As Hurricane Rafael approaches, Fort Myers Beach residents are bracing for rain and light winds, hoping the storm won’t cause more damage to their already hurricane-ravaged homes.
“I was in the Gulf yesterday, and it’s pretty warm,” said Michael Bord, a longtime resident. “That’s all it takes to cook up the storms, right?”
Bord, like many, can hardly believe another storm is on its way.
“I can’t believe there’s another one on the way,” he said.
For those still recovering from Hurricane Ian two years ago, the threat of yet another storm is a heavy burden.
Susan Haynes, whose home was destroyed on Andre Mar Drive, is living in a camper as she rebuilds.
"We're tired of cleaning up," she said, expressing the exhaustion of living through one storm after another.
A few weeks ago, Hurricane Milton ripped the roof off her camper, leaving her with only a tarp to protect her from the rain.
The fear is shared by many on the island. Hurricane Rafael’s light winds and rainbands are enough to make many worried that recovery will be delayed even further.
“We have friends here that lost a lot, especially with Ian. It’s sad. They don’t know what to think anymore,” Bord said, speaking about his neighbors who are still struggling. “Where are they going to go for help?”
Through all the hardship, the residents of Fort Myers Beach remain resilient, leaning on each other for support.
“I would say keep coming so you can support all these people,” said Ella Bord, Michael Bord’s wife. “That’s the best you can do, right?”