Resident Accuses Town Manager of Targeting Kids
As we reported on our Facebook page, Town Manager Roger Hernstadt took his first steps to enforce the town's mask mandate by requiring the kids at Bay Oaks to wear masks during the after-school program. Up until that point, the kids were kept six feet apart by staff. At least one parent believes Hernstadt is targeting their kids.
Nichols, Sandelli, Patricca Win
Kudos to Jim Knickle for his decisive victory to the Fort Myers Beach Fire Board (Jim is pictured here from his appearance on our show). And Congrats to Lee County Commissioner Ray Sandelli for his victory over Todd Truax and Chris Patricca for holding onto her district 3 school board seat.
Sandelli To Speak at Chamber Event
The next FMB Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon is set for Thursday, Nov. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nervous Nellie's. The Chamber networking event will feature Lee County Commissioner Ray Sandelli. New Chamber members will also be presented with their membership plaques.
More Kudos for The FMB Fire Department
Congratulations to FMB Executive Assistant Fire Chief Ron Martin for achieving the level of Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Fire Marshal Jennifer Campbell for advancing to the level of Fire Marshal.
Here’s Your $45K Per Year Lobbyist
Florida lobbyist Ron Book will continue to receive a $45,000 per year salary from Fort Myers Beach taxpayers. Book rambled on for 40 minutes in front of the council Monday, dropping names of politicians and giving the council a Florida geography lesson. Throughout his speech he failed to mention whether he spends any time lobbying the most important issue to beach residents.
Mayor Wants Town To Enforce The Mask Ordinance
And that includes fines if they are warranted. The Mayor wants the town manager to do his job and enforce the ordinance. The conversation was initiated by Councilman Bill Veach who also wants to see the town's mask ordinance more strictly enforced. The ordinance has been in effect for months and not a single ticket has been issued.
Watch Our Chris Patricca Interview
On Monday night, in a special episode of Beach Talk Radio, we interviewed District 3 School Board Member - and candidate - Chris Patricca. District 3 includes Fort Myers Beach. Before you hit the polls today, we hope you'll check out our interview HERE.
Fireworks Celebration Canceled
The town of Fort Myers Beach will not have a New Years Eve fireworks celebration to send 2020 off into history. Town Manager Roger Hernstadt was unable to find a barge solution, not to exceed $15,000, a budget the council set. The Fireworks will now be stored until at least July 4, 2021 at a cost of $4,000.
Town Gives Event Organizers a Nice Break     Â
The town council has approved a credit for event organizers who paid for permits before COVD-19 hit and events were canceled. If an organization has a recurring event, such as the Sunset Celebration in Times Square or the Lions Club's Shrimp Festival, organizers are encouraged to work with the town to get a credit for a future event, when events start back up again.
Daylight Saving Time = Smoke Alarm Reminder
(By Matthew R. Love) Every fall, FMBFD would like to take the opportunity to provide a crucial reminder. The simple habit of changing and testing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms when setting the clocks back in November for Daylight Saving Time can save a life.
Gather Up Your Household Waste
The town is hosting a free household waste drop-off at Bay Oaks this Friday from 8a.m. to noon. What you may drop off: leftover paints, cleaners, herbicides, pesticides, automotive fluids and pool chemicals. Get more details on the town website HERE.