The town of Fort Myers Beach occupies Estero Island on the west coast of Florida just southwest of the City of Fort Myers in Lee County. The Bluegreen warm gulf waters are a glittering invitation for swimmers, fisherman, sunbathers and anyone who can appreciate the feel of white sugary sand between their toes. The island and surrounding waters of Estero Bay have historic significance that matches their great beauty.
Human habitation on Estero Island dates back roughly 2000 years, the island and nearby Mound Key were the center of the ancient Calusa Indian civilization. The name Calusa means "Fierce People" and they lived up to it. In 1513 Juan Ponce De Leon landed on Florida's east coast and claimed "la Florida" for Spain. he continued his exploration south along the east coast, the Florida Keys and the islands he named the Dry Tortugas. He continued north along Florida's west coast and stopped in the Charlotte Harbor area. As the Spaniards explored the area for fresh water and other resources they came upon the Calusa tribal village at Mound Key. (just southeast of Estero Island)The hostile Calusa drove them back to their ships and out of the area. Ponce Deleon returned in 1521 to establish a colony with over 200 settlers, horses and the tools needed to establish a settlement and begin some agriculture. The settlers had frequent skirmishes with the Calusa, Ponce Deleon was wounded in an ambush and the settlers abandoned southwest Florida and retreated to Cuba. Ponce De Leon died from his wounds a short time after at age 61.
In 1566 the Spanish conquistador Pedro Menendez De Aviles arrived and stopped at Estero Island. The Calusa Indian king whom the Spaniards called Carlos ruled an empire encompassing much of southwest Florida from his ceremonial settlement on Mound Key. Pedro Menendez was not successful in pacifying the Calusa people or establishing a Jesuit mission on Mound Key. The Calusa Indians gradually disappeared by the end of the 17th century, victims of disease and increased hostility.
From the late 17th century this area was settled by Cuban fisherman in seasonal fishing villages and by the Creek Indians who replaced the Calusa.
The first American settlements on Estero Island occurred in the late 1800s. The first subdivision and rental cottages were developed in 1911 and by 1914 all of the island property was homesteaded. Very little industry existed aside from fishing, some agriculture and a sawmill operated by the Koreshan Unity. The Koreshan's were an odd communal society that believed in a hollow, inhabited Earth and had established a settlement on the mainland across the bay in present day Estero.
Development on Crescent Beach as Estero Island was then called increased in the 1920s. After a toll bridge was erected in 1921 the construction of 2 casinos and hotels soon followed.
The Island was a popular recreation spot for Army Air Corpsmen during WWII who were training at Buckingham Air Field. Tourist development began in earnest in the 1950s with many new hotels and motels, the first swimming pool on the island and electric power to operate the swing bridge.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach was incorporated in 1995. Today Fort Myers Beach is a vibrant and eclectic mix of condos...low rise and high rise, single family homes that range from quaint but primitive beach cottages to multi-million dollar luxury homes. There are small motels and large hotels and an interesting mix of eateries and bars. A friendly and laid back attitude pervades the locals and visitors alike and is reminiscent of the Keys (without the weirdness).
Fort Myers Beach is convenient to the City of Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Bonita Springs and Naples.
SW Florida international airport is an easy 30-40 trip. There are many shopping and golf opportunities in close proximity. Lovers Key State Park is a stones throw from the south end of Estero island.
If you enjoy dropping a fishing line in the water or enjoying the sunny skies while enjoying a cool drink or kayaking in the warm gulf waters or through the unspoiled mangrove island in the back bay. If you like good food and live music and cool gulf breezes, we have a place for you.
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