Strong winds cause power outages across Gulf Coast

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

FPL crews have been working for hours on Wilson Boulevard and Jung Boulevard in Collier County after strong winds took down tree branches and caused power outages, leaving residents without electricity for several hours.

"It's been about like two or three hours. Not devastating, but still affects a day," said Mason Szlachetka, a resident of Wilson Boulevard.

This is not the first time the neighborhood has experienced power outages, and Szlachetka noted that when they lose power, it often takes a while for it to be restored.

"From past events doesn't seem like... might come on next morning or at least later tonight," Szlachetka said.

The strong weather has affected more than just Collier County, with high winds reported across the Gulf Coast, from Charlotte County to Cape Coral, where an outage on Embers and Burnt Store Road left hundreds in the dark.

FPL reported over 140,000 outages in the state Sunday. Szlachetka, who lives in Golden Gate Estates, suggested that better management of tall trees by the county could help prevent such outages.

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