The devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian, when it smashed headlong into Fort Myers Beach on September 28, 2022, was brightened a bit in the following months by creative community members. Volunteers gathered on weekends in winter 2023 to hand-paint street signs — essential way-finders after the hurricane destroyed every street sign and stoplight on the island. Being lost and disoriented on the island gave way to delight thanks to these colorful signs.

The Estero Island Historic Society has collected as many of these unique street signs as we could find. EIHS Board members have cleaned them and will provide a protective coating for each sign before we display them around the EIHS historic cottage. These are symbols of hope, beauty and community spirit that no hurricane could destroy.