Economic downturn weighs on local Ys

Two Gulf Coast YMCAs will merge together in a deal that highlights the precarious future of nonprofit fitness and community centers.

The deal is between the South Sarasota County Y in Venice and the Y in Fort Myers. The South County Y, which also has a branch in Englewood, will be the governing board over its Lee County counterpart. The South County Y will also take over back office paperwork duties for Lee County.

The Fort Myers Y has struggled finically since at least 2007, says Jim Sanger, president of the facility. The South County Y, meanwhile, has prospered in comparison. That Y plans to open a charter school in August and is building a new two-story facility in Venice.