Now where in the world is Fort Myers? First, we are actually in South Fort Myers. Fort Myers is, for all intents and purposes, at the center of Southwest Florida which comprises the area Sarasota south to Marco Island. Our development in South Fort Myers (Bell Tower Park) is 13 miles south of Fort Myers proper. We are just off Rt. 41 (known locally as the South Tamiami Trail) where it meets Gladiolas Drive (which starts you to the west and the Fort Myers Beach area).
We are in a condo duplex (in other words we have a roof mate). It comprises three bedrooms (one such being a cabana in the Courtyard), living room, kitchen/dining area, and a large Courtyard with a water feature. We love it because Bell Tower Park is an oasis in the hustle and bustle of the Fort Myers area. See pix in slide show below (better photos coming – I promise).
When and Why Southwest Florida?
We had vacationed in Florida over the years primarily on the East Coast (the Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach area). We found it to be very busy. We vacationed at The Villages but found that the lifestyle had just too many ”moving parts” for we rather sedate folks. Also, at least for Bill, the main attraction there, golf, which was no longer a viable option in view of a then-diagnosis of dermatomyositis, which precludes too much sun exposure.
We also explored the Gulf side of the state, primarily the Clearwater Beach area. In the final analysis, however, two things drove us south to Fort Myers: 1) we had lived in Williamsburg for 11 years, the longest stay ever for us; and 2) we liked all the activity of the Fort Myers area and, coincidentally, Barrie’s sister Ginny lives right around the corner from the home we eventually purchased in November 2018.
There are a lot of good things about Southwest Florida, besides the weather. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has restricted our ability to enjoy many, many of those perks so far. Our travel has been limited short trips to see friends in Venice, or sightseeing trips. We have not had the opportunity to partake in activities at Fort Myers Beach. But we are looking forward to the coming of a new Margaritaville, at the Beach.