Fort Myers Beach's future questioned as another hotel property sells

Naples/Fort Myers

The times they are a changin': London Bay Development has bought the Outrigger Beach Resort and Charley’s Boathouse Grill on Fort Myers Beach. The Naples developer, which began construction on the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay last month, paid $38.2 million for the property according to Lee County court records. Both the Outrigger and Charley’s were destroyed during Hurricane Ian. London Bay has not announced what it is doing with the 10-acre parcel along Estero Boulevard, but its CEO Mark Wilson says in a statement that the company understands the two businesses “were beloved institutions on the island and are committed to honoring their legacy while creating an elevated experience for Fort Myers Beach residents and visitors alike.” Since Ian devastated the island last year, there has been a fear among longtime residents and visitors that the character of the beach community will change as developers buy up properties and replace classic “old Florida” hotels with high rise and high dollar developments. The Outrigger first opened in 1968. Wilson says in the statement that residents and local businesses “will have ample opportunities to provide feedback throughout this process.”

Moving on up: Jim’s Stowaway, a Naples self-storage facility at 3257 Radio Road, has been sold. The buyer is a New York investment firm that is renaming it Storage King USA. Andover Properties, the buyer, would not disclose a sale price and county records had not been updated as of Aug. 3. Along with 600 storage units, the property includes two retail storefronts occupied by Napa Auto Parts and KC Marble & Tile Andover. Andover, which has an office in Miami, owns property across the country and focuses on what it calls alternative asset classes — self storage, manufactured housing, RV parks and car washes. Its Storage King brand operates 158 facilities in 18 states. Of those, 42 are in Florida, including one at 3405 Radio Road just shy of two miles west of the new location. It also has several other local locations in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Zephyrhills, Lakeland and Polk City.