Moving Forward Update #20

Dear Friends,
 
It was an important day in our recovery process as we welcomed Bishop Dabney Smith and members of Episcopal Relief and Development's USA Disaster team to our island property. They toured all the buildings and then were joined by Mayor Holly Smith and City Manager Dana Souza who we invited to come and meet the team and see what partnerships can be formed and resources available to help our island community recover. The ERD team had several ideas and it was a great first gathering to connect, learn and explore how ERD can provide assistance.  Thanks to Mayor Smith and Manager Souza for taking time out of their busy day to join us. 
 
With SubTropical Storm Nicole (possibly becoming hurricane Nicole) arriving later this week, preparations are being made to secure the property as much as possible and we pray the storm stays north to avoid battering SWFL again with winds that could cause further damage to already compromised roofs of homes and businesses and flying debris. 
 
Coming Up this week: 
 
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8 Men's Fellowship at 8:30am either in person at Peace of via zoom

Prayer Shawl Ministry via zoom at 12:30pm
 
Wednesday, November 9 starts with 9am Eucharist, then our staff and clergy meeting at 10am, followed by 11:30am-3:00pm Office Hours for you to stop in and say hi and meet with any staff member. 
 
Thursday November 10, Bible Study via zoom at 10am and Thursday Compline via zoom 6:00pm 

Friday, November 11 10:00am in person “After The Storm - Taking Care of Ourselves and Each Other” 
 
Please note due to a scheduling issue, Messy Church is being postponed until a later date.  Sue and I will be out of town from Friday-Monday. 

Housing:   Please email deblarsonrealestate@gmail.com or text: 703-966-9474 If you have need of accommodations for a night or two or three while you check on your home or have a place to offer for a few nights. KC (Kara) Cuscaden is heading the effort for more long term housing. Please contact Deborah Larson and information will be relayed to KC.
 
Sanibel Information and Resources: 

The next city of Sanibel briefing will be tomorrow night at 5pm. You can watch it on FaceBook Live
 
As of today, the boil water notice has been rescinded for all of Sanibel and Captive except the Caloosha Shores Association area. 
 
Residents can apply for a free debris removal service which includes displaced and abandoned vehicles, vessels, and other titled property from qualifying private and commercial properties, as well as waterways throughout Lee County. More information and the application may be accessed at this website: https://iandebriscleanup.com/
 
Beginning Today, FISH and the American Legion Post 123 will open a comfort station to include showers, bathrooms and laundry facilities in the parking lot of the Sanibel Legion. The 'Legion' is located at 4249 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. This is in addition to the state's comfort station located at the Community Church. 
 

Information Regarding Sanibel's Emergency Repair Permitting Policy and Emergency Permit Applications

The City of Sanibel’s Building Department has posted information concerning the Emergency Repair Permitting Policy along with Emergency Permit Applications for alterations, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and roofs.
 
To review the City’s Hurricane Ian Emergency Repair Permitting Policy, please click here.
 
To review the City’s “Guidance for Structures the Sustained Significant Damage or the require “Significant Improvement”, please click here.
 
To access the City’s Emergency Permit Applications, please click here.
 
FEMA kicks off direct housing mission in Florida; 
 
Mental health counselors, body, workers, and massage therapists are on Sanibel. We are offering some love and free support to residents and first responders. The team is made of local residents from SWFL who rotate shifts daily in tents at the Shack that is giving out free food daily from 11am-2pm. This is the first ever state sponsored initiative for mental health and wellness emergency services right here on Sanibel.
 
The chamber has collaborated with Lee Health to set up starlink with the same password at the Chamber, Jerry’s, SanCap Community Bank, Island Inn, and Tween.Waters. This allows you to access free wifi at these spots. 
 
A brief video of the lighthouse set to music.
 

Peace, 
Bill+