Beach overdevelopment
I moved from Minnesota to Florida over 20 years ago for obvious reasons. And to Fort Myers because it wasn’t Tampa, or Miami, or Panama City Beach. Or any other built-up beach community along the coast. I remember the first time I drove over the Matanzas Pass Bridge to Fort Myers Beach. It was an amazing sight. I could actually see the Gulf and the boats pulling parasails and pleasure boats and people on the beach and beautiful swaying palms. Florida paradise. No tall fancy hotels blocking the water views. A touch of old Florida for sure. “No shirt, No shoes, Can I get you a Beer.” Then came Hurricane Ian! The destruction made us cry. We couldn’t believe it! So many people killed, injured, and total loss of property. Our beautiful beach community was shattered and the last vestige of old Florida was escaping. There was nothing we could do about it. Now we sit on the threshold of a new beginning. A new chapter. What to do? This ole ex northerner pleads and begs with the wonderful people of Fort Myers Beach not to let the developers into your community. They will destroy you and eat you up just like Miami. Your wonderful beautiful beach will be destroyed. No more Margaritavilles! Yet, your Council just approved two 17-story condos and three others of 15 and 13 stories. What is the matter with you? Has someone put a “stupid pill” in the Fort Myers Beach water? This is a chance to keep a touch of old Florida at the beach. Please don’t “blow it” under the guise of progress. I beg you − everyone in Fort Myers begs you, keep the “THE BEACH” the beach.
Lee Hawk, North Fort Myers
Heart of Old Naples
When I first moved to Naples in 1978, the beating heart of Old Naples was its artist community. On a recent visit to the Guess-Fisher Gallery on Central and 10th, I was reminded that the creative heartbeat of Old Naples is stronger than ever.
Renown artists and longtime Naples residents, Phil Fisher and Natalie Guess, have created an oasis of visual masterpieces that will quench the thirsty souls of those who want to discover or be reminded of why we call Naples home…