LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Lee County officials aren’t planning on putting evacuation orders in place at this time, but that isn’t stopping residents who are still recovering after Hurricane Ian from evacuating on their own.
There are several empty spots in the Blueway RV Village in Fort Myers. Residents said many of their neighbors have already left. They’re not taking any chances this time around.
“Better safe than sorry, they’ve left and they said we’d rather have the inconvenience of leaving than be here and suffer the consequences,” John Wishon said.
During Hurricane Ian, many people in the Blueway RV Village lost their homes and cars.
The Lee County Emergency Operation Center is watching the forecast 24/7. Their next press conference for Tropical Storm Idalia will be on Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. At their 5:30 p.m. press conference on Monday, officials said Lee County residents shouldn’t expect any evacuation orders. They recommend residents make the right decision for themselves based on the living situation they’re in.
Two safe havens have opened up in Lee County for residents who feel like their homes aren’t safe enough.
One is at the Estero Recreation Center and the other is at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center.
“We have a couple people that have pulled out, some are headed to Miami, some have family here… we don’t have that luxury — it’s just my wife, me and my kid so fingers crossed praying for the best outcome,” said Corey Moore.
Officials said when the wind hits 45 mph, law enforcement will no longer be able to help.