All Images Courtesy of Corresponding Business Owners
ย Fort Myers Beach was forever changed by Hurricane Ian, a near Category 5 hurricane that submerged the island with a 15-20 ft storm surge. Homes and businesses were destroyed, leaving many displaced while they navigated their future. Just two years later, Hurricane Milton made landfall and caused even more devestation. Now, the island is ready to move forward. Many business owners have received apprval to build back better than ever with designs that can withstand extreme weather.
Red Coconut Redevelopment
This unnamed project was approved by the Town Council last April, after the Local Planning Agency, LPA, recommended against it. The development has faced some controversy for its proposed deviations, including a huge height deviation for two 17-story condo buildings. Plans for the site also include a beach club, public beach access, and a public restaurant. The project is currently in its final design phase and is expected to take roughly two years to complete after breaking ground.
The Whaleย
The Whale, which stood next to 7/11 near the Lani Kai, broke ground on their new design a year ago. The new building features three stories, with a rooftop bar that overlooks the Gulf. The Whale is expected to open later this summer. If you can’t wait to get your fix of some of your favorites, Sandy Bottoms Bar and Grill will be serving up some of the Whales’ most-loved dishes every Saturday.
The Salty Crab
One of our former favorites, The Salty Crab, just received Local Planning Agency (LPA) approval for its new design, which would be built next to Margaritaville. The design will now go before the Town Council for two public hearings. Salty Crab owner Greg Powers hopes to be built and open by the Winter of 2026.
The Arches
Moss Marina is one step closer to a major redevelopment after the town council approved plans for The Arches. This 5-acre development will feature three resort structures with 263 hotel rooms long list of public amenities. Plans include a Bayfront promenade with shopping and dining, a water taxi, a splash pad, and an upgraded marina.
The Freeland Group, who owns the property, will go before the Town Council for its second hearing on June 2nd. The project is expected to be approved, though construction will not begin for a few years.
La Ola Surfside
La Ola Surfside’s Times Square Location was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Since then, they opened a new location in Bell Tower Shops and reopened a food truck/bar in Times Square.ย Earlier this month, La Ola released renderings for their Times Square rebuild, which features an expansive, elevated dining area.
Access 26 Food Truck Park
This proposed food truck park received LPA approval last month. Owners of the property, Debbie & Jamie Hotka, have big plans for this now vacant lot on the corner of Estero Boulevard and Chapel Street.
Access 26, named after the closest beach access, would include 5 food truck pads, outdoor seating, public bathrooms with showers, and a two-floor structure with an indoor bar. The project will now go before the Town Council for approval.
The Fort Myers Beach Pier
The new Fort Myers Beach pier will be 50% wider and 1,000 ft long. The design phase of the pier is nearly complete, and the permitting process has begun. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 and will take about a year to complete.
Times Square Resort
Terry Persaud has pitched a new hotel for his vacant lot on the beach in Times Square that is currently being used as a parking lot. The design was recently brought before the LPA where it was emphatically and unanimously rejected. Persaud revised the design to decrease the number of stories and rooms and will present the design to the Town Council this Monday.
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