North Fort Myers' Old Bridge Marina cleared of abandoned boats after Hurricane Ian

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. —

The Old Bridge Marina in North Fort Myers, once filled with sunken and abandoned boats following Hurricane Ian, has been cleared, resolving environmental concerns and improving the area’s appearance.

"It was an eyesore as well as an environmental issue. And now that it's all cleaned up, I think it looks a lot better," said Captain Bobby Scott of Sea Tow.

Crews removed the boats that had been sitting in the marina since the hurricane, a change that Scott described as significant for the community.

"I'm sure there are a lot of people that really didn't have anywhere to put a boat because of that marina being shut down, and I'm sure the people that we're looking at, those boats are static, that all of that is gone now. I'm sure they love looking out into the water instead of boats on their sides and upside down," Scott said.

The City of Fort Myers released a statement regarding the marina’s future, saying, "The city paused its permitting efforts to allow time to coordinate with the new property owner on their plans for the site and future marina improvements."

Residents near the marina expressed optimism about the changes and the potential for development.

"Well, I hope that they develop it down there. It's a beautiful area, and it's a lovely entryway over to Fort Myers. So I'm hoping that at least along that corner street there, they kind of make it a nice approach to get onto the bridge, possibly keep the marina there," said Judy Esworthy-Pencherek of North Fort Myers.

The new property owner has not yet commented on what is next for the site.

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