The island's link to the mainland was severed by breaches to Sanibel's causeway bridge, further complicating recovery efforts, Souza said.Florida accounted for the overwhelming majority of confirmed storm-related deaths, with 35 tallied by the Lee County sheriff's office and 11 others reported by state officials in four neighboring counties.City officials were aware of nearly 300 households of people who failed to leave the island as the storm approached and whose whereabouts and well-being were now being checked, he said.Robert Hartman, 81, a 50-year-resident of Fort Myers, said government help was crucial to get residents back on their feet.Read more:Maps-Hurricane Ian batters the Gulf CoastDrone video shows boats washed ashore in Hurricane Ian's wakeA Florida town rebuilt after one hurricane endures anotherHurricane hunter says Ian's eyewall flight was 'worst I've ever been on'How hurricanes cause dangerous, destructive storm surgesRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles."