Jackie Guenther
•6/15/2026
Fort Myers city leaders are meeting Monday to consider accepting $1 million in disaster funding to start planning a home elevation project in Dean Park.The funding would cover surveys, engineering, design and permitting to move the project forward. The city aims to elevate 35 flood-prone homes, raising them at least 2 feet above flood elevation requirements. Dean Park residents have vivid memories of flooding during Hurricane Milton in 2024. Video from the storm showed roads completely underwater, with first responders rescuing people from their homes as floodwaters surged inside. John Cioffi, a Dean Park resident, also described the impact of the flooding, saying, “We got about 8 feet of water. Everything got destroyed. The whole neighborhood. I had to walk across the street to the condo because that’s raised, instead of drowning in the house, and a lot of my neighbors moved. And it hurt property values.”Other neighbors said the damage from Hurricane Milton remains unresolved, with some residents still unable to use parts of their homes due to financial constraints. Cioffi shared his concerns about the elevation project, saying, “I think it’s a good idea, but, you know, it’s, it’s going to happen again.” Officials said the investment could help make some of the city’s most vulnerable homes better prepared for hurricane season.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
