The Town of Fort Myers Beach will launch its new marine operations vessel that the town says will “strengthen its ability to maintain, protect, and service the island’s waterways and coastal environment.” Beach Talk Radio will broadcast the launch live at 10:30AM on Facebook.
The vessel will launch Friday at 10:30 a.m. from the Coast Guard launch on San Carlos Drive, which is under the Matanzas Pass Bridge before you come over the bridge to Fort Myers Beach. The launch is open to the public.
The 26-foot Skully Aluminum Craft landing vessel is built for durability and shallow-water performance. It will replace the town’s aging pontoon boat, which is in disrepair and scheduled for decommissioning. Because the current vessel cannot effectively cover the full island, this replacement will allow Marine Operations to reach all service areas and respond more efficiently to environmental and maintenance needs.
This aluminum landing craft includes a bow door, davit, and winch system designed for hauling equipment, materials, and debris. These features support essential operational tasks and enable staff to better maintain the island’s shoreline, waterways, and public infrastructure.
The vessel was purchased with funds recovered from a 2024 code-enforcement lien, meaning no current-year taxpayer dollars or unbudgeted funds were used. Town Manager Will McKannay said “Fiscal responsibility remains one of our top priorities as we continue strengthening Fort Myers Beach. This vessel is an absolute necessity for serving the island and protecting our environment, and we are proud that it was funded through lien recovery rather than current taxpayer-supported dollars. This is exactly the kind of careful planning our residents expect and deserve.”
You may also remember the town had a boat stolen from an unlocked lot on the old town hall property. That boat was eventually located one year after it was stolen by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.
The fuel lines were stripped, the engine was damaged, and the Fort Myers Beach logo was sanded off. There was a small insurance payout for the damage, and that boat is currently in the shop. The town is waiting to hear whether it can even be brought back into usable condition.
So they didn’t lock up the last boat and left the gate open so the boat and trailer was stolen. Then the insurance paid some payoff and they ordered a 100K boat. Then the boat was recovered. So what was the a insurance amount received and who paid for the rest of the balance on the new boat and what is happening to the recovered boat? Not sure why the town needs a boat but OK……Just another expense. I hope the fired the employee that left the gate unlocked.
Great looking/working boat..
God Bless Fort Myers and ALL who work toward making Fort Myers a safe, clean city where family and Businesses THRIVE.
FMB has a work vessel for exactly what??? Mooring balls and boat rides?