Life on Fort Myers Beach

Local News

Thanas Chosen as New Town Attorney, Town Temporarily Waives Parking Fees

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council held an unusual split-session Public Meeting on Monday, August 20, with the principle topic the private and public interviews to retain or select a new Town Attorney. It ended its meeting just over 8 hours later, by temporarily waiving the Town Parking Fees through at least Monday, September 10, to spur local businesses in the wake of the island’s devastating economic downturn due to the ongoing water quality issues. Council actually began at its standard time of 9 a.m., opening with the 2^nd Reading of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Amended Ordinance, with brief discussion, since it advertised this as an agenda item, but quickly continued it to its October 1 meeting, to allow additional legal research. The panel then took a public recess until 1 p.m., to privately meet with the attorney applicants, as well as for a lunch break. In addition to the incumbents, The Peterson Law Group, prospective firms were Dye, Harrison, Kirkland, Petruff, Pratt, & St. Paul; GrayRobinson; and Weiss, Serota, Helfman, Cole, & Bierman. A fifth, Ramona Koop, withdrew the prior week.  FULL ARTICLE RESOURCE

Lingering Algae Hits Beach Businesses Hard

Economic Disaster Looms

Fort Myers Beach businesses are hemorrhaging money, with empty bars and restaurants, hotel and resort cancellations, and beach scenes resembling an apocalyptic movie. To stem the tide, the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce is instituting several programs, while the Town of Fort Myers Beach is waiving its Parking Fees through at least Monday, September 10. Jacki Liszak, Chamber Executive Director, said her organization is employing a number of initiatives. “We work with Duane Hoversten of the Small Business Development Council out of Florida Gulf Coast University. He can meet with you any time, and his services are absolutely free. Duane can discuss available loan programs, and help with creating budgets and a disaster assistance plan. An interesting program he is following is the State of Florida is examining reopening its Emergency Loan Program instituted following Hurricane Irma, where you can receive a 20-year loan at just 3.5 percent interest. That would be much better than the current programs that run 90 or 180 days, that you must repay at the end of those terms, or an 18% interest rate kicks in.”  FULL ARTICLE RESOURCE

ISLAND EVENTS

End of the month fun

• Wednesday August 29th

NEWTON PARK YOGA
8:30am. Newton Park.

WATER AEROBICS
9am-10am, Beach Pool.

WIGGINS PASS KAYAK TOUR
10am-1pm, North Naples.

STORY HOUR
10:30am, Beach Library. Children are invited to sit beneath the indoor tree at the library and hear several stories, followed by a craft activity. 239-765-8162.

• Thursday August 30th

BAY OAKS FITNESS

10:30am Pickleball; 1:30-3:30pm Open Gym, Bay Oaks Rec Center
 

SUNSET BEACH YOGA
Sunset, Pink Shell Resort. Open to guests and non-guests. Bring towel/mat, water, sunglasses & sunscreen. $10. Weather permitting. Offered each TU morning at 9am and TH afternoon at 6:30pm or sunset. 203-305-1663 Call for class time.

• Friday August 31st

MANGROVES BY KAYAK TOUR
8am, Mound House.

WATER AEROBICS
9am-10am, Beach Pool.

LOVERS KEY KAYAK TOUR
10am, Lovers Key State Park. Join a Park Ranger for a relaxing 1.5 mile kayak tour. Earn the history of Black Island and experience some of the wildlife that call the waterways of Lovers Key home. Bring your own kayak or rent one from the in-park concession. Free with park entry. Reservations required 239-463-4588.
 

GAME DAY
10:30am, Bay Oaks. Join the Bay Oaks Social Seniors for some Mahjong, Dominoes or Cards.
 

SUNSET CELEBRATION
5-10pm, Times Square. Gather in Times Square to watch the sun set and enjoy food & fun, plus a free live music concert with High Tide.

FEATURED PROPRIETIES

4745 Estero BLVD 1505 Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931

GULF AND BAY VIEWS ABOUND FROM THIS CORNER UNIT 15TH FLOOR COVETED 05 Stack with not one, but TWO screened balconies and INCLUDES RARE UNDER BUILDING PARKING SPACE PLUS an additional assigned PARKING SPACE! LARGE 2 bedroom ,2 bath, PLUS den/office/breakfast room with its own screened balcony and gulf AND bay views! UPDATED wet bar & kitchen have GRANITE COUNTERS plus stainless steel appliances. Great Complex Amenities include a large heated pool and hot tub ,grilling area, tennis courts, shuffleboard and theater with big community building for parties. There's also a full service marina, waterfront restaurant and supermarket next door! Ocean Harbor is a Gated community conveniently located mid-island with BEACH ACCESS.

261 Egret ST Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931  

Sparkling waters of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve is your view at this lovely elevated home on Fort Myers Beach. Split bedrooms. Living area flows into dining and kitchen area and opens to Enclosed porch with sliding glass doors, Watch the dolphins play from the enclosed 3 seasons porch which is completely glassed in with awning windows. From this room you can also see your boat house and backyard garden. Brand New Roof May, 2018. Enjoy fishing off your seawall , kayak or paddle board or take your boat down the channel to Waterfront Dining, Marinas, and quick access to Gulf of Mexico. By walking up the street, you may visit the Beach Theater where you can also enjoy dinner and drinks while watching your favorite movies. Across the street from the movie theater is white sandy Fort Myers Beach where you can take in daily walks and evening sunsets or rent a Cabana for the day. Convenient stores and plaza is also within walking distance of this property. 

Phillip Babcock

Lahaina Realty on Fort Myers Beach  239-994-4572  Follow this link to search for all properties for sale in South West Florida www.fortmyersbeachwaterfront.com 
For a free evaluation of your home or condo current value go to www.FreeFortMyersHomeValues.com you will receive 3  recent property sales and 3 current properties for sale, and the current market value of your property. Receive a Free Home Warranty, value $450.00, with each property purchase or listing above $150,000  

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Life on Fort Myers Beach

TOP LOCAL NEWS

Resident Challenges Town on Margaritaville Zoning Appeal

Image: Margaritaville FMB rendering.

A Fort Myers Beach resident filed two legal challenges against the Town of Fort Myers Beach last week just before the clock ran out. On Wednesday, August 8, Chris Patton of 153 Primo Drive, Fort Myers Beach, filed two legal actions against the Town regarding Town Council’s May 21 approval of the TPI-FMB project, now known as Margaritaville Resort Fort Myers Beach. A Writ of Certiorari was filed at 4:44pm on August 8, 2018 against the Town of Fort Myers Beach with the Lee County Clerk of Court. The writ asks the court to quash and reverse the TPI-FMB approval decision for failure to follow proper procedures. It claims that the rezoning approved by Ordinance 18-04 included four deviations from the town’s Land Development Code (LDC), three of them inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan.  FULL ARTICLE

Water Quality Panel Puts Pieces Together

The Broadway Palm Theater was filled to capacity on Tuesday, August 14, to view a screening of the documentary film, “Toxic Puzzle: Hunt For The Forbidden Killer.” Following the roughly 90-minute feature, a group of water quality experts fielded audience questions. Three of the panel experts were participants in the film, including ALS researcher Dr. Walter Bradley, Dr. Larry Brand, University of Miami and Dr. James Metcalf, Senior Researcher with the Brain Chemistry Labs. The fourth panel member was Calusa Waterkeeper and biologist John Cassani, with Rae Ann Wessel, Natural Resources Policy Director of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, serving as the moderator.

Florida Representative Heather Fitzenhagen (R-78) assisted in bringing the film to Southwest Florida and introduced the program. “The Blue-Green Algae and Red Tide we have now are startling and eye-opening,” she said. “We need to raise the awareness of cyanobacteria on our overall health over the long term, as humans, due to what we see happening to our marine life. We need to be better prepared to watch out for our own welfare.”  FULL ARTICLE

WEEKEND ISLAND EVENTS

• Friday August 24th

BLACK ISLAND BIKE TOUR
10am, Lovers Key State Park. Join a Park Ranger for a leisurely biking adventure on the Black Island Trail. Learn a little park history and experience some of the wildlife that calls this maritime hammock home. Bring your own bike or rent one from the in-park concession. Free with park entry. Reservations required 239-463-4588.

GAME DAY
10:30am, Bay Oaks. Join the Bay Oaks Social Seniors for some Mahjong, Dominoes or Cards.

SUNSET CELEBRATION
5-10pm, Times Square. Gather in Times Square to watch the sun set and enjoy food & fun, plus a free live music concert with High Tide.

• Saturday August 25th

GARDEN WALKING TOUR
10am, Mound House. Discover the unique plants that make up the gardens of the Mound House and how the Calusa Indians used them to survive. Learn also about how native plants conserve water and protect wildlife. $5, Museum admission not included; members free. 239-765-0865 moundhouse.org

SUNSET CELEBRATION
5-10pm, Times Square. Gather in Times Square to watch the sun set and enjoy food & fun, plus a free live music concert with Double Standard. 

FEATURED PROPERTY LISTINGS

NEW LISTING

4265 Bay Beach LN 1021, Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931

FORT MYERS BEACH Gulf & Bay Panoramic Views! End unit 3 Bedroom plus office/3 Full Bath PENTHOUSE with PRIVATE ROOFTOP DECK, PRIVATE GARAGE w/ workshop & Golf Cart, COVERED BOAT DOCK W/ LIFT, AND Assigned Under Building parking space. Once owned by one of the original developers and is actually 2 units combined (1021 & 1022). Electric Hurricane Shutters & SS appliances. Multiple balconies all with astounding views especially the large wraparound corner screened lanai overlooking Estero Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and intersecting canals. Harbour Pointe Condo's premier Estero Bay frontage location offers superior bay views, direct access to the Bay and just minutes to the Gulf, walk or bike to deeded beach access, tennis courts, restaurants, shopping, public marina, trolley stop to Times Square, and so much more!

4137 Bay Beach LN 586 Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931  

Don't miss this rare Waterside V, 3 Bedroom+Den, 3 bath 8th FLOOR CORNER UNIT with over 2,400 square feet, a prime GARAGE parking spot plus an additional under-building open parking space! This beautiful condo has INCREDIBLE VIEWS of Estero Bay and the Gulf. Spacious tiled and screened lanai (with electric shutters) is the perfect place to enjoy those views. Tastefully furnished, so it is move in ready. Floor to ceiling windows, with open concept tiled living, dining & kitchen areas with dramatic water views! Kitchen offers granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and beautiful cabinetry. Spacious master bedroom, with direct lanai access, has a huge en-suite bath. The A/C and water heater are both newer. Waterside amenities include 24-hour guard gate, resort style pool & spa, fitness center, social room, guest suites, storage locker, fishing pier, tennis, and deeded beach access. Walk to restaurants, shopping, marina, and the beach. Gulf access deep water boat docks available to lease or purchase at Waterside or at adjacent Bay Beach area docks. There are not many 3 Bed+Den units like this, with 2 parking spaces and WITH THESE VIEWS! Don't miss this!

Life on Fort Myers Beach

TOP LOCAL NEWS

Hatchlings Mainly Unaffected by Water Conditions

Photos by Eve Haverfield

“Our loggerhead nests are starting to hatch, even those subjected to the high tides from Tropical Storm Alberto,” exclaimed Eve Haverfield, the founder of Turtle Time, Inc., a non-profit established in 1989 for the benefit of marine turtles on Big Hickory Island, and Bonita, Bunche, and Fort Myers Beaches. “Some are not as productive as we would like, with not the greatest number of hatchlings, but just about all produced some, with one even having a 100 percent survival rate. Unfortunately, we lost some to light disorientation, as a few lights in that area were not in compliance, but we are nevertheless optimistic, especially in the face of the difficult water conditions in our region right now. While there are not a lot of good news issues to report concerning our water quality, one positive is a lot of people on the beach are asking our volunteers about the nesting sea turtles, so it is a good educational opportunity for us.”  FULL ARTICLE

Short Term Rental Registration Deadline Looms

The Fort Myers Beach Town Council, after months of debate over Short Term Rentals (STR), and 43 of 52 residents and business owners speaking against it, passed an updated Ordinance by a 4 – 1 vote, with Council member Anita Cereceda Against, on May 7. The ordinance provided 90 days for all covered rentals to register, which ends on Sunday, August 5.  “Even though August 5 is a Sunday, the new Ordinance becomes law that day,” said Jason Green, the Town’s contract Community Development Director. “I am not sure what schedule the Town’s Code Enforcement Department will work that day, but the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is available to respond to complaints. Even though Town Hall is closed on weekends, you can still register your Short Term Rental property on-line, to be in compliance by the deadline, as there is a time stamp on those. As we get closer to the deadline, more Short Term Rental registrations are coming in now, as we have 920 as of Wednesday, August 1, including almost 400 single family homes, and should have over 1,000 total by the weekend. The registration fee is $150-per-rental unit, and that is valid through December 31, 2019. The Ordinance contains a provision for condominium complexes to opt out, and so far, 20 have done so.”  

FULL ARTICLE

FUN ISLAND WEEKEND EVENTS

• Friday August 10th

MANATEES TALK
10am, Lovers Key State Park. Join a park ranger to learn about these fascinating creatures and how you can help and protect them. Free with park entry. Reservations required 239-463-4588.

GAME DAY
10:30am, Bay Oaks. Join the Bay Oaks Social Seniors for some Mahjong, Dominoes or Cards.
 

LIBRARY TOUR
10:30am, Beach Library. Join Dr. Hommerding in the library foyer for an informative tour of the library focusing on the energy and architectural features. About 1 hour. Pre-register 239-765-8162.
 

SUNSET CELEBRATION
5-10pm, Times Square. Gather in Times Square to watch the sun set and enjoy food & fun, plus a free live music concert with High Tide.

 

• Saturday August 11th

EXPLORING ARCHEOLOGY: CAN YOU DIG IT?
10am, Mound House. Explore what archeologist uncovered about the Calusa Indians that lived on the Mound House’s 2,000-year-old shell mound. View artifacts from the Mound House currently not on display and sort through materials from the shell mound. Learn some of the tools & techniques that archeologists use to uncover clues about people of the past. Perfect for families. 239-765-0865. moundhouse.org  $5, members free. Museum admission not included.

SUNSET CELEBRATION
5-10pm, Times Square. Gather in Times Square to watch the sun set and enjoy food & fun, plus a free live music concert with West of Galway.
 

TRIVIA 

7pm, Cabanas at DiamondHead

• Sunday August 12th

SPIRIT OF ’45
4:15-7:15pm, Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort, 17260 Harbour Pointe Dr, Fort Myers. Celebration to honor World War II veterans includes dinner and Veteran’s Tribute including Color Guard, POW/MA service, Wreath Ceremony, Guest Speakers, Guns N’Hoses Pipes N’Drums & TAPS. Free for WWII veterans and their WWII era spouses, all others $25. Reservations by Aug 1 by calling Eryka 917-607-4385. Sponsorships begin at $50. All donations welcome.

FEATURED PROPERTY LISTINGS

8402 Estero BLVD 304 Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931

Beautiful Gulf front Unit at Islands End Fort Myers Beach. Panoramic Views of the Gulf of Mexico Lovers key State park and the white sand beaches. Lots of windows for views everywhere and cross breezes. Owners state new A/C 2/15, Cornerstone Kitchen and appliances 2/13, new Lanai screen 1/15, new impact windows guest bedroom and kitchen 2/13. *** Please be sure to watch Virtual Tour.** Island's End amenities include 2 community pools, hot tub, tennis courts, BBQ grills and a kayak launching spot. Sold basically Turn Key. Sit on the lanai and watch the sunset. Please be sure to watch the Virtual Tour. This is true paradise!  

4137 Bay Beach LN 5H3 Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931

Exceptional, condo located in the highly desired building of Dolphin Pointe at Waterside that offers luxury & sophistication that is hard to surpass. Masterfully designed transitional spaces are perfect for year-round living inside and out this beautifully crafted waterfront condo overlooking the panoramic water views of Estero Bay. The desired exposure assures the property is bathed in sunshine during the most active hours of the day. The condo sprawls over 2700 sq. feet & shows outstanding attention to detail & exquisite taste & style. From design inspiration to a renovation completion, this stunning penthouse condo has been built in the tradition of those with a penchant for comfortable living with 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, 2 of largest enclosed parking spaces in the building (Hummer H1 size), two very large storage spaces, and a very sought after CABANA. The condo has a gourmet chef's kitchen with top of the line S/S appliance and granite counters. This is perhaps, the most grand waterfront condo to ever be offered on all of Fort Myers Beach.  

Phillip Babcock

Lahaina Realty on Fort Myers Beach  239-994-4572  Follow this link to search for all properties for sale in South West Florida www.fortmyersbeachwaterfront.com 
For a free evaluation of your home or condo current value go to www.FreeFortMyersHomeValues.com you will receive 3  recent property sales and 3 current properties for sale, and the current market value of your property. Receive a Free Home Warranty, value $450.00, with each property purchase or listing above $150,000  

Social Media Marketing & Advertising provided by:  
Professional Social Networking Services

Life on Fort Myers Beach

TOP FORT MYERS BEACH NEWS

Business Community Weighs In on Margaritaville

It is now two months since the Fort Myers Beach Town Council gave their final and unanimous approval to the controversial TPI-FMB Downtown Redevelopment Resort Proposal, after a three-year process and nearly 14 years after Hurricane Charley devastated the downtown area on August 13, 2004. Since then, TPI-FMB announced that the Margaritaville brand, made famous by singer Jimmy Buffett, would be its corporate marketing affiliate. With council approval now in the rearview mirror and two months passed to calm emotions and provide perspective, several Fort Myers Beach business leaders at the July 12 Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce luncheon provided their opinion on the Margaritaville Resort.  FULL ARTICLE 

How to Improve Water Quality

Fort Myers Beach remains poised between two water quality threats. The ongoing Red Tide bloom in the Gulf of Mexico hovers offshore, where it’s been since October 2017. From the other direction, the blue-green cyanobacteria bloom that arrived with water releases from Lake Okeechobee in June persists in the Caloosahatchee River, canals in Cape Coral and North and South Fort Myers. Algae has also been spotted in Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach canals, though not in the numbers or with the toxic microcystin bacteria seen elsewhere. This persistent double threat has created a level of interest in water quality that has illuminated the exceedingly complex nature of something as seemingly simple as clean water. It’s garnered the attention of everyone effected by water quality, from visiting beachgoers wondering why the water is darker than normal to the halls of Congress where, this week, a contingent of Sanibel representatives brought a call for action to improve and protect the quality of water in our state. FULL ARTICLE

UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS 

ALL AUGUST LONG
 FORT MYERS BEACH COMMUNITY POOL
2600 Oak Street, FMB. Summer hours are 10am-6pm every day MO – SU. Water Aerobics every MO, WE & FR at 9am. Swim Lessons offered. Call for details and registration. 239-463-5759

FORT MYERS BEACH ART ASSOCIATION GALLERY
Located at the corner of Donora and Shell Mound. (3030 Shell Mound Blvd.) The Summer Show is on exhibit now in the gallery. New pieces added throughout the summer months. Gallery summer hours: WE & TH 9am-12 noon. 239-463-3909. www.fortmyersbeachart.com

BAY OAKS RECREATIONAL CAMPUS
Membership is free for all island residents. Visitors always welcome. Open MO – FR 7:30-am-9pm and SA 10am-9pm with activities for individuals and families. Pick up a newsletter for a daily list of activities or call 239-765-4222 for more information. 2731 Oak St., FMB. 239-765-4222

HISTORIC COTTAGE
Island museum located at 161 Bay Rd, FMB, at the entrance to Matanzas Pass Preserve, houses a collection of artifacts, photos and memorabilia of life on Estero Island. Free. Open WE and SA 10am-Noon.

MOUND HOUSE
Experience Florida’s natural and cultural history where Estero Island’s oldest standing structure sits atop an ancient Calusa Indian Mound. The Mound House is a unique archaeological and historical site on Fort Myers Beach located directly on Estero Bay and offers a variety of programs for local residents and visitors. Come see this historic treasure and check out the museum store! Grounds open sunrise to sunset at no charge. Museum open TU, WE & SA, 9am-4pm. 451 Connecticut Street. Call 239-765-0865 for more information.

FORT MYERS BEACH LIBRARY
Books, newspapers, magazines, Wi-Fi, public computers and fascinating collections. Visitors welcome! Hours: MO – FR 9am- 5pm; SA 9am-1pm. Visit the Friends Used Book Store on the 3rd floor, for books, cold drinks and snacks, is open MO-FR 9:15am-4:45pm. 2755 Estero Blvd, FMB. 239-765-8162.


FEATURED PROPERTY LISTINGS


21671 Madera RD Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931 

Mid Island custom built 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, gulf access canal, pool home in the prestigious Yachtsmans Cove subdivision. This subdivision includes a Tennis court, and a waterside boardwalk around the whole canal / basin. This custom home includes Tall ceilings and eight foot doors throughout the home, with Italian Porcelain tile in the upper level. The lower level, and pool deck, accessible by elevator or stairs features Brazilian Travertine Tile. The Master Suite features a Kohler Air Bubble tub with Chromatic Therapy and heated back rest. And separate shower. Your Salt water pool has a jetted resistance current with smart features to deliver a complete fitness program for all ages. The covered boat dock with a 10,000 lb lift awaits your special Yacht or boat to take you to the Gulf without stopping for bridges. The board walk and tennis court are maintained by the home owners association. Walking via the deeded beach access is only 1 block to the sand and gulf. Your new home has 6476 sq feet of living area.


5 Fairview BLVD Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931 

Welcome to Fairview Isles on Fort Myers Beach. This quiet gulf access neighborhood is located on the south end of the island, deep & wide canal gulf access. Deeded beach access and short walk to shopping, dining and entertainment plaza. Wonderful square footage (nearly 2100) in this updated 3 bedroom pool home. Spacious open floor plan with lots of natural light. Adorable sitting area off the pool deck with window seat. Like to entertain? This home also offers a built in bar area with sliders to the pool deck. Updates to kitchen, flooring and baths. Kitchen offers large island with wine cooler & granite counters. Large laundry room. Master bedroom has newly tiled shower and walk in closet. Split bedrooms. Heated caged pool, 7K boat lift & dock complete this package. It's time to buy that dream home you've been waiting for! 

Phillip Babcock

Lahaina Realty on Fort Myers Beach  239-994-4572  Follow this link to search for all properties for sale in South West Florida www.fortmyersbeachwaterfront.com 
For a free evaluation of your home or condo current value go to www.FreeFortMyersHomeValues.com you will receive 3  recent property sales and 3 current properties for sale, and the current market value of your property. Receive a Free Home Warranty, value $450.00, with each property purchase or listing above $150,000  

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