Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers,
Florida, established in 1886, lies near the
coastline of the
Gulf of Mexico in beautiful
Lee County.
This tropical island setting boasts convenient access
throughout the Sunshine State via
Interstate 75 and the
Southwest Florida International Airport. The bustling cities
of Fort Lauderdale and
Tampa are within a 2.5 hour drive in
either direction.
As the county seat, Fort Myers, FL serves as the commercial hub for the 1,200 square mile region that encompasses Lee County. This dynamic community boasts a well-established business environment, from which several Fortune 500 companies operate their branches or headquarters. Individuals conducting business in Fort Myers enjoy an impressive infrastructure and access to the resources of the Horizon Council and the Lee County Department of Economic Development.
Fort Myers, Florida has an excellent public school system and a variety of private schools from which to choose. Newsweek magazine ranked Fort Myers Senior High School, an International Baccalaureate school, among the nation’s best schools. In addition, several of the local colleges and universities offer training programs, which benefit the business community. Higher learning facilities in Fort Myers include Edison College, Florida Gulf Coast University and Nova Southeastern University.
Fort Myers, known as “The City of Palms”, serves as the gateway to the renowned Southwest Florida region, where opportunities for entertainment and recreation abound. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, parasailing, sightseeing excursions and the warm waves along the white-sand beaches. Sanibel Island, renowned for its delightful shell filled beaches, is also nearby. History buffs have several interesting sites to visit, such as the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Additional sites include the Southwest Florida Museum of History and Imaginarium, an exciting hands-on museum for all ages.
Downtown Fort Myers, FL offers myriad dining and shopping choices by day and a vibrant nightlife, where street performers and live music provide entertainment. Fort Myers features venues for performing arts, theater and two sports parks, which host the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins during the spring training season. Local teams include the Florida Everblades and the Florida Firecats. In addition, golf enthusiasts have more than 50 challenging public and private courses from which to choose.
At the time of the last official Census in 2000, Fort Myers was home to just over 48,000 residents; however, estimates in 2005 indicate that the city now holds more than 58,000 citizens. Fort Myers makes up a portion of the sizable "Metropolitan Statistical Area" (MSA) that includes Cape Coral. Money Magazine named the Ft. Myers - Cape Coral area as the 6th Best Place to live in the nation. The MSA was home to 544,758 individuals in 2005.
Fort Myers, Florida features a stunning natural setting so inspirational that it serves as the muse for local author Randy Wayne White and renowned artists, such as Robert Rauschenberg. This alluring tropical paradise offers a well-rounded lifestyle, with an extensive array of cultural and educational activities. Fort Myers is a delightful destination with something to offer entrepreneurs, families, retirees and vacationers alike.
