Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Economic development director: Amazon has closed on MLK site; $330M distribution center would bring about 1,000 jobs
Summary
Economic Development Director Steve Weathers told the City of Fort Myers advisory board that Amazon has closed on land on MLK Boulevard for a roughly $330 million, 750,000 sq. ft. distribution center projected to create about 1,000 jobs, with infrastructure and traffic studies planned and an expected opening in late 2026–2027.
Economic Development Director Steve Weathers told the City of Fort Myers Economic Development Advisory Board that Amazon has closed on roughly 100 acres on MLK Boulevard and plans a substantial distribution facility in the area.
"They'll spend about $330,000,000 on a 750,000 square foot facility. It'll have about 1000 jobs," Weathers said, describing the site as Amazon's first‑line distribution center. He said the company expects to break ground in phases, with construction moving through 2025 and 2026 and a target opening in late 2026 or possibly 2027.
Weathers said the facility will likely include heavy automation and robotics, but still employ significant staff; the developer will fund required off‑site infrastructure such as turn lanes and a traffic signal. Board members asked about truck traffic and timing; Weathers said the company will conduct traffic studies and is planning operations to limit peak‑day congestion.
The announcement came during staff comments and follows related development activity on the MLK corridor, where Weathers said other private projects are seeking to site health‑care and manufacturing uses. The advisory board did not take formal action on the Amazon project at the meeting; Weathers advised members to review public materials at the upcoming council workshop for additional detail.
