New Sunset Beach Resort Breaks Ground Near Times Square on Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach is taking another major step forward in its recovery and redevelopment following Hurricane Ian.
Construction is beginning on Sunset Beach Resort, a new beachfront destination planned for the southern end of Times Square. The project will rise on the former site of Sunset Beach Tropical Grill and Playmore Tiki Bar, two popular gathering places that were destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
What Is Planned for Sunset Beach Resort?
Located at 1046 Estero Boulevard, Sunset Beach Resort is expected to include approximately 41,000 square feet of hotel, dining, retail and entertainment space.
Current plans feature:
• Six boutique hotel suites
• Restaurants and bars
• Retail and service businesses
• Office space
• A rooftop bar
• A resort style swimming pool and pool bar
• Areas for live music and entertainment
The three story development will sit on roughly half an acre across from Crescent Beach Family Park, placing it in one of the most visible and heavily visited areas of Fort Myers Beach.
Bringing New Life Back to Times Square
Before Hurricane Ian, Sunset Beach Tropical Grill and Playmore Tiki Bar were known for waterfront dining, live entertainment and Gulf sunsets. The property has remained largely vacant since the storm.
The new resort is intended to bring that activity back while introducing updated accommodations, dining and entertainment options for residents and visitors.
Developer Terry Persaud has said the project is about giving something back to Times Square and helping restore the energy the area had before the hurricane.
When Will Sunset Beach Resort Open?
Benchmark General Contractors is overseeing the estimated $13 million development.
Although the groundbreaking ceremony has taken place, several final construction and permitting items were still being reviewed at the time of the announcement. Once full construction begins, the contractor has estimated that the project could take approximately one year to 18 months to complete.
That timeline could place the resort’s opening sometime in 2027 or early 2028, depending on permitting and construction progress.
Fort Myers Beach Continues to Rebuild
The Sunset Beach Resort is one of several major projects reshaping Fort Myers Beach.
Public infrastructure, the future Fort Myers Beach Pier, hotels, restaurants and commercial properties are all moving through different stages of rebuilding and redevelopment.
There is still an important balance between bringing new investment to the island and preserving the character that longtime residents and visitors love. However, replacing another vacant beachfront property with new businesses and public gathering spaces is a visible sign of continued progress.
As construction moves forward, Sunset Beach Resort could become an important part of the next chapter for Times Square and Fort Myers Beach.