FORT MYERS, Fla. — Fort Myers is experiencing a wave of new development and redevelopment, with new residential, commercial, and marina projects reshaping the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.
WEST FIRST STREET
Steve Branter, owner of Steve B. Waterfront Café and Biergarten on West First Street, has been part of the community for 15 years and has seen the area evolve. Branter’s business was severely impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022, which caused significant damage to his property.
The storm also destroyed Legacy Harbour, a marina near Branter’s café, eliminating hundreds of boat slips. “We lost several hundred boat slips that were right here in the yacht basin,” Branter said.
Nearly four years later, the marina is being rebuilt with 131 slips ranging from 40 to 150 feet. Branter is optimistic about the return of boat traffic to the neighborhood.
“We’re real excited about getting the boat people back because we lost all of that business,” Branter added.
“This marina has long served as a homeport for boaters traveling Florida’s west coast,” said Rick Budd, CEO of AIRN Management. “The May 2026 reopening represents a significant reinvestment in Fort Myers’ waterfront and a long-term commitment to the local boating community.”…