I think we really took care of not only our folks, but we helped our neighboring counties which I think is really important.”

Hendry County Emergency Management Director Bob Pastula

LABELLE -- Structural damage estimated at $419,169 in Hendry County caused by Hurricane Ian qualified the county for FEMA assistance and a declared emergency status.

County Emergency Management Director Bob Pastula reported the news to the Hendry County BOCC during its Oct. 11 regular board meeting, sharing a summary of damages the county endured when Ian made landfall Sept. 28, decimating Fort Myers and causing wind and water damage in Hendry County.

Damages throughout the county were reported at 57.2% of varying degrees, he said, with 31.3% classified as minor and 8.9% as major, with some residences rendered unlivable.

Residential structures took the brunt of Ian’s wrath, at 81.3% of the total reported damages, 9.8% reported for public infrastructure, 7.1% for local businesses and 1.8% for agricultural.

“Some of the businesses involved in that fire are still closed today (Oct. 11),” Pastula said in his report.

Notably, two fires in Clewiston caused by electrical power outages and fluctuations resulted in a total loss of the MCM Paint & Hardware structure on E. Sugarland Highway and damage to Sugarland Plaza on W. Sugarland Highway.

“Six businesses at Sugarland Plaza were affected,” he said. “Only one is doing business today. They’re running on a generator.”

Pastula said the Clewiston Police Department and the animal shelter both suffered roof damage from the storm, creating water leaks in the buildings. He added that FEMA should pick up the costs that insurance won’t cover in these instances.

His report further stated that on Sept. 30 there were 9,464 reported power outages with 2,264 still reporting outages on Oct. 4. As of Oct. 11, there were still intermittent outages reported throughout the county’s west side.

“After we took care of everybody in Hendry County, we decided to assist Lee County with their response and we transferred a lot of food and supplies to Lee County, especially Matlacha,” he said, adding that help was also sent to Pine Island for temporary roofing.

“We really did a lot of good work out there,” he said. “I think we really took care of not only our folks, but we helped our neighboring counties which I think is really important.”

Pastula commended emergency services, especially LaBelle Fire, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, Clewiston Police and county staff, for exceptional responses to the situation. Not only did they respond to calls for help, but swiftly delivered food, water and temporary roof coverings to those impacted by the storm.

“Everybody on the team did a great job so I don’t have any complaints,” he said. “I hope you guys don’t either and I think we fared pretty well.”

The commission agreed the local agencies exceeded expectations in response to the storm, and also thanked all agencies and county staff involved in the efforts.

Pastula will provide a more detailed report to the commission as soon as it is available.