518
Venice – Open for telehealth appointments only, 941-244-4377
SalusCare
The SalusCare office at 3763 Evans Ave in Fort Myers is also open for mental health services. Telehealth is also available. Treatments and services here are not determined on ability to pay.
