Fort Myers Beach turns 23

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Cheri Smith, along with her fellow “Cupcake Ladies” Lorrie Wolf, Betty Simpson, and Johanna Campbell passed out cupcakes to hungry beachgoers. JESSE MEADOWS

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J. Neefe and Abby Griebelbauer of Indiana cheers each other with their cupcakes. JESSE MEADOWS

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500 cupcakes were donated by Truly Scrumptious and Publix. JESSE MEADOWS

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Street performer Noah Prechtel takes a break from being a human statue in Times Square to celebrate. JESSE MEADOWS

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The line for cupcakes snaked through Times Square at 11:55 p.m. JESSE MEADOWS

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There’s no better way to celebrate a birthday than free cake.

Cupcakes, to be exact – 500 of them were donated by Publix and Truly Scrumptious to celebrate the Town of Fort Myers Beach’s 23rd birthday on Dec 31.

Volunteers Cheri Smith, Lorrie Wolf, Betty Simpson, and Johanna Campbell were on hand to pass out cupcakes and smiles to a line of beachgoers that queued in anticipation.

Councilmember and Vice Mayor Joanne Shamp kicked off the festivities by wishing the Town a happy birthday and the visitors a good time.

Snowbirds and local residents alike enjoyed their treats in the square.

For some visitors, like Abby Griebelbauer from Indiana, this is a special annual tradition.

Her family started coming to Fort Myers Beach when she was a baby, the first year the town incorporated.

“I’m the same age as the town,” she said between bites.

In less than an hour, all the cupcakes had disappeared.