Judge orders Fort Myers Beach restaurant La Ola to vacate or comply. In a recent ruling, the future of La Ola, a beloved fixture in Times Square, hangs in the balance. A state judge has mandated that this vibrant dining establishment either adhere to FEMA’s elevation requirements or leave the island by March 1. Situated below the necessary 13 feet above base flood elevation, La Ola’s existence now clashes with local land development codes, raising concerns among the community.
As the sun sets over Fort Myers Beach, an air of uncertainty cloaks the area. Locals worry that losing La Ola will strip Times Square of its essence. “They bring the life to Times Square right now at this point. There’s no other excitement happening. If you take that away, what’s going to be left?” muses Pam Shanks, an employee in the heart of this bustling location. La Ola is not just a restaurant; it is a gathering place where laughter echoes, and live music invites joy almost every day during tourist season.
The scenery paints a stark picture; many lots lie vacant, like pages in an unfinished story. Lee County’s recent projections reveal that the iconic Fort Myers Beach Pier won’t greet tourists until 2028, leaving La Ola as one of the few attractions capable of drawing crowds. “This has been a spot that has brought a lot of people back down to the beach,” shares a regular patron, embodying the sentiment echoed by many.
Tom Houghton, the owner of La Ola, expresses a heavy concern; the restaurant acts as a cornerstone for the local economy. “We’re kind of like the anchor,” he explains. Other businesses—small jewelry shops, local vendors selling sunglasses, and food trucks—depend upon La Ola’s popularity. The delicate web of connections strengthens when customers finish a meal and wander into nearby stores. A neighboring business owner adds, “A lot of the times, people will be having fun at the bar, and they come over to our business, you know?”
La Ola’s unique design, crafted from two shipping containers on a trailer, offers mobility that many envy. During Hurricane Milton, the staff managed to relocate the entire operation off-island in just four hours, showcasing resilience amidst nature’s unpredictability. Yet, despite its fortitude and adaptability, the clock is ticking. If La Ola fails to meet FEMA’s requirements by the upcoming deadline, fines of $250 per day loom over this cherished restaurant, potentially jeopardizing its place on the island.
Nevertheless, Houghton’s spirit remains unbroken. He envisions a future that includes a permanent brick-and-mortar structure, with designs anticipated before October. “We plan to appeal the judge’s decision in the meantime,” he asserts, embodying the tenacity that defines many in the Fort Myers Beach community. As they navigate this labyrinth of regulations and challenges, one can’t help but hope that the heart of Times Square continues to beat, fueled by La Ola’s enduring presence.
