Five-pronged path to economic recovery
There are multiple efforts under way to aid in the recovery of Southwest Florida’s hospitality-related businesses.
Just shy of one year since Hurricane Ian wiped out Fort Myers Beach, devastated Sanibel, Captiva and Matlacha, and whacked Cape Coral and Fort Myers, many of our tourism-reliant enterprises continue to struggle.
Various entities and indeed many businesses themselves have rallied in the wake of Hurricane Ian, first pulling together to aid those who looked to regroup or rebuild and now to let locals and visitors alike know there are opportunities again to “Savor the Shores.”
Last month, the Lee Board of County Commissioners waived tolls on the Sanibel Causeway for six Sundays in support of the campaign organized by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau to “encourage residents to enjoy access to local restaurants and attractions during the off-season.”
“Savor the Shore encourages residents to visit impacted coastal areas, eat at a local restaurant, shop, go to the beach and participate in activities,” officials said in a release promoting the program. “The VCB is committed to supporting the business community’s recovery by creating awareness and encouraging people to spend locally and make a difference in the local economy.”
The multi-week effort is being boosted via print, radio and television promotions as well as through community efforts such as the SanCap Chamber’s “Savor SanCap” initiative in conjunction with the VCB effort.
“We really hope to motivate more people to come out to the islands for Sunday shopping, visiting attractions, lunch and dinner,” SanCap Chamber President and CEO John Lai said. “Anything we can do to help our businesses, we’re giving it a shot.”
The Sunday toll waiver continues through Sept. 10 with the county set to consider an extension to Sept. 24.
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce has a similar message.
“We’re Still Rebuilding, but we’re ready for you!” the chamber website invites.
“Like a phoenix from the ashes, Fort Myers Beach businesses are rising up, ready to welcome you back to our island with accommodation, food and fun!
“A lot of rebuilding remains to be done, but we still have the sunshine, our sugar sand beach and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets our island is famous for. So please come see us, and support our community as we build back better than ever!”
And one more from the Pine Island Chamber:
“Come for a day, you will want to stay.”
“Pine Island and Matlacha suffered many losses due to Hurricane Ian. However, Island businesses and residents are resilient and strong and many of our businesses have already reopened, and others are opening soon. Please plan to include us in your travels. We are here and welcome you to explore our wonderful island.”
Let us add one more point to that four-pronged approach: All of us are looking for little bit of normalcy: Dinner and a sunset. A beverage and a shared appetizer or two. A shopping stop at a unique hometown business to pick up an item or two.
All of the things we took for granted a year ago.
For more information about Savor the Shore, visit visitfortmyers.com or check out the various chamber websites where listings of open businesses and more may be found:
Sanibel-captiva.org/, fortmyersbeach.org, or pineislandchamber.org.
#SWFLStrong
#SavorTheShore
- Neighbor editorial