The development of the new Lee Health Fort Myers campus offers residents an exciting opportunity, a chance to rename Challenger Boulevard.
Lee Health is asking for residents to submit their ideas to rename Challenger Blvd to align with the values, history and vision of the community.
To help spark some idea, Lee Health offered a few sample nominations to help shape a reasonable justification for the name.
View examples below:
- Jones-Walker Loop
In the segregated 1920s, Fort Myers provided medical care for Black residents at Jones-Walker Hospital, located on High Street in an area known as Safety Hill (now Dunbar). Opened in 1924, the hospital operated until 1966 when Lee Memorial Hospital was integrated. It was named in honor of Melissie Jones and Candace Walker, who raised funds for its creation.
- Safety Hill Way
“Safety Hill” would be a meaningful name for the new hospital’s street because it commemorates the area’s historic significance as a refuge for African Americans seeking safety from racial violence. This name honors the legacy of resilience in the Dunbar community and aligns with the hospital’s mission to provide protection, healing, and health.
- Innovation Way
Naming the street for the new Lee Health hospital ‘Innovation Way’ would capture the hospital’s commitment to forward-thinking healthcare and transformative advancements. This name symbolizes dedication to technology, research, and patient care, inspiring progress and excellence for staff, patients, and the community.
The City of Fort Myers is working closely with Lee Health leaders to review nominations and select a name that reflects the shared vision.
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