Town of Fort Myers Beach red-tags destroyed properties for demolition, a decision that marks a significant step toward recovery. As the remnants of buildings cling to life, many stand in silent testimony to nature’s fury. With gaping holes and faded graffiti, they tell a story of resilience and loss. Now, the town is taking action, connecting the past with the promise of the future through bright red tags that signal it’s time for these structures to meet their end.
WATCH AS COMMUNITY CORRESPONDENT ANVAR RUZIEV SPEAKS WITH NEIGHBORS AND VISITORS ABOUT THE DESTROYED PROPERTIES:
Town of Fort Myers Beach red-tags destroyed properties for demolition
One property that stands out in this landscape of destruction is the Wyndham Gardens, a former beachfront resort on the southern end of Estero Island. For many, it has become a symbol of nostalgia, a shadow of joyful vacations lost to time and tide. Visitors, like Ryan Allamian, pass by the desolation and feel the weight of memories tugging at their hearts.
“It brings back a lot of memories, looking at it just remembering the times that we stayed there, eating at the restaurant,” reflected Allamian. His sentiments echo in the quiet smiles and wistful gazes of others who wander by, reliving moments that were once filled with laughter and warmth.
The long wait for demolition has left Allamian and others feeling a mix of frustration and hope. “It definitely feels like it’s taken longer than we expected. Just the other day, I walked by the pool, which still has debris and water in it. It’s a bit of an eyesore, and the smell… well, it’s something,” he shared, his tone balanced between humor and exasperation.
The owner of Wyndham Gardens has communicated a reason for the delays. The property has served as a staging area, a vital functional space amidst chaos. Former Town Councilman Bill Veach recognizes the complexities of tearing down these weathered structures. “Each building has its story. For some, insurance battles continue, while others face the bittersweet burden of memories,” he noted. “As much as it’s an eyesore, the true priority must be safety.”
Across the street from Veach, another red-tagged property looms. He worries about the potential hazards that scattered debris poses if another storm were to strike. The landscape of Fort Myers Beach remains precarious, balancing the past with the need for safety and cleanliness.
The owner of Wyndham Gardens remains optimistic as well. They plan to initiate demolition as soon as the necessary permits are final. A potential new beginning lies just on the horizon, where once there was only heartache.
