Hurricane Ian Heroes: Recognizing some of the game-changers in Fort Myers
We asked for Hurricane Hero nominations. We were amazed out how many emails we received. Our goal is to recognize as many of the Ian Heroes as possible. Here are some of the hero nominations for Fort Myers:
Hero: Alex Dolinski
'Selflessly searching for those in need'
A friend forwarded me the article regarding the search for Hurricane Ian heroes. When recognizing people who went above and beyond to help friends, neighbors, strangers in the aftermath of the storm, my friend Captain Alex Dolinski was certainly one of those people.
As soon as the storm had passed Alex selflessly went in search of those in need of help and supplies (not to mention the time he took helping his friends and neighbors prep before the storm) − all of this after losing his wife to breast cancer the month before. Given his over 30 years of experience as a charter captain and marine mechanic, he was instrumental in carefully navigating the debris filled waters of Estero Bay (with Coast Guard permission) to bring a couple who was stranded on the island to safety. He also helped many, many others by coordinating emergency supplies, providing food and water, and helping reconnect with loved ones that they had not heard from.
As a member of the fishing community, he saw so many friends who owned small businesses suffering as flood waters decimated their buildings and inventory. One of those businesses was Master Bait and Tackle in Bonita Springs. Alex coordinated a cook out fundraiser to help owner Todd Dutro get emergency repairs completed on the building and to help him restock inventory after the storm. Over 300 people attended.
My husband (a local charter captain) was having a new boat built, which was left in two pieces after the storm since the boat builder had to handle damage to his own house. Not having any source of income, my husband had to scramble to try to find someone to help finish the boat. Alex selflessly helped my husband trailer the two pieces of his boat up to TN where they found a boat builder who had experience with that type of boat and could finish it.
I could go on and on about Alex.
Submitted by: Debbie Hanson
HERO: Bishop Verot High School
'Coming to our rescue'
Our Bishop Verot High School family (staff, parents, students) came to our rescue after the Hurricane. Our house flooded − they helped us clean out our house, chain-sawed and cleaned out trees/debris in our yard, and provided resources at the school to include − household items, food, gift cards, toiletries, clothing etc. as well as emotional support. Amazing to be a part of that school family. We were just one of many families that they helped.
Submitted by: Julie Boudreaux
HEROES: Greg and Kelly Lambrecht
'Coming to our aid from afar'
These two are our heroes because we are snowbirds and we were in our Pennsylvania home at the time of the hurricane. We were advised that power was out in our area and the road to our house was under water.
These two were finally able to get in our house and clean out the refrigerators and check for inside damage. They dragged all the debris out of the yard. We were lucky compared to other residents. Greg kept us informed daily and took pictures of the damage outside. He also made arrangements for repairs.
They are definitely our heroes.
Submitted by:: James Butt / Deborah Breuer
HERO: Buckett's Wings and More
'True Super-Heroes!'
I would like to nominate Buckett’s Wings and More located at 6301 South Pointe Blvd, Fort Myers. The current owners, Zach and Ainslie, purchased Buckett’s nine years ago and have always been a part of the local community full speed.
Even though they were displaced − along with a few of their employees due to the hurricane − they did not allow that to get in the way of the commitment they have given to our local community. Every night for six straight weeks helping over 40 different local restaurants and their employees, they were able to raise over $150,000.00 that went straight into the hands of SWFL restaurants to help their employees directly.
Buckett’s Wings and More received no tax benefits nor was this a 501C3 exemption. When I think of what Zach and Ainslie and their amazing staff at Buckett’s went through and what they did, it makes me proud to be their friend. The team at Buckett’s Wings and More are true super heroes.
Submitted by: Tina Tusack
Hero: Ellen Baker
‘Her plea to help a small community’
After hurricane Ian, this woman, Ellen Baker, noticed a neighborhood called Unique Circle in Fort Myers that was devastated by the hurricane. She made a plea for help on the Nextdoor app. She asked people to go look at the neighborhood for themselves to see the devastation. This was a mobile home park of primarily Hispanic families that could not understand English and had nowhere to go. They had to remain in their damaged homes with no water or electricity for months.
In the beginning, she asked for help getting water and food and then it turned into so much more.
She asked for bilingual people to assist to understand their needs. Ellen continued her efforts and pleas for help for at least six months or more. So many people helped anyway they could. From giving donations, to picking up donations to delivering the items to the families. It was such a coordinated effort that made a huge difference, all because of her plea to help a small community.
During that time, she also got news stations involved, took donations from companies for food and water and turned her own home into a donation center with lots of volunteers helping her take donations to that neighborhood every single day! I followed her through this whole process and donated what I could.
I was in awe of this woman every time I would see a post or request for help. She NEVER stopped trying to make sure the families and children got the help they needed. There is such much that she did that I can’t put it all in writing.
I truly believe that these families would not have all made it through that time without her help. She is an amazing woman and deserves to be recognized for her personal time and effort devoted to people she did not know before the hurricane.
Submitted by: Angela Wood
Heroes: FGCU baseball team
'A relentless effort'I’d like to nominate the members of the FGCU baseball team, who showed up day after day on Cocos Drive and did whatever they could do to help us out.
Those of us who live down Island Park Road in south Fort Myers had a lot of cleaning up to do, without any power or water.
The guys from the baseball team carried out water-logged furniture and mattresses from houses, removed drywall, and cut up downed trees and other debris and dragged it out to the road.
All of them were unfailingly polite and seemed happy to help, and then came back the next day, and the next. I’m not sure how many days they worked in our neighborhood, but I can’t tell you how much we appreciated it.
Submitted by: Dana Barfield
Heroes: Harvest Field Church
'Grateful for a true act of kindness'
I would like to nominate Harvest Field Church.
Early on after the hurricane, while our small community of America Outdoors at 16900 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers was devastated after the flood waters came and ruined most of the homes beyond repair. We drove in from Michigan to find the saddest sight you’ll ever see. People walking around in complete shock of having nowhere to go, no one to turn to.
One day while carrying wet moldy house items out to the curb, driving around came a really nice group of people offering hot food and drinks. So grateful when we were so dirty, tired and appreciated the kind words and food. I started talking to a wonderful man, who asked if he could have my name. He said he had someone who would like to come help our community and had questions as to how they could help. A short time later, he came back with his wife Andrea. They came out of nowhere to ask how they could help. Within a few days they were in full control of helping the whole community.
They brought food everyday, driving around feeding everyone. On the weekends they came in from as far a Miami with crews of volunteers willing to help anyone in need. They came for many, many weekends − different people all the time. Asking for nothing and giving so much in return. This blossomed into them having a weekly service for everyone in the social hall, providing confidence to many who’s belief became hard to understand, why me.
People with nowhere to go, no clothes, no transportation. The miracle of life was brought to us by this small Church of Brazilian members of a congregation who were so willing to give every last part of anything extra they had to give to our community. No words can begin to express how it felt, like Angels came from our community to help.
Sadly, the community will never be the same with all the changes due to the storm. But I will forever be grateful for their true act of kindness.
Submitted by: Laurie Baccile
Hero: Jori Holtman
'Literally knee-deep in debris'
I live in a 7-story Condo building directly on the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers. Our Property Manager Jori Holtman somehow made it to the property from her home in Cape Coral on the morning after the storm.
She single-handedly initiated clean-up of the property. Jori literally slept in her car and her office. (She refused offers from owners to “move in.”)
She organized the staff who were able to make it in and the owners who pitched in. She was literally knee-deep in debris clean-up. (Even contracting an infectious rash.)Because she was on-site so quickly, she was able to secure a contractor for the heavy lifting before most property managers had even made it to their sites. Today, we are almost whole and looking fantastic while our neighbors still have a long way to go.
Submitted by: Michele Hastings
Heroes: Kelly Greens leaders - Jordan Kovalcik and Fran Kuhns
'Above and beyond? A resounding YES!'Once upon a time in SWFL Hurricane Ian hit with such devastating force that the damage to Kelly Greens and the surrounding area cannot be adequately described by the written word.
While we were fortunate and suffered no fatalities or serious bodily injury, post-traumatic stress is real and ongoing. Now for the rest of the story:
In 1988 Kelly Greens emerged as a bundled resident community Golf & Country Club with a championship golf course as its premiere asset. The community consists of 939 doors and 1,700-plus souls.
Hurricane Ian kicked the butt of every door, every owner, and most employees.
Kelly Greens was in deep trouble. Despite the emergency management strategies employed, Ian nearly brought SWFL to her knees. Imagine that.
Lights out, no power or water, limited transportation and all the comforts of homes GONE. All common areas and club amenities GONE. The moment we no longer had air conditioning or ice cubes we realized we would have been poor pioneers. We did not know how to react. Thankfully the federal, state and local first responders did know, and they did respond. So did our Master Board President and General Manager with the support of directors and personnel/staff.
Kelly Greens’ has been blessed with Florida’s natural beauty and a huge, magnificent Royal Poinciana tree stands as our most prominent landmark. This tree became our rally point, our command post. Located between the pro shop and clubhouse, it provided a comfortable area for gathering and scores of our people did so. The GM (Jordan Kovalcik) and President (Frank Kuhns) stepped up knowing their members needed help. Some lost everything. Most lost something and no one would escape whole. For sure, all were hungry, thirsty, and hot. Enter executive management, all staff, admins − we will never forget our dedicated employees.
As an owner/member for over 28 years, I did not recognize the Royal Poinciana landmark area. Ad hoc sunscreens erected, chairs, tables, umbrellas in place, phone charging stations, food, water, coffee all available at no cost. All were welcomed and greeted with unconditional regard and kind words.
The Royal Poinciana tree became a food distribution point, a watering hole and a conversation pit. Actually, we looked forward to meeting there twice a day. We went from fine dining with wine to a Publix hoagie, a bottle of water and a can of pringles…and damn glad to get them.
Did our nominees perform at a level above and beyond. A resounding YES! Their dedicated team made a difference you had to be here to appreciate.
Our GM and President may not be the last of the good guys but will surely be in the final photo.
NO BRAG JUST FACT.
Kudos and amen.
Submitted by: John Carney
Heroes: Pat and Margaret Rookey
'Dedicated volunteers march on'Pat and Margaret Rookey live in a house in The Landings and are still waiting (as of August) for final repairs from Ian damage.
They have been Salvation Army volunteers for many years. They helped many of their neighbors pre- and post-hurricane. Pat helped drive and they both helped serve victims with the Salvation Army truck.
Every year for the past several years they have run the operation that collects, sorts and distributes several thousand toys for the Salvation Army.
This process begins about October 1st each year and last year presented many extra challenges as you would expect. I believed they distributed Christmas gifts to more than 3,600 recipients.
Submitted by: Kevin Morris
Heroes: Peace Lutheran Church
‘Our home is your home’A congregation that stepped in – St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal on Sanibel and St Peter Lutheran on Fort Myers Beach both − were wiped out! Neither had places left! Nothing!
Peace Lutheran in south Fort Myers opened up to both congregations to worship and provided an office in Peace's facilities as long as they wished!
In addition, the neighborhood of Peace Lutheran saw manufactured homes destroyed, and people flocked to the church for the first three days until they could find other accommodations.
All this after the tornado that struck the neighborhood a few weeks before!
Submitted by: Franklin Warner
Hero: Martin Schappell
'A true hero'
Displaying unwavering leadership that inspired both residents and staff, Shell Point President and CEO Martin Schappell emerged as a true hero during Hurricane Ian.
Not only did he swiftly mobilize his executive team and directly supervise the safe evacuation of residents to Shell Point’s onsite Category 5-rated hurricane shelters, but he also remained with residents throughout the duration of the storm, offering clear communication, good humor, and steadfast support.
In the aftermath of the hurricane, Schappell went above and beyond for all those in his care. He made the commitment to waive monthly fees for displaced residents, provide onsite housing alternatives and complimentary meals, and manage the moving and storage of residents’ belongings. Amidst these efforts, Schappell successfully oversaw the significant restoration of Shell Point’s 700-acre community and 262 of its resident apartments and homes.
Schappell’s care extended beyond Shell Point residents. He took the initiative to provide on-site housing for employees who found themselves homeless. He also ensured that the community’s 1,200 staff members received free meals and on-site childcare. In addition, he played a pivotal role in supporting efforts to implement an employee hurricane bonus.
For his dedication and compassion before, during, and after the storm, Martin Schappell is a hero to the Shell Point community.
Submitted by: Kara Hado
Hero: Steve Smith
'A facilitator for communication'
Steve led our group as Emergency Coordinator prior to and during Hurricane Ian and its aftermath. The Emergency Coordinator is the Leader of ARES and reports to the Logistics Section Chief of Emergency Management. Steve essentially lived at the Emergency Operations Center from 9/25/22 to 10/3/22.
The Emergency Operations Center houses the Incident Management Team that manages the response from county and city government, public safety, utilities, and relief organization officials in a disaster. Steve manned the ARES Amateur Radio radio room at the EOC and relayed messages from amateur radio operators in the community to the appropriate officials. Steve also facilitated the establishment of a communications link for Sanibel city government officials who had to relocate to the mainland after Ian. This link provided a means of contact with those who were stranded on the island.
Amateur radio has traditionally provided backup and supplemental communications during and after disasters because of the capability to operate independently without commercial power or the internet. The ‘amateur’ designation refers to the fact that operators are not paid for their service. Locally, amateur radio operators practice communicating under simulated emergency conditions during bi-annual field day events and other activities and drills.
Submitted by: Jeff Kennedy NK4AAAEC Planning Chief & PIOLee County ARES®
Hero: Ben Taber
'This guy deserves 1,000 stars'
I would like to nominate Ben Taber for the Hurricane Hero award for his work since Hurricane Ian. He has non-stopped walked and boated through mangroves to retrieve lost and abandoned boats to get then to their owners and for removal for months on end. To date he is still retrieving boats from mangroves at Fort Myers Beach, St James City, Bookeelia, and Cape Coral. I commend him for his efforts.
The community would not be the same without him. I thank him for the inspiration, motivation, and encouragement his have given throughout the entire process of rebuilding from Hurricane Ian. This guy deserves 1000 STARS!
Submitted by: Lori Marlowe
Hero: Bob Johns
‘Adapting to benefit those in need’Lee Health’s Bob Johns and team collaborated with another health care organization to bring a mobile unit with exam rooms to ensure residents were able to maintain appointments with physicians from the Dunbar office of Lee Community Healthcare. Damage from Ian made it necessary to close the office.
Submitted by: Karen Krieger
Hero: Capt. Brian Holloway
‘He was the first person they saw in a week’
Since his boat was saved, it was at his home at Iona. A long-time boater, Captain Brian took his boat out of the water, it was saved.
Brian served those who had nothing and stayed on the remote islands, that Brian knew well. He has boated these channels for 30+ years.
He took no money, organized his garage with Army Rations, food, fresh water, even baby diapers. He then took it to those who had no service, the ones people did not know needed help. He was the first contact for many days to the people at Cayo Costa.
He brought food to the game wardens of that island. He brought gas for their generators. He was the first person they saw in a week.
He bought meat and charcoal so they could eat a real meal. He went to Matlacha Isles as they needed food and water. It was difficult to launch the boat, as all the normal launch areas were destroyed.
Brian did this for weeks. Never took a dime. Had many offers of big money to bring people to Sanibel, only did it once for an older friend-never took any money, for all he purchased. He only helped the ones that needed it the most.
Iona Neighbors were bringing their goods for Brian to deliver to those in need.
His wife organized the food and other purchases. His daughter packed and inventoried the newly filled garage. Sometimes he would do trips per day.
He was, and still is, a hero to many.
Sometimes, we all need a Captain Brian to show us how to give to others!
Submitted by: David Curry
Hero: Deanie Singh
‘Fulfilling the needs of many’
Deanie Singh is President/CEO/Founder of Premiere Mobile Health Services. Each team member is passionate about ensuring access to healthcare for all. She was in Pine Island, Fort Myers Beach, Suncoast Estates and many additional locations. She brought other agencies to help. She arranged for volunteers to help. She gave medical care, food, clothing; connected community centers in underserved areas to local resources if she could not fill the need. She also encouraged those who contribute to Premier to contribute to others immediately following Ian.When at the beach following Ian, Dr. Deanie and I believe a physician from LH created a process to ensure those working in the shrimping industry received medication re-fills and any new med as well.
Submitted by: Karen Krieger
Heroes: Jesse and Shanna Olsovsky
'Guardian angles with a crowbar'The article is only the beginning of what Jesse and Shanna did for our Bonita Shores community. Despite also being hit hard by the hurricane, they and their daughter, Bee, worked tirelessly for all of the neighbors to help clean out houses and begin to rebuild. They provided tools, manual labor and emotional support. They were guardian angels with a crowbar!
Submitted by: Stacy Bradley
I would like you to consider two heroes, Jesse and Shanna Oslovsky. We were neighbors when I lived in Bonita Springs. They swam through the storm surge to rescue me and my dog from the cottage we were trapped in for hours. It's an unbelievable miracle story. They also then provided shelter for, not only us, but other neighbors as well. These two heroes went on to assist, organize, clean up our entire neighborhood. They also brought in supplies and set up a sort of command station. Gary Road in Bonita Springs was inundated with water, up to 13 feet. I like most everyone one else lost every single thing.
Submitted by: Tracy OLeary
Hero: Karl Steidinger
'Tirelessly working to provide food'
I am nominating my executive director Karl Steidinger of the Midwest Food Banks of Florida as a hero who went above and beyond in SWFL after Hurricane Ian.
Immediately after the storm, he worked with EFS6 out of Tallahassee, David Massey from Lee EOC, Joshua Starrrett from Collier EOC, Ashley Jones from Red Cross, Operation BBQ, and World Central Kitchen to name a few.
Karl and his team delivered over 10 million dollars worth of food to SWFL the first 30 days after the storm. He was at the warehouse at sunrise the day after the storm and worked 18-hour days for the next 10 days.
Submitted by: Scot Buss
Hero: Talisha Faber
‘I couldn’t just wait’
Talisha Faber spends much of her time volunteering at Valerie’s House, Our Mother’s Home, and mentoring at Junior Achievement. She was acknowledged for feeding over 3,000 people during the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. In her words:
“We had to just start…and the troops came, literally. I couldn’t just sit and wait for people to help people. The people that lost their homes but also their cars to the storm and couldn’t get to a distribution center was and still is my main focus. My children and I started out making 100 lasagnas and baked spaghettis, mostly because it’s what I knew would be comforting, would stay warm, everyone likes it, and was even yummy cold. I’d say we fed and hugged, close to 2,000 people out of one of our kitchens along the way. I’m one lucky girl, and I like to think of all the friendships I’ve made on all these years, might just have led to this week of coming together. The Collective we are. What an honor.”
Submitted by: Nancy M. McGovern
Heroes: Organizations that were nominated
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Hurricane Ian brought out the best in the Fort Myers community
