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Fort Myers Beach Boats Post Hurricane Ian

Bonita Bills Boat

Fort Myers Beach boats post Hurricane Ian are still strewn up and down roadways, in mangroves, homes and businesses. Removing them has proven to be a challenge.

Aerial view of boats grounded by Hurricane Ian on San Carlos Island.

The photos posted below are from last week. I went to the beach area to help a friend with recovery. It had been a month since the storm and although things were looking a little better in some areas, I think they looked worse in others. With some of the debris removed, I could see more of the damage.

Fort Myers Beach stop

We stopped into Bonita Bills, an iconic rustic bar on San Carlos Island, the bay side of the beach. It is next to the popular Dixie Fish Company which is also severally damaged. The docks are precarious at best.

Bonita's is not open for business but several regulars gathered to check on each other. Others were trying to help upright smaller boats that they could reach from the damaged docks. All of this while taking pictures and navigating a huge yacht out of the water and on the dock. It's nearly inside of the bar. It almost looked like it was suppose to be there. Like some prop is a nautical themed restaurant. Picture is above.

In addition, here is a video of the boat and more of the surrounding damage to Dixie Fish and the shrimp boat fleet.

This is just one small area of Southwest Florida.

Damage to marinas, docks and boats from Hurricane Ian is unprecedented. It stretches up and down the Southwest Florida coastline as well as inland. If you have a boat in your yard or trying to locate yours, this story might help you.

Giant cranes are now stationed in the area above, on Fort Myers Beach trying to help remove and save the shrimp boats. It's a slow process as each boat is as unique as it's grounded position.

Here are some more pictures of Fort Myers Beach boats post Hurricane Ian

Boat narrowly missing the inside of Bonita Bills

Gina Birch

Boat wreckage at Bonita Bills

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Sinking boat at Bonita Bills

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Outside tiki at Bonita Bills

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Boat by Dixie Fish Co

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Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Boats

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Boats waiting to be moved from San Carlos Blvd

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Boat on top of car on San Carlos Blvd.

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Boat in the Mangroves on San Carlos Blvd

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Boats in home

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Aerial view of boats on Fort Myers Beach

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Another aerial view of Fort Myers beach shrimp boat damage

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.