Remembrance events to mark one year since Hurricane Ian hit FMB on September 28, 2022, will be held Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023.
Some things to know about parking and getting around in the Downtown District:
- Lynn Hall Memorial Park on the north side of Times Square is operated by Lee County and is free tomorrow.
- The Town has several lots and spaces in the Downtown District that are for pay, including under the bridge.
- Several commercial lots are south
of Matanzas Pass Bridge.
- The Town has pay to park spaces at beach accesses.
- The closest beach access to the downtown district is Waistina Way beside the under-construction-pool at Margaritaville.
- Old San Carlos Boulevard will be closed from Third Street to Bayside Park.
To mark the Town’s ongoing recovery exactly one year after Hurricane Ian directly hit Fort Myers Beach, and honor those who were lost that day, several events are planned September 28 through October 1, 2023, in the Downtown District.
- The first event will be the Town’s remembrance at the newly-restored Bayside Park from 9 to 10 a.m. in Thursday, September 28, 2023. Mayor Dan Allers will be the Master of Ceremonies. Bayside Park is at the corner of Old San Carlos Boulevard and First Street in the Downtown District.
The Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Choir will lead the National Anthem followed by a prayer led by Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt. Ed and Kim Ryan of Beach Talk Radio will present a memorial plaque. Several local and state officials will be guest speakers, including Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez.
- For the second event of the day, the Town will unveil the new clock in Times Square in the Downtown District approximately 30 minutes following the remembrance ceremony at Bayside Park.
The clock was installed on September 14, and the base and surrounding area are receiving finishing touches between now and September 28. The clock will remain covered until the dedication ceremony that will feature a ribbon cutting led by the Clock’s donors and Town officials.
“The new clock was donated to the Town by George and Linda Merschman after Ian washed the old clock away,” said Town Manager Andy Hyatt. “The previous Times Square clock was an icon for residents and visitors alike on Fort Myers Beach for years. The Town is especially grateful to the Merschman’s for restoring a new version of this much-loved clock.”
Verdin, a company in Cincinnati, Ohio, built the original clock and also built the new clock.
- Starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, Revive the Vibe, a special event organized by community members, will take over Old San Carlos Boulevard from First Street to Third Street until 8 p.m.
The organizers of this event describe it as a “one day musical festival” that “showcases Fort Myers Beach, nearby restaurants, bars and musicians to show locals and vacationers that their favorite places and local talent are here ready to welcome the public.”
Other areas that will be part of this event in addition to Old San Carlos Boulevard between First and Third Streets are Bayside Park, Moss Marine, the parking lots at 401 and 420 Old San Carlos Boulevard, and 939 Third Street.
Please see the attached flyer for more details about this event or email fmbrevival@gmail.com.
- Last but not least, the annual Island Hopper’s Songwriter Festival returns to Fort Myers Beach and takes over Bayside Park from Friday, Sept. 29 to Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. Featuring performances by artists from Nashville and nationwide, this festival is hosted by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau. It starts on Captiva Island the week of Sept. 22 and travels to Cape Coral and Fort Myers before reaching Fort Myers Beach.
For the schedule of performances and information about artists, follow the festival on social media, download the app, or visit https://www.island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com/
