‘Heartbeat Of Hurricane Ian Recovery’: Fort Myers Heroes Ed And Kim Ryan

FORT MYERS BEACH, FL — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Patti Salinas who nominated Ed and Kim Ryan of Beach Talk Radio in the Fort Myers Beach area.

Local hero’s full name

Ed and Kim Ryan

Local hero’s home state

Florida

Local hero’s Patch

Fort Myers

How do you know the local hero?

They are Beach Talk Radio on Facebook.

What does the local hero do?

Kim and Ed, on a complete volunteer basis have provided local, accurate, information regarding Hurricane Ian to the residents of Fort Myers Beach before, during and after the hurricane. They broadcasted live from their own home in the beginning when internet and electric were limited. They started a donation center for all type of relief items. They accepted donations at their home (and) started (collecting donations on) Venmo and PayPal using their private phone number. Before any emergency services were available, Kim went shopping with donated money to purchase water and cleaning supplies. They have been the primary source of information to residents about Ian. They were instrumental. Move forward four weeks after Ian. In partnership with Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club the donations from their Venmo and PayPal is $65,000 with the hopes of every displaced food service worker receiving a $500 gift card. (They) also coordinated a Youtuber celebrity donating several travel trailers to displaced families. Ed has a live show every day at 6 p.m. with a guest providing info from property assessment to FEMA help to how to dry out the wood frame of your house after (it’s) gutted. They are selling t-shirts with 100 (percent of the) proceeds going back to Fort Myers Beach. They have dedicated their lives to Beach Talk Radio on Facebook to provide info to the residents. They take hurricane aid questions and reply with answers. They are a godsend. We heard very little to nothing from local town leadership. Beach Talk Radio is the heartbeat of Hurricane Ian recovery information for residents of Fort Myers Beach.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Beach Talk Radio provided life saving information before, during and continuing hurricane Ian. Where to get food, water and clothes.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

They have touched so many and helped so many affected by Hurricane Ian. They provided lifesaving information before, during and after.

Thank you for all you do, Ed and Kim Ryan!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.