Pine Island, Florida – Days after Hurricane Ian hit Florida, people are still stranded in the hardest-hit areas. This includes Pine Island, a small island near the state’s southwest coast. Ian knocked out the community’s only bridge to the mainland.
Fox News joined the Florida National Guard on a helicopter flight to the island. Your primary mission is to deliver supplies to the immediate vicinity of Fort Myers.
When a hurricane hits, many people are at home and have no way to get out, so they rely on the help of flights like this.
“The main reason I joined the National Guard was because I saw soldiers on duty during Hurricane Charlie,” said Warrant Officer Freddie Hogan, who grew up in the area.
Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief: How to Donate as Death toll Rise
Hogan and his crew filled the helicopter with food and water. On their way to the island, they flew over Florida’s beaches, looking for dead and living people who needed to be rehabilitated along the destroyed coast.
“It was pretty destroyed by the hurricane, and it’s hard to see,” Hogan said.
Pine Island looks desolate from the air, but it’s home to many people like Bob Collin.
“We rely on people living on the islands to transport us back and forth, or to transport us in private boats,” Colin said.
Hurricane Ian hits ‘millions’ in Florida lawn and garden businesses
The National Guard has no idea how many people are on the island.
As the soldiers unloaded supplies, we asked Colin why he chose to stay.
“Because it’s their home and they don’t have anywhere to go or funds to travel to stay in a motel or apartment,” he said.
Hurricane Ian slams Florida as school to act as shelter: ‘Ready to take in anyone with open arms,’ says teacher
Colin said people stay still because they fear their property will be looted. Locals appreciate the help but said they needed more help.
“It’s nice that they bring food, water and emergency supplies, but we need to fix the roads to the island so we can drive in,” Colin said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The crew remained on the ground for approximately 15 minutes before returning to Fort Myers.
Governor Ron DeSantis said the bridge will be rebuilt by Saturday. Until then, there will be several resupply missions per day. The US Coast Guard also evacuated some people by boat.
The Florida National Guard is supported by PrivateSky Aviation, located next to Southwest Florida International Airport.