Fort Myers father works to clear path for FPL workers

FORT MYERS, Fla. Josh Gibson has spent nearly 80 hours working in his back yard since Hurricane Irma struck Southwest Florida.

In hopes of speeding up the power restoration process, Gibson has been chopping up wood and raking leaves to clear a path for Florida Power and Light workers.

A massive tree is laying on one of the power poles in Gibson’s yard and wires are tangled between branches.

“Personally I don’t think I should have to this because it’s not my job,” Gibson said. “I did it to try to help them [FPL workers] and they said ‘oh yeah, that’ll help,’ but it hasn’t helped yet. They’re not out here doing anything.”

Gibson’s wife and six-year-old daughter are staying in Bradenton until power is restored in their home on Royal Palm Avenue.

“My wife is a type 1 diabetic so that makes it even harder because she gotta keep her insulin cold. It’s hard, no power makes it a lot harder for her to be down here,” Gibson said.

FPL urges homeowners not to touch power equipment, the company said. A vegetation management crew accompanies FPL to cut down trees.

Gibson was told his power would be restored by Sept. 21.