More than likely, you've gotten a chance to visit the town of Fort Myers Beach, or one of the many communities surrounding it. If so, you probably have many happy memories of it! From the sound of the waves crashing onshore to watching the kids splash in the surf, this beautiful community is full of incredible experiences.
Here is a video that I took via boat on November 12, 2022, about 6.5 weeks post-Hurricane Ian. You can see how much devastation there was, and how much remains. The waterways had tons of debris and obstacles that we had to watch out for and clean up en route. The locations include Fort Myers Beach, Matanzas Pass, San Carlos Bay, the Causeway, and near the Sanibel Lighthouse.
www.youtube.com/
And now, I present my love letter to Fort Myers Beach:
Dear Fort Myers Beach,
Hurricane Ian was the most powerful and devastating hurricane to ever hit us. This catastrophic storm not only caused damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure all along the coast, but it also caused us personal and mental anguish. Despite the pain, we all came together in our time of need and have begun the cleanup and rebuilding process.
I miss doing the 'stingray shuffle' with my kids. I miss hunting for shells or spotting wildlife along the shoreline. I miss lugging our beach cart from the car through the sand, filled with beach toys, life jackets, beach chairs, fruits, water, and sandwiches. I miss getting attacked by no-see-ums just before the sun set ... just kidding, I truly do not miss that ... but you get the point.
Fort Myers Beach, you hold a special place in my heart. You are a place where people come together to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the water. A place where families, like mine, can spend time together and make memories that will last a lifetime. There's always something to do, whether you're looking to sunbathe, relax or take a stroll ... or perhaps you prefer an adventurous parasailing ride or fishing excursion. And, there's no better place to watch the sunset than from Times Square, while listening to live music and enjoying some of the best food.
I feel so lucky to be able enjoy such a beautiful place. I love that I was here before and will be here long after hard times such as this. After all, there are so many things to love about you! You are home to such a diverse ecosystem. You have a laid-back, beachy vibe, that is perfect for spending time with my friends and family. You offer so many vibrant places to shop, dine, and enjoy the nightlife. Though the pier is gone, the Times Square clock is no longer, our neighbor Sanibel's lighthouse isn't what it used to be .. I still love you.
We are a strong and resilient community and I can't wait to see what the future brings us. We are proof that when people come together, amazing things can happen.
With love and gratitude,
Arianna
