Anchor: Gracie
•6/16/2026
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK)—Lee County commissioners approved a $3.9 million contract to repair and restore Bowditch Point Park, nearly four years after Hurricane Ian left the popular beach destination in ruins.
For years, visitors coming to Bowditch Point Park have been greeted by storm damage, closed facilities, and fencing left behind by Hurricane Ian. With restoration efforts underway, locals and visitors say they're ready to see something finally happen.
Bowditch Point Park has long been a favorite destination for locals and visitors. But since Hurricane Ian tore through Fort Myers Beach in 2022, much of the 17-acre park has sat damaged and closed.
"Thank God they're getting it done, because this is a huge spot," Jeremiah, a resident, said.
The project will rebuild damaged park buildings, boardwalks, parking areas, picnic spaces, beach access points, and replace the park's 22-slip boat dock. County leaders know many people are wondering why it took so long.
"I think the question we're going to face from the public is why did it take us four years to get to this point," Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman said.
County staff says the process involved FEMA damage reviews, inspections, permits from local, state, and federal agencies, plus bidding processes for both design and construction. The project is also focused on making the park more accessible.
David Brown with Family Initiative says improvements like these can open the door for more families to enjoy public spaces together. "Parks that are accessible to everybody are incredibly important, you know," Brown said. "20-25% of the population in the U.S. has some type of disability. And so, for the county to take the steps to make sure the park's accessible to everybody is just an awesome step."
For locals who have been waiting years for progress, the work can't start soon enough. "I'm just glad it's finally getting after it," Jeremiah said.
Construction is expected to take 11 months. WINK News is working to get an answer from county officials as to when construction will begin.
