From ruins to revival, Matlacha welcomes visitors back after Ian

MATLACHA, Fla. (WINK) — Matlacha continues to rebuild nearly four years after Hurricane Ian devastated the island community.

Business owners say the colorful fishing village isn't just recovering—it's coming back stronger. At a WINK Listens event in Matlacha, two business owners shared their love for the island and their message to the community: the island is open for business.

The bright colors, local art and waterfront charm that made Matlacha a destination for visitors are slowly returning. After Hurricane Ian left much of the island in ruins, business owners say the community has spent years rebuilding, and they're finally seeing results.

Joe Perry recently bought the Matlacha Menagerie and says he's watched the island come back to life.

"Seeing not only our store, but the other stores opening up along our strip, and it's, you know, reassuring, you know, I made the right decision," Perry said.

While there's still work to do, he says the community's progress is hard to miss.

"A lot of the buildings have been removed, and when you drive through the town, you don't feel demoralized anymore, and there's hope," Perry said.

For Stacy Artis, the recovery is personal. 15 days after buying her waterfront vacation rental property, Hurricane Ian hit.

"We had a plan to come in and renovate and make our property bigger and beautiful, and to encourage more to come out, and then we were closed for eight months," Artis said.

Now, she's helping spread the word that Matlacha is ready to welcome visitors again.

"A lot of our businesses are back, and they're up and running, and we're just trying to encourage the community to come back and support our islands," Artis said.

Both Artis and Perry say what carried Matlacha through its toughest days is the people who call it home. Their message is simple: come see the new chapter of Matlacha for yourself.

Business owners say while recovery efforts continue, they're encouraged by the growing number of visitors returning to the island.