Fort Myers Beach: Town Council Meeting, March 02, 2026
Summary. The Fort Myers Beach Town Council held their regular meeting on March 2, 2026, addressing several key agenda items including procurement policy updates, anniversary celebrations, federal funding requests, and infrastructure projects. The meeting included reports from the Anchorage Advisory Committee highlighting concerns about canal dredging needs and water taxi feasibility studies. Council approved multiple resolutions including updated procurement policies to meet FEMA requirements, authorization for the 30th anniversary celebration, federal appropriation requests for emergency generators and stormwater improvements, and significant equipment purchases. Major discussions centered around a controversial parking lot project at 2525 Estero Boulevard, where the council ultimately approved ratifying an emergency contract despite concerns about safety protocols and project scope. The meeting also addressed beach monitoring contracts, equipment purchases including a specialized stormwater video inspection van, and ongoing negotiations regarding Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. Town Manager Will provided updates on Emergency Temporary Placement Permits and announced Jason Freeman's promotion to Executive Administrative Officer.
Agenda Items
1. Approval of Final Agenda
Council approved the final agenda with amendments, moving one public hearing item to a future M&P meeting
- Item b under public hearings rescheduled
- Routine procedural approval
2. Public Comment
Chris King provided update on successful Friends of Fort Myers Beach Library book sale
- First book sale since Hurricane Ian
- Record-breaking $4,700 raised
- Another sale planned for March
3. Local Achievements and Recognitions
Council members recognized various community achievements and upcoming events
- Chris Riedel King nominated for Keep Lee County Beautiful Volunteer of the Year
- Captains for Clean Water 10th anniversary celebration
- Tunaskin recognition for beach cleanup leadership
- Library book sale success
4. Anchorage Advisory Committee Report
Chris King presented comprehensive report on committee activities and recommendations
- New committee member Tom Hedrick appointed
- Mooring field revenues trending up
- Cruisers Appreciation Day planned for April 12
- Strong recommendation for canal dredging funding
- Partnership with MRF on water taxi feasibility
5. Minutes Approval
Approved minutes from February meetings with corrections
- Three corrections to February 17 minutes identified
- Spelling and terminology corrections made
6. Consent Agenda - Emergency Extensions
Approved three resolution series extending local state of emergency
- Multiple resolution series covering emergency extensions
- Routine procedural approval
7. Procurement Policy Ordinance 26-06
First reading of updated procurement policies to meet FEMA and state requirements
- Updates based on Florida Division of Emergency Management recommendations
- Incorporates federal grant requirements
- Clarifies existing procedures
- Questions about exemptions and change order language
- FROC scoring improvements
8. 30th Anniversary Celebration Special Event Permit
Approved street closures and parking prohibitions for anniversary celebration
- Old San Carlos Boulevard closure from 10AM-5PM on March 6
- Parking prohibition from 12AM-5PM
- Event runs from Bayside Veterans to Times Square
- Historical walk and cupcake distribution planned
9. Federal Appropriation Request Resolution 26-059
Approved community support for 2027 federal funding requests
- Backup generator for town hall requested
- Ongoing stormwater and utility improvements
- Grey Robinson federal lobbyist team praised
- Some projects require 25% local match
10. Aetna Marine Liquidated Damages Waiver
Council denied waiver request from contractor for beach renourishment project delays
- 192 days beyond contract completion
- Town was generous with weather day extensions during contract period
- No proof of claimed $4 million losses provided
- Contract enforcement necessary for grant compliance
11. Newton Beach Park Engineering Services Resolution 26-037
Approved ranking and authorized negotiations with JR Evans Engineering
- JR Evans ranked first by selection advisory committee
- Strong CDBG experience demonstrated
- Incorporated community input from RTP2 process
- Both top firms had similar qualifications
12. 2525 Estero Boulevard Parking Lot Resolution 26-056
Approved emergency contract ratification for parking lot construction despite safety concerns
- 70-80 parking spaces planned
- Employee parking program proposed
- Revenue projections of $4,000 per spot questioned
- Safety protocols for retaining wall needed
- Temporary vs permanent designation
- Additional fencing and safety measures required
13. Stormwater Video System Van Purchase Resolution 26-019
Approved $288,137 purchase of specialized inspection equipment
- ARES Voyager system works underwater
- Compatible with existing vacuum truck
- Will help with FEMA reimbursements
- Required for post-storm documentation
- Funded from stormwater fund reserves
14. Beach Monitoring Contract Resolution 26-058
Approved supplemental agreement with Coastal Engineering Consultants for beach monitoring tasks
- Annual beach profile monitoring
- Required shorebird monitoring
- LGFR funding assistance
- Post-storm survey capability
- Mix of grant and local funding
Motions & Votes
Move to approve final agenda as amended
Moved by John King, seconded by John McLean
Passed unanimously
Move to approve minutes as corrected
Moved by John King, seconded by John McLean
Passed unanimously
Move to approve consent agenda
Moved by John McLean, seconded by John King
Passed unanimously
Move to approve Ordinance 26-06 first reading
Moved by John King, seconded by Rebecca Link
Passed unanimously
Move to approve special event permit for 30th anniversary celebration
Moved by John King, seconded by John McLean
Passed unanimously
Move to approve Resolution 26-059 for 2027 federal appropriation request support
Moved by John McLean, seconded by Rebecca Link
Passed unanimously
Move to deny relief from liquidated and actual damages to Aetna Marine
Moved by Rebecca Link, seconded by Mayor
Passed unanimously
Move to approve Resolution 26-037 for Newton Beach Park engineering services ranking
Moved by John King, seconded by Rebecca Link
Passed unanimously
Move to approve Resolution 26-056 for 2525 Estero Boulevard parking lot with direction to staff to bring back safety protocols
Moved by Mayor, seconded by John King
Passed unanimously
Move to approve Resolution 26-019 for purchase of stormwater video system van
Moved by John King, seconded by Scott Safford
Passed unanimously
Move to approve Resolution 26-058 for beach monitoring contract
Moved by John McLean, seconded by John King
Passed unanimously
Move to adjourn
Moved by John King, seconded by Mayor
Passed unanimously
Action Items
Provide final appropriation requests and submit through federal lobbyists by March 6, 2026
Assigned to Town Manager Will · Due March 6, 2026
Install temporary fencing around 2525 Estero Boulevard property for safety
Assigned to Jeff Harvey/Community Services · Due This week
Bring back comprehensive safety protocols and costs for 2525 Estero Boulevard parking lot
Assigned to Staff · Due Next council meeting
Continue negotiations with Lee County School District regarding Fort Myers Beach Elementary
Assigned to Town Manager Will and Deputy Town Manager Tracy · Due Meeting scheduled for March 3, 2026
Process ETP permit renewals and evaluate continued progression requirements
Assigned to Town Manager Will · Due Next 2 months
Prepare Lowe's community funding applications for council review
Assigned to Rebecca Link working with Town Manager Will · Due March 16, 2026 meeting
Add equipment shelter discussion to M&P meeting agenda
Assigned to Staff · Due Next M&P meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council held their regular meeting on March 2, 2026, addressing several key agenda items including procurement policy updates, anniversary celebrations, federal funding requests, and infrastructure projects. The meeting included reports from the Anchorage Advisory Committee highlighting concerns about canal dredging needs and water taxi feasibility studies. Council approved multiple resolutions including updated procurement policies to meet FEMA requirements, authorization for the 30th anniversary celebration, federal appropriation requests for emergency generators and stormwater improvements, and significant equipment purchases. Major discussions centered around a controversial parking lot project at 2525 Estero Boulevard, where the council ultimately approved ratifying an emergency contract despite concerns about safety protocols and project scope. The meeting also addressed beach monitoring contracts, equipment purchases including a specialized stormwater video inspection van, and ongoing negotiations regarding Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. Town Manager Will provided updates on Emergency Temporary Placement Permits and announced Jason Freeman's promotion to Executive Administrative Officer.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 14 agenda items: Approval of Final Agenda; Public Comment; Local Achievements and Recognitions; Anchorage Advisory Committee Report; Minutes Approval; Consent Agenda - Emergency Extensions; Procurement Policy Ordinance 26-06; 30th Anniversary Celebration Special Event Permit; Federal Appropriation Request Resolution 26-059; Aetna Marine Liquidated Damages Waiver; Newton Beach Park Engineering Services Resolution 26-037; 2525 Estero Boulevard Parking Lot Resolution 26-056; Stormwater Video System Van Purchase Resolution 26-019; Beach Monitoring Contract Resolution 26-058.
How many motions were voted on?
12 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
7 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
15 members were recorded as present: Mayor, John King, John McLean, Rebecca Link, Scott Safford, Will (Town Manager), Tracy (Deputy Town Manager), Nancy (Town Attorney), Amy (Town Clerk), Jason Freeman, Joe Wazick, Jeff Harvey, Chad Shoots, Thomas Shousell, Frank Gigapacic.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Fort Myers Beach in?
Fort Myers Beach is located in Lee County, Florida. Browse other Lee County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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