Legacy Harbour Marina Reopens After $15M Revitalization Following Hurricane Ian

Fort Myers' waterfront has its heartbeat back. Legacy Harbour Marina — the storied Caloosahatchee River homeport that Hurricane Ian reduced to splinters in 2022 — has officially reopened after a $15 million revitalization, and it is already accepting slip reservations through Dockwa.

The rebuild, led by AIRN Management, LLC in partnership with Bellingham Marine, is not a patch job. It is a full reimagining: 131 slips ranging from 30 to 140 feet, Bellingham's Unifloat® concrete wave attenuator system anchored by 70-foot steel piles, a Unideck aluminum frame dock system, WearDeck synthetic decking, in-slip pump-out, fire suppression, and new shore power throughout. The marina sits on approximately 13 acres of riverfront at 2044 West First Street, with direct access to the Gulf of America and a short walk to the Fort Myers River District.

"This marina has long served as a homeport for boaters traveling Florida's west coast," said Rick Budd, CEO of AIRN Management. "The reopening represents a significant reinvestment in Fort Myers' waterfront and a long-term commitment to the local boating community." Coastal Marina Management has been brought on as the day-to-day operations partner, handling dock staff and customer service.

The digital side of the operation is just as considered. Through a partnership with Dockwa — the platform connecting boaters and marinas nationwide — Legacy Harbour offers online slip requests, digital contracts, secure payments, and real-time marina-to-boater communication. Reservations can be made at legacyharbour.com or by calling 239-320-8855.

The dining piece is equally compelling. Nellie's Boatyard — founded by local restaurateur Leonard Lemmer — is slated to open in the former Joe's Crab Shack space in late 2026, following an extensive interior renovation. The concept centers on expertly aged steaks and fresh local seafood, served inside a room with 82 floor-to-ceiling windows and unobstructed views of the Caloosahatchee. It is the kind of waterfront dining room Fort Myers has been waiting for.

The timing is not accidental. The newly rebuilt marina sits directly along the route of the 53rd Annual Fort Myers Boat Show, running November 12–15, 2026 — the Gulf Coast's largest boating showcase, with vessels, equipment, and marine accessory vendors lining the Caloosahatchee. Legacy Harbour is not just a marina again. It is a destination.