Fort Myers Beach expected to approve powerboat races for first time since Hurricane Ian

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — Town council is expected to approve the permit for the ROAR Offshore Powerboat Races, marking the event's return to Fort Myers Beach for the first time since 2021.

The event is set for Sept. 11 through Sept. 13. New ownership is ready to bring it back after a four-year hiatus due to Hurricane Ian.

The town is expected to make some exceptions for the event, including waiving its noise restrictions and rules banning open alcohol containers in public areas. Racing is a go, along with the noise that comes with it, and the drinks will be flowing on the beach.

The return of ROAR Offshore is expected to bring thousands of people back to Fort Myers Beach for a weekend of high-speed racing, live entertainment and activities. Organizers say the return could give local restaurants, hotels and other businesses a boost during a typically slower time of year.

For many business owners, the big question is whether the island is ready for the crowds. Event organizer Sean Torrente thinks so.

"This community has given me a lot, and then racing has given me so much through my life. I've been racing for 35 years, so since I was 12 years old," Torrente said. "So, if you can help both of those things in one, you know, in one fell swoop, then it's worth doing."

The town council met to approve the event. Additional information was provided at the beginning of the meeting.