09/02/2026
🌴🥥 **Happy World Coconut Day!** Celebrated each year on September 2, this day recognizes the coconut palm—often called the “Tree of Life” because nearly every part of it has been useful to people.
The Koreshan community had connections to Estero Island, now known as Fort Myers Beach, where coconut palms were part of the island’s tropical landscape. Coconuts were much more than a beachside symbol: the meat, water, milk, and oil could provide food; husks supplied coir fiber for rope and mats, and shells could be repurposed into practical household items. 🌊
For the Koreshans, who valued self-sufficiency and cultivated gardens, groves, and useful plants, coconuts represented both the abundance of Southwest Florida and the resourcefulness needed to build a community.
Today, coconut palms still help define the coastal character of Fort Myers Beach—connecting the area’s natural beauty, local history, and tropical heritage. ☀️🌴
