Fort Myers Beach

Imagine the surprise felt by sea turtle lovers when the number of egg-filled clutches laid on Southwest Florida beaches during last summer’s nesting season totaled a normal year despite shorelines transformed by Hurricane Ian.Even better: The mommas kept coming.Female sea turtles often return to the beach of their birth to nest every three years or so, which made understandable the fears of the large and active cadre of turtle volunteers that Category 5 Ian in September 2022 had rendered nesting beaches so unrecognizable the females would be lost, search aimlessly, then dump their eggs at sea.

One of the oldest places of worship on Fort Myers Beach, the Chapel by the Sea, damaged by Hurricane Ian beyond repair, began to be demolished Wednesday.Hurricane Ian brought in 11 feet of storm surge into the church and destroyed everything in its path. The surge washed through the sanctuary and the fellowship hall, known as Silver Hall, and the connecting patio.

After years of delays and debates, the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Fort Myers Beach opened last week with a promise of driving economic recovery in a town still hurting from the devastation of Hurricane Ian.The 254-room resort with a coastal cool vibe inspired by the late Jimmy Buffett opened for stays Monday after a locals-only weekend.

Non-slip wheelchair beach access mats (Mobi-Mats) have been re-installed at four of the busiest beach accesses on the North end of Estero Island.

Southwest Florida Business Today Publisher Karen Moore talked with Lee County Economic Development Director John Talmage, who shared current information regarding post Hurricane Ian tourism impact and overall jobs recovery in Lee County.

Boating enthusiasts seeking to obtain the state boating safety certificate are encouraged to enroll in a one-day responsible boating class on the third Saturday of the month, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The course is held at the Pine Ridge Community Center, located at 15699 Pine Ridge Rd. in the Iona area of Fort Myers, next to the Iona McGregor Fire Station and across from the tax collector’s office. Completion of the course will make participants eligible for the state boating certificate.

The 35th Annual Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Christmas Boat Parade took to the waters to kick off the holiday season after having to cancel last year due to Hurricane Ian.

A second lively mural, this one along a wall from the soon-to-open Margaritaville Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach, is helping to paint a brighter look to the town as it rebuilds from the damage caused by Hurricane Ian.

Fort Myers Beach community members and strategic partners attended a planning meeting held by town officials and the FEMA Community Assistance Team.

LeeTran’s free, seasonal downtown trolleys will resume service on November 16, 2023.