News

The distribution day for FMBeach News is now on Wednesdays


Trip Advisor logo


Fort Myers Beach is #3 of the top ten trending destinations for 2021 in the U.S. on TripAdvisor!

 
Picture of the beach on a sunny day with few clouds

Welcome new advisory board members


Becky Guidry was appointed by Town Council to the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board (BORCAB).

Council also appointed six members to the new Nuisance Abatement Board (NAB):

  • Monica Schmucker, Chairperson
  • Anita Cereceda
  • Charles Meador, Jr.
  • Dawn Thomas
  • Jan Fleming
  • Tre Gillette 
Interested in assisting the Historic Preservation Board?
The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee needs members. 

Read more and apply

Comp Plan
QR code for comp plan survey

Use this survey link


or the QR Code


The Town’s comprehensive plan was adopted in 1999. The most recent amendments were made in 2009. The Town is in the process of reviewing the plan, which establishes formal policies for Town governance and lays the foundation for land development code to guide development and redevelopment.


Read the current comp plan


seal on products that are certified wildlife friendly
Close up picture of sea turtle

Property owners may be eligible to have sea turtle lighting retrofit costs paid for by a grant


Beachfront property owners might be able to get the costs of lighting fixtures and bulbs that comply with sea turtle regulations paid for by The Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Beachfront Lighting Retrofit Program.

The Sea Turtle Conservancy is a non-profit research, conservation, and education organization in Florida. The Conservancy has received grant funding designated for the lighting retrofit program through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Gulf Environment Benefit Fund.

To learn more about the lighting grants and the program, call The Conservancy at (352) 373-6441 or visit www.conserveturtles.org


Mooring field at sunset picture taken from Matanzas Pass Bridge

Matanzas Harbor Mooring Field update

At the February 1 Town Council meeting, actions were taken to continue with enhancements to Matanzas Harbor Mooring Field.

Council approved Resolution 21-02 to update the Matanzas Mooring Field Management Plan and add language about the expansion of the Mooring Field. These actions were necessary for the Town to complete the final steps in the permitting process with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the expansion.

The Army Corps of Engineers has already approved the engineering permit.

The Mooring Field expansion has been in the planning stages since 2019, when it was first approved by Town Council. It encompasses the west side of Matanzas Pass Bridge and adds approximately 19 mooring systems.

The added systems allow for accommodating vessels up to 80 feet, increasing the current vessel limit of 52 feet.

Town Councilors also approved Resolution 21-04 authorizing the Town Manager or his designee to apply for and administer a grant from the Florida Boating Improvement Program (FBIP).

If received, this grant would provide up to $200,000. A $100,000 match would be required by the Town, to be budgeted for in the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year’s cycle.

The grant would be through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and could be available after October 1, 2021.


Street sign with old san carlos and estero

Firm chosen for construction engineering inspection services on upcoming traffic signal 


Town Council approved a $75,572.82 contract with AECOM Technical Services, Inc., for construction engineering inspection services on the upcoming traffic signal at Old San Carlos and Estero Boulevard. 

This approval authorizes the Town Manager to execute contract documents from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

This signal is the Town’s first Local Agency Planning (LAP) project, which provides reimbursement from FDOT for construction and construction engineering inspection.

Read about FDOT's LAP program


Picture of the truck used by Lee County Solid Waste that advertises household chemical waste collection


Mark your calendar for April 30 from 8 a.m. to Noon for the next Household Waste Collection Event at Bay Oaks 

Bay Oaks 1

Thanks Lee County Solid Waste for hosting a Household Chemical Waste Collection Event at Bay Oaks Recreational Campus on Friday, February 5.
In total, 40 customers were served and 2,395 pounds of waste was collected. 

Two more collection events are scheduled this year, on April 30 and August 6. 
Same hours, same place.


Click here for a list of accepted items


Register with the state's COVID vaccine reservation system 


Individuals can pre-register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area by visiting:

 www.myvaccine.fl.gov

The current priority groups for vaccinations are frontline healthcare workers and Florida residents who are ages 65 and older. Proof of Florida residency is required to receive the vaccination.

List of proof of residency requirements for COVID vaccination
Dial 211 or 239-433-3900 for updates on covid vaccinations in lee county

Picture of Mound House from the back bay with the Museum address and logo of Traveler's Choice award

Click here for Mound House weekly events, including Kayak Tours, Beachwalks, and Garden Tours


Drawing of man on bicycle

Walking, driving, and biking safely in FMB


Be safe, be smart, be seen

 

Seasonal activity is picking up in the Town which means that the number of bikes, vehicles and pedestrians has increased on Estero Boulevard. It’s a good time to remind everyone of important laws and tips about sharing sidewalks and the road:

Bicyclists

  1. Manually powered bicycles share the road with vehicles, and the sidewalks and beaches with people.
  2. Electric bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks and the beach. They must always be ridden on the street. (Town Ordinance No. 18-02, Sections 28-83 and 28-84.) 
  3. Bicycles must have horns or other audible device and front and rear lights for use before daylight and after sunset.
  4. Children ages 16 and younger are required to wear helmets. It is recommended that adults also wear helmets.
Motorists
  1. Always be alert and immediately stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, waiting in a full stop until they leave the street. It’s the law!
  2. Give bicyclists a three-foot clearance. It’s the law!
  3. Double check each direction when entering Estero Boulevard. 
  4. Maintain posted speed limits which vary based on the area of Town but are less than 35 mph everywhere on Estero Island.
Pedestrians
  1. Always use the designated crosswalks when crossing Estero Boulevard.
  2. Extend an arm out to alert motorists of the intent to cross.
  3. Assure that drivers have completely stopped in both directions before crossing.

Keep in mind that Fort Myers Beach sits on seven-mile long Estero Island between Matanzas Pass Bridge on the north end and Big Carlos Pass Bridge on the South end. Estero Boulevard is the only road through the Town and has few stop signs, with multiple distractions.


Please be safe, smart, and seen!


Now hiring graphic on beach picture with Town logo in white

We are seeking a Senior Accountant
Click here to learn more about the position and apply.  


REMINDER ABOUT MASKS & SPECIAL EVENTS

The Town’s Emergency Declaration #7 of July 1, 2020 and Emergency Declaration #5 of April 27, 2020 with orders that help prevent the spread of COVID-19, remain in effect.

These declarations prohibit special events and require that masks be worn in public whenever social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.


Town Council reviewed these orders at a recent meeting and decided to keep the prohibition of the community’s special event permits in place unless applicants wish to attend a Council meeting to seek authorization.
Face mask with the words Mask Up

Text Hi to 239-FMBeach for information about the Town

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


All meetings are at Town Hall, 2525 Estero Boulevard

Live and recorded meetings can also be viewed on the
Town's YouTube channel and live meetings can be watched on Comcast Channel 98

View the meeting calendar on the Town's website for the


Upcoming meetings



Monday, February 15 
Town Hall CLOSED in Observance of PRESIDENTS' Day

Tuesday, February 16 / 9 a.m.
Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, February 17 / 9 a.m.
Anchorage Advisory Committee (AAC)

Thursday, February 18 / 11 a.m.
Special Magistrate Hearing

Monday, March 1 / 9 a.m.
Town Council Meeting


Status on bids and proposals
Read more about bids and proposals

Under Review


RFP-21-03-PW
Lighting Consultant
The selection committee met on Friday, January 8, and interviewed a potential consultant company. At the Town Council meeting on January 19, the Town Manager was given approval to negotiate a contract.

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Town of Fort Myers Beach
2525 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, Fla. 33931 / www.fmbgov.com

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