HURRICANE WILMA:

Late-Season Blow

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA -- Hurricane Wilma took a $180-million swipe at the state's citrus growers when it tore through southwest Florida in late October. Florida Citrus Mutual reported that up to 17% of the fruit crop in those areas, including Collier and Hendry counties, was potentially destroyed by Wilma, which caused power outages throughout the region. Risk modeling company Eqecat estimates that Collier County will account for 10% to 15% of total losses and Lee will bear 5% to 10% of the loss estimates.
In Collier County: Among the hardest hit areas in the county were Chokoloskee, Everglades City and Immokalee, where flooded fields put hundreds of farm workers out of work. President Bush granted individual federal disaster aid assistance to residents and business owners in Collier and Lee counties.
In Lee County: Lee also sustained considerable damage. Government officials estimate about $2.5 million to $3 million in damage to county facilities, traffic signals and street signs.
Other Southwest Counties: Additional federal funds were authorized for state and local governments and certain private non-profit groups to pay 75% of the eligible costs for restoring damaged facilities in Charlotte, Collier, De Soto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, and Sarasota counties.