New contractor takes over Sunset Beach Resort project in Fort Myers Beach

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK)—The general contractor for the Sunset Beach Resort project has pulled out of the development.

Benchmark General Contractors and the resort owners mutually agreed to split up. Terry Persaud, the developer behind the project, confirmed the separation but did not elaborate on the reason.

Persaud said these situations happen in the construction industry. He said a new company, Prince and Company Construction, already took over.

The change comes one month after developers and town officials held a press conference at Times Square, where construction is already underway. The resort is part of a wave of new development planned for the island, including a food truck park and a new mixed-use building with apartments and ice cream on Old San Carlos Boulevard.

Gary Tasman, a local commercial real estate executive, said construction is starting to pick up post-Hurricane Ian.

"Not only was it a clean slate for developers to work from, but it was a clean slate for the city of Fort Myers Beach to have the opportunity to rethink, reimagine, and reinforce the island to protect better for the next storm," Tasman said.

Lee County plans to celebrate a groundbreaking for the Fort Myers Beach Pier on Friday.