Exactly 18 days short of three years after Hurricane Ian destroyed the Fort Myers Beach government building, town employees have a new home. On Wednesday the ribbon was cut and tours were given at 6231 Estero Boulevard.
Fort Myers Beach Town Manager Will McKannay: “Opening our new Town Hall is more than just a ribbon-cutting — it’s a moment that reflects the heart and grit of Fort Myers Beach. I’m super proud of our staff, who’ve worked tirelessly to make this happen. This building stands as a testament to our resilience, our recovery, and our belief in a stronger future. It’s a place where we’ll continue serving our community with the same dedication that got us here.”
With an $8 million grant from the state of Florida, the town purchased the building for $7 million and also bought the old 7-11 property next store and converted it into a parking lot.
The 3-floor 24,000 square foot building sits at the corner of Estero Boulevard and Bahia Via. It’s a storm-hardened structure, having survived the two most recent hurricanes, including Ian. The Town Council chambers is on the first floor with offices on the second floor.
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Mayor Dan Allers: Thursday marked a significant milestone for our community with the grand opening of our new Town Hall. I’m excited for our Town Manager, our dedicated staff, and, most importantly, our residents. This new facility not only represents continued progress for our town but also brings closure to a long chapter of transition and relocation for our staff. With this permanent home, we are better positioned to serve our community.”
The old Town Hall building at 2525 Estero was completely destroyed by Hurricane Ian scattering government operations everywhere with meetings being held at a restaurant off the island, DiamondHead Resort, the Bay Oaks Gymnasium, and eventually temporary trailers.
Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said “buying an existing building for our Town Hall has saved taxpayers roughly $10 million dollars and energized an old building that has been vacant for seven years. The new Town Hall location will be very user friendly for the public and will finally give our staff a sense of normalcy again after Hurricane Ian.”
Jan Atkielski who painted the original mural in the old town hall chambers was invited back to paint The Arches in the new Town Hall chambers.
JAN…you did a magnificent job on the mural…
Glad y’all got a new beautiful building to work in. Maybe now you can figure out how to clean up the island and get the garbage, broken fences, overgrown grass, dead trees, dead brush rats and iguanas out of here. 3 years and the island is still a wreck. It is literally an embarrassment. Do something!!!
“C” you took the words right out of my fingers!!! lol
Nice! Now when it takes council members two and a half hours to get to the bridge after a full day of work half the year, they might actually call for something to be done about the traffic and density issues on the island.
Truth!!
And no permits or inspections needed!
I am surprised that Holly hasn’t undertaken to research this statement and make some snide comment in reply.