(By Annie Meehan) As a long-time encourager and believer in the power of people, it breaks my heart to see what’s happening in our beloved Fort Myers Beach. While we're still in the thick of healing from Hurricane Ian, a new storm is stirring—and this one is manmade.

Earlier this week the owners of South Beach Grille in Santini Plaza started pulling buildout permits for their 4,782 square foot restaurant. According to Santini Plaza owner Yariv Shaked the goal is for the restaurant to be open by January 1, 2026.

On Tuesday, The Estero Island Beach Club team was be back before the LPA with their latest plan to rebuild next to DiamondHead. After originally pitching a 10-story building that was rejected by the Town Council, the latest proposal could be the winner.

The new management team at Smokin’ Oyster Brewery is inviting the community to their official ribbon cutting today at 10AM. The event includes food specials, drink specials, a grand opening $10 shirt and free Koozies.

Joe Harrity from Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill and Amy Ellis and Felipe Santana from Pro Green are our guests Saturday. We go live under the big white tent from the Margaritaville terrace outside License to Chill at 11AM and we always have giveaways.

Visit Florida Interim CEO Craig Thomas (pictured) will speak about the state of Florida tourism at the next SanCap chamber monthly business meeting Wednesday, June 4th at 11:30AM at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa.

In a very contentious meeting Thursday night between members of the Lee County School District staff and beach parents there doesn’t seem to be any more clarity about reopening the beach school after the meeting than there was before.

The Lee County School Board will hear a presentation by an outside consultant on June 3rd about the future of the Beach Elementary School. Parents who take their kids to the beach school are worried the report might be the nail in the coffin for their school. 

Before the LPA hears the new EIBC presentation Salty Crab owner Greg Powers will pitch his new building to LPA members. If all goes according to plan at LPA and the Town Council, Powers plans to break ground later this year.

Our 3rd Annual Day Before Mother's Day 5K Run and 1-Mile walk held on Fort Myers Beach on May 10th raised $5,000 for the Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation. The event was held at Margaitaville Resort.

They’ve been open for months but never had a chance to host an official ribbon cutting due to the busy tourist season. The management team of The Smokin’ Oyster Brewery is inviting the community to their official ribbon cutting Friday, May 16th at 10AM.

Movement Mortgage and State Insurance USA are hosting an event called Condo Power For Realtors, a networking and educational event focused on condo financing and debunking common condo myths.