Sarah Mankowitz
•6/29/2026
Legacy Island is moving into the next phase of a $1.2 million renovation by the end of June, bringing a five-slip dock, observation deck, walking trails and shaded pavilions to the small Caloosahatchee River island in Fort Myers.
Visible from the Edison Bridge, the island has long been a point of interest for those passing by.
Crystal and Ryan VanDenabeele recently visited the island to explore its potential. "Definitely wanted to come check it out and see what kind of renovations they were doing," Crystal said.
Nicole Setzer, city engineer for public works in Fort Myers, explained that the project has faced challenges over the years.
"It's been probably five or six years in total that we've been contemplating it, designing it, permitting it. We had a lot of hurdles to jump through. One of the big ones was with the Corps of Engineers. They had an easement over this island to use as a spoil island, and we had to get that released," Setzer said.
The $1.2 million project, funded by city funds and grants, is being completed in phases. Phase one included stabilizing the island, adding riprap around its sides, improving beaches, and removing exotic vegetation.
Setzer said phase two is expected to begin by the end of June and should be completed within seven months.
"It includes a five-slip dock that will be built on the island, includes a wood observation deck, some walking trails on the island and a couple pavilions for shade," she said.
For boaters, the dock is a significant addition.
"Right now there's only like one little stretch right there that you can kind of beach it up to, which not many people want to do that to their boats," Crystal said.
As renovations continue, Legacy Island is becoming a more appealing destination.
"'It'd be nice to maybe spend the day here kind of beach, and on Legacy, and then go have lunch downtown," Ryan said.
