Welcome to the second weekly edition of FMBeach News!

News briefs about Town government happenings delivered to your email inbox every week

Sheriff's outreach office planned on Estero Boulevard

We are grateful to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for working with staff and Town Councilors to establish an outreach office on Estero Boulevard. The office will be for non-emergency engagements with the public. It is in a highly visible area of the Town at the north end across from Lee County’s Crescent Beach Family Park. Opening date is tentatively set for August 15.

Community pool on track to reopen in September

We are excited to report great progress on the Fort Myers Beach Community Pool major renovation project and the reopening date scheduled for the end of September. The renovation, as required by the Health Department, includes much-needed maintenance on sealing, filters, drains, resurfacing and tiles.

With our upcoming reopen, due to the COVID-19, new precautionary measures are required that have changed past operation protocols. As completion draws nearer, the reopening date will be posted on social media and the website, along with the ways to safely enjoy the Town’s newly renovated pool!

Lastly, to enhance opportunities for the community to enjoy, we are also discussing implementing numerous other upgrades over the next several years to the remainder of the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus. Discussion is expected to continue at the next Town Council meeting on Monday, August 17, at 9 a.m. at Town Hall, 2525 Estero Boulevard.

Curious about Town finances?

Check out the Finance page on the website that has the preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2021 along with budgets from prior years, financial statements, and a link to graphs that show the 11 different entities (including the Town of FMB) that operate with your tax dollars.

https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/970/Finance

Town Council is in the midst of its Fiscal Year 2021 Budget process, which will
continue in September with these two public meetings:

THURSDAY, September 10 at 5:01 p.m. - Town Council meeting / 1^st Budget Hearing

Monday, September 21 at 5:01 p.m. - Town Council meeting / Final Budget Hearing

Redevelopment of Times Square, Bay Oaks, Bayside Park

Three iconic areas of Town are scheduled for redevelopment in the future, and designs have been in process by the firm DRMP, Inc., with approval from Town Council. The areas are Times Square, Bay Oaks Recreational Campus, and Bayside Park. At the August 17 Town Council meeting, DRMP is scheduled to present an update, and Councilors are scheduled to discuss funding for the three projects.

Club Rec status: reopening decision not yet made

We have had some questions about the status of the Club Rec program for the fall. Please know that we are anxious to get it moving again after the recess it has had due to COVID. However, because of the different protocols that we will need to have in place to operate Club Rec safely, we have not yet made a decision about when and how to fully continue. Watch social media and www.fmbgov.com for further updates!

Calling all Islanders: serve on an advisory board or committee

Citizens who are interested in serving as volunteers on various boards and committees that advise the Town Council on island issues are encouraged to apply now for openings. These openings will be appointed by Town Council in October. To be considered, residents need to fill out and return this application on the Town’s website:

https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15304/Advisory-Committee-Application-Form

Deadline for applications is September 18, 2020.

Four bids are currently in process for various projects

1. SELECTION COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION TO TOWN COUNCIL ON AUGUST 17
Upland services provider for Mooring Field

2. SELECTION COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION TO TOWN COUNCIL ON AUGUST 17
Technical support services for the Town
3. BID OPENING AUGUST 19, 2020 / SELECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE AUGUST 26, 2020
Various ongoing professional services related to water resources, architectural design, stormwater, water distribution including lift and dump stations, surveying services, landscape architect, community and neighborhood improvements, electrical and structural services, geo-technical analysis, civil engineering, development and building services, transportation planning and traffic engineering services, planning/zoning, historical restoration, archaeological services, environmental assessments, marine engineering, and geographical information systems

4. BID OPENING SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

Consultant to evaluate lighting conditions along Estero Boulevard from Old San Carlos Boulevard to Estrellita Drive and develop lighting alternatives for the Town to consider to enhance pedestrian visibility at crosswalks

For more info: http://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/949/Current-Bids-and-Proposals

Five ways to get Town news
and info between issues of this newsletter

Regularly visit www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov
Any time, text 239-FMBeach (239-362-3224) and follow the prompts to the info you need. Check back often for new and different information.
Follow the Town, Bay Oaks, Newton Beach Park, and Mound House on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram)
Sign up to receive emails when items are posted to the website: https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/list.aspx
Sign up to receive notice of boil water advisories and other urgent notices through the Code Red system at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/75BFEEC9A6A5

Keep up on the schedule of Town Council
and advisory committee meetings

View the Town’s meeting calendar on the website’s homepage: www.fmbgov.com

Upcoming meetings

Monday, Aug. 17 – Town Council, 9 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20 - Special Magistrate Hearings, 11 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 27 - Cultural & Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board (CELCAB), 3 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 3 - Town Council Management & Planning Session, 9 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 10 - Town Council / 1^st Budget Hearing, 5:01 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 21 - Town Council / Final Budget Hearing, 5:01 p.m.