Collier County management began assessing damage Oct. 10 after Hurricane Milton and warned residents to exercise caution and to check for a license when hiring a contractor to perform work.

Residents are advised that removal of wet drywall up to 4 feet, damaged cabinets, carpeting and baseboards is allowed without a permit, but replacement requires a building permit and a Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood Insurance Program review to determine whether there’s been substantial damage.

Emergency permitting services opened at noon at the county Growth Management Community Development Department, 2800 Horseshoe Drive N.; Heritage Bay Government Services Center, 15450 Collier Blvd.; and the Immokalee Permitting Office, 310 Alachua St. in Immokalee. Regular services resume at 8 a.m. Oct. 11.

Some work doesn’t require a permit, but officials advise homeowners and businesses to check the county portal first. Contractors who want to perform debris and tree-removal services or basic landscape maintenance must have an occupational license. Unlicensed contractors who perform work during a declared state of emergency will be charged with a third-degree felony.

The Florida Department of Commerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, making $50 million available to Florida businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton.

Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce hadn’t heard of any major damage to businesses countywide, news of stalled vehicles or demand for overnight rescues in the city of Naples.

“We are receiving overwhelmingly positive updates as our businesses did a superb job of preparing and heeding local guidance,” chamber President and CEO Kristina Park said. “We will be doing direct outreach to our members, starting on the coast and working inland later today and throughout tomorrow giving our members time to assess this morning.”

In the city of Naples, city officials reported about 6 feet of storm surge overnight, and several roads were covered with up to 5 feet of sand. The driving curfew was lifted, but recovery efforts are ongoing as first responders and emergency teams assess damage, clear streets and unclog storm drains. Drivers were urged to avoid the following roads to allow emergency crews to work safely:

• Gordon Drive, south of 18th Avenue South
• Gulf Shore Boulevard, south of Banyan Boulevard (Lowdermilk Park)
• Crayton Road, which is mostly underwater
• Leeward Lane, which is impassable
• Old Naples, west of Second Street

Florida Power and Light crews worked to restore power due to downed trees and power lines and city officials asked residents to keep all public rights of way clear and to park only in designated parking areas. All beach ends, including the Naples Pier and Lowdermilk Park, are closed until further notice, but City Hall will reopen Oct. 10.

Many traffic signals were down throughout Collier County and officials warned drivers to treat them like a four-way stop, but traffic was running smoothly after road crews placed cones with stop signs at many intersections as an additional warning.

The county Public Utilities Division and city officials are urging customers to reduce home water use, including toilet flushing, dishwashers and washing machines, to help the wastewater system handle the extra rainwater and storm surge.

Collier Sheriff’s deputies continued to assess damage with increased patrols to protect flood-damaged areas and warned that looters would be prosecuted to the fullest. Its Aviation Bureau flew around the county to assess damage and flooding, posting videos on Facebook.

In the morning, light debris was strewn over roadways in the coastal and Golden Gate areas and Gulfshore Boulevard remained impassable, as well as the Vanderbilt and Bayshore Road areas, Manatee and Mainsail roads and Capri Boulevard.

Publix stores opened at noon Oct. 10 and gas stations are checking fuel availability. Seed to Table, which remained open pre-hurricane until 10 p.m., opened at 2 p.m. Oct. 10.

Collier County Community and Human Services closed its senior food-assistance program until Monday, but seniors who need food assistance can call 239-252-2233 or 239-633-1411.

Marco Island City Council Chair Jared Grifoni provided updates for residents, including water outages and boil-water notices and that Comcast won’t be restoring service until conditions are safe and power is restored. Grifoni reported that Mackle Park opened at 10 a.m. to allow residents to enjoy air conditioning and recharge electronic devices and that Island Hideout restaurant and Paddle Marco were hosting a free hot dog cookout at the restaurant at noon.

In Everglades City, there was flooding in some areas, including around City Hall, and FPL crews worked to restore power.