A sign for the Margaritaville development coming to Fort Myers Beach. FILE

Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach resort announced an opening date of Dec. 21 that has been years in the making.

More than two years after construction began, lawsuits and five years after approvals were first given, the resort will hold its grand opening at its can’t-miss location over the Matanzas Pass Bridge off Estero Boulevard and Crescent Street.

All 254 hotel rooms are expected to be available to reserve on Dec. 21, Margaritaville Beach Resort Communications Manager Amberly Bucci said. 

In addition, the resort announced that the following restaurants and businesses inside the resort will also open on Dec. 21:

• License to Chill Restaurant on the Sunset Terrace

• Coconut Telegraph on the Sunset Terrace 

• JWB Grill (second-floor beachfront restaurant)

• La De Dah Beach Bar & Grill  (first floor beachfront bar)

• St. Somewhere Spa 

The 43,000-square-foot Sunset Terrace is the resort’s elevated space overlooking the Gulf of Mexico with live entertainment, fire pits, and daily activities, Bucci said. Live music will be performed at the resort during the day.

The resort’s owners expect to open Fins Up Beach Club, 5 O’clock Somewhere and Salty Rim sometime in January.

According to a media release, Fins Up Beach Club and the restaurants inside are only for guests and will require a wristband for entry. Day passes for outside guests are expected to be available sometime in mid-January. 

“We are thrilled to open up reservations to Margaritaville Beach Resort to Fort Myers Beach, which is home to some of the most spectacular sunsets, magnificent wildlife and coolest seashells in the world,” said David Cesario, general manager of Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach. 

“Whether a family vacation, romantic escape, getaway with friends, special events or corporate meetings, Margaritaville Beach Resort offers something for everyone. Our team looks forward to being part of the Fort Myers Beach community and transporting guests into a vacation state of mind,” Cesario said.