Roar Offshore organizers near deadline for preparations

Reporter: Dannielle Garcia
Published: Updated:
FILE: Roar Offshore racing in Fort Myers Beach in 2018. (Credit: Opa Racing/FILE)
FILE: Roar Offshore racing in Fort Myers Beach in 2018. (Credit: Opa Racing/FILE)

Is Fort Myers Beach ready for Roar Offshore?

Right now, there are a few people by the water in Fort Myers Beach Monday afternoon. But in a few weeks, tens of thousands of people from around the country will be there for the powerboat races.

In season, business is booming. In the offseason, companies in Fort Myers Beach look for a boost, which is why the Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is ecstatic about the upcoming Roar Offshore.

“We’re super excited about it,” said Michael McClung, the manager of Shucker’s at the Gulfshore. “We’ve been planning for a month.”

“It’s unbelievable,” said Phyllis Beldman, who lives in Fort Myers Beach. “Just the noise. The excitement. We’re so glad it’s coming back.”

However, the mayor worries about the safety and security of visitors, along with the people who call the beach home. Other worries include enough parking and portable restrooms.

Anita Cereceda, mayor of Fort Myers Beach, told WINK News the town council would not issue a permit for the event until the organizers answer those concerns.

“There’s a laundry list of things that still have to be done and a month out is a very, very, short tiny window when it comes to an event of this magnitude,” Cereceda said.

The mayor and council need to see signed contracts from both the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Myers Beach Fire Dept.

Co-organizer of Roar Offshore, Tim Hill, told us there is nothing to fear. Hill said the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has signed off on the event plans. Earlier on Monday, he met with the fire dept. He assures us they have plenty of free shuttles, dumpsters and port-a-potties.

For the event, remote parking will be at Hammon Stadium and the former Big Lots parking lot on San Carlos Blvd. The shuttle will pick up and take people to the LeeTran Beach Park & Ride at Pine Ridge.

There will be 51 standard and 19 handicap port-a-potties, which Hill said is 500% over what others have done. He also says opening night will have around 30 deputies; six on Friday; and nearly 50 on Saturday, which is when organizers expect the most massive crowds.

Hill said about all that remains is finalizing contracts for added deputies and emergency medical services. The timing could not be better.

“We did have Dorian come through give us a little bit of a scare,” Hill said, “so it did throw Labor Day weekend off.”

The event begins on the weekend of October 10-12. For more information visit the Roar Off Shore information page here.

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