On Thursday the Fort Myers Beach Town Council heard a presentation from Town Manager Will McKannay that might allow residents living in – or running a business out of – a trailer to remain past the town’s September 23rd deadline to remove them. It’s complicated. Very complicated.
It’s clear that if the Town Council and Town Manager had their way they would allow residents to live and work in temporary trailers while they rebuild their homes and businesses. However, with FEMA constantly looking over their shoulder, it’s not that easy. And, the town staff and Town Council, continue to say they can never get straight answers from FEMA.
The town has told all residents and business owners that if they were in possession of a Temporary Use Permit after Hurricane Ian, it expires on September 23, 2025 and they would not be renewed. That meant that anyone living in a trailer on their property or operating a business under that permit had to go. That could be
On Thursday McKannay presented updated wording to the town’s Emergency Temporary Use permit ordinance that would extend the date for those permits “under certain circumstances.” However, McKannay said, “I cannot say it has a FEMA stamp of approval.” All he could acknowledge was that he felt comfortable the new ordinance would put the town in a better position than what was on the books before…