Drove through Fort Myers Beach today [View all]

[303squadron]

It's been 78 days since Ian hit SW Florida. We have held off going to Fort Myers Beach because we didn't want to be in the way of clean up efforts. But there are a couple of restaurants opened there and they are begging for patrons so we went for lunch.

HOLY SH!T!!!!!! I can't describe the destruction. You've seen the pictures and the video - neither do the destruction justice.....I don't have words.....

I grew up in SW Florida. I've fished, swam, snorkeled, and shelled here. We honeymooned on Sanibel. It will never be the same. Never!

There were many houses on Fort Myers Beach that were built in the 50's and 60's. These were built way before hurricane Andrew showed the state of Florida how inadequate the building codes were. Those houses didn't stand a chance. Wooden construction collapsed. Concrete block construction caved in. There are huge mounds of debris up to 30 feet high in some places. It will take months and even years to remove the boats and debris from the back bay mangroves.

I had to hold back tears several times.

Reminds me of words to a Crowded House song:

"And I must be wise somehow
Cause my hearts been broken down."