Fort Myers Beach Battles Back After Debby's Onslaught

Fort Myers Beach, FL - Cleanup efforts are underway in Fort Myers Beach following Hurricane Debby making landfall on Monday, bringing with it flooding and sand to the small beach town.

The island community, still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Ian, found itself inundated with floodwater and sand as Debby made landfall on Monday.

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers described the storm's impact as more severe than Hurricane Idalia, with widespread flooding affecting businesses and residents alike.

Allers told NBC 2 News , "We got hit hard. Times Square was particularly impacted, but the entire island felt the effects."

Despite the setbacks, the community has rallied together to clean up the mess.

Local businesses, including Wahoo Willie's, have received help from volunteers, such as students from Florida Gulf Coast University, who pitched in to clear debris and prepare the restaurant for reopening.

Jacki Liszak, CEO of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, praised the community's spirit and emphasized the importance of continued preparedness for future storms.

Liszak told NBC 2 News , "We're learning and adapting. While these storms are challenging, they also bring out the best in our community."