The money comes from a Community Change Grant, designed to improve community resilience, particularly in disadvantaged areas, during natural disasters. This aligns with 12 initiatives in the ResilientLee plan, a program that was coordinated by the Collaboratory and Lee County after Hurricane Ian.

Four locations in Fort Myers will be turned into community resilience hubs: Franklin Park Elementary School, Pine Manor Community Center, IMAG History & Science Center, and Collaboratory. These places will keep emergency supplies and information during severe weather events.

They’ll also be making improvements to stormwater and infrastructure at Ten Mile Canal.

A number of local organizations are working together on this project, including the School District of Lee County, the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, The Pine Manor Improvement Association, the IMAG History and Science Center, the American Red Cross, and the City of Fort Myers.

These partnerships and the funding are essential steps toward building a more resilient Lee County.