A Margaritaville resort on Fort Myers Beach is getting closer to becoming a reality. It’s been a long 6 year odyssey for TPI developers, but their hope is to put shovels in the ground in May or June and if all goes according to plan, Margaritaville could be open in a little over two years.
The permitting for the project is going well according to Tom Torgerson, who appeared on Beach Talk Radio this past Saturday. However securing financing during the COVID 19 crisis, which has significantly impacted the hotel/travel industry, has left the markets “skittish.” Torgerson and his partner John Dammerman are optimistic the financing will come through. They say there’s a lot of interest because of the unique qualities of the project.
The main resort will feature over 200 rooms, most with a view of the beach, a 5000sq ft ballroom, and a large elevated terrace to host special events. This area will have a plethora of outdoor games, fire pits and places for photo ops of the gulf.
The main hotel will be connected to the beach via a safe, easy to access walkover, where guests can lounge by a large pool, grab a bite to eat or drink and enjoy live entertainment . There will also be 30 beachfront suites with amazing views of the gulf and its spectacular sunsets. Unlike other hotels, the beach club area will be open to the public.
When asked about increased traffic the resort might bring, Dammerman talked about this being a “destination resort, people will be staying here and might not even bring a vehicle.” By the time the resort is built there will be two additional traffic lights in the area and work will be done near the foot of the bridge to improve the traffic flow.
Torgerson and Dammerman say the resort is expected to have a consistent level of occupancy year round with prices competitive to other resort style hotels. They are, however, looking to offer a discounted rate to local area beach residents.
Torgerson is hoping a grand opening to debut the resort approximately will be held two years from the time they break ground.
Watch the entire Beach Talk Radio episode with Torgerson and Dammermann on YouTube or Facebook or listen to it as a podcast HERE.