New Construction Projects in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Project 1: Sunset Beach Resort

• Developer: Terry Persaud / Persaud Properties FL Investment
• Location: 1028/1046 Estero Blvd., Times Square district
• Type: Mixed-use (hotel/resort, restaurant, retail, entertainment)
• Units/Size: 3-story, 41,285 sq ft building with 6 hotel units
• Status: Under Construction
• Expected Completion: Early 2028
• Description: $13 million beachfront mixed-use development replacing former bars (Sunset Beach Tropical Grill and Playmore Tiki Bar) destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Features hotel suites, restaurants/bars (including rooftop), pool, retail/office space, and entertainment amenities. Groundbreaking occurred July 6, 2026; one of the first major private post-Ian redevelopments in the Times Square area.[1]

Project 2: Fort Myers Beach Pier Replacement

• Developer: Lee County (public project)
• Location: Near Crescent Beach Family Park / 1100 Estero Blvd. area (former pier site)
• Type: Public infrastructure / Commercial (pier)
• Units/Size: Approximately 1,000 feet long and 12 feet wide (significantly larger than original)
• Status: Under Construction
• Expected Completion: Late summer 2027
• Description: Replacement of the iconic fishing pier destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Features reinforced concrete construction, shade structures, and improved durability. $14.4 million project funded by FEMA, tourist taxes, and grants. Groundbreaking held August 21, 2026.[2]

Project 3: The Beach Bar

• Developer/Builder: Stevens Construction (rebuild for owner)
• Location: 1668 I St.
• Type: Commercial (bar/restaurant) with residential component
• Units/Size: 6,133 sq ft, 3-story building
• Status: Recently Completed
• Expected Completion: Completed (construction started October 2024)
• Description: Resilient rebuild of a popular beachfront venue destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Includes open-air walk-up bar with covered seating on the first floor (designed for storm flexibility), retail/storage, and a residential unit on the upper floors. Focuses on storm-resistant materials like simulated stucco, composite soffits, and metal roof.[3]

Project 4: Access 26 Family Food Truck Park

• Developer: Jamie Hotka and Dan Myers
• Location: 2500 Estero Blvd. (near Beach Access 26)
• Type: Mixed-use / Commercial (food trucks, dining, retail, beach amenities)
• Units/Size: 5 food truck pads, ~3,000 sq ft two-story building (bar, ice cream shop, retail), plus comfort station and parking
• Status: Under Construction
• Expected Completion: Early 2027
• Description: New family-oriented destination with food trucks, bar/beer garden, Manny’s Scoops ice cream, retail, public restrooms/showers, beach access, parking, and outdoor gathering areas. Designed with flood resilience in mind. Groundbreaking occurred around June 2026.[4]

Project 5: Gulfside Twelve

• Developer: Dublin Real Estate Investment Group / Tim O’Neill
• Location: 6230 Estero Blvd. (former Carousel Inn site)
• Type: Residential (luxury condominiums)
• Units/Size: 12 units (approximately 4,000–6,700+ sq ft each, 4–5 bedrooms)
• Status: Under Construction / Phased completion (Phase I largely complete/sold; Phase II progressing)
• Expected Completion: 2025–2026 (phased)
• Description: Boutique beachfront luxury condo development with direct Gulf access, large private pool, and high-end finishes. Replaces older motel properties; emphasizes resilience with deep pilings. Units priced from around $4.4 million; strong sales in Phase I.[5]

Project 6: Cottages of Paradise Point

• Developer/Builder: Marvin Homes (for owners Dennis and Lisa Greenspon)
• Location: Multiple lots along Estero Blvd. (north end, e.g., around 452–466 Estero Blvd. area)
• Type: Residential (single-family cottages/homes)
• Units/Size: Multiple cottages planned (initial ones ~2,000–3,600+ sq ft; up to 8 lots involved)
• Status: Under Construction
• Expected Completion: Ongoing (phased starts in 2026+)
• Description: Redevelopment of a former cottage rental community destroyed by Hurricane Ian into a small Gulf-front residential neighborhood of modern, resilient single-family homes/cottages for sale (starting ~$2.6 million). Meets elevated FEMA flood and wind standards (160 mph); blends coastal resilience with original character. Groundbreaking January 2026.[6]

Notes: These represent the primary significant new construction or redevelopment projects meeting the criteria based on verifiable sources (local news, developer/project announcements). Fort Myers Beach has limited land availability post-Hurricane Ian, leading to a focus on teardowns/rebuilds and targeted mixed-use or public infrastructure. Several other proposals (e.g., DiamondHead expansion or Outrigger redevelopment) remain in planning/approval stages and are not yet under construction. Single-family teardowns and smaller rebuilds occur but are not listed as major projects. Limited public information is available on some smaller or very recent initiatives.