Flying over Matlacha, Pine Island one year after Hurricane Ian provides dramatic views

The community of Matlacha, a living postcard of Florida if there ever was one, is a tiny dot on a map.

On Sept. 28, 2022 it was a big target for Hurricane Ian along with nearby Pine Island.

Both communities were decimated by the powerful Category 4 storm. Storm surge, wind, water − it was too much to handle for boats and businesses and the road leading into the Matlacha bridge from Cape Coral. It was washed away cutting off access to the quaint village known for its colorful shops and restaurants, and Pine Island (other then by boat) for a short period of time.

Here we are one year after Hurricane Ian. Progress is being made. It's slow but it's happening. Some restaurants are open again. Work continues on rebuilding the road leading to the bridge, one of the most popular fishing bridges in Southwest Florida.

Lessons learned: Pine Island, Matlacha leaders will never forget Hurricane Ian

They say time heals all wounds and it will take more time before Matlacha and Pine Island look like they did before Hurricane Ian struck. Our visual journalist and drone pilot Ricardo Rolon took this video footage from high above, showing what the view looks like one year later.

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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Drone video of Matlacha and Pine Island 1 year after Hurricane Ian