Boil Water Updates For Southwest Florida

We want you to be safe when it comes to drinking water. Here are the latest boil water updates for Southwest Florida.

Since Hurricane Ian pummeled Southwest Florida on September 28th, the area has been plagued with water issues. However, those issues have not only been from flooding. They are also from damaged water mains and pipes. A majority of the region, at some point, had absolutely no running water.

Now that the water has been stored to most areas, it doesn't mean things are back to business as usual. There is still a chance that bacteria has contaminated some lines. Sewer systems are still compromised in some areas. That is why boil water precautions are still widely in effect.

Good news for Collier County residents including Naples. You are free from any water restrictions.

Lee County residents are not, with two exceptions; Bonita Springs and Lehigh Acres. These two area have a different water system and are cleared to use water at will. Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Pine Island and such must still boil.

In Charlotte County, the only residents NOT under a precautionary boil water notice are those who reside in Punta Gorda and those in the Burnt Store service area. The rest of the county, Port Charlotte and Englewood, must take precautions with their water.

Many of the boil water precautions can be found on the Lee County Utilities website.

In the meantime, here are some quick boil water do's and don'ts until the precautionary boil water notices are lifted.

We have some great resources here to help you in Hurricane Ian recovery.

In the meantime, we will keep you posted on boil water updates for Southwest Florida as we receive more information.

More and more Hurricane Ian donation sites in SWFL are opening. We have been flooded with inquiries as to where people can donate goods.

Some organizations have asked for very specific supplies. To make sure your donations make the most impact, please take a minute to look at the lists. Keep in mind, cleaning out your closet, your kitchen drawers, your garage, or your kid's toy chest, while well intended, may cause more problems than help.

After every disaster of major proportion, government officials say there is a secondary disaster. It's the mounds and mounds of unused clothing and other items that come pouring in. However, this is not the time for a massive spring cleaning. It's a time to be thoughtful about what you are giving.

Some gently worn clothing is OK. Used under garments and socks are not. These need to be new. The old adage "something is better than nothing," is not necessarily the case. Consider what you are about to donate as if it were a donation for yourself. If you were left with only the clothing on your back, would you give them up for an arm stained shirt?

For those who are staying in shelters, basic hygiene items are greatly needed. Cleaning wipes, toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, tissues, towels, contact solution, diapers, feminine hygiene supplies, and such.

You may have a favorite charitable organization to donated too. If not, many business and communities are holding supply drives. While it is nearly impossible to list them all, we have a few of them here. Check out these Hurricane Ian donation sites in SWFL. We will continue to update this list as much as possible.

On behalf of those in need, we thank you for anything and everything you can do to help. Both in this immediate, more short term crisis. And also in the weeks, months and even years to come.

And for lots more Hurricane Ian info, click here.

We forget about organizations such as Hospice, continuing to serve terminally ill patients and their families. Donations needed include towels, sheets, air mattresses, pillows, personal hygiene supplies of toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, wipes, non-perishable food, water, Gatorade, cleaning supplies, trash bags, first aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, battery and cell phone chargers, portable fans, blue tarps, paper towels and toilet paper. Also consider giving gift cards ($25 denominations best)  for gas, grocery, Walmart, and Target.

Avow is located at 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples

<span style="color: #000000;">Cajun Navy from Louisiana is in Fort Myers providing hot meals every day for people in need. accepting canned food donations, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, water bottles, and trash cans from now until Oct. 14. You can drop off supplies from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 17105 San Carlos Blvd.</span>

Taking care of animals injured in Hurricane Ian, the Conservancy has a few needs. Donations can be dropped off in front of the wildlife hospital, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples.

Family Initiative is seeking donations of nonperishable food items, cases of water, batteries, or financial contributions.

Autism Support Center, located at 734 SW 4th St., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are unable to deliver, Family Initiative can arrange pick up as well as the distribution of goods to families, if possible.

They've partnered with The American Institute of Architects (AIA) to collect items at their  office in Gateway. Looking for: Towels, Clothes, Food, Bleach, Hand Sanitizer, Reusable Ice Packs, Carbon Filters, D-Batteries, Heavy Duty Extension Cords, 25’ or Greater, Heavy Duty Surge Protectors.

12271 Towne Lake Drive, Fort Myers

TwinCutz barber shop collecting clothing donations Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.for all ages at the following locations:

Coconut Point (Estero): 23050 Via Villagio, Suite 123
Gulf Coast Town Center (Fort Myers): 9918 Gulf Coast Main St., Unit 140
Daniels Parkway (Fort Myers): 6900 Daniels Parkway, Unit 18
Naples: 5038 Airport-Pulling Road

Hertz Arena is a designated hurricane shelter but has been inundated with both people and donations. So they are now asking that instead of dropping off goods at the arena that you take items to Ocean Church, 22100 S Tamiami Trail, Estero.

Most needed items include pillows, blankets, air mattresses, and hygiene products.