Sarasota man brings in supplies by boat to Pine Island after Hurricane Ian
A man in Sarasota has made it his mission to bring supplies to those in need of help after Hurricane Ian. He's brought more than $30,000 worth of supplies so far – all by boat.
Richard Dear loads up his trailer in Sarasota and heads South to the Burnt Store Boat Ramp in Cape Coral. Once there, he gets onto a boat and hauls everything from toiletries, oil, generators and tarps.
Just Thursday, he brought over $10,000 worth of supplies, and Dear said it's all donated with everyone lending a hand.
Right now, Dear said his biggest focus is getting tarps on roofs. Places like St. James City and Matlacha still have no electricity or internet, leaving residents with no way to apply for federal programs that would help.
Dear created a GoFundMe for anyone who would like to help: