Fort Myers Beach council weighs Silver Sands Resort makeover with retail and Margaritaville access

The Fort Myers Beach Town Council is holding its first reading and public hearing Monday on a proposal to redevelop the Silver Sands Resort on Estero Boulevard. The proposal aims to rezone the property to allow for a six-story, 60-room boutique hotel, ground-level parking, retail space, and a rooftop pool overlooking the Gulf. Developers also plan to include access to Margaritaville’s amenities, such as the beach club, restaurants, and more. The original Silver Sands Resort featured 22 small cottages but was wiped out by Hurricane Ian in 2022, along with many other buildings on the barrier island. Developers want to rebuild the resort with a modern makeover, making it larger and more accommodating. Monday’s public hearing begins at 9 a.m., with a second reading and vote slated for Sept. 9. Town leaders will need to approve the project before it can move forward. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.