Moving Forward Update #26

Dear Friends,
 
We had an informative zoom last night with Amanda Boge, Co-Founder of My Florida Insurance Inc, who shared some of the most frequently asked questions people have regarding insurance issues surrounding Hurricane Ian. Participants were also able to ask general questions. We are grateful to Amanda for the informational presentation she shared.   Several people asked if it could be recorded as they could not attend, and Amanda agreed, so here is the link to the recording.  https://youtu.be/lmiscxBJF1U  Note from Sue:  This is a unlisted video, which means you need to click on the link listed here in order to view it. It is not available to the general public on our YouTube channel to respect the privacy of those who attended/asked questions; it is meant for viewing by our parishioners and should not be shared on any social media platforms. 

Be sure to check out this Friday's brief which will have many Advent offerings, services and events coming up in the next few weeks. 

Sanibel Resources: A lot of information was shared at last night's city briefing; 

-The City had previously been approved for 100% financial assistance from FEMA for 60 days. The President has approved another 14 days, extending that time to Dec 7 but the city is still hoping for another extension.
-A few businesses and restaurants are beginning to open for residents and those with hurricane passes. 
-Rec Center is now open for everyone, no membership needed, Tues-Sat 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two meeting rooms are open with wifi, the weight room and a yoga class Tues & Thurs at 9 a.m. Free youth program for children grades Kindergarten to 8 Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec 3, 10, & 17. Also Dec 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. a Community Holiday Event is planned to include coco and ice cream bar, games and more. 
-Delivery trucks can get on the island but must show a bill of laden or invoice showing delivery address
-FEMA will host a Town Hall meeting on Sanibel) on Dec 8 at 6 p.m. at BIG ARTS and it will be on the city’s facebook live page
-Beach Cleanup – Lee County offered to provide the equipment to rake the beach similar to Ft Myers Beach and it could begin this week. City has formally requested state assistance in restoring beach. Assessment, debris removal and sand replacement could be over $25,000,000.
- Sanibel Library providing curbside service Mon-Fri from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Library or order on-line. Library will open Dec 1 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) No fines on overdue books. 
-Entrance via the causeway bridge will continue to require hurricane passes while debris removal and LCEC trucks continue their work as they need roadway space to do so.
-Health Department reminder that conditions are right for bacteria in the water (flesh-eating). None reported but said avoid being in the water when cleaning up your property and clean up well after any exposure.
-Debris Removal – Crowder Gulf confirmed that within a matter of days all streets will have had a first pass. If your street or home was missed, email Dana.Souza@MySanibel.com.City has asked state for help in removing debris from waterways. Eventually volunteers might be utilized for debris clean up in trees, etc.
-Xfinity –still having some line problems, (advice from Sue- the best way to schedule a technician visit is to go to an Xfinity store;- she had good luck at the Coconut Point store, but schedule an online appointment in advance. In many cases new splitters will need to be installed by a tech. People are not having luck doing so over the phone.)
-Improvised Luminary – will be at Bell Tower where some Sanibel retail shops have temporarily relocated. Fri Dec 2 from 6- 8 p.m. There will be music and a tree lighting.
-This is not an endorsement, but as we try and help Sanibel rebuild we wanted to pass along a listing we found of some of the island businesses that have opened online shopping if you wish to help support them this holiday season. 

Adventures In Paradise Outfitters - thesanibelstore.com
The Bubble Room - https://shop.bubbleroomrestaurant.com/
Captiva Cruises - captivacruises.com
Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry - cedarchestsanibel.com
Coco y Cabana - cocoycabana.com
Congress Jewelers - congressjewelers.com
JRod's - shopjrods.com
Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel - lighthousecafe.com
Lily & Co. Jewelry store - lilyjewelers.com
On Island - www.OnIslandShop.com
Priscilla’s of Sanibel - www.priscillasofsanibel.com
Rachel Pierce Art Gallery - byrachelpierce.com
The Sanibel Cafe - etsy.com/shop/SanibelCafe
Shiny Objects Sanibel - shinyobjectssanibel.com
Suncatchers' Dream - suncatchersdream.com
Synergy Sportswear - synergysportswear.com
 
The City is now doing updates once a week on Tuesdays, I encourage you to watch it for lots of helpful information.  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068081412480

 
 Peace, 
Bill+