Estero Island Historic Society Newsletter

Join Us for a Frightening Halloween Presentation

Something spooky is stirring at the Estero Island Historic Society!

On Halloween, October 31, the Historic Cottage will take on a decidedly haunted look as we invite you inside for a special Halloween preview of our upcoming book about the murders, mysteries, legends, and darker history of Fort Myers Beach.

Our featured presentation, “The Ghosts of Estero Island,” comes directly from the new book and explores some of the strange stories and unexplained happenings that have become part of island lore.

Are the stories true? Are they simply legends passed down through the years? We’ll let you decide.

Along the way, you’ll hear tales connected to familiar places from Fort Myers Beach’s past—places where some say former residents may never have completely left. Expect a little history, a little mystery, and perhaps a ghost or two.

We will offer two opportunities to experience the presentation:

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.—For those who prefer their ghosts in the daylight.

7:00–8:00 p.m. — For the brave souls willing to visit the cottage after dark.

The Historic Cottage will be decorated for the occasion, and guests can enjoy eyeball punch and Halloween treats while they listen. Costumes are welcome, but not required. Courage, however, may come in handy.

So gather your friends, bring your curiosity, and join us for a Halloween journey into the shadowy side of Estero Island history.

But be warned—you may never look at Fort Myers Beach quite the same way again.

October 31 | Estero Island Historic Society



Historic Cottage | 161 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach

Matanzas Pass Preserve Update

There is good news from Matanzas Pass Preserve!

After months of work, the major construction activity at the Preserve has now been completed. One of the clearest signs of progress can be seen at the entrance, where the driveway that served as a staging area for construction equipment and materials has finally been cleared. For those of us who have been watching and waiting for the return of this special place, seeing the driveway empty again is an encouraging sight.

There are still a few steps to go before the gates can officially reopen. Lee County must complete the final cleanup of the property and determine when the Preserve is ready to welcome the public again. At this time, a reopening date has not been announced.

Matanzas Pass Preserve has long been one of the treasures of Fort Myers Beach—a place where residents and visitors can experience a little of the natural Estero Island that existed before roads, condominiums, and hotels transformed much of the island.

Its reopening will also be an important milestone for the Estero Island Historic Society, Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve, and Ostego Bay Marine Science Center, whose historic cottages sit at the entrance to the Preserve. The Preserve and the Historic Society have shared this special corner of the island for many years, welcoming people interested in both the natural and human history of Fort Myers Beach.

For now, we are watching the progress and waiting for word from Lee County.

The major work is finished. The construction materials are gone. And we are now almost ready to welcome everyone back to Matanzas Pass Preserve.

The Estero Island Historic Society will continue to share updates as they become available, including the much-anticipated reopening date.

Stay tuned. We hope it won't be long!

Brick Sales Under Way

The Bricks Have Arrived!

Our brick campaign has been a wonderful success! Most of the bricks ordered so far have now been engraved and are waiting at the Historic Cottage for their permanent place in our walkway.

We hope to have all current orders completed and the new bricks installed before the reopening of Matanzas Pass Preserve, making the walkway even more special when visitors return to this treasured part of our island.

Each brick tells a little piece of our community’s story—honoring family members, remembering loved ones, celebrating special moments, or simply showing support for the Estero Island Historic Society.

Haven’t ordered your brick yet? There’s still time! Visit our website for more information and an order form.

Become a permanent part of Estero Island history—one brick at a time.



With the anniversary of Hurricane Ian fast approaching, do you have your sign poster yet—or your own personalized sign mug?

Our popular sign posters are available for $20, and personalized sign mugs are just $10. They are a delightful way to remember the colorful signs and familiar places that were once such an important part of the Fort Myers Beach landscape.

Posters are available in our gift shop and through our Shopify store.



Lost Icons

If you don't have your copy of Lost Icons yet, now is a great time to get one.



With each year that passes since Hurricane Ian, it becomes a little harder to remember exactly what was where on our island. Lost Icons helps preserve those memories and the places that helped make Fort Myers Beach special.

Copies are still available, but supplies are limited, so get yours before they're gone!

Our New Book Is Taking Shape!

We have also been hard at work on our newest book, tentatively titled Shadows On the Shore, which explores the myths, legends, murders, mysteries, and darker chapters of Estero Island's past.

Readers will discover the story of the 1939 Earl Haskew murder, the 1953 Galloway murders, tales of pirates and rum runners, island ghosts, mysterious disappearances, and much more.

The writing is almost finished—just one chapter to go! But completing the manuscript is only part of bringing a book to life. We still have work ahead of us on photographs, design, layout, and production.

The good news is that we have hired a graphic designer and selected a publisher, so things are moving forward.

Once all the pieces are in place, we'll be able to announce a tentative publication date and begin taking pre-orders.

We can't wait to share this collection of Estero Island stories with you.