Some Southwest Florida residents got a first glimpse on Thursday of the destruction that Hurricane caused to their homes and communities. Residents arrived by boat to Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island. These mostly small chartered motorboats were the only way in, as portions of the Sanibel and Pine Island causeways, the only roads from the mainland, were swept away by the storm. The storm surge from Hurricane Ian was 12 feet and winds roared at 150mph. Thousands of workers race to repair power grids, while over 215,000 Floridians are still without power. Homes on Pine Island have been reduced to rubble and entire neighborhoods are covered with downed power lines and debris. Some estimates calculate the damage at $55 billion, with the federal government pledging on Thursday to support the recovery and rebuilding effort however long it takes. President Joe Biden traveled to Fort Myers on Thursday and highlighted the collaboration between federal and state agencies. After meeting residents, relief workers, and small businesses, he emphasized his commitment, vowing that “after the television cameras have moved on, we’re still going to be here with you.” Read more here