Even after being destroyed by Hurricane Ian, and eventually demolished, Beach Baptist Church on Connecticut Street was a beacon of hope for the community during the recorvery. The Chuurch is now under new management and called Mangrove Community Church.
John Gaunt is the new lead Pastor and shared this statement with Beach Talk Radio: “Fort Myers Beach has been through a lot in recent years, and we believe people need more than rebuilt buildings… We need hope, truth, prayer, and real community. Mangrove Community Church exists to be a simple, welcoming church centered on Jesus Christ and the teaching of the Bible. Whether someone has followed the Lord for years or is just beginning to ask questions about faith, our doors are open. We love this island and are thankful for the opportunity to serve the people who call it home.”
The church now meets at the Fort Myers Beach Library at 10:30AM on Sundays. The plan is to be in a new building at 130 Connecticut Street within the next 18 months to two years.
In 2024 members of Beach Baptist voted to sell 2 acres of their property for $4 million to a developer. Proceeds from the sale will be used to build a new church in 1.5 acres of the remaining property.
Developer S.J. Collins plans to build 12 single family homes on the property. No time-frame has been announced for those homes. The town approved the plans in November of 2025.
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Where did pastor Shawn go
Sorry if I missed this but what happened to Pastor Shawn?
I am so happy for John, his beautiful family, and Fort Myers Beach. We met John through his fishing guide service years ago. He is a true man of God with great character and compassion for his work.
Gorgeous architecture!