Idea to bring permanent entertainment stage to Times Square is on the table

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.- WINK News has learned of a plan to put a permanent stage in Times Square on Fort Myers Beach. We found out a permanent stage could save business owners a lot of money.

“Certainly a permanent stage is going to be something that is going to be more cost effective for both the town and the merchants in times square,” said President of the FMB Chamber of Commerce Bud Nocera.

The stage could stay in Times Square seven nights a week. Right now, the Times Square Merchants Association pays the town $80 a week to set up the stage every Friday for Sunset Celebrations and to break it down every Monday.

“The problem right now is the town’s expense of putting the stage there and taking it away every week is more than they have been charging the merchants,” said Nocera.

Now in addition to that $80 a week, the town wants to charge business owners a rental fee as well. In all, that would cost between $180 to $300 a week.

“The problem is if the town were to charge the merchants what the actual cost is it may not be affordable anymore.”

Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts wants to help. They raised $5,000 to help make the stage a permanent fix in Times Square. One beachgoer says she hopes a permanent stage would bring more opportunity for live entertainment.

“I love it, it’s kind of boring when it’s not here because all you’re listening to is the birds chirping, the waves and everyone talking. It’s fun with the entertainment.”

The Times Square Merchants Association tells WINK News the live entertainment will likely not change and still only be on Friday and Saturday nights. Town council is expected to discuss this on June 15.