Hurricane Milton live updates: Cape Coral opens shelters for residents

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Lee County is bracing for any impact from Hurricane Milton. Milton strengthened into a hurricane Sunday afternoon. Landfall somewhere along Florida's west coast, although it is too early to tell if that will mean SW FL or elsewhere. The expectations are significant storm surge in coastal areas, wind, rain and along with it flooding and power outages in the region.

This is continues to be developing story and our reporters and photographers are providing coverage from different locations in Lee County again today, contributing the latest updates on the forecast, evacuations, shelters and supplies and what you need to know.

EVACUATION ZONES FOR LEE COUNTY: Find out where yours his HERE .

WATCHING THE TROPICS: Here's the latest information on Hurricane Milton's track.

Helpful links

Go HERE for Lee County weather watches, warnings and advisories.

Go HERE for latest forecast from AccuWeather.

POWER OUTAGES: LCEC power map is HERE .

POWER OUTAGES: FPL's tracker is HERE .

POWER OUTAGES: HERE for United States power outage tracker

AIRPORT: RSW's flight tracker for delays, cancellations

Video: Neighbors helping neighbors on the Cape

Photos: Cape Coral residents in preparation mode

Video: Fort Myers Beach resident says 'I'm coming back'

What's going on a Southwest Florida International Airport

From Laruen Layden:

Southwest Florida International Airport said airlines are planning to operate on Tuesday. At this time, no commercial flights will be operating on Wednesday and Thursday.

Fort Myers puts off discussing Milton

By Amy Williams:

At the city of Fort Myers’ regular council meeting, after the prayer and the pledge, Mayor Kevin Anderson began moving through the agenda until Councilman Liston Bochette stopped him.

Shouldn’t council be discussing emergency items, Bochette asked.

No, Anderson said – they could wait; there weren’t any evacuations going on in the city anyway.

That would have been news to the people who live along the river, say, in a vintage bungalow on Clifford Street or those in the Pointe Royale condos, who’d been under orders since earlier that afternoon. But Anderson swept onward, telling Bochette the hurricane stuff could wait until the end.

Despite Anderson needing to raise his voice to speak over repeated emergency alerts and CNN asking Councilman Liston Bochette why the council was doing business as usual as one of the most ferociously dangerous hurricanes in Florida history roared toward it, council instead discussed youth programs, sidewalks and parking.

By 5:20, Milton still hadn’t come up.

Poll: Staying or going?

Sanibel Causeway readied for Milton

By Amy Williams

The Florida Department of Transportation is working to reinforce to the post-Hurricane Ian fixes made to  the Sanibel Causeway before Hurricane Milton arrives. Crews have been are adding extra armor stone near the toll plaza. The agency wants to take all possible steps to ensure that the causeway is operational once the storm passes, according to a release.

Drivers should expect flaggers to stop traffic intermittently west of the toll plaza to allow equipment to transfer the armor stone from the staging area on Tuesday.

The contractor is also securing the barges and other equipment so that it is readily available if needed after the storm passes.

Once it does, the contractor will need time to inspect and clear debris from the roadway before allowing the public to access and cross the Causeway. Once it’s determined McGregor Boulevard and the causeway are safe, the bridge will open to traffic as soon as the Sanibel Police Department and Fire Department provide the all clear that travel on the island is safe.

Fort Myers Beach residents prepare to get off the island

Bookelia restaurant, battered by Helene, now faces Hector

The owner of Capt’n Con’s Fish House was in town when Hurricane Helene battered her historic waterfront restaurant on Bokeelia less than two weeks ago. Now Hurricane Hector is churning out in the Gulf of Mexico and she hopes to survive another major storm.

Click here to read the story.

Debris removal underway at Fort Myers Beach

Jounalist Mickenzie Hannon reports that CrowderGulf is removing debris off Fort Myers Beach left from Hurricane Helene , the Town shared in a press release at 4:09 p.m. Monday.

Debris cleanup efforts will continue Tuesday, weather permitting. The Town also said Waste Management assembled two crews on the island to assist.

Cape Coral opens shelters for residents

With Lee residents in Zones A and B told they must evacuate their homes for their own safety, the city of Cape Coral announced a list of shelters open at this time for Cape residents who may be under the mandatory evacuation order.

Dunbar High School: 3800 Edison Ave., Fort Myers

Estero Recreation Center: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero

Island Coast High School: 2125 DeNavarra Parkway, Cape Coral

For those staying in their homes, Cape Coral released several safety reminders. One, if you plan to use a generator during or after the storm, please follow safety guidelines to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure proper ventilation, a Cape Coral press release urged residents.

As part of those safety guidelines, always operate generators outside and away from windows. Never use them in enclosed spaces. Finally, for non-emergencies, Cape Coral directed residents to call 311. If you are in an emergency situation, however, dial 911.

FSW campuses closed, no classes Tuesday-Friday

All Florida SouthWestern State College locations will be closed and all classes will be cancelled Tuesday, Oct. 8 – Friday, Oct. 11.

Please monitor www.fsw.edu and official FSW communication channels for updates.

Lee Health updates ahead of Hurricane Milton

From health journalist Liz Freeman:

• Lee Health hospitals remain open.
• Most Lee Health outpatient facilities are closed Tuesday through Thursday, except for the Complex Care Centers that will be open until Tuesday at 5 p.m. Call Centers will also be open to take calls on Tuesday.
• Lyfts are being provided to all staff who would like to leave their cars off hospital property. Information for utilizing the service is available through Lee Health.
• Staff with questions about current response can call the Lee Health Storm Hotline at 239-468-7876.
• The Young Driver program Oct. 8 was rescheduled to Tuesday, Oct. 15, at AAA 2516 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, from 5-7 p.m.

Additional updates will be offered throughout the coming days as available. Patients can reach out to their care provider for specific questions regarding their care plan.

FGCU students told to evacuate dorms by Tuesday

From reporter Laura Layden:

FGCU students received an email Sunday afternoon saying all residence halls must be evacuated by 2 p.m. Tuesday. Students will not be allowed to return to their rooms "until further notice." The university urged students to return home, go to an off-campus location, if possible, or to "evacuate to Alico Arena."

Charlotte County orders evacuations

Charlotte County ordered residents in Zones A and B to evacuate Monday, which includes the northernmost portion of Gasparilla Island. The evacuation also includes residents in any zone living in mobile and manufactured homes, journalist Kate Cimini reports.

When islands are evacuated, Charlotte County Fire and EMS Station 10 staff are required to evacuate as well. No helicopters are available during the storm.

Residents of the village of Boca Grande were ordered Monday by Lee County to evacuate by Tuesday evening. The island, which is a barrier island like Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach, is at risk of seeing betwen five and ten feet of storm surge, officials say.

Charlotte County urged residents to secure their homes before leaving, and to take all essential items for family members such as medicine, important papers and identifying documents, personal items, clothing, baby supplies, pet supplies, and cash.

Also, the Gasparilla Inn and all of its outlets in Boca Grande has been closed since Hurricane Helene swept through Florida last week, significantly damaging the inn and the island

"At this time, the most important factor is that our team is safe and well," the inn's website reads. "We will take the next few days to continue the assessment of the property and understand where our resources are needed. All outlets are closed for the time being. We appreciate the outpouring of support and know that we will return as soon as possible."

What about animals during evacuation orders?

From Kate Cimini:

Earlier Monday, Lee County ordered mandatory evacuations for anyone living in Zones A and B, thanks to Hurricane Milton –– and the county's animal shelter is located within Zone B.

So what will they do with their animals? According to county Public Information Officer Betsy Clayton, many of the pets will be going to foster homes for the duration of the storm.

"For those remaining," she said, "we have staff that will be onsite for their everyday care while we are closed due to Hurricane Milton."

Bonita Springs residents urged to heed mandatory evacuation orders

Bonita Springs city manager Arleen Hunter urged residents to heed mandatory evacuation orders in zones A and B at a news conference Monday afternoon, which business journalist Laura Layden covered.

"We urge residents to finalize your preparedness plans. Now, is the time," she said.

Hunter also urged that all building materials be secured, and that residents continue monitoring updates on Milton. Collection of debris from Hurricane Helene will continue Monday and Tuesday (as weather permits), but residents are encouraged not to put more of it at the curb, ahead of Milton.

Estero Island re-entry passes only available Tuesday

Re-entry passes for Estero Island Residents only will be available 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Target, 115880 San Carlos Blvd. Suite 101, Fort Myers.

Lee County evacuations ordered: Zones A and B

Lee County officials have issued mandatory evacuations for Zones A and B, effective at noon Monday, due to the threat of life-threatening storm surge from Hurricane Milton. The storm is forecasted to bring a surge of 5-10 feet along the coastline and up the rivers.

Officials estimate that roughly 416,000 people are affected by the Zone A and B mandatory evac orders.

Residents in Zones A and B are required to complete preparations and evacuate by Tuesday evening. Emergency shelters will open at 3 p.m. Monday at the following locations:

• Island Coast High School, North Cape Coral
• Dunbar High School, Fort Myers
• Estero Recreation Center, Estero

All Lee County shelters accept pets, but they must be in a crate or on a leash. For more information on evacuation zones and shelters, visit leegov.com/storm .

Key updates:

• Public transportation to shelters is free. LeeTran has suspended fares, and tolls on all county bridges, including the Midpoint Bridge, Cape Coral Bridge and Sanibel Causeway, have been lifted.
• Additional shelters may open tomorrow depending on storm conditions. Residents are encouraged to stay with friends or family outside the evacuation zones if possible.
• County offices are closed starting at noon today through Thursday, and household solid waste collection is suspended from Tuesday through Thursday.

Lee County reminds residents that safety is paramount, and conditions could worsen rapidly. For up-to-date information, visit the county’s website or call the emergency hotline at 211 or 239-433-3900.

Cape Coral mayor addresses residents

Monday morning Mayor John Gunter urged Cape Coral residents in evacuation zones to prepare to leave early. “Remember, evacuation doesn’t mean you have to leave the state, just simply find someone out of a flood zone area, a family or a friend, and go to their residence.”

He added that shelters should be a last-resort as they can be uncomfortable and lose power.

“Make sure you have a plan in place,” he told residents. Secure patio furniture, collect loose debris, put up hurricane shutters, and so on, he said. If residents are in Zone A, he encouraged them to leave.

“This storm is a major storm, so residents in low-lying flood areas, take the warning,” Gunter said.Ryan Lamb, Emergency Management Director, echoed Gunter’s message, adding that you do not have to be ordered to evacuate in order to do so.

“If your home flooded during Hurricane Ian or Helene, there’s a strong likelihood … your home will flood again,” Lamb said. “Do not wait. Make plans now to begin that exit.”

Lamb added that sandbags are not very effective against storm surge unless there is a proper amount — roughly 300 per home, he said. Lamb urged residents to look for other devices or barriers to protect their homes. “Unfortunately, this is not our first storm,” Lamb said. “Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.”

The city has begun preparations in advance of the storm, as well.

Cape Coral’s Tuesday and Wednesday trash collections will be halted, Gunter said, and they will resume Thursday if safe.

The city has also started inspecting the storm drainage system in order to make sure it is clear and can handle the projected 15 inches of rain the National Weather Service predicted Southwest Florida could see.

Additionally, Lamb said, if communications and power go down, the city has made plans to disseminate information to residents through their local fire stations and town hall — now dubbed ‘information stations.’

“Everyone knows where their local fire station is,” Lamb said. “They can go there and get information.”

If you live on a boat, Lamb asked you move the boat to safer waters, remove the vessel from the water and/or evacuate. Do not attempt to ride out the storm on a boat, he said, as the high winds and storm surge will make them very vulnerable.

Sanibel orders mandatory evacuations

Already under a local state of emergency, Sanibel ordered evacuations of the island city as Hurricane Milton approaches.

Everyone needs to be off the island by 10 p.m. Tuesday, said City Manager Dana Souza.

“It is not time to be a hero,” said Mayor Richard Johnson. “It’s not time to try to stand against the storm surge that’s coming,” Johnson said. “Get everything you can out of the way of the water that’s coming, especially  yourself, your family and your pets.” Once tropical storm-force winds arrive, “We will not be in a position to render aid,” he said.

Sanibel is on the dangerous side of the storm, and may see storm surge ranging between 6 and 10 feet, said Souza. “Everyone should anticipate flooding throughout the island,” he said. “This is expected to be a major event.”

Cape Coral Animal offering pet support

From reporter Kate Cimini:

Cape Coral residents evacuating with pets may want to stop by the Cape Coral Animal Shelter at 325 SW 2nd Ave in Cape Coral before they head to safety. Today and tomorrow the shelter is offering free crates for both cats and dogs to help keep your pets safe during the storm, the organization announced in a facebook post.

Crates can be picked up at the second door along the right side of the building today until 4 p.m. The shelter will also have crates available for pickup Tuesday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates close for Hurricane Milton

From Amy Williams:

The historic winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford  will be shuttered at  2 p.m. Monday until at least Friday, when they’ll reopen, weather permitting.

Hurricane shutters are being installed on the historic homes and buildings to protect the structures and artifacts, according to a release, and porch furniture in vulnerable locations will be moved inside. Antique cars on the Ford property will be moved into the museum.

This weekend’s orchid orchid sale/symposium will move to April 12-13 and will be combined with the Grow Fort Myers event.

Sand for bagging in Lee County: What's available

Monday morning the town of Fort Myers Beach announced it would close its town hall at noon. Staff are being sent home; no one will be around to monitor distribution of sandbags or the Hurricane Re-Entry pass.

Fort Myers Beach is under a Hurricane Watch and is projected to see between 5 and 10 feet of storm surge on the island.

All residents have been asked to evacuate the island by 3 p.m. today. The water to the island will be shut off by Lee County Utilities at noon today in order to protect infrastructure, a town press release said Monday.

All trailers, recreation vehicles, dumpsters, porta-potties and electric vehicles, like golf carts, must be removed from the island during evacuation.

Once it is safe to return to Fort Myers Beach, only those with the teal re-entry passes will be allowed back on-island. If you do not have a pass, you can pick one up by noon today at the town hall. Once the storm passes, if you need assistance with re-entry, town staff will be at two locations to hand out passes starting Thursday at 7 a.m.:

1. Target: 15880 San Carlos Blvd Ste 101, Fort Myers, FL 33908
2. Ace Hardware: 18911 S Tamiami Trl, Fort Myers, FL 33908

Pre-Hurricane Milton photo gallery

Bonita councilman says 'emergency evacuation order' coming at noon

From reporter Laura Layden:

From Councilman Chris Corrie in Bonita Springs: Lee County will issue an emergency evacuation order at noon.  Bonita Springs will do so as well.  It appears we will be on the south side of the hurricane which will likely produce a surge.  The surge is also likely to be worse than from Helene as the ground is already saturated and the Imperial River is already at 10 ft.  Anything above 10 ft. will be flooding. Please be prepared to lose power. The eye will likely be closer than the eye of Helene which will mean greater wind speed to knock down tree limbs and branches onto power lines. We have survived Ian and Irma.  We will survive this one as well.

Regular operations for Bonita Springs cease at noon

From reporter Laura Layden:

The city of Bonita Springs has announced that regular operations will cease at noon today. Essential staff will continue to prepare for Hurricane Milton. City emergency operations personnel will continue to work before, during and after the storm. City communication channels will continue to be active, sharing updates from the Lee County Emergency Operations Center and city-specific information.

Bonita Springs resident shares storm experiences

From reporter Chad Gillis:

Ben Nelson, owner of Nelson’s Marine in Bonita Springs, lives along Lightner Creek, which flows into the Imperial River.

“It’s already high,” Nelson said of water behind his home. “It’s been raining so much that’s it’s already high and it’s very concerning. Very seldom do we get rainfall from the east and storm surge from the west.”

Nelson said Hurricane Milton could be a historic storm for this area.

“As a contractor, we’re preparing for an Ian-type of event,” Nelson said. “It’s hard to imagine anything worse than that."

Nelson grew up in the Bonita Springs area and has been through several hurricanes and floods.

“If you’re down on a canal, it’s time to go,” Nelson said. “If you’re at the beach, surf is coming.”

Sanibel Island's roads already flooded ahead of Hurricane Milton

Bonita Spring Hurricane Milton news

From reporter Laura Layden:

In a news release, the city of Bonita Springs said it's  working with the Lee County Emergency Operations Center, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District and other partners to prepare. City staff has been clearing storm drains and securing facilities in preparation of Hurricane Milton.

The city emphasized again that residents who live in coastal or other flood-prone areas "do not need to wait for evacuation orders to mobilize."The city encourages residents living near the Imperial River and canals, to continue to monitoring water levels. The level of the Imperial River is currently at 10.31 feet. The city will provide a live update today. Residents can watch live on the city’s Facebook page at 1 p.m.

Any residents with water intrusion in their homes post-storm should send an email to floodinfo@cityofbonitaspringscd.org or call 239-444-6150 for assistance with permit requirements and resources.

Lee County Hurricane Milton update

From reporter Mickenzie Hannon:

Lee County officials announced two updates regarding public transit and water services at 8:54 a.m. Monday for Fort Myers Beach residents as Hurricane Milton approaches.

LeeTran will stop running routes to Fort Myers Beach at noon Monday. Transit services will shift to off-island routes only, following the town’s evacuation order.

Lee County Utilities will shut off water to Fort Myers Beach at noon Wednesday, as a precaution to protect infrastructure. A similar measure was implemented during Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Officials urge residents to stay informed by visiting the town’s website at fortmyersbeachfl.gov and following its social media accounts. Lee County updates are available at leegov.com/storm .

The Emergency Operations Center is scheduled for a briefing at noon Monday. It will be streamed on Lee County’s Facebook page , LeeTV and YouTube.

Fort Myers Beach: 3 p.m. evacuation order for today, info on re-entry passes

The Town of Fort Myers Beach issued an evacuation order for all residents Sunday. The Town encouraged residents and business owners to make a plan and to evacuate by 3 p.m. on Monday, October 7.

In a press release at 8:35 a.m. Monday, the Town shared residents can pick up updated hurricane re-entry passes at Town Hall today, October 7, until 3 p.m. If your pass is not the current version, it must be replaced. The old purple passes will no longer be valid for re-entry.

Fort Myers Beach: Water to be shut off on Wednesday at noon

Lee County Government has two important announcements for Fort Myers Beach residents: Public transit: LeeTran at noon today, Monday, Oct. 7, will stop running routes onto Fort Myers Beach. All LeeTran services will convert to off-island transit only. This is to assist with the Town of Fort Myers Beach’s request for residents to leave the island. Water: Lee County Utilities will shut off water to Fort Myers Beach at noon Wednesday, Oct. 8. This is a precautionary measure to protect infrastructure. It was also implemented during 2022’s Hurricane Ian.The county encourages Fort Myers Beach residents to continue to monitor the Town of Fort Myers Beach’s storm updates. Visit www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov and follow the Town’s social media channels.

Hurricane Milton: What to expect in Lee County

Hurricane Milton will be a life-threatening, landscape-changing storm that will go down in history.

The storm is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing winds of about 120 miles an hour, 5-to-10 feet of storm surge, inland flooding and tornadoes to Florida.

“The cone incorporates most the peninsula and now we have watches out,” said Rick Davis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Ruskin. “And if you’re in those area take this seriously because the impacts are going to be far and wide.”

As of Monday morning, Milton was forecast to make landfall somewhere between the Lee-Collier area and the Big Bend, which was recently hit hard by Hurricane Helene.

Rain chances are expected Monday and Tuesday in the Fort Myers area, and precipitation will fall occasionally throughout both days.

Come Wednesday, weather will switch from inconvenient to life-threatening, Davis said.

“Fifteen inches of rain is not out of the question, so we would have rainfall and flooding along creeks retention ponds because our soils are already saturated.”

Satellite capabilities on iPhones 14 and higher

Anyone with an iPhone 14 or higher can connect to a satellite if WiFi service is lost.

The service for Apple customers allows them to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family and share a location.

Go to support.apple.com to learn more.

Sunday's Hurricane Milton headlines

• Fort Myers Beach officials order mandatory evacuations for residents by 3 p.m. today
• SW FL residents hit grocery stores and gas stations for supplies
• Sandbagging offered at communities throughout SW FL
• Lee County closes schools
• Photos: See images of people preparing around the Fort Myers area
• Live news blog for Lee County

Preparing for Hurricane Milton: Everything to know

From outside and inside your house, pets and additional resources, go HERE .

Video: Long lines at SW FL gas stations

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Hurricane Milton live updates: Cape Coral opens shelters for residents