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Consultants say Fort Myers Beach Elementary faces high recurring storm risk; district, town and residents debate next steps
Summary
An independent feasibility study found repeated storm surge and flood damage at Fort Myers Beach Elementary would require millions to repair and continue operations; district and town officials and residents disagreed at a June 3 workshop over whether to repair, rebuild or pursue hybrid uses while the district studies options.
An independent consulting team told the School Board on June 3 that Fort Myers Beach Elementary has suffered repeated flood and surge damage and that restoring the historic campus to be a traditional K–5 school would require significant additional investment and would likely face recurring damage from future storms.
The consultants presented multiple options and cost estimates. David Griffith, lead consultant, summarized: “We cannot make a recommendation that it moves forward in a traditional manner.” The study estimated the district has already spent about $9.7 million on recovery since Hurricane Ian and that reopening the campus as a fully operational traditional school — including a permanent cafeteria and other work — could require tens of millions more, with one total scenario reaching roughly $22.9 million and additional periodic reinvestments thereafter.
Why it matters: the school serves a small student population…
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