Fort Myers: An Alternative History

 

A massive 1999 tile mural by Barbara Jo Revelle is in a small courtyard, on one wall of the federal courthouse at the west end of First Street.  The mural incorporates old photographs of Black solders in the Civil War who defended the fort for which the city is named from Confederate attacks.

The mural also highlights Seminole Indians who were deported from Florida and relocated to Oklahoma so white farmers could take over their lands.  

Revelle is an artist who is on the faculty of the University of Florida.  She headed the UF photography department when this mural was installed.  A lengthy discussion of the mural and the history it represents is here.  Linked to Monday Murals.

Luminary Hotel

A new hotel opened on Fort Myers' waterfront six months into the pandemic.

When I walked past, it looked very quiet.  

Ford's Garage

 Ford's Garage went into the first floor of an old building on Fort Myers' main street about a decade ago.  Known for burgers and beer, it has been pretty popular since it opened.

Library

The Fort Myers Regional Library opened about seven years ago.  It is a nice looking building on the city's main street.  I like the columns.  They are a more modern form that echoes the columns on older buildings in the neighborhood, like the Sidney and Berne Davis Arts Center.

Arcade

 One destination on First Street in Fort Myers is the Arcade, home of Florida Repertory Theater.

If you look close, you will see a couple more Carmona sculptures in front.

Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center

Here is the art center in Fort Myers that was mentioned in yesterday's post. 

The sculpture I showed yesterday is in the center.  The two big brown cylinders beyond are the Caloosahatchee Manuscripts, brilliant sculptures that are amazing at night.  I encourage you to click on this link to see a post about them from almost exactly two years ago, in that pre-pandemic world.

Gliding in Time

 A sculpture by Juan Miguel Vazquez stands in front of the Sidney and Berne Davis at the east end of Fort Myers' main street.  Vazquez was born in Spain, grew up in Uruguay and now lives in Miami.