8 Month Later

AIRVŪZ STAFF NOTE :

Top contributor Bumble Bee Productions brings us this haunting drone video of Ft. Myers, Florida, eight months following the devastation of the city by Hurricane Ian in September of 2022.  The massive storm, which had barely "weakened" to a Category 4 hurricane shortly before making landfall on one of the city's Gulf of Mexico barrier islands, was one history's costliest weather disasters and the deadliest to hit Florida in over 75 years; of the 150 confirmed Florida fatalities, the majority occurred in the area around Fort Myers.  

  • 10 months ago
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was sent to Ft. Myers to manage a project on the beach. Not only was I surprised of the inactivity and limited progress in just about everywhere I went but the eerie silence often experienced after a storm. Buildings after buildings were closed waiting for one repair or another. What surprised me the most are the baron trees and limited wildlife all around. I can tell this place was an amazing paradise with beautiful palm trees everywhere. Sanibel and Captiva was so empty other than beachgoers and some places open for business and homes being worked on. Still, not quite the hurry up and get people home and businesses opened. I have seen Ospreys in numbers as well as Pelicans around but in the direct path of Hurricane Ian, not so much. I have worked disaster response since Hurricane Katrina, not a job I like but I job I find myself time and time again gravitating to with hopes of helping others and great paydays. My camera never focuses on destruction but on what is beautiful in the area to encourage pride and a better time. In this case, there was nowhere that was not affected one way or another. Flood, surge, wind, flying debris, poor construction and so on. So I took to the road and mounted my DJI Action Cam 2 on my hood and droned where I was allowed to. There remains warnings on LAANC to fly with caution. Out of respect, I limited my flights not to add any undue stress to folks living and working in the area. Folks around here are mixed. Some nice and others not so nice. I understand their reluctance but hope they accept my purpose here and what companies like the one I am working for are about. I hope this video may awaken some politician/s and get on the ball to make a difference in this area. Prayers to those affected by Hurricane Ian.....