The glitter-encrusted, papier-mache'd beach ball was our first sign of things to come. Created by that sassy shopkeep in Time Square, Anita Cereceda, to provide our countdown with the iconic "ball drop" at the stroke of midnight, last New Year's Eve it took a practice dive onto a reveler's head a few hours before the end of the year (no injuries). But when the planned coordination was off between Bill Semmer, out on the pier to help set off the fireworks, and the stage, where the countdown was being led for the crowd in the Square, it resulted in the exploding salvo of lights and booms starting a good three seconds before we got to "Happy New Year!".

January 2009

The first in two years, a joint meeting of the Town Council and the Lee County Board of Commissioners was held. Mayor Larry Kiker, Vice Mayor Herb Acken, and Council members Tom Babcock, Bob Raymond and Jo List met with then-Chairman Commissioner Ray Judah, Vice Chairperson Commissioner Tammy Hall, and Commissioners Frank Mann, Bob Janes and Brian Bigelow. Commissioner Mann remarked that it had been the best political meeting he had ever participated in during his 34 years of public service.

Four projects were pushed to the fore by the Council and Town Staff - the dredging of Laguna Shores (completed), the completion and opening of Newton Park (Spring 2010), the approval of a landscaping plan for the Mound House (done) and the North Estero Project (in progress and on track). We also have a much smoother ride where the county resurfaced Estero Boulevard. More improvements are to come.

For months the fishing industry had been wrestling with the ever-increasing sand in Matanzas Pass. Groundings were commonplace, there were long delays in leaving and returning to port, and the Coast Guard was hampered or deterred from its otherwise rapid responses to trouble on the water. But there was a coalition of local businesses, politicians and concerned citizens that pulled together and pushed this project to completion. In this first month of the new year, at a press conference on the docks at Erickson and Jensen in the shifting shadows of the shrimp boat rigging, John Albion, President of the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, Commissioner Ray Judah, Diana McGee from Senator Bill Nelson's local office, some Council members, folks representing our local fishing industry, and many many others gathered to express the urgent need for a dredging project in Matanzas Pass. With all that was brought to bear on the powers that be, the project finally got started in May, and by July, it was a done deal, at last.

The first rumors that the County was no longer interested in ownership and management of Bay Oaks made it over the coconut telegraph in record time. By March, an ad hoc committee was needed to gather all the relevant data needed to negotiate responsibly with the County. Headed by local business coach

and LPA member Denny Weimer, the committee generated a thorough report as to the economics realities that would exist when the Town took ownership of the facilities. After a lot of back-and-forth between the Town and the County staff, the Lee County Commissioners approved the transfer agreement tendered by the Town. And finally, in October, the Town-owned and managed Bay Oaks Recreational Campus held it's Grand Opening.

Florida Arbor Day was celebrated by the Town and the Estero Island Garden Club with a tree sale. Members of the Garden Club brought one of the gumbo limbos to Beach Elementary, and with the students' help, planted it for students to enjoy for years to come.

Connie Mack was the keynote speaker at the 70th Annual Chamber of Commerce Gala at Diamondhead, where Carl Conley was instated as the Chairman of the Board.

The Island Arts Foundation kicked off its 2009 program with a performance by flautist Jennifer Wilhems (now Mrs. Frank Shockey) and pianist Matthew McCright at the Purple Heart Theater. Speaking of which, 2008 Purple Heart alum, Leroy "Hog" Cooper, who played saxaphone in Ray Charles' band, went to that big blues band in the sky.

The First Annual Snowbird Festival was held at the Yucatan Beach Stand. The 2nd Annual Snowbird Fest, held just a few weeks ago, raised over $3000 to benefit the CERT program in Town.

And in a move that saddened many of his dedicated fans, long-time writer for the Beach Observer Charlie Loucks traded his laptop for a set of golf clubs.

February 2009

The Town began issuing Hurricane Passes, both from Town Hall and at Santini Plaza, using the Emergency Trailer purchased by the Town a few years ago. Beach Renourishment dialogue amped up after Joanne Shamp gave a powerpoint presentation to the Council. Councilman Tom Babcock took up the cause to alleviate noise and pollution issues caused by low-flying planes coming into SWF International Airport. And after a media brouhaha, a popular fruit stand temporarily opened in Time Square by Mississippi Ron, which had engendered hundreds of well wishes and thank you notes from happy customers, was closed down.

We love to raise money for a good cause on this Island and on San Carlos Island too. Sandy Bianchi, better known as "Semmer Electric Sandy" was the guest of honor at the memorable fundraiser "Knockers Up!" held at Bonita Bills. The Friends of the Mound House raised money for their pet project by selling "Lovelight Luminaries" which bathed the grounds in a soft glow on Valentine's Day. The Fourth of July Fireworks Committee kicked off their annual fundraising series of events with a Bake Sale at Semmer Electric. The Semmers have been shepherding this event since 1988. John Donovan's friends raised the roof and some much needed money for him at The Cottage, as did Dee's friends at The Beach Pierside Grill.

The Queen of Boogie Woogie, Wendy DeWitt, tickled the ivories mercilessly at the Purple Heart Theater. Mary Winner, who tickles our heartstrings and her guitar strings, turned the big 5-0.

There was more than the usual Law and Order in Town when acclaimed actor Vincent D'Onofrio came to town to watch his sister Elizabeth exchange vows with local musician Shawn Halladay. Elizabeth's film "The Chocolate Fetish" was selected by the Naples Film Festival and played to a standing-room-only crowd in October.

Some disgruntled citizens gathered at Lynn Hall Park for a Chicago-style Tea Party. We have it on good authority that no tea was actually served.

March 2009

After months of planning and hard work, the Lions Club 51st Annual Shrimp Festival and Parade was a lot of fun for the whole Town. In the parade this year was Bronze Star recipient Sgt. Todd Neroni, who served three tours in Iraq. Ms. Jessica Libak was crowned Shrimp Queen. The Sand Paper was honored to give the Lions Club a check for $4450, proceeds from ad sales in the official Shrimp Festival Guide.

We watched as Pirate Pete's was transformed into a beautiful new building where Tri-Power Century 21 moved in and opened for business.

The Historic Society folks offered their 2nd Annual Historic Back Bay Boat Tour. Fran Santini, one of the core group of folks who keep our history alive and well, graced the pages of the Sand Paper with tales about the good ol' days.

The water tower on Lennell Street at the south end of the Island was spruced up with a four-month long mural project painted by local artist Windy Hess. A one-man performance by Steve Carroll brought "Charles Lindbergh, The Lone Eagle" to the Purple Heart Theater stage. And the Cypress Lake High School Wind Ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall. Beach kid Danny Walker, who plays tuba and euphonium in the ensemble, represented us well.

Once again, Ray Murphy's St. Patrick's Day Parade provided the south end of the Island with a grand spectacle, replete with tossed beads and some of the most outrageous get-ups imaginable. Speaking of spectacles, the Cincinnati Firemen entertained legions of beach bunnies with their Gulf-side shenanigans.

Not to be outdone, the world-famous Clydesdale horses were hosted by Snug Harbor, and delighted those who were lucky enough to see them as they majestically strutted around Town.

The Fort Myers Beach Little League opened a new season. Perhaps serving as an inspiration to young athletes, 65-year-old recovered alcoholic Pat Howden set a world record at the Hammerhead Gym by completing 2,101 weight lifting reps in 70 minutes. Howden quipped, "I drank for 30 years; been dry for 15."

A humbling and haunting event on the beach served to remind us of those American soldiers who had lost their lives in Iraq, as 4000+ crosses were planted in the sand, row on row.

April 2009

It was no April Fools joke when, in the wee hours, a McMansion was physically moved from its original perch on the edge of the Gulf to a lot across the street.

The Beach Elementary 7th Annual Golf Scramble fundraiser was a huge success, bringing in over $12,000 for the PTO. The Beach "Relay for Life" event raised $81,098. The Surf Club's Fourth of July fundraiser added $2600 to the growing coffers.

Our Mayor and then-Town Manager traveled to Tallahassee visit with Lt. Governor Jeff Kottcamp and other key officials in an effort to increase the Town's visibility at the state level. During this month, the Florida House Policy Council gave thumbs-up to HB 1219, a Republican-sponsored bill that would permit oil and natural gas drilling up to ten miles out in the Gulf of Mexico from the waters' edge. Neither the Town Council, nor the County Commission, has supported this idea. And with his typical hands-on approach, Bill Nelson brought Washington to us when he visited Southwest Florida to look into the emerging crisis with Chinese drywall.

There were several fun events throughout the month of April this year, including

the 2nd Annual Cruisers Appreciation Day held at the dinghy docks in Matanzas Inn's parking lot, sponsored by the Marine Resources Task Force; the Town pool's 2nd Annual Spring Festival; and the 14th Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Beach Chamber. The V.O.I.C.E volunteers were feted not once, but twice - breakfast at the Lani Kai, and a luncheon at the Pink Shell hosted by the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Over 100 volunteers gathered at the Beach School for the Annual Spring Trash Bash Earth Day Celebration. And on a slightly sad note, Miceli's Restaurant - having sponsored several popular fundraising events for the benefit of Beach Elementary - closed its doors on San Carlos Boulevard and moved to Pine Island.

Mayor Larry Kiker delivered a "State of the Town" address at a Chamber luncheon, local artist Carrie Hill delivered a recital of her poetry at the Beach Library, and our beleaguered, 40-year-old water system delivered a knock-out punch. On that fateful night, there was a water break right in the middle of the north-south promenade in Time Square. Because of the state of our crumbling conduits, around midnight the water was shut completely off, from Bowditch to the south end bridge so that repairs could be made. The Town's Public Works staff worked around the clock, "in the trenches" with the contractor, until it was finally time to bring everything back on line. An estimated 2,000 residents and 20,000 visitors went without water for nearly 24 hours. That was fun.

The Fort Myers Beach Streetscape program received a prestigious award from the Arbor Day Foundation for the Town's environmental stewardship. Lois Poff and the Estero Island Garden Club make this Town look good - literally. Speaking of Arbor Day and trees: In a time-honored construction industry tradition, the emerging Harbor House on the corner of Old San Carlos and 5th Street sported a palm tree at its highest point when construction had reached that point.

After providing what former Council member Charles Meador dubbed the best minutes of the Council meetings available, Town Hall reporter and Sand Paper "brother" Trent "Shanks" Townsend prepared for the next step on his life's journey, a step that would take him to the bright lights and big cities of Indiana and Illinois. A proclamation made by the Town Council, praising his many qualities as a writer and a person, was read into the public record on Trent's behalf.

May 2009

Passions surged as the Beach Renourishment project began to founder with lack of signed easements. The Council and the County Commissioners remained committed to the project, and after much negotiation, the BOCC unanimously approved an Interlocal agreement with the Town to do the full project.

Sand Paper reporter and Genuine Florida Cracker (GFA) Keri Hendry was invited to join U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (he and his wife Grace are GFC's too), Governor Charlie Crist, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, and Assistant Interior Secretary Tom Strickland as they toured the Everglades. About that same time, the South Florida Water Management District approved an amended version of the U.S. Sugar land buyout, and the River of Grass Coalition agreed that it was a more affordable deal.

The County Commission was busy looking at potential sites for the new Red Sox stadium, and looking even harder at Don Stilwell, who moved on after 15 years of excellent service. His spot has since been filled most ably by Stilwell's then-assistant manager, recently named County Manager Karen Hawes.

After a big media uproar, and many conversations, the upcoming Shark Fest was essentially "finned", as hanging dead sharks up as they fell prey in the tournament was not considered a desirable thing by more than a few people.

But the Shark Fest went off with great success in June. Eve Haverfield and her Turtle Time crew revved up for this year's turtle season, reminding us all about lights and good practices around turtle nests. A new Explorers Club chapter was founded on the Beach at this time. Four participants, one of whom is beach local John "JJ" James, successfully completed the program, which encompassed CERT, firefighter and paramedic training.

Commemorating Mother's Day, the Sand Paper named Tracey Gore "Mother of the Year". The daughter of Joanne Semmer and Doug Gray, Tracey attended the Beach School, her kids go to the Beach school, and she remains an active member of the school PTO, having served as its President last year.

For art lovers, the Island Arts Foundation and the Fort Myers Beach Golf Club joined forces to present the first annual "Blues on the Green", featuring the penner of the legendary bar band staple "Mustang Sally", Sir Mack Rice, along with popular Purple Heart Theater regulars Sean Carney and Willie Pooch. For more reflective moments, the venerable Harry A. Whipple released a new book of poetry "Poetry for the Rest of Us".

The Coast Guard informed us once again about the rules of the water during National Safe Boating week. Along that vein, Salty Sam's hosted "Kids Day on the Bay" to benefit Beach Elementary and Lexington Middle Schools. And Al and Kathy Durrett at Fish-Tale Marina sponsored the 2nd annual "Trip to Mound Key" archaeological site for the Beach Elementary kids.

With a mixture of melancholy, along with excitement about what was to come, we partied the day away at the Surf Club's day of business at the old site.

While we were so engaged, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latino woman to be nominated for a seat on the Supreme Court, to fill the space left by retiring Justice David Souter.

June 2009

The Fort Myers Beach Fire District celebrated 60 years of service with opening of the new station on San Carlos Boulevard.

The Island Arts Association hosted a vintage clothing fashion show at their clubhouse on Donora, featuring a dramatic and amusing narrative written and performed by Laurie Nienhaus. Seeing those ladies dressed to the nines in retro fashion was well worth the price of admission.

The Back Bay and the Gulf got a workout. The Pink Shell hosted 200 anglers at the 20th Annual Caloosa Catch and Release Tournament, one of three tournaments in a three-event series. And for the 7th time here, the 2009 Open Water Swim Festival was held at Lynn Hall Park attracting competitors from all over the country, including Olympic hopefuls.

After thirteen successful years in Miners Plaza, the Beach Kiwanians announced they were moving their popular resale store to a new location on the corner of Pine Ridge and Summerlin. Strange days when realty moves out to make way for non-profit resale.

July 2009

The story in July this year that probably raised the biggest ruckus was all about the events immediately following the termination of then-Town Manager Scott Janke's contract. With the exception of this newspaper, there was not one news source that reported the situation accurately, resulting in a flurry of outraged e-mails and an endless battery of media inquiries. When all the dust had settled, few on the Island had any understanding of what had actually happened. The termination with no cause of Mr. Janke's contract continues to be misrepresented in most media outlets as having been brought about when the Council learned that Mrs. Janke was about to release a hard core pornography film, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Perhaps just as prickly as the Town Manager fiasco was the dialogue being exchanged in the form of Letters to the Editor in the local papers, and in a few go-rounds in Council chambers, as folks expressed their heartfelt opinions about the proposed Beach Renourishment program. In an attempt to find more middle ground, a Beach Renourishment Round Table was held at the Pink Shell. Proponents for both schools of thought on the subject presented to the packed house their views and some substantiation of them. Although very good information was offered, passion ruled the day, and no real compromise was achieved. The verbal firefights continued.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office West District "Charley" moved to its new digs on Pine Ridge Road. This station, along with our new fire station on Lennell Road and our Beach Library, was designed by architect and all around Renaissance man Bruce Gora, who had just months before reached the end of the line in his years-long battle with cancer.

We celebrated the 4th of July, starting with the Civic Association's parade, and capping off the day with the booming and bursting of shimmering, sparkling fireworks cascading over the Gulf. A legion of volunteers turned out the next day to clean the beach.

More good things happened that month too. The 4th Annual Kenny Conidaris Blood Drive at the Lanai Kai drew a lot of blood. 195 blood donors, and 157 new registrants with the National Bone Marrow Registry participated.

Bill Dressel went parasailing to celebrate his 95th birthday on July 25th. Beach poet Doris Kovach published her latest book entitled "Old Woman by the Sea". And Randy Wayne White came to the new Doc Ford's for a book-signing event featuring his latest work, "Dead Silence", his 16th novel.

Before this sizzling hot month was over, Georgia Reinmuth decided it was time for a change, and after 8 years of hard work at the Beach Chamber, announced she was leaving her position there.

August 2009

Getting ready for the new school year, Beach Elementary Principal Larry Woods was happy to show off the school's new stage. Ostego Bay Marine Science Center also spiffed up for returning students.

Fish-Tale Marina hosted the 10th Annual Grouper Grab, and celebrated National Marina Day.

A vote of no-confidence for FMB Fire Chief Mike Becker rocked our little town as questions about his leadership surfaced. Six firefighters were let go at that time. Becker was eventually suspended, then investigated and finally was reinstated in November. And in Town Hall, former Public Works Director Jack Green graciously accepted the position of Interim Town Manager.

And most notably, Harry and Peg Whipple whooped it up with family and friends at the Lani Kai in celebration of their 70th Wedding Anniversary.

September 2009

After setting a rollback millage rate of .6870, and voting to increase water rates, the Council welcomed to her new position, the newly-named Interim Public Works Director Cathie Lewis. And the Council brought a civics program to the fifth graders at Beach Elementary. By the end of the following month, the 5th graders had elected their own Council and held their first meeting.

Although The Channel Mark saw its last days at this time, the Luna Rossa bloomed in its stead, and its lovely sign graces San Carlos now. But two popular spots for locals and visitors alike, the Shamrock and the Surf Club, did a lot of spiffing in anticipation of re-opening this month, much to their patrons' delight.

Our volunteer groups were busy as ever. The Friends of the Mound House held a well-attended art auction at the beautiful Mango Street Inn. All proceeds, of course, benefit the Mound House. And Keep Lee County Beautiful teamed up with the Beach chapter of the Pilot Club for the annual Florida Coastal Cleanup. 350 volunteers removed 700 pounds of trash.

October 2009

VFW Post 10097 Commander Cliff Naylor ramped up preparations for the arrival of 21 wounded veterans. Vice Mayor Herb Acken began tirelessly working to obtain donations of vouchers, gift certificates and coupons from local businesses to give to the honorees. Mayor Kiker, Vice Mayor Acken, Councilman Tom Babcock and Councilwoman Jo List attended a dinner held in their honor at American Legion Post 274.

The Pirate Festival brought out all the Jack Sparrows and wenches a Town could ask for. Olympic Gold Medalists Aaron Peirsol, sister Hailey Peirsol, and Florida's own Rowdy Gaines came to the Beach for the 2nd Annual "Race for the Oceans". The conservation group Oceana teamed up with Peirsol to sponsor the event. The Summerset Sailing Regatta was held here this year, with a kick-off party at Bonita Bill's and announcement of the winners at Pink Shell. The Baywalk Group, a coalition of businesses on Old San Carlos, held their first Art and Pumpkin Festival.

The Beach Pierside Grill celebrated its 13th anniversary, Matanzas Inn threw a big 25th Anniversary Bash, and the Fish Monger folks held their annual Stone Crab Season Opener Party.

The 20th Annual Halloween Family Fright Night went off without a hitch, but not without a lot of hard work and the generosity of the folks in our Town. And there was a lot of screaming, although we can't confirm whether it was the Haunted Walk or the sugar shock that brought the decibel level to an all-time high.

November 2009

The 23rd Annual American Sandsculpting Competition was a huge success despite the controversy over fees. An estimated 40,000 people came to see the sand gallery, and this was the first time the event came out "in the black".

In spite of the disappointment felt by many when the "Taste of the Beach" event had been held off-island earlier this year, the Sand Paper was able to raise $2000 for the Chamber by selling ads in their Official "Taste of the Beach" Guide.

In one of his last appearances on the Beach as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners before passing the gavel to Commissioner Tammy Hall, Ray Judah was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony held in front of Lynn Hall Park to hail the start of the North Estero Project. Alan Mandel, resident and LPA member, announced his candidacy in the upcoming March 2010 Council elections. And Mayor Kiker and Councilwoman List were on hand at the "Reading on the Beach" event where all the kids from Beach Elementary came out and participated in reading-related events.

The Surf Club's world-famous Turkey Testicle Festival celebrated its 7th year raising Cain and cans for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. And at the Purple Heart Theater, Island Arts Foundation members and guests reminisced and rocked with pop legend Gary Puckett and laughed themselves silly when comedienne Maryellen Hooper took to the stage later in the month.

December 2009

The Chamber of Commerce was very busy this month. First, the Chamber Foundation chose Beach Elementary School Teacher Pam Flowers as this year's Golden Coconut Award recipient as Teacher of the Year. And then, the Chamber's "Spirit of the Holidays" annual series of events began in earnest.

For the 5th year in a row, Carl Conley and Debbie Mooneyham co-chaired the "Spirit" auction at The South Beach Grill, and coupled with cash donations made by the good folks of this community, together raised $11,000 - $1,000 more than this year's target, bringing their five-year fundraising total to $50,000. The proceeds bought gifts for needy children in our area, which were individually wrapped and labeled by volunteers at the Red Coconut. And every year, Carl (Santa), Debbie (Santa's Elf), Amy Hauser (Mrs. Claus), and Tammy McMullen (Santa's Elf) have gone out to personally deliver the gifts. This year, riding on "Rudolph" - one of our Fire District's engines driven by "Jonesy" every year, along with Ivan Bestram and Troy Messick - these folks visited about 60 children, bearing gifts and lots of Christmas cheer. Although this year was their last on this event, Conley and Mooneyham have already hatched a new idea, and will create "Santa's South Pole Workshop" for the Island's kids. You'll hear more about that in the months to come. And just a few weeks ago, after the lighting of the gazebo next to Snug Harbor, the Chamber's Annual Christmas Boat Parade set off from the Pink Shell docks, eventually landing at Matanzas Restaurant for a party on the Upper Deck.

Everyone had a blast at the 1st Annual Chix 'n' Stix Fishing Tournament hosted by Fish-Tale Marina to benefit Operation Open Arms. The Garden Club spent some time sprucing up the Library grounds. And The Friends of the Mound House had a tea party, with all proceeds going to the Mound House. We have it on good authority that lots of tea was served at this event.

The FMB Fire Commissioners appointed Darren White as Assistant Chief, and rehired the previously laid-off firefighters. And over at the Sheriff's Office, Capt. Matt Powell was promoted to Major, and Matt LeClair was promoted to his current position of Captain of the West District.

We learned that Suya Davenport was stepping down from the directorship at the Lee County Visitor and Convention bureau. Also in Fort Myers, the BOCC approved a grant to establish the Art of the Olympiads museum, thus making Lee County one of the few locales allowed to fly the Olympic Flag.

After a joint meeting with the County Commissioners, it was clear to the Town Council that the beach renourishment project was in serious jeopardy. Being considered now is a modified nourishment plan on the north end of the Island, which would include the installation of a groin to help maintain the Matanzas Pass channel. The West Coast Navigational District voted to approve $750,00 to help finance this modified plan should it become a reality.

Having received Jack Green's letter of resignation, effective in mid-February 2120, the Council voted to seek an Interim Town Manager, hopefully to be hired for a minimum 6 month commitment.

The Purple Heart Theater hosted the Island Arts Foundation at its 5th Annual Christmas Concert. The ever popular Gene "King Sax" Walker made a special appearance with three very talented man who frequently entertain the IAF crowds - Michael Baer on piano, Vince Evans on stand-up bass, and Trimble McCullough two jazz sets. A traditional Christmas dinner was prepared and served by the original Energizer Bunny, Karen "KK" Mills and with a little help from some friends. Jo List was featured in the last set of the night, singing all the old Christmas classics.

Throughout the year, we've had our share of surprises, of both the 'good' and 'not so good' variety. We've squared off on a few issues here and there. And sometimes, as Mayor Kiker likes to put it, we've "violently disagreed" about this or that. But in spite of our difficulties, progress has been made.

We've all had to tighten our belts this year. And despite the economic vertigo we have all experienced this year, and the loss of some establishments, most of our local businesses held on, and several new ones opened their doors for the first time - Bayfront Bistro, The Hideaway at Sandy Beach Motel, The Mermaid, Green Exteriors, Luna Rossa, The Tuckaway, and Gifts by the Sea are some that come to mind.

Some of us have fared better than others, but we're still a community that donates money, goods and services without missing a beat. And we really know how to have a good time.

Staff Report