Last week, Hurricane Ian struck Florida as a Category 4 storm, causing significant destruction in Cayo Costa. Fort Myers Beach has been ravaged, Sanibel Island residents are stranded, and Central Florida is dealing with severe flooding and wind damage. Ian is now tied as the fifth-largest storm in U.S. history.
Many parts of Florida are open for business, but the hardest-hit areas are requesting a pause as they work towards recovery; some may need extra time to fully restore services. Many homes and businesses are still without power in affected regions.
On September 30, the Fort Myers tourism board took to Twitter, urging travelers to defer their visits: “Hurricane Ian has devastated many of our islands, beaches, and neighborhoods. To our visitors, please refrain from entering the region until further notice.”
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), serving the Fort Myers area, announced it will reopen with a limited schedule on October 5.
Meanwhile, Miami International Airport (MIA), Tampa International Airport (TPA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Key West International Airport (EYW) are fully operational.
Orlando theme parks remain active, with some adjusting their schedules. SeaWorld Orlando is open, featuring “Howl-O-Scream” from 7 p.m. to midnight. Aquatica Orlando operates from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Discovery Cove welcomes visitors from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All Disney theme parks, except Blizzard Beach, are open, including Typhoon Lagoon water park.
In Tampa, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with “Howl-O-Scream” running from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Adventure Island is open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Key West experienced the most damage in the island chain, primarily from storm surges and fallen trees, according to the tourism authority.
“The major infrastructure in the Florida Keys and Key West remains intact across the 125-mile island chain,” the statement said. “Traffic is flowing like usual along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, including all 42 bridges.”
Several Florida cruise ports were also closed due to Ian, including Port Canaveral near Orlando, JAXPort in Jacksonville, and Port Tampa Bay. As of October 3, 2022, all have reopened and resumed normal operations.
Anyone traveling to the areas significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian should regularly check the status of their flights, cruises, and destinations before setting out.
