FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Betsy Clayton, APR/CPRC
Communications Director
Lee County Government
239-826-4606
Lee County implements Cold Weather Action Plan for weekend
Warming stations open for residents who may need assistance due to Hurricane Ian
Fort Myers, FL, Jan.13, 2023 – Lee County Government is coordinating with its partnering entities to activate a cold weather action plan to assist residents.
The county will open warming stations because of the forecast for wind chill and low temperatures below 40 degrees for an extended duration.
Station locations include:
- Pine Island Library, 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia, FL 33922
- San Carlos Island Comfort Station, 1184 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Warming stations will be open on Pine Island and near San Carlos Island and Fort Myers Beach on Jan. 13, 14 and 15 from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. the following morning. The stations will provide water, coffee and blankets for residents in need. These stations are not shelters and are not intended for overnighting.
Roaming warming stations will also be provided by LeeTran buses and will travel along Pine Island, Fort Myers Beach and San Carlos Island between 8 – 10:30 p.m. The buses will provide a reprieve from the cold weather and can also transport residents to the closest physical warming station.
On Matlacha and Pine Island a LeeTran Passport van will travel along Pine Island and Stringfellow roads to pick up passengers. Residents should walk to a main road and waive down the LeeTran van.
On Fort Myers Beach and San Carlos Island, a LeeTran bus with “Special” on the header marquee will follow Route 490, which travels from the Beach Park & Ride on Pine Ridge Road to Bay Beach Lane on Fort Myers Beach. Residents should wait at a bus stop along this route to be picked up by the roaming warming station vehicle. Route information can be found on rideleetran.com.
Lee County Human & Veteran Services offers year-round assistance to those experiencing homelessness. The Coordinated Entry program provides access to street outreach services, emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, or permanent supportive housing. To access this service call 239-533-7996. The number is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People also can visit the Homeless Resource Day Center at the Salvation Army, 2450 Edison Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901 or download the Lee Reach app which is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
For Hurricane Ian response updates and information, check www.leegov.com/storm or follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc. To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters.
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