Fort Myers Beach on financial consulting firm amid budget challenges

September 1, 2026 By Nathan Mayberg

While the Town of Fort Myers Beach faces a proposed millage raise, along with potential new fees and an ongoing projected revenue loss, the town is also paying a financial consulting firm more than half a million dollars to cover for vacancies in the finance department. When the town council approved in August a maximum millage rate hike of 30% — up from 1.0294 mills to 1.34 mills — it did so after a budget presentation from Assistant Finance Director Jeffrey Newman. Newman had been with the town for less than two months, hired just days before Finance Director Joe Onzick retired in June. Some in the public may have wondered why the town's finance director didn't make the ...

Fort Myers Beach Manager issues statement on investigation, finances

Miller recognized with Fort Myers Beach citizen of distinction award, Joy and Kevin Sullivan earn heritage award

Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District under threat from state's merger bill

Pier demolition to begin next week, construction work along Estero Boulevard starting today

South Beach Grille reopens on Fort Myers Beach

August 26, 20264 min read

A Fort Myers Beach favorite is back on the fine dining menu at Santini Marina Plaza. The South Beach Grille, one of the island's most popular restaurants and a recipient of many Fort Myers Beach Observer Best of the Beach Awards, since opening its doors two decades ago, is back in business ...

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager's inquiry into two administrators is focused on four grants

August 25, 20263 min read

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Will McKannay said his investigation into two senior administrative employees who he placed on paid administrative leave this month, is focused on four grants. McKannay told the Fort Myers Beach Observer that the four grants are a Bay Oaks Recreational Campus ...

Nesting shorebirds need space as season draws to close

August 23, 20269 min read

As the shorebird nesting season draws to a close in Southwest Florida, Florida Audubon is reminding the public that nesting shorebirds need their distance and to be aware of signs posted on local beaches where disturbing the nesting areas is prohibited, Fort Myers Beach is one of the most ...

CROW honored by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

August 31, 2026 5 min read

Three Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) team members were recognized among Lee County tourism industry’s outstanding hospitality professionals at the 26th Annual Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards (E Awards) Aug. 20. The awards recognize exceptional ...

LPA OKs controversial planning bill to affect unincorporated areas of the county

August 31, 2026 3 min read

Over the course of decades, communities throughout unincorporated Lee County have created their own planning. However, if Lee County has its way, it will eliminate 17 individual community plans. Monday, at the Local Planning Agency meeting in Lee County Chambers, dozens of residents came to ...

Fisher to discuss writing suspense and thrillers with Gulf Coast Writers Association Sept. 19

August 21, 2026 2 min read

The Gulf Coast Writers Association of Fort Myers has announced the program for its September meeting. All are invited to attend on Saturday, Sept. 19, when award-winning novelist Joni M. Fisher will speak on writing suspense and thrillers. This workshop will show writers how to build tension ...

Guest Commentary | Welcome back to school!

August 6, 2026 2 min read

Welcome back! A brand new school year is upon us, and we cannot wait to see your students walk back through our doors. Summer always goes by fast, and I hope yours was a good one. On our end, we’ve been counting down the days until our students walk back through our doors. Before we look ...

Proposed homestead property exemption expansion gives illusion that government can be free

June 9, 2026 6 min read

Appropriately coinciding with the official start of hurricane season Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a special legislative session to push his “Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes” plan to slash, if not eliminate, property taxes The State Legislature obliged, passing a ...

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