Nearly four years after Hurricane Ian forever changed Fort Myers Beach, another major piece of the island’s future is officially taking shape.

Construction has begun on the Sunset Beach Resort, a new mixed-use beachfront development that will replace the former Sunset Beach Tropical Grill and Playmore Tiki Bar at the southern edge of Times Square. The groundbreaking represents another visible step in the ongoing transformation of Fort Myers Beach, where vacant lots left by the hurricane are gradually giving way to new businesses, hotels and gathering spaces.

Located at 1046 Estero Boulevard, the project is being developed by local property owner Terry Persaud, whose longtime beachfront businesses were destroyed during Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Rather than simply rebuilding what once stood there, the new development is designed to create a destination that blends lodging, dining, entertainment and public gathering space into one beachfront property.

What is planned?

Current plans call for a three-story, approximately 41,000-square-foot mixed-use development featuring:

• Six boutique hotel guest suites
• Restaurants and bars
• Retail and service spaces
• Office space
• A rooftop bar
• Resort-style pool and pool bar
• Live entertainment areas

The development will occupy one of the most recognizable corners of Times Square, directly across from Crescent Beach Family Park, where thousands of visitors begin their Fort Myers Beach experience each year.

Another sign of Fort Myers Beach’s comeback

For longtime visitors, the site carries plenty of memories.

Before Hurricane Ian, Sunset Beach Tropical Grill and Playmore Tiki Bar were popular beachfront gathering spots known for live music, food and sunsets overlooking the Gulf.

Today, construction equipment has replaced what had remained an empty lot since the storm, signaling another chapter in Fort Myers Beach’s rebuilding effort.

Persaud has said the goal is to help restore the energy and atmosphere that made Times Square one of Southwest Florida’s most beloved destinations while creating a modern resort that fits within current development standards.

Construction timeline

Benchmark General Contractors is overseeing construction of the estimated $13 million project.

If construction proceeds as planned, work is expected to take roughly 18 months, with the Sunset Beach Resort targeting an opening in early 2028.

Times Square continues to evolve

The groundbreaking comes during an active period of redevelopment across Fort Myers Beach.

From the reconstruction of public infrastructure and the future Fort Myers Beach Pier to new hotels, restaurants and commercial projects, much of the island continues to rebuild after Hurricane Ian.

While many longtime residents hope redevelopment preserves the character that made Fort Myers Beach unique, projects like Sunset Beach Resort represent the continued investment helping bring visitors, businesses and economic activity back to the island.

With construction now underway, another highly visible vacant property is one step closer to becoming part of Fort Myers Beach’s next generation.