Fort Myers Beach, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
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| City of Fort Myers Beach | |
Fishermen wading in Fort Myers Beach
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Location in Lee County and the state of Florida
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| Country | United States of America |
| State | Florida |
| County | Lee |
| Incorporated | December 31, 1995 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council-Manager |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.17 sq mi (15.98 km2) |
| • Land | 2.78 sq mi (7.20 km2) |
| • Water | 3.39 sq mi (8.78 km2) |
| Elevation | 3 ft (1 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,582 |
| • Density | 2,006.47/sq mi (774.84/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
33931-33932
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| Area code(s) | 239 |
| FIPS code | 12-24150 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0282701 |
Fort Myers Beach is a town in Lee County, Florida, United States. It is located on the northern part of Estero Island. This island is found in the Gulf of Mexico.
You can reach Fort Myers Beach from the mainland by crossing a bridge over Estero Bay. The town is part of a larger area called the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. Fort Myers Beach became an official town on December 31, 1995. In 2020, about 5,582 people lived there.
Contents
Exploring Fort Myers Beach
Where is Fort Myers Beach?
Fort Myers Beach is located at 26°26′19″N 81°55′32″W. It sits on the northern end of Estero Island. This island is one of many barrier islands found in the Gulf of Mexico. These islands are just off the coast of Fort Myers, Florida.
The town covers about 6.2 square miles (15.98 square kilometers). About 2.9 square miles (7.20 square kilometers) of this is land. The rest, about 3.3 square miles (8.78 square kilometers), is water.
What is the Weather Like?
Fort Myers Beach has a tropical climate. This means it's usually warm and sunny. On average, it gets about 56 inches of rain each year. It never snows here!
There are about 265 sunny days every year. In July, the temperature is usually around 89 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The low in July is about 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). In January, the high is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius), and the low is 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius).
Hurricane Ian's Impact
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian hit the area just north of Fort Myers Beach. It was a very strong Category 4 hurricane. The storm caused a lot of damage to homes and businesses along the coast. High winds and a huge storm surge (a rise in sea level caused by the storm) affected most buildings. Even the popular Times Square area was damaged.
The storm surge reached about 15 feet (4.6 meters) high. Winds blew at 140 miles per hour (225 kilometers per hour). Hurricane Ian caused more damage from water than from wind. It was one of the most expensive hurricanes in Florida's history, causing about $112 billion in damages. Many people were affected because the area has grown a lot. Florida's economy also relies on its beautiful coastlines and tourism.
Planning for the Future
Scientists believe that hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico might become stronger and happen more often. This is due to climate change. Because of this, some people suggest that it might be better to help residents move to safer areas away from the coast. This could be a better long-term plan than always rebuilding after storms.
The government has given money to help people recover. This money helps home and business owners get back on their feet. Experts predict that coastal flooding could happen much more often by 2050.
Fort Myers Beach History
Early Days
The Calusa Indians were the first people to live on Estero Island, where Fort Myers Beach is now. They lived there about 2,000 years ago. The Calusa successfully fought off Spanish attempts to settle, even from explorers like Juan Ponce de León in the early 1500s. Sadly, the Calusa people eventually disappeared about 150 years later due to diseases and conflicts.
In the mid-1700s, Cuban fishermen started a small fishing village called a Ranchero. This led to the remaining Calusa people leaving the area. In 1845, Florida became the 27th state in the United States.
American Settlers Arrive
American settlers began moving to Estero Island after the Homestead Act of 1862. In 1862, Robert Gilbert received land at the highest point on Fort Myers Beach. Later, in 1911, William Case created the first neighborhood with cottages for rent. By 1914, all the land on the island was settled. There wasn't much industry then, mostly just a hotel, fishing, gardening, and a sawmill. At this time, Estero Island was known as Crescent Beach.
Development on Crescent Beach was slow at first. But in the 1920s, Florida became a popular vacation spot. In 1921, a toll bridge opened, connecting the beach to the mainland. Soon after, two casinos, hotels, a pier, and the island's first canal were built. However, two hurricanes in 1921 and 1926 slowed down this growth. Even during the Great Depression, Crescent Beach continued to grow. Small businesses, restaurants, more neighborhoods, and a school were added.
In the 1950s, Crescent Beach became even more modern. Many new hotels were built, including one with the first swimming pool. The swing bridge was also updated to make traffic flow better. During this time, "pink gold," or pink shrimp, were discovered. This started a big shrimping industry. The island's population grew by 50 percent. Many community groups, churches, local newspapers, and even a US Coast Guard station were added. The Beach Library opened in 1955, becoming the first free public library in Lee County.
Becoming a Town
Fort Myers Beach has continued to grow and change. Today, it has both people who live there all year and those who visit for vacations. It also has a busy tourism industry. On December 31, 1995, Fort Myers Beach officially became an incorporated town.
Who Lives Here?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1960 | 2,463 | — | |
| 1970 | 4,305 | 74.8% | |
| 1980 | 5,753 | 33.6% | |
| 1990 | 9,284 | 61.4% | |
| 2000 | 6,561 | −29.3% | |
| 2010 | 6,277 | −4.3% | |
| 2020 | 5,582 | −11.1% | |
| source: | |||
| Race | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
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| White (NH) | 5,999 | 5,272 | 95.57% | 94.45% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 16 | 13 | 0.25% | 0.23% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 10 | 10 | 0.16% | 0.18% |
| Asian (NH) | 34 | 12 | 0.54% | 0.21% |
| Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH) | 1 | 0 | 0.02% | 0.00% |
| Some other race (NH) | 6 | 14 | 0.10% | 0.25% |
| Two or more races/Multiracial (NH) | 36 | 101 | 0.57% | 1.81% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 175 | 160 | 2.79% | 2.87% |
| Total | 6,277 | 5,582 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
In 2020, there were 5,582 people living in Fort Myers Beach. There were 3,497 households and 2,198 families.
In 2010, the population was 6,277 people. There were 3,596 households. About 7.9% of these households had children under 18. Many households (50.4%) were married couples. The average household had 1.81 people.
The median age in 2010 was 63.2 years old. This means half the people were older than 63.2 and half were younger. A large part of the population (45.4%) was 65 years or older.
Schools in Fort Myers Beach
Elementary School
- Fort Myers Beach Elementary School: This is the only elementary school on Fort Myers Beach. Only children who live on Estero and San Carlos Islands or whose families work on the Beach can attend. It is the smallest public elementary school in Lee County and is known as an "A-ranked" school.
High Schools
There are no high schools directly on Fort Myers Beach. Students attend other public schools in Lee County.
Places of Worship
The Chapel by the Sea was the first church on the island. It started in 1932 as a mission of the Presbyterians. The first building was built in 1937. Today, it can hold 700 people. Even though it's Presbyterian, it's known as the community church. The church also helps feed people in need every weekday.
Saint Raphael's Episcopal Church was the second church built. It was founded in 1951. This church is famous for hosting the annual Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet. This tradition started in 1952 to bless all the fishing boats and their crews.
Other churches on the island include the Roman Catholic Church of the Ascension, the Beach United Methodist Church, St. Peter's Lutheran Church, and the Beach Baptist Church.
Getting Around
Fort Myers Beach has public transportation. LeeTran buses, run by the county, serve the area.
Fun Community Events
Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival
The Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival happens every March. This festival celebrates the important shrimping industry in Fort Myers Beach. It includes:
- A shrimp eating contest
- A 5k run
- A parade
- A pageant
- A food and crafts fair
Taste of the Beach
Taste of the Beach takes place in May. At this event, local restaurants offer small portions of their best dishes. You can buy these samples and try many different foods. Restaurants also compete for awards like "Best Appetizer" or "People's Choice Award." There is also live music throughout the event.
Fort Myers Beach Pirate Festival
The Fort Myers Beach Pirate Festival is held on the second weekend of October. This festival was even named the #2 Pirate Festival in the Country by USA Today! It's a family-friendly event that draws thousands of visitors. You can enjoy:
- A pirate market
- Pirate-themed live music and shows
- Exciting live ship battles
- Fun activities for kids
- A "jolly pub quest" for adults (21+)
American Sand Sculpting Championship
The American Sand Sculpting Championship happens in November. This is the biggest sand sculpting event in the United States. Nearly 47,000 people come to watch. Artists use about 2,000 tons of sand to create amazing sculptures.
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade takes place in December. This event features 30 to 50 boats decorated with lights and Christmas scenes. They play Christmas carols as they travel through the Back Bay. The parade passes by several restaurants, making it a festive sight.
Images for kids
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The beach of Fort Myers Beach
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Matanzas Pass
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The beach as seen from the terrace of the Lani Kai Island Resort
See also
In Spanish: Fort Myers Beach para niños
