On Monday, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council will start the process of foreclosing on the former bank building at 2815 Estero Boulevard in front of the Sea Grape Plaza. It’s currently owned by Robert Himmelstein.
The issue that led to the foreclosure process is related to a violation of the town’s flood regulations for the “storing of non-compliant structures/shipping containers on the property.”
Himmelstein was first given a Notice of Violation in October of 2024. He had 30 days to correct the violation which the town said he failed to do. The first Special Magistrate hearing on this issue was in January of 2025. Himmelstein was then given until March 1, 2025, by the Special Magistrate, to correct the violation, which the town says he did not do. The property was brought into compliance in May of 2025. As a result, Himmelsten racked up 65 days worth of fines at $250 per day for a total of $16,250 plus a court fee of $250. Himmelstein appealed the fine, it was denied, and the lien remains unpaid.
Himmelsten received a temporary permit for the containers in February of 2023. As a result of a FEMA visit that permit was revoked in December of 2024. Himmelsten eventually moved the contents of the containers into his building and sold the containers at an $11,000 loss.
He appealed the fine and asked the town to drop it saying he acted in good faith to get the containers removed once it was clear the town would not renew his permit. The Town Council did not buy that argument. They believed Himmelstein had enough time to remove the trailers off the island to get them into compliance.
Himmelstein is refurbishing the old bank building, in front of the Sea Grape Plaza, into a furniture store although not much work has been done on the building in the last few months.
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After my father notified me of this situation, I immediately contacted the Town.
Although we believe the fine was excessive and unfair, we paid the full settlement amount of $16,750 today so we could move forward in good faith.
Unfortunately, we still have no idea when our store will be permitted to open, as the Town is now requiring us to obtain a Limited Development Order before we can begin operations.
My parents first brought me to Fort Myers Beach in 1974, and I met my wife there in 1996. Our family’s connection to this island spans decades, and we care deeply about its future.
We love Fort Myers Beach and remain committed to investing in the community by opening a store that serves residents and visitors alike. We hope to work cooperatively with the Town so we can finally welcome customers and contribute positively to the island we have cherished for so many years.
Looks like the eyesore , Ian destroyed, bank has been completely refurbished. It is a beautiful building that adds to the rebirth of Fort Myers Beach. There are still so many eyesores that the town should be going after. Give this business a break!
This guy will say anything to stall off the action the town should be taking. They need to take a hard line on the game he’s playing.
What are the town’s plans for the building once they gain ownership?
GREAT! The town will foreclose on the property and it will sit there for another couple of years, half-finished and deteriorate. Isn’t there some way for the town to call this guy in and negotiate a settlement with him regarding the fines and damage that was done to private property when the trailers were washed away during the storm? In addition, let’s hear his side of the story.
What he is doing is like IRAN
just buying as much time as possible.
They are not good neighbors! During Milton, one of their containers floated down Nature View Court, and landed at my neighbor’s home, destroying their stairs. They removed the container promptly, but never responded regarding the cost of the damage.
Actually Carmen the owner had to fight himmelstein in court to get rid of the containers.
About time! Coming up on the 4th Anniversary. Clean these places up!