Historic River District
Downtown Fort Myers is steeped in history, stretching back to the mid 1800s as it developed into a farming and cattle community. In the early days of downtown Fort Myers, herds of cattle often paraded down First Street as ranchers guided their livestock from the fields far east of town to the Punta Rassa shipping port located a few miles west of town. Today, many of the old buildings the cattle passed by still stand, although the dirt roads have been replaced with charming brick pavers.
Although much of the downtown was once left vacant and neglected, years of revitalization has again made it a cultural, social, shopping, dining and recreational nexus featuring more than 70 fun and unique businesses, all within walking distance of each other. The Hilton Tapestry Banyan Hotel, Luminary Hotel and Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater all attract residents and visitors to the area, while the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts exhibitions, performances and educational events. And just a block further you find the Florida Repertory Theater on First Street’ which puts on multiple award winning shows year round.
Visit Fort Myers Historic River District day or night. But be forewarned. After one visit, you just might decide it’s the perfect place to live – as well as play.
Sports & Activities in the Ft. Myers River District
Fort Myers has been a sports mecca since its earliest days. Originally it was sports fishermen that were looking for something to catch. By the 1920’s, locals and visitors alike discovered something else to catch – a baseball.
It all started with Terry Park, located about one mile east of downtown Fort Myers. The four lighted fields attracted some of the best baseball teams and players of their era and put Southwest Florida on the map as a sports destination. Today, two major league baseball teams conduct their spring training in Fort Myers – the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park and the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium.
Hockey is also big in Southwest Florida, with the 7,000-capacity Germain Arena serving as home to the Florida Everblades, a minor league hockey team. Basketball enthusiasts meanwhile have two college teams to cheer on: the Eagles at Florida Gulf Coast University and the Buccaneers of Florida Southwestern State College.
Growth & Jobs in the Ft. Myers River District
Fort Myers is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the county. That’s according to 24/7 Wall Street, who used U.S. Census Bureau data to create its list of the Top 20 cities in the nation with the biggest population growth in the past five years. The Fort Myers area ranked #5 on that list.
Another recent survey released by US NWS, ranked Fort Myers No.4 in the ‘Fastest Growing Places’ in the nation, No. 10 in the ‘Best Places to Live in Florida’ and No.3 in the ‘Safest Places to Live’.
Growth and jobs go hand in hand, and downtown Ft. Myers has become the epicenter for entrepreneurs, medical professionals, lawyers, tech wizards, innovators, restaurateurs and more. The downtown has become the place to live, work and play. And, it’s all on the river.