Fort Myers Beach historian Fran Santini dies at 94

The Estero Island Historic Society will honor the founding member and local treasure at a memorial event.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:26am

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Fran Santini, a 94-year-old founding member of the Estero Island Historic Society and widely regarded as one of the most important living links to Fort Myers Beach's early 20th-century past, passed away over the weekend. The historic society will pay tribute to Santini at a memorial event on April 8.

Why it matters

Santini was a beloved figure in the Fort Myers Beach community, known for her deep knowledge and passion for preserving the area's history. Her death marks the passing of a crucial link to the town's origins and early development.

The details

Santini was a lifelong resident of Fort Myers Beach and played a key role in the Estero Island Historic Society since its founding. She was widely recognized as an expert on the area's history, particularly the influx of families that helped establish the beach as a popular tourist destination in the early 1900s.

  • Fran Santini passed away over the weekend.
  • The Estero Island Historic Society will hold a memorial tribute for Santini on April 8 at noon.

The players

Fran Santini

A 94-year-old founding member of the Estero Island Historic Society and a widely regarded expert on the early 20th-century history of Fort Myers Beach.

Estero Island Historic Society

A local organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Fort Myers Beach.

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What they’re saying

“That's how the beach got to be known, through families coming here.”

— Fran Santini

The takeaway

Fran Santini's passing marks the end of an era for Fort Myers Beach, as the community loses a vital link to its early history and development. Her dedication to preserving the town's heritage will be deeply missed.