The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and awards gala is this Friday from 5PM to 8PM at Margaritaville. Tickets are $60 per person and include entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert table, a signature drink, and a drink ticket.
The Chamber will recognize 9 award recipients for 2024.
The “Commitment to Community” Award, recognizes individuals, organizations, or groups who have shown exceptional dedication and long-term efforts to improve the well-being and quality of life in their community. This year the award goes to Key West Express for their unwavering support, steadfast community engagement and generous trip donations to countless island individuals and SWFL businesses.
The “Outstanding Service” Award will honor Pink Shell Beach Resort in recognition of the herculean effort made, post Hurricane Helene, by the Pink Shell team. The team rapidly cleaned the pool and deck in preparation for the September 29th, 2024, Singer / Songwriter, Island Hopper Fest pool party. The tons of sand that had been swept into the pool by Hurricane Helene, just two days before the closing event, were quickly cleaned out and removed and the deck was put back into working order in a miraculous fashion, just in time for the final concert of the festival! Truly a team effort and an FMB “Island Miracle”!
The Chamber has chosen DiamondHead Beach Resort to receive the “Friends of the Beach” Award. Since Hurricane Ian, DiamondHead and its team of dedicated employees have exemplified what it means to be a community advocate and partner. Always ready to lend a helping hand, donate meeting space, provide lodging or support island causes, DiamondHead has generously gone above and beyond for island businesses, non-profits and residents.
The Chamber’s “Environmental” Award, will be presented to the Center for the Rehabilitation for Wildlife (CROW). Each year, CROW cares for over 6,000 wildlife patients, representing more than 200 species of sick, injured, and orphaned animals in its veterinary hospital, many of which come from Fort Myers Beach. Always at the ready, CROW takes care of our most valuable community members… those with feathers, claws, fur, tails, fins, flippers, shells, beaks, quills, whiskers and scales.
The “Special Recognition” Award is presented to an individual or organization for outstanding service in a specific effort or cause that improves our community. The Chamber is pleased to present Suncoast Beverage Sales with the 2024 “Special Recognition” Award. Suncoast Beverage Sales has stood alongside beach businesses as a steady partner, providing goods and service throughout the recovery process. In addition, you have sponsored and supported countless events and causes that have helped the entire SWFL community recover.
The “Positive Impact” Award recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations that have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to their community or society. This award celebrates those who not only drive change through innovative solutions and compassionate efforts but also embody a positive attitude and spirit of encouragement. Recipients of this award uplift others, foster a sense of unity, and consistently champion the recovery of the island, inspiring others to join in the collective effort to create a brighter, more connected future. The 2024 Positive Impact Award is gratefully being presented to The Alex King Group.
The Chamber will honor Mike Yost posthumously as its 2024 “Citizen of the Year.” Mike was a beloved member of our island community, known for his dedicated service, unwavering support, and joyful presence. His infectious smile, sharp sense of humor, and passion for magic and FMB made him a cherished figure in our island community. With his signature palm leaf hat and vibrant tropical/pirate shirts, Mike welcomed thousands of visitors, entertaining them with haunted ghost tour stories and magic tricks. His love for FMB and the stories and memories he created will live on for years to come.
The “Civic” Award, will honor the DebyRoxanne Sams for her tireless volunteerism, giving back by time from her personal life to support multiple nonprofit organizations within the Ft. Myers Beach community. Always willing to lend a helping hand, DebyRoxane is known for generously giving her time and talents to help those who are in need.
The award for 2024 “Ambassador of the Year” Award will be given to two individuals who exemplify the meaning of exceptional volunteerism. Melissa VanOsten and Irvine Bourdeau are constantly supporting various Chamber functions, such as Ribbon Cuttings, Where’s Roxie and Business After Hours. They are always willing to go above and beyond when asked for help. For their service and dedication, the Chamber Board of Directors wishes to recognize and thank them for their dedication and the spirit of positive energy they exude!