It was indeed a pleasure to be at the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Gala. It was particularly enjoyable to meet and listen to the Honorable U.S. Congressman Connie Mack. Of course, what a surprise and an honor to receive the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award for 2008 and I am humbled for the recognition by the board. Actually Paula and I are both pinching each other to see if it is real.

Certainly one would be remise by not pointing out that this recognition really represents a lot of hard work by many people to accomplish the achievements that Chairman of the Board Bill Van Duzer mentioned during his presentation. The Town of Fort Myers Beach Town Council, has helped pull this town together as a community and point it in a very positive direction. This honor should be directed to their efforts. How fortunate it is for me to participate with the team that this town selected to govern our municipality. Not to forget the town staff. They provide the real work for the services that we receive.

This coming year is a special one for the town. We must recognize and coordinate our synergies and offer our support to the many talents of those that come forward to volunteer and serve this magic place where we live, that many call “paradise.” The council looks forward to working with the newly elected Carl Conley and your team. It becomes evident that groups like the chamber and others that serve this community are more important than ever. My hopes are that we have the will to communicate with each other and focus our efforts together towards the good of this great place we call home. When we work together, we usually get it right.

We have great people that live here and that is our most valuable resource of all. It is about our families, our neighbors, our friends, the businesses and all the visitors we welcome everyday. After all, we are the “islanders!”

Most sincerely,

Larry Kiker

Mayor, Town of Fort Myers Beach