For the first time since Hurricane Ian ripped through Sanibel Island, Vicki Paskaly and Julie Emig were able to return to their "dream home" on Wednesday only to find the lower level was unhabitable. Fort Myers News, Weather, Safety, Sports | NewsBreak Fort Myers, FL List of Florida hurricanes (2000present), Based on preliminary death certificate data from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission as recovery efforts are still active. 8th and largest location "Bridge Branch" opens at 9311 College Parkway. Hurricane Ian slammed into southwest Florida on Wednesday afternoon. ABC News' Julia Jacobo contributed to this report. 'There's no words to describe it, it's complete devastation,' resident says. 2. Find Your Zone | Florida Storms Friday's jackpot was the eleventh largest in the game's history, according to the game's officials. Hurricane Ian: Storm dealt yet another blow to Fort Myers, Cape Coral Heavy winds and rain soak SWFL, toppling trees and flooding streets If you must use an extension cord, it should be 3-pronged, grounded, heavy-duty, and labeled for outdoor use. 2310 Edwards Dr. P.O. Fort Myers Beach Conditions - Fort Myers Beach Chamber "We've been very involved in many aspects of the hurricane relief efforts as well for all of our members and our dealers and despite everything that everybody's been through, there's a huge amount of optimism out there, so I honestly I think people are going to come just to get out and do things," Good said. 13856 Lazy Ln, FORT MYERS Property Listing: MLS #223015646 Home - Lee County Schools While our community rebuilds in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce stays committed to helping our business community. Well in advance of a predicted storm, its important to review and make sure your property insurance policy is robust enough to fully repair or rebuild in the event of a claim. At the very first opportunity, start photographing or videotaping every square inch of your property inside and out. Heavy rains from storms passing through Southwest Florida on Monday triggered a Flood Advisory. Flynn said it damaged her lanai. Dont run a generator in a garage, even with the door open. 00:53 - Source: CNN Stories worth watching 16 videos. 500,000 open heart surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year, and half of those patients require a blood transfusion. Back feeding is tying a portable generator directly to your homes electrical panel instead of using a transfer switch. The following is a list of hurricanes with all known deaths in the state associated with a storm. Business Damage Assessment Survey The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. Yount and his family had just moved to the area from Colorado, and he said hed met Duckwall that day. Dangling lines, boats stacked into each other, cars that remain swept into place and parts of lives are stacked on corners. A well-prepared owner can help reduce stress and speed claims processing. Its heartbreaking, it is heartbreaking, she added. Murdoch admits some Fox News hosts endorsed notion of . Footage shows Fort Myers home floating away amid Hurricane Ian RELATED: Reporting on Hurricane Ian's Devastation from the Field, I Was Struck by Floridians' Will, Faith and Resolve As the powerful hurricane came ashore with sustained winds of 150 mph, storm surges reached nearly 7 ft. high in areas like Fort Myers, while 12 ft. water levels were recorded in . Hurricane Ian is ripping though Southwest Florida. 3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,490 Square Feet for sale for $515,000 - Welcome to your own slice of paradise! DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Enterprise Florida Resource Page - For any businesses affected by Hurricane Ian, Enterprise Florida has launched a Disaster Assistance Resources Page with a list of state and federal resources available for businesses to utilize in their mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities. In Southwest Florida, the storms up north are already impacting travel. BRIDGE BRANCH OFFICE. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), authorities spotted vehicles speeding. For wastewater/sewer backups who should I call? For information specific to your home, consult your utility providers website and social media channels. Duckwall punched a hole in the screen so they could get into the porch. Fort Myers, Florida Picture | Hurricane Ian leaves a path of When we actually floated down the road he was awake but he never cried. Duckwall said he brought some tools and his chainsaw in case they needed to cut through the roof. Fort Myers, Florida Picture | Hurricane Ian leaves a path of Some say flooding such as this in their backyards was their biggest concern. This collection is for household garbage only everyday trash items and all spoiled food. Phone: (800) 829-1040, State Assistance Information Line The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is a toll-free hotline activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting Florida. "It's horrific," Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson told CNN's John Berman Friday morning. Its just totally devastating., From CNN's Nicquel Terry Ellis and Justin Gamble. Residents in south Fort Myers say they've never seen flooding like this Florida | Fox News "I was just talking to some of the restauranteurs since I've been in downtown and since Christmas, they've seen an amazing increase in their businesses, the restaurants and all people are out and doing things, so I think people are ready to get back to some resemblance of normalcy.". Video: Timelapse shows Fort Myers, Florida, hurricane storm surge | CNN We kindly request that our membership complete the Business Damage Assessment Form below to aid us in our efforts to help our membership rebuild, direct business affiliates to the best resources available and provide step-by-step guidance through any processes encountered. I need assistance clearing my private property who can help me? *Be prepared and aware. Enterprise Florida Resource Page For any businesses affected by Hurricane Ian, Enterprise Florida has launched a Disaster Assistance Resources Page with a list of state and federal resources available for businesses to utilize in their mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. If the toll of fatalities remains at 125, it would rank Ian as the 24th deadliest hurricane in US history, according to NOAA. Residents of Florida and the Carolinas are combing through the wreckage after Hurricane Ian made landfall last week, leaving a path of destruction in its wake and killing at least 125 people.. Three people died in separate vehicle-related incidents on Friday, according to the release. AMAZING location with incredible sunsets. Brown said the water was over her head as they swam and the current pushed them away from the home they were aiming for. Please contact your local SHIP office directly for more information: Florida Vacation Rentals Beach Houses, Condos & More (floridarentals.com)Short term lodging for guests, recovery workers and adjusters, here you can find many furnished homes and condos available! See the 1985 news report about the case, How younger workers are using 'bare minimum Monday' as a form of self-care. View By Year. This is also called the 100-year flood. It is a humbling site where mother nature took out her rage and nearly three months after the fact, the indelible mark still remains. This includes non-congregate sheltering plans, maintaining 6 feet social distancing between families, taking temperatures and screening individuals prior to entry, routine cleaning and disinfecting, and designated isolation areas in case an individual in . This areas hurricane past. A common mistake made is what you do with damaged property. Never run generators in the rain or when wet. It is dangerous, often illegal, and it should never be attempted under any circumstance. A keychain depicting the state of Florida is seen at the destroyed house of Diane Risley in a trailer park almost one month after Hurricane Ian landfall in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, October 25, 2022. Please enable JavaScript for a better experience. Hit map. "It opened up a bunch of area for us, so we have more and more boats on land than we've ever had before.". Do not use a gasoline-powered generator within 20 feet of any window, door, or vent. That was the most trying and difficult time of my life. The Lee County Sheriffs Office says Marcus Chiddister, 23, was sentenced to three years in prison and two years of probation. After the storm, its critical to thoroughly document your damage. Gerald Herbert/AP Fort Myers Beach, Florida I live out of town and cannot reach a family member. What's happening, Dad? Charlie was sleeping in his car seat during this part of their ordeal and Tucker, the cat, was in a mesh backpack. The hurricane center said. Residents in south Fort Myers say theyve never seen flooding like this, Winds stoke brush fires and prompt evacuations across Southwest Florida, Fort Myers High School hosts annual unified basketball game, Public adjuster answers your hurricane-related property insurance questions, What the number of winter shorebirds means for Florida, Gastric bypass surgery center breaks ground in south Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach residents shrug off issues caused by water main break, Nanny accused of stealing south Fort Myers familys dog after being fired, Man sentenced for beating dog in car at a south Fort Myers RaceTrac, How bloodless open heart surgeries are performed, North Naples woman arrested after dog dies trapped in vehicle, After Hurricane Ian, Lee County reopening beach parks with free parking, Public memorial for Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs. The National Hurricane Center forecasts a. The residents say they were among the last to get their power restored and shelters and relief centers are being set up too far away for people who dont have access to vehicles. Phone: 1-877-428-8844. As more people start to pile into the area, and beaches reopen, the fish kill will become a bigger problem. Fort Myers,Florida's history with tropical systems - HurricaneCity Now the Gulf Coast braces for a possible hurricane", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Gordon, "Congress must step up for Air Force bases devastated by natural disaster", "Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Michael", "USAF Had Faulty Data About Whether Hangars Full of F-22s Could Survive Hurricane Michael", "Good Samaritans Form Human Chain to Rescue Swimmers from Rip Current in Florida", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Erin, "Should St. Johns County keep lifeguards on longer into summer season? Vero Beach, Florida 32960. Caloosahatchee Conditions Report (February 21, 2023) Flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary had a 7-day average of 1,649 cfs at S-79 with a 7-day average of 1,569 cfs (95%) coming from the lake at S-77. The most recent Fort Myers, FL hurricane was Five in 2010. A staircase attached to the side of the obliterated house was the only portion of the structure that remained. 15371 Floresta Ln, FORT MYERS, FL 33908 | MLS# 222079753 | Redfin 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. If youre looking to donate or volunteer, we recommend contacting the Red Cross, Volunteer Florida, and United Way by calling 2-1-1. Landfall occurred about 20 miles west northwest of Fort Myers and 20 miles west southwest of Punta Gorda, which was struck by Hurricane Charley in 2004. Fort Myers Beach continues to rebuild after Hurricane Ian We expected it to be so much further north of us, Duckwall said. From CNNs Leyla Santiago and William Brown. Please check the, Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 14:25, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Debby August 19-24, 2000, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Gordon September 14-18, 2000, Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Leslie September 14-18, 2000, "Detailed Damage Assessment Summary in Florida", "Tropical Storm Allison Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Storm Barry Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Gabrielle Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Storm Arthur - July 9-15, 2002", "Tropical Storm Bertha Tropical Cyclone Report", "This weekend, Atlantic coastline harbors a hazard", "Tropical Storm Edouard Tropical Cyclone Report", Tropical Storm Hanna Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Isidore Tropical Cyclone Report", "Event Report for Tropical Storm Isidore", Tropical Storm Bill Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Claudette Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Depression #7 - July 25-27, 2003", "Tropical Storm Grace - August 30-September 4, 2003", Tropical Storm Henri Tropical Cyclone Report, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "Tropical Storm Bonnie Tropical Cyclone Report", Hurricane Charley Tropical Cyclone Report, Costliest U.S. tropical cyclones tables updated, "Hurricane Frances Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Jeanne Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Jeanne Leaves Path of Destruction", "Tropical Storm Matthew Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Storm Arlene Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Dennis Tropical Cyclone Report", Hurricane Katrina Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Moves Over Gulf After Soaking Southern Florida", Hurricane Ophelia Tropical Cyclone Report, Tropical Storm Tammy Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Wilma Tropical Cyclone Report", Tropical Storm Alberto Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Ernesto Tropical Cyclone Report", "Subtropical Storm Andrea Tropical Cyclone Report", "Barry Downgraded After Soaking Central Florida", "Lifeguards Rescue More Than 35 Off Siesta Key", "Surfer Drowns, 200 Rescued In Gabrielle-Churned Seas Off Coast", "Hurricane Humberto - September 11-15, 2007", "Tropical Depression Ten Tropical Cyclone Report", "System Likely to Deliver More Rain to Polk", "Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Dolly", National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, "Tropical Storm Fay Tropical Cyclone Report", East Central Florida Region Technical Data Report, "Hurricane Gustav Tropical Cyclone Report", "Family sues Delray over death of son who was surfing at city beach", "Hurricane Hanna Hits Bahamas, Threatens US", Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Paloma, "Tropical Storm Claudette Tropical Cyclone Report", "Alex weakens, but rain pounds coastMatamoros, Mexico, 'is practically under water,' official says", "Alex spreads tar balls, oily water along Gulf", "Little flooding, damage as Tropical Storm Bonnie passes South Florida", "Deaths show secluded beaches carry some risk", Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Danielle, "Swedish sailor missing after tropical storm Earl", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Nicole, "Storm surf expected to subside but not rip currents", "Tropical Storm Bret producing strong rip currents", "Hurricane Irene's rough surf kills two off Florida coast, officials say", Tropical Storm Lee September 111, 2011, "Tampa man killed while swimming at Ormond Beach", Summary of Heavy Rainfall/Flood Event of October 2831, Tropical Storm Beryl Tropical Cyclone Report, "Surf Off Central Fla. Coast Still Dangerous Today", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Debby, "As residents cope with major flooding, more rain threatens", "Obama, feds, approve Scott's 2nd try for Hurricane Isaac assistance", "Hurricane Sandy brings rain, strong winds to Central Florida", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Andrea, "Event: Lightning in Miami-Dade County, Florida", "Tropical Storm Karen - October 3-15, 2013", "Bertha passing, but still poses dangers", "Beachgoers warned of high risk of rip currents", "Rip currents cause Kissimmee man to drown at beach, officials day", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Colin, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Hermine, "Hermine claims estimated at $80 million", "FPL customers to be billed for Hurricane Matthew costs starting in March", "7 Deaths, 2 in Miami-Dade, Related to Hurricane Matthew: Officials", "Jacksonville man falls off roof while doing repairs during Hurricane Matthew, dies", "2nd death reported during Hurricane Matthew", "Florida woman is 1st Hurricane Matthew-related death in U.S.", "Two storm-related deaths in St. Lucie County, fire rescue says", "Hurricane Matthew: Florida couple dies of generator fumes; U.S. death toll at 4", "Hermine, Matthew damages near $1.6 billion", "King tides arriving in South Florida with extra swell from Hurricane Nicole", "Hurricane Irma caused over 400 senior deaths in Florida, study says", "Dangerous surf pounds Brevard; rescues of swimmers, surfers", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Philippe, "Gordon drenched South Florida. Meanwhile, more than 22% of the teachers live in hard-hit Lee County, but Oliver says the district is confident it is ready to reopen with the help of more than 800 substitute teachers. The School District of Lee County. If your family has been displaced, we encourage you to visit www.FloridaHousingSearch.org. WATCH 2022 WPTV FIRST ALERT WEATHER SPECIAL. Keep your policy in a secure place before and after the storm. Details on this and other Ian-related relief from #IRS at www.irs.gov/disaster IRS extends deadlines, provides tax relief for victims of #HurricaneIan in Florida. The coastal city of Fort Myers, a popular tourist destination, was levelled by the hurricane's destructive storm surges. Students, staff, family, and friends came together on Friday for the annual unified basketball game at Fort Myers High School. 2023 Local Hurricane Tracker | AccuWeather Make sure you notify your insurance company in writing of your intent to dispose of any damaged property and give your insurer time to come and inspect it or take possession of it. While they don't have their boats on display, they do have booths inside the Convention Center.". Stevens Construction broke ground on a 20,764-square-foot medical office building and surgery center at 6201 Alliance Lane, off Metro Parkway. The south Fort Myers neighborhood wasnt the only place to see flooding Monday evening. Check cords regularly for damage (such as cuts or fraying) that could cause a fire. These residents hope this is the last time theyll see flooding like this. Karen Dehays rode out the storm on her second floor documenting a terrifying, life threatening moment in video that's gained millions of views. Phone: (800) 621-FEMA (3362). An FHP plane then joined. With the boat show being one of the major annual events to return after Ian, Good said he believes the residents are ready to return to normalcy. Box 62764Fort Myers, FL 33906. FEMA Disaster victims can obtain additional information and apply for disaster assistance through FEMA in various ways. Call 311 if you identify any streets that were not cleared. With the President standing behind him, DeSantis said he appreciated the administrations help. Lee County announced that several beach parksLynn Hall Memorial Park, San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, Bonita Beach Park and Bonita Beach Accesses 1 to 10would reopen on Saturday. "I'm grateful that I'm living and that I'm able to try and rebuild," Taylor said. Saul Martinez for NPR FORT MYERS, Fla. When a hurricane assaults the coast, as Ian did to Southwest Florida, flip on the TV and the images the cameras have to show are palm trees flailed. List of Florida hurricanes (2000-present) - Wikipedia [1] After Wilma in 2005, it would be 11 years until another hurricane would strike the state, Hermine in 2016. and last updated 7:35 PM, Jul 07, 2021. FORT MYERS, Fla. The memory of Hurricane Ian still haunts Fort Myers Beach. Box 62764Fort Myers, FL 33906. Fort Myers Boat Show 2023 sets sail this weekend We are not going to be prepared to accept our tourists at this time, Johnson added. People and businesses on Fort Myers Beach had to take extra precautions, but people told WINK News that after the past five months, theyre used [], A woman working as a nanny in south Fort Myers was arrested Wednesday after deputies say she stole a familys dog in retaliation for being fired. You must make all damaged property available for inspection by your insurance company. FREE Pontoon Boat with Yacht stay | GetMyBoat No information was provided about one death. For Sale: 2 beds, 2 baths 1816 sq. Submit the form on the contact page, or reach out using one of *Stay Grounded. Between poor water quality and damage from Hurricane Ian, this years wildlife surveys hold extra weight, and researchers are paying special attention to Floridas winter shorebird count. September 14 While moving ashore the northern gulf coast, August 28 Wave heights reached 7ft (2.1m) from, September 29 The extratropical remnants of, November 910 Long-distance swells generated by, August 3 Lightning struck a man in Hialeah, related to, August 4 Two people required rescue off the coast of Jacksonville due to rip currents from, Early May Rainfall reached 3.17in (81mm) in, September 918 Rip currents from distant, September 14 For two days, the NHC forecasted that powerful, September 1213, 2019 Rip currents from, September 30, 2019 Large swells and rip currents generated by. As the water rose, they grabbed everything they could carry mostly things that baby Charlie would need and shifted to the attic. This well-maintained home is a 3/2/2 with a heated pool and spa surrounded by pavers and professionally installed landscaping was added in 2022. TESTIMONIALS. What they found was that the house they bought two years ago was still standing, but the lower level was destroyed, blanketed with mud and mold. One of the winning tickets to Friday's Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Fort Myers, Florida, weeks after Hurricane Ian devastated the area. Get the monthly weather forecast for Fort Myers, FL, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. It is evidence that this Category 4 storm was large, destructive and deadly. From CNNs Stephanie Gallman and Amanda Musa. Hurricane Ian floods Fort Myers Beach, 'way worse' than Irma Urban search and rescue teams have been to 95% of homes on the island, Johnson said, adding that the city is now looking forward to rebuilding. South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter. The property owner is responsible to coordinate the placement of all hurricane related debris at the curb to be picked-up by the debris removal contractor. FMB Boaters affected by Ian months laterShrimp and Grit: Fighting to save the Fort Myers Beach shrimping fleet after Ian's devastation, Previous article on Fort Myers Boat ShowFort Myers Boat Show opens Friday with hundreds of boats as demand surges. *Do not back feed power. Section of Sanibel Causeway wiped out by Hurricane Ian Know Your Evacuation Zone - Lee County Southwest Florida Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwestern Florida on Wednesday afternoon, just after 3 p.m. EDT The major storm has left more than 2 million people without power Ian was downgraded to a. It is the responsibility of the property owner to place all hurricane related debris at the curb to be picked-up by the debris removal contractor. Fort Myers Beach, Florida A destroyed home is seen in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Oct. 3, 2022, in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Arcadia, Florida Flooding along the Peace River is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Arcadia, Fla., Oct. 3, 2022. He has had to tell several clients that their homes are beyond saving. An alarm bleats endlessly at the tollbooth for the Sanibel Causeway. He spent the next 24 hours licking himself and mad at us, Brown said. An attorney experienced with hurricane claims can review your property insurance as well as the information and documentation of your claim and help you determine the best course of action when dealing with your insurance company after a storm. In Naples, city council authorized the city manager to spend up to $100,000 to expedite the cleanup of dead fish within the city waterways []. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and visit leegov.com/storm for the most up-to-date information on the countys recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian You can also catch up on recent press conferences and watch helpful videos, such as thegenerator safety videoto the right, on ourYouTube Channel. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Fort Myers, FL is in a very high risk hurricane zone. The wind, rain, and storm surge sank boats, damaged some roofs and cars, and caused flooding in some areas. The is the county breakdown of the deaths so far: There were five storm-related deaths, according to a news release from Gov. Fort Myers, Florida Hurricane Ian Insurance Claim Lawyers Its just gone, our beach is gone, the buildings trashed, the trees are gone, it was all so lush in there, Paskaly said. Southwest Florida (Fort Myers-Naples) Hurricane Irma is the worst hurricane to have hit the Fort Myers-Naples area in recent history in 2017. FORT MYERS, Fla. - Video of rising water at Fort Myers Beach was caught on a storm chaser's livestream as Hurricane Ian neared landfall Wednesday. Fort Myers Beach, Florida beach camera capturing Hurricane Ian in LIVE TIME. The area of Lee County, where Fort Myers is located, was one of the most affected by the storm in Florida, with over 420,000 people still without power on Thursday, according to PowerOutage.us. ", Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Lorenzo, Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Nestor, "Bertha downgraded to tropical depression; relentless rain to continue in saturated South Florida", "Steady downpours bring costly flooding across South Florida", "SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch is scrubbed due to weather", "June 6-7, 2020 Tornadoes in Orange, Volusia & Lake Counties", "Tropical Storm Fay makes landfall near Atlantic City", "Tropical Storm Isaias - August 1-2, 2020", "Marco Weakens and May Still Bring Heavy Rain to Parts of Gulf Coast Into Tuesday", "Hurricane Sally damage estimates surge to $309 million in Escambia County", "Tropical Storm Gamma meanders off Mexico, bringing flooding and storm surge", "2 drown in rip currents in Northwest Florida over weekend", "Tropical Storm Eta to Brush South Florida Near Hurricane Strength With Flooding, Strong Winds", "Tropical Storm Fred Public Advisory Number 28A", "Tropical Storm Fred Tropical Cyclone Update", "How strong were Ian's wind gusts in Orlando and across Central Florida? Flood Zones - Lee County Southwest Florida For the intersections still not working, treat them like a four-way stop. While hurricane season is from June to November, peak storm time runs from August to late October. Worst Places In FL For Hurricanes | Wrights Window & Door FEMA will not reimburse the City for this removal. The 14-day moving average flow at S-79 is 1,941 cfs and has been in the optimum flow envelope (2,100 - 2,600 cfs; RECOVER 2020) for 6 days after . Below you will find a list of hurricane resources and information in our area.