What's closed, canceled Wednesday in Lee County as Hurricane Idalia brushes SW FL coast
Here's a list of closings in Lee County in advance of Tropical Storm Idalia as it roars past the Southwest Florida coast. Have a closing or cancelation to report and add to this list? Email dosborn@gannett.com.
Lee County government closing offices Wednesday
Lee County Government will be closed on Wednesday to ensure as few people as possible need to travel during the tropical conditions.
Employees at the Emergency Operations Center and in departments that are necessary for tropical events will be working.
Lee County Solid Waste will operate regular collection Wednesday, Aug. 30. Residents who have regularly scheduled pickup on Wednesday should place waste containers by the curb by 7:30 or 8 a.m. There is no need to place containers out overnight.
LeeTran will resume its operations Wednesday. Fixed routes will begin slightly later and with staggered starts. Check LeeTran’s Facebook page or the website. Or find the link to information at www.LeeGov.com/storm.
The Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery meeting that was canceled tonight due to the storm has been rescheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at BIG ARTS on Sanibel.
"As Hurricane Idalia moves to the north, the anticipated heavy rain bands have moved into Lee County. These bands include downpours, thunder and lightning – with possible tornadic activity," Lee County officials said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.
"Isolated, localized flooding has been reported on coastal roads, which is consistent with the forecast. In part, that’s because these bands are coinciding with high tide, fueled by onshore winds from the storm.
Traveling Tuesday night is not advised because it will be more difficult to see areas of standing water. Motorists should make every effort to stay home tonight.
The onshore winds will drive localized flooding on the coast even after the storm is north of Lee County.
Lee County’s Safe Havens remain open at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center and Estero Recreation Center. There are about 51 people and seven pets in the Safe Havens, which are designed to help communities where people are still living in Ian-damaged homes or trailers. There are no evacuation orders in effect.
For the latest updates, log on to www.leegov.com/storm and follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc
Lee County’s next livestream update is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Visit https://www.youtube.com/@LeeCountyFLBOCC/videos.
All Lee tax collector offices closed Wednesday
The Lee County Tax Collector will close all locations Wednesday, Aug. 30, due to Hurricane Idalia.
Officials also had closes the offices Tuesday.
"Customers with appointments are being notified individually and are invited to reschedule or come to any service center for assistance when we re-open," the Tax Collector's office said in an email.
"If visiting a service center without an appointment, customers are asked to please check to ensure the office they plan to visit offers the service they need. In addition, many services can be completed online at www.leetc.com/pay-online.
Updates and information can be found on tax collector social media channels as well as LeeTC.com.
Lee County courts closed Wednesday
The 20th Circuit Courts in Lee and Charlotte counties will be closed Wednesday, officials said.
Also Wednesday, the Collier County Courthouse will reopen and courthouses in Glades and Hendry counties will remain open.
In Lee County, first appearances, shelter and detention hearings will be held in courtroom 2A at 10 a.m. Wednesday with Judge James Shenko presiding.
There is an option for counsel and interpreters to attend First Appearance hearings remotely via a conference line. The telephone number for attorneys and the interpreter to call in is 1-888-585-9008 and the participant code is 463-069-456#.
Any update regarding Thursday’s court operations will be made Wednesday. And updates will be posted on the court’s website and social media channels.
Keiser University closing Fort Myers campus
Keiser University says it will close its Fort Myers campus Tuesday, Aug. 29.
The campus is at 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway, Fort Myers.
Arts Bonita closed Tuesday
Arts Bonita has announced it will close Tuesday, Aug. 29, because of Tropical Storm Idalia.
Arts Bonita's two venues are the Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, and the Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Road. More at artsbonita.org.
Lee county board cancels Captiva workshop
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners had canceled its public workshop for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29.
The meeting, during which county commissioners were to be briefed on public input gathered over the summer on proposed land-use changes on Captiva, has not been rescheduled.
Public hearings on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6 are still scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the Old Lee County Courthouse Commission Chambers, 2120 Main St., Fort Myers. SCCF strongly urges the public to attend, as these hearings will be the last opportunity to weigh in on the proposed changes.
NSU Fort Myers campus closed since Monday
Nova Southeastern University has announced it will close its Fort Myers Regional Campus at the close of business Monday, Aug. 28.
All classes and extracurricular activities are canceled for students, faculty, and staff. Online students should contact their program’s director for more information. Essential employees who have been pre-identified should contact their supervisors to determine duties during the storm.
"The campus will remain closed until NSU officials determine it is safe to return," NSU said in a news release. "
Faculty and staff at this regional campus are urged to monitor NSU’s Hurricane page (https://www.nova.edu/hurricane/) for updates as they become available.
Alliance for the Arts closing until Thursday
Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers has announced it will close its building and campus Tuesday and Wednesday, with plans to reopen Thursday. Visit artinlee.org for more.
No celebration Monday for updated Fort Myers Beach ballfield
Due to the approach of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Idalia and a pending afternoon thunderstorm, the grand re-opening celebration that was scheduled Monday night for the Bay Oaks Little League Ball Field has been cancelled.
Please watch the Fort Myers Beach social media and website for a reschedule date.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: What's closed, canceled in Lee County before Idalia affects SW FL
