Life on Fort Myers Beach

TOP LOCAL NEWS STORIES

Blue-Green Algae: Why and How Programs

“When Blue-Green Algae (BGA) and Red Tide rear their ugly heads, they change our quality of life,” said Dr. S. Gregory Tolley at his presentation, “Blue-Green Algae: Why Is This Happening? How Can We Fix It?” Dr. Tolley is the Chair of the Department of Marine & Ecological Sciences for Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) that hosted the program with Lee Health at the Healthy Living Center Babcock Ranch before roughly 15 people on Tuesday afternoon, June 11. Dr. Tolley explained that Southwest Florida underwent the start of an historic Red Tide bloom roughly one month after Hurricane Irma of September 2017. “This was not unusual, as we almost always have a Red Tide outbreak during our cooler months of October through March, but this one remained straight through the warmer water temperatures of Summer 2018, lasting until January 2019. This became a double whammy last summer, when BGA fired up on Lake Okeechobee, with water releases by the United States Army Corps of Engineers down the Caloosahatchee River to our coast, trapping Southwest Florida between the two, with those twin environmental disasters finally catching the attention of the average citizen.”  CONTINUE READING

Town Waterline Project Continues

For the past four years, Fort Myers Beach residents, seasonals and visitors have experienced various levels of frustration over ongoing construction from the reFRESH Estero Boulevard Projects. While rebuilding Estero Boulevard is the most visible component, however, the key word in that opening sentence is “Projects,” as there are five separate ones in the entire plan. In addition to roadway replacement, crews are installing the center lane stormwater line, relocating underground utilities and replacing sewer force mains and waterlines. While Lee County funds the majority of the work, the Town of Fort Myers Beach is paying for the waterline system. “The Town actually began replacing waterlines in 2013,” said Kaye Molnar of Cella Molnar & Associates, spokesperson for the reFRESH Estero Boulevard Projects. “This was when it did extensive work on the north end of the island. With the reFRESH Estero Boulevard Projects underway, they will continue this all the way to the south end of the beach, eventually replacing all Town waterlines. Kaye explained that the Town has its own waterline contractor, separate from the Lee County team for reFRESH Estero Boulevard. “Mitchell & Stark coordinates that for the Town, along with employing their own work crews. They, however, coordinate quite closely with David Douglas & Associates and Tetra Tech that Lee County uses, especially when it comes to joint outfall installations.”  CONTINUE READING 

FUN ISLAND EVENTS

• Friday, June 14th-Flag Day

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
10am, Lovers Key State Park. Join a Park Ranger for a guided hike along the Black Island Trail. Learn about the fascinating vegetation and wildlife that reside in this maritime hammock.. Reservations required by calling 239- 463-4588. Free with paid park entry.

SUNSET CELEBRATION
5-10pm, Times Square. Gather in Times Square to watch the sun set and enjoy food & fun, plus a free live music concert by High Tide.  

• Saturday, June 15th

FAMILY ADVENTURES
10am, Mound House.

BAY OAKS ACTIVITIES
10:30am Chair Yoga; 10:30am-1:30pm Pickleball; 1:30pm Softball.

SHELL MOUND TOUR
11am & 2pm, Mound House.

SUNSET CELEBRATION
5-10pm, Times Square. Gather in Times Square to watch the sun set and enjoy food & fun, plus a free live music concert by Double Standard. 

• Tuesday, June 18th

FISHING CLINIC
10am, Lovers Key State Park. Join a Park Naturalist to learn a variety of tackle and fresh bait rigs, find the best places to drop a line and learn the rules and regulations of game fishing in SWFL. Reservations required by calling 239-463-4588. Free with paid park entry.
 

CALUSA INDIAN MASKS
10am, Mound House. Explore the masks of the Calusa Indians! Create your own unique paper mask and try on several Calusa masks discovered by archeologists. Perfect for families with children 5 & up. $2. Museum admission not included. Members free. 

FEATURED PROPERTIES on FORT MYERS BEACH

NEW LISTING

12029 Avingston Lake DR Fort Myers, FL, 33966  

 
Custom gas heated SALT WATER POOL and spill over SPA overlooking beautiful landscaping and preserve in this IMMACULATE 2016 construction Summerwood model home in Camden Square. 3 Bedroom plus DEN home with several upgrades including outdoor kitchen w/ natural gas BBQ, screened front entry vestibule, pull down garage door screen, extra storage space in garage, Plantation Shutters, 

french doors to office, magnetic door stops, and more! Standard features include crown molding, barrel tile roof, pavered drive and lanai (waterproof sealed upgrade), screened rear lanai (upgraded w/ pool/spa installation). Camden Square is a gated, natural gas community of approximately only 100 homes with a community pool, gas fire pit, basketball court, play ground, BBQ picnic area AND LOW FEES! This home has it all! You could not build this home for this price today. Hurry, this is the only pool home currently for sale in Camden Square! 

143 Driftwood LN Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931

 

BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION! Coastal Cottage meets Casual Contemporary in this Custom 5 Bedroom, 5.5 Bath Gulf Access Waterfront home just steps to the white sugary beach and Gulf of Mexico. Each bedroom boasting en-suite baths, each with their own glass tile design, plus a powder room and beautiful wide plank wood floors throughout! The upper level living area consists of the 4 guest rooms & baths, huge laundry room, and upper level balcony with views down the canal and towards the beach. Main living level features living/dining, open concept gourmet kitchen equipped with gas range and large center island for prepping & dining, Quartz counter tops & stainless steel appliances. Master suite w/ cozy nook for desk or sitting area, his & hers closets, stack laundry, dual sink vanity w/ Quartz top, soaking tub and walk in shower w/ transom lighting. Ground level has storage cabinets with solid surface counters lining one wall, and sliders out to covered lanai and canal front pool w/ spill over spa. Wood & Stone Accent Walls. Gas Instant Hot Water. Perfect Opportunity to own your piece of paradise as your primary or vacation home, or cash in on rental income with WEEKLY/seasonal rentals.