Beach Renourishment. -FORT MYERS BEACH / COURTESY PHOTOS

The long-awaited Fort Myers Beach Renourishment Project is entering its final chapter, and the finish line is in sight. After months of work along the shoreline—moving sand, rebuilding dunes and stabilizing the fragile coastal environment, the project is now in the last week of dune planting. When the final seedlings take root, Fort Myers Beach will not only look refreshed, but it will also be better equipped to withstand the future.

For residents and visitors, this moment marks more than the end of a construction project. It represents a renewed sense of resilience, an investment in the future of the island and a collective commitment to balancing the needs of tourism, recreation and environmental protection.

A shoreline rebuilt

Beach Renourishment. -FORT MYERS BEACH / COURTESY PHOTOS

Beach renourishment projects like this one are massive undertakings, requiring careful coordination between local, state, and federal agencies. On Fort Myers Beach, the project began with the placement of new sand along the shoreline—truckloads of it, brought in and distributed to widen the beach and restore areas that had eroded over time, especially after Hurricane Ian. For a barrier island like Fort Myers Beach, erosion is a constant concern, made worse by storms, high tides, and everyday wave action.

But sand alone is only the first step. Without stabilization, wind and water could quickly carry it away again. That’s where the dunes and the vegetation come in. Dunes act as natural buffers, protecting inland areas from storm surge and high water. They also create habitats for wildlife and a natural aesthetic that sets Fort Myers Beach apart.

The final touch: Dune planting

Dune Planting. -FORT MYERS BEACH / COURTESY PHOTOS

Now in the final week of work, crews are planting thousands of native dune plants, including sea oats, beach morning glory and panic grass. These hardy plants are designed by nature to thrive in sandy, salty and windy conditions. Their deep root systems help anchor the sand, preventing erosion and strengthening the dunes against storms.

It may look like small tufts of green being placed in neat rows today, but in time, those plants will grow into lush, windblown vegetation that defines a healthy coastal dune system. That living landscape is just as important as the sand beneath it.

A boost for the economy

While the environmental benefits are significant, the economic impacts of the renourishment project can’t be overlooked. Fort Myers Beach thrives on tourism, and a wide, clean beach is the foundation of the island’s appeal. Visitors come to walk along the sand, watch sunsets and enjoy the water—and their spending fuels local businesses from hotels to restaurants and shops. A restored beach is a restored economy. By completing this project before the height of the season, Fort Myers Beach is poised to welcome back tourists with one of its best assets looking better than ever.

Lessons in resilience

The project also carries a deeper meaning. Just three years after Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers Beach, residents are still rebuilding homes, businesses and community spaces. The beach project is a reminder that recovery isn’t only about bricks and mortar—it’s about restoring the natural environment that sustains life and livelihoods on the island.

Dune Planting. -FORT MYERS BEACH / COURTESY PHOTOS

Dune Planting. -FORT MYERS BEACH / COURTESY PHOTOS

The new dunes are symbols of resilience, standing tall against future storms. They’re a physical reminder that while nature can take away, it can also be renewed with care and patience.

Looking ahead

Once planting is complete, the real work begins: patience. Dunes and vegetation take time to establish, and during the first few months, the community’s cooperation will be key. That means staying off the new plantings, avoiding foot traffic across the dunes, and giving the system time to grow strong.

Educational signage and designated walkovers will help guide beachgoers and protect the new plantings. Residents and visitors alike can play a role in protecting the investment, ensuring that the benefits of the project last for years to come.

Dune Planting. -FORT MYERS BEACH / COURTESY PHOTOS

A shared victory

As the final plants are placed in the sand this week, Fort Myers Beach can take pride in a job nearly complete. The renourishment project has been years in the making, requiring planning, funding and persistence. Seeing it through to the end is no small accomplishment, and it’s one that belongs not just to the crews and contractors, but to the entire community.

Fort Myers Beach now has a shoreline that’s stronger, wider and greener. It’s a win for the environment, a win for the economy, and a win for everyone who calls the island home or visits its shores.

In the end, this project isn’t just about sand and plants. It’s about renewal—about looking forward with confidence while honoring the lessons of the past. For a community that knows all too well the power of nature, that’s a victory worth celebrating!