Fort Myers Beach Trailer Permit Deadline Ends, Affecting Hurricane Ian Recovery Progress

Tuesday marked the end of temporary trailer permit renewals on Fort Myers Beach. The deadline affects about 100 storm survivors still picking up the pieces after Ian struck.

Officials want permit holders to prove their struggles to keep mobile units running. "Understanding that many of them have had difficulties rebuilding, difficulties with financing, finding licensed contractors, FEMA reimbursements. Any number of different hardships in that regard," Town Manager William McKannay said per Fox 4.

Mobile units got the green light as a short-term fix after Ian hit. Those who miss the cutoff risk getting fined. Staff will soon start checking these spots, McKannay said.

At Meli's Ice Cream, owner Melissa Sheppard runs her business from a trailer since the storm wrecked her shop. "The building was completely gone. The only thing left was the frame from the front window," Sheppard said. She points to new building codes as a major snag in getting permits.

The permit system works well for Sheppard. "I think we've made huge strides in the rebuilding process. Everything looks great and clean. And this is giving people the opportunity to build what's best for them," she said.

Yet some business owners take issue with the extensions. Plaza owner Carmelo Naccareto sees food trucks as unwanted rivals. "Three food trucks over there. Okay. Those trucks are taking business away from my tenant over there," Naccareto said.

Past permit holders can submit fresh applications online or in person at Town Hall. Officials aim to keep progress moving while making sure temporary structures stay safe.

The town's staff will set up visits to check each site. These checks mark another step as Fort Myers Beach keeps bouncing back from Ian's strike in September 2022.