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<\/a> <\/p>\nMike and Dawn Miller at The Whale have announced two big events to help drive more people to Fort Myers Beach this Summer. JobuFest and Anniversary Rock Fest are being rolled out.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, May 30th, JobuFest returns for another afternoon of island fun, tropical cocktails, live music, and the legendary Jobu ritual meant to \u201cward off hurricanes\u201d and bring good vibes to the island community for the season ahead.<\/p>\n
Inspired by the iconic baseball movie tradition but fully reimagined with Fort Myers Beach energy, JobuFest has quickly become one of the island\u2019s most unique summer gatherings. Guests can expect tiki d\u00e9cor, island music, themed drinks, photo opportunities, and a special ceremonial offering to Jobu as the community gathers to celebrate resilience, humor, and the start of summer.<\/p>\n
The official toast to Jobu ceremony will begin at 5:45 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis event started as something fun and quirky, but it\u2019s become a celebration of island culture and community,\u201d said Dawn Miller, owner of The Whale and founder of What\u2019s Up FMB. \u201cAfter everything Fort Myers Beach has been through, events like this remind us why people love this island so much.\u201d\u00a0The event will take place in The Whale parking lot and outdoor areas, with festivities concluding shortly after the ceremonial toast.<\/p>\n
On\u00a0Saturday, June 13, The Whale will host its\u00a0Anniversary Rock Fest, celebrating the anniversary of Dawn and Mike Miller\u2019s purchase of The Whale in June 2022 and the unforgettable journey that followed.<\/p>\n
The event will feature live music throughout the day, including performances by\u00a0Hair Daze\u00a0leading into headlining performance by\u00a0Rock Republic, along with food and drink specials, island-inspired cocktails, and a high-energy summer celebration atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Just months after purchasing The Whale in June 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers Beach in September 2022, destroying the original property and changing the island forever. Refusing to give up, the team continued operating under a tent while rebuilding plans moved forward. Ground was officially broken on the new property in May 2024, culminating in the highly anticipated grand reopening in November 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis anniversary means so much because it represents every stage of the journey \u2014 the excitement, the heartbreak, the rebuilding, and the incredible support from this community,\u201d Miller said. \u201cThe Whale has become more than a restaurant to us. It\u2019s part of the Fort Myers Beach comeback story, and we\u2019re proud to celebrate that with everyone who stood beside us.\u201d<\/p>\n