Shell Factory sale in North Fort Myers sparks hope for new era

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, a beloved landmark in Southwest Florida, has officially changed hands.

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The property, which closed its doors in September 2024, has been sold for nearly $4 million after sitting empty for a year and a half.

Jeffrey Lauder, a resident of North Fort Myers, said it has been an eyesore since they moved in.

The Shell Factory, which opened in the late 1930s, was known for its shell shop, mini golf, nature park, and a more than 50,000 square foot gift shop.

Beth Edwards, who has lived in North Fort Myers, said she used to visit the Shell Factory almost every weekend for ice cream or to the flea market.

In 2025, WINK News reported on growing code violations and safety concerns as the site fell into disrepair. Edwards expressed sadness that the community or whoever was responsible couldn't keep it going because of its long history.

Now that the property has been sold, residents are curious about its future.

Lauder expressed hope that something decent will come of it.

Edwards hopes to see something similar to what the Shell Factory used to be, as she believes it represents a history that Florida should have been proud of and should have tried everything to maintain.

According to the Lee County Clerk of Court, the property was sold to Shell NFM LLC, based in Boca Raton.