To mark ongoing recovery by the Town of Fort Myers Beach and to honor those who were lost during Hurricane Ian, several events were held in the Downtown District exactly one year after Hurricane Ian directly hit the Town.

The first event was the Town’s remembrance at the newly restored Bayside Park. Mayor Dan Allers was the Master of Ceremonies. The Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Choir led the national anthem, followed by a prayer led by Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt. Ed and Kim Ryan of Beach Talk Radio presented a memorial plaque. Several local and state officials spoke.

The Town unveiled the new clock in Times Square following the remembrance ceremony. A ribbon-cutting was led by the clock’s donors and Town officials.

“The new clock was donated to the Town by George and Linda Merschman after Ian washed the old clock away,” said Town Manager Andy Hyatt. “The previous Times Square clock was an icon for residents and visitors alike on Fort Myers Beach for years. The Town is especially grateful to the Merschmans for restoring a new version of this much-loved clock.” Verdin, a company in Cincinnati, OH, built the original and new clock.

In another special event organized by community members, Revive the Vibe took over two blocks of Old San Carlos Boulevard. The organizers of this event describe it as a one-day musical festival that “showcases Fort Myers Beach, nearby restaurants, bars and musicians to show locals and vacationers that their favorite places and local talent are here ready to welcome the public.”