FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — September 28, 2023 marks one year since Hurricane Ian devastated much of Southwest Florida.
The winds, rain, and historic storm surge from the near Category 5 storm wiped out entire communities, and at least 150 people lost their lives.
Others were forced to swim through harrowing floodwaters or watch their belongings wash away.
Those who made it through the hurricane, or evacuated, then had to deal with stunning water damage and devastation when they came back, along with days without water and power.
Now, a year later, Fox 4 is standing side by side with all of our neighbors, leaders, and community influencers as they reflect and remember the storm, its impact, the lives lost, and how far everyone's come in the rebuilding and recovery efforts.
Take a minute to watch and read our reporting below and see what you take away from this incredibly resilient community of Southwest Florida:
SANIBEL | Lighthouse sunrise ceremony marks one year after Ian
CAPE CORAL| Special monument unveiled to mark one year after Ian
PUNTA RASSA | Hotel at base of Sanibel Causeway recovers one year after Ian
ONE YEAR AFTER IAN | Thousands have complained about insurance companies
CAPE CORAL | Construction plan celebrated for school devastated by Ian
ONE YEAR AFTER IAN | Hospitals using Ian experiences to grow stronger
MATLATCHA | Local artists turn chaos into creation 1 year after Hurricane Ian
FT MYERS | Mayor talks about downtown's recovery and future one year after Ian
ONE YEAR AFTER IAN | Can Southwest Florida's tourism rebound quickly?
IONA | Community still waiting to get back to normal after Ian
NORTH PORT | Family trapped by Ian flooding reflects on hurricane one year later
IONA | Woman whose story touched people after Ian talks about hope 1 year later
NORTH PORT | City leaders make changes based on lessons learned from Ian
HARLEM HEIGHTS | Residents credit volunteers with helping them get back home
BONITA SPRINGS| Volunteer group still inspiring hope one year after Hurricane Ian
FORT MYERS | Healing through art after Hurricane Ian destruction
FT MYERS | Downtown businesses talk recovery after Ian
ONE YEAR AFTER IAN | Couple shares story of survival and finding stability
ONE YEAR AFTER IAN | City comes closer to final Naples Pier plans
ONE YEAR SINCE IAN | Local artists share work inspired by the storm
Looking back at the year, it's apparent each person's journey has been different.
Some are still battling insurance companies or hunting for contractors. Others have hit rebuilding roadblocks, and some have a long way to go.
We talked with plenty of people who are still living in mobile homes or off the generosity of friends and family, as they try to decide what next steps to take.
Fox 4 is now revisiting so many communities that we were in just hours after the hurricane passed, to check up on our neighbors and see how things have gone.
