Demolition of Chapel by the Sea Church has begun

Reporter: Tiffany Rizzo Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:

Demolition of the Chapel by the Sea on Fort Myers Beach has begun months after being severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Despite the devastation, there are still several signs of hope. The church was able to salvage some of the notable pieces of memorabilia.

The church bell, originally rescued from a scrap yard during World War II was salvaged. People were also able to save half of a clamshell used in baptisms.

The Chapel by the Sea was the first church built on Fort Myers Beach. Before construction in 1938, the Presbyterian group first met at a pavilion at Red Coconut Park, various homes, on boats and a casino.

Participants of the church have been worshipping at the Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers.

It remains unclear if the church will be rebuilt.

The demolition began at 9 a.m., Wednesday.

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