Fort Myers Beach approves powerboat races for first time since Hurricane Ian

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — Roar Offshore is returning to Fort Myers Beach in September, four years after Hurricane Ian put the event on hold.

The town council unanimously approved the final details for the powerboat racing event this morning. The council waived the town's noise restrictions to accommodate the racing just off the beach.

During the meeting, a councilor asked whether organizers still wanted to allow open alcohol containers across the island, which was part of the original request. The organizer clarified that's no longer part of the plan.

"We don't need open containers. But we're not really too concerned about that target, and the reason why is that where the majority of the events are going to be held, that's actually on close property," Randall Tuesdale of Roar Offshore said.

The event will be different from previous years. Organizers expect between 16 and 18 racing teams, with most of the racing activity concentrated around the beach.

That means they won't need to bring back some of the bigger events from years past, including the boat parade that caused traffic problems along Estero Boulevard. The town also approved the use of 22 parking spaces on Westina Way for two race teams during the event.

Roar Offshore is set for Sept. 11 through Sept. 13 on Fort Myers Beach. Teams are expected to arrive on Thursday, with racing and events through Sunday.