Hurricane Ian changed everything. For the regulars who spent their Saturday nights at Moose Lodge 964, the sight of Estero Boulevard after September 2022 was unrecognizable. It wasn't just a building that was lost. It was a community hub. If you’re looking for the Moose Lodge Fort Myers Beach today, you’re basically looking for a story of resilience that is still being written in the sand.
Honestly, it’s been a long road.
The Loyal Order of Moose has always been about more than just cheap drinks and a place to sit. It’s a fraternal organization focused on community service, supporting Mooseheart (a residential childcare facility) and Moosehaven (a retirement community). But in Fort Myers Beach, the lodge was also the heartbeat of the local social scene. You’d have veterans, snowbirds, and locals all rubbing elbows.
The Status of the Physical Building
People keep asking: is it open? The short answer is complicated.
The original site at 19090 San Carlos Blvd took a massive hit. Ian’s storm surge didn't care about history or membership cards. Because the damage across the island was so catastrophic, the rebuilding process for every structure—including the lodge—has been tied up in FEMA regulations, insurance battles, and the sheer logistical nightmare of rebuilding on a barrier island.
Many members have transitioned to nearby lodges in the interim. You’ve got the South Fort Myers Moose Lodge 128 or the Tice and Shores lodges. But for the core group of Lodge 964, "home" is still the beach. They've been holding meetings and social gatherings at "Moose on the Loose" locations—essentially temporary spots or hosting events at other VFWs or American Legions to keep the spirit alive. It’s kinda inspiring to see how they refuse to let the charter die just because the walls fell down.
🔗 Read more: Curtain Bangs on Fine Hair: Why Yours Probably Look Flat and How to Fix It
Why Membership Still Matters Right Now
You might wonder why anyone would bother joining a lodge that doesn’t have a permanent roof over its head at this exact second.
It's about the mission.
- Community Support: They are still raising money for local families.
- The Network: Being a Moose member means you have a "passport" to any lodge in the country. If you're a member of the Fort Myers Beach branch, you can walk into a lodge in Ohio or California and be treated like family.
- The Rebuild: Joining now actually helps the rebuilding fund.
The dues aren't just a fee; they are an investment in the social fabric of the island. When you talk to the administrators, they’ll tell you that the paperwork for the new structures is a mountain of its own. It’s not just about slapping some wood together. You have to meet new elevation requirements. Everything has to be "hurricane-proof" to the highest degree, which costs a fortune.
What the Social Life Used to Look Like (and Will Again)
Sunday mornings were for the breakfast buffet. It was legendary. You’d get eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes for a price that felt like a time machine back to 1985. It wasn't fancy. It was real.
The lodge used to host live music almost every weekend. Local bands would play classic rock and country, and the dance floor was always packed with people who didn't care if they were "good" dancers. They were just happy. That’s the vibe everyone is desperate to get back. The Moose Lodge Fort Myers Beach was one of the few places where you didn't have to be a millionaire to enjoy a waterfront view and a cold beer.
💡 You might also like: Bates Nut Farm Woods Valley Road Valley Center CA: Why Everyone Still Goes After 100 Years
Navigating the Current Membership Process
If you want to get involved, don’t just show up to the old address expecting a party. You’ve got to check their social media pages or the official Moose International website to find out where the current officers are meeting.
- Find a sponsor. You need an existing member to sign off on you. If you don't know anyone, just go to one of the "Moose on the Loose" events and introduce yourself.
- Fill out the application. It’s pretty straightforward.
- Pay the enrollment fee and annual dues.
- Attend an orientation. They’ll teach you about the "Defending Circle" and what the organization actually does for kids and seniors.
It’s a bit old-school, sure. But in a world that feels increasingly disconnected, there is something deeply grounding about a fraternal order.
The Reality of Rebuilding on the Beach
We have to be realistic here. The Fort Myers Beach landscape is shifting toward high-end resorts and luxury condos. This puts pressure on non-profits like the Moose Lodge. The land they sit on is worth millions. There is always a segment of the population that wonders if these organizations will sell out to developers.
So far, the resolve of the Moose has been solid. They want to stay. But the costs are staggering. Between the 50% rule (a FEMA regulation regarding substantial damage) and the soaring cost of labor in Southwest Florida, every step forward feels like a marathon.
How to Help the Lodge 964 Effort
Even if you aren't a "lodge person," the recovery of these social clubs is vital for the middle class on the island. You can help by attending their fundraisers. They often host "poker runs," golf tournaments, and raffles. These events are open to the public more often than the private bar nights are.
📖 Related: Why T. Pepin’s Hospitality Centre Still Dominates the Tampa Event Scene
Check the local newspapers or the island's community boards. When you see a "Moose Lodge Benefit," go. Buy the burger. Enter the 50/50 raffle. That money goes directly into the pot for the new building or toward the local charities they support, like the Golisano Children's Hospital.
Practical Steps for Interested Travelers and Locals
If you are planning a trip to the area and were hoping to visit, here is how you handle it. First, verify your membership status. If your card is expired, renew it online before you leave home. Second, use the "Moose Mobile" app. It’s actually pretty decent for finding the nearest active lodge.
If you're a local who hasn't been back since the storm, reach out to the board of officers. They need volunteers for the administrative side of things more than ever. Rebuilding isn't just about hammers; it’s about permits, grant writing, and organization.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify the current meeting location: Visit the official Lodge 964 Facebook page or the Moose International locator tool, as temporary venues change based on availability.
- Transfer or Renew: If you’ve moved to the area permanently, initiate a membership transfer from your "home" lodge to 964 to ensure your dues help the local rebuilding efforts.
- Support the "Moose on the Loose": Attend the pop-up events hosted at other local establishments. These are the primary revenue drivers for the lodge while they lack a permanent facility.
- Donate directly: If you aren't interested in membership but want to see this institution return to the beach, contact the lodge recorder to contribute specifically to the building fund.