FMBeach Newsletter

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Upcoming Meetings

**All meetings are now held at Town Hall, 6231 Estero Blvd**


October 1, 2025: Special Magistrate Hearing, 9:00am

October 6, 2025: Town Council Meeting, 9:00am

October 7, 2025: Special Magistrate Hearing, 9:0am

October 7, 2025: Charter Review Commission, 2:00pm

October 9, 2025: MERTF, 10:00am

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Bay Oaks Grand Re-Opening

We’re thrilled to invite you to the Bay Oaks Recreation Center Grand Re-Opening Celebration!

Partially opening in August of 2025, following the effects from Hurricane Helene and Milton, Bay Oaks is now fully open and ready to celebrate with all of you! This special day will be all about bringing the community together and showcasing everything we have to offer.

Guests will enjoy:

    • Guided tours of our new weight room
    • Opportunities to learn about upcoming programs
    • A chance to meet our wonderful instructors and staff
    • Stop by community information tables to connect with local resources and see how you can get involved
    • Light refreshments

Where: Bay Oaks Recreation Center
When: October 15, 2025, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing all that’s ahead!

Grand Opening

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FMBInformed

A message from Town Manager Will McKannay - Financial Update and Commitment to Long-Term Resilience

Dear Residents and Friends of Fort Myers Beach,

As your Town Manager, I want to thank you for your continued engagement and support as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of recovery and renewal. I also want to take a moment to address our financial outlook and the recent budget discussions.

Let me begin by assuring you: Fort Myers Beach is financially stable. We are paying our bills, maintaining essential services, and operating with efficiency and accountability. Our staff remains committed to delivering high-quality service to our residents and visitors, and we are proud of the progress we’ve made together.

Our community has endured five storms over the past three years and faced significant rebuilding challenges. Recovering from repeated storm damage requires upfront funding for emergency response and repairs long before federal reimbursements are received. That reality has prompted discussions about enhancing our reserve fund and saving for appropriation grant matches to better prepare for future emergencies.

Recently, we proposed a modest millage rate increase to begin rebuilding our emergency reserve fund—a critical financial safeguard that has supported necessary recovery projects. While the proposed increase did not pass, and we respect that decision, the need to rebuild our reserves remains. We will continue to explore responsible and transparent ways to strengthen our financial foundation without compromising the services you rely on.

We maintain the capacity to respond to another emergency today if necessary. Establishing and growing a reserve fund is a prudent first line of defense that will improve our resiliency going forward. The Town will proceed with the recently adopted rate adjustments and will make modifications as needed in the event of an emergency. We fully expect reimbursement from FEMA and other state and federal programs for eligible recovery expenses that have already been incurred.

We remain committed to:

  • Providing essential services to residents and visitors
  • Operating efficiently and effectively across all departments
  • Planning strategically for long-term resilience
  • Maintaining transparency and accountability in all financial matters

Our Town has weathered extraordinary challenges—with strength, unity, and purpose. As we move forward, we will continue to make thoughtful decisions that protect our future and preserve the quality of life we all cherish.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in Fort Myers Beach.

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ENJOY BAY OAKS!

HOURS OF OPERATION

  • MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8:00AM - 7:00PM
  • SATURDAY/SUNDAY: CLOSED

INDOOR PICKLEBALL

  • DAILY FROM 10:00AM - 12:00PM
  • RESIDENTS: $5
  • NON-RESIDENT: $10

OPEN GYM BASKETBALL

  • DAILY FROM 6:00PM - 7:00PM
    • Free with membership
  • RESIDENT: $4 child, $7 adult
  • NON-RESIDENT: $7 child, $10 adult

Bay Oaks also has FREE outdoor pickleball and tennis courts open daily, from dawn to dusk.

BO

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FMBe Prepared Early

Preparing for Hurricane Season, June 1 - November 30!

Hurricane season begins June 1st - use the checklist below to ensure you are prepared for this year's Hurricane Season! 

  • Pick up a Hurricane Re-entry Pass! 
    • If you already have the GREEN re-entry pass, you do not need a new one. 
    • One form of identification that confirms status as a resident or property owner is required to obtain a pass. 
    • Passes can be picked up at Town Hall, located at 2731 Oak Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
  • Sign up for CodeRed Alerts!
    • CodeRed is used for emergency and general alerts such as: Bridge Closures, Boil Water Notices, Natural Disasters, Inclement Weather, and Evacuation Notices.
    • The Town of Fort Myers Beach will be TESTING this alert system on May 1, 2025. Sign up prior to this date to ensure you receive our TEST: Register Here!
  • Visit the Town's Hurricane Preparedness Page for important phone numbers, resources, and things to know: Hurricane Preparedness | Town of Fort Myers Beach, FL - Official Website

Questions? Contact us at (239) 765 - 0202!

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Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee at Bay Oaks!

Think you’ve got what it takes to be the ultimate speller? Put your skills to the test at our upcoming Spelling Bee! 

Register now to claim your spot and compete for bragging rights (and prizes!). 

Sign up at the following link: https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24637/Spelling-Bee-Flyer-Registration?bidId=

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Town of Fort Myers Beach Announces Completion of Offshore Dredging!


The Town of Fort Myers Beach proudly announces the successful completion of the offshore dredging portion of the Estero Island Shore Protection Project, commonly known as the Beach Renourishment Project.

This comprehensive initiative addressed nearly 7 miles of critically eroding shoreline along Estero Island. It involved dredging approximately 1 million cubic yards of sand from offshore sources to rebuild an engineered beach, which will be followed by the installation of dune vegetation to enhance storm resilience and ecosystem health.

The newly fortified shoreline enhances safety for coastal properties, expands recreational beach space, and contributes to long-term sand retention and erosion protection. Dune plantings, which will begin in the coming weeks as part of the funded project, will further strengthen natural defenses against storms and provide critical habitat for native species.

“Completing the Beach Renourishment Project marks a major milestone in our recovery and resilience as a community,” stated Town Manager Will McKannay, “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”

With the beach now restored, and robust dune systems soon to be in place, the Town will be well-positioned for future coastal resilience!

Stay up to date with the latest Beach Renourishment Project updates on our website, www.fmbgov.com/beach.


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Traffic Cam

A message from FDOT


Beginning Monday, September 29, through Thursday, October 2, the right southbound lane across Matanzas Pass will be closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for bridge mount sign installation. One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout the duration of the work.

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GET READY FMB - Adult Co-Ed Kickball is back!

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just in it for the fun, this is your chance to meet new friends, get active, and enjoy some friendly competition. 

  • When: Tuesday & Wednesday evenings, beginning Oct 21! 
  • Location: Bay Oaks Park, 2731 Oak Street 
  • Grab some friends and make a team!  

Must be 18 years or older play - $100 per team!

Don’t sit on the sidelines—grab your spot today!  

Kickball

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MH

Visit Mound House!

Interested in diving into the history of Fort Myers Beach and the Calusa, or maybe seeing nature and enjoying a quiet day on the water? Mound House is the perfect place for you! 

Museum hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Grounds Hours: Daily, 7:00am - 6:00pm

Kayak Tours: Wednesday - Saturday, 9:00am - 11:00am

Sunset Kayak Tours: Fridays, two hours before sunset - Check MH website for availability

Visit Mound House website for more information!

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Informed

Town of Fort Myers Beach Outlines Enforcement Process for Unkept Properties

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and welcoming community for all residents. To support this effort, the Town has outlined the enforcement process for unkept properties and the tools available to ensure compliance with community standards.

Unkept Property Enforcement Steps

  1. Report or Identification – Property flagged by residents, inspectors, or Town of Fort Myers Beach Code enforcement Officers.
  2. Inspection – Conducted within 7–10 days by Town of Fort Myers Beach Code Enforcement Officer.
  3. Notice of Violation – Sent within 5 days; includes corrective actions and a reasonable time for compliance (generally 15–30 day deadline).
  4. Compliance Period – Owner contacts the Town of Fort Myers Beach Code Enforcement Division with Notice of Violation corrections or request for extension.
  5. Follow-Up Inspection – If resolved, the case is closed. If not, move to a hearing before the Special Magistrate for the possible imposition of fines and fees/costs. The Current Special Magistrate fee is $250.00, and costs of mailing will be requested from the Special Magistrate if a hearing is requested.
  6. Fines & Citations – Begin as ordered by the Special Magistrate at the hearing.
  7. Town Abatement – The Special Magistrate may direct the Town to abate the violation, including demolition; with the costs billed to the property owner.

Tools Used in the Enforcement Process

  • Code Enforcement Officers 
  • Hearings before Special Magistrate
  • Abatement Policy – as ordered by the Special Magistrate
  • Lien Placement – as ordered by the Special Magistrate 

Residents are encouraged to report concerns or learn more about property standards by visiting https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/181/Code-Compliance or calling (239) 765 – 0202.

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Bay Oaks

Friends of Bay Oaks!

The Friends of Bay Oaks are looking for people interested in leading and/or joining their 501c3 not-for-profit organization to raise funds for Bay Oaks Park. 

All ideas are welcome!

Contact Joy Sullivan for more information: Joys4320@gmail.com

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Utilities

Water Service Alert – Estrellita Drive

On Monday, September 29, 2025, Andrew Site Work will shut off water on Estrellita Drive for water line construction.

A Boil Water Notice may follow once work is complete — please stay tuned for updates.

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Discover the excitement of pickleball! 

Register for lessons to learn the fundamentals, improve your skills, and enjoy the fastest-growing sport in the country!

  • Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays October 14 - 30
  • Times: Beginner, 10:00am - 11:00am; Intermediate, 11:15am - 12:15pm
  • FEE: $150 for all 6 lessons!

To sign up, contact instructor Pam Berzin at PamBPickleball@gmail.com or call (848) 858 - 9006!

Pickleball

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MY DAFE FL HOME

MY SAFE FL HOME

The Florida Legislature has allocated $280 million for the 2025–2026 fiscal year to fund new Wind-mitigation Inspections and Grants under the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) Program!

MSFH is now accepting applications! To see if you qualify and apply, please visit: https://mysafeflhome.com/

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BAY OAKS CLUB REC IS BACK!

Bay Oaks Afterschool Care is the place to be for students K-5th on

Fort Myers Beach!

  • When: Monday - Friday from August 11, 2025 - December 19, 2025
  • Times: End of school - 6:00pm
  • Pricing: $125/Resident per child; $175/Non-Resident per child

Sign up today!

Will McKannay

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Sea Turtle Season began on May 1st!

Get your amber bulbs and black out curtains ready for Sea Turtle Nesting Season. Not all yellow and red bulbs are made equal - be sure to look for manufacturer specs that call out 560 nanometers (nm) or greater on the box.  Black out curtains are best for windows to shield interior lighting, and if you’re under construction, please remind your contractor to turn off the lights at night and put up temporary curtains to block interior lights.

FWC Wildlife Lighting Guidance: https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/lighting/criteria/certified/

Sea Turtle Conservation Resources: https://conserveturtles.org/program-activity/finding-wildlife-lighting/


Town Sea Turtle Codes & Info: www.fmbgov.com/seaturtle


If you have questions, or want your property evaluated, please contact Chadd Chustz, Environmental Projects Manager, to schedule an appointment.  Email: chadd@fmbgov.com

turtles

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informed

Projects Around Town!

Interested in learning about the progress of various projects on the Island? Visit the Town's Projects around Town page for the latest details!

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Bike Safety!

The Town of Fort Myers Beach now allows electric bikes on the sidewalk. Please do your part to keep yourself and others safe by following these rules:

  • Always ride with traffic, never against.
  • Maximum speed is 15mph when on a sidewalk.
  • Wear light and bright clothing, especially in the evening.
  • DO NOT use cell phones or ear buds. 
  • Always yield to pedestrians and walk your bicycle when using a designated crosswalk.
  • Lights must be on the front and rear of the bicycle at night.
  • REQUIRED: audible device - horn, bell, voice saying “ON YOUR LEFT”, etc.
  • ALWAYS yield to pedestrians.
Bike Safety

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Dogs are welcome on FMB! 

Enjoy FMB with your canine friends, but please remember some important things to make the experience as enjoyable for everyone else as it is for you:

  • Dogs must be on a (6ft max) leash and under the owner’s control at all times. 
  • Owners must clean up after their animals and deposit animal waste in the trash receptacles located at each public beach access. 
  • Dogs are not permitted in the Little Estero Critical Wildlife Area, which includes all wetlands, beaches and land extending southward from the Holiday Inn to the boundary signs at Mulholland Point.

Sec. 6-31. - Leash requirement

Dogs Allowed

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Bayside Park

Bayside Park Concert Series

Enjoy A Relaxing Concert on the Back Bay EVERY SUNDAY!


September 21, 2025: Soapy Tuna, 4:00pm

September 28, 2025: Riverside, 4:00pm

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Stay up to date with the latest FMB news by signing up for our newsletter: Notify Me • Fort Myers Beach • CivicEngage

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Town of Fort Myers Beach
2731 Oak Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 / 239-765-0202 / www.fmbgov.com

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