Speed boat race returning to Fort Myers Beach
A speed boat race known as the Roar Offshore Race is returning to Fort Myers Beach in October. It is poised to be an annual event according to town officials. The goal of Roar Offshore Fort Myers Beach is to improve the Beach’s economy during what is a traditionally slower period.
The newly formed American Power Boat Association Offshore Championship Series (APBA) is comprised of six races throughout the U.S. The sixth and final race will be hosted on Fort Myers Beach on Oct. 10-12.
Boats can speed up to 180 mph during the race. Organizers have worked with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Coast Guard to ensure safety initiatives are in place.
The Miss Geico racing team from Riviera Beach, Florida, is excited to be competing on Fort Myers Beach. If the team wins, this would be its 12th world championship title.
“We’re looking forward to finishing the season and clinching a series championship in the beautiful waters of Southwest Florida,” said Scott Colton, one of the owners of the Miss GEICO team and the operations manager.
The race can be seen from anywhere on Fort Myers Beach and will be watched nationwide over simulcast as well as social media.
“It’s a huge win for the town. The excitement and the anticipation is like nothing I’ve seen for an event in years and years here,” said Jacki Liszak, president and executive director of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. “In terms of exposure for our community, we couldn’t ask for anything better. It should fill up the hotels and restaurants while it’s here, bringing so many people from all over the world to our amazing community. We want everybody and anybody to get involved, big and small.”
Liszak said that they are going to be having mixers for the race every three weeks or so at different locations around the community.
The mixers are open to the public and free to attend, but guests must register on the Roar Offshore Facebook page or with the Chamber.
The next event will be held at Doc Ford’s on Fort Myers Beach this Thursday, May 23, at 5 p.m. There will be light refreshments included and a cash bar.