New resort project near Margaritaville draws mixed reaction on Fort Myers Beach

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. —

The developer behind Margaritaville wants to transform the former Silver Sands property along Estero Boulevard into a 60-room hotel, built five stories above parking with retail space on the ground level and a rooftop pool overlooking the Gulf.

New plans also show guests would have access to Margaritaville’s amenities, including the beach club, restaurants, spa and fitness classes, essentially creating a connected resort experience across the street.

Right now, the site looks very different. It’s being used as a parking lot for Margaritaville employees and houses a Lee County Sheriff’s Office trailer. But if approved, it would become one of the latest major redevelopment projects on the island following Hurricane Ian.

The original Silver Sands dates back to the 1920s and featured just 22 small cottages, a style many visitors still remember fondly.

“It's nostalgia, you know. I don't like change myself. I'm really into the smaller, more homey type places,” said Tom Scafidi, who has been visiting Fort Myers Beach for years.

Scafidi and his wife, Sharon, say they understand the need to rebuild, but worry about what larger, taller developments could mean for the character of the beach.

“Kind of takes away the charm. It’s not a cute beach resort,” Sharon Scafidi said.

But others like Mike Miller, who owns The Whale restaurant nearby, see it differently. He thinks the high-end suites will bring something unique to Fort Myers Beach.

“It's a good project. It'll bring a lot more people to the island,” Miller said. “We've lost well over 1,000 hotel rooms, we can definitely use more hotel rooms."

To move forward, developers are asking the town for deviations from current building rules, including height, which is one of the biggest concerns from neighbors. Some people argue that building taller may be necessary given limited space and stricter flood elevation requirements, while others worry it could reshape the skyline and feel of the island.

The project still needs town approval before any construction begins, but it’s already highlighting the balancing act facing Fort Myers Beach, between preserving its past and building its future.

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