The Lighthouse Resort on Fort Myers Beach is advancing plans for a major expansion and modernization, with Town Council approval May 19 moving the project closer to construction. Owned by the Kolar family for more than 60 years, the resort, undergoing a full rebuild following Hurricane Ian, sits next to Margaritaville Beach Resort and is a longstanding island landmark. Plans include 130 new rooms, multiple restaurants and a new building near the Matanzas Pass Bridge featuring a public pool and dining area. The project aims to boost tourism and support recovery efforts following Ian. Currently, 60% of Fort Myers Beach hotel rooms are open — the highest since the storm. The project will have one more public hearing next month, WINK News reports.