An aerial view of downtown and Midtown Fort Myers shows a mix of commercial corridors, redevelopment sites and established neighborhoods near the Caloosahatchee River. The area continues to see investment and evolving land use patterns as the city grows.
Brian Tietz
An estimated $8 billion to $10 billion in public and private investment could transform downtown Fort Myers and surrounding areas over the next decade, according to city officials. Planned projects include a nearly $1 billion Lee Health campus, the redevelopment of the downtown yacht basin, a proposed City of Palms sports and entertainment complex, new luxury residential towers and commercial development. Economic Development Director Steve Weathers said roughly 60 acres are available for redevelopment, creating one of the state’s largest urban growth opportunities. While city leaders tout the economic potential, some residents have raised concerns about traffic, infrastructure and preserving the character of downtown Fort Myers, WINK News reports.