The near-Category 5 hurricane that hit Marco Island more than two weeks ago was similar in intensity to Hurricane Irma. However, their threat was quite different. So are the long-standing challenges.
In 2017, Irma blew the roof off and transformed the seaside community into Tarp City. On September 28, Hurricane Her Ian sent deadly waves of water there by storm surge. So last week’s debris contained more mattresses, furniture and appliances from flooded homes than tree branches and roof tiles that littered roadside mounds in 2017.
Marco’s problem changes a bit
As with other cities in southwest Florida, one of the problems in Marco and neighboring Goodland is that the structures are uninhabitable or horribly uncomfortable due to the lack of electricity and the rising heat and humidity. is.
The city has identified 302 residential properties and 61 commercial properties damaged by Hurricane Ian. But with its mix of gulf-facing skyscrapers and laid-back neighborhoods and golf-cart gadabouts, there are a few different and pressing issues.
read more:Rent hikes for houses, apartments in the Naples region spur complaints of price hikes after Ian
How to help:Collier County: Where to Provide and Acquire Food and Other Supplies for Hurricane Ian Survivors
Inaccessible Condos: “We have 21 condominiums with non-functioning elevators. We want residents to be able to get up and down safely and evacuate in an emergency.” Problem.
Flaming Golf Cart: Lucius appeals to the need to prevent residents from inadvertently setting their cars on fire. All submerged vehicles are soaked in salt water, which means they have growing rust, and no doubt they can short out if residents succumb to the temptation to start their engines.
“There have been 13 car fires since Hurricane Ian,” Lucius’ email notes. “Residents should be careful when starting a submerged car or golf cart, especially if it’s in a garage.”
Evaporation Contractor: Signs pop up along Collier Boulevard, offering everything from roof replacements to mold cleaning.
The City offers a page of resources for residents that works well for the rest of Collier County under the Hurricane Updates page on cityofmarcoisland.com.
That first document contains advice on hiring a contractor for repairs.
French Drain and Deadman Anchor Lands: Lucius’ memo pointed out that all breakwaters and docks should be checked for damage after a storm. Components that must operate correctly are described, including devices such as French drains that relieve pressure behind walls and deadman anchors that keep revetments upright.
He points out that the key purpose of these breakwaters on islands like Marco is not to keep out the sea, but to let land in.
An island home was their dream
In Marco, many damaged homes are bought as winter shelters and used for income if they are owned by sick parents or for their own buyers to enjoy part-time. There may be
Paul Mikolinski looks sadly at his parents’ first-floor condo in Ville de Marco West. Cabinet doors and floors that need to be replaced.
It was the second time for Mikolinski, 65, who helped her parents clean up after Hurricane Irma, and agreed to partner with them in a restored condo. Then the 2nd floor condo leaked into theirs. Further repair.
“And in this hurricane,” he said with a laugh, “they’ll never want to partner with me again.
“We’d like[to put them back]. But they say 18 months,” he said of the condo board’s estimate of total cleaning time. By then he will be 92.” Mikolinski’s mother could be 89 at the time.
“All of it[is gone],” he said of the furnishings. is grateful.
“My mother is very upset. I said, ‘Mom, I’ll see what I can save.'”
For many single-story condo owners, salvageable items were upstairs cupboards and microwave ovens.
Cyndi Urbano, 58, of Hammond, Indiana, thought it would be hard to find elements of home life here after the hurricane. So she bought what she needed and transported it on a trailer. New drywall and even kitchen range.
“I like organization,” she declared. “I thought I could only buy this here”
they fell in love with the place
Her family has owned this two-story home for just 18 months. She and her husband, Urbano, with her five adult children between them, decided to take her to the waterfront in Goodland so they could vacation together without astronomical costs. I bought a two-story house.
They were able to board the boat. They could jet ski: “I fell in love with the hot tub.
The beauty of this home was that it could also be rented out to help them pay. Neighbors inspected the house after Hurricanes Ian and Cindy Urbano raged.
Urbano added his own saving grace, saying the previous owner benefited from the hurricane hit.
- Outlets were at least 3 feet off the flooreliminates many electrical problems.
- The first floor is tiled with concrete, Very little grouting and mopping after a hurricane.
- The drywall was installed horizontallyso less drywall pieces were needed to repair the wall segment.
- There is a kitchenette on the second floora microwave oven was added by Urbanos, and it became the main cooking area after Ian messed up the kitchen appliances on the first floor.
Her husband took time off work to join her. Her three workers, who had been sleeping in her space for rent, had come to paint her friend Jonetta Brown. Urbano sarcastically reflected on his future as a Florida homeowner.
“My neighbors say they’ve been through 19 hurricanes, but only four times they’ve had to completely redo their homes.”
Harriet Howard Heithaus covers arts and entertainment for Naples Daily News/naplesnews.com. Please contact her at 239-213-6091.
Marco: What Homeowners Need to Know
Marco Island City Assistant Manager Casey Lucius answered questions about what Marco Island residents need to know as they begin repairs to their flooded homes and beachfront properties.
What can residents do in terms of ripping things out of their homes?
Residents can begin removing any items or elements necessary to prevent further damage or mold. They can take the necessary steps to prevent injury or structural collapse. We have not asked the owner to get permission to take out the drywall.
Is there a limit on the amount of drywall?
No, except fireproof assemblies. Residents should contact their building personnel or fire department to work with the property owner to maintain fire isolation and reduce fire hazards for the safety of residents. If you have any questions, please email permitdesk@cityofmarcoisland.com.
Will someone need to come in for an inspection before or after the work is completed?
Except for minor drywall and insulation replacements that do not affect cabinets, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, or structural elements, permits and inspections are required for any restoration work prior to hanging drywall. In this case, a single-family house permit is not required.
What are the restrictions on bringing a trailer onto an alternate housing property?
Living and sleeping trailers and RVs are prohibited, but the City Council will evaluate this at its next meeting on October 17th.
What do residents want?
Many people ask about the debris collection schedule. Debris collection will begin on his October 3rd and will continue for several weeks, although there is no street-by-street schedule.
