Jackie Guenther
•2/18/2026
Lee County residents affected by Hurricanes Helene or Milton must apply for financial assistance through the LeeCares program by March 31 to repair, rebuild, or replace damaged homes, including mobile homes, using federal disaster recovery funding.
"It is vital to helping people that were impacted to get their recovery on the road and get them back into a safe and stable housing situation," said Jeannie Sutton, Lee County deputy director of human resources and government affairs.
County commissioners have also started a 30-day public comment period on proposed amendments that would allow the county to shift money between storm recovery programs if one runs short.
They also plan to add $2.4 million to repair the Blind Pass Bridge on Captiva Island, which is the only road access for about 194 homes and a critical evacuation route.
In a separate move, the board approved up to $20 million to help build 230 affordable rental units in Fort Myers.
You must qualify before receiving assistance. Visit this link to apply.
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