ROAR Offshore to return to Fort Myers Beach with “Reborn on the Gulf” Weekend

ROAR Offshore, whose ownership switched hands earlier this year, announced they will be bringing back the Fort Myers Beach Offshore Powerboat Race from September 11-13, for a three-day event.

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak, in an announcement of the event, said the races will be celebration of the return of Fort Myers Beach from Hurricane Ian. The last powerboat races on Fort Myers Beach were held five years ago.

“ROAR Offshore is much more than a race weekend,” Liszak said. “It is a celebration of our community’s remarkable comeback and an opportunity to showcase everything that makes Fort Myers Beach such a special destination. Visitors from across the country will experience our beautiful beaches, outstanding restaurants, unique businesses, world-class hospitality, and the resilience that defines our island.”

The Fort Myers Beach Offshore Powerboat Race will bring many of the nation’s premier offshore racing teams to compete along the iconic Gulf shoreline. Featuring elite offshore race boats, national and international competitors, and three days of racing and entertainment, the event promises an exciting offshore racing spectacle on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The event begins on Friday, Sept. 11, with race team arrivals, inspections, official practice sessions, qualifying, and welcome events. The Race Village opens at 9:00 a.m. (location to be announced), featuring race boats on display, sponsor and vendor exhibits, interactive displays, and opportunities to meet drivers and crews. Teams will also be testing on the race course throughout the day, giving spectators an exciting preview of the weekend’s competition.

Throughout the weekend, visitors will enjoy meet-and-greets with race teams, opportunities to see the powerboats up close, live music, great food, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant festival atmosphere celebrating both offshore racing and the Fort Myers Beach community.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, qualifying heats, high-speed racing action, the popular public Pit Party, sponsor hospitality events, and premium waterfront viewing opportunities take center stage. Fans can watch the races from beachfront seating, waterfront restaurants, designated spectator boating areas, VIP hospitality venues, or even while floating just offshore in the Gulf.

The weekend concludes on Sunday, Sept. 13, with Championship Day featuring morning warm-ups, the premier offshore races, the awards ceremony, and an America 250 Closing Celebration honoring the competitors while celebrating the remarkable resurgence of Fort Myers Beach.

“This event perfectly reflects the spirit of Fort Myers Beach,” Liszak said. “We’ve overcome tremendous challenges, and today our community is stronger, more welcoming, and ready to host visitors from around the world. ROAR Offshore is an exciting opportunity to celebrate our progress while generating meaningful economic benefits for our local businesses.”

The event is produced through the dedication of the ROAR Offshore Board of Directors, local business leaders, community partners, and hundreds of volunteers working together to create a world-class offshore racing experience while supporting the continued vitality of Fort Myers Beach.

For the latest event schedule, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information, and updates, visit www.roaroffshore.com or www.fortmyersbeach.org.