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Beach and county officials to gather at all-day meeting

3 min read

There will be many high-ranking officials and non-profit organizations from Fort Myers Beach and Lee County at the highly anticipated all-day Town Hall meeting Thursday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fish Tale Marina in Santini Plaza.

The south end of the island will host several scheduled speakers including Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah; members of the Fort Myers Beach Town Council and Fire Department; Captain Matt Powell, the West District commander of the Lee County Sheriff’s Department; Beach Elementary School; and many non-profit organizations who will display their wares throughout the day.

A large tent and platform equipped with a public-address system will be erected in the parking lot to the right of the marina’s Ship Store.

The event will act as a question and answer session for residents and tourists, according to event coordinator Lois Poff of the town’s Community Development Department. All questions to be answered at the meeting should be emailed to Lois@fortmyersbeachfl.gov no later than March 17.

“This meeting will mainly tell whoever attends what is available on the island,” said Poff. “All of the organizations are at your disposal. This is the time to ask whatever questions you might have. It’s your day.”

Some of the special interest groups participating in this special event are: The Lions Club, Civic Association, Pilot Club, Mound House/Newton Park, Friends of Mantanzas Pass, Power Squadron/SN Carlos Bay, Ostego Bay Foundation, FMB Library, Chamber of Commerce, Estero Island Garden Club, Lee County Animal Services, FMB Yacht Club, and Marine Resource Task Force, Community Resource Advisory Board, Local Planning Association and Bay Oaks Advisory.

The speaker agenda includes an introduction from Fish Tale Marina owner Al Durrett at 11 and is followed by Town Manager Scott Janke, Fire Chief Mike Becker, Captain Powell, the Beach Fire Commissioners, Commissioner Judah and the FMB Town Council.

“We’re anticipating a very large crowd,” said Mayor Larry Kiker. “I think we have 18 or 19 group participants. We’ve already had to increase the number of chairs for the event.”

Kiker pointed out there will be off-site parking at the Church of Ascension and free shuttle service provided by the Ku-ku ku-nu-ku trolley.

Public transportation to a designed drop-off area at the event area will be available for people with special needs.according to Kiker.

“If people can walk there or ride a bike, that will be very helpful,” he said. “Bring a little extra cash if you want to contribute to the many charities that will be at the event.”

Vendors include the Pilot Club (sandwiches and snacks); the Beach Fire Department (water and soda); the FMB Civic Association (raffles); and the Estero Island Garden Club (bake sale and desserts).

All proceeds from food and beverage sales benefit the participating charitable organizations.

For more information on reserving a tent, call Town Hall at 765-0202, ext. 139.

Come and discover the many benefits that are available to you and your community.