FORT MYERS BEACH
The developers of the Margaritaville Resort in Fort Myers Beach are holding a topping-off ceremony Friday morning as they put the last beam on top of the $200 million project.
This milestone for Margaritaville also marks a significant move toward recovery in Fort Myers Beach in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian’s pummeling. It’s been a 3 1/2-month journey for locals, from thousands of pounds of debris being picked up to the first FEMA trailer being delivered, numerous visits from the state, city and county officials working together to rebuild this town, and the beach finally reopening. Ian wiped out many memories for people on Fort Myers Beach, but throughout the recovery, people have told WINK News, “We will rebuild.”
There were people excited about Margaritaville since long before the last hurricane season, but now there’s added weight to updates on the resort’s progress.
“I think everybody’s just ready,” said Fort Myers Beach resident Brenda Schmidt. “I mean, it’s been really hard on everybody and they’re glad to see all the progress that’s being made.”
“We haven’t been back at all, so I am excited to see what’s open and walk around and see what’s left, really,” said Cape Coral resident Christina Rudow.
The Margaritaville topping-off ceremony is expected to begin around 9 a.m. Fort Myers Beach and Lee County will also use the opportunity to recognize and celebrate businesses that have reopened since Ian or plan to reopen soon.
WINK NEWS