March 3, 2021 / Issue #2021-9

**The distribution day for FMBeach News is now on Wednesdays**

Site plans for Times Square redesign available online

Since 2018, the Town has been in the process of planning for a redesign of Times Square, one of the most iconic areas of Fort Myers Beach.

Times Square, on the north end of Estero Island at the base of Matanzas Pass Bridge, has a variety of beachfront retail and restaurant establishments and is considered part of the downtown area of Fort Myers Beach. The downtown area stretches from Times Square along Old San Carlos Boulevard to Bayside Park, which is in the shadow of the Matanzas Pass Bridge.

The redesign is planned to include updates to the square's aesthetics such as landscaping, walkways, common areas, and an entertainment stage. DRMP, Inc., has provided the architectural design and engineering for the project.

Requests for bids are expected to be distributed by the fall of 2021 with construction expected to get underway sometime in 2022.

The cost of the project is approximately $3.5 million. The money has been allocated with redesign projects for Bay Oaks Recreational Campus and Bayside Park in the form of a $10 million loan to cover the three projects.

View the plans

Estero Boulevard Lighting Project and Sea Turtle-Friendly Lighting

Click here to find:

Why the Town balances the need for safe traffic lighting along Estero Boulevard with sea-turtle-friendly lighting
Current status of Estero Boulevard lighting project
Grants through The Sea Turtle Conservancy for sea turtle lighting retrofitting

Refresh Estero Boulevard progress

The Refresh Estero Boulevard project is progressing toward completion, improving the entire length of Estero Boulevard from Matanzas Pass Bridge to Big Carlos Pass Bridge. Improvements to the streets, sidewalks, stormwater and water mains have been ongoing since 2015. This has been a joint project with Lee County and the Town.

Read about work that has been planned for this week

and

Visit the Refresh Estero Boulevard website

This sand sculpture was a nice surprise to see on the beach last week.

Thanks to the people who created it!

Public benches are available to memorialize loved ones

The Town has a unique and visible way to honor loved ones through its Memorial Bench Program.

The names of the deceased and a special saying can be put on a stationary bench in a public area of Town.

Many spots are available at Bay Oaks Recreational Campus, Fort Myers Beach Community Pool, and few spots are available on Old San Carlos Boulevard. Times Square and all beach access locations are no longer available.

Application and details

PLEASE NOTE: Purchasing a bench is considered a donation to the Town. The Town has the right of final decision of location. The Town does not have a responsibility to replace a bench if it is damaged or worn. Installation time varies depending on demand and material delivery times.

If a snowbird purchases a bench, the Town can email a picture of it to them.

Click here for Mound House outdoor nature & education events for March 4-13

Two organizations recognized by Town Council with proclamations on March 1

The Lee County PACE Center for Girls received a proclamation from Town Council for March as "Believing in Girls Month."

The PACE Center for Girls was established in Lee County in 2007 and has since served more than 650 girls and young women. The Center provides education, counseling, training and advocacy for girls who come from difficult life situations.

Visit the Center's website to learn more.

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling received a proclamation for March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and its campaign "Shine the Light on Problem Gambling: Change the Game."

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling is a statewide advocate and resource/referral center for issues involving problem gambling.

Visit the Council's website to learn more

Register with the state's COVID vaccine reservation system

Individuals can pre-register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area by visiting:

www.myvaccine.fl.gov

The current priority groups for vaccinations are frontline healthcare workers and Florida residents who are ages 65 and older. Proof of Florida residency is required to receive the vaccination.

Use this survey link

or the QR Code

The Town’s comprehensive plan was adopted in 1999. The most recent amendments were made in 2009. The Town is in the process of reviewing the plan, which establishes formal policies for Town governance and lays the foundation for land development code to guide development and redevelopment.

Read the current comp plan

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

Live and recorded meetings can also be viewed on the
Town's YouTube channel and live meetings can be watched on Comcast Channel 98

View the meeting calendar on the Town's website for the

Upcoming meetings

Thursday, March 4 / 9 a.m.

Town Council Management & Planning Session

Monday, March 8 - CANCELLED

Audit Committee Meeting

Monday, March 8 / 1p.m.

Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board (BORCAB) Meeting

Tuesday, March 9 / 9 a.m.

Local Planning Agency Meeting

Wednesday, March 10 / 3 p.m.

Marine Resources Task Force (MRTF) Meeting

Status on bids and proposals
Read more about bids and proposals

Currently open for bid

RFQ-21-09-EN Beach Renourishment Professional Services
Pursuant to the requirements of Florida Statutes (F.S.), Chapter 287, the Town of Fort Myers Beach anticipates seeking professional consultant services for the purpose of assisting the Town with professional engineering services to renourish Fort Myers Beach.