IONA
Months have passed since Hurricane Ian, and yet the Davis Woods apartment complex in Iona continues to go without power.
While the second-floor units are livable but on Sept. 28, Hurricane Ian plunged the condos into the dark, and they haven’t recovered since. And the situation has reached a point where people have lost patience and want answers.
A generator a resident at the Davis Woods apartments uses. CREDIT: WINK News
On Tuesday, WINK News spoke with FPL about the situation and what it would take to get the power back on. They responded with Lee County needing to complete inspections.
The county told WINK News management needs to schedule those inspections. In short, red tape is holding up progress. But that’s not the case anymore.
Jodi Wampfler, a resident in the Davis Woods complex, said she has felt powerless the past few months living without power.
“I would have never thought a place could go without power for this long,” Wampfler said.
After WINK News made a few calls and began asking questions, management at the Davis Woods condos got to work.
The Davis Woods apartments. CREDIT: WINK News
Neighbors said they got an email on Wednesday detailing what’s happening to get the power back on for everyone.
“We’ve seen emails flowing, and we get an update from our management companies stating all of this is taking place. So we’re hopeful that the balls rolling now,” Wampfler said.
Wampfler explained that in addition to the lack of power, there had been break-ins in the community. So, Wampfler and WINK News reached out to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to notify them.
“It’s just not well-lit and safe for anyone to be here really without power,” Wampfler said.
Management’s email said LCSO asked Lee County to prioritize the complex’s electrical permits in an effort to light up the property and make it safer. The sheriff’s office also sent a deputy to keep a watchful eye over the condos.
“They felt comforted to have him come over and personally introduce himself that they’re going to have a more presence here,” Wampfler said.
Lee County said the inspections necessary to turn the power back on are done. That means FPL can come out and restore power.
Wampfler said she would sleep better knowing the lack of power nightmare is nearly over.
“I think it’s really good action now. And hopefully, next week, we’ll be seeing a different community here,” Wampfler said.
There is still a lot of work to be done, but neighbors suddenly feel confident they see workers around and a positive shift in momentum.
WINK News reached out to FPL to find out how soon the power could come back on, and when we get an answer, we will let you know.
WINK NEWS