FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Fort Myers Beach businesses are preparing for a double boost with Margaritaville Resort opening in just days, plus the extra visitors as season begins.
The Jimmy Buffet-style resort has multiple restaurants and shops, but businesses outside the hotel along the shoreline are hoping to get a slice of paradise. Many are still recovering from what they lost due to Hurricane Ian.
“It’s been slow,” said Nick Kuphal, who works the jet ski rental stand at Adventure Water Sports. “After the hurricane, we took a hit. Everyone took a hit. But with the resort opening up, it’s only looking up from here!”
With more cars expected on Estero Island, some are concerned about traffic, parking and wonder if there are enough places back open to handle crowds.
Well, most beach businesses NBC2 talked to tell us they’re ready! While some like Doc Ford’s are already operating at maximum capacity most nights, several others like Yucatan Grill and Eats at the Beach are hiring additional crew members to take care of more tables.
“We’re also going to be extending our hours to possibly two shifts, “ said Kimberly Preuss, who works right on the sand at Eats at the Beach. Everyone that lost everything in the hurricane… some people are just holding on, trying to get through and I think this will bring in extra people.”
As of now, the Town of Fort Myers Beach isn’t planning on adding additional parking lots or making any changes to its parking system, but Margaritaville is opening its own parking garage to give visitors more options.
The resort, which also has its own restaurants and shops will have a grand opening on Thursday and officially open to guests on Monday.