Final messages from King, Woodson on recall
Fort Myers Beach Councilmember John King. File photo
John King
I am asking for your support in voting against the reckless recall election scheduled for Tuesday, November 4. This recall is nothing more than a political stunt built on baseless accusations. The organizers have not presented a shred of evidence to support their allegations. They even went to court to block any proof from coming to light. If they had the truth on their side, they would not be hiding. Because of these known lies, I have filed a defamation of character lawsuit against recall Chair Bill Veach. Bill knows the Sunshine allegation against me is a lie. He was on the Council when it was discussed in January 2023.
From the first day I joined the Council, I fought for the people of Fort Myers Beach. I made the motion to waive permit fees for residents rebuilding after Hurricane Ian. The previous Council, with Murphy and Veach as members, refused to do that, but I pushed it through. That decision saved our neighbors real money when they needed it most.
I have consistently voted to protect your wallet by opposing every attempt to raise property taxes. The organizers of this recall committee don’t care how much of your hard-earned money they spend. To date this recall attempt has cost taxpayers over $46,000. These former councilors who quit or who were fired have put this community on the precipice of a slippery slope. If they win, look for additional recalls just because someone doesn’t agree with a legally made decision.
After I was elected, I donated my entire first-year’s Council salary to local nonprofits. That was more than $15,000 that went directly to the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club, the Fort Myers Beach Art Association, and FMB Strong. My wife, Chris, and her company contributed another $7,500 to those same organizations. We made those commitments even while we were displaced from our own home.
To me, service to this community means action, not words. I also serve as Chair of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Vice President of the Southwest Florida League of Cities, and I was recently elected to the Florida League of Cities Board of Directors. I accepted these positions to make sure Fort Myers Beach has a strong and respected voice in every decision that affects us.
This recall is not about facts or leadership. It is about undermining honest public servants and hindering our recovery efforts. I will not back down from fighting for this community. Together, we can defeat this recall and keep Fort Myers Beach on the path to recovery, prosperity and conservative leadership. I respectfully ask for you to vote no to recall on November 4
Karen Woodson
Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Karen Woodson is facing a recall election Nov. 4. Photo provided
Karen Woodson
Age: 71
Resident of Fort Myers Beach: Since 2018
Former residence: Originally from the St. Louis area; spent 37 winters in Minnesota before becoming a full-time resident of Fort Myers Beach.
Occupations held: Human Resources leadership and business operations.
Relevant professional experience:Career in corporate management and organizational leadership, specializing in human resources and contract negotiation.
Political experience: Elected to the Fort Myers Beach Town Council in 2022.
Community and civic involvement:
• Vice President of Operations, Friends of Lovers Key State Park
• Chair, Lovers Key Gala Annual Fundraiser
• Council Liaison, Bay Oaks Recreation Center Advisory Board
• Member, Fort Myers Beach Women’s Club
• Former Member, Local Planning Agency
• Member, What’s Up FMB Civic Group
Family: Married to Mark Woodson; two children and two grandchildren. Mark served 37 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired in 2017.
My Top Priorities for the Town Council:
1. Rebuilding and Resilience:Continue driving hurricane recovery with consistent and predictable processes, efficient permitting, and strong oversight so families and businesses can rebuild with confidence.
2. Protect Our Island Character:Support smart rebuilding that preserves the charm and integrity of Fort Myers Beach while strengthening its infrastructure and environmental resilience.
3. Support Local Businesses:Streamline procedures to reduce bureaucracy and help our local small businesses recover and thrive, keeping jobs and opportunities local.
4. Leadership Grounded in Principle: Lead with integrity, respect, and a commitment to doing what is right for the future of Fort Myers Beach.
5. Civility and Community: Lead with respect and focus on facts over politics to bring our community together as we rebuild.