The only movie theater on Fort Myers Beach hasn’t shown a film since Hurricane Ian, and now, it might never again.
Tuesday, the town’s Local Planning Agency approved plans to turn the old Beach Theater into an entertainment center with a two-level restaurant and bar. Instead of showtimes and popcorn, the space could soon feature outdoor games, live music, a high-end steakhouse and drinks.
But the plan is getting mixed reviews, especially from people who live or vacation on the quieter south end of the island. Annual visitor Kylie Renihan says her family has always loved the peace here, and she worries the new concept could change that.
"What we like about this area is that it’s so quiet and secluded,” she said. “Bringing that noise level up … I think it’s just going to be very irritating for the residents that do stay here.”
To move forward, the project needed special exceptions: permissions for outdoor alcohol, nighttime seating and live entertainment. Town leaders also approved to cut parking requirements by more than half, if the center has valet parking and shares lots with nearby businesses.
Most people Gulf Coast News talked to Tuesday are excited for anything to bring some life into the empty building. Matteo Alfano, who will live in the neighborhood when he's done building his house, sees it as a sign of progress.
“It’s moving slowly, but it’s moving,” he told us. “Things are getting done, so it’s great. It would be nice to have a restaurant mid-island, and the entertainment and everything else."
There are no plans to bring movies back. The town council has to sign off on the plans before the project can start planning construction. The town's PIO says the Beach Theater property will likely be on the agenda in August.