Celebrating Fourth of July on Fort Myers Beach

Reporter: Jolena Esperto Writer: Matias Abril
Published: Updated:
tropical system
Fort Myers Beach seven months after Ian. CREDIT: WINK News

This weekend marks the first Fourth of July weekend since Hurricane Ian devastated the entire area.
Homes, businesses and beaches were completely destroyed.

But after nine months since the storm, a sense of normalcy is beaming onto the beach.

Fourth of July on Fort Myers Beach won’t have fireworks, but beachgoers said, they still would rather be here than anywhere else on this holiday weekend.

“Besides Time Square being gone and pier being gone, this looks just like normal, it really does,” said Jack Tellin, who grew up on Fort Myers Beach.

Whether you’re a local or visitor, you can feel the strong atmosphere at Fort Myers Beach.

Several businesses have opened since Ian, and while they still need some help, they are thankful to be here.

“Really good things will probably never be the same, but it will still be fun. There’s fireworks, but no parade, but we’re definitely still having fun,” said Robert Riley, Yucatan Beach stand manager.

And even though it feels like normal to an extent, business owners on Fort Myers Beach said they still need support, but they know it will only get better from here with time.

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