Two Years Later: Southwest Florida Reflects on Hurricane Idalia‘s Impacts
FORT MYERS, FL – September 27, 2023 – Two years after Hurricane Idalia swept across Florida, communities in Southwest Florida are still assessing the storm’s lingering effects. While idalia made landfall further north, the region experienced significant flooding, infrastructure damage, and power outages, serving as a stark reminder of Florida’s vulnerability to tropical systems.
The storm, though not a direct hit, unleashed a powerful surge and heavy rainfall that impacted multiple counties. The Caloosahatchee River rose over 3 feet by August 30, 2023, inundating First Street in downtown Fort Myers and dislodging a boat that crashed into a North fort Myers backyard. Similar scenes unfolded in Old Englewood,where a pontoon boat traveled across Lemon Bay,going over a seawall and landing in a resident’s yard. Other vessels capsized, some washing ashore.
Sarasota County sustained an estimated $2.7 million in damage. Roadways were severely impacted, including sections of Manasota Key where parts of the road were washed away. Sarasota County Government contracted with DeMoya Highway Infrastructure LLC for emergency repairs, with work expected to be completed near the end of October 2023. The Myakka River in North Port rose more than 3.5 feet, contributing to flooding on myakka drive, alongside 5 to 7 inches of rainfall.Charlotte County reported 66 structures with major damage and 14 with minor damage, while over 14,000 homes experienced power outages.Flooding forced the closure of US 41 at the Peace River Bridge in downtown Punta Gorda, one of twelve impassable roadways in the county. Residents in the historic district reported floors being damaged by rising water levels.
Further inland, DeSoto County received between 5 and 8 inches of rainfall, peaking at 7.11 inches near Arcadia. The Peace River there remained above flood stage for ten days after landfall, finally receding on September 9th, as rainwater drained downstate.
