Latest on cleanup, Tesla fire, Naples Pier, waste and debris collection

September 29

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Collier County is in recovery mode from the impacts from Helene today (Sept. 27). There was significant storm surge all over the county, from the Naples Pier to Marco Island, Tin City and Goodland.

This is continues to be developing story and our reporters and photographers are providing coverage from different locations in Collier County again today, contributing the latest updates on flooding, damage, power outages, and what you need to know.

Helpful links

POWER OUTAGES: LCEC power map is HERE.

POWER OUTAGES: FPL’s tracker is HERE.

POWER OUTAGES: HERE for United States power outage tracker

AIRPORT: RSW’s flight tracker for delays, cancellations

Tesla on fire in Naples parking garage: NPD report

Lt. Bryan McGinn, public information officer for the Naples Police Department, provided to business journalist Laura Layden more on the burning Tesla in a parking garage Thursday.

“We received the report of a commercial fire alarm at the city parking garage located at 801 Sixth Ave. S. shortly after 11 p.m. last night. When NPD units arrived, they found an electric vehicle sitting in approximately 1 foot of storm surge water, fully engulfed in flames. Naples Fire-Rescue Department was able to extinguish the flames and the vehicle was towed from the location.

“The city of Naples has temporarily closed the garage to ensure public safety. After a preliminary review and recommendation by the city building official, structural engineers have been engaged to assess the garage for potential damage. Out of an abundance of caution, the garage will remain closed until the full assessment is complete. We are prioritizing safety and will provide updates as soon as possible.”

Goodland bridge remains closed; flooding in Everglades City

The Stan Gober Memorial Bridge (San Marco Road) is closed from U.S. 41 East to just past Goodland Drive due to water over the road. Goodland Drive going into Goodland is closed due to water over the road.

Also, the Collier Sheriff’s Office says flooding continues to linger in Everglades City. They’re urging people to be careful in flooded areas where there can be potential hidden hazards like downed power lines and missing storm drain covers.

Naples mayor discusses post-Helene garbage collection, more

Trending news journalist Kendall Little interviewed Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann, who provided information the day after Hurricane Helene passed off the coast.Even though the storm has passed it is very important to stay off the roads, Heitmann said, adding: “We need to have first responders and staff get the area back to a safe place.”Garbage collection is underway and running the Thursday route today and will run the Friday route Saturday.

Crews are out tackling debris in the roadways, right of ways, and removing debris from stormwater grates which will be followed by Street Sweeping, Heitmann said. “We are assessing the stormwater system to begin cleaning this afternoon.”

Gordon Drive south of 3525 Gordon Drive is blocked by sand. Efforts are underway to open the road to provide access from emergency vehicles and the local public.

“We ask that non-local traffic to avoid the area,” the mayor said.Two main roads that have standing water are Second Street south and Gulf Shore Boulevard south of 12th Avenue South.Other topics:

Tesla fire: Building Department performed a preliminary assessment of the South Parking Garage following the vehicle (Tesla) fire Thursday night. “They have identified some concerning cracks that require a structural engineer review,” Heitmann said. “We are engaging an engineer from our library of vendors and hope to have them on site as quickly as possible. In the meantime, the Building Department has no occupancy and requested barricades to close the South Garage.”

Naples Pier: The Pier had substantial wave action and will require evaluation for safety on the portion that remains. In an abundance of caution, the Pier will be closed, west of the stairs, until an evaluation can be performed. The update will include a complete listing of any streets that still have standing water.

Collier County advises residents on storm debris collection

Collier County Solid Waste advises customers to place storm debris at the curb on their regularly scheduled collection day. Customers can follow these steps to ensure yard debris is collected safely and efficiently.

Bundle It: Keep bundles under 50 pounds. Secure them with twine and limit their length to 4 feet. Remember, branches should be no larger than four inches in diameter.
Bag It: Use only paper yard waste bags for leaves, grass, and trimmings.
Container It: Use 45-gallon containers for your waste, making sure they weigh less than 50 lbs. when full.

Customers with a large amount of debris (over 50 pounds or longer than 4 feet) should call (239) 252-2380 to report it.

More information is available at www.colliercountyfl.gov/collection.

Crews to clean Hickory Blvd. today in Bonita Springs

The City of Bonita Springs and Lee County staff will be cleaning Hickory Boulevard and side streets today, Sept. 27, business journalist Laura Layden reported.

Residents are allowed and encouraged to return to the island; however, the city encourages those who do not need to be here today to please stay away while Hurricane Helene cleanup is underway. Bonita Springs has crews assessing parks, beaches, roadways, weirs and swales, and flooded structures throughout the city.

“Please be aware of permit requirements for repairs after storms ,” the city says. “It is very important for residents who may have experienced wind damage or water intrusion in their homes to understand that permits are required for repairs in the Special Flood Hazard area.”

Contact the Bonita Springs Community Development at 239-444-6150 for assistance with permit requirements and resources. Bonita Springs residents with water intrusion in their homes post-storm may send an email to *****@*****.tld additional information, please visit the community development website.

Collier schools confirm all Friday night football games, Saturday scheduled events

“While CCPS is closed today for school/work, we have checked all campuses, including athletic facilities, and are confirming CCPS activities will be held as previously scheduled, including Friday night football and all scheduled events for Saturday,” the school district confirmed Friday morning.

Collier County senior meal sites closed Friday

All four Collier County senior meal sites will be closed Friday, Sept. 27, due to flooding in some areas and for the safety of the clients. The sites will reopen Monday, Sept. 30.

Closed meal sites: East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Drive; Collier Senior Center (Formerly Golden Gate Senior Center), 4898 Coronado Parkway, Naples; Goodlette Arms, 950 Goodlette Road N., Naples; and Immokalee Beraca Church, 905 Roberts Ave., Immokalee.

NPD chief discourages Naples Pier jumping

Naples Police Chief Ciro M. Dominguez has a message for those who want to dive from the Naples Pier.

“The problem with pier jumping is that there is a possibility or potential for injury with drowning or striking objects in the underwater,” he told Little.

“High risk venture and pulls police resources away from other duties. We need to be able to respond to medical calls, alarms, stranded cars … people who need us. This reckless behavior is dangerous to self and inadequately pulls us away from helping others. We will charge and arrest but prefer cooperation and a sense of conscientiousness.”

2 restaurants Hurricane Ian decimated minimally impacted by Helene

Two restaurant buildings Hurricane Ian decimated received minimal damage from Hurricane Helene, said food and dining journalist Diana Biederman.

Flo’s Clam Shack founder Komes Rozes, whose long-time employee Will Walker owns the Naples location, said minimal water creeped in, and there was no power outage. Rozes said Flo’s expects to open late afternoon Sept. 27. The building was formerly BAMZ, which was decimated by Hurricane Ian in 2022; shortly thereafter, the Tontodonato family sold its space to a new owner who couldn’t make it work.

At Real Macaw on Bayshore Drive, minimal water creeped in and quickly left, according to owner Siobhan Cleveland. On Sept. 25, she announced her spot wouldn’t be open Sept. 26. On Friday, she’s making sure everything is dry and cleaning minor debris.

Naples Pier is (mostly) open

Naples Pier is open, “up to just beyond the staircases,” said Lt. Bryan McGinn, the public information officer for the Naples Police Department, in an email to business journalist to Laura Layden. He added: “The restrooms are not open at this time and I do not have an ETA on when they will reopen.”

In the city of Naples: Major roads open, drivable

On Facebook, the Naples Police Department said it’s closely monitoring the areas affected by flooding overnight. Currently, all major thoroughfares are passable within the city of Naples, such as U.S. 41, Goodlette-Frank Road and Crayton Road.

As the sun rises, damage assessments will begin. The department continues to urge the public to remain off the roadways, unless absolutely necessary.

Currently the following local roads/areas remain impassable:

South of Gulf Shore Boulevard South and 13th Avenue South
South of Gordon Drive and 13th Avenue South
Sandpiper Street south of Blue Point Avenue

4 feet of sand! Stay away from south part of Gordon Drive, please

In a morning update on Facebook, the city of Naples Police Department reported about 4 feet of sand covering the roadway near the south end of Gordon Drive. Officials are asking the public and contractors not to travel on Gordon Drive south of the Port Royal Club.

RSW is open for business, but check for delays, cancellations

RSW confirmed that the airlines serving the Southwest Florida airport plan to resume flights today, Sept. 27. “There will be delays and cancellations,” the airport reported. Check with your airline for the most up-to-date information.

Several remain without power early Friday

FPL says crews are working to restoring power in between weather bands as conditions allow.

In Collier County, 13,730 of its 236,040 have no power. And on Marco Island, only three LCEC customers still ae without power.

Collier County public, some private schools, FGCU closed Friday

A reminder that Collier County Public Schools will be closed Friday. The district made the announcement shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday. Earlier Thursday, the district had said classes would resume Friday after being closed for the day as Helene passed by in the Gulf.

Also closed Friday: The Village School of Naples, Florida Gulf Coast University and Marco Island Academy on Marco Island.

Newspaper delivery delays after Hurricane Helene

Because the rain caused extensive flooding in some areas, there could be delays with the Friday delivery of the Naples Daily News.

Coastal Naples as well as any barrier islands will be next day delivery because some bridges have been closed.
Anything close to water has experienced large storm surge and roads are impassable.
Marco Island may not be accessible for newspaper delivery for at least a day or two.

Hurricane Helen: Coverage of storm’s arrival on Thursday

Trees whip as wind speeds increase at Naples Pier in Naples as Hurricane Helene passes off the coast on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.

Here are some of the top stories from Wednesday’s coverage:

Video coverage of Hurricane Ian

Photo galleries

Here are some of the photos galleries taken on Wednesday showing the wrath of Hurricane Helene. Even though Collier County and Southwest Florida didn’t take a direct hit from what turned into a Category 4 storm Thursday night, there was significant storm surge and flooding.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Hurricane Helene’s impacts felt wide and far around Florida

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