Here at the Sand Paper, we like to take the time every couple months to recognize some of the Islanders whose efforts make our Island a better place for all of us. Kudos go out to….
Time Square merchants for their cooperative efforts to revitalize the area, particularly for hosting their Friday & Saturday night Sunset Celebrations. They’ve upped the ante with music, food and fun on the square.
Jim Rodwell, Mark List and Julie Schwab for their efforts creating a "Smart Trail” for Matanzas Pass Preserve, a trail utilizing new QR code and smart phone technology. There will be guide for adults and kids.
The Fort Myers Beach U-14 Boys Soccer Team for their unbeaten season, notching three post-season championships in the County Cup, Commissioner’s Cup and the I-75 Shootout All-Star Tournament. Way to go guys!
Participants and organizers who put together special holiday events that bring that special island touch to the holidays like the Christmas Carol Pub Crawl and Boat Parade.
Ranchers, environmentalists and government agencies who found a way to work together to create the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area. The efforts to improve the quality of water flowing into Lake Okeechobee are a step in the right direction.
Bill Van Duzer for many years of service to our Town.
Lee County for Pier renovations.
JoAnn Knobloch for her efforts on behalf of feral cats on the Island.
Town Council and staff for bravely serving as models for the Mound House Luncheon, a fund-raising effort for this Town treasure.
Friends of the Mound House for their ongoing fundraising work, highlighted by their recent presentation to Town Council of a $10,000 check for Mound House projects.
Bryan Raymond for hosting a Bench Press competition to benefit Villas Elementary School.
Relay for Life teams, already hard at work raising funds for the March 3 Relay, creating fun events to fund their efforts, like ‘walk the plank’ dog walks, book and bake sales.
Robert Neal, Lee County crews and Florida Dredge and Dock for the beach renovation project completed December 19, in time for the holiday season.
Find A Home Give A Home for their December Pet Food Drive, gathering food to care for Island pets.
Greeters of Fort Myers who presented gifts to the kids of Harlem Heights Elementary School for the holidays.
Beach Haus Productions for their charming and entertaining "Beachy Christmas” production, bringing some humor and Christmas charm to the Island.
St. Raphael’s by the Sea Anglican Church for their December benefit to raise money for the new Children’s Hospital.
Pvt. Connor Dingman who took precious leave time to stop in and visit Beach School students who had sent holiday cards to him overseas.
Town Council for sponsoring the Town Birthday Party held on New Year’s Eve, complete with cupcakes and cookies. And to Bill Semmer and friends who provided another spectacular fireworks show.
All the church based support programs for the needy of our area, including Beach Baptist Choice Market, New Church of SWFL Food Bank, St. Vincent DePaul and Chapel by the Sea breakfast program.
Estero Island Historic Society members who regularly host visitors and school groups at the Historic Cottage. Also for hosting monthly guest speakers. They’re passing island history on to future generations.
The generous folks who coordinate and support benefits for our Islanders in need, including Fish Tale Marina’s benefit for Brenda McCann and Beach Pub’s benefit for Michael Coons.
FMB Community Foundation for their continuing efforts organizing beach clean-ups.
Kiwanis Club members for hosting the New Year’s Eve Ferd Houser Fun Run-just for fun!
Bill Schmidt, Willie Frey, Ed Herbert and Doc Malcolm and the rest of the FMB Polar Bears for organizing the New Year’s Day event-allowing us all to laugh at our ridiculous good fortune to be in such a warm beautiful place at the start of a New Year.
"Super Dave” Bertels for his continuing efforts to put on the 6th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Mid-Winter Party-an effort that brought 400 friends together at the Fish House, raised $956 for Beach Elementary and introduced more good people to the Beach.
Paula Kiker, Tom Coyne and Kelly Chrisien for the 2nd Annual Putt & Pub Crawl, this year benefiting the VIP Kids After-School Program at Beach Elementary.
Ronin Riding Club and Baywalk Group for sponsoring the Bikers for Babies event raising funds for the March of Dimes.
Organizers at Santini Marina Plaza and Fish Tale Marina who continue to bring a monthly party to Santini-this month it was a Seafood Festival, next month it will be all about desserts.
Islanders who inked their names for posterity on the Library beam and those who attended the Topping Ceremony. A momentous day for a beach institution.
Friends of the Arts for bringing a renewed focus on all of the arts on the beach. We’ve had special events from the Beach Arts Cooperative, FMB Art Association and Beach Haus Productions recently with more planned for season.
Coaches, players, officials and volunteers who make it possible for our Beach kids to play Little League & soccer.
Local churches that bring free concerts to Islanders, including Chapel by the Sea, Beach United Methodist Church and St. Peter Lutheran who have all held free concerts recently.
Woman’s Club of FMB for offering Islanders, both women and men, expanded activities in their historic clubhouse.
All the Islanders, whether year-round residents or visitors, whether mentioned here or not, everyone who has volunteered, donated or helped in any way to make our island a better place to live…
Thanks!
Missy Layfield