Lee County reports finds 45 residences damaged by Irma

LEESBURG — Lee County officials say it will take another week or so to finish cleaning up from tropical storm Irma.

According to a report released on Thursday, there were 45 residential structures in the county that sustained some sort of damage from the Sept. 11 storm.

Wesley Wells, interim public safety director, said the published findings are a “preliminary” overview.

“We are still getting a few calls and realize most of the minor damage goes unreported,” Wells said.

While Lee County homeowners are making their own repairs and doing their own cleanup, Wells said that county work crews have stayed busy clearing roads and responding to reports of major damage.

The structural damage breakdown in Lee County includes: 19 houses that were slightly affected — loose or missing shingles or siding, etc.; 19 houses with minor damage — broken windows, trees leaning against it, small holes in roof, etc., and seven homes with major damage — trees fell through the roof and/or walls of the structure, making the homes uninhabitable.

The seven structures with major damage included of one multi-family triplex, three mobile homes and three single-family residences. There were three business structures that were slightly affected, with problems such as a sign blown over or roofing blown loose.

During the storm, 21 streets in Lee County were blocked by downed trees. Blocked roads included State highways 377, 118, and 32, which had five blockages. Lee County’s Public Works, Sheriff’s Office and Public Safety, and the National Guard worked to clear them, officials said.

In a final analysis, Wells said, “Many preparations were put in place and we were fortunate. The county employees worked hard to minimize the effects on the community.”

County Co-Manager Mike Sistrunk said three trucks and work crews were still out cleaning up and clearing storm debris. Residents can also take advantage of not having tipping fees at the county landfill through Oct. 1 for storm debris they clean up and bring to the facility, officials said.