Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties get major FPL grid updates this storm season

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Florida Power & Light is launching major upgrades across Southwest Florida just in time for hurricane season, aiming to keep the lights on longer and restore power faster when storms hit.

This isn't one project—it's a full-scale grid makeover. From neighborhood streets to major power lines, the focus is fewer outages, faster recovery and a stronger system built for storms.

In Lee County, smart devices are going in, lines are getting hardened and nearly 800 miles of vegetation work will be completed. More than 6,700 power poles are getting inspected, upgraded or replaced.

In Collier County, 73 neighborhood projects are going underground, out of sight and out of the wind's reach. Also in the mix: 10 major power lines being strengthened, 583 miles of tree trimming and 651 power poles getting checked, fixed or swapped out.

In Charlotte County, the work doesn't let up. 58 underground projects, more smart grid technology, nearly 17,000 power poles inspected and 779 miles of vegetation management are underway.

"What's happening in these counties is really our strategy throughout the state, and that's making sure that we're building a stronger, smarter and more storm resilient electric grid for our customers," said Jack Ebel of Florida Power & Light.

FPL will communicate with customers when work may be occurring near their area. For overhead power lines, residents may see bucket trucks, crews and heavy equipment that can help set and place poles.

"For our storm secure underground program, you would see a, for example, a directional bore, which is something that helps us to install underground power lines in a minimally invasive way," Ebel said.

FPL says last year may have been quiet, but that's exactly why preparation matters. Homeowners are encouraged to clear overgrown vegetation, make a storm plan and stay ready—because no grid, they say, is ever 100% storm proof.