Fort Myers Beach News Roundup

Bright Lights, Fire District Study, Santini Plaza Re-Open, Bonita Bill's Sale, and Red Coconut RV High-Rise Plans

Jul 17, 2024

By Richard Luthmann

Fort Myers Beach is buzzing with activity as the community continues its recovery from Hurricane Ian. Significant developments are shaping FMB's future: Florida Power & Light is set to install 700 new streetlights, the Fire Districts are considering a merger, Santini Plaza is reopening, Bonita Bill’s is for sale, and a new high-rise condo project is eyed at the Red Coconut RV Park site.

Bright Lights Return to Fort Myers Beach

FPL to Install 700 Streetlights

Nearly two years after Hurricane Ian, FPL is beginning the installation of 700 new streetlights in Fort Myers Beach. The project kicks off on Monday and will illuminate Estero Boulevard from Old San Carlos Boulevard to the island's south end, including side streets.

The island has remained dark since Hurricane Ian, particularly at the intersection of Estero Boulevard and Old San Carlos Boulevard. The lack of lighting has been a significant concern for residents. FMB resident Randy Belger expressed relief at the news: "Just security is a good thing. Get the lights on the crosswalks on Estero. At night, you can't see if somebody walks across the street. You got to watch."

Belger, still repairing his home from the storm, highlighted how the new lighting would improve safety and allow residents to continue recovery efforts at all hours. The installed lights are sea turtle-safe, ensuring that the turtles will not be distracted when they hatch or try to lay eggs.

An FPL spokesperson stated that the entire project, which aims to enhance safety and security on the island, would take at least 15 months to complete.

Fire Districts to Merge?

Study Approved for Fire District Merger

The Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners has approved an $83,911 study to explore the potential merger of the FMB Fire District with the Iona-McGregor Fire District. The study cost will be shared between the two districts.

FMB Fire Chief Scott Wirth said the feasibility study and analysis would take about eight to nine months. The consultants will present their findings to both fire boards. “We’re hoping to see some reimbursement [for] costs down the road,” said John Bennett, FMB Board of Fire Commissioners Chair.

In addition to approving the study, the board authorized Chief Wirth to close on the $3.4 million property purchase on Shrimp Boat Lane on San Carlos Island. The property, cleared of previous violations, will serve as a new administrative office and training tower for the fire department. This property, formerly owned by Trico Shrimp Co., is located next to Erickson & Jensen Seafood and includes dock space that might be shared with the department for shrimp boats.

Vice Chair Larry Wood announced that he will not seek another term on the board. Keran Farrell runs for Wood’s vacated seat, while Fleming runs unopposed for another term.

Santini Plaza Reopening

Santini Plaza Set to Reopen by October

Santini Plaza is set to reopen on Fort Myers Beach, with several businesses signing leases to return and new ones joining. After extensive repairs from Hurricane Ian, owner Yariv Shaked is confident that the popular shopping center will be ready by fall.

“If things go well, people will open up by October,” Shaked said. New turtle-friendly lighting has been installed in the parking lot, and lease agreements are being finalized with various new and returning tenants.

Among the new businesses is New York Pizza & Pasta, which plans to open a new location at Santini Plaza. The restaurant has two locations in Naples and aims to open by late this year or early next year. The Naples restaurant manager said the FMB location would offer similar food but with some differences. "Our culinary journey is more than a business venture – it’s a labor of love," the manager stated on their website.

Before Hurricane Ian, Francesco’s Italian Deli & Pizza was located in Santini Plaza. They will not return, and New York Pizza & Pasta will take over their former unit and possibly expand into adjacent units.

Other returning tenants include Annette’s Book Nook, The Islander, Leani’s Casual and Swimwear, Nesbit Realty, and South Beach Grille. Anita Cereceda, operator of The Islander, confirmed her return: “I am absolutely returning to Santini. There was never a plan not to.”

Cereceda, who has previously served as mayor and chairs the town’s Local Planning Agency, is optimistic about the plaza's future. “It’s been difficult for everyone, but the path is pretty clear ahead of me now. I hope to be open this fall and welcome everyone in.”

Santini Plaza needed extensive repairs, including a new roof, firewalls, windows, separation walls, drywall, and electrical outlets. The parking lot has also been resurfaced. “I think of it as opening a new business,” Cereceda said. “There was nothing left of the old to reopen. So it will have a new look, new merchandise, new people. And hopefully a warm and inviting space that people will like to come to.”

Shaked had to litigate with his insurance carrier over the reimbursement for the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. He purchased Santini Plaza for $18.6 million nine months before the hurricane. For nearly two years, he has had no income from the property while continuing to pay off a mortgage, taxes, and insurance costs. “With no money coming in,” he said, “it’s been a challenge.”

Not all former tenants will return. Subway, Estero Island Medical Care, Edward Jones, and Comfort by Design have confirmed they will not be back. The remodeled plaza will feature about 20 storefronts, with some units expanded to accommodate more business space.

The FMB Farmer's Market is set to return to Santini Plaza starting November 5, 2024, and will run through April 4, 2025. The Town Council approved the permit, marking the market's first return since May 2022. Linda Miller, who operates the market, said, “We are excited to revive the Santini Farmers Market beginning November 2024. The South End has been vocal about returning shopping, unique foods, and produce to Santini Plaza. Our vendors are excited to be a part of the return to normalcy after Hurricane Ian.”

The Town Council also approved a permit for the Farmer's Market to return to Times Square from September 9, 2024, to May 31, 2025.

Shaked is hopeful that the Farmer's Market, previously held at the plaza, will help bring life back to the area. The plaza borders Loggerhead Fish-Tale Marina and was home to popular small restaurants and boutique businesses before the hurricane.

Town officials have been helpful in the rebuilding process. “The town went above and beyond to help us,” Shaked said.

Bonita Bill’s Up for Sale

Semmer Family Selling Bonita Bill's

The Semmer family is selling Bonita Bill’s restaurant and three other properties for $20 million. Bill Semmer, an electrician who invested in waterfront property on San Carlos Island, passed away in January 2023. His family has decided to sell the properties, which opens up possibilities for redevelopment.

Lauri Albion, a broker with SVN Commercial Partners, described the sale as a difficult decision for the family: “All of the kids grew up playing here. It’s very difficult for the family to let go of the property because they’ve been so entrenched in the community.”

Bonita Bill’s first opened as a fish house in 1926 and is the centerpiece of the sale, listed at $7.98 million. This includes an adjacent meeting space, the blue Ostego Bay Marine Science Center building, and a parking lot. Nearby Dixie Fish Co. and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille are not part of the parcel.

The Marina on Main, located at 1120, 1120, and 1138 Main St., is listed for $7.75 million. The 1.8-acre property, heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian, would require demolition and redevelopment. “There are 50 docks in the back of that property,” Albion said. “It has the potential to be redeveloped into an absolutely beautiful project.”

Two other properties are also for sale: a site on Seaside Drive zoned Marine Industrial and Agricultural, listed at $2.14 million, and a 39-unit indoor self-storage facility on Buttonwood Drive, listed at $1.3 million. The latter two properties could be combined with adjacent properties being sold by other brokers for a continuous development with bayfront access.

Bill Semmer also owned and operated Semmer Electric. “These other projects were his passions,” Albion said, referring to the marina and restaurant. “He just loved people and getting them together, having a good time.”

Bonita Bill’s may be the only property spared from redevelopment, depending on the new owner's plans. The buildings will turn 100 years old in two years, and their future depends on the new owner's wishes.

In the meantime, Bonita Bill’s remains open. “I think that the bones are here for somebody to come in and either grow the Bonita Bill’s brand or bring in a new brand,” Albion said. “I know a lot of good people who come down here, the regulars, the tourists, the locals would like to see it remain very much as it is.”

More High-Rise Condos for Fort Myers Beach?

Developer Plans Condo Buildings on RV Park Site

Seagate Development plans to build 17-story luxury condos on the Red Coconut RV Park site. The proposal includes villas, a beachfront restaurant, a private beach club, and a pedestrian walkway.

Renderings show two 17-story residential buildings with over 130 condo units, pools, and cabanas. Some locals, like Jeff Hinsperger, are concerned it will spoil the town’s charm. “We like the old fisherman town, too bad the hurricane happened. Margaritaville is not Fort Myers Beach, and high rises will make it even worse,” said Hinsperger, who has visited FMB for 20 years.

Another long-time visitor, Jeffery Depasquale, sees potential benefits. “I like the idea of shops and restaurants, bars, that type of thing, but the 17 stories I don't love,” Depasquale said. “I think it takes away from the beach a little bit, but also, times change when they have a situation like they have here.”

Fran Myers, who previously owned the Red Coconut with her husband Thomas Myers, sold the property to Seagate for $52 million last year. She believes the developer is keeping their promises. “I know nobody likes towers, but I think if the folks on Fort Myers each take a deep breath and really give Seagate a chance,” Myers said. “The good thing is the beachfront is going to be mostly open. When the trailers were there at, the beachside was always full.”

The Local Planning Agency and the Town must approve the project. Seagate Development plans a public meeting to share project details with the community, but no date has been set yet.