Posted on October 9, 2026
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Bowditch Point Beach in Fort Myers Beach will temporarily shrink as crews undertake a nearly $7 million federal dredging project to deepen waters and reinforce the coastline.
Walt Neveker, a Lee County resident, reflected on his experiences at the beach.
“We used to go there pretty often. [We’d] just lounge out, cast out and, you know, do some shore fishing, things like that,” Neveker said.
Crews began dredging on Sunday and plan to remove enough sand to fill 41 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The project is designed to make the channel deeper, allowing larger boats to navigate the waters more easily.
Some of the dredged material will be relocated offshore between Red Coconut and Lanark Avenue, which Fort Myers Beach officials say will help protect the coastline from future storms.
“They’re creating a second sandbar out there,” said Chadd Chustz, environmental projects manager.
While Bowditch Point Beach will shrink during the dredging process, Chustz explained that the sand will naturally return over time.
“It’ll look how it has in years past — [only] after it’s had a haircut,” Chustz said.
Neveker expressed his support for the project, emphasizing its importance for the community.
“Whatever is going to make Fort Myers Beach stronger, I am 100% for it,” Neveker said.
Town officials said the project is expected to be completed by mid-November.
