SOUTH FORT MYERS, Fla. Severe traffic congestion temporarily shut down lines for the Food For Florida event on Daniels Parkway, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
But lines eased after Tuesday morning rush hour as thousands of residents living in Lee and Collier counties descended on the site for disaster assistance, which is open for for its final day.
Stop-and-go traffic remains on Chamberlin Parkway near the site at the Lee County Port Authority overflow parking lot at Southwest Florida International Airport. Earlier, traffic was backed up onto Daniels Parkway and even Interstate 75.
People in those backups were turned away and told to come back later, while those who had already advanced to Chamberlin Parkway were allowed to continue.
Food for Florida is open until 6 p.m., barring another temporary closure. Eligible participants should bring their license or government-issued ID and Social Security number to the site.
The program provides food stamp-style financial aid for those who suffered hardship because of Hurricane Irma. The site has been open since last week, serving eligible participants by last name. Tuesday was reserved as a makeup day.
Other sites are open throughout Florida, but only for residents of the assigned counties, as detailed here.
MORE: First Food for Florida disaster assistance site opens in SWFL