An icon of Fort Myers Beach is now back open. The Whale, one of the beach’s most popular local spots, is open for business for the first time since being destroyed by Hurricane Ian. It opened to the public Nov. 14.
Co-owner Dawn Miller is thrilled to be able to breathe life back into this beloved bar and restaurant in the heart of the beach she grew up coming to.
“The Whale is iconic. I’ve been coming here since the 80’s and I love the old school places on Ft. Myers Beach. I love that I’m able to be that person to help bring it back,” said Miller.
As with many places on the island, Hurricane Ian reduced The Whale to nothing but bones after the category four storm wreaked havoc on Southwest Florida in 2022. Miller says at times she wasn’t sure what the future would hold, but seeing the doors finally back open was worth the wait…