A wrecking ball took down one of Fort Myers Beach’s most recognizable entrance landmarks, but the story didn’t end in rubble. We’re joined by Earl from Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches to share the inside track on a commemorative arch planned for Bowditch Point Park and why this piece of island history still matters to residents, visitors, and families who’ve been coming here for generations.

Earl walks us through the surprising aftermath of the demolition: the contractor felt so bad he personally bought and stored roughly 60 tons of the original stone, which has now been donated to the nonprofit. Engineers have reviewed the material, and the team is preparing to reuse those historic stones as facing, matched with similar stone sourced from local quarries. We also talk about how Hurricane Ian disrupted progress, and how the community’s recovery mindset is helping push the project forward.

You’ll hear the latest on approvals, the development agreement process, and a big funding breakthrough supported by benefactor Alex King that helps meet county requirements and brings construction closer, potentially as soon as early next year. We also spotlight a state-approved historical marker going near the original arches site by the bridge, making Fort Myers Beach history easier to find and understand. Want to leave your mark? Brick donations for an engraved walkway are still available. Subscribe, share the show with a neighbor, and leave a quick review to help more people discover these local stories.

Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches
Earl Morgan
520-227-9902
WEBSITE
bricksrus.com/donorsite/walkthearches

Alex King Group
100 Lovers Ln, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 232-6465
beach.realtor11@gmail.com
alexkinggroup.com