[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6126238,"mediaKeyId","2669777-44f0c381d5d04b8a1d5f412a921f4c48","parentId",2669777,"title","Council approves grant applications, contract amendments and town hall renovation spending","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2942000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2669777-44f0c381d5d04b8a1d5f412a921f4c48&start=2942&end=2942","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2669777-44f0c381d5d04b8a1d5f412a921f4c48/thumbnail_2942000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6126238/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Council-approves-grant-applications-contract-amendments-and-town-hall-renovation-spending","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126238-41072b1e2363103d95c6e2df19b47419/orig.mp4?Expires=1775184848&Signature=P18NahBRPtQ8aNkkmURHGm1ZBFp0Pcy~m9zVsMw5YaEneu8DxWOM4hfB5RW9Zz7ja~LCUuXv61fdVXUTbCf7fw6CiN6qJD64ZDm7PSvRZ9KYmdFUAYtSLlw0NwSduTZ6oSPud4~lfe~Rx981iy3IshAQizDZjwT3ilv9fp5pTCo27yD~rg1bcVYH-YKm6hNy87MnSn6~IRnbTgH2RMfLBZxTUug3Bbg7MXS3LNbJvh1DLQABIYMW4b6BlJ6XkAaFHE0IHwUUmnliQg07ayM2so~lQyqlLyfs5m7kITuK8FXkJes1TAjYk0FqET~aLV81WoUyjknwgIPMW5mi7-k8Wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of For Myers Beach, FL","date","2025-03-18T13:54:13.82Z","article","The Fort Myers Beach Town Council unanimously approved multiple administrative items including grant applications, contract amendments and ratifications of emergency procurements during its March 17 meeting.

Grants and agreements approved: Council authorized town staff to apply for and, upon award, administer a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Clean Vessel Act grant for $61,552 with a town match of $20,517 (project total $82,069) to support vessel pump‑out services. Council also authorized application for West Coast Inland Navigation District Waterway Development Program funds of $35,000 with a 100% town match for a $70,000 total to support waterway law enforcement assistance.

Financial studies and professional services: Council approved a professional services agreement amendment to retain a rate consultant (Rafftelli's Financial Consultants Inc. as presented) to perform separate water and storm‑water rate studies with not‑to‑exceed amounts of $37,000 each; councilors discussed the benefit of using the same consultant Lee County uses but asked staff to ensure the town\u000027s interests are represented.

Town hall renovation and technology: Council approved an amendment to the town\u000027s contract with Softrim LLC to increase the first‑year not‑to‑exceed amount by $350,000 (bringing the total for the first contract year to $556,784) for systems and equipment tied to the new town hall renovation, including audiovisual, security cameras and cabling. Staff said equipment pricing had been vetted with independent quotes and that the expense will be covered by insurance proceeds.

Ratifications and emergency procurements: Council ratified emergency procurement actions including a $129,745 contract with Andrews Site Work LLC for a gate‑valve installation at the South Booster station to maintain potable pressure, and two purchase orders with Kirkwood Electric totaling $76,662 for electrical work at the new town hall. Council also approved amendment #3 to the Jacobs project management agreement for ongoing building/permitting services (additional ~$53,000) and ratified a value‑engineering task assignment with DRMP for Bay Oaks redevelopment redesign work (combined STAs total $86,300) so the RFP can proceed.

Votes and next steps: All motions passed unanimously; staff said the grant applications will be folded into next year\u000027s budget if awarded, and that the Bay Oaks RFP advertisement will be issued the week following the meeting with a 30‑day bid window. Town staff said the Softrim work, electrical work and other renovation purchases will be paid from insurance proceeds and project funds; council approved those ratifications and amendments.

Ending: Council asked staff to continue overseeing town hall system testing and to coordinate the AV/streaming upgrades to avoid interruptions to public broadcasts. Councilors and staff also discussed the need to continue tracking permit metrics and potential improvements to permitting software.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting, March 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its March meeting the Fort Myers Beach Town Council approved several grant applications, contract amendments and emergency procurements, and authorized a water and storm‑water rate study and contract increases for town hall renovation work; all motions carried unanimously.","taxTitle","Fort Myers Beach, Lee County, Florida","taxId",66110,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6126242,"Anchorage Advisory Committee cleared to hold Cruiser Appreciation Day, allowed to solicit donations and use mooring‑field funds",2113,4287000,6400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2669777-44f0c381d5d04b8a1d5f412a921f4c48&start=4287&end=6400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2669777-44f0c381d5d04b8a1d5f412a921f4c48/thumbnail_4287000.jpg","/articles/6126242/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Anchorage-Advisory-Committee-cleared-to-hold-Cruiser-Appreciation-Day-allowed-to-solicit-donations-and-use-mooringfield-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126242-e4b122227f77dfb4c5e87bc7af04c140/orig.mp4?Expires=1775184848&Signature=ERtD2MIYbr1Yzuy1srMFJY28ThDKCkcR4b9UI3Htchjfhu0ATwGA2DbJVmq686nLfj91hVIclVAS2KhtqtTZ9eTlPGupYvPbSR~sIqwM4HQowGeOZwvwwyWEsNgTFKJPqMM7DylhPifVgreL5icupknrjz1iBl6JBp4FBONFJDzL2Qc0a2fFj8g-kTnhpVdILfQpW0t5~A71MqBBm-0YBoiWq3Gfs34jFjssyTLpuxj2RUbDFAXfLj0gHCEhMvw6mpPbmkzO8IxkaBeSvxK-N6UDAqmPvWlDi0uEymx2p~wWZqDeSG8apgZQLhOmWyZokvbHJTUl70iSMFC2WarmEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council unanimously authorized the Anchorage Advisory Committee (AAC) to hold its 14th Cruiser Appreciation Day on April 27 at Bayside Park and to solicit in‑kind and monetary donations to make the event self‑funding.

Sam Lohrey, AAC vice chair, described the event as a way to recognize mooring‑field users, educate the public about the mooring field\u000027s operation and support mooring‑field operations. \"We hope to make this event self funding, so we're asking for your approval to solicit individuals and businesses for both in kind donations and drawing prizes,\" Lohrey said.

Financials and town support: Harbor Master Curtis Ludwig told council he would cover roughly $400 for floating key chains from his budget; the council authorized the town manager to accept donations on behalf of the town and to allow the mooring‑field fund to cover any shortfall. Finance director said if mooring‑field funds are insufficient council could use a larger contingency if needed. Councilors emphasized donations must flow through town finance and not be held by the AAC.

Details: The event is planned 1–3:30 p.m. at Bayside Park with a later concert planned; invited mooring field‑registered boaters will receive a complimentary meal for up to four people. Organizers estimated fundraising needs could be between $2,200 and $2,500 (committee estimate) depending on food and in‑kind support; the AAC said they would shift from a raffle to a drawing (no ticket sales) to comply with legal guidance.

Motion and vote: Councilor Dan Allers moved to authorize the AAC to host the event, solicit donations consistent with the town attorney\u000027s guidance and allow use of mooring‑field funds if needed; council approved the motion unanimously.

Ending: Council also appointed Ronald Fleming to the ANC seat in a separate unanimous vote. The AAC said it will promote the event through town channels and the Fort Myers Beach Chamber.","Council authorized the Anchorage Advisory Committee to host a Cruiser Appreciation Day on April 27, permit solicitation of in‑kind and monetary donations for the event and agreed town mooring‑field funds may cover any shortfall; motion carried unanimously.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6126248,"Town: 8211 Estero property permit vacated; town to return it to demolition process after owner failed to act",5732,608000,6340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2669777-44f0c381d5d04b8a1d5f412a921f4c48&start=608&end=6340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2669777-44f0c381d5d04b8a1d5f412a921f4c48/thumbnail_608000.jpg","/articles/6126248/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Town-8211-Estero-property-permit-vacated-town-to-return-it-to-demolition-process-after-owner-failed-to-act","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126248-2fb795f661bad24d7e013f38275beda4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775184848&Signature=heyuNOoFSyeMkuagwdZ5wNwLAOOUsQF~6RnbRWykZ3iTBpi4GBMcvRAO2XiVajhQPl7H2zSPc4pJm730PtFBxFdrWx6slg14uDd7addwQPh7Ofcibpwv38VyCKErQ5SXqTpEZKgUo6LegG69P3aSza0xYq4GLfr2z5Uirq5eHuFjTKl7Y6C~P29sPpdV4y9nvdOoQ2jTJo-GrgUpeCHHPyy6RSju8g3gma7C8Tj3jxEpBcwCsz4dkVSYa3Oz2kbFEWy8ahwQI06xym4Ljmj0kA-acra3K5XRWn3a0CnzWqk0-fC3lKOOB-eSIiWEWoSFeBBp7x0lEQnJ7HYhjXrmKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Philip Migliarati, a neighbor of 8211 Estero Boulevard, told the council the property has been vacant, unsanitary and a nuisance since Hurricane Ian and that he has not received timely responses from staff. \"The place is disgusting. Iguanas, rats. The pool is a cesspool,\" he said during public comment.

Town staff update: Town staff confirmed at the meeting that the building official vacated the owner's permit after the owner failed to present an active plan within the allowed time. Town staff said a permit that was previously vacated will not allow the owner to proceed with rebuilding; instead, staff will return the property to the red‑tag/demolition process.

Why it matters: Neighbors want action because the property has been a health and safety concern and because repeated permissive extensions erode confidence in enforcement. The town manager and building official said they will seek to speed enforcement where allowed by law but noted demolition orders and related actions have statutory and procedural safeguards including an appeal period.

Town enforcement steps described at the meeting: The building official follows a checklist derived from local code to determine whether a structure is unsafe. If the building is deemed unsafe, the process typically includes a 30‑day appeal window and a 60‑day vacate period; staff noted the town can pursue property maintenance/code enforcement actions in parallel and that a magistrate order can be used to authorize faster abatement/demolition in urgent cases. The town manager said staff will pursue any legal avenues to accelerate demolition where appropriate and will contact the residents who raised the issue.

Ending: Councilors asked staff to follow up directly with neighbors and to explore options for faster abatement within legal limits. No new ordinance or vote was taken at the meeting.","A vacant, previously red‑tagged property at 8211 Estero Boulevard had its permit vacated after the owner failed to present an active plan; town staff said the structure will be returned to the demolition/red‑tag process and staff will try to accelerate enforcement where allowed by law.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6126252,"Residents say new Miramar build pushes setback, coverage limits; ask council for clearer communication",357,163000,520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2669777-44f0c381d5d04b8a1d5f412a921f4c48&start=163&end=520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2669777-44f0c381d5d04b8a1d5f412a921f4c48/thumbnail_163000.jpg","/articles/6126252/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Residents-say-new-Miramar-build-pushes-setback-coverage-limits-ask-council-for-clearer-communication","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126252-4554e5b99781cd65355c6a6276097d56/orig.mp4?Expires=1775184848&Signature=DZMrARTuPKvcdPmn9tJ2VV9YBdwa5GAZh9f7ZcyaSIR~L8hWAvFLrhktWJ--X4471N5gDXPBmGAZuZAE8thK9RsrvQogmAEu-KqBU6ZwraFTxOfY4QbCdKQsno0H9iMwXNGsxwJgtX-hNrRQdWsw8~6y3Dna2a~ncM1Y6TtEPRdYmElpjIyhRDmL3KorFLO31tNYrRVruG845wMO-8mdgtf~McWa5zZPfoXc4LMIJ8t6LENqK2s3h2xnXdxfPxateKD4BxYeJ-tA3lUTAN~3FeS46oj~-yLNmQfeKZARFmg6rVUmqKibQcGAXKsVKD6G7FSVu-ZAB8QCP4XmSclX~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Becky Knight, a Miramar Street resident, told the Fort Myers Beach Town Council during public comment that she has received no meaningful follow-up from town staff after raising concerns about a new home on her block.

Knight said the proposed house appears to sit 12.6 feet from the road and that the site plans list 41.34% building coverage, exceeding what she understood to be a 40% maximum. \"I'm just disappointed,\" she said. \"I was promised that I would be communicated with and had really no information at all.\"

Why it matters: neighbors said the combination of tight setbacks and high coverage creates safety and parking worries on a narrow street and erodes trust when communications stall. Gary Knight, another Miramar resident, said the project moved through permitting in roughly six weeks and warned neighbors are concerned about emergency access, trash removal after storms and where tenants will park on what he called a four-bedroom rental.

Town staff response and follow-up: Councilors and the town manager acknowledged the comments and said staff would work to ensure residents receive clearer updates. Council members did not vote or take formal enforcement action at the meeting.

What neighbors say is wrong: Residents described two inconsistent measurements on the submitted plans: a site plan showing a 12.5-foot setback and a drainage plan showing 10.4 feet; they said the builder now claims a 12.6-foot setback. Becky Knight referenced a town \"parallelogram ordinance\" adopted last July that she said was meant to increase the effective setback in similar lots; she told council the lot is 50 by 100 feet and said the apparent use of a parallelogram swing produced a layout that leaves the home closer to the road than older builds on Miramar.

Council response: Council members agreed to ensure staff follows up. The mayor asked that staff schedule a meeting with the residents, the town\u000027s planners and the building official to review the plans and the calculations used to compute setbacks and coverage. No new permit action was taken at the meeting.

Ending: Residents said they want an on-site visit by council or staff and an independent engineering review of the plans. Councilors agreed to arrange a meeting so staff can explain how the setback and coverage numbers were computed and to follow up with the residents afterwards.","Neighbors on Miramar Street told the Fort Myers Beach Town Council they are not getting timely responses from town staff and said a builder\u000027s plans leave a house 12.6 feet from the road and show 41.34% lot coverage where they expect a 40% limit.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves grant applications, contract amendments and town hall renovation spending

Anchorage Advisory Committee cleared to hold Cruiser Appreciation Day, allowed to solicit donations and use mooring‑field funds

Town: 8211 Estero property permit vacated; town to return it to demolition process after owner failed to act

Residents say new Miramar build pushes setback, coverage limits; ask council for clearer communication