The inaugural class of the Fort Myers Beach Citizens Academy received their diplomas at the town council meeting Monday morning. The 3-day course educated residents on everything from what each department does at town hall to a tour of Bay Oaks, the Mound House and other beach destinations to a boat tour of Estero Island from Good Time Charters.
16 residents took the class and were presented with certificates Monday, including: Daniel Blanchette, Gayle Crabtree-Pergoli, Bonnie Frommeyer, John Frommeyer, Marianne Lacey, Christy Mathis, P Gary Mathis, John Wesley Nash, Kathleen Nash, Barb Neddo, Tom Neddo Jr., Albert Ponzio, Timothy Quinton, Jennifer Rusk, Mary Shields and Carol Vittert.
2022 graduate Gary Mathis says the academy was well thought out and presented. “For 3 days we got to learn, see and hear how the Town of Fort Myers Beach works, and what it has to offer. I would highly recommend it to all residents. As a new resident I certainly learned a lot about how town hall runs. I even got to see and learn all the other resources the island offers, like the parks and historic sites, and learned how the island developed from a home and shelter of the Indians to the town we now live in. The individual presentations at the various sites were well prepared and executed. The class hours were always filled with information. Well worth the time.”
Here’s an overview of what the class learned.
2022 graduate and Marine Resources Task Force Committee members Jennifer Rusk told Beach Talk Radio News the Citizens Academy was interesting and informative. “I highly recommend it.  What I learned was that Estero Islands’ environment is crucial for it’s sustainability. If you have a business, or work, or live full time on this beautiful island you should know how the town runs its business. Please Inform yourself by going to the town’s website, know your ordinances, ask questions, be fearless, but kind.”
The town plans to offer the academy to residents on a regular basis. When the next class is scheduled we will post it here.