Hopeful signs on Fort Myers Beach regarding fixing 7-Eleven stores destroyed by Hurricane Ian

There's an old saying that patience is a virtue and that can certainly be applied to the restoration of the 7-Eleven convenience stores on Fort Myers Beach after they were destroyed by Hurricane Ian last September.

There is reason for some enthusiasm because of involvement with JR Evans Engineering and other entities on a few Beach 7-Elevens, which would be welcomed in a major way by islanders.

"The availability of those (types of) stores and their attendant products and services would do a great deal more to restore normalcy in the day-to-day lives of my family and neighbors," said long-time Fort Myers Beach resident Ed Lombard in an email.

More: What SWFL city among new top spots to retire? Which beach resort is on market for $30 million?

With factors such as underground gas tanks or other challenges left by Ian, permitting records show those don't come together as easily as one would think with 2,400 square feet or so. Besides approval for signs or other minor steps, at least a couple of them, have been largely stalled since April.

But there are hopeful signs.

On Sept. 12, Wilson's Petroleum Equipment, which also specializes in electrical work, was at the 7120 Estero Blvd. southside 7-Eleven site after getting town paperwork straightened out that day, public records show.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: When are Fort Myers Beach 7-11 stores reopening is a popular question