Hurricane

What is Matlacha? Florida town devastated by Ian a world apart from what you’d expect

The pint-size town of Matlacha is noted for the vivid splashes of color that enliven the exteriors of its numerous art galleries, seafood restaurants, shops, bars and private residences.
The pint-size town of Matlacha is noted for the vivid splashes of color that enliven the exteriors of its numerous art galleries, seafood restaurants, shops, bars and private residences. Miami Herald File

Matlacha is in old Florida town off Fort Myers. Hurricane Ian heavily damaged the community of colorful cottages and boutiques.

Here’s what to know about Matlacha:

Population: 850

Pronunciation: MAT-le-shay

Location: Lee County, Florida

Nearby cities: Cape Coral and Fort Myers

Passions: Fishing, Art

Known for: Bright colorful buildings

Read more: Ian leaves destruction, and death, in Matlacha. Colorful village flattened, isolated

Photos: What does an old Florida village look like after Hurricane Ian? You won’t recognize it

Map:

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Jeff Kleinman
Miami Herald
305-376-3561
Consumer Team Editor Jeff Kleinman oversees coverage for health, shopping, real estate, tourism and recalls/scams/fraud.
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