8 photos show Fort Myers Beach's wounded landscape six months after Hurricane Ian
The Paste BN Network visuals journalist Ricardo Rolon piloted a drone recently, guiding it above Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
Fort Myers Beach, along with Sanibel Island and Pine Island, was ground zero when Hurricane Ian hit on Sept. 28. It was catostrophic with more than $113 billion in damages and more than 160 deaths.
Rolon identified the most powerful photos he was able to take using the drone. The photos show how a even half a year after Ian slammed the region, there still a long road to recovery.
More: Ian, Fiona retired from list of hurricane names because of 2022 death and destruction
1. People used to live in these structures
The storm surge from Hurricane Ian was higher than 15 feet in many places on Fort Myers Beach, and the power of the surge moved houses, boats and cars a far distance from their locations before the storm hit.
2. Empty lots
It's the reality of the post-Hurricane Ian world. Where buildings once stood, there are now empty spaces.
3. Margaritaville unscathed
The Margaritaville resort, which was already under construction before Hurricane Ian hit, wasn't damaged by the storm. This photo gives you a good idea of the size of the resort and how once it is finished it will be a focal point on the beach.
4. Piles of rubble remain
Slowly but surely, the fleet of trucks that were brought in are removing debris from Fort Myers Beach.
More: 6 months after Hurricane Ian: When will the Sanibel Lighthouse get its new leg?
5. No spring break this year
Under normal circumstances, in this photo you would see throngs of people and cars backed up along the road. March is traditionally the busiest time of year on Fort Myers Beach with spring break, snowbirds and vacationers.
6. Paradise scarred
Fort Myers Beach lost its foliage after 150+ mph winds and the ferocious storm surge. Palm trees and a variety of plant life have disappeared, and the results are stark reminders of the storm.
7. How long will it take for things to look 'normal' again?
No one knows for sure. It will take time, It could take years. Patience will be important as things are rebuilt and recovery crews continue to do their jobs.
8. Hoping for the best
Hurricane Ian has put life on pause on Fort Myers Beach and other areas in Southwest Florida. Things that were easy to take for granted — like swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, going for a sailboat ride, watching a sunset on the pier or enjoying family time at a restaurant — that would attract people from all over, are gone for now, but not forgotten.