Water Damage Restoration in Fort Myers, FL
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Rasmussen University Fort Myers in Fort Myers to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Fort Myers, FL is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Fort Myers. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Burroughs Home and Gardens in Fort Myers, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Fort Myers.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Fort Myers, FL
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to The Palms of Fort Myers in Fort Myers for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Fort Myers, FL, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Fort Myers?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Centennial Park in Fort Myers. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Fort Myers, FL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Edison Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Fort Myers restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Fort Myers, FL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Fort Myers, FL
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Fort Myers, FL, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Connors Steak Seafood in Fort Myers. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Fort Myers rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Fort Myers, FL
Tom Golisano announces $85 million for Southwest Florida nonprofits
Staffhttps://www.fortmyersbeachtalk.com/2024/12/09/tom-golisano-announces-85-million-for-southwest-florida-nonprofits/
Tom Golisano, entrepreneur, the founder of Paychex, philanthropist, and former candidate for the governorship of New York, announced his second series of major gifts totaling $85 million to 41 nonprofit organizations across Southwest Florida.“One of my favorite sayings is ‘the only wealth you keep is that which you give away,’ and this year I’ve decided to act on that saying. Thanks to the success of Paychex, and its employees I can make it my reality. I’m glad to provide support to nonprofits across Sout...
Tom Golisano, entrepreneur, the founder of Paychex, philanthropist, and former candidate for the governorship of New York, announced his second series of major gifts totaling $85 million to 41 nonprofit organizations across Southwest Florida.
“One of my favorite sayings is ‘the only wealth you keep is that which you give away,’ and this year I’ve decided to act on that saying. Thanks to the success of Paychex, and its employees I can make it my reality. I’m glad to provide support to nonprofits across Southwest Florida, where I now call home,” Golisano said in a prepared statement. “There are so many organizations in this region doing great work and I know that it’s not easy successfully running a nonprofit. I am impressed with the dedication and perseverance of the organizations that I’ve invited here today. I hope this unexpected funding helps them broaden their impact and strengthen their organizations so they can expand their services and those they serve.”
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, which bears his name, was granted $10 million. Among the other 40 organizations, Cape Coral based Family Initiative was awarded $5 million, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter $1.5 million and Guardian Angels for Special Populations $1 million.
“The awards, which range from $150,000 to $10 million each, are being made to a diverse range of causes, all of which are meaningful to Golisano. They span healthcare, education, intellectual and developmental disabilities, other critical community needs and animal welfare. The gifts will be paid over four to five years, are unrestricted and may be used at each organization’s discretion,” a release announcing the gifts states.
The announcement, made at Artis-Naples, brings Golisano’s philanthropy this year to half a billion dollars and his life-long philanthropy to $860 million. It follows his Sept. 17 announcement of 82 major gifts totaling $360 million to organizations in Upstate New York, including $52 million to the Golisano Foundation, increasing its assets to $120 million. This infusion of funding increases the Golisano Foundation’s giving from approximately $3 to more than $5 million annually, allowing even more opportunities for nonprofits to access grant funding.
“We encourage non-profit organizations to visit our website to learn more about Tom’s philanthropy and the Foundation’s mission,” said Erica Dayton, executive director of the Golisano Foundation, which Golisano founded in 1985. It has awarded more than $41 million in grants, primarily to organizations devoted to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It also helps animal welfare organizations through Bailey and Friends, an initiative of the Golisano Foundation founded in honor of Golisano’s two dogs, both of whom were named Bailey.
“We look forward to the new influx of agencies we’ll be introduced to through the widespread news of Tom’s most recent giving. Understanding the needs of the communities we support and the organizations that devote their expertise to serving them is a constantly evolving process. We are always looking to learn more and determine how we can be supportive with the resources available,” Dayton added.
$85 Million in awards as announced on Nov. 19:
Health – Two organizations – $15 million
• Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida – $10,000,000
• Naples Comprehensive Health – $5,000,000
Education – Two organizations – $13 million
• Ave Maria University – $10,000,000
• Guadalupe Center – $3,000,000
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) – 12 Organizations – $32 million
• Best Buddies Southwest Florida – $1,000,000
• Beyond the Spectrum, Inc. $1,000,000
• Easterseals Southwest Florida – $5,000,000
• Family Initiative – $5,000,000
• Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida – $5,000,000
• Guardian Angels for Special Populations – $1,000,000
• LARC, Inc. – $5,000,000
• Protected Harbor – $1,000,000
• Special Olympics – Florida – $1,000,000
• STARability – $5,000,000
• Sunrise – Naples – $ 1,000,000
• The Haven – $1,000,000
Community – Five organizations – $15 Million
• American Red Cross Southwest Florida – $3,000,000
• Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida- $2,000,000
• Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples – $4,000,000
• Meals of Hope – $3,000,000
• Youth Haven – $3,000,000
Animal Welfare – 20 organizations – $10 million
• Animal Rescue Coalition – $1,000,000
• Cape Coral Animal Shelter – $1,500,000
• Gulf Coast Humane Society – $1,500,000
• Humane Society Naples – $500,000
• SNIP Collier – $1,500,000
• Anna Maria Island Pup Rescue – $150,000
• Big Dog Ranch Rescue – $500,000
• Florida Coastal Cocker Rescue – $150,000
• For the Love of Cats – $150,000
• Fur and Tails Animal Rescue – $150,000
• Canine Castaways, Inc. – $150,000
• Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue – $500,000
• Haven on Earth Animal League – $150,000
• Humane Society of Manatee County – $500,000
• Humane Society of Sarasota County – $500,000
• Max`s Ark Rescue – $150,000
• Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center – $500,000
• Pawtcake Refuge – $150,000
• Purradise Gardens – $150,000
• Shy Wolf Sanctuary – $150,000
About Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation
Golisano is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses, providing integrated human capital management solutions for payroll, benefits, human resources, and insurance services for more than 745,000 clients in the U.S. and Europe. His personal philanthropic contributions to hospitals–including three children’s hospitals that bear his name–and numerous educational institutions, his Foundation, and other organizations now exceed $860 million.
Golisano established
the Golisano Foundation to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $120 million now in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities awarding about $5 million annually to nonprofit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.
News from around the region
Tom Golisano announces $85 million for Southwest Florida nonprofits
Lee County announces holiday events
The Lee County Parks & Recreation department has announced holiday events throughout December at the ...
School District of Lee County to host Social Lee: Coffee & Careers
The School District of Lee County is hosting Coffee & Careers on Friday, Dec. 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. to provide ...
Wildly popular Miami-based Cuban bakery opens in Fort Myers, coming to Cape Coral
Robyn Georgehttps://www.news-press.com/story/life/food/2024/12/09/vicky-bakery-opens-in-fort-myers-and-its-coming-to-cape-coral-too/76824809007/
There were no social media announcements, signs or banners when Vicky Bakery quietly made its Fort Myers debut in the El Dorado Plaza on Thursday, Dec. 5. Apparently, there didn’t need to be.Fans of the beloved Miami-based bakery quickly found their way to the wildly popular pastelitos and other Cuban classics.&...
There were no social media announcements, signs or banners when Vicky Bakery quietly made its Fort Myers debut in the El Dorado Plaza on Thursday, Dec. 5. Apparently, there didn’t need to be.
Fans of the beloved Miami-based bakery quickly found their way to the wildly popular pastelitos and other Cuban classics.
“We’re so happy to be in the community,” franchise owner Andretti Tomeu said. “(Opening day) went better than expected. Fifteen people have already come back twice to try more things.”
We’re right there with them. We’ve been once and can’t wait to go again.
Here are five things about Vicky Bakery and its newest location on the northeast corner of U.S. 41 and Colonial Boulevard.
Vicky Bakery has been a customer favorite since 1972
Antionio and Gelasia Cao, who met while working in Cuba’s famous La Vencedora bakery half a century ago, opened their first Vicky Bakery in Hialeah. Five more flagship Miami-area locations followed. Since franchising began in 2016, the family-owned business has 20 more spots. Most are on the east coast of Florida with Orlando, Ave Maria and now Fort Myers being the exceptions. Demand for a franchise in this area was high.
“We chose here based on social media requests,” Samantha Sanchez-Cruz, Vicky Bakery’s corporate marketing manager, said. “People were always asking for us to come here.”
Meet the owner of the Fort Myers location
Tomeu, nephew to one of the founding board members, “grew up working at Vicky.”
“I worked in the back, in the kitchen of the Miami Lakes store when I was 15 or 16,” he said. “It was the third bakery. Early mornings and weekends were not ideal but I worked there through high school. I always dreamt of owning one.”
Tomeu, who worked his way through the franchise process like everyone else, moved to Cape Coral in July with his girlfriend and three kids, ages 3, 5 and 11.“I want to put roots in the area,” he said. “The city (of Fort Myers) has been so supportive. You don’t always get that in a big city like Miami. The whole process went pretty quickly.”
His goal of opening by Thanksgiving fell just short.
“First impressions are so important,” he said. “It’s hard to make up for that if something goes wrong. We opened when we knew it would be great. We want to be here for a long time.”
The excitement was there before the first customer walked through the door.
“We have 25 employees,” Tomeu said. “We had 150 applications in 48 hours. I filled 25 positions in one day. People have been waiting for us to get here.”
Traditional Cuban breakfast, lunch and pastries on Vicky's menu
Customers entering Tomeu’s bakery (on the Colonial Boulevard side of the plaza, down from Ginza) are greeted with row after row in display case after display case of classic Cuban pastries, cakes, cookies, bread and more baked goodness. Signs are in English and Spanish.
“We want to have a bilingual staff,” Tomeu said. “The goal is to have everyone feel comfortable when ordering or asking questions.”
All-day breakfast includes croissants, tostadas, steak & eggs and the classic eggs, ham or bacon, tostada and café con leche combo.
Pork, chicken, ham & cheese, steak and turkey & Swiss are some of the sandwiches. Hot options feature empanadas, meat pastry, pizza pastel, croqueta, tequeno and papa rellena.
“We want to get people in, get them fed quickly,” Tomeu said. “We know everyone is in a hurry. We open at 6 for breakfast and stay open. For dinner, you can get a Cuban bowl or platters to feed yourself and a family.”
In case you missed it:Upscale and trendy restaurant, bar with rooftop deck coming to Bell Tower in Fort Myers
Vicky Bakery is coming to Cape Coral
Tomeu isn’t going to stop with one location. He plans to open a second on Del Prado Boulevard.
“It will be a new building so it will take longer than this one did,” he said. “This one was about 4½ months. That one will be in late 2025.”
It will be located at 602 Del Prado Blvd. N, on the west side, just south of Pine Island Road.
The where and when of the Fort Myers location
In the meantime, swing by the Fort Myers shop to say hello to Tomeu.
“I’m an active owner,” he said. “I will always be here.”
Vicky Bakery is open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 4429 Cleveland Ave. Call (239) 270-5133 or go to vickybakery.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram for more.
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com
UPDATE: Teen arrested on RSW's tarmac, accused of carjacking at Fort Myers school
Ella Rhoadeshttps://www.fox4now.com/estero/16-year-old-arrested-at-rsw-after-carjacking-a-woman-on-colonial
UPDATE 12/9/24 12:03 p.m.In the arrest report from the Lee County Sheriff's Office, investigators say the 16-year-old carjacked a woman in the parking lot of Southwest Florida Christian Academy on Friday.Deputies says Felix Marcial Ayala threatened to shoot the woman if she didn't hand over the keys.Investigators say Ayala spotted the keys in the backseat, grabbed them and drove off.Three hours later, troopers say they spotted the stolen red van near Daniels Parkway and Paul J. Doherty Parkway.LCSO s...
UPDATE 12/9/24 12:03 p.m.In the arrest report from the Lee County Sheriff's Office, investigators say the 16-year-old carjacked a woman in the parking lot of Southwest Florida Christian Academy on Friday.
Deputies says Felix Marcial Ayala threatened to shoot the woman if she didn't hand over the keys.
Investigators say Ayala spotted the keys in the backseat, grabbed them and drove off.
Three hours later, troopers say they spotted the stolen red van near Daniels Parkway and Paul J. Doherty Parkway.
LCSO says FHP tried to pull the van over.
In this dashcam video from FHP, you can see the van swerving off the road and taking off.
Troopers followed the van to a parking lot where it crashed into empty parked cars.
Then, deputies say the two people inside the stolen van got out and ran toward RSW.
LCSO says Ayala trespassed through the secure fence, and made it onto the tarmac with a trooper right behind him.
Watch video from the LCSO here:
FHP arrested Ayala and a 17-year-old boy, Cecil Bernard Woodard Jr, who they say was driving Ayala in the stolen car.
Ayayla was arrested for carjacking without a firearm, trespassing and resisting an officer without violence.
Fox 4 reached out to RSW about its security measures, but they didn't respond.
Southwest Florida Christian Academy also did not respond to our request.
This isn't Ayala's first run-in with law enforcement.
Back in 2022, Ayala and his brother were arrested for breaking into a gun store and stealing 22 guns in Cape Coral.
They also took ammunition and magazines.
Police say they located a notebook in which the pair planned the heist in great detail. Ayala had already been on probation for an unrelated robbery when he arrested for the burglary.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Felix Marcial Ayala, 16, after they say he carjacked a woman within a parking lot on Colonial Blvd on Friday.
Deputies say Ayala approached the victim and demanded her keys. Due to the nature of the incident, LCSO says members of the Violent Crimes Unit immediately responded and began to track down Ayala.
With the assistance of Florida Highway Patrol, the vehicle was located traveling on Paul J Doherty Pkwy.
WATCH THE PURSUIT HERE:
As FHP and LCSO Patrol attempted a traffic stop, the driver and passenger, Ayala, fled from law enforcement and crashed into several unoccupied vehicles. The driver of the vehicle and Ayala attempted to flee on foot, resulting in immediate apprehension of the driver, followed by Ayala being apprehended on Southwest Florida International Airport property.
Ayala was charged with carjacking without firearm or weapon, trespassing on critical infrastructure property, and resisting an officer.
FHP took custody of the driver.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno gave the following statement:
“I will not tolerate anyone putting residents of Lee County at risk through actions like this,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “I am incredibly proud of my deputies, detectives, and members of our Aviation Unit for swiftly removing this suspect from our streets. I also want to thank our surrounding law enforcement agencies. It is our great partnership that ensures the safety and order of Southwest Florida."
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When will the Colonial Boulevard and I-75 traffic nightmare end? Not soon enough for many
Mark H. Bickelhttps://www.news-press.com/story/news/2024/12/06/when-will-the-diverging-diamond-interchange-in-fort-myers-be-completed/76760857007/
Social media is full of people sharing their frustrations about the ongoing construction for the Florida Department of Transportation's Diverging Diamond Interchange at Colonial Boulevard and I-75....
Social media is full of people sharing their frustrations about the ongoing construction for the Florida Department of Transportation's Diverging Diamond Interchange at Colonial Boulevard and I-75.
The News-Press published its first story about the massive transportation system project in December of 2020. The headline that we wrote said: "$52.7 million project to improve Colonial Boulevard, I-75 traffic flow."
Four years later and with another season upon us in Southwest Florida, patience is wearing thin for many drivers as far as actually seeing the promised improved traffic flow. It's currently the opposite, which has led the Diverging Diamond Interchange project to become a popular topic in various Facebook groups and other social media apps like NextDoor.
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A recent thread on the NextDoor app had a variety of comments:
Cat. P posted: Whoever dreamed up of what is happening on colonial with this diverging diamond should be fired. It's an absolute disaster.
Ginny Huking posted:It's the project that will never end.
Lynn Knudson posted: Worst design ever. I never go that way any longer. Maybe that is what they were hoping.
Others on the same thread were kinder:
Don Oh posted: There's a lot more to be done before it's finished. Suggest we hold off final decision until then. However, agree, it's a mess now.
Linda Reffner posted: Here's hoping that it will be better when the construction is finished and all of the lanes are open.
Debra Grey posted: Divergent Diamonds have been in use since the 70s. Numbers don't lie ... they work. Like anything new it will take a little time for people to get used to it, but it will ultimately make the intersection faster and safer.
When will the Colonial-I75 Diverging Dimond be completed?
We reached out to FDOT spokesperson Jason Heironimus with some questions, including the one everyone is asking the most: When will the project finally be complete?
Answer: Spring 2025
Probably not the specificity people are looking for since the first day of spring in 2025 is March 20 and the first day of summer is June 20. So, sometime it will happen in that 92 day period.
It also means another winter season of having to deal with a transportation system project that is still developing.
More:Fort Myers diverging diamond interchange now open at I-75 and Colonial Blvd. What to know
Other questions we asked:
More Diverging Diamonds coming to SWFL
FDOT has announced tentative plans for more Diverging Diamond Interchanges along I-75 in the coming years in Lee County and Collier County.
More:Traffic news: FDOT schedules public hearing with details on improving transportation system
Diverging diamond interchanges reduce the number of conflict points where traffic crosses, merges or diverges and have been shown to reduce crashes by 50 percent, FDOT has said.
This type of interchange is also planned at:
The Sears at Edison Mall was bought for $5 million and already has a theme!
Miyoshi Pricehttps://www.fox4now.com/downtown-fort-myers/the-sears-at-edison-mall-was-bought-for-5-million-and-already-has-a-theme
Posted FORT MYERS, FLA. — The buildings that used to house Sears inside the Edison Mall were sold for $5 million dollars.Watch Fort Myers Community Correspondent Miyoshi Price's report of the purchase:"The intent of the ownership group is to put in an Asian-focused food services, multi-concept restaurant, and Asian market in the property," says Gary Tasman. His company, Cushman and Wakefield, partnered with the Hong Kong based investment group to start the plan."The Asian popula...
Posted
FORT MYERS, FLA. — The buildings that used to house Sears inside the Edison Mall were sold for $5 million dollars.
Watch Fort Myers Community Correspondent Miyoshi Price's report of the purchase:
"The intent of the ownership group is to put in an Asian-focused food services, multi-concept restaurant, and Asian market in the property," says Gary Tasman. His company, Cushman and Wakefield, partnered with the Hong Kong based investment group to start the plan.
"The Asian population in Southwest Florida is growing at a faster rate than overall population growth, so the trend for healthy Asian food is a national trend," says Tasman.
On top of the market, Tasman says the new owners will lease out space they're not using to other businesses.
This building has been vacant since 2020. The new owners bought the property in November for $5.8 million.
"I remember when there was no Edison Mall," says Greta Campbell, who was shopping at JCPenney for the holidays. Campbell says brick-and-mortar stores are dying out.
She hopes there's a way to breathe new life into her mall.
"What's needed is something that's going to attract people that online stores don't offer," says Campbell. "So it has to be different."
"The saying is, you build it, and they'll come," says Campbell. "Well, if they bring something different and affordable, they will come."
I contacted the Economic Director for the City of Fort Myers, who commented on the new project: "We, the city, look forward to seeing new investment capital, new development, and new jobs being created at the site."
"My expectation is that, over the next five or 10 years, this section of Cleveland Avenue, let's say from Colonial Boulevard north to downtown, will be one of the hottest redevelopment sub-markets and quarters in Southwest Florida," said the new owner.
Tasman does not share all of the details about the Asian-themed experience. Still, he says that architects are drawing out the plans, and he will be working on leasing the excess spaces for similar or compatible property uses.
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