[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6320318,"mediaKeyId","2357197-a1a6a52380d1902b1c8d863725f24cf6","parentId",2357197,"title","Advisory board presses to form Friends group as town confirms it can accept donations; outstanding $631.50 check flagged","audioSeconds",4223,"startMs",232000,"endMs",4455000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2357197-a1a6a52380d1902b1c8d863725f24cf6&start=232&end=4455","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2357197-a1a6a52380d1902b1c8d863725f24cf6/thumbnail_232000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6320318/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Advisory-board-presses-to-form-Friends-group-as-town-confirms-it-can-accept-donations-outstanding-63150-check-flagged","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6320318-c753ddd0e7190658384a9d55edd19e1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147554&Signature=XFk~JA4Estgy41vsx7t9ovhu41bUs8LCY6KSoRG-jn7tTyBZP5C4pDzKMU8P55g6tewrG89vMYPYd9jvo5Uktad4WHiQsTHIxPToENuLRHp44H75jDuZfpjm3ecmXnWrPNq~RDPCnbSmuR~eRw6JNpUsghHVrlt~lw3IVmrn2M49eXGDpjXNdX5WAcLRxQEkLC-XSLonasAyF-EiT6BgkYW6WPZGEcZlmASX4AkTvnCxhbDalsMa2Xx3URkmbU921Irrp2p14vf-5LciC58ZbtR0fg5ssm~Y082LBj2GXFFXg2ZfNgP~tyYvW8Vg1SwwBa5RBlb8DJvuJQoSZx1~Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of For Myers Beach, FL","date","2025-02-20T06:54:47Z","article","At the Feb. 19 advisory board meeting members flagged an outstanding $631.50 check from December 2023 related to the Bay Oaks Christmas tree festival that has not cleared the bank and discussed forming a functioning Friends of Bay Oaks organization to support fundraising and project advocacy.

A board member reported the check has not cleared and said the original account signatories are no longer available or are unsure how to proceed; the board agreed to ask the issuer to void and reissue the payment and to move the discussion about the Friends organization to a future agenda to determine officers and banking arrangements.

Board members emphasized the need to recruit a separate Friends board because municipal advisory board members cannot serve simultaneously on the nonprofit board that will solicit donations. The advisory board set a goal for each member to bring two candidate names for Friends board membership to the next advisory meeting.

Staff addressed tax and donation questions: the town can accept monetary and in‑kind donations, staff said, and contributions to the town are reportable for tax purposes under government contribution rules (the staff liaison referenced the town’s receipt status and that donors may report such gifts for tax purposes). Staff and board members also discussed using a 501(c)(3) friends group for proactive fundraising and donor stewardship, noting a friends group or a 501(c)(3) can provide solicitation and donor relations that the town alone typically does not perform.

Ending: The board set a near‑term tasking for recruiting Friends candidates and asked staff to follow up on bank paperwork and to advise on the correct process to receive a reissued check and to document donations properly.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BORCAB, February 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Board members reported an outstanding $631.50 check from December 2023 for Friends of Bay Oaks that has not cleared and renewed a push to recruit a Friends board; staff confirmed the town can accept monetary and in‑kind donations and that town‑accepted contributions are reportable for tax purposes.","taxTitle","Fort Myers Beach, Lee County, Florida","taxId",66110,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6320323,"Bay Oaks redevelopment rebid with smaller scope after lowest bids exceed $3.6 million; $2 million grant deadline set for Aug. 31",111,1105000,1216000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2357197-a1a6a52380d1902b1c8d863725f24cf6&start=1105&end=1216","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2357197-a1a6a52380d1902b1c8d863725f24cf6/thumbnail_1105000.jpg","/articles/6320323/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Bay-Oaks-redevelopment-rebid-with-smaller-scope-after-lowest-bids-exceed-36-million-2-million-grant-deadline-set-for-Aug-31","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6320323-1c03da3e9c585bed55e55c12908ddb4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147554&Signature=kO2TibOeEwxzZKCWuHmhssOLJsihDthQB2SSJ6E3~hwbfkgnAglmA6PPqqPOe4W8vsRusVseZm5-cUtOYQxEM5gO5XSKIS3oAtcmFOXEvDF2SC2vYM7c7tupyo6hIWCIT2xL5s3m0wDkIvaQrs8cqT8HCtdODXd05UIkp0MlejqdJAUc0uy~g56hAIS2JDc486FofMHhhM4du7KoYNaOVkCeNWOeXAx5Y4zAkepn-1UOwVdu-SGYp9XaanHhALlgvVD0xXBN03X5YDj2MD~ea1Zq8J7uUYjAczUHfwlhCbhBn1euLl36Mf7i7Jdg38pJRfHv-PkNc5WmMmperdSsCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff told the Bay Oaks advisory board they will reissue a reduced bid package for redevelopment work after the initial round returned bids well above available funding.

The board was briefed that the redevelopment package originally envisioned a larger facility and parking plan. The town has a $1,000,000 grant and a $1,000,000 local match ($2,000,000 total) for the Bay Oaks redevelopment, staff said; the lowest bid in the initial solicitation was $3.6 million, with other bids higher, leaving a funding gap of roughly $1.6 million.

To keep the grant, staff said they will “value engineer” the project to focus on core elements — multipurpose field, walking trail, picnic areas (which could be simple tables initially), and four pickleball courts with lighting — and to delay or reduce higher‑cost items (large parking lot paving, large tiki‑style pavilions or ball‑field lighting). Staff said replacing asphalt with crushed shell for interim parking and simplifying the playground/picnic components are examples of scope reductions under consideration.

Procurement and grant rules are constraining options: staff told the board the project must follow the grant’s procurement policy and, for purchases above the town’s threshold (the board was told $75,000 triggers formal bid/RFP requirements), the town must go out to bid. Board members discussed whether piecemeal quotes, direct town performance on small elements, or asking the state for permission to phase work would be permitted if bids again exceed the available funding.

Staff warned that if the work is not completed by Aug. 31 the town risks losing the grant; they said an April bid release still allows time to award and complete the reduced‑scope project before that deadline if bids are competitive. FEMA funding remains uncertain and could take years to materialize, staff said, so the town cannot rely on FEMA for the shortfall.

Ending: The board asked staff to rebid the smaller scope promptly and explore whether specific earthwork or material‑reuse (crushing onsite concrete) can reduce costs; staff said they would return with a revised timeline and noted they will follow procurement rules required by the grant.","Town staff said the Bay Oaks redevelopment project has been scaled back to match a $2 million funding package after bids returned as high as $3.6 million; the board discussed procurement rules, the need to value‑engineer the scope, and the risk of losing the grant if work is not complete by Aug. 31.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6320328,"Pickleball demand strains Bay Oaks site; board seeks temporary restrooms and court realignment",47,758000,805000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2357197-a1a6a52380d1902b1c8d863725f24cf6&start=758&end=805","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2357197-a1a6a52380d1902b1c8d863725f24cf6/thumbnail_758000.jpg","/articles/6320328/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Pickleball-demand-strains-Bay-Oaks-site-board-seeks-temporary-restrooms-and-court-realignment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6320328-41ead53ff9b796fa75cf68e40fe3fb40/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147554&Signature=fLEx4XjZdFjRAbz6pOlnCLvEG8Zqi6rS6mIUTrh1jLP2TWP3CDab1tcLYbxuiy~mp3Ad7Z0TPLY8XCAOBrnvNSlts8mRvJaF-U5m0D7cvVymojVXB19EcZ-wjSQo4M4wshXozxkTgsw0hqAQvkvUkf3ijFzHAt1abPyK82RSPX81w77hL3FxyQQBmp3ogLofI3pca5G3wb7uDdpDcaCYZ80e-WlPGktTE-NmmidcQZEc~WKnoflBv7Ckkncjcsq-PJQtqQRNlVApJXzhzu7k9WEHhwfBqprYA0HZfldErFtEJDttwkJBVgiQuG7TrtTsXl~wngmS1o6FySYciSS8KA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Advisory board members urged the town to accelerate completion of additional pickleball courts, improve court spacing and provide temporary restroom access for players at the Bay Oaks complex.

Board members said peak days see 25–35 players using the temporary back‑lot pickleball courts; some players drive off‑island after play to run errands because restroom access near the courts is limited or locked. A board member asked whether the town could place a temporary portable toilet while permanent restrooms remain locked on weekends.

Board members also reported layout problems on the courts installed to the west of the site: courts are too close together in the existing layout and need to be shifted a few feet to allow normal serves and play. The temporary tape lines used to create some courts failed after rain, and a low‑cost option — painting color‑coded lines or installing black tape that endures better — was discussed.

Board members said local businesses and resorts view pickleball as a visitor draw; one member noted resorts advertise pickleball as a destination amenity and that improved facilities could support local restaurants and hotels by keeping players on‑island after games.

Staff said they have installed new nets and posts and will work with field crews to realign courts where practical. The board pressed staff to ensure restroom access and to prioritize completing the additional courts and lighting. The board also discussed using community volunteers or partnering with local players to help assemble equipment and maintain courts.

Ending: Board members asked staff for firm timelines for court completion and for short‑term fixes (portable toilets, realigned lines) to ease usage this season.","Players have been filling temporary courts and advisory board members urged the town to add courts, fix spacing and supply temporary portable toilets so users are not forced off‑island during high demand periods.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6320333,"Bay Oaks rehab moves toward April reopening; after‑school program, new flooring and air handlers highlighted",119,400000,519000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2357197-a1a6a52380d1902b1c8d863725f24cf6&start=400&end=519","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2357197-a1a6a52380d1902b1c8d863725f24cf6/thumbnail_400000.jpg","/articles/6320333/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Bay-Oaks-rehab-moves-toward-April-reopening-afterschool-program-new-flooring-and-air-handlers-highlighted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6320333-8935cffdc99606db89ea05881dcfc1c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147554&Signature=BPSmXg5eGZrhaqwbBKua-HJVXN1AMDaBACZupnYbjqOZBfRHOd2msLGxqtr~Lx5WrqbPs1mOMd7Bl575~7hR4rC-1BirmBO7IJKSuZwzO46lWHSHVnbQ4Mq~b-B64My93FjsKbd3esxA2gG0JT9usYwkUSnVQjBxsps0PatTihT-vdy13tdZUArhl-Kd4ECKT~ulY93HkoIVLGLHfkXvVIyQ4H8YB9PmI--8IqROawe~j7AJNJaTqoPd71VT05Fn8GEFo7JIP4kqLo2eJgpmRRtZ-QSqCRTHj8sM9fH-ZGqIHJHmGaCD9pWp4jxeOMHKWllxQZ7H9QmsK9MAi56Pbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff said parts of the Bay Oaks Recreation Center are likely to reopen in April after repairs to floors, HVAC and other interior work.

At a Feb. 19 meeting of the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board, a staff liaison reported that the contractor expects flooring and other work to be finished “by April at the latest.” The planned interior finish is an epoxy surface with painted sports lines and a clear protective top coat, the staff member said.

The update came as the board discussed how to restore programming while repairs continue. The after‑school program remains active offsite at the library; about 42 children are registered and roughly 30 attend each day, the staff liaison said. The town has continued limited recreation activities (pickleball, tennis and lessons) while the Bay Oaks building is unavailable.

Staff said mechanical work remains, including placement of new air‑handling units. Once the air handlers are set into place and the flooring is completed, Bay Oaks can open without central air conditioning in parts of the building; the gym historically did not have AC and staff said the building can be used while additional HVAC work continues. Staff also said waterproofing and mitigation choices will shift some interior materials (for example using block under windows rather than drywall) to reduce future flood damage.

Board members pressed for clearer public messaging so residents and visitors know which programs are available while the facility is not fully open. “If you can take that bottom information and put it up at the top — while Bay Oaks is officially closed, these are the programs that are actually happening,” Michelle Journey, an advisory board member, told staff.

Staff said they will meet next week with the flooring contractor and other vendors to finalize design options and line striping (basketball, pickleball, volleyball), and that the contractor will provide layout options and color coding for lines.

Ending: Staff asked for patience as remaining air‑handling and flooring work proceed; an open house for the library is scheduled for mid‑March, and the staff liaison reaffirmed the April target for Bay Oaks work completion, while noting construction schedules can change.","Town staff told the Bay Oaks advisory board that contractors plan epoxy flooring and air‑handling work this spring, with a target to reopen parts of Bay Oaks by April; the after‑school program continues offsite and about 30 children attend daily.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Advisory board presses to form Friends group as town confirms it can accept donations; outstanding $631.50 check flagged

Bay Oaks redevelopment rebid with smaller scope after lowest bids exceed $3.6 million; $2 million grant deadline set for Aug. 31

Pickleball demand strains Bay Oaks site; board seeks temporary restrooms and court realignment

Bay Oaks rehab moves toward April reopening; after‑school program, new flooring and air handlers highlighted