Thank You Ray Sandelli

(By Ed Ryan) The last time I saw Ray Sandelli I was riding my bike on Estero Boulevard shortly after Hurricane Milton. Ray was on his way to the Island’s Pancake House to spend some money at a beach business hammered by way too many hurricanes. 

Ray, as he always does, asked how our family was and also asked about Kim’s trip to Africa. Ray Sandelli genuinely cares about people. He’s 100 percent sincere and has always been that way. We often joked that Ray was just too nice a person to be in politics. He’s been on Beach Talk Radio several times over the years, always happy to help the residents of Fort Myers Beach as much as possible. Ray was also a regular at groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies on Fort Myers Beach.

Today is Ray Sandelli’s final meeting on the Lee County Commission. Ray decided not to run for another term so he could enjoy some retirement time and family time, which he certainly deserves. Ray was appointed to the Lee County Board of Commissioners by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2019 after Larry Kiker passed away. In making that appointment DeSantis said,  “Although he did not seek this position, he has graciously accepted the call to serve. Ray’s great business and military background will be of benefit to the community. In addition, he will do a good job protecting taxpayers and attending to the needs of businesses as well.”

Ray ran for the seat in 2020 and won easily. Ray’s seat will be filled by David Mulicka following the election today. 

We reached out to the entire Fort Myers Beach Town Council to see if they wanted to make a comment about working with Ray Sandelli. Without hesitation they were eager to send quotes.

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers: “I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the support and dedication Ray has shown our community as our Commissioner. His contributions have made this community stronger, kinder, more vibrant, and truly beautiful. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside Ray. Through every challenge and triumph, Ray has been there—offering helping hands, kind words, and unwavering commitment. It’s the small acts of kindness and the big gestures of unity that make our community feel like family. From sharing his talents to simply showing up when it mattered most, Ray has shown what it means to truly care for his constituents. Thank you Ray for your ongoing support, your commitment, and the heart you bring to this community. I’m inspired every day by the people around me, and I look forward to our continued friendship. May you enjoy some much-deserved time with your friends and family and enjoy whatever the next chapter has in store for you. Ray, you are a true gentleman.”

Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt: “I thank Commissioner Sandelli for his service to Lee County but in particular for the kindness and attention he has demonstrated towards Fort Myers Beach.  Ray always visits our Island with a smile on his face.  A smile undergirded with a depth of intellect and experience.  Ray filled the seat of Commissioner Larry Kiker, a former Mayor of Fort Myers Beach, and never paused in continuing Larry’s legacy of service to our island.  Public service is a calling.  Thank you, Ray, for answering the call.”

Town Council member John King: “Commissioner Sandelli has been a tremendous partner for Fort Myers Beach after Ian. He was on the Island so very often and was always asking what could be done to help. Commissioner Sandelli’s staff has also been a huge help. I’ve reached out to them numerous times concerning issues and solutions were always provided.”

Town Council Member Karen Woodson: “Commissioner Sandelli has always been a great supporter of FMB and many times our “beacon of hope”!  I want to personally thank him for his inspiration and guidance the past couple of years, for his depth of historical knowledge, his love of the beach and his military heritage and commitment to our Veterans. Great job, Commissioner!  Now time to enjoy your retirement.”

Town Council Member Scott Safford: “Ray was more than just our commissioner- he was a great friend to both my wife and me. The amount of work he did behind the scenes that got little or no accolades would astound you. He played a key role in getting the Island Pancake House back open. We wish him the best in his new chapter.”

Ray Sandelli and his wife Jan live in Bonita Springs. Ray completed eight years of military service as a Naval Officer and Aviator, receiving his wings and designation in March 1971. While deployed aboard the USS Independence, he completed two cruises to the Mediterranean Sea. He participated in Sixth Fleet operations during the October 1973 Middle East War and 1974 Cyprus conflict. He reported to VT-86, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, in March 1975 as an Advanced Training Command Instructor for Naval Flight Officers. His final tour was as a member of the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.