The Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club has been awarded $1 Million in the State of Florida’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget to support the construction of its new clubhouse and community center on Sterling Avenue.
The Governor’s line-item veto list was released today and the $1 Million appropriation was not on the list meaning it will be included in the state budget.
The funding represents a major milestone in the Club’s ongoing effort to rebuild after Hurricane Ian destroyed its historic clubhouse in September 2022. For more than 80 years, the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club has served as a cornerstone of the island, supporting charitable organizations, educational programs, community events, and disaster relief efforts.
“This funding brings us one step closer to restoring not just a building, but a gathering place for our entire community,” said Dawn Thomas, Past President of the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club. “The new clubhouse will once again serve as a hub for nonprofit organizations, civic engagement, educational opportunities, and community events for generations to come.”
The Woman’s Club thanked State Representative Adam Botana for pushing the appropriation throughout the legislative process. Botana sponsored the project in the House and ensured its successful passage, as well as the Senate’s support in carrying the appropriation through the budget process.
Botana told Beach Talk Radio, “I’m very excited for the Fort Myers Beach Women’s club . I’m very proud to bring home this appropriation for them. They are one of the best organizations on the beach.”
In a press release announcing the $1 Million, the Woman’s Club also thanked Cole Stinson of Vesselcraft Homes, Albert Dambrose of Studio AD, and Jim Ink of Ink Engineering. “Their professional expertise, commitment, and countless hours of planning and design have been instrumental in advancing the project to this exciting stage.”
“This has truly been a team effort,” added Mari Torgerson, Co-Chair. “We are incredibly grateful to our legislative leaders, our design professionals, our volunteers, donors, and the entire community who have believed in this vision from the beginning.”
The new clubhouse will provide a permanent home for the Woman’s Club while serving as a community resource for residents, nonprofit organizations, educational programming, public meetings, and charitable activities throughout the year.
The $1 million state appropriation represents a significant investment toward the Club’s capital campaign, bringing the organization another step closer to making its vision a reality.
Let’s start digging!