The Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach aims to immerse guests in the easy-breezy, laid-back vacation vibe that the Jimmy Buffett–founded brand is renowned for. After all, the resort boasts a bar called 5 O’Clock Somewhere. However, for this one-year-old resort, reaching this goal was far from easy. The project faced a long and arduous approval and groundbreaking process, but this lengthy journey ensured that the property started on the best possible footing within a community deeply passionate about its Estero Island home.

Surviving Nature's Fury: The Resort's Design

During the resort's building process, it faced a severe test when Hurricane Ian devastated Estero Island in 2022. The first building had just been topped off, and the second beachside building was almost ready. Ian sent a 16-foot storm surge rushing through the property. But there was a silver lining - the storm confirmed the effectiveness of the project's design. The resort's buildings sit on almost 150 piles driven into the ground, ranging from 40 to 100 feet deep. Picture an oil rig to envision how the water flowed through the site. The walls are breakaway walls designed to let the water flow through the building. This design choice allowed the buildings to withstand the worst that Mother Nature could throw at them. Some design choices, like elevation, were dictated by FEMA due to the resort's location on a barrier island. In other cases, ownership made the choice to add extra resiliency, such as putting the beachfront pool on piles. This ensures the longevity of the resort as the pool has its own pile foundation that keeps it attached to the ground and will never pop out.

Providing Hope and Opportunities

When the resort opened in December 2023, it welcomed guests to a different version of the destination. It provided job opportunities for long-time hospitality workers whose previous employers had suffered storm damage. It not only attracted visitors but also offered a place where locals could gather and forget their troubles for a while. There is a strong local community that craves entertainment and life. The resort felt honored to be in a position to provide this experience. The island changed after Hurricane Ian, but the resort knew it had something special - something that would withstand future events.

Preparing for the Future

As the resort gets ready to enter its second year, it is balancing optimism with pragmatism. They are just starting to plan the 2025 budget and questioning whether to budget for a month of disruption during hurricane season. The answer seems to be no. They need to budget for a full year as they never know when disruption will occur and must be prepared to deal with it. Having the proper insurance in place is crucial. For a resort of this size, one day of closure means a significant loss of revenue. They need to ensure that when they are not open, it is due to an insurable event. Building a strong team is also vital. The resort employs between 390 and 460 people depending on the time of year, and these employees are the ones who interact with guests and create happiness. Without them, the resort would not exist.

The Enduring Spirit of Fort Myers Beach

Despite the changes on Estero Island, many things have remained the same. The personality of Fort Myers Beach, that genuine coastal Florida charm, is still alive. The authenticity of the island did not wash away with Hurricane Ian. And the biggest tourist attraction, the beach, is still there, as beautiful as ever. It is this enduring spirit that makes the Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach a special place.