I love this video from Fort Myers Beach, Florida. The sun is shining, people are on the beach, and boats in the water. We still have a long way to go, but Fort Myers Beach is coming back. And nowhere is it more obvious than with the ongoing construction at the Margaritaville Hotel. Drone video from Brian Kennedy shows the outer shell of the hotel nearing completion. I love the colors they chose. Closer to the shore, you can see the framework of the water park really taking shape. And just as important, you can see the other buildings nearby also coming back to life.
I've been following the construction of the hotel closely. Once it opens, the big name of the Margaritaville Hotel will draw guests from all over the world back to Fort Myers Beach. And those guests will venture out to other businesses nearby. That's a boost the beach needs. And I'm ready to see it happen.
Businesses That Have Reopened On Sanibel And Captiva Since Hurricane Ian
When Hurricane Ian hit SWFL Florida in September, Sanibel and Captiva were devastated, but businesses are starting to reopen on the islands.
I love supporting local businesses and I think now more than ever they need our help. It's so sad to see what the storm did to our islands. While it'll take a long time for things to look like they did pre-Ian, I love to see businesses starting to get back on their feet. We live in paradise, so whatever we can do to support our local economy is important.
I've been spending my weekends either at Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel and it makes me so happy to see so many people out enjoying the beach. Almost like nothing ever happened. Also great to see some new things have opened or relocated and even some make-shift bars and ice cream stands (on Fort Myers Beach) set up.
If you want to go out to the islands, whether it's for a staycation, a beach day, or to grab a bite to eat, you have options! SanCap Chamber put together a list of the businesses that have reopened on Sanibel and Captiva. You can check out the full list here, but below we'll have restaurants, lodging, shopping and fun things to do.
Businesses that have reopened on Sanibel & Captiva:
Island Inn
3111 W Gulf Dr
Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa
15951 Captiva Dr
Jensen’s “On the Gulf"
15300 Captiva Dr
Rachel Pierce Art Gallery and Market
1500 Periwinkle Way
Nannys of Sanibel
1700 Periwinkle Way
The Island Store
11500 Andy Rosse Lane
Whitney’s Bait and Tackle
1554 Periwinkle Way
Jungle Drums
11532 Andy Rosse Lane
Traders
1551 Periwinkle Dr
Cielo Restaurant
1244 Periwinkle Way
Jerry's Food
1700 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Deli and Coffee
2330 Palm Ridge Road
The Shack
1219 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Grill
703 Tarpon Bay Road
Mudbugs
1473 Periwinkle Way
Blue Giraffe Food Truck
2075 Periwinkle Way
Captiva Island Pizza
11513 Andy Rosse Lane
Tutti Pazzi
1200 Periwinkle Way
Timbers
703 Tarpon Bay Road
New Wave Eco Charters
15951 Captiva Dr
YOLO Watersports, Inc.
11534 Andy Rosse Lane
Captain Brian On The Water
11401 Andy Rosse Lane
Adventures In Paradise Cruises
634 N Yachtsman Dr
Salty Wheels
11513 Andy Rosse Lane
Captiva Cruises
11401 Andy Rosse Lane