Under a glowing back-bay moon, more than 40 decorated boats illuminated the water, delivering a spectacular display of holiday spirit. Restaurants overflowed with crowds, spectators lined the bridge, piers, docks, and seawalls. The 2025 Boat Parade was one of the best ever.
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak said the event was a celebration of resilience & the start of ‘season’ on Fort Myers beach. “More than just a parade, this year’s event served as a powerful symbol of the resilience, recovery, and remarkable rebound of Fort Myers Beach. Our tiny island community — still rebuilding, still rising — showed the world that we are not only back, but we’re just getting our engines revved up. The overwhelming turnout, the cheers from every corner of the bay, and the thousands of smiling faces all reflected the same message: the best is yet to come for FMB.”
The public is invited to attend the Boat Parade Awards Party this Thursday night from 5:00–6:30 p.m. at Marina Cantina at Salty Sam’s. Parade participants attend free; additional guests are $5. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided, with a cash bar available. The People’s Choice Award will be announced that evening.
Beach Talk Radio will broadcast the awards ceremony live from Marina Cantina. You can watch the ceremonhy live on our Facebook page or YouTube Channel
So sad to know how MANY people own boats, but yet ONLY 40 participated in the parade. Thank you to the ones that showed up to share their decked out boats!!!
It’s nice to read something positive. Thank you!
The mooring field spent $140000 on their new boat! The town does not care about the tax payers money
LOL
The boat was purchased with the proceeds from collecting on a $725k code enforcement lien.
We should thank the property owner who views code fines as trivial cost of doing business. He has another violation building up at $500/day – what should the town buy next?!