On Episode #153 Saturday
We start the show early Saturday. Danielle Lynch from Blue Ribbon Events (8:45) details her latest event. Jackie Parker is up next (9:00) from The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel to talk about her podcast Shellcast. Mike Chionopoulos (9:30) will give us his views on local government regulations.
Lani Kai Murder Lawsuits Moving Forward
This week Lee County Circuit Court Judge Keith Kyle set a case management date of March 12th in the lawsuit filed by Johnny Jackson's mother Thomasina Daniels. Jackson was killed outside the Lani Kai in July of 2020. No arrest has been announced for his killing.
Alleged Rape Case Also Set For Conference
On September 11, 2020 a female identified as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against the Lani Kai alleging she was "sexually battered, sexually assaulted and raped" at the motel. Lee County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Fuller has set a case management date of March 16th.
Another Lighting Consultant To Be Hired
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council is moving forward with hiring lighting consultant REDD Inc. out of Scottsdale, Arizona to develop a plan for lights on Estero Boulevard. The contract calls for the consultant to provide the town with a plan from design to build.
Cause of Dolphin Death “Undetermined”
BTR reached out to FWC Marine Biologist Denise Boyd for an update on what caused the death of a dolphin found near Big Carlos Pass earlier this month. The preliminary report from the necropsy that was performed indicated the death as “undetermined.”
A Major Construction Project — Under Budget
Kudos to the FMB town staff and Mitchell & Stark Construction for coming under budget by $7.1 million on the water and stormwater improvements along Estero Boulevard. The upgrades were the town's portion of the mega-Estero Boulevard road construction project.
An Expert Chimes in on The Green Bike Lanes?
It's unclear whether bikers on Fort Myers Beach will see more of this bright green paint in the bike lanes on Estero Boulevard in the future. The town will discuss the issue at an upcoming Management and Planning session. In the meantime, we reached out to a local expert to get his take on the green lanes.
Furry, Feathered Friends Need Fostering
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is looking for animal lover volunteers to help them raise orphaned wildlife, including doves, squirrels, and opossums.
FMB Kiwanis Donates To School
When the Beach Kiwanis Club realized the Beach School needed new books for their library, they donated $1500.00 to help defray the cost. Kiwanis President Sandy Lepley and Community and Youth Services Chair Jessica Hernstadt presented the check.
Everglades Update
On Wednesday the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is hosting a panel discussion on the benefits of the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir project.
FMB Continues Mask Mandate
By a vote of 3-2 the Fort Myers Beach Town Council has voted to extend its Emergency Declaration requiring masks and social distancing. The ordinance carries a fine for businesses up to $500. Dan Allers and Jim Atterholt voted no.
Lee County Launches ‘Our Water Story’ Website
Lee County has launched a new citizen resource website, Our Water Story: Lee County's Water Quality Initiative. The website invites Lee County residents to learn Lee County's water story.