Sports car show at Santini Marina Plaza
What’s Up FMB, an organization made up of local businesses on Fort Myers Beach, announced the start of a monthly car show at Santini Marina Plaza beginning this Saturday with a sports car show featuring high-octane luxury vehicles like Lamborghinis and Porsches.
The “Coastal Cars & Coffee Summer Series” will start this Saturday at the shopping center on Fort Myers Beach between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Saturday’s event will feature sports cars from Past Lane Drive Naples, the Lamborghini Club America Florida members group, and the Porsche Club of America Everglades Region.
Attendees can expect to see Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens, Porsches, and other high-performance luxury sports cars displayed throughout Santini Marina Plaza.
Following the event, participating vehicles will cruise together to The Whale for lunch and reserved parking. There will also be food serviced by Detroit Dawgs. The cruise will be coordinated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, according to the application permit.
On Monday, the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council approved a request from the organizers for a special event permit. In addition, What’s Up FMB requested to rent out from the town 22 parking spaces at the town’s Waistina Way public parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in order to accommodate vehicles attending the after-party at The Whale.
Town of Fort Myers Beach Councilmember John McLain offered that the town would donate the parking spots for the vehicles for free rather than charge the participants. McLain said the town should donate the spots after What’s Up FMB earlier in the meeting announced the contribution of $129,000 to the town to support a fireworks show on the Fourth of July and a parade on that day. The town council agreed to provide the parking spaces downtown free.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council also approved a special permit for The Whale for June 13, for an anniversary celebration for the restaurant at 1249 Estero Boulevard from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event will include amplified live music and food and beverage service.
This Saturday’s car show will be the first of five planned by What’s Up FMB at Santini Marina Plaza. A second show, “Classic Cars by the Coast,” will be held on Saturday, June 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. featuring classic cars, vintage cruisers, and muscle cars.
After the showcase, participants will cruise together to Norm’s Beach Parking for lunch at Detroit Dawgs.
Other car shows at Santini Marina Plaza have been scheduled by What’s Up FMB for July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19.
The new event series was created to provide unique off-season experiences that support local businesses while giving residents and visitors another reason to explore Fort Myers Beach, the organization announced.
“This is our first Coastal Cars & Coffee series, and we’re excited to bring something new and fun to Fort Myers Beach,” said Dawn Miller, President of What’s Up FMB and co-owner of The Whale. “These events are about more than cars. They’re about community, supporting local businesses, and creating experiences that give people another reason to spend time on the island.”
The Coastal Cars & Coffee Summer Series is being sponsored by Legno Italian Kitchen, The Whale, Alex King Group, King Family Foundation, and Alair Homes Fort Myers.
The event is free for spectators. Vehicle participation is limited and registration is encouraged.