The city of Bonita Springs provided a Hurricane Ian update Sunday afternoon, four days after the storm devastated Southwest Florida.  

“We know this is a difficult time for everyone in our community and as you know, we’re striving together and we are committed to providing services as best as possible for our citizens,” Bonita Springs City Manager Arleen Hunter said.  

City staff started assessing city damages, a process expected to take weeks of continuous effort. CrowderGulf Disaster Recovery & Debris Management is working with the city to clear roadway debris to allow emergency management to go where needed.  

“We do want to urge you, as best as possible, if you do not need to be on the roadways to be safe and be clear of those areas as we continue our assessments,” Hunter said.  

Lee County is still under a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. countywide. Bonita Beach has a 24/7 curfew, discouraging everyone from going near the coast.  

“We do have the assistance of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bay Springs Fire Control and Rescue District on the beach to assist, but it is very much a situation, as you can, to avoid as much as possible,” Hunter said. “There is a significant amount of debris and so we are being cautious to maintain the safety of all individuals there. As of right now, we’re working to provide foot traffic in there as the road is unsafe currently for vehicle traffic as well.” 

For those in need of ice, water and food supplies, citizens were directed to the old Bonita Springs Library off Terry Street and Pine Avenue.  

Verizon put cross-carrier roaming on. Turning phones on and off may help with cellular reception.  

Overflow of the Imperial River due to sheet flow is something the city is monitoring closely, but there are no mandatory evacuations currently.  

“Should the [water] levels increase, residents in flood prone areas should take precautions,” Deputy Mayor Mike Gibson said. “Sheet flow, which is a natural phenomenon after a hurricane, can cause rivers and canals to rise.”  

Residents can check the water levels of the Imperial River on the city’s website.  

“Prior to the storm, the city has worked with Lee County to make sure that the river had been snagged and cleared to provide adequate flow,” Gibson said. “The city of Bonita Springs has made improving stormwater management a top strategic priority after Irma.”  

There will be another Bonita Springs hurricane advisory meeting today.