As the City of Bonita Springs gears up for the 2025 hurricane season, officials are urging residents to prepare now to ensure safety and readiness. During a recent city council meeting, leaders highlighted the importance of having a family emergency plan and an updated emergency supply kit.

City officials reflected on the lessons learned from past hurricane seasons, particularly following Hurricane Ian, and emphasized the need for continuous improvement in emergency response processes. They reported that an inter-agency briefing held on June 2 brought together around 400 stakeholders to review current policies and procedures, with a focus on small but significant enhancements for the upcoming season.

Residents are encouraged to take three critical steps: First, create or refresh a family emergency plan, including important documents and evacuation routes. Second, know your evacuation zone and the construction standards of your home, especially if it was built after 2002, to determine if it can withstand storms. Lastly, be ready to act quickly when evacuation orders are issued, as many residents often wait too long to prepare.

City officials stressed that while public shelters are available, staying with friends or family outside evacuation zones is often more comfortable. They urged community members to discuss these plans ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.

With the hurricane season officially underway, Bonita Springs leaders are committed to ensuring that residents are informed and prepared for any potential storms.