Bahama Beach Club on Fort Myers Beach builds back after Hurricane Ian

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. —

Nearly four years after Hurricane Ian destroyed the historic Bahama Beach Club, the first modular homes have been craned into place, signaling a moment of resilience and renewal for the community.

In 2022, Gulf Coast News joined Bob Sturkey as he returned to his home, which was destroyed by the storms. The only thing that survived was a bottle of wine. Today, he celebrates a new beginning.

"Instead of trying to discover a wine bottle, now it's gonna be about opening champagne," Sturkey said. "The last time was destruction and watching all that and seeing that this is about resiliency and rebirth and growth and development and looking towards the future."

The Bahama Beach Club, known for its colorful bungalow-style homes and classic Old Florida feel, has been a beloved part of the island for decades. Before Hurricane Ian, it was a place filled with vacations, family traditions, and memories spanning generations.

Today marked the first time many residents saw their homes returning to the property.

"I've been coming down to the island since 1984. My children have grown up coming down here. I have owned the unit since 1991, and it just means so much to be coming back. It's really a very emotional day for me," said Joy Barrett, HOA president and resident.

The new homes were designed to retain the same colorful, coastal look while being stronger and more resilient to future storms.

Residents say they are looking forward to officially moving in this November. Barrett expressed her excitement about creating new memories with her family.

"I have a grandchild coming in June, and so I cannot wait to bring them here and again start new memories in a new place," she said. "We're home. We're finally home again."

After years of recovery, the placement of these homes is another sign that the island is moving forward, even if the road back has been long.

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