Today, August 21, 2024, the Town of Fort Myers Beach closed on the purchase of 6231 Estero Blvd to be used as the new Town Hall!
What would have been a $15-20 million 5-year construction project has turned into the Town acquiring an existing building in only 22 months for $7 million. Thank you to everyone who assisted in the process of purchasing the building. Town staff plans to begin renovations right away for an opening in 2025!
Mayor Allers states, “The purchase of this new Town Hall represents a strategic investment in our community’s future. The expanded space will provide a better working environment for our employees, enabling them to serve the public more efficiently. This new building is not just an improvement in infrastructure but a testament to our commitment to fiscal responsibility and enhanced public service. This would not have been possible without the hard work of staff, Senate President Passidomo, Senator Martin, Representative Botana, Ron Book and his staff, and our entire SW Florida delegation. We are looking forward to moving in as soon as possible!”
Vice Mayor Atterholt states, “Acquiring an existing building rather than building new will result in significant taxpayer savings. This is just one of many positive steps being taken by the Town to expedite our recovery—onward!”
Councilor Woodson states, “I am beyond excited with the closing of the new Town hall building! I commend the foresight and fiscal responsibility of our Town manager and staff for bringing this to fruition, saving our Town and taxpayers millions of dollars in the process. Once we can move into our new building, we will be able to continue the development of the Bay Oaks Campus that so many of our residents rely on and enjoy. Thank you to All who were involved in this momentous move forward!”
Councilor King states, “This is a big deal and an exciting opportunity. Thank you to Town Manager Andrew Hyatt and his team; this will be a transformational building that will benefit the Town for years to come. In addition, it will save residents the cost of a new building. Also, thank you to State Senator Jonathan Martin and Representative Adam Botana who helped the Town secure State funding.”
Councilor Safford states, “This is a big milestone for the Town in our recovery efforts. I was pleased to be part of the process of finding a space that addresses the Town’s needs in a short time frame at significant savings to the taxpayers. This building will serve the Town well in the years to come.”
Town Manager Andrew Hyatt states, “Like everybody associated with the Town of Fort Myers Beach, I am excited about the purchase of a new Town Hall located at 6231 Estero Blvd! When I arrived in Fort Myers Beach in May 2023, I was not only confronted with the rebuilding of the Town and upgrading of Town processes, but I was also faced with the task of replacing the Town Hall that had been destroyed by Hurricane Ian. I understood what it would take to begin the process of building a new Town Hall from the ground up, but after about 10 months on the job I was observing a stormwater improvement project on Bahia Via and decided to look through the windows of the building at 6231 Estero Blvd. I was impressed with what I saw and asked the staff to reach out to the realtor. We were able to gain access to the facility and I immediately felt like this building would fit the needs of the Town of Fort Myers Beach. I contacted the elected officials, and we made five separate visits to the facility to discuss the possibility of a purchase of the building for our new Town Hall. Under the authority of the Town Manager and after discussions with the Town Attorney I placed an offer, and a price was agreed upon. I submitted a contract for purchase to the Town Council and they approved to move forward with the purchase on April 1, 2024. This is a momentous day, not only in the Town of Fort Myers Beach but also in the lives of our employees who now have a home that has withstood two hurricanes without major damage. We look forward to moving into our new home in 2025!”
Town Clerk, and one of the Towns longest standing employee, Amy Baker states, “I’m excited to be a part of such a celebrated move to our new, permanent, location so that we may continue to provide top notch service to our residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Finance Director Joe Onzick states, “As the finance director for the Town, it is extremely rewarding to be part of a management team that is committed to fiscally responsible stewardship of the Town’s resources. We were able to build up an emergency reserve of over $4 million because of operational savings and interest earned on investments the previous fiscal year, maintain a capital reserve of $2 million and accumulate an additional $2 million of operational savings during the current fiscal year. This provided enough cash on hand to enable the Town to purchase the building at 6231 Estero without taking on any new debt, while awaiting full reimbursement from the Florida Department of Commerce. I am exceedingly grateful for the generosity of the state of Florida to have provided funding for the new building, replacement of lost revenue, and a bridge loan that has enabled us to navigate through this period of significant revenue reduction. As a result of the state’s assistance and our wise use of the Town’s resources, we will have an amazing new Town hall, and are on track for full financial recovery.”
The Town of Fort Myers Beach is pleased to share this news with the residents, business owners, and employees. Again, we would like to thank Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, Representative Adam Botana, Senator Johnathan Martin, Mr. Ron Book and his staff, and our entire Southwest Florida delegation for their efforts in making this a reality for the residents of Fort Myers Beach.