Sand sculptures should be free post-event
To the editor:
As a year round resident of Fort Myers Beach for the past 11 years who shops on the Island and pays
tax to the Town, I have been so disappointed that in the past few years we have had to pay to see the sand sculptures at the Holiday Inn after the event is over.
Up until a few years ago, the event was free to everyone and the sculptures were left up after the event until the normal elements took them down. Now, they are bull-dozed the last night of the event.
In past years, it was more of a “community” event rather than a commercial “money-making” event. The Boy Scouts were involved in protecting the sculptures at night, rather than fences.
In the future, it would be nice to allow Beach residents (with a proper I.D.) to see the sculptures for free. Perhaps the Chamber of Commerce could look into being less “visitor oriented” and more “resident oriented” when it comes to special events.
Joyce Heckman
Fort Myers Beach