FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Saniter, Lee County Emergency Management
(941) 477-3600

LEE COUNTY DECLARES STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO RAINS

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 23, 2001) - The Board of Lee County Commissioners declared a "State of Local Emergency" THIS MORNING because of the threat of flooding due to the continuing rains and concern that flooded roads could hinder emergency vehicles.

A state of emergency declaration temporarily increases the Public Safety Division's ability to combat emergencies, including being able to expend additional funds, order evacuations and open shelters. It also is a signal to residents that they should be aware of the potential threat of flooding in the area.

The Board will receive a status report on the state of emergency at its regular weekly meeting Tuesday (July 24).

Significant rain over the weekend has produced localized, or spot, flooding in Northwest Cape Coral, both banks of the Caloosahatchee River, in North Fort Myers at Barrett and Pondella roads, and in Fort Myers along Palm Beach Boulevard.

Emergency managers held a conference call this morning with local fire districts and fire district personnel are going out to further assess the situation, particularly in respect to roads that are flooded, any homes that are in danger, and any human services needs due to the flooding.

A 3 p.m. conference call is scheduled for the fire districts to report back their findings.

The Emergency Operations Center is under a partial activation and is monitoring the situation.