Fort Myers Beach Foundation: Rising from the Waters after Hurricane Ian

The Ostego Bay Foundation, a key educational resource on Fort Myers Beach since 1991, has recently announced that the building that once housed their Marine Science Center is up for sale. This decision came after the foundation was forced to relocate due to significant flood damage caused by Hurricane Ian, which destroyed their former location.

President Joanne Semmer described the aftermath of the storm as difficult, with volunteers needed to help salvage what they could from the building. Despite the setbacks, the foundation managed to recover and successfully relocate the Marine Science Center to a new site located at the end of Bay Road, behind the Beach School. The new location is now shared with the Estero Island Historic Society, allowing for a collaborative effort between the two organizations.

The center is currently open by appointment only as it continues to host summer camp programs until August. Additionally, the foundation will be holding its annual kids fishing tournament at Moss Marina on June 29th. This event is open to the public and features prizes and food for all participants.