At least 40 people have so far been reported dead in connection with Hurricane Ian.
President Joe Biden described the storm as "the deadliest in Florida history" as it swept across the state earlier this week.
When hurricanes Irma (2017) and Charley (2004) ravaged the Florida coast, bars and restaurants on the tourist-heavy beach in Fort Myers survived.
After Friday's heavy visit by storm Ian, the beach restaurants are completely destroyed, the New York Times writes.
Buildings have been dragged from the shoreline next to destroyed houses, two days after Hurricane Ian.
Photo: Rebecca Blackwell/AP
Two days after Hurricane Ian swept away homes and buildings in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
Photo: Rebecca Blackwell/AP
Before the hurricane, the couple bought a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the decision to move to Fort Myers Beach after visiting the area for 18 years.
When they were seen again after the storm, the champagne was still unscathed.
Photo: Rebecca Blackwell/AP
The artwork made by the daughter was the only thing that made it out of John Quigly's home in Fort Myers Beach.
Photo: Rebecca Blackwell/AP
Boats lie on bare ground after Storm Ian washed away the harbor on San Carlos Island in Fort Myers Beach.
Photo: Rebecca Blackwell/AP
People try to clean up among planks and debris left behind after Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers Beach.
Photo: Giorgio Viera/AP
The bridge from Fort Myers Beach has collapsed and is the only connection to Sanibel Island.
Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP
People were evacuated from Sanibel Island after the devastation of Hurricane Ian.
Photo: Steve Helber/AP
Record number of visitors
The places, which together have close to 12,000 inhabitants, have previously been filled with activities and life around the sea.
Tourism has had a major impact on the local economy.
In March, a record 435,000 of Southwest Florida tourism visited Fort Myers Beach and 330,000 stopped on Sanibel Island, according to data from The Southwest Florida International Airport.