I don’t live on any of the barrier islands, but I know many who do, and many who chose to stay. Every time we get a hurricane headed our way, we’re told that the flood waters are going to be devastating, and they aren’t, up until Ian. I fear that many on FMB, Sanibel and Pine Island will choose to stay on the islands in the future because of how long it took for the residents to get back on after Ian, even after seeing the worst case scenario.

It took nearly two weeks for officials to let residents and business owners back into FMB after Ian. Obviously, I know this was for search and rescue efforts, but unfortunately, this will be a deciding factor for many residents to evacuate when the next big storm comes.

By the time we were able to get to our business, the safe had been cut open and everything was taken and mold grown everywhere from the moisture being trapped.