Header graphic for FMBeach News October 9, 2020

Refreshing Estero Boulevard: road and waterline projects

Anyone travelling on Estero Boulevard for the past few years has likely seen evidence of a lot of road work happening.The status of that work can be read on a website called reFRESH Fort Myers Beach, which is the name of the street and waterline projects that are occuring. Click here to access that site.

There are two major components of reFRESH Fort Myers Beach, which have been in process since 2015, and are expected to be complete next year.

1. The reFRESH Estero Boulevard Project is funded by Lee County and includes any utility and streetscape improvements on Estero Boulevard. Included with the utility updates, Florida Power & Light is improving reliability and relocating utility poles and overhead power lines to the edge of the right-of-way.

2. At the same time, the Town of Fort Myers Beach is replacing waterlines and storm drainage along Estero Boulevard as well as side streets with the reFRESH Fort Myers Beach Waterlines Project.

At upcoming meetings of Town Council, officials from Lee County and the contracted companies that are involved in the work are expected to discuss the projects and give status updates. View calendars and agendas when they are posted on the Town's website.

View of Estero Boulevard south of Publix with one lane fresh paved and the other lane prepped for paving

It was extra nice this week to drive on new pavement on the south end of Estero Boulevard. Crews have been working hard to complete the Estero Boulevard and waterline projects.

Mound House Museum is designated as a traveler's choice attraction through Trip Advisor

Mound House Museum and grounds are gems in the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Mound House is designated as a top traveler's choice attraction through Trip Advisor and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mound House Museum reopened this week; first guests were students

Students from Summit Christian School were welcomed on Tuesday morning to Mound House on the first day that the museum reopened after several months of a precautionary closure to prevent the spread of COVID.

In addition to touring the museum, the students learned about the Calusa Indians and the archaeology and history of their shell mound from Environmental Educator Dexter Norris. Norris also educated the students about the native plants on the grounds, the animals that inhabit the back bay around the house, and the pottery that the Calusa's created and used for cooking.

Mound House is now open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the museum as well as garden and kayak tours and beachwalks at nearby Newton Beach Park.

Visit www.moundhouse.org for a schedule of events and more information.

Students visiting Mound House watched a dolphin playing in the back bay

As Mound House's Environmental Educator Dexter Norris spoke about the animals that inhabit the back bay around the grounds, the students were treated to the sight of a dolphin jumping out of the water.

Weight room at Bay Oaks now open more hours

Bay Oaks weight and cardio rooms are now open additional hours! Reservations are still required. CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain in effect. Masks are required to walk into and through the building. Social distancing and hand washing are also required.

Monday: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Last reservation taken at 7 p.m.

Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Last reservation taken at 1 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. / 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Last reservations taken at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Thursday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Last reservation taken at 1 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Last reservation taken at 1 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Last reservation taken at 2 p.m.

Reservations need to be made at least two hours in advance

Call 239-765-4222

Walk-ins not accepted

The grounds, tennis courts and pickle ball courts are open for use in accordance with CDC guidelines, including wearing masks in any outdoor space where social distancing is not possible.

Graphic to encourage people to wear their masks

Is someone you know looking for a job? We are hiring!

To learn more about working for the Town and how to apply, click here.

BEACH COMPLIANCE AMBASSADOR (Part-time)
LIFEGUARD
MAINTENANCE WORKER I
MUSEUM EDUCATOR
RECREATION SUPERVISOR

Text Hi to 239-FMBeach for information about the Town

Keep up on the schedule of Town Council and advisory committee meetings

All meetings are at Town Hall, 2525 Estero Boulevard

View the meeting calendar on the Town's website

Upcoming meetings

Local Planning Agency (LPA) Meeting
Tuesday, October 13, 9 a.m.

Marine Resources Task Force Meeting
Wednesday, October 14, 3 p.m.

Town Council Management & Planning Session
Thursday, October 15, 9 a.m.

Town Council Meeting
Monday, October 19, 9 a.m.

Anchorage Advisory Committee (AAC) Meeting
October 21, 9 a.m.

Cultural and Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board (CELCAB)
October 22, 2020, 3 p.m.

Status on open bids and proposals

Read more about bids and proposals

Upcoming:

ITB-20-25-PW
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT – TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION
Estero Boulevard at Old San Carlos Boulevard (LAP Project)

RFQ-20-26-PW
CEI Services – Old San Carlos Blvd Intersection Improvements (LAP Project )