Thank you so much for coming along with us as we experienced Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian. If you are ready to visit this resilient community and support the local businesses be sure to check out rentals with www.sunpalacevacationhomes.com And if you aren't ready to visit, but still want to support the community, visit unitedwaylee.org For those of you who are interested in seeing more driving footage from For Myers Beach, make sure to let us know in the comments!
@@robertasurprenant5363 thank you for the feedback, we haven't found the time to edit it, we may still post it. If not, we do plan to go back in a couple months and get more footage to share.
So glad to see that Flippers is up and open. There food is amazing. I am loving all the staple locations you are visiting. We were in Ft Meyers two weeks before Ian. Thanks so much for the videos.
We were really blown away by their food, and the atmosphere was great too. We'll be returning to FMB soon, and while we want to visit all new places, it's going to be hard not to return to Flipper's!
It’s so great to see how Ft Myers Beach is slowly coming back. It looks like a great time even amidst the reconstruction. Thanks for showcasing this awesome beach town!
We weren't quite sure what to expect when we planned this trip, but we really did have a great time despite the island still being in the early stages of recovery. We'll be really excited to go back in a few months. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment!
Your video was very informative. Our home has been in Fort Myers Beach since 2006. We love our island paradise!! Flippers is the best and only a short drive over the Big Carlos Bridge for us. We go there with our pouch all the time.A car tour is helpful for us as our summer home is in the North East and we are always looking for a Fort Myers Beach updates. You all were great! Thanks for sharing!!!
We're so glad that you discovered our channel and found our video to be informative! How nice it would be to have a home there and be so close to Flippers! We really loved that place. One of these days we'll hopefully get around to putting the rest of that driving footage into a video. If not, we'll definitely get some more footage for our next video when we visit again in a few months!
We've gone there several winters and had reservations to go back until Ian hit. We were devastated at what happened to that amazing town. Thank you for letting us see how they are coming back, slowly but surely.
Slowly but surely is right. We'll be back in a few months to do another update video. We're hoping to find that much more progress has been made and we can't wait to visit again!
Great video! It is amazing how those in the path of Mother Nature are so resilient and come back stronger than ever. It was also awesome to see the growth they have had since Hurricane Ian.
Thank you so much for watching and for your comment. We really wanted to show the current conditions and the progress/ resiliency of the community. They really have come a long way! We hope people continue to support the recovery even though it isn't getting as much media coverage anymore.
We were looking at the Ft. Myers area to visit but then Ian hit...Prayers Up for all affected (we made some donations to relief efforts and a couple local businesses as well). Thanks for the updates and the information. Although we won't be in the area this year we do plan on getting to the area sooner rather than later!
Thank you so much for donating to the relief efforts. We're very interested to see the future of Fort Myers Beach. It's a slow recovery, but in a few years half the island is going to be brand new.
Hey Scully! We've only lived in hurricane alley for around 10 years so far, and this was by far the most hurricane damage we've seen. We were pretty impressed with how far they've com when compared to the videos and photos we'd seen from immediately after Ian.
What a gorgeous rental you stayed in! As always, the tour, food and beaches in this vid were showcased in a way that is ever enticing! Great job, y'all!!
It really was a wonderful place! We're feeling really fortunate to be making some connections and being able to showcase these beautiful properties on our channel!
I love that I can count on your videos to give me a full itinerary! Also love your perspective and highlights of how resilient Fort Meyers is. That much more encouraging to make the trip and support them!
Great video I have never been to this beach nice to see. Looks like a lot of nice places to check out in the area as well. And yes would love to see more of the drive I do enjoy driving videos I find them relaxing
Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. There really is a lot to see and do, and there will continue to be more and more as the rebuilding continues!
This is the most Florida video I’ve ever seen. Every town I’ve lived in Florida has been hit hard by a storm. In a year you would not know it except so much is new. But OMG that house! I’ll be sending that to my friends and family and see who I can get on board.
That's what we were going for, Bob. Floridians are tough and resilient, and that is really showing through in Ft Myers right now. The house was great and is in an awesome location. We would love to stay there again someday!
Nice video! Yeah, beautiful down there, and I always enjoy all the restaurants and bars you’ll go to. Ian was a monster, but Floridians as all Americans are resilient. That area will be back. That food from the shrimp to the breakfast biscuit looked yummy. Florida sunsets are priceless.
Thanks so much. It really is a beautiful area. The beaches were amazing, as were the sunsets, and the food was awesome! And like you said, FMB will definitely be back.
We stay at Diamond Head every year. No sure when we would ho back but thanks to your video, the plane tichets are booked. Love to support the bust there. We were last the 2 weeks before the hurricane.
I've been visiting my parents annually on FMB for decades. I love it there. It's a great community. Their resiliency is impressive. I hope they're able to rebuild while keeping that FMB vibe! Thanks for the video.
Excellent video that's highly-informative, upbeat, and with professional production values to boot (great outdoor audio quality is proof of that!). The well-paced script and engaging talent (the young couple!) make it fun to watch. They certainly acknowledged and showed the devastation Ian wreaked, yet the focus is primarily on the impressive comeback the Fort Myers Beach community has made already. . Having briefly visited in late January '23, I was amazed how much progress has occurred since then. Bravo to all!
Wow thank you so much for this incredibly kind and motivating comment! We wanted our video to accurately show the state of FMB, while still focusing on the island's recovery and resilience and not the devastation. We're happy to hear that we accomplished that, at least in your eyes! We'd only seen video and pictures of the island shortly after Ian, but like you, we were incredibly impressed with how far they've already come. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment, Michael.
Thanks for sharing this video of our home island! FMB will rebuild, but it is going to be years! The island thrives on tourism and we welcome people back as we rebuild! We stayed through Hurricane Ian as we live on the water mid island. The storm was beyond belief and we have slowly rebuilt our home. Thanks for the support and please visit FMB soon!
We can't even imagine what the experience of staying on the island during Ian must have been like! We understand how important the return of tourism to FMB is for the rebuild and we hope so much that our video encourages a few people to visit! Thanks for watching, Chris!
I know you guys usually do beaches but, come back to Fort Myers and do their downtown. It is amazing! Beautiful old architecture and cool bars and restaurants! We watch all your videos. Love Saint Pete!
My husband and I stayed at the pink hotel shown at the end of your video. This was 12 years ago and it was to celebrate our 25th anniversary! I'm hoping we can come back and check it out again now that it's been repaired or at least almost done. Once again a great video! :)
Thank you so much for watching our video and for sharing your story. And congrats on 37 years of marriage. We hope you and your husband are able to make it back to FMB sometime soon, and we hotel is as beautiful as you remember it!
Wow, what an incredible rental! You guys are really doing it up big! The seafood capreses looked so good too! It's great to see the island is recovering and making the best of the situation with trailers and outdoor live music cause those beaches are gorgeous!
Thank you so much for showcasing our lovely community. Fortunately, many of the businesses are returning. Unfortunately, however, there are many of us who lost our homes completely and struggling to rebuild. Our home for instance had water up to our gutters and still looks relatively the same as the day after the hurricane. 😞
We are so sorry to hear about your loss, Andrea. As much as we are excited to see the area re-build, we understand that some will never be able to. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment.
Fab video. Thanks for such a great tour of the area. We traveled from Tarpon Springs to Bonita Springs during our first ever visit to the gulf - this time last year. Within a month of travels we purchase a vacation home in the Cape. Though I was there during the hurricane - I haven't been back to the area since Ian made landfall at the Sanibel Lighthouse. Thanks again for your video(s). We have plans to make other investments in Florida and I have been binging your videos. Off to watch the Sanibel visit. Thanks again. Preciatecha!
We're so happy you discovered our channel and have been enjoying it, Seth! We hope you are able to get back to the Sanibel area sometime soon! It's got a ways to go but still has a lot to offer!
Hi Skylar and Jamie, thank you for showing us the area. I have been there a couple of times in the early 2000's and is sad to see how Ian destroyed so many places. But I love the irrepressible optimism all these shop and house owners have to build up new houses and businesses. I linked this video also at the Florida Forum and hope you will get more views from them. Have a good one. Ralf
The optimism and resilience of business owners and residents of FMB really is something special. Thanks again for tuning in and taking the time to comment, Ralf. We also really appreciate the posts to the forum as they have been driving some views or way!
It's so good to see that the restaurants and bars are making their way back! It's surprising to see Chocolate Shoppe ice cream! I thought it was only sold here in WI! A great local ice cream spot (though not on the island) is Love Boat ice cream in Fort Myers. Their choc chip cookie dough ice cream has huge chunks of cookie dough in it!!
We agree, Kyle! Thanks for the tip about the ice cream spot it Fort Myers. We're hoping to make it down there one of these weeks to do some filming, and we'll try to remember to stop by Love Boat when we do!
We are here now for the 4th of July weekend, and are going to try Flippers restaurant based on your recommendation. The other reason for making this trip was that we especially wanted to come support the businesses that are trying to get back on their feet after the devastating hurricane! Keep the great Florida content coming. Ya’ll are doing a great job! 👍🏻👍🏻
We're so happy that you discovered our channel and that you are visiting Ft Myers Beach over the 4th! We hope you love Flipper's as much as we did! Thank you so much for supporting our channel, as well as the local businesses on FMB!
Thank you for this video! It's nice to see the progress being made! I think at one point Skylar was standing in front of Best Western, where we stayed about 8 years ago! ❤
I was there 2 weeks before Memorial Day and it was not crowded at all. You can see destruction but resilience as well as people can give back to the area by visiting and supporting the local businesses that are open. The beach near the old pier was nice the day I spent on the beach. Definitely planning to go back. I need to leave Ohio and move to Florida like you did!
It really is a great opportunity right now to explore those beaches without crowds. They are as gorgeous as ever. We hope you eventually are able to make it down here full time!
The southern beach with the extra beach with little parking you used to pay parking at the hotels had extra spots. They used to host the world Sand Castle Competition there every year. Those hotels have been bought and new buildings will be going up in those spots
Skylar and Jamie - Thank you so much for showing the recent conditions in the Fort Myers Beach area! You showed beach access point 32, near your rental, access points 11 & 12, and Lovers Key toward the southern end. Do you remember the condition of beach access points in the middle of the island? We are looking at a Sun Palace Vacation rental home near beach access point 22. We are looking at Fort Myers Beach because it is said to be very dog-friendly. I watched your video a few times and took notes of restaurants. Especially since seating is often outdoors with no building, I think we should be able to let our dog sit at our feet while we eat. Thanks!
Our pleasure, Becky. We had hoped to check out the beach more towards the middle of the island but we couldn't find a parking spot and never did get to see that part of the island. Based on how the beaches looked to the north and south, we're pretty sure that the beaches around the middle of the island are looking great. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment!
I don't know if every Publix has it, but the one's in Clearwater let you order your custom subs online. It is a GAME changer especially on busy weekends (or in my case the one on Island estates seems to always be busy at the deli). You can order them even the night before set for a certain time, then just go in after that time to pick them up the designated spot. We always do that on boating days to save time. But their subs are reasonably priced and such an easy and yummy lunch.
Thanks for sharing, Alyssa. We'll be heading back to FMB before to long and we'll be sure to share more driving footage from that visit when we post our next FMB video!
It’s so sad that those businesses buildings were destroyed 😢 Their food trucks looks like a nice vibe though 🤗 Love your accommodation! The pool looks so nice!! Yucatan seems amazing, especially the cocktails! What a beautiful sunset after dinner and yay for following the music 🥳 It’s really strange seeing some houses standing perfectly next to piles of rubble 😢 The beaches are just stunning! Aww, the before and after Ian pictures are so heartbreaking 😢 Bonita Bills seems like our kinda place as well! Really like those drink prices 😅
It really is sad to see all the destruction but so encouraging at the same time to see how everyone has come together to support each other. The food trailers definitely are a cool vibe. We ate some really good food out of them!
Did you happen to notice if the Hammer Head gym is open. We’re headed to Ft. Myers Beach in December so we’re trying to learn as much as possible about the island’s condition
Sorry but we did not notice if it was opened or not. We do plan on visiting again though before to long, and we should have a follow up video out before you visit again in December. Hopefully it will help you in planning for your trip.
I love seeing how the FMB community is doing. My grandparents had a part time home a few miles away near the sanibel causeway in fort myers. They bought it back in 1992 and ian destroyed it, unfortunately, they decided not to rebuild. I grew up going to fort myers almost every year and its so sad to see it like this.
So sorry to hear about your grandparents home, Danielle. So much taken away from so many by Ian, but the people are so resilient. Thanks so much for watching.
Thank you so much 💕 I purchased that necklace at a store on Bridge Street in Anna Maria Island, but you can purchase them online too. I think the necklace that I have is a drop pendant: amzn.to/43tdMjq - Leightworks Crystal Jewelry
I would have loved to see the condition of the Sandpiper Gulf Resort as you drove by. I understand that they have made the decision NOT to renovate which makes me extremely sad as I loved that quiet little resort.
I've actually been drinking Florida Man for a while, it's one of my favorites that can be consistently found in a grocery store. It's an imperial IPA. A little sweet, a little hoppy, and quite strong! Somewhat comparable to Cigar City Jai Alai if you've ever tried that one.
Great videos as always the only criticism I have this for the city of fort Myers Beach I need to relax on giving people tickets Tri-State if you're willing to come spend money you think it would relax and give them a break people searching for proper parking they're making honest mistakes they're taking advantage not good
That is one thing that could have made our trip better. We really wanted to spend some time on those beaches on the southern part of the island. Oh well, I guess we will just have to go back! Thanks for watching 😊
Hey Brian. We were on a semi-vacation last week, but were back to our normal routine this week. We had a cruise tour video that we'd been putting off editing for a few weeks, and finally got that video done. We'll have another cruise video next week, and then back to local Florida content after that!
We don't have a lot of experience staying in hotels along the beaches since we live in the area, but if you're looking for more of a relaxing beach spot prior to your cruise that's fairly easy access to the Tampa Port we'd suggest checking out the Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores area. They tend to be a little less expensive than the busier beach towns as well.
My wife is watching this with me for the first time I watch it yesterday we both decided that we're going to wait until the parking is correct to go there 5 dollars an hour I don't think it was like that before those look like brand new signs I think the city council needs to rethink how they handle people who visit looks like right now locals are coming from Florida they need to learn tourist dollars is more than parking fees
Yeah you see the cheap gas prices in Florida and the spring break fort meyers videos (not the drone, the swimsuit close ups) and some driving videos after the hurricane maybe some video during the hurricane somebody stayed in a parking garage fort meyers
Im pgh pa ive been following swfl bald eagles on 6601 bayshore road nodth fort meyers are there any hotels etc close to that area to watch from where you are?
We have been following Mike's weather page for the last couple of days, and unfortunately it seems like it may end up being worse than they are predicting. We are praying that it steers well clear of Ft Myers (and us here in St. Pete). It looks like the current models having it most likely making landfall in the panhandle, but obviously we know by now that those initial projections can be very inaccurate.
Many people love a beautiful secluded feeling beach, but others go to the beach primarily to people watch. It's all about personal preference. But yeah you are right that it will take years to re-build everything.
Yeah, we try to do our research and ask locals on pronunciations when we're not sure, but we still usually end up pronouncing something wrong in almost every video. 😆
We never said or even implied that FMB is anything like it was or is "a-ok". That said, we really did enjoy our weekend on FMB, and after spending some time there, we decided to focus our video on the recovery efforts and the resiliency of the community. There's already plenty of doom and gloom content out there, and it doesn't do anything to help bring people back to the island.
Thank you so much for coming along with us as we experienced Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian. If you are ready to visit this resilient community and support the local businesses be sure to check out rentals with www.sunpalacevacationhomes.com
And if you aren't ready to visit, but still want to support the community, visit unitedwaylee.org
For those of you who are interested in seeing more driving footage from For Myers Beach, make sure to let us know in the comments!
I would love more driving footage!
Excellent video! Sun Palace is the best vacation rental company! Not just because of the homes! The staff is amazing
@@robertasurprenant5363 thank you for the feedback, we haven't found the time to edit it, we may still post it. If not, we do plan to go back in a couple months and get more footage to share.
@@HeidiMaybruck-oy1tv thanks so much, we agree, we had a great experience with the staff as well!
Thank you for sharing
Our pleasure. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!
Hey @Explorcation. Great video guys! Have a great weekend!
Thanks so much! You have a great rest of the weekend too.
Yes please. I’d like to see the footage of Estero Blvd.
thanks so much for doing this!
Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! We really appreciate it!
I love your videos, please keep them coming.
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. We'll definitely keep 'em coming!
So glad to see that Flippers is up and open. There food is amazing. I am loving all the staple locations you are visiting. We were in Ft Meyers two weeks before Ian. Thanks so much for the videos.
We were really blown away by their food, and the atmosphere was great too. We'll be returning to FMB soon, and while we want to visit all new places, it's going to be hard not to return to Flipper's!
Awe…so happy to see Heavenly Biscuit is still going strong!
That was honestly the best biscuit I've ever had. We can see why you're happy to see it's still around!
It’s so great to see how Ft Myers Beach is slowly coming back. It looks like a great time even amidst the reconstruction. Thanks for showcasing this awesome beach town!
We weren't quite sure what to expect when we planned this trip, but we really did have a great time despite the island still being in the early stages of recovery. We'll be really excited to go back in a few months. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment!
Your video was very informative. Our home has been in Fort Myers Beach since 2006. We love our island paradise!! Flippers is the best and only a short drive over the Big Carlos Bridge for us. We go there with our pouch all the time.A car tour is helpful for us as our summer home is in the North East and we are always looking for a Fort Myers Beach updates. You all were great! Thanks for sharing!!!
We're so glad that you discovered our channel and found our video to be informative! How nice it would be to have a home there and be so close to Flippers! We really loved that place. One of these days we'll hopefully get around to putting the rest of that driving footage into a video. If not, we'll definitely get some more footage for our next video when we visit again in a few months!
We've gone there several winters and had reservations to go back until Ian hit. We were devastated at what happened to that amazing town. Thank you for letting us see how they are coming back, slowly but surely.
Slowly but surely is right. We'll be back in a few months to do another update video. We're hoping to find that much more progress has been made and we can't wait to visit again!
This was wonderful! We are really Jonesing to come back...I think we are going to do it soon thanks to you!
Wow that's so great to hear that our video has encouraged you to return to FMB. We hope you have an amazing time when you make it back there!
Great video! It is amazing how those in the path of Mother Nature are so resilient and come back stronger than ever. It was also awesome to see the growth they have had since Hurricane Ian.
Thank you so much for watching and for your comment. We really wanted to show the current conditions and the progress/ resiliency of the community. They really have come a long way! We hope people continue to support the recovery even though it isn't getting as much media coverage anymore.
We were looking at the Ft. Myers area to visit but then Ian hit...Prayers Up for all affected (we made some donations to relief efforts and a couple local businesses as well). Thanks for the updates and the information. Although we won't be in the area this year we do plan on getting to the area sooner rather than later!
Thank you so much for donating to the relief efforts. We're very interested to see the future of Fort Myers Beach. It's a slow recovery, but in a few years half the island is going to be brand new.
Hi guys thanks so much, I love your narration Jamie, you have such a lovely calming voice ❤
Thank you so much for this incredibly kind comment. We're so glad you found our channel and are enjoying it!
I'm really digging the new (New to me?) format where you show us the little car and which way you're going!
Thank you so much for this feedback. It is a relatively new addition and we've been liking it, but it's always nice to hear it from someone else too!
I've been dealing with hurricanes fifty years now. They've done well with reconstruction and cleanup.
Hey Scully! We've only lived in hurricane alley for around 10 years so far, and this was by far the most hurricane damage we've seen. We were pretty impressed with how far they've com when compared to the videos and photos we'd seen from immediately after Ian.
What a gorgeous rental you stayed in! As always, the tour, food and beaches in this vid were showcased in a way that is ever enticing! Great job, y'all!!
It really was a wonderful place! We're feeling really fortunate to be making some connections and being able to showcase these beautiful properties on our channel!
I love that I can count on your videos to give me a full itinerary! Also love your perspective and highlights of how resilient Fort Meyers is. That much more encouraging to make the trip and support them!
Thanks, Rachel. We had so much fun making this video and really hope it encourages a few people to visit Ft Myers sooner than later.
@@Explorcation No doubt it will! ❤️
Great video I have never been to this beach nice to see. Looks like a lot of nice places to check out in the area as well. And yes would love to see more of the drive I do enjoy driving videos I find them relaxing
Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. There really is a lot to see and do, and there will continue to be more and more as the rebuilding continues!
This is the most Florida video I’ve ever seen. Every town I’ve lived in Florida has been hit hard by a storm. In a year you would not know it except so much is new. But OMG that house! I’ll be sending that to my friends and family and see who I can get on board.
That's what we were going for, Bob. Floridians are tough and resilient, and that is really showing through in Ft Myers right now. The house was great and is in an awesome location. We would love to stay there again someday!
Nice video! Yeah, beautiful down there, and I always enjoy all the restaurants and bars you’ll go to. Ian was a monster, but Floridians as all Americans are resilient. That area will be back. That food from the shrimp to the breakfast biscuit looked yummy. Florida sunsets are priceless.
Thanks so much. It really is a beautiful area. The beaches were amazing, as were the sunsets, and the food was awesome! And like you said, FMB will definitely be back.
We stay at Diamond Head every year. No sure when we would ho back but thanks to your video, the plane tichets are booked. Love to support the bust there. We were last the 2 weeks before the hurricane.
Sorry, business there
We're so glad that our video encouraged you to come back sooner than later, Tom. We hope you have an awesome time!
It is coming back little by little!
It sure is! We would love to go back in the future to how much more progress has been made.
I've been visiting my parents annually on FMB for decades. I love it there. It's a great community. Their resiliency is impressive. I hope they're able to rebuild while keeping that FMB vibe! Thanks for the video.
We are hoping for the same, Bonnie. Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment!!
Excellent video that's highly-informative, upbeat, and with professional production values to boot (great outdoor audio quality is proof of that!). The well-paced script and engaging talent (the young couple!) make it fun to watch. They certainly acknowledged and showed the devastation Ian wreaked, yet the focus is primarily on the impressive comeback the Fort Myers Beach community has made already. . Having briefly visited in late January '23, I was amazed how much progress has occurred since then. Bravo to all!
Wow thank you so much for this incredibly kind and motivating comment! We wanted our video to accurately show the state of FMB, while still focusing on the island's recovery and resilience and not the devastation. We're happy to hear that we accomplished that, at least in your eyes! We'd only seen video and pictures of the island shortly after Ian, but like you, we were incredibly impressed with how far they've already come. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment, Michael.
Thanks for sharing this video of our home island! FMB will rebuild, but it is going to be years! The island thrives on tourism and we welcome people back as we rebuild! We stayed through Hurricane Ian as we live on the water mid island. The storm was beyond belief and we have slowly rebuilt our home. Thanks for the support and please visit FMB soon!
We can't even imagine what the experience of staying on the island during Ian must have been like! We understand how important the return of tourism to FMB is for the rebuild and we hope so much that our video encourages a few people to visit! Thanks for watching, Chris!
Wonderful video..we live down the street
Oh wow what a great spot you live in! We're so happy you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.
U must be wealthy! Good for you all! ENJOY! DC my good buddy Riley and wife are almost finished rebuilding. Difficult but new look is a welcome sight!
We wish! Great to hear that you are almost done rebuilding. Thankyou so much for watching and taking the time to comment. We really appreciate it!
I know you guys usually do beaches but, come back to Fort Myers and do their downtown. It is amazing! Beautiful old architecture and cool bars and restaurants! We watch all your videos. Love Saint Pete!
That's a great suggestion, Michelle. I have a feeling you'll be seeing a Ft. Myers tour on our channel before too long!
Cute couple
Thanks so much for watching!
Skylar and jamie thanks so much for showing us the resiliance of Ft. Myers......Great vid! (my wife wants that cinnamin roll).....
Thank you for watching. That cinnamon roll is worth the trip on its own!
I was a bartender @ The Lani Kai for a couple years! & it’s still standing 👍
That sounds like it would have been a pretty fun job! And yes, it sure is still standing. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment!
and it's (La-Nee-Ki) lol
We used to stay at The Outrigger and dine at Charley's. They've both been sold but I'd like to see the condition now.
Thanks so much for watching and for sharing your experience, William!
My husband and I stayed at the pink hotel shown at the end of your video. This was 12 years ago and it was to celebrate our 25th anniversary! I'm hoping we can come back and check it out again now that it's been repaired or at least almost done. Once again a great video! :)
Thank you so much for watching our video and for sharing your story. And congrats on 37 years of marriage. We hope you and your husband are able to make it back to FMB sometime soon, and we hotel is as beautiful as you remember it!
Wow, what an incredible rental! You guys are really doing it up big! The seafood capreses looked so good too! It's great to see the island is recovering and making the best of the situation with trailers and outdoor live music cause those beaches are gorgeous!
That house was so much more than we needed but we sure did enjoy it! We loved eating at all the trailers by the water too. It was great!
Thank you so much for showcasing our lovely community. Fortunately, many of the businesses are returning. Unfortunately, however, there are many of us who lost our homes completely and struggling to rebuild. Our home for instance had water up to our gutters and still looks relatively the same as the day after the hurricane. 😞
We are so sorry to hear about your loss, Andrea. As much as we are excited to see the area re-build, we understand that some will never be able to. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment.
Fab video. Thanks for such a great tour of the area. We traveled from Tarpon Springs to Bonita Springs during our first ever visit to the gulf - this time last year. Within a month of travels we purchase a vacation home in the Cape. Though I was there during the hurricane - I haven't been back to the area since Ian made landfall at the Sanibel Lighthouse. Thanks again for your video(s). We have plans to make other investments in Florida and I have been binging your videos. Off to watch the Sanibel visit. Thanks again. Preciatecha!
We're so happy you discovered our channel and have been enjoying it, Seth! We hope you are able to get back to the Sanibel area sometime soon! It's got a ways to go but still has a lot to offer!
Missed rude shrimp- it’s top notch
It's definitely on the top of the list for our next visit. We've heard great things!
Hi Skylar and Jamie, thank you for showing us the area. I have been there a couple of times in the early 2000's and is sad to see how Ian destroyed so many places. But I love the irrepressible optimism all these shop and house owners have to build up new houses and businesses. I linked this video also at the Florida Forum and hope you will get more views from them. Have a good one. Ralf
The optimism and resilience of business owners and residents of FMB really is something special. Thanks again for tuning in and taking the time to comment, Ralf. We also really appreciate the posts to the forum as they have been driving some views or way!
I’m going to FMB in October and I’m buying a GFY IAN shirt for everyone in my family. #FMB!!!!!!!
Yes!!! This comment makes us so happy! We hope your family loves them.
It's so good to see that the restaurants and bars are making their way back!
It's surprising to see Chocolate Shoppe ice cream! I thought it was only sold here in WI!
A great local ice cream spot (though not on the island) is Love Boat ice cream in Fort Myers. Their choc chip cookie dough ice cream has huge chunks of cookie dough in it!!
We agree, Kyle! Thanks for the tip about the ice cream spot it Fort Myers. We're hoping to make it down there one of these weeks to do some filming, and we'll try to remember to stop by Love Boat when we do!
We are here now for the 4th of July weekend, and are going to try Flippers restaurant based on your recommendation. The other reason for making this trip was that we especially wanted to come support the businesses that are trying to get back on their feet after the devastating hurricane!
Keep the great Florida content coming. Ya’ll are doing a great job! 👍🏻👍🏻
We're so happy that you discovered our channel and that you are visiting Ft Myers Beach over the 4th! We hope you love Flipper's as much as we did! Thank you so much for supporting our channel, as well as the local businesses on FMB!
Thank you for this video! It's nice to see the progress being made! I think at one point Skylar was standing in front of Best Western, where we stayed about 8 years ago! ❤
Our pleasure, Robert. And yes, we were definitely in front of the Best Western at one point!
I was there 2 weeks before Memorial Day and it was not crowded at all. You can see destruction but resilience as well as people can give back to the area by visiting and supporting the local businesses that are open. The beach near the old pier was nice the day I spent on the beach. Definitely planning to go back. I need to leave Ohio and move to Florida like you did!
It really is a great opportunity right now to explore those beaches without crowds. They are as gorgeous as ever. We hope you eventually are able to make it down here full time!
The southern beach with the extra beach with little parking you used to pay parking at the hotels had extra spots. They used to host the world Sand Castle Competition there every year. Those hotels have been bought and new buildings will be going up in those spots
Thank you so much for sharing this information and for watching our video. We really appreciate it!
Skylar and Jamie - Thank you so much for showing the recent conditions in the Fort Myers Beach area! You showed beach access point 32, near your rental, access points 11 & 12, and Lovers Key toward the southern end. Do you remember the condition of beach access points in the middle of the island? We are looking at a Sun Palace Vacation rental home near beach access point 22. We are looking at Fort Myers Beach because it is said to be very dog-friendly. I watched your video a few times and took notes of restaurants. Especially since seating is often outdoors with no building, I think we should be able to let our dog sit at our feet while we eat. Thanks!
Our pleasure, Becky. We had hoped to check out the beach more towards the middle of the island but we couldn't find a parking spot and never did get to see that part of the island. Based on how the beaches looked to the north and south, we're pretty sure that the beaches around the middle of the island are looking great. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment!
I don't know if every Publix has it, but the one's in Clearwater let you order your custom subs online. It is a GAME changer especially on busy weekends (or in my case the one on Island estates seems to always be busy at the deli). You can order them even the night before set for a certain time, then just go in after that time to pick them up the designated spot. We always do that on boating days to save time. But their subs are reasonably priced and such an easy and yummy lunch.
I know you can order online here in St Pete too. It really is a great option and would definitely be perfect for a boating trip!
I would love to see the footage of the drive down Estero blvd.
Thanks for sharing, Alyssa. We'll be heading back to FMB before to long and we'll be sure to share more driving footage from that visit when we post our next FMB video!
Campechana let’s do it
So delicious! We still can't believe it took us so long to discover it!
It’s so sad that those businesses buildings were destroyed 😢 Their food trucks looks like a nice vibe though 🤗
Love your accommodation! The pool looks so nice!!
Yucatan seems amazing, especially the cocktails! What a beautiful sunset after dinner and yay for following the music 🥳
It’s really strange seeing some houses standing perfectly next to piles of rubble 😢
The beaches are just stunning!
Aww, the before and after Ian pictures are so heartbreaking 😢
Bonita Bills seems like our kinda place as well! Really like those drink prices 😅
It really is sad to see all the destruction but so encouraging at the same time to see how everyone has come together to support each other. The food trailers definitely are a cool vibe. We ate some really good food out of them!
Did you happen to notice if the Hammer Head gym is open. We’re headed to Ft. Myers Beach in December so we’re trying to learn as much as possible about the island’s condition
Sorry but we did not notice if it was opened or not. We do plan on visiting again though before to long, and we should have a follow up video out before you visit again in December. Hopefully it will help you in planning for your trip.
I love seeing how the FMB community is doing. My grandparents had a part time home a few miles away near the sanibel causeway in fort myers. They bought it back in 1992 and ian destroyed it, unfortunately, they decided not to rebuild. I grew up going to fort myers almost every year and its so sad to see it like this.
So sorry to hear about your grandparents home, Danielle. So much taken away from so many by Ian, but the people are so resilient. Thanks so much for watching.
We are having a heatwave, now. So, the outdoor events could be enduring. But it does cool off at night.
Yeah, it's been a scorcher up here in St. Pete too, but I'm sure you're a bit hotter yet down there!
Smokin Oyster Bar, try the scallop appetizer
Thank you for the suggestion! We'll try to remember to check it out next time were on FMB!
We LOVE your videos! Jamie, where did you get your pretty blue necklace? I need one!
Thank you so much 💕 I purchased that necklace at a store on Bridge Street in Anna Maria Island, but you can purchase them online too. I think the necklace that I have is a drop pendant: amzn.to/43tdMjq - Leightworks Crystal Jewelry
Thank you!!
@@jeanawheatcroft7321 YW!
I would have loved to see the condition of the Sandpiper Gulf Resort as you drove by. I understand that they have made the decision NOT to renovate which makes me extremely sad as I loved that quiet little resort.
That really is sad to hear about the Sandpiper. We just got back from FMB and there are only two resorts back open now that we are aware of.
This is beautiful stuff. Have you ever seen the stuff Nudi on the Beach does?
We've seen the trailer for the upcoming Florida Beach series. Can't wait to see more of it!
I only have one question: How did you like the Florida Man beer and what other beer would you compare it to?
I've actually been drinking Florida Man for a while, it's one of my favorites that can be consistently found in a grocery store. It's an imperial IPA. A little sweet, a little hoppy, and quite strong! Somewhat comparable to Cigar City Jai Alai if you've ever tried that one.
😅nice video can you show how santini plaza rebuild is coming along
Thanks! It will probably be a few months before we get back to FMB, but when we do we'll try to remember to check in on the plaza.
Remember how horrific the destruction Ian was but excellent to see how much fort Myers is rebuilding and how resilient they are 👏👏
Well said, Ryan. Thanks so much for watching.
Great videos as always the only criticism I have this for the city of fort Myers Beach I need to relax on giving people tickets Tri-State if you're willing to come spend money you think it would relax and give them a break people searching for proper parking they're making honest mistakes they're taking advantage not good
That is one thing that could have made our trip better. We really wanted to spend some time on those beaches on the southern part of the island. Oh well, I guess we will just have to go back! Thanks for watching 😊
oh no... you mean you went somewhere and were required to follow the traffic laws while you were there? poor baby, how did you survive?
LOL
Are you two on a well deserved vacation? When is the next video going to be out
Hey Brian. We were on a semi-vacation last week, but were back to our normal routine this week. We had a cruise tour video that we'd been putting off editing for a few weeks, and finally got that video done. We'll have another cruise video next week, and then back to local Florida content after that!
I love Boca Grande, do you visit there?
Yes, we made a video on it a year or two back. The beaches there are stunning!
Looking at a beach access hotel in the area for two days before a cruise out of Tampa. Can y’all recommend one please?
We don't have a lot of experience staying in hotels along the beaches since we live in the area, but if you're looking for more of a relaxing beach spot prior to your cruise that's fairly easy access to the Tampa Port we'd suggest checking out the Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores area. They tend to be a little less expensive than the busier beach towns as well.
My wife is watching this with me for the first time I watch it yesterday we both decided that we're going to wait until the parking is correct to go there 5 dollars an hour I don't think it was like that before those look like brand new signs I think the city council needs to rethink how they handle people who visit looks like right now locals are coming from Florida they need to learn tourist dollars is more than parking fees
Yeah the parking situation was a bit frustrating, but we hope the revenue at least is going to the recovery efforts.
I can’t believe parking is outrageous.
Yeah we though the $3 per hours downtown wasn't too bad, but the $5 plus rates you find around most of the island is definitely a little steep.
Yeah you see the cheap gas prices in Florida and the spring break fort meyers videos (not the drone, the swimsuit close ups) and some driving videos after the hurricane maybe some video during the hurricane somebody stayed in a parking garage fort meyers
Im pgh pa ive been following swfl bald eagles on 6601 bayshore road nodth fort meyers are there any hotels etc close to that area to watch from where you are?
Thanks so much for watching our video and taking the time to comment, Bootsie!
And we have another invest forming ! 🙏 that it goes AWAY! PLEASE! 😢😢😢
We have been following Mike's weather page for the last couple of days, and unfortunately it seems like it may end up being worse than they are predicting. We are praying that it steers well clear of Ft Myers (and us here in St. Pete). It looks like the current models having it most likely making landfall in the panhandle, but obviously we know by now that those initial projections can be very inaccurate.
Before beats prior.....
Thanks for watching, Joan!
Wow.. No crowd at the Beach... That could be nice... BUT... Really NOT. Glad some things are re-opened... BUT it will take Years to Re-Build.
Many people love a beautiful secluded feeling beach, but others go to the beach primarily to people watch. It's all about personal preference. But yeah you are right that it will take years to re-build everything.
It's going to take five years for that place to build back at least if we don't get blasted by another CAT 5. Florida strong
It certainly could. Let's hope Fort Myers doesn't see another CAT 5 in our lifetime!
"Free Taco if your name is Shannon or Thadeus"
If y'all knew how many 6ft + Bull sharks ive caught right where you guys were swimming you wouldn't be going in that water 😂
Skylar probably still would be, but probably not me (Jamie)!
If I lived in that area I'd buy some Chickens, the equivalent of £2 for one Egg, must be Golden Eggs.
Well what's stopping you from moving there?😂
why are you not 500 pounds? haha.. Thanks for the tour of an island I have been going to for 40 years
LOTS of walking haha. We're glad you enjoyed the tour, Bill. We hope you're able to get back to the island sooner than later!
You pronounced Lani kai incorrectly
Yeah, we try to do our research and ask locals on pronunciations when we're not sure, but we still usually end up pronouncing something wrong in almost every video. 😆
@@Explorcation all good lol happy you enjoyed your visit. If you come back check out shy wolf sanctuary in Naples
Ft Myers Beach is NOTHING like it was. I'm wondering why you're making it look like things are a-ok? How do I know? I've lived here 23 years now.
We never said or even implied that FMB is anything like it was or is "a-ok". That said, we really did enjoy our weekend on FMB, and after spending some time there, we decided to focus our video on the recovery efforts and the resiliency of the community. There's already plenty of doom and gloom content out there, and it doesn't do anything to help bring people back to the island.