close

FEMA awards $678K for Newton Park Beach engineering contract

By Nathan Mayberg

The Town of Fort Myers Beach has been approved for more than $678,000 in funding from FEMA to replace park equipment lost during Hurricane Ian. Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Will McKannay said the funds will be used for Newton Beach Park, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. McKannay didn't say what kind of equipment the town intends to use the funds for. McKannay said that the engineering firm JR Evans is scheduled to provide a 30% design update for the reconstruction work for the park at Town Council's Aug. 24 meeting. Last month, the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council approved a $497,750 contract with JR Evans Engineering for engineering and architectural services for ...

Fort Myers Beach LPA unanimously approves Silver Sands hotel project

The Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency voted unanimously today to recommend approval of a 60-unit, six-story hotel on a .74 acre lot at the former Silver Sands Resort property on Estero Boulevard. TPI-FMB Suites LLC is seeking 11 deviations from the town's Land Development Code, including ...

Town of Fort Myers Beach Finance Director Joe Onzick to retire

Town of Fort Myers Beach Finance Director Joe Onzick is set to retire this Friday, just as town staff is getting into its budget preparations for the next fiscal year. Onzick had resigned last year under former Town of Fort Myers beach Manager Andy Hyatt, and at that time cited work he believed ...

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank collecting toys, clothing, to benefit Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is collecting new toys, clothing and essential household items throughout June to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. Requested items include new clothing with tags for boys, girls and toddlers; new sneakers in sizes 2 through 13; baby formula, cereal and food; household necessities such as dish soap, laundry soap, dryer sheets, washcloths and kitchen items; art supplies including sketchbooks, journals and paints; and hair accessories such as scrunchies, combs and brushes. Donations may be dropped off at any Sanibel Captiva Community Bank location: Fort Myers Beach Temporary Office, 239-274-6240, 100 Lovers Lane (third floor, ...

SWFL News
article image - Denise Carlin, Dr.-080725

School district looks at capital needs as population grows

Capital planning was a topic of discussion at the School District of Lee County’s workshop Tuesday, as the superintendent is beginning to look at the capital transfers the district has had in past years.  Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin said the capital plan is a dynamic plan, as it is ...

article image - school district logo 2025

School district, UF partner in dual enrollment program

An agreement between the School District of Lee County and the University of Florida will give high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to take part in dual-enrollment courses this fall. “No one in Southwest Florida is doing what the School District of Lee County is doing for ...

Business

Arts & Entertainment

Letters to the Editor

Local Columns
article image - RebeccaLink

Recovery and Community Character Can Coexist

I appreciate the perspective that investment and redevelopment will play an important role in Fort Myers Beach's recovery. Few would disagree that rebuilding after Hurricane Ian requires significant private investment, strong businesses, resilient infrastructure, and a healthy local ...

Editorials

New poll question for Fort Myers Beach Observer Do you support the proposed state constitutional amendment up for referendum to give homestead property owners an exemption from local municipal government taxes for up to $250,000 of their property's value?

Contact Information

www.fortmyersbeachtalk.com

  • 2510 Del Prado Blvd. S
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL 33904
  • Phone: 239-574-1110