What we know, In the Know:Is Indiana emerging as more desirable than Southwest Florida? shoutout, Community remembers Fort Myers Chief Derrick Diggs at Fort Myers memorial service, CenturyLink has left Estero residents without phone or internet for over 3 months, Fort Myers High School hosts annual Unified Basketball Game. Anything else youd like to share? Ive been vacationing at Ft. Myers Beach for the past 13 years. Absolutely, I would also like to know what are they going to donate if any to bring our beach back to what it once was?? This might be great for Jimmys wallet but it definitely was not needed on a beach that is a two-lane road already congested with people going to the beach normally. The first 60 seconds of the video show the destruction in the Times Square area, with Margaritaville being the V-shaped cement structure appearing on the far-right side a few seconds into the video. Watch a time lapse video of the bridge getting placed, Pedestrian bridge connects Margaritaville properties over Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach, Margaritaville on Fort Myers Beach taking shape including pedestrian overpass. And looking to the future when Margaritaville will bring back more tourists later this year. Want to put covenants on your own property so a Margaritaville type development cant be built on it? A new one, activated by commercial development in quality and taste equivalent to Mercato. Torgerson Joins BTR Tomorrow February 5, 2021 1 Thats from sea level.. Where are the workers going to stay? The average family cant afford to stay at JB resorts and hotel. needs In the past, drivershave often stopped to let those on footpass across. corridor explodes: 24chains, diners, apartments, more coming, Most expensive home in Naples history sells for $62M, shatters record, 'Astounding numbers' putSWFL on top nationally for rent increases, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I believe it wouldnt Have mattered anyway because that was bought and paid for somehow or another..look at who is in charge of your councilmaybe an Audit is in order . Located about 225 feet south of the border of the Margaritaville project due for completion late this year, the now-mangled hodgepodge of two dozen hotel rooms and cottages last sold for $1.1. NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! Were in real good shape. I loved FMB and I am now devastated. When there is nothing else there. The atmosphere of Times Sq. It just demonstrates human ingenuity, resolve creativity, said David Cezario, VP & opening general manager for Margaritaville. There is responsibility that goes with that, we must be a beacon providing confidence and hope in the new future of FMB. Nearby homes similar to 900 San Carlos Dr have recently sold between $240K to $1M at an average of $485 per square foot. As construction on Margaritaville pushes on, so does the message of remaining Fort Myers Beach strong, according to Holzapfel. He said that affordable housing could possibly replace retail areas like the Sanibel Outlets. Listing details information provided by J Alex King. Maybe this is a sign that this resort does not need to be built. FWC weighs in. High temperatures will reach the 80s under partly cloudy skies. If only you could give the old feel. Fort Myers Beachs environmental services, along with FDEP, [], If you thought February was warm across southwest Florida, well you were right! A fish kill is filling up the water in Southwest Florida. In 2015, TPI became 100% employee-owned after the TPI Hospitality Employee Stock Ownership Plan it formed, known as an ESOP, acquired 100% of its stock for $10 million. High humidity may make several of these spots feel like the 90s during peak heating. The four-story resort will require 281,000 square feet of new construction and include 254 units. That would solve the problem. It's been a long 6 year odyssey for TPI developers, but their hope is to put shovels in the ground in May or June and if all goes according to plan, Margaritaville could be open in a little over two years. It's really, really sad. TPI is also lobbying hard to retain the FMB Beach Elementary School on island. agree! Pedestrian bridge connecting Margaritaville properties on Fort Myers Beach placed, Pedestrian bridge connecting Margaritaville properties on Fort Myers Beach placed. I'll try and post these updates about once a month so you can see the progress. Like $18. There was a report that a second Margaritaville resort was being built on Lofton's Island, but that later proved to be false. We had 14 years of nothing happening in Times Square and then TPI comes along and they had a plan., They have really done a really outstanding job getting everything cleaned up and back into reconstruction,, Sheetrock is going in as we speak, plumbing, electric, you name it., I am here to tell you, profoundly, that we dont know,, The good news is everyone knows supply chain is an issue across the country. We are so devastated seeing what hurricane Ian left behind. The proposed class action raises questions about dealings tied to TPI Hospitality Co-CEO Tom Torgerson, who has been the force behind the complex due to debut by the end of the year that was delayed by Hurricane Ian. PublishedFebruary 20, 2023 at 8:12 AM EST, land use plan from the Town of Fort Myers Beach, Some California mountain residents could be snowed in for another week, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' actor, has died at 61, He visited Disneyland 2,995 days in a row. It's now a Guinness World Record, Collier County issues burn ban; Fire fought on Wilson Boulevard. And it's essential because it will cast the die for how the island will go forward and where those things will happen", he said. As to Margaritaville, we are fortunate to be right at the base of the bridge upon arrival to FMB. to Mantanzas Pass bridge, there were seventeen mobile home parks. Also attached are aerial photographs taken today of Margaritaville Resort Fort Myers Beach. Sad, that place is going to chase people away from what was a great beach vaca. Wont happen Sue, the FMB we knew is gone. I think everybodys just ready, said Fort Myers Beach resident Brenda Schmidt. In a separate deal, across the street from about where Margaritaville's lobby is slated, the house of Torgerson's daughter just closed and sold for $4.2 million. Right now, reality is the vacant buildings and empty lots on the north end of Fort Myers Beach where the Margaritaville Resort is supposed to go. He has the means to do it, and it would be a good investment as nobody is going to want to come down there for one hotel when everything else is leveled. View the Survey and Site Plan. Read the latest news. A SWFL Margaritaville mystery comes to light. And that will also bring options to the beach. corridor explodes: 24chains, diners, apartments, more coming, Recently: Most expensive home in Naples history sells for $62M, shatters record, Plus: 'Astounding numbers' putSWFL on top nationally for rent increases. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. On Friday, the Margaritaville Resort on Fort Myers Beach was one step closer to opening. And, of course, there's spring training baseball. Margaritaville moving along By Nathan Mayberg - Editor | May 24, 2022 According to DeAngelis Diamond, the contractor overseeing the construction of the Margaritaville resort on Fort Myers Beach, the project is on the third floor of building. Property Flyers. Real estate: New Lee County home deals soar while Collier, other areas sinking big. Read the full article in the latest edition of Southwest Florida Business today. I hope not. We would have loved to open alongside the many businesses that previously existed, however, their absence will not deter people from wanting to come to the resort. There are other places though, but I certainly wouldnt post them on the internet. Margaritaville on Fort Myers Beach taking shape including pedestrian overpass July 11, 2022, 5:00 AM Margaritaville on Fort Myers Beach taking shape including pedestrian overpass.. Can we fix it? One of the most devastating storms ever to hit the state of Florida has caused unimaginable damage to both Naples, home to TPIs Staybridge Suites, and Fort Myers Beach, home to TPIs soon-to-be Margaritaville. Can we fix it? I have worked all over the country and when new projects get introduced anywhere, people talk about the impact, said Cesario. Property values have grown post Ian, which is a very good indicator in the confidence of our recovery and future. PRIDE Cape Coral 2023 kicks off Friday, celebrating inclusion and love in the citys LGBTQ+ community. If I was part of Fort Myers Beach youd bet youre bottom dollar I would have raised heck at that council everyday to stop that going through!! When are they ready? No one on FMB was spared from Ian. After seeing the monstrosity of what was going in as Margaritaville, my friends and I have decided to vacation somewhere else. Add to that the many experience amenities that are encompassed into our Margaritaville Resort, make it an inclusive experience destination resort. We will rebuild . ft. house located at 574 Estero Blvd, FORT MYERS BEACH, FL 33931 sold for $2,200,000 on Mar 2, 2023. I don't think I would have seen that in my lifetime," said Togerson. I totally agree And really wonder how in Gods name that got passed in the 1st place!!! Fort Myers Beach is in the process of rebuilding to be stronger than ever. In the Know: Fort Myers Beach favorite closes after almost a half-century. And of course their argument is that the city, county, and state will benefit from increased revenue. We are still pinning down our new schedule due to some material replacements being difficult to obtain in short order. TPI Hospitality's hope is that the $3.5 million overhead walkway near Crescent Street will help with traffic flow, Co-CEO Tom Torgerson said. Its an emotional rollercoaster. New Lee County home deals soar while Collier, other areas sinking big. 1,768 Sq. To have Fort Myers Beach, one thing is essential, the beach. Ill ever sit for 2 hours to go there now. Statement from Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach. Photo by Nathan Mayberg. ANSWER: We feel for the so many that have lost so much, just as our family members have also lost so much. In order to recover, we need to stimulate our economy by getting our visitors back so that they can spend their dollars in our local businesses, said Tamara Pigott, director of the Visitor & Convention Bureau for Fort Myers Beach. When the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council approved Margaritaville five years ago, its supporters hoped the resort would revitalize a part of downtown hit hard by Hurricane Charley more than a dozen years earlier. Im not in real estate, but I wonder if it stayed like that because the Margaritaville developers kept the future of that corner tied up while wheeling and dealing? I also welcome structures and businesses and hotels condos whatever it may be that will provide a safe place to live or rent for many visitors to come I believe Fort Myers Beach will be one of the premier islands in a few years its going to be all brand new in many respects Im thankful for Margaritaville and I hope that they become a good partner with current businesses, and residents on the Island! He could have built it over the other side of the bridge rather than right at that point. This years event, however, comes after the former city manager accused the mayor and council members of discriminating against gay employees and being hesitant to support the pride festival. Seriously, Times Sq. Property rights, folks. Dammermann is developing Margaritaville with her husband John. Congratulations on so much success..Best Regards, Well done Margaritaville!! Now those same supporters hope Margaritaville and its developers TPI will help get the town back on its feet after the utter devastation of Hurricane Ian. Vaughan has had to move off island as her condo rebuilds. Bob, Thanks, Loved FMB too. wont be back. Margaritaville work in SW Florida, You asked: In the Know: Answering your questions about Margaritavilleand CinBistro, Plus: In the Know: Monster projects altering the commercial landscape of5hotspots. Fortunately for us, our three newly constructed buildings all held up fairly well, had no structural damage," said Dammermann. Fort Myers Beach would have been fine without Margaritaville. Stouder continued, "I liked Tommy's comment about a "flip-flop paradise." Really, what this means for the construction of the building is that theyre topped off, and theyre dry. Request Information I mean, its been really hard on everybody, and theyre glad to see all the progress thats being made.. More: A SWFL Margaritaville mystery comes to light. A new study says it's so. Big buildings like yours will take over and fort myers beach will never be the same when people start building. All the beach residents to sign the waivers are the easements, I should say, the 15-year easements to be able to do the berm as well as the beach renourishment, Allers said. "The beachneeded a revamp, or it was going to turn into Daytona.". Photo by Nathan Mayberg, Copyright FORT MYERS - Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin | https://www.fortmyersbeachtalk.com | 19260 San Carlos Blvd, Bldg. Truly a benefit: Fort Myers Beach approves plans to restore, rebuild beaches, Winds stoke brush fires and prompt evacuations across Southwest Florida, Fort Myers High School hosts annual unified basketball game, Public adjuster answers your hurricane-related property insurance questions, What the number of winter shorebirds means for Florida, How bloodless open heart surgeries are performed, North Naples woman arrested after dog dies trapped in vehicle, After Hurricane Ian, Lee County reopening beach parks with free parking, Public memorial for Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs, Tent pitched as a temporary home for Fort Myers Beach strip club, Cleaning up dead fish on Fort Myers Beach: A lot of fish all over the place, 2nd Warmest February in Fort Myers & Looking Ahead to March, Matanzas Inn is close to reopening on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian, Discrimination accusations against leaders hang over PRIDE Cape Coral 2023, Bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz on 2023 SWFL Reading Festival, Record Friday heat and a windy end to the workweek, Can you eat seafood from Red Tide? For a Margarita which is what we experienced at another Margarita Ville resort. Totally agree!! Apartments For Sale 5,272 SF. So, investing in the beaches is a priority, and the mayor of Fort Myers Beach said that is precisely what the projects will do. The berm, the emergency berm, is the one that were talking about. Heres your chance, Jimmy. Theyll just call it a day. Big changes are coming and it will never look the same. Location is everything and you don't want to miss out on this rare opportunity! TPI's making other moves with the bottleneck in mind, removing more than a half-dozen previous ingresses and egresses along the congested main two-lane drag. Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach After Hurricane Ian Caribbean Castaways 14.5K subscribers Subscribe 77K views 3 months ago FORT MYERS BEACH It's been twelve days since Hurricane Ian. The developers of the Margaritaville Resort in Fort Myers Beach held a topping-off ceremony Friday morning as they put the last beam on top of the $200 million project. A new study says it's so. I hated that the margaritaville was going in. DeAngelis Diamond has really doubled their efforts in the building, Kisabeth said. What do you have in mind for workers? The tent is going to be an adult entertainment nightclub. Prayers for all of you that live there. This milestone for Margaritaville also marks a significant move toward recovery in Fort Myers Beach in the aftermath of Hurricane Ians pummeling. Stouder also addressed the issue of affordable housing, focusing on the trailer parks adjacent to Fort Myers Beach. I guess I support the building code because its is a barrier island, Structures should be built for a cat 4/5 hurricane and unfortunately thats very very expensive but we hope to never see peoples homes wiped out and loss of life like this again. "You can get that type of beach atmosphere anywhere,"Cape Coral resident Debbie Henry said of the254-room Jimmy Buffett-themedventure. "Those properties, many of them are larger in acreage, 20 - 30 acres lots, they're going to reframe the entryway to Fort Myers Beach.". "You know, the recovery is going to take a long time. was the commercial heart of FMB. An update on the Margaritaville Resort Fort Myers Beach with questions on the resort and the grand opening after the damage from Hurricane Ian: We were recently interviewed by a SWFL newspaper. Here is drone footage taken by Brian Kennedy on Monday before the rain came. sea wall) with a boardwalk on top of it. Jimmys companies just franchise the name just like Budweiser at NFL games. On Friday, Cesario said giving other businesses a chance to reel in customers, falls on beach leaders. 250 ESTERO BLVD # 606 FORT MYERS BEACH, FL 33931 $949,000 Listed By Current Coastal Realty, J Alex King 2 Bedrooms 2 Total Baths 2 Full Baths 940 Square Feet 0.19 Acres 1995 Year Built Active Status MLS# 223015668 NORTH END GULF FRONT CORNER CONDO with breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf, Sanibel and Captiva! The legal action in Minnesota's U.S. District Court against TPI, Torgerson and others seeks to "recover losses (and) obtain monetary and appropriate or remedial relief.". ft. 250 Estero Blvd #606, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 $949,000 MLS# 223015668 NORTH END GULF FRONT CORNER CONDO with breathtaking panoramic views of the G. Rising: 15 big projects coming this year and beyond to SWFL. I was there 4 months ago with my family and friends. The Minnesota-based builder of Fort Myers Beach's Margaritaville forced their employees to sell their company stock, which means workers are going to miss out on profits from the resort they should have had, according to a new federal lawsuit. Photo by Nathan Mayberg. The beach town where it was a great place to fish- not party. The Fort Myers Beach we knew is gone. JOIN THE TEAM! For Sale: 2 beds, 2 baths 1160 sq. Our prediction is for a dramatic improvement of the island by the time we open, late 2023. More:Will Margaritaville, Lani Kai on Fort Myers Beach push on in Hurricane Ian aftermath? SOLD FEB 13, 2023. ANSWER: The opportunity now exists for the Town to address factors such as parking and housing for the community. Lee County announced that several beach parksLynn Hall Memorial Park, San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, Bonita Beach Park and Bonita Beach Accesses 1 to 10would reopen on Saturday. So when the right developer applies for a variance its no telling what may happen. Debris. Holzapfel told Fox 4 he feels encouraged by the development of Margaritaville. For Margaritaville supporters like Bobbi Kemp and Ellen Vaughan, the ceremony was a bit emotional. I havent been down there since Ian obliterated our poor beach. I think that Fort Myers Beach will change just like everyone is thinking, but I also think it will just draw a different crowd. Tom Torgerson shared the TPI vision for Fort Myers Beach, which thanks to Ian, has now been accelerated. Kemp lost her home in Hurricane Ian and Vaughan has been living in downtown Fort Myers due to damage at her condo building. Situated within walking distance are a number of restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and bars, and near the new Margaritaville Resort. Not huge skyscrapers. Hundreds of jobs coming to a small beach community that has felt uneasy about big companies like Margaritaville moving in. Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach is set to open 2023! Kemp lost her cottage on Fort Myers Beach to Hurricane Ian. Concerns with car jamsstill haven't gone away, as a few of you have shared with me or via social media. Construction of the connection occurredoffsite as workers prepared the skyway'sslot for thedrop-in during the wee hours of Friday,Torgerson said. He continued, "Here are some things that I believe we are going to experience in a short time frame, this 5+/- year timeframe. The session comprised Margaritaville Resort developers Tom Torgerson and John Dammermann, of TPI Hospitality, and Stan Stouder, founding partner of CRE Consultants. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. - New renderings released Tuesday are giving beach-goers their best look yet at Margarittaville's "Fins Up Beach Club." When it's completed, it'll be a 60,000. Before Margaritaville, that area was a blight on FMB and is a blessing to the community in terms of jobs and lodging. If they allow that to be constructed and finished they shouldnt be allowed to call it for Myers beach