(FORT MYERS, Florida)– Governor Ron DeSantis visited Fort Myers to announce updates about the recovery effort in areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ian.

Officials stood with Gov. DeSantis to announce that residents are able to return to Fort Myers Beach.

Most residents of Fort Myers Beach were evacuated when Hurricane Ian approached the area at the end of September.

“And so as of 7 am This morning, the first group of residents did return to the island. More will be coming throughout the day. But this is their home, and we want to make sure that that they’re here,” Gov. DeSantis said.

Access to Fort Myers Beach was given to residents, property and business owners, and insurance adjusters, however, anyone returning to the island must bring ID or proof of residency to be allowed access.

Those returning to Fort Myers Beach are warned that broken glass, crushed concrete, and sharp metal litter the island, which has no power and no running water.

“We’re working hard on the causeway that will be done and I think probably ahead of schedule in terms of what most people would have been able to accomplish,” Gov. DeSantis said. “You know, there’s some parts of this country would take six months of bureaucracy to even start laying any dirt down. So we get we cut through that and get the stuff going.”

The Florida Department of Transportation is working to repair the Sanibel Causeway to allow for better access to the island.

A 7 p.m. curfew remains in effect for civilians returning to Fort Myers Beach.