The VacationValet Channel

  I drove the length of San Carlos Island yesterday.  Now that more of the debris has been removed and the roads un-clogged it was easier to evaluate the extent of the damage.  In short, there are many properties that are completely destroyed.  All single story homes were flooded to the ceilings and it's my understanding that they were submerged for several hours.  Entire blocks of houses and businesses were washed away.  The islands full of bulldozers and dump trucks running 10 and 12 hour days,,, and it will still be months before they get a handle on the debris. 
  To be honest it was really hard to see the extent of damage that this last hurricane has caused and realize that it will forever change Fort Myers Beach.  You see, building codes have been updated and everything that gets re-built,,, not re-paired, must be built to "New" building codes and standards.  Many people are getting a forced buyout,,, they just don't know it yet and it's a buyout that many never wanted or expected to happen.  Here's why.  The insurance companies are going to pay 100% loss on those properties for the amount of the original mortgage or more if the homeowner has a re-placement cost coverage.  Even still, it doesn't allow for the additional cost of building the new structure 14' of the ground.  Much less the new upgraded hardware that must be installed for storm ratings.  Simply put, it just cost allot more.  And let's face it, many of these homeowners were looking at retirement, not starting over from ground up,,,  much less with a second mortgage.
  Fort Myers Beach was a unique Florida beach town that will forever be changed by this last hurricane.