Organizations and volunteers worked to restore dunes, protect sea turtles, and limit overdevelopment. This environmental ethic became woven into community life, balancing tourism with sustainability.
Incorporation and Local Governance
For much of its modern history, Fort Myers Beach was part of unincorporated Lee County. In 1995, residents voted to incorporate as an independent town. The goal was to preserve the island’s character, maintain local control over zoning and infrastructure, and guide future growth responsibly. Incorporation gave Fort Myers Beach its own town council and mayor, formalizing the self-reliant spirit that had defined it for generations.
Cultural Identity: A Blend of Laid-Back Spirit and Heritage
Fort Myers Beach developed a culture distinct from either Fort Myers or nearby Naples. It blended island informality—flip-flops, tiki huts, live music—with a sense of small-town pride. Festivals like the Shrimp Festival celebrated both heritage and livelihood, honoring the Gulf’s shrimping industry that remained vital to local families. The fishing fleets of San Carlos Island, visible from the beach, linked past and present, work and play.
The island also became an artist’s haven, with galleries, studios, and writers inspired by the Gulf light. Sunsets over the pier became communal rituals—moments when tourists and locals alike shared a sense of timeless wonder. shutdown123