Fort Myers Beach Marks 30th Anniversary of Incorporation

December 31, 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Fort Myers Beach, a milestone in the community’s history that established local self-governance on Estero Island.

Prior to incorporation, Fort Myers Beach operated as an unincorporated area of Lee County, with zoning, development, and planning decisions made at the county level. As growth increased throughout Southwest Florida in the late 1980s and early 1990s, island residents raised concerns about development pressures, infrastructure capacity, and the ability to protect the island’s coastal and environmental resources.

In response, residents organized a grassroots effort advocating for incorporation in order to gain local control over land use, planning, and community decision-making. That effort culminated in a public referendum in 1995, in which voters approved incorporation and formally established the Town of Fort Myers Beach.

Since incorporation, the Town has been governed by a Council–Manager form of government and has assumed responsibility for local planning, zoning, and municipal services. Over the past 30 years, Fort Myers Beach has navigated significant challenges, including major storms, economic cycles, and long-term recovery efforts, while maintaining a strong emphasis on local governance and community involvement.

The Town plans to hold a public ceremony to commemorate the 30th anniversary, with details to be announced at a future date.

For more information about the Town and its history, visit the Town’s website or follow official Town communication channels.