Special Report from WUFT News
Published Dec. 22, 2022
On September 28, 2022, Category 4 Hurricane Ian struck the Southwest coast of Florida, leaving destruction in its path.
In the wake of this catastrophic event, locals had to pick up the pieces.
Follow along with seven stories of tragedy and triumph in the aftermath.
Couple reconnects, cleans up after Hurricane Ian
A 74-year-old Fort Myers woman returns to her home after evacuating for Hurricane Ian. She reunites with her husband, and her family comes to the rescue for the cleanup.
Woman returns to Pine Island after Hurricane Ian to find her community unrecognizable
A woman and her family return to their home of 17 years after leaving for Hurricane Ian. As they make the journey inland, shuttling strangers across the island, they’re unsure what to expect. When they arrive, they find their community in shambles.
Volunteers descend on Pine Island to aid survivors of Hurricane Ian
An Alachua County native takes it upon himself to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian. He finds himself heading toward Pine Island as the agricultural community is cut off from the mainland.
Relief organization helps residents with basic needs after Hurricane Ian
North Fort Myers resident Tamara Searcy’s home was flooded, left without water and power after Hurricane Ian hit. One disaster relief organization gave her the means to continue to rebuild what was lost, piece by piece.
Treading Water: Marina devastated after Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian turned a marina into a wrecking yard, ruining a local business and hundreds of homes on the water.
Produce stand owner vows to rebuild his business with what remains after Hurricane Ian
John Terlep knew well before taking over Pair-A-Dice Produce that he wanted to own the business someday. Since 2014, he’s turned the Fort Myers produce stand into a staple of the area. But when Hurricane Ian hit, it nearly stole his coveted business — and his livelihood.
Woman loses home to hurricane for the second time
A 69-year-old woman has now lived through not one, but two hurricanes. Each time, her house was completely destroyed, forcing the Cuban immigrant to start her life over again.