The Beach Bar FMB reopens, reviving community spirit and good times

In a milestone for the Fort Myers Beach community as The Beach Bar, on I Street, officially opened its doors.

On Sept. 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian swept through Fort Myers Beach, severely damaging the community, including the historic Beach Bar. Just 97 days after Hurricane Ian turned Fort Myers Beach upside down, Greg and Madeline Boyd, owners of The Beach Bar and B&B Properties of FMB, decided it was time to bring a little life — and cold beer — back to the island.

On Jan. 3, 2023, they reopened right on the original slab, operating out of a simple trailer. It wasn’t about reopening walls and a roof but rather reviving the feeling. The Beach Bar became the first small business destroyed on the island to reopen — and the community showed up in a big way. Over 1,000 people came out, most with their own chairs just sitting in the sun, sipping on cold beers, and feeling a little normal again.

While the Beach Bar continued to operate from the trailer every day, Stevens Construction Inc. broke ground on the new building in October 2024.  After months of hard work, the Beach Bar is back and more resilient than ever. The Beach Bar is the first business to reopen a higher, stronger and more hurricane-prepared building in less than one year. The Beach Bar is enthusiastic about welcoming its patrons back to Fort Myers Beach. Management is well prepared to keep growing with the Island and neighbors.

“Our sincere gratitude and thanks to the hard-working project team – our Beach Bar Managers Anthony and Matt, who vastly enhanced their job descriptions and kept the business alive. Edge Interiors, Ink Engineering, Inc., Stevens Construction Inc., and Studio AD Architect. The Fort Myers Beach LPA, Town Council, and staff, the FMB Chamber of Commerce and our loyal, enthusiastic customers and friends all made this project a success. A huge thanks to our supporters, patrons, and world-class musicians who continued to play in less than perfect conditions. The Beach Bar is excited to have live music back in the new building solidifying our motto of walk in as friends, dance out as family,” said Gregory Boyd, Owner of The Beach Bar.

“We are thrilled to bring this beloved destination back to the Fort Myers Beach Community! As one of our first projects on the island to be fully rebuilt and reopened, it’s an incredible honor for Stevens Construction to serve as the builder. This process has deepened our expertise in coastal construction, building codes, and permitting—we are proud of the results and wish our friends at The Beach Bar many years of success and good times in their new building,” said Dan Adams, Executive Vice President/Partner Stevens Construction, Inc.

“The FMB Chamber of Commerce is ecstatic to celebrate the reopening of The Beach Bar! A cherished local establishment that stands as a symbol of the island’s vibrant culture and it’s resilient community,” said Jacki Liszak, President of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber.