090325 Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin
WEEKLY RENTAL CORNER LOT on Estero Blvd. is directly across from the Hercules Dr. beach access. Enjoy beautiful sunsets from a new elevated single or multi-family home (formerly a duplex). Mid-island location w/Gulf views and a neighborhood park & pier on the bayside. Close to Publix, waterfront restaurants, marina, Newton Park & Mound House. Just a crosswalk away from the white sandy beach & Gulf waters, and just a bike ride to Times Square & Old San Carlos at the north end. $750,000
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80’ WATERFRONT, DEEPEST CANAL, IMMEDIATE GULF ACCESS from the North end of the island, perfect for your deep draft sailboat. This is the closest canal to the Federal channel, with little to no traffic in this ideal location, even during season. Convenient mainland access over Matanzas Pass Bridge, which now has a dedicated right turn lane to the north end of the island. Permitted pilings are in place. $1,499,000
1BD/1BA STUDIO STYLE unit in Casa Playa, the highly sought-after short-term rental beachfront building on the prime north end of island! Remodeled kitchenette & bath. On-site rental management office w/potential for high future income. Turnkey. All new furnishings. Offers panoramic views of Estero Bay. Walk to the famous white sand beach just downstairs. Owners use their condo year-round when not rented. Easy on/easy off. $299,000
1BD/1BA @ PINK SHELL on offer for an upscale owner’s vacation experience at the area’s premiere beachfront resort: 12 acres of amenities, multiple pools, restaurants, beachside cabanas, poolside lounges, spa, business suite if you must, boutique, marina tours, beach activities in season. Owners may reside 28 days per year and can use the perks year ‘round. Rental management provides income when not occupied by owner. Varying price points. $225,000 - $369,900
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Chris Loffreno Allie Henry Charlie Smith Rita M. Oben Tracey Gore Summer Stockton Ronald Coveleski Dennis Boback Fran Canario Diane LaCorte
Voted Best Real Estate Company 2021
Beach renourishment complete, dune plantings next
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
After more than a year of work and months of delays, the beach renourishment project on Fort Myers Beach has been completed with approximately 1 million cubic acres of sand planted.
Town officials announced this week that the sand dredging and pumping for the project is now over.
Town of Fort Myers Beach Environmental Projects Manager Chadd
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
A brief glimmer of hope last week spread on social media by Town of Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers that $11.3 million in funding was on its way to reopen the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School has turned out not to be the case. However, the attention to a FEMA award letter that Allers cited has raised new questions from town officials about how the school district spent money to reopen the school after Hurricane Ian, what any leftover funds were used for and what the district’s plans are for reopening the school that has remained closed since the much smaller storm and impact of Hurricane Milton a year ago.
It all started with a post on the Facebook page of Allers last week applauding the state’s two senators and local
Congressman Byron Donalds for a FEMA announcement of an $11.3 million award for what was described by Allers as an award to the School District of Lee County for repairing Fort Myers Beach Elementary School in order to reopen it.
The letter, forwarded to Allers last week from Donalds staffer Jesse Purdon, had been sent out a week earlier by FEMA announcing the awards of funding for multiple FEMA aid projects throughout the state.
Upon a closer look, the award letter turned out to be an award for repairs the school district had already completed on the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School after Hurricane Ian –not for the damage caused by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton which has kept the school shuttered since last fall.
“This award should help make significant progress toward
Chustz said the sand dredging portion of the project is now complete.
“The booster pumps, equipment and sub-line from the dredge to shoreline will be removed via the Old Junkanoo lot. All equipment will be off the beach by Sept. 3, per Ahtna,” Chustz said. “Equipment will be moved out of the Newton and Old Junkanoo properties via truck by Sept. 10.”
Fire district proposes millage rate decrease
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District
Chief Scott Wirth has proposed a $22.1 million budget that would lower the millage rate for prop erty owners in the district from 2.8 mills per thousand dollars of taxable property value to 2.76 mills.
The budget used an increase in property values and the district’s reserves to lower the millage rate.
The district’s taxable property value went up this past year to $5.46 billion, an increase from the $4.87 billion in the 2024-25 budget.
While the district is seeing a substantial increase in property value, the operating budget this year will increase by 29% from $17.18 million to $22.16 in part due to a $2 million increase in capital expenses as the district continues its construction project for a new fire station on Estero Boulevard, and embarks on new projects including a new administrative facility and training center off Shrimp Boat Lane on San Carlos Island.
The district is budgeting $4.65 million for construction projects, a 76% increase over last year. The budget utilized reserves to pay for its current and upcoming construction projects.
Last year, the district sold its old Station 31 off Estero Boulevard and Donora Boulevard for $875,000 to Mike and Dawn Miller.
The new budget leaves the district with $19.26 million in reserves.
The budget’s personnel costs will increase by 22% with $14.3 million budgeted for personnel, $3.9 million in ben-
NATHAN MAYBERG
Town sets town hall opening date
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
Technically, the new town hall at 6231 Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach is open — for employees, though not exactly for the public.
That will change officially on Wednesday, Sept. 10, when the town will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new town hall from 9 to 11 a.m.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include refreshments and guided tours for the public.
Town Hall operations for residents are still located out of Bay Oaks where three town employees handling permitting and utilities are working, In addition to parks
and recreation staff, Fort Myers Beach Communications Director Nicole Berzin said.
The town moved its town hall operations temporarily to the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus after moving out of its temporary trailers to make way for a Bay Oaks debris removal project that will lead to the installation of pickleball courts and a walking path. The town was also looking to comply with FEMA deadlines to be out of the trailers. The town had been leasing out the trailers since the state stopped covering the cost of renting out temporary trailers the town was using in 2023 after Hurricane Ian.
The Town Hall work remaining to be completed on
the first floor is A/C duct work, elevator work, audio/ visual equipment installation, painting and other work, Berzin said.
The town purchased the new town hall property at 6231 Estero Boulevard near Bahia Via last year for $7 million to convert from an office building to a new the town hall with funds from the state legislature for the new town hall. The town also acquired the former 7-Eleven property next door for $1.7 million to use for parking.
The town has since knocked down the 7-Eleven building and turned that property into additional parking for town hall.
Bayside Park Concert Series expands
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The Bayside Park Concert Series has been such a success for downtown Fort Myers Beach businesses that the business community is partnering to grow the series by having two days of music at the Old San Carlos Boulevard park.
The series will now have a show every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. The first show will be Friday, Aug. 29, with the group Smack Daddy.
The Sunday shows will continue each week from 4 to 7 p.m. This week’s Sunday show will feature the band Grand Slam. Bayside Veterans Park is
located off San Carlos Boulevard between Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant and Nervous Nellies.
Peter Ennis, a partner in the downtown Fort Myers Beach businesses Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant, Wahoo Willies Tiki Bar & Grill and Smoking Oyster Brewery, has been involved in organizing the shows.
“The Sunday concert series has been great to bring the locals and tourists together to enjoy a free concert on the back bay,” Ennis said.
Ennis said the concerts boost business for all the restaurants nearby.
The park is centrally located down-
town, just a short walk from Times Square and Lynn Hall Memorial Park.
The concert series is a partnership with the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Fort Myers Beach, Gulf Coast Business Bank, the Alex King Group and King Family Foundation.
Ennis said the aim of the series is to bring together locals and tourists to the area.
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak said “anything the island can come up with that will draw additional folks onto the beach is a good thing. Especially this time of year.” Liszak said the tourism business throughout Florida has been down and tourism from Canada is also down this year.
“We need to encourage activities that will entice guests onto the island, hopefully to spend a night or two, but if not, at least to grab a bite to eat, listen to some music and grab some down time,” Liszak said. “Shout out to the businesses that are working together to make this happen and thank you to all that come out to sponsor and enjoy the shows.”
Live Music BEACHFRONT
Check out our September entertainment at CabaÑas Beach Bar + Grille and CŌste Island Cuisine
Fridays steve mcdougall band, 4-7pm
Saturdays
9/6 matt lee duo, 1-4pm | fractal brothers, 5-8pm
9/13 edison + the rum runners, 1-4pm kinetic souls, 5-8pm 9/20 pipe dream, 1-4pm | matt newbold, 5-8pm
SUNDAYS
9/7, 9/14, 9/21 CROSSROADS, 2-5pm
7-10pm
Wednesdays
9/10 deano + Marvilla 9/17, 9/24 classic roses
Thursdays lonza
Fridays
9/12, 9/19 pearl + CJ 9/26 barry lawrence
Join us for island hopper songwriter fest september 26-28
Saturdays dockside duo
Sundays 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 david rojas
Entertainment schedule subject to change
OPINIONS
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: (239) 574-1110
Fax: (239) 574-5693 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk.com
Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com
Production manager Rob Braitling rbraitling@breezenewspapers.com
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T2T Foundation supports America’s heroes
Nearly 24 years ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, the world as we knew it, changed forever. As two jets crashed into the World Trade Center in Manhattan, one plane slammed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a fourth plane plummeted into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, emergency responders began rushing to the scenes of these terrible tragedies.
One of those responders was Stephen Siller, a 34-yearold firefighter in Brooklyn, New York, who had just finished his overnight shift and was headed to play golf with his brothers. Once he heard the news of the first aircraft hitting the North Tower, Stephen returned to his squad to get his gear. He drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers,
where he gave up his life while valiantly saving the lives of others.
Shortly after the horrific events of 9/11, Stephen’s siblings founded the Tunnel to Towers (T2T) Foundation, a nonprofit established to honor his sacrifice and the sacrifices of other first responders and military personnel. The foundation’s core mission is to support injured veterans, first responders and their families. This includes building smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans, providing mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders and supporting Gold Star families.
Each year, on the last Sunday of September, the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk is held in New York City. What began with 1,500 people in 2002 is now considered by many to be one of the top 5K runs in America. Locally, Fort Myers hosts its version of the event on the first Saturday of September, this year being Sept. 6.
Dine with purpose, support SWFL’s
When tourist season ends and crowds thin out over the summer, many local businesses — especially our restaurants — experience a dip in foot traffic and revenue. To keep the doors open, help employees feed their families and positively impact our community, local restaurants need a boost this time of year.
That’s really what sparked my desire to create Sizzle Dining.
Guy E. Clarke II Guest Commentary
The annual culinary event encourages residents and visitors to dine locally during September, traditionally the slowest month of the year in Southwest Florida’s hospitality industry while supporting a cause that is deeply personal to me — feeding hungry children.
Founded in 2016, Sizzle Dining has grown into Southwest Florida’s premiere restaurant event showcasing the impressive culinary talent of our region, including some hidden gems that deserve to be discovered. Sizzle Dining includes twocourse breakfasts and/or lunches priced at $19 or $29, and three-course dinners starting at $29, $39 or $49.
Over the past nearly 10 years, along
with my wife and co-founder, Erin, Sizzle Dining has grown to four weeks and this year is featuring a record 127 participating restaurants in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. We built a team and even assembled a “Sizzle Squad” of foodies and lifestyle influencers that help amplify our events. Most importantly, and the icing on the cake, is that $1 of every meal sold during Sizzle Dining goes back to Blessings in a Backpack to provide food on weekends so children don’t go hungry. Thanks to our sponsors, participating restaurants and all those who dine during Sizzle, we’ve raised more than $150,000 to benefit Blessings in a Backpack Southwest Florida.
The way I see it, Sizzle Dining is a winwin-win:
∫ Restaurants experience an uptick in revenue and their staff can continue earning wages to feed their families, pay their bills and contribute to our local economy.
∫ Customers have opportunities to try new restaurants and enjoy specially curated dining experiences at lower price points.
∫ Hungry children in Southwest Florida can have access to food on weekends.
As someone who grew up food insecure, I recognize those backpacks stuffed with food are a big blessing to children and their
The event symbolizes Stephen’s final footsteps from the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers and pays homage to the 343 New York City firefighters, law enforcement officers and thousands of civilians who lost their lives on 9/11.
Additionally, businesses and organizations across the country host 5K events throughout September to honor those who lost their lives. Proceeds from the events support the foundation’s programs, including those benefiting first responders and injured service members. I am proud to be the chair for the Fort Myers Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk taking place on Sept. 6 at Florida SouthWestern State College. I hope you’ll come out and take part in the festivities as we honor and remember those that sacrificed their lives on that fateful day. For more information, please visit t2t.org/event/2025-tunnel-to-towers5k-run-walk-fort-myers/.
Lauren Taylor is the local chair for the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and operations manager for Taylor Carpet One, a sponsor of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. For more information, visit https://runwalkfortmyers. t2t.org/.
hospitality industry
families.
Over the years, I’ve been grateful to witness the ripple effect that Sizzle Dining has on the community. Local growers, like Farmer Mike’s in Lee County, offer discounts to participating restaurants that purchase their produce, helping control expenses for the businesses. Other local businesses, from companies that supply linens and uniforms to food and beverage suppliers, also benefit from the uptick in restaurant patrons.
In 2024, local restaurants served 62,529 Sizzle Dining meals. When you consider the cost of those meals, plus additional beverage sales, it adds up to more than $3 million in local impact that helps feed our population — and economy — during a slower period in Southwest Florida.
Interested in trying a few new restaurants? Visit SizzleDining.org for a complete list of participating restaurants, broken down by city, and to view their special lunch and dinner menus. Then, make a reservation — it’s that easy. Sizzle Dining offers a great opportunity to try new restaurants and cuisine, have some fun, and support the community and a great cause.
Guy E. Clarke II is co-founder of Sizzle Dining and executive director of Sizzle Events. For more information, visit https:// sizzledining.org/.
Lauren Taylor Guest Commentary
BANKING IS BACK on Fort Myers Beach!
Fort Myers Beach, we're here!
Our new office is on the way ... in the meantime, our temporary office is open and we're ready to serve you.
For over 20 years, we've proudly served the Southwest Florida community. Now, we're thrilled to bring our trusted, community-first banking services to Fort Myers Beach. Stop in, grab a cookie and experience the SanCap Bank difference today. Visit us Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Inside Access Title Agency 100 Lovers Lane, Suite 205, Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach Temporary Office
Open Wednesdays, 9:30 am to 2 pm
100 Lovers Lane, Fort Myers Beach (we're on the third floor of the Access Title Agency building)
Locally Owned and Operated
BUSINESS
Doc Ford’s customers win on National Rum Day
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille awarded rum barrel infusers and flight boards to lucky winners at its four locations on National Rum Day Aug. 16. Customers who ordered the mojito or rum flight during the Aug. 16 celebration received raffle tickets for the prizes.
“National Rum Day was a huge success and a great opportunity to highlight our exclusive rum selections and create a new mojito for the event,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. “Many people don’t realize there are premium rums meant to be sipped and savored, and National Rum Day allowed us to introduce the concept to new connoisseurs.”
The Fort Myers Beach restaurant led the way of the four locations by selling 52 Doc’s Old Fashioned Mojitos and nine rum flights, closely followed by the St. Petersburg Pier location with 49 mojitos and eight rum flights. The old-fashioned-meetsmojito features premium Flor de Cana aged rum muddled with lime, mint, orange, bitters and simple syrup, and soda water.
Flor de Cana Rum in partnership with Republic National Distributing Company created the tabletop rum infusers, small wooden aging barrels designed to add personalized flavor to rum. Ideal for rum enthusiasts, users age the spirit for several days or weeks to develop enhanced character and complexity for a custom-aged experience. The accompanying rum flight boards showcase multiple rums for tastings and entertaining. The barrels and rum flight boards were branded with the Doc Ford’s logo.
The winner at the Fort Myers Beach location Michael Mendoza, while Brad Sitton was the winner at Sanibel.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, a popular venue for Caribbean Riminspired cuisine, offers a variety of rums and rum-based cocktails – from classic rum punch to rum runners and Mai tais – and 15 sipping rums, available in flights.
The award-winning, family friendly restaurant features food with a unique balance of flavors and is known for its sauces, spices, passion and signature Yucatán shrimp served daily.
Doc Ford’s is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Premier Mobile Health Services to offer mobile medical clinics
STAFF REPORT
Premier Mobile Health Services, a nonprofit health clinic that brings essential medical care to those in need across Southwest Florida, will be holding a mobile medical clinic on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 820 Buttonwood Drive.
The mobile health clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to. 1 p.m.
Premier Mobile Health Services pro-
vides health care services to the medically vulnerable and those most at risk of developing and experiencing long-term illnesses and hospitalization.
Services include early-detection health screenings, blood pressure and diabetes checks, drug screenings, basic metabolic profiles, nutrition counseling, basic vaccinations, health education, school and sports physicals for children, as well as acute and
chronic disease management.
The mobile medical clinic welcomes walk-ins.
The mobile medical clinic is also open several days each week at Mount Hermon Ministries on 2856 Douglas Ave. in Fort Myers. Appointments can be made by calling 239-222-1829.
Patients without insurance and those who provide proof of income below 200%
of the federal poverty guidelines are provided care at no costs; others in need pay on a sliding scale based on income. The mobile clinic includes an onsite pharmacy and point-in-care laboratory for immediate analysis of test results. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 239-288-7949. Additional information, the monthly mobile clinic schedule, can be found online at PremierMobileHealth.org.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Miranda Porterfield won the National Rum Day raffle at the Jungle Terrace Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille location.
BEACH LIVING
Beach Kids Foundation awards scholarships
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Chloe Brown (at right, with her father Mike) was one of the Fort Myers Beach recipients of a college scholarship by the Beach Kids Foundation.
Chris Prisco, an intern with the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District, was awarded a scholarship by the Beach Kids Foundation.
Aiden and Maryn Fancher were awarded scholarships by the Beach Kids Foundation recently. Standing with Aiden and Maryn are their parents Dayna and Matt.
Even Yelle was recently awarded a scholarship by the Beach Kids Foundation. With Yell are his parents Drew and Tina.
SEPTEMBER 3-30
• 239 NAPLES, THE
• A TABLE APART
• ALICE SWEETWATER’S BAR & GRILLE
• AMBER COVE
• ANGELINA’S RISTORANTE
• AQUA BONITA
• AQUA ON FIFTH
• ARTISAN EATERY
STEP ONE Go to SizzleDining.org or scan QR code below.
STEP THREE
• BACKWATER JACKS @ BONITA BAY MARINA
• BALEEN @ LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
• BARBATELLA
• BAY HOUSE, THE
• BELLINI’S FORT MYERS
• BHA BHA! PERSIAN BISTRO
• BICYCLETTE COOKSHOP
• BISTRO 821
• BISTRO LA BAGUETTE
• BLACK FOREST GERMAN RESTAURANT
• BLACKBIRD MODERN ASIAN
• BLANC
• BLEU PROVENCE
• BOATHOUSE ON NAPLES BAY, THE
• BONE HOOK BREWERY AND CRAFT KITCHEN
• C LEVEL BAR & RESTAURANT
• CABOS CANTINA TACO & TEQUILA BAR
• CAFE NORMANDIE
• CAFFÈ MILANO
• CAMPIELLO
• CAPONE’S COAL FIRED PIZZA
• CHEZ GUY PARISIAN BISTRO
• CHOPS CITY GRILL - ALL LOC.
• CIBAO GRILLE
• CJ’S ON THE BAY
• CLAW BAR, THE @ BELLASERA RESORT
• COAST @ EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL
• CONTINENTAL, THE
• COTE D’AZUR
• DEEP LAGOON SEAFOOD - ALL LOC.
• DEL MAR
• DISTRICT
• EL GAUCHO TRATTORIA
• ENZO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
• ESTIA
• FATHOMS
• FIRESTONE GRILL ROOM, THE
• FLACO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
• FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE
• FRESH CATCH BISTRO
• FRESH CATCH INLAND
• GATHER
• GRAPPINO & THE BAKERY AT GRAPPINO
• HAMPTON SOCIAL, THE
• HANGOUT BY TWO GUYS, THE
• HOGFISH HARRY’S @ PARK SHORE RESORT
• ITALIAN DELI AND MARKET
• IZZY’S FISH & OYSTER
• JUNKANOO BELOW DECK
• JWB GRILL @ MARGARITAVILLE
• KABAB SPOT
• KEEWAYDIN’S ON FIFTH
• LA FONTANELLA RISTORANTE - BONITA
• LA FONTANELLA RISTORANTE - FORT MYERS
• LAKEHOUSE KITCHEN & BAR, THE
• LATITUDE 26 @ THE HYATT NAPLES
• LIMÓN ROOFTOP BAR
• LIMONCELLO
• LOCAL, THE
• LODGE, THE
• LOLA 41
• LOWBROW PIZZA & BEER
• LULU’S KITCHEN
• M & M’S CAFE @ TIN CITY
• M WATERFRONT GRILLE
• M’XUMA TACOS MEXICAN GRILL
• MARTIN FIERRO ARGENTINEAN STEAKHOUSE
• MEDITERRANO
• MELTING POT, THE
• MINI BAR, THE
• NAPLES COASTAL KITCHEN
• NEXT DOOR
• NOSH ON NAPLES BAY
• OAR & IRON RAW BAR & GRILL - FORT MYERS
• OAR & IRON RAW BAR & GRILL - NAPLES
• OASIS THE KITCHEN LOUNGE - AVE MARIA
• OLD VINES NAPLES AT MERCATO
• OLDE FLORIDA CHOP HOUSE @ TRIANON HOTEL
• PAELLA’S MEDITERRANEAN FUSION
• PAZZO! CUCINA ITALIANA
• PEZZO PIZZA + BAR
• PHUZZY’S BOAT SHACK - ST. JAMES CITY
• PINCHERS - ALL LOC.
• PJK NEIGHBORHOOD CHINESE - NAPLES
• PJK NEIGHBORHOOD CHINESE - ESTERO
• REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY
• ROOSTER FOOD+DRINK, THE
• ROY’S RESTAURANT
• RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
• SAGE ON 47TH
• SAM SNEAD’S TAVERN
• SAN MATTEO ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR
• SAVOUR RESTAURANT
• SEA SALT
• SEASONS 52
• SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE @ HILTON NAPLES
• STONES THROW
• SYDNEY’S PUB @ TIBURÓN GOLF CLUB
• TABERNA OLE
• TAP 42 CRAFT KITCHEN + BAR - NAPLES
• TARPON BAY @ HYATT REGENCY RESORT
• TEXAS TONY’S
• TWO MEATBALLS IN THE KITCHEN - ALL LOC.
• U.S.S. NEMO
• UNIDOS
• WARREN AMERICAN WHISKEY KITCHEN
• WATERMARK GRILLE
• ZAZA MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Fort Myers Beach Art Association’s
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The latest showcase from the prolific Fort Myers Beach Art Association will
display at their new art gallery as part of their “Anything Goes” show which opens this Thursday.
The art exhibit, which runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 19 at the Cypress Square shopping plaza off McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers, will feature a diverse collection of artwork from oil and acrylic paintings to jewelry, photography, digital art, as well as watercolors and pastel paintings. The exhibit will also highlight intricate collage pieces, hand-pulled prints, serigraphs, woodcuts, and the rich textures of batik.
Curated to celebrate diversity in both style and technique, “Anything Goes” “encourages artists to push creative limits and invites viewers to engage with art in its many forms — from tactile, handcrafted objects to cutting-edge digital creations,” Fort Myers Beach Art Association publicity director Susi Wigenroth said. “The result is a visually stunning, thought-provoking experience that showcases the power of artistic exploration.”
The association’s new gallery is located at the corner of McGregor Blvd and Cypress Lake Drive in Unit #1 next to the Prawnbrokers Restaurant. The association lost their home on Fort Myers Beach due to Hurricane Ian. Since then, the group had been holding art shows at various locations around the county while fundraising for a new home. They have since settled on leasing space at Cypress Square, which is also a working gallery for the association’s artists. The association still hopes to one day reopen their gallery on Fort Myers Beach.
For more information on the “Anything Goes” show, visit www.fortmyersbeachart.com or contact publicity@ fortmyersbeachart.com.
FAR RIGHT:“Rainforest Necklace” by Tamara Culp
Art association planning Plein Air Show
The Fort Myers Beach Art Association will be holding its “Plein Air Show,” a new art exhibit that opens Thursday, Sept. 25, at the member -owned and operated gallery of the Fort Myers Beach Art Association at Cypress Square Shopping Plaza in Fort Myers.
This exhibition brings together a diverse group of artists who all paint directly from life, creating works that are both vibrant and deeply rooted in place. Plein air describes the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color, and movement into their works. While plein
air painting is rooted in direct observation, it also involves artistic interpretation and personal expression. For Plein Air Show, all featured works were created with a commitment to authenticity: at least 80% of each painting was completed outdoors and from direct observation. The result is a dynamic collection of landscapes, urban scenes, and moments in time that reflect the immediacy and energy of painting on location.
Featured artwork is by artist Dana Enders who is one of the leaders of the Plein Air Painting group run through the Fort Myers Beach Art Association. Artist Tamara Culp also leads the group who meet on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The exhibit will run from Thursday, Sept. 25, to Friday, Oct. 24, at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association gallery, at 13451 McGregor Boulevard next to the Prawnbroker. Exhibiting artists may be present, and there may be plein air demonstrations taking place during the run of the show.
For more information, visit fortmyersbeachart.com or contact publicity@fortmyersbeachart.com
“Koreshan Golden Hour” by Dana Enders
RIGHT: “Surfboard” by Mina Bobel
DOT announces lane closures for Matanzas Pass Bridge work
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The Florida Department of Transportation picked Labor Day weekend to close one lane of traffic onto the Matanzas Pass Bridge onto Fort Myers Beach for crews to install conduits for permanent bridge lighting.
The work began on Sunday, with closures of the right, southbound lane on the bridge for motorists driving onto the island from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and resumed Tuesday.
Town lifts boil water notice after water main break
STAFF REPORT
A water main break last week caused the Town of Fort Myers Beach to turn off water for three streets and issue a boil water notice.
The boil water notice was lifted on Tuesday, nearly a week after the water main break was caused by a contractor.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach announced the water main break last week Wednesday and shut off water on Anchorage Street, St. Peters Drive and Bay Mar Drive.
A boil water notice was in effect from last week Wednesday until it was lifted yesterday, Town of Fort Myers Beach Communications Director Nicole Berzin said.
Mound House Calendar
The Mound House is the oldest standing structure on Fort Myers Beach dating back to 1906, sitting on top of a 2,000-year-old shell mound that was constructed by the native Calusa tribe who lived throughout the region for centuries. The Mound House is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Mound House is located at 451 Connecticut St on Fort Myers Beach and features a museum, tours, gift shop and serves as a public park for picnics and fishing.
Mound House schedule
Park Hours: Daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
∫ Museum Hours: WednesdaySaturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
∫ Calusa Tours: WednesdaySaturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
∫ Kayak Tours: WednesdaySaturday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
From 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., motorists should expect single lane closures as crews work on bridge joints across
The good news is that work on Hurricane Pass Bridge has moved swiftly, with those pesky bumps that had been
—Nesting data source: Turtle Time Loggerhead sea turtles are threatened in the United States and protected under the Endangered Species Act. The sea turtle nesting season on Fort Myers Beach runs through Oct. 31 and a town ordinance requires that all outdoor lights be turned off from 9 p.m. through 7 a.m. except for shielded amber, downward-directed lights. All blinds and curtains must also be shut from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Beach furniture should be removed from the beach before dusk and holes should be filled in on the
Youth Golf Challenge set for Oct. 25
LARC (Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens), a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through vocational training, residential support, and inclusive community services, is proud to launch the Fore the Future Youth Golf Challenge–a one-of-a-kind fundraising event just for kids and teens in grades 1-12. This exciting day of fun, mentorship, and prizes will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at The Golf Club at Crown Colony, located at 8851 Crown Colony Blvd., Fort Myers. The scramble tournament will kick off with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.
This is Southwest Florida’s first youth golf fundraiser of its kind, created to bring together elementary, middle, and high school students of all skill levels–from beginners to future champions–for a meaningful cause. Golfers will participate in fun on-course challenges and enjoy an awards ceremony and great prizes.
To participate, each golfer is asked to raise a minimum of $250, which directly supports LARC’s programs for individ-
uals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The top three fundraisers receive amazing prizes and a hole-in-one challenge will feature a magical Disney vacation for four.
Be part of something meaningful. Sign up, start fundraising, and swing FORE a more inclusive future!
Businesses and community supporters are encouraged to amplify their impact by sponsoring the Fore the Future Youth Golf Challenge. Sponsorship packages offer a range of promotional benefits–and more importantly, they send a powerful message that our community values young people and embraces individuals of all abilities. By supporting this event, sponsors champion inclusion, youth empowerment, and a stronger, more connected Southwest Florida.
To register, become a sponsor, or learn more, visit www.larcleecounty.org/events/ youthgolfchallenge.
For questions, contact Nickole Hendra at 239-334-6285 x229 or nickolehendra@larcleecounty.org.
FILE PHOTO
Lee Commissioners accept increased state grant funding for beach and dune erosion
STAFF REPORT
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve an amended grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to provide more than $1.2 million additional funds for the Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole Recovery Project.
The amendment will increase the total grant to more than $21.8 million, with no local match requirement.
The main project consisted of 1.1 miles of shoreline within Lovers Key
State Park and 0.8 miles of shoreline at the northern end of Bonita Beach (Little Hickory Island).
In addition, in cooperation with the City of Bonita Springs, hurricane damage to the upper beach and dunes was repaired on a one-time basis south on Bonita Beach to the Lee-Collier county line. Weeks Marine Inc. excavated, transported and placed beach-compatible sand from a Gulf sand source to nourish multiple beach segments.
The work was completed in March.
Beach sunset
NATHAN MAYBERG
Beach renourishment
The next step will be dune plantings to begin sometime in the next few weeks.
“Completing the Beach Renourishment Project marks a major milestone in our recovery and resilience as a community,” Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Will McKannay said, “This project not only restores our shoreline for residents and visitors to enjoy, but it also strengthens our natural defenses against storms and coastal erosion. I want to thank our partners at the state, county, and federal levels, as well as our residents, for their patience and support throughout this process. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more beautiful Fort Myers Beach.”
The $23 million contract for the work with Ahtna Marine and Construction approved in May of last year, called for the work to be completed in six months. Due to equipment issues, water leaks in the dredging pipe and weather delays, the project ended up going about seven months past its expected completion date.
While the town hasn’t yet released a final total on the cost of the project as it awaits an audit of the work, most of the cost will be covered by county, state and federal funds. Under the terms of the agreement, the contractor faces penalties for running behind schedule. Chustz said the amount of the penalties is still being worked out.
“The town’s spending on the renourishment Project will come in under budget due to the Town taking advantage of the State’s Hurricane Recovery Reimbursement Grant Program,” Chustz said. “Accounting of the project will be provided once an audit of the projects spending is complete.”
The town also has to assess additional environmental monitoring and construction management costs, he said.
The project was supposed to be completed before February, when shorebird nesting season began. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection approved extensions for the town and Ahtna Marine and Contrstruction to conduct beach renourishment work around the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area into May. The town approved the contractor continuing its work mid-island, outside the critical wildlife area into August, deep into the sea turtle nesting season. Turtle Time relocated more than 40 sea turtle nests due to the sand dredging pipe placed around areas where sea turtle
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hatchlings could potentially get stuck. Turtle Time also has recorded 314 false crawls of nesting sea turtles this year, a record. The organization cited the pipes as the reason for the record number of false crawls, which means turtles landed on the beach but turned away after encountering the pipe or otherwise went back into the water for other reasons.
The next face of the town’s beach restoration project is
to plant dunes. The town approved a $509,859 contract with EarthBalance Corporation in June for more than 100,000 plantings across the beach. The contract was signed this month and calls for 52,582 plantings of grass panicum amarum, 46,429 plantings of dune sunflower, 12,854 plantings of railroad vine ipomoea pescaprae and more than 24,000 plantings of sea oats.
See BEACH RENOURISHMENT, page 14
NATHAN MAYBERG
Beach
renourishment From page 13
The plantings will go on the town’s beach property at its beach access points and right-of-ways along with coun-
ty-owned beach and on private property wherever private property owners have signed off on easements with the town to allow dune plantings.
The dune plantings are meant to make the beach more resilient from future storms by helping to hold the sand together. Much of the work to gain the approval of private property owners for the easements, was done before Hurricane Ian. There is still time to sign up with the town for the easements for dune plantings on their beach properties.
Those who sign off on the easements, will be allowed free plantings on their property. “It is one of the most property owner friendly beach management plans in the State of Florida,” Chustz said. “If property owners that are not signed up would like to get plantings, please sign an easement with the Town.” The form is on the Town’s website at www.fmbgov. com/beach. A direct link to the easement form can be found at http://www.fmbgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/20037/ TEMPORARY-EASEMENT.
Chustz said the dune plantings should begin in a few weeks.
McKannay credited Chustz for his “leadership and dedication in bringing the Beach Renourishment and Hurricane Recovery Project to completion.”
McKannay said the beach renourishment work that Chustsz has helped to oversee “has made a lasting impact on the safety and resilience of Fort Myers Beach, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Chustz gave credit to the town’s coastal engineer Michael Poff, who has been the engineering consultant the town has relied for its beach renourishment work and the prior sand hauling and berm projects.
“We could not have done it without the Town Council’s and community’s support, and a great coastal engineer,” Chustz said.
“Personally, I couldn’t be happier that we were able to complete the project, and give added protection to the upland properties and infrastructure before any more major storms hit Fort Myers Beach,” Chustz said.
NATHAN MAYBERG
Beach Elementary
restoring this vital community asset and ensuring the school can reopen and operate as soon as possible,” Allers said on Facebook. “This critical funding will help us adhere to the existing interlocal agreement by supporting the rebuild efforts needed to keep the school operational and accessible to our students and families, especially in this recovery phase,” Allers said.
Fort Myers Beach residents reading the initial news announced on the Facebook page of Allers celebrated, believing the funds were going to get the school back open. The Town of Fort Myers Beach, through its communications office and town manager, put out a similar statement on its social media pages and through an advisory announcing to town residents the award and giving hope that federal funds had arrived to get the school back open.
Officials from the school district quickly shot down the notion that there was any new money for the district, explaining that town officials essentially misread the award letter which they said was for work the school district already did and for funds already spent. The money in the award would go back to pay a loan from the state that had been given through a relatively new and unknown state loan program.
“FEMA, like many federal and state government agencies, adopts and uses terms that are not used in their ordinary meaning. The notice from FEMA states that the $11 million figure for the School District is an award. The dictionary definition of ‘award’ includes payment or compensation,” School District of Lee County spokesman Rob Spicker said in an email outlying the school district’s response.
“However, in FEMA’s obligation notice for Fort Myers Beach Elementary School, the amount reflected as an award actually represents the net obligated amount, meaning FEMA’s calculated total project cost minus the anticipated insurance proceeds,” Spicker said.
Instead, Spicker said the “$11 million will be credited against the Florida Local Agency Program, which already disbursed funding to the School District, as those funds function as an advance on FEMA Public Assistance funding.
As a result, no additional payment will be issued to the School District.”
The FEMA award letter was in response to a funding request from the School District of Lee County to repair the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School and to take down buildings – all of which happened in 2023.
The award itself and the school district’s response to questions about the award raised more questions than answers, and the responses from the school district have only led to more questioning from parents who have been involved in working to reopen the school that has been closed since Hurricane Milton last year.
Brass Tax
At the heart of the issue is how much money the school district received for repairs to Fort Myers Beach Elementary School, how much it spent and where the rest went.
Since repairs were completed to reopen Beach Elementary School in 2023, school district officials have consistently stated that the school district spent approximately $6 million on repairs to reopen the school.
The award letter details “damage to 12 buildings of the Fort Myers Beach
From page 1
“The fact that we even need to make public records requests speaks to the absurdity of the situation.”
—Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt
“It’s insulting, They (the school district) really just confirmed they had the money all along.”
—Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization Vice President Monica Schmucker
“They think we are going to get fatigued and go away. They need to fulfill their obligation to us.”
—Monica Schmucker
“The $11 million will be credited against the Florida Local Agency Program, which already disbursed funding to the School District, as those funds function as an advance on FEMA Public Assistance funding. As a result, no additional payment will be issued to the School District.”
—Lee County spokesman Rob Spicker
Elementary School” from Hurricane Ian,
The letter states: “A 50 % Rule analysis was performed for the six (6) main buildings with a result ratio above 50%, making them eligible for replacement. In response, the applicant will utilize contracts to replace the 6 main buildings, and repair the 6 ancillary buildings to restore this facility to its pre-disaster design, function and capacity within the existing footprint per applicable codes and standards. Work to be completed for the replacement buildings will include removing and furnishing existing foundation, exterior walls, beam roof structure, windows, doors, interior partitions, interior finishes, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, fire alarm, sprinkler, and communications systems, stairs and elevators. Work to be completed for the buildings to be repaired will include the removal and replacement of all damaged components. This project entails a fixed cost offer. A cost estimating format (CEF) has been created using RS means software. Potential mitigation was discussed but the applicant will not pursue mitigation opportunities for this project. An insurance reduction was applied to this project. No prior Obtain and Maintain (O&M) requirement was found. An O&M requirement will be mandated in the total amount of $19,255,986.38 for the buildings. Total project cost is $19,546,275.07 (CEF) less $6,941,359.49 (Insurance Reduction) = $12,604,915.58 funded at a 90% federal cost share = $11,344,424.03.”
Town of Fort Myers Beach officials are now requesting documents from the School District of Lee County for how funds were spent to reopen Fort Myers Beach Elementary School after Hurricane Ian and where any leftover funds were used.
Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt was furious with the school district’s initial response to the funding letter.
“That’s one of the most contorted public statements I have ever seen in my 35 years of public service,” Atterholt said. “As a result of the contortion, the Town of Fort Myers Beach will request a litany of public documents from the school district.”
Atterholt said he met with McKannay last week to discuss the situation. The town began requesting public documents from the Lee County School District last week, including whether the school district made a request to the state or FEMA
to redirect or reallocate funds meant for the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School.
The town is also seeking a copy of the approval or response letter to redirect any funds.
Atterholt had been working closely with an ad-hoc committee of parents meeting with School District of Lee County officials since Hurricane Milton on reopening Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. That process broke down in the spring when Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin ordered a consultant the school district has hired on a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract, to study the future of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School.
What followed was a largely one-sided report presented to the School District of Lee County Board that was dismissed by Fort Myers Beach civic and business leaders for its lopsided view of the school’s future and inaccuracies. The report led to a letter from the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce to the school district castigating the consultants.
Among the questionable narratives in the report was a suggestion that it would take at least $7 million to reopen Fort Myers Beach Elementary School, a figure far removed from the $1.3 million baseline figure school district officials had originally made.
In comparison, the school district’s tearing down of multiple buildings after Hurricane Ian, and repairs which required far more extensive work on the historic building from much deeper damage than anything Hurricane Milton brought, cost just $6 million. The reopening of the school now wouldn’t require any tearing down of any buildings and would be just a fraction of the repair work done after Hurricane Ian. After Hurricane Ian, the historic building’s rooms and hallways were stripped down and gutted.
Since the report, the process to reopen the school has stalled with students being moved to Heights Elementary School. There has been discussions of possibly turning the public school into a charter school, something that was not supposed to begin being discussed for two more years under an interlocal agreement between the school district and the town which was signed after Hurricane Ian as part of reopening the school.
Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization Vice President Monica Schmucker said the
school district is in violation of the agreement for not having built the cafeteria that was required to be constructed this year. The one-year delay in reopening school should extend the interlocal agreement an additional year to 2028, she said.
Schmucker said that the district’s request for FEMA aid requires them to be specific about how they use the funds. If they changed their minds about how to use those funds, a specific request to re-direct the funds would have been made.
For Schmucker, the award letter was disconcerting as she said parents on the ad-hoc committee had been told by the school district by officials that they couldn’t count on FEMA aid to reopen the school and to build a new cafeteria. Schmucker said the aid letter shows the money was there for the cafeteria, which has been estimated to cost $6 million.
Taken at its value, the $11.3 million award for the estimated $20 million project, would leave approximately $5 million left over after the $6 million project to reopen the school after Hurricane Ian. In addition, the school district received $3.8 million in insurance for the loss of much of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School campus.
That would leave the district a balance of $8.8 million to build the cafeteria building and conceivably leave an additional $2.8 million to make the repairs necessary from Hurricane Milton. Those are all open questions.
Schmucker said the community had volunteers willing to clean up the school for free.
For Schmucker, the questions now are what happened to the funds the district received on its loan from the state to do the work.
The office of Gov. Ron DeSantis referred questions about the Florida Loan Program that the school district referred to, back to the Florida Department of Transportation, where officials did not return messages seeking comment.
After the consultant’s report, there still seemed to be some support amongst school board members for reopening Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. School Board member Armor Persons called for building a new school, while he has since also suggested a charter school to replace the public school. Bill Ribble, whose district includes Fort Myers Beach, has said he would like to see a new school be built there, while also saying he has been in talks with a potential supporter for a charter school there. Ribble has not disclosed details of the talks. School Board Chair Samuel Fisher has expressed hesitancy at putting more funds into the existing school though he has also said he hasn’t ruled it out.
The more time that has gone by since the delays has led to the population of the school tumbling. The school had approximately 80 students before Hurricane Ian, which dropped to 50 after Hurricane Ian as students were sent to San Carlos Park Elementary School.
After the school reopened, the population had bounced back to more than 70 students before Hurricane Milton shuttered the school again. The last numbers provided by the school indicated 39 students were now attending the school.
Atterholt, whose frustration with the delays being made by Dr. Carlin back in May through the hiring of the consultant led to him calling for a “nuclear option” to get the town’s attorneys involved in
17-year-old dies in personal watercraft-boat collision
STAFF REPORT
A 17-year-old was killed and one person was injured after a personal watercraft and a boat collided near Captiva Pass on Saturday.
“Preliminary information indicates that a personal watercraft (PWC) with two occupants and a 28-foot vessel with four occupants were traveling in the channel in Pine Island Sound near Captiva Pass when a collision occurred,” the FWC said in a press release. “The occupants of the 28-foot vessel were uninjured. One of the
occupants of the PWC was airlifted to a nearby hospital, while the second occupant was tragically pronounced deceased as a result of the incident.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Bradley Johnson said the agency was currently not releasing the place of residence for the deceased victim. The FWC is the lead agency in the investigation, which remained active on Monday.
Multiple agencies responded to the crash Saturday including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County EMS, Upper Captiva Fire Department, Cape Coral Fire Department, Useppa Island Fire Department, IonaMcGregor Fire Department, Pine Island Fire Department and The United States Coast Guard.
“The FWC extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life in this accident,” the FWC said in a press release. “Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
County commissioners vote to purchase Olsen Marina for $1.9M
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to go under contract to acquire the Olsen Marina at 1100 Main Street on Fort Myers Beach for $1.9 million.
The county is planning to build a boat ramp on the San Carlos Island property, according to Robert Clemens, Director of Lee County Lands.
The county commissioners have been looking into construction a boat ramp on the island since Hurricane Ian devastated a whole section of the waterfront there.
The resolution approved on Tuesday authorizes county staff to close on the purchase along with $60,000 in closing costs for 28,358 square feet of land owned by Olsen Marine Holdings LLC.
Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka, whose district includes Fort Myers Beach, called the purchase “an exciting opportunity.”
Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass said he was excited to give the public more access to the water through a public boat ramp there. He asked Clemens how many boat slips would be able to fit at the parcel.
Clemens said boat access would be “in and of itself would be very limited for any boat access, for a boat ramp for other activities: at the property but that it was part of a larger acquisition the county is working on next door. “This would be in conjunction with another parcel that is contiguous to the east if we were able to get that,” Clemens said.
Clemens said a plan hasn’t been finalized for the boat ramp and how many boats could fit. Clemens said there would have to be road improvements made.
Olsen Marina has not been an active marina since Hurricane Ian.
Fort Myers Beach Plant of the Month
By Randa Veach, Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve
Florida privet also known as Florida swampprivet (Forestiera segregata) is a very overlooked plant that weathered the wrath of Hurricane Ian and came back strongly. This hardy, long lived perennial in the olive family grows as a small tree or bush between five to 15 feet tall and five to 10 feet wide. It is maintenance-free once established and is drought and salt tolerant making it an ideal plant for coastal areas. Florida privet can be trimmed to a desired height or shape and can be used as a hedge or individual specimen plant. It tolerates full sun to part shade.
Fire district
From page 1
efits including health insurance and pension, and $1.8 million for life insurance.
The budget includes a $310,000 increase in health insurance cost and $185,000 increase in pensions
Based on guidance from the office of the Lee County Property Appraiser, Wirth said he is expecting property values to be adjusted again next year downward.
Florida privet is dioecious meaning it needs both male and female plants for successful pollination and fruit production. It blooms early in the spring and its tiny greenish yellow flowers are a magnet to bees and butterflies. Fruits ripen by late spring to early summer making it one of the earliest producing fruits for birds to enjoy before other fleshy fruits ripen. The fruit varies in color from purple to black and looks like a small olive. It feeds a variety of songbirds and wildlife and its thick foliage provides them shelter.
In Memory of Jim Rodwell
“We’re taking a bit of a conservative approach to this budget,” Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Fire Chief Scott Wirth said.
“I am more optimistic in the future of the island,” Fort Myers Beach Fire
Commissioner Ron Fleming said. Fleming said that although the number of construction permits are down, the homes being
Beach Elementary From page 16
enforcing the interlocal agreement to keep the school open as a public school, saying the school district had to “let the people know the facts.”
“The school district is obfuscating the situation to the point where the Town of Fort Myers Beach has reached extreme frustration,” Atterholt said.
School District response:
The School District of Lee County issued a response to the statements by Allers and questions from the town by saying the award letter from FEMA to repair or rebuild Fort Myers Beach Elementary “does not equate to additional funding to the School District of Lee County.”
According to the statement, the school district took advantage of the Legislative Appropriation Program to access loans after Hurricane Ian in advance of funding through the FEMA Public Assistance Program to aid Hurricane Ian recovery and repair. The district received a $55 million loan to cover cleanup, recovery, and repairs at 35 school sites, which in-
cluded Fort Myers Beach Elementary.
As part of receiving the LAP loan, the district was required to adhere to all contractual terms, including that if reimbursement funds or “awards” were received, those funds would be used to repay the LAP loan, the district said in its statement.
“The school district filed claims for Fort Myers Beach Elementary under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act, Section 428, to preserve the flexibility to use any LAP funds while discussing the school’s future under the terms of the Interlocal Agreement with the Town of Fort Myers Beach,” the school district said in a statement. According to the district, if the project turns out to cost less than the loan, the district can use the remaining funds for “cost-effective activities that reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, or suffering from a major disaster; and (ii) other activities to improve future Public Assistance operations or planning.”
However, the district hasn’t yet detailed how it spent the remaining funds.
Next door are four parcels formerly owned by the late Bill Semmer, which includes a marina that is listed at $7.45 million, a house and a warehouse, along with the former home of Semmer Electric. Semmer Electric has since been operating out of another property on Fort Myers Beach.
Mulicka said there could ultimately be 38 trailer parking spaces across two and a half acres if Lee County was able to also acquire the Semmer’s property, which is owned by the late Bill Semmer’s descendants.
constructed will have higher property values.
Wirth said he worked closely with the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office looking at building permits and property values in the district, and said there could potentially be a 5-10% decrease in property values next year.
Lee County Board of Fire
Dr. Carlin did not respond to requests for an interview.
“This FEMA Public Assistance strategy was designed to maximize how the School District might best fulfill its mission of serving more than 100,000 students,” the school district’s statement said. “The School District has submitted a claim worth $187 million to FEMA, which covers repairs to over 100 locations. The total amount FEMA has validated to date is $128 million, a difference of $59 million. The School District of Lee County has only received $12.8 million from FEMA. These funds were used for the immediate clean-up of school sites and debris removal. The remaining School District FEMA projects are advancing through the FEMA review process.”
The school district said in the statement posted on the district’s website that official look forward “to the continued collaboration with the Town of Fort Myers Beach to work within the framework of the interlocal agreement and determine the best path forward for Fort Myers
Commissioners Chair John Bennett said “I appreciate the conservative approach.” The first budget hearing will be held Sept. 10 at 5:05 p.m. at DiamondHead Beach Resort. The final budget hearing will be held Sept. 24 at 5:05 p.m.
Beach Elementary.”
Schmucker believes the school district is in violation of the interlocal agreement and that school officials improperly believe they can delay building the cafeteria due to Hurricane Milton.
“They think we are going to get fatigued and go away,” Schmucker said. “They need to fulfill their obligation to us.”
“It’s time for the school district to let the people know the facts and get the Beach School open,” Atterholt said. “The fact that we even need to make public records requests speaks to the absurdity of the situation.”
Atterholt said he found it “absurd they can’t put a plan together” to reopen the school. He said he didn’t understand the delays.
“The people of Lee County saw what Fort Myers Beach went through,” he said. “There is no grassroots political pressure against it.”
Hilton Seawatch on the Beach Badass Coffee
Bayside Sports Bar & Grill
Bongo’s Beach Bar & Grill
Buffalo Grill
Cabanas Beach Bar & Grill
Cold Stone Creamery
Coste Island Cuisine
Dixie Fish Co.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
Jack’s at the Pink Shell
Junkanoo Below Deck
Coastal Concrete Services
Current Riders FMB
Erickson & Jenson Seafood Packer Fort Myers Beach &
Caribbean Beach Club
Coastal Properties of SW FL
Coastal Vacation Properties
Distinctive Beach Rentals
Diamondhead Beach Resort
Edison Beach House
Gulf Waters RV Resort
Gullwing Beach Resort
Adventure Water Sports
Cruisin Tikis Fort Myers Beach
Copacetic Sailing
Day 5 Charters
Estero Island Parasail
Everglades Day Safari
Excursions Marina
Fort Myers Beach Sea and Sun Rental
Fun’N’Sun Beach & Bike Rentals
Gulf Coast Tiki Tours & Yacht Charters
Kathy Nesbit Vacation Rentals
LeeAnn’s Paradise Vacation Rentals
Lighthouse Island Resort
Lover’s Key Resort
Luxury Vacation Rentals
Margaritaville Beach Resort FMB
Marina Village at Snug Harbor Matanzas Inn
ParrotEyes Vacation Rental
Gypsea Tours
Holiday Water Sports
Island Carts FMB
Just Livin’ The Dream Charters
Kayak Excursions
Key West Express
Mid-Island Watersports
Mound House
Nautical Tiki Cruises
OB Beach Tours
Paradise Parasail Holiday Inn Express & Suites
New renderings of pier released
Lee County recently posted renderings of the Fort Myers Beach Pier, which are currently in the design phase. Construction of the new pier is expected to begin late next year and be completed in 2027. Last year, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve plans for a new pier which will 415 feet of length to the pier while and four feet of width at a cost of $17.1 million.
STANTEC, COURTESY OF LEE COUNTY
WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE
Pace Center for Girls, Lee to host Faces of Pace
Page 22
Fort Myers Beach restaurants participating in regional dining festival
By CJ HADDAD and NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
An annual food extravaganza is gearing up for its biggest-ever event, with proceeds benefiting a local nonprofit that addresses child hunger.
Sizzle Dining runs from Sept. 3 to 30 and gives participants a chance to indulge in Southwest Florida flavors and delectable cuisines. The four-week event features 127 restaurants throughout Lee County and Collier County.
Four restaurants on Fort Myers Beach will participate in the event: Fresh Catch Bistro, Junkanoo Below Deck, JWB Grill and Pinchers.
All four of the restaurants are offering menus tied to the event, with the prices ranging from $29 to $49 per person, depending on the restaurant.
Fresh Catch Bistro is offering a high-end, seafood-heavy three-course dinner menu for $29 topped off with a choice of limoncello cake or chocolate overload cake.
At Junkanoo Below Deck, a two-course lunch for $29 will get you your choice of either fried calamari, fire cracker shrimp or grouper bites for the first course, and either fried shrimp, teriyaki salmon, white fish Rockefeller or black and blue skirt steak for the second course.
JWB Grill offers diners a large variety of options for their three dinner courses priced at $49, from seafood to salads, filet mignon, chicken, Italian food for the first
and second courses, and finishing with dessert choices of chocolate cake, key lime pie and raspberry sorbet.
At Pinchers, there will be several seafood options for a three-course dinner menu priced at $29, starting with soup or salad for the first course, five different choices of seafood entrees for the main course and topped off with key lime pie.
For every Sizzle Dining meal purchased, $1 is donated for Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that feeds local elementary school children who face food insecurity on weekends.
“We’re very excited to be able to finally kind of see what this could turn into for our community,” said Sizzle Dining Founder Guy Clarke of the longest-length event yet. “At this level — this isn’t just a weekend event anymore, it’s really taken on the essence of what a true community event could be at this level. It’s great to help the community out, and it’s great to see it will help the children out.”
See SIZZLE, page 22
5th annual Aloia Roland Fish Like MADD Inshore Fishing Tournament to be held in October
Aloia Roland proudly announces the 2025 Fish Like MADD Inshore Fishing Tournament, presented by Golden Boat Lifts. A charitable catch-photo-release event to be held Oct. 24–25 at Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant. All proceeds support Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and its vital efforts to end impaired driving, support victims, and educate youth in Southwest Florida and beyond.
Alcohol-related traffic deaths jumped to more than 13,000 for the first time since 2006. 13,384 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes in 2021 – that’s one person every 39 minutes and 37 people a day killed by someone’s choice to drive drunk. In 2022, Alcohol Consumption was the #1 contributing factor in fatal boating crashes.
The annual Fish Like MADD Inshore Fishing Tournament is a community-driven virtual fishing tournament that raises awareness about drunk driving and underage drinking while uniting community members around MADD’s mission. Since it was established in 2020, this event has raised more than $70,000 that stays in the Southwest Florida community to save lives and support victims of drunk driving. Every dollar donated remains in Southwest Florida to provide victim services and prevention education at no cost.
Event Highlights:
∫ Dates & Agenda
Friday, October 24 (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM): Captain’s meeting and kick-off party at Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant.
Saturday, October 25: Tournament and Award
Sizzle
From page 21
In 2024, the event sold more than 62,000 meals in its three-week run.
“It’s not just a dining experience,” Clarke said. “It’s an opportunity to dine with purpose, supporting the hospitality industry while directly impacting the lives of children in our community.”
There are no passes or tickets required to participate. Diners simply browse the list of participating restaurants online, make their reservations, and go enjoy their meals, knowing that every bite supports a great cause.
Clarke said dining in the month of September also provides a boost during the slow time of the year, and has a ripple effect beyond just the restaurants.
“This is probably one of the worst summers that I’ve seen since the 2008 crash,” Clarke said. “We’re hoping that enough people come out. Out of all the times we’ve asked for support and for people to participate, this year truly, really matters. Restaurants need the help this year.
“The trickle-down effect not many people realize. The dishwasher gets extra hours, the servers make extra money, the uniform company has to clean more uniforms, the linen company has to rent more linen for the tables because they’re being turned quicker. Even the boutiques benefit, because when you’re going out to dinner, you have to go out and get that dress. I don’t think a lot of people realize how much this helps the community beyond the surface.”
Each participating location will offer special Sizzle Dining menus, so customers can try different types of food may normally be outside their comfort zone price-wise.
Sizzle Dining was founded in Naples in 2016 by Clarke, who also is the creator of BaconFest Naples along with his wife Erin Clarke, a culinary school-trained chef and restaurant management consultant. The promotional event originally launched with 26 restaurants as dinner-only.
Ceremony
∫ Lines in at 7 AM; tournament fishing across Southwest Florida’s inshore waters
∫ The tournament will take place between 7AM4PM in Southwest Florida’s inshore waters
∫ Award Ceremony will take place at 7PM. Tournament winners will be announced as soon as every team returns.
∫ Format & Rules
∫ Participants compete in a catch-photo-release format using the iAngler app, targeting snook, redfish, and sea trout. Teams consist of 2–6 anglers fishing from the same boat, and photos must clearly show length measurement against official tools. In the “Inshore Slam” format, the winning boat is determined by the total length of the longest fish of each species submitted; in absence of all three, total length decides the winner.
∫ Entry Fees & Prizes
Entry is $400 per team (up to 4 anglers, including captain); $100 per additional angler.
Cash prizes include:
∫ 1st Place – $3,000
∫ 2nd Place – $2,000
∫ 3rd Place – $1,000
∫ 4th Place – Free boat entry into next year’s tournament
∫ Location Held at Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant, lo -
“Between the restaurants saying they’re going to extend their menu, and the consumer saying they need more time to go try all of these places, and us getting more restaurants on board, it was just a natural growth,” Clarke said. “It’s really amazing to see the balance of growth between the consumers and restaurants.”
Clarke said teaming up with Blessings in a Backpack is a no-brainer, and something that he resonates with from his youth.
“They’re fed during the week with a free lunch program, but what happens when they go home and have to make it through the weekend?” he said. “That’s where Blessings jumps in and says, ‘hey, we’re here to help you.’ The more money we give Blessings, the more kids we can feed.
“If you’re going to go out and indulge, and we’re blessed to be able to eat at these restaurants, it’s nice to know while we’re helping these places and people, that we’re helping the children, too.”
Beyond the obvious charitable component and discounted menus, Sizzle Dining is a great way to explore new spots and possibly find a new favorite restaurant.
“You’ve got all of these restaurants fighting for your attention and they’re coming out with the best of the best on their menu,” Clarke said. “They’re putting their best foot forward to shine and show off a little bit. The consumer gets to benefit because if they’ve never been to a place, more than likely this is going to be one of their better menus that they’re trying to put out there. That makes it exciting as a foodie. What a great time to experiment.”
To see the full list of 127 participating restaurants throughout the region, visit sizzledining.org and make your reservation directly with each restaurant.
For more information on Blessings in a Backpack, visit swfl.blessingsinabackpack.org.
cated at 645 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL—the launch point and social hub for the tournament.
For more information about the 5th annual Aloia Roland Fish Like MADD Inshore Fishing Tournament, please visit https://give.madd.org/event/aloia-roland2025-fish-like-madd-inshore-fishing-tournament/ e669756.
ABOUT MADD
Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking. MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every nine minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP. Learn more at www.madd.org or by calling 1-877-ASKMADD.
Pace Center for Girls, Lee to host Faces of Pace on Oct. 4
Pace Center for Girls, Lee announces its Faces of Pace signature fundraising event to be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Porsche Fort Myers.
An inspiring evening where the luxury style of Porsche, the transformational impact of Pace and the spark of generosity come together to create real magic, the cocktail-attire event will include a gourmet welcome reception, a chef-curated culinary experience, live auction, magic show, live music and powerful testimonials from current and former students of Pace Lee. The event is led by co-chairs Megan Kohan and Jaclyn Canerdy.
“This year’s Faces of Pace introduces a bold and beautiful new chapter in how we come together to support Pace Center for Girls as we depart from a traditional gala experience,” said Kohan. “Hosted inside the sleek, high-energy space of Porsche Fort Myers, the evening promises to be more relaxed, more interactive and more fun than ever before.”
Faces of Pace is presented by B&I Contractors. A range of sponsorship opportunities are available for the gala, including Trailblazer sponsors at $10,000, Visionary sponsors at $5,000 and Advocate sponsors at $2,500. A variety of underwriting opportunities for catering, bar, entertainment, valet and décor exist for the event, ranging from $2,000 to $7,500. All sponsorship and underwriting levels include varying levels of tickets and recognition in event signage and printed program. Higher level sponsorship levels include opportunities for additional recognition. Individual tickets are $350 per person.
Proceeds from the Faces of Pace event provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Pace Lee programs are based on the belief that all girls and young women, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, should be uniquely cared for, supported and encouraged to become the best versions of themselves through a path of healing and recovery.
“While we are thrilled to introduce a new event format this year, the heart of the evening remains the same: honoring the faces and futures of Pace. These girls are bold. They are brave. And they are building new paths forward, often after facing significant adversity,” said Jennifer Cellitti, executive director of Pace Center for Girls, Lee. “Together, we are igniting the potential of every Pace girl and helping them discover their unique road to success.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit PaceCenter.org/Locations/ Florida/Lee.
Porsche Fort Myers is at 10040 Daniels Interstate Ct., Fort Myers.
About Pace Center for Girls, Lee Pace Center for Girls, Lee envisions a world where all girls and young women are safe, have economic security and an opportunity to use their voice and achieve their potential. Founded in 1985, Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee, call 239425-2366 or visit www.PaceCenter. org/Locations/Florida/Lee.
FORT MYERS
Community Thrift Store
15501 Old McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Fort Myers CVS
15550 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Gavin’s ACE Hardware
16025 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Gulf Point Square
15660 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Love Boat Ice Cream
16475 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
McGregor Bar & Grill
15675 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Pickles Pub
15455 Old McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Walgreen’s
15601 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Walters Automotive
15135 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
FORT MYERS BEACH
Chamber of Commerce
100 Lovers Lane, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
CVS Store
7001 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Bonita Bill’s
702 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Diamond Head (Lobby)
2000 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Doc Ford’s
708 Fisherman’s Wharf Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
FMB City Hall
2731 Oak St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Lahaina Realty
6035 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Lani Kai
1400 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Lighthouse Restaurant/Bar
1051 5th St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Loffreno Real Estate Inc, 7317 Estero Blvd. C1, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Matanzas Inn
414 Crescent St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Nervous Nellies
1131 1st St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Parrot Key
2500 Main St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Pincher’s Crab Shack
18100 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Pink Shell Resort
275 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Post Office
200 Carolina Ave. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Santini (Marina) Plaza
7205 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Sea Gypsy
1698 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Snook Bight Marina/Junkanoo’s
4765 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Summerlin Café
11370 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Sunflower Café
11410 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Sunset Grill
1028 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
(News box out front)
Snug Harbor
645 San Old Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Parking Lot BOX
Tina’s Dive Bar
19051 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Wahoo Willie’s
645 San Old Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Wal-Mart
17105 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
7/11
7120 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue
A special message for our senior adopters
By ISABELLE WELLS Co-founder of the Find a Home, Give a Home pet rescue organization of Fort Myers Beach
If you are a senior considering adoption, please also think about giving a senior dog a chance. We absolutely welcome you to adopt younger dogs, but we want to ensure their future is safe should anything happen to you. Too often, pets end up back in the system or lost in a shelter — something none of us want for our beloved companions.
It can be difficult to think about, but rescue is always about what’s best for the pet. Please make sure your will includes provisions for your furry friend, so they will not end up in the care of animal services without a plan. Talk to your friends and family, and create a clear “Plan B” so your pet’s future is secure. Too many senior dogs end up in shelters, often facing euthanasia. By planning ahead and considering adoption that matches your lifestyle, you can make a lasting difference — and give a dog the love and stability they deserve.
Oreo is a wonderful 5-year-old Aussie/Beagle mix looking for his forever home. He’s a sweet, friendly boy who loves meeting new people and would thrive with another dog as his companion. If you’re looking for a loyal friend with a big heart, Oreo could be the perfect match. Please call or text Isabelle at 239-281-0739 if you’d like to learn more about Oreo and give him the loving home he deserves.
Ren is a beautiful, 2-year-old dog who is still searching for her forever home. She’s very friendly, has completed training, and gets along well with other dogs. Ren is full of energy and would be happiest in an active home where she can enjoy playtime and adventure.
If you think Ren could be the perfect fit for your family, please call or text Isabelle at 239-281-0739. Let’s help this sweet girl find the loving home she deserves!
Follow us on Facebook at Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue and see all the amazing pets we saved these past few months
Please note our new PO Box #864, Bonita Springs, Fl 34133 You can also make a donation at www.findahomegiveahome.com using the donation tab using PayPal Please make sure you do it through “Friends and Family” so there is no fee and all the donation comes to us directly.
Patches is a 6-year-old female tuxedo who is very sweet and affectionate. Unfortunately, her owners surrendered her because they were moving where they could not have any pets. Please call if you would like to meet this beautiful girl and give her a forever home for the rest of her life. She was vetted recently and is in excellent health and up to date on all vaccines.
MISSING CAT
Bella is a beautiful torti shell female cat who may have gotten out at the place she was living. She is nowhere to be found in the home; however, no one saw her go out any doors. It is a mystery and she needs to be found. Bella is very friendly, has a chip and if you see her please call 239-851-3485 immediately so she can be back in her home. She may be anywhere in the Laguna Shores Division on south end of Fort Myers Beach and would need food and water. Please be on the lookout for Bella.
UPCOMING EVENTS
‘It’s Time for a Jurassic Safari’ presented by IMAG Science Sept. 6
The IMAG History & Science Center invites families, friends, and kids of all ages to “Science Saturday at the IMAG” as it presents “It’s Time for a Jurassic Safari” on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bringing inspiration to life, “Science Saturdays at the IMAG” are fun-filled, family-friendly programs that feature the science, technology, engineering, and math of various select topics. During “Science Saturdays at the IMAG,” guests participate in hands-on activities, work on special take-home projects, get engaged in interactive displays, and enjoy learning about the topic of the day while having fun.
Excite your imagination and let’s have fun with fossils. Planned for our “It’s Time for a Jurassic Safari,” we will explore geological time periods of the Earth’s earliest history, its dinosaurs, and how they are named. And we will also explore the world of fossils, how they are formed, and what we can learn from them. For activities, you and your children will have fun designing and naming your own dinosaurs, making dinosaur prints and bookmarks, making fossil-rubbing art, and other engaging activities. We look forward to having you join us for this creative Saturday of fun.
The IMAG is at 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. For more information, please call: 239-243-0043 or visit: theIMAG.org.
Fort Myers’ Sweetest Concert Series
This fall, the Gulf Coast Symphony is launching something new–Apple Pie Concerts–afternoon events that combine intimate performances with engaging talks, followed by coffee, tea, and (of course) a slice of apple pie enjoyed with fellow music lovers.
Our aim is simple: to create warm, welcoming concerts that bring people together–whether you’re a lifelong classical fan or just curious to learn something new. These gatherings are informal, friendly, and designed to make world-class music accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The idea is inspired by a beloved tradition in the Netherlands, where musicians bring performances into community spaces and share apple pie with the audience. We’re excited to bring that same spirit of connection and hospitality right here to Fort Myers.
Our very first Apple Pie Concert: ∫ Thursday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Music & Arts Community Center
Trumpet Talk: An Apple Pie Concert Kick off the series with Trumpet Talk featuring Cindy Scaruffi-Klispie, a world-class trumpeter who has per-
Religious Services
Services at Beach Baptist Church
Beach Baptist church at 130 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach Service at 10:30 every Sunday
All are welcome, we are pet friendly! 239-463-6452
https://beachbaptist.org
Services at St. Peter Lutheran Church
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at 3751 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach. Services 9 a.m.
All services now inside the sanctuary.
All are welcome, we are pet friendly 239-463-4251
stpeterfmb@gmail.com
www.stpeterfmb.com
YouTube - St Peter Lutheran Church Fort Myers Beach FL
In cooperation with former Chapel by the Sea and Beach United Methodist Church.
Services at St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church
St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church welcomes the public each Sunday at 10 a.m. for services in its parish hall at 5601 Williams Drive in Fort Myers Beach.
For more information regarding services, contact 239-463-6057 or email office@ straphaelschurch.org
formed with the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, and Rome Opera. Cindy will take you on a fascinating journey through the history of the trumpet, performing music that showcases its power and beauty, and sharing stories from her extraordinary career–all accompanied by Julie Carver on piano.
Come for the music, stay for the pie–and leave with a new favorite way to spend an afternoon. Reserve your slice at gulfcoastsymphony.org/.
Handyman
WATERFRONT PRIVATE EVENTS
700 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach
Bayside Private Events at Bonita Fish Company offers a space that blends laid-back atmosphere with legendary service. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a big celebration, we’ve got the space, the flavor and the team members to make your event memorable. Owned & Operated by HM Restaurant Group
Contact Private Events Manager Joe Sletten at joesletten@hmrestaurantgroup.com or 239-788-4067 to start
