Bernie Montás
•9/11/2026
The Roar Offshore Powerboat Race has returned to Fort Myers Beach, marking a significant milestone for a community that has been rebuilding since Hurricane Ian struck nearly four years ago. "I'm amazed at how wonderful everything looks now since Ian," said spectator Kim Koerner. The event kicked off Friday with the roar of powerboat engines, signaling the start of a weekend filled with races and a showcase that is expected to draw thousands of spectators to the Gulf waters. "It was pretty cool. I taped it to send back to my family in Kansas. It was awesome, and I videoed so you could hear the engines of the boats," Koerner said. The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce hopes the event will create an atmosphere the town hasn’t experienced in years, while also boosting the local economy. "I'm glad. They are really the best way to get attention back to Fort Myers Beach, I think," said spectator Richard Behmke. For speedboat racer Shannon Rice, the event is about more than just competition. "We've always loved Fort Myers, and we're just so happy to be back and show the town that we did miss just as much as missed us," Rice said. Still, Rice made it clear that his team is focused on winning. "We don't come here to slack off. So, we definitely came here to win, and we're definitely going to do everything we can to do so," he said. Although the official races are set to begin Saturday at 11 a.m., Koerner is already planning to return next year. "I'm going to make a trip next year, I think, to come back during this time and bring more family and watch these races. It's so cool," she said. The championship race is scheduled for Sunday. 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.
