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

FLOODING THREAT IN LEE COUNTY SO FAR ISOLATED TO A FEW AREAS

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 23, 2001) - Lee County remains under a "State of Local Emergency" due to a flooding threat, however reports from communities indicate flooding has been isolated and major roads are not affected.

Fire districts reported to the Lee County Emergency Operations Center during a 3 p.m. conference call that flooding has been isolated to side streets and private roads, and no areas of major flooding of homes have been reported.

There still is some concern about flooding with high tides later this afternoon and tomorrow morning and with sheet flow, particularly in North Fort Myers and the south end of the county. The county remains under a coastal flood warning until 7 p.m.

No shelters have been opened and the American Red Cross is available for assistance to those residents whose homes are flooded or damaged. The Red Cross assistance number is 278-3401.

No major flooding has been reported in Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva, Fort Myers Beach or Bonita Springs. Isolated flooding has occurred in Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, and San Carlos Park. The hardest hit areas over the last three days have been Cape Coral, Pine Island and San Carlos Park with total rainfall of between 10-and-14 inches. Sand is being delivered to fire districts that are requesting it. Cape Coral has activated an Emergency Information Hotline at 573-3000.

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.

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

Emergency managers will continue to monitor the situation and will re-evaluate tomorrow morning with the fire districts.