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Doc Ford’s Reopens On Fort Myers Beach

Author Gina Birch

Slowly but surely it is happening. More Southwest Florida restaurants and businesses wrecked by Hurricane Ian are back up and running. This is a big one. Doc Ford’s reopens on Fort Myers Beach today (July 31) and in time to serve lunch. Ribbon cutting is at 11am and then it’s game on. Doc Ford’s location on Sanibel Island is open but the restaurant on Captiva is closed indefinitely. Doc Ford’s can also be found in St. Pete but that location did not suffer any storm damage.

All three local restaurants sustained severe damage from Ian, ten months ago. The Fort Myers Beach spot now has a new roof, floor, deck and more. The deck is infamous for boaters and land lubbers alike, looking for live music, libations and a good time. The original Doc Ford’s opened on Rabbit Road on Sanibel in 2004 then expanded to the beach.

flight of rum

Rum is a big deal at Doc Ford’s. Try it in cocktails, solo or in flights

The restaurant vibe is like an upscale sports bar with a focus on fishing and all things related. Food is island inspired from the Caribbean as well as local. If there is one dish you have to have, it is the award-winning Yucatan Shrimp. It is the first picture posted here. The sauce is butter, garlic, lime juice, and Indonesian sambal. You’ll want extra bread for dipping.

Doc Ford’s is named after famous Southwest Florida novelist Randy Wayne White. His books are sold in the gift shop. He is also a partner in the affair. On Fort Myers Beach, Doc Ford’s is under the big bridge, on San Carlos Island, 708 Fishermans Wharf. It’s on the so-called back bay. Congratulations. It’s been a long road. However, Doc Ford’s reopens on Fort Myers Beach today following destruction left by Hurricane Ian last September.

25 Restaurants Are Now Open On Sanibel And Captiva Islands

It’s hard to believe Hurricane Ian hit almost a year and a half ago and while we still have a long way to go, more than 25 restaurants are now open on Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

I’ve been spending a lot time on our local beaches. I love that here in Southwest Florida, even when there’s nothing to do, there’s something to do. And that something for me, is always heading to the beach. I usually head to Sanibel to either Bowman’s Beach or Tarpon Bay Beach. I love Gulfside City Park too, but rarely do I make it out early enough to get a parking spot. It’s been SO nice seeing all the people out enjoying the beaches, it’s been busy nearly every weekend.

There’s also a lot of businesses reopening too. Between lodging, restaurants, shopping, and things to do like kayaking and fishing charters. I will say that driving around out there just breaks your heart. It’s not so much that there’s debris everywhere, it just looks very bare and to see huge homes and condo complexes just crumbling, is so sad. Slowly but surely though, things are reopening and the island is welcoming visitors back out to the islands to stay, play and dine. You can find a full list of open businesses here

25 Restaurants Now Open on Sanibel & Captiva Islands:

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.

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Author Gina Birch
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