Prepping To Unveil The Iconic Times Square Clock On Fort Myers Beach
Officials have been extra busy on Estero island this week, prepping to unveil the iconic Times Square Clock on Fort Myers Beach. Despite the rain, the finishing touches are being made around the area that a year ago was left in rubble by Hurricane Ian. Fort Myers Beach officials are holding a remembrance ceremony tomorrow, September 28th, on the one year anniversary of the storm. That ceremony takes place at 9am at Bayside Park. Following the ceremony, there will be a dedication and ribbon cutting for the new clock.
It’s still so hard to believe this is how the beach looked last year around this time. Time Square buildings all gone. So much work has been done. But there is still so much more to do to get businesses opened again.
Prepping Times Square Clock
The clock stood as a welcome sign of sorts to Fort Myers Beach. The giant timepiece was one of the most photographed structures on the beach and a popular spot for visitors to pose in front of. The original clock was washed out to sea with much of the businesses in the famous Time Square area. The only thing left was its concrete base to serve as a cruel reminder of the brutal force of Mother Nature.
This new clock was built by the same company out of Ohio that built the original piece, Verdin. It was returned to the beach on September 14th but has remained covered until the ceremony. Over the last couple of weeks, work has been done on it’s base. This week, more trees have been planted in the surrounding area to continue restoration efforts. It’s not the same. It never will be. However, every little step makes a difference in restoring Fort Myers Beach.
Officials are almost done prepping to unveil the iconic Times Square Clock on Fort Myers Beach. It’s a big deal and symbol of hope for everyone with ties to the beach.
A Year After Hurricane Ian: These 20 Restaurants Are Open On Fort Myers Beach
It’s hard to believe that this week marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian and there are 20 restaurants that are open on Fort Myers Beach.
This Thursday, September 28, marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. Parts of Southwest Florida were completely devastated, mainly the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. We’ve come a LONG way over the past year. It still breaks my heart to go down there see so many things gone. But it’s also refreshing to see so many things that have reopened. It’s so important to support the businesses that have been able to reopen. I’ve been going to Fort Myers Beach nearly every weekend and I love seeing so many people down there. Whether they’re eating, drinking or taking a walk at sunset.
When it comes to accommodations, a handful of hotels are welcoming guests back to the island.
Diamondhead, Pink Shell, Edison Beach House, Gullwing, and Lighthouse. There are also a bunch of vacation rental companies on the beach too. I love that more and more places are becoming available just in time for season. If you have friends and family coming down for holiday vacations, they’ll be able to stay on the beach and enjoy all it has to offer. And when it comes to attractions, there are wave runner rentals, boat cruises and more.
But not only for visitors, us locals love to eat and drink, and with a backdrop like the beach, it doesn’t get any better. For a full list of everything open on Fort Myers Beach, click here. But I put together a list of the 20 restaurants have reopened on the beach. Go down, soak up our paradise and support these Fort Myers Beach restaurants as we continue to rebuild after Hurricane Ian, one year later.
Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.
