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Drone Video Of Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach Resort Construction

Workers install shutters on the beach side building near the pool at the Margaritaville Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach

Workers install shutters on the beach side building near the pool at the Margaritaville Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach

The biggest news of late is that the Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach Resort is taking reservations starting December 26th. The Fins Up! Beach Club isn't quite ready, so until then they'll be waving the resort fee and set you up with complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas. if you've ever rented a chair and umbrella at a resort, you know this is kind of a big deal. The progress of the construction is a tremendous accomplishment considering the damage done by Hurricane Ian just over a year ago.

As you'll see in the video, a lot of the external parts of the hotel look done. There's a lot of work going on at the Sunset Terrace. The License To Chill Bar and Grill is a main part of the Terrace, overlooking Times Square and the Gulf Of Mexico. It's crazy seeing vegetation up there already, but I guess that's how far they are in the construction. The pool, however, still has a ways to go. Here's the latest video from Brian Kennedy.

For those of us locals that may be interested, Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach Resort is now hiring.

If you're a musician or entertainer, of course they need you. Here's the link to that. As for the other positions, there's 11 different openings. Kitchen and wait staff, engineers and mechanics, hair and nail technicians. Here's the link to that.

Just a tremendous accomplishment from where we were a year ago. Here's some places on the beach that are open now. We look forward to adding Margaritaville to this list.

It's hard to believe that this week marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian and there are 20 restaurants that are open on Fort Myers Beach.

This Thursday, September 28, marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. Parts of Southwest Florida were completely devastated, mainly the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. We've come a LONG way over the past year. It still breaks my heart to go down there see so many things gone. But it's also refreshing to see so many things that have reopened. It's so important to support the businesses that have been able to reopen. I've been going to Fort Myers Beach nearly every weekend and I love seeing so many people down there. Whether they're eating, drinking or taking a walk at sunset.

When it comes to accommodations, a handful of hotels are welcoming guests back to the island.

Diamondhead, Pink Shell, Edison Beach House, Gullwing, and Lighthouse. There are also a bunch of vacation rental companies on the beach too. I love that more and more places are becoming available just in time for season. If you have friends and family coming down for holiday vacations, they'll be able to stay on the beach and enjoy all it has to offer. And when it comes to attractions, there are wave runner rentals, boat cruises and more.

But not only for visitors, us locals love to eat and drink, and with a backdrop like the beach, it doesn't get any better. For a full list of everything open on Fort Myers Beach, click here. But I put together a list of the 20 restaurants have reopened on the beach. Go down, soak up our paradise and support these Fort Myers Beach restaurants as we continue to rebuild after Hurricane Ian, one year later.

Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe

Bonita Bill's is a low-key no frills spot right on the bay offering great food, cold drinks and live music. I recommend the fish sandwich.

Cabanas Beach Bar & Grill

Cabanas is located inside Diamondhead Resort. You'll love the 360 degree bar, indoor seating, outdoor patio, and amazing views of the beach.

Cold Stone Creamery

After a day on the beach, cooling down with some ice cream hits the spot. Located right in Times Square as soon as you cross the bridge.

Dixie Fish Co.

If you haven't been to Dixie, it's a great old Florida fish house. For cocktails, I recommend the Toasted Coconut Colada.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

Doc Ford's just reopened a few months ago and it's been SO busy ever since. I love everything on their menu and sitting outside on the deck makes for a great setting for dinner.

Eats At The Beach

Eats at the Beach is located at 61 Ave C. They have breakfast, sandwiches, wings, salads and more.

Fresh Catch Bistro

Fresh Catch Bistro is located at 4761 Estero Boulevard. Enjoy happy hour daily from 2:30-4:30.

Jack’s at the Pink Shell Beach Resort

Jack's is open for breakfast 7 days a week from 7:30am – 11am. A great option for hotel guests and visitors to the beach.

Junkanoo Below Deck

Junkanoo has a new location behind Publix at 4761 Estero Blvd. I went for the first time about a month ago for dinner with company in from out of town and we loved it. Had a great mahi sandwich and great cocktails right on the water.

La Ola Surfside Restaurant

La Ola has two locations now, one at Bell Tower and another on the beach. Enjoy happy hour daily from 3:00pm – 6:00pm with $7 margaritas and $1 off beers, wines and wells.

Matanzas on the Bay

Matanzas is located on the bay offering an old Florida atmosphere. They have a limited menu available. Petey's Upper Deck is also open on the second floor.

Mojoe’s Coffee Cafe

Mojoe's is located at 1740 Estero Blvd. If you're looking for gourmet coffee on the beach, this is the spot!

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

Parrot Key is one of my favorite spots. It's where I always take company in from out of town for dinner, drinks or both! My favorite is the Key Lime Colada and the mussels.

Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant

Snug Harbor is located on Old San Carlos Blvd. If you're looking for great, fresh seafood, they unload their boats daily.

The Beach Bar

While The Beach Bar doesn't serve food, what they do serve up are great cocktails. I was there a few weeks ago to check out some live music and when your feet are in the sand, there is nothing better.

The Rude Shrimp Company

The Rude Shrimp Company is now located at Moss Marina. Enjoy Hawaiian Fusion cuisine, inspired by the flavors of the North Shore.

The Whale

The Whale is located right on Estero Blvd. With live music and a great menu, make sure to add this to your list of stops while on the beach.

Tiki Bar At The Lighthouse Island Resort

The Tiki Bar serves breakfast daily 8-11am, plus a great all-day food menu and tasty cocktails. Also a killer deal 7 days a week: $3 bloody mary's and screwdrivers.

Wahoo Willie’s

My parents just went to Wahoo Willie's a few weeks ago and loved it! They got a bunch of apps and enjoyed their all day happy hour.

Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill

Yucatan is located on San Carlos Boulevard just north of Times Square. Featuring a great happy hour and live music daily from 2-5pm.

Updated 2/23: These Restaurants Are Also Open

Bella Mozzarella Pizza & Grill- 1000 Fifth Ave

Flipper's On The Bay- 8767 Estero Blvd

Heavenly Biscuit on Wheels- 110 Mango St

Liki Tiki BBQ- 17650 San Carlos Blvd

Margaritaville Beach Resort- 251 Crescent St

Meli's Ice Cream- 50 Old San Carlos Blvd

Mr. Waves Island Bar- 1028 Fifth St

Nervous Nellie's- 1131 First St

Yo! Taco- 1005 Estero Blvd

Pinchers- 18100 San Carlos Blvd

Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.