I Cannot Stay Silent

(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 are still in the thick of healing from the devastation of Hurricane Ian, a new storm is stirring—and this one is manmade.

Some people are angry. They fear change, question decisions, and cling to what was. I understand that. It’s human. But there is a difference between voicing concern and bullying others into silence. Right now, I’m witnessing bullying directed toward two public servants—John King and Karen Woodson—who stepped up during one of the hardest chapters in our town’s history. This isn’t just disagreement. It’s disrespect. And I won’t stay silent about it.

John and Karen have been navigating the exhausting, emotional, and often thankless work of rebuilding a shattered community. Do I agree with every single decision? Maybe not. But I do believe they are acting with integrity, courage, and care for Fort Myers Beach. Their focus has been on safety, community, and rebuilding something beautiful—not just structurally, but spiritually.

We cannot heal while hurling stones at one another. We cannot grow by tearing others down. Yes, we should glance back—remembering what made our island special—but we must also move forward, open to new chapters, even when the pages look different than we imagined.

I want to live in a town where kindness leads. Where we support our leaders with feedback, not fury. Where we encourage our neighbors with hope, not hostility. And where we use our voices to build up, not break down.

There’s a time for elections and decision-making. That time will come. But a recall rooted in unproven accusations and personal attacks is not the path forward. It’s a costly distraction from the work that truly matters: healing, rebuilding, and restoring the spirit of Fort Myers Beach.

Let’s stand for progress, with compassion. Let’s support our public servants, not scapegoat them. And let’s be the kind of community that others look to as a model of resilience, grace, and yes—kindness.

Because kindness isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a force strong enough to rebuild a town.

Fort Myers Beach Resident

Author & Speaker