Let Play "Did You Know on Ft. Myers Beach!"

The South End of Fort Myers Beach Is Buzzing Again

If you haven’t visited the south end of Fort Myers Beach lately… you may be surprised by how much is happening.While the island continues rebuilding after Hurricane Ian, something incredible has quietly been taking place — the return of community events, local businesses, live gatherings, and the unique island energy that makes Fort Myers Beach feel like home.And yes… the south end is very much alive.

Did You Know There’s a Weekly Farmers Market on the South End?

One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the growing energy on the island is the Farmers Market near Santini Plaza. Visitors and locals alike can stroll through vendors featuring fresh foods, baked goods, handmade items, local products, gifts, and more while enjoying the beautiful island atmosphere.Seasonal schedules and event information can be found here: Farmers Market Schedule. The Farmers Market has become more than just shopping — it’s become a meeting place where people reconnect, support small businesses, and celebrate the continued comeback of Fort Myers Beach.

Did You Know Cars & Coffee Events Have Arrived at the Beach?

The south end is also beginning to attract exciting specialty events that bring people together from all over Southwest Florida. A brand-new Cars & Coffee event series is launching from Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii in Santini Plaza, and the response has already been overwhelming. The very first event kicks off May 23rd, and vehicle registration for cruisers is already sold out. That’s a pretty strong sign people are eager to gather again on Fort Myers Beach. This event is free to the public, however, if you’re part of a car club or interested in registering for future cars & coffee events, you can find additional information through the EVENTS menu on the: What’s Up FMB Events page

Did You Know the Fourth of July Celebration Is Fully Funded and Ready to Go?

One of the biggest signs of recovery and community spirit is the return of the island’s beloved Fourth of July traditions. Red, White, & Beach is Fort Myers Beach’s official Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks Celebration, bringing together residents, visitors, businesses, and families for a full day of patriotic fun. The celebration includes:

A traditional Fourth of July parade
A community-focused island celebration
A fireworks display designed to showcase the beauty and spirit of Fort Myers Beach

This year’s event is now fully funded through a community-powered fundraising effort in partnership with the Town of Fort Myers Beach and What’s Up FMB. That alone says something important about this island: People here truly care about preserving the traditions that make Fort Myers Beach special. And NO, the pier is not yet rebuilt, but we are happily supporting making a “Build the Pier Club!”

Did You Know Mullet Madness Is Coming July 25th?

And if you think Fort Myers Beach has lost its personality after Ian… think again! Mullet Madness returns July 25th for a two-day island celebration where: “Redneck Riviera meets Coastal Cool.”

The event features:

Live music
Themed contests
Island games
Venue activities across Fort Myers Beach
The famous Joe Dirt Look-Alike Contests for both kids and adults

The weekend wraps up Saturday night celebrating all the things that make Fort Myers Beach unique — local flavor, laughter, beach culture, community pride, and people simply enjoying life together. Honestly, there may not be another place quite like it.

Did You Know the Entire Island Is Still Rebuilding — and Still Moving Forward?

While the entire island has seen good progress, recovery efforts continue across all of Fort Myers Beach. New businesses are opening. Favorite local businesses are returning. Buildings are being rebuilt stronger. Sidewalks, landscaping, storefronts, and gathering places continue improving month by month. What many visitors don’t realize is that rebuilding an island after a historic hurricane is not something measured in weeks or even months — it has and WILL take years of effort from business owners, contractors, residents, workers, volunteers, and the local community. However, despite the challenges, Fort Myers Beach continues proving something important: This island was never just buildings. It’s the people.

Did You Know Many Small Businesses Survived Against Incredible Odds?

Many family-owned businesses throughout Fort Myers Beach faced enormous obstacles after Ian — flood damage, construction delays, insurance battles, staffing shortages, and years of uncertainty. Yet many are still here. Still rebuilding. Still welcoming visitors. Still investing in the future of the island. Every time someone shops local, attends an event, grabs coffee, eats at a restaurant, or spends a day at the beach, it directly helps continue that recovery.

Many know and still fell lots of LOSS on Ft. Myers Beach – but there is still lots of LIFE and JOY to be shared on Ft. Myers Beach Again Also!

One of the most exciting things happening right now is seeing the south end slowly regain its rhythm. Morning coffee meetups, Community events, Live music, Visitors walking Santini Plaza and enjoying Ft. Myers Beach again. Families returning for vacation traditions. Locals reconnecting with neighbors. The island may look different in some places, but the spirit of Fort Myers Beach is still very much here. And honestly, that comeback story is becoming part of what makes visiting Fort Myers Beach even more meaningful now than before.

A Message From Leani’s

This blog is maintained by Leani’s in Santini Plaza. Leani’s donates its time and efforts toward helping spread information about Fort Myers Beach events, businesses, recovery efforts, and the island lifestyle we all love. Our goal is simple: To help bring you, your family, and your friends the joy that Estero Island continues to spread through the people who proudly support the “toes in the sand” way of life. Whether you visit for a weekend, a season, or a lifetime of memories — thank you for supporting Fort Myers Beach and the small businesses helping rebuild it every single day.

Let Play “Did You Know on Ft. Myers Beach!”