Lee Sheriff Carmine Marceno speaks on CNN ahead of Hurricane Ian: 'We're ready for everything'

Tomas Rodriguez, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read

As Hurricane Ian inched closer toward Southwest Florida, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno addressed county preparations on national television Wednesday afternoon.

"My Sheriff's Office family members, we were out in full force to the last possible second to ensure the safety of these great residents," Marceno said during an interview on CNN's Inside Politics. "Lee County is a huge, huge county."

Marceno said the county's barrier islands and front waterways were at great risk.

"We were very strong in our message, which was to please listen," Marceno said. "Please listen for law enforcement ... Listen to the officials and don't stay ... We want people to evacuate and literally just be safe."

Marceno also addressed a potential 18-foot storm surge.

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"Those coastlines, those lowland coastlines ... Cape Coral is huge, over 200,000 residents," Marceno said. "All the barrier islands ... You worry about everything. The sheriff again being responsible for everyone's safety and security."

Marceno added Gov. Ron DeSantis, as well as other sheriffs statewide, have offered resources.

"I've been continuously communicating," Marceno said. "They've got teams ready to deploy as we speak. So we are in full force and we will ensure the safety of our residents."

Marceno said at one point he offered his support to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.

As Hurricane Ian inches closer toward Southwest Florida and puts Lee County residents on watch Sheriff Carmine Marceno addressed county preparations on TV Wednesday afternoon.
As Hurricane Ian inches closer toward Southwest Florida and puts Lee County residents on watch Sheriff Carmine Marceno addressed county preparations on TV Wednesday afternoon.

"I said, 'Hey, listen, this storm is projected to come your way and I want you to know I'm here for you brother whatever you need,'" Marceno said.

But after the hurricane's trajectory changed, Marceno said Chronister is the one now lending his hand in support of Lee County.

"All of us come together, but it's ever-changing by the second ... By the minute ... By the hour," Marceno said.

Marceno emphasized it's a constant adjustment when it comes to hurricanes.

"Sometimes, of course, you have to adjust," Marceno said. "We're ready for everything that comes our way. We always go worst case scenario and we move forward."

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and TikTok @tomasfrodriguez.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno talks hurricane on CNN Wednesday