[{"_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",6106437,"mediaKeyId","2781135-e02d4a08181a5c31210f9b6e3ae833bd","parentId",2781135,"title","Friends of Bay Oaks nonprofit needs volunteers and filing; board weighs handing off fundraising","audioSeconds",807,"startMs",3790000,"endMs",4597000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2781135-e02d4a08181a5c31210f9b6e3ae833bd&start=3790&end=4597","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2781135-e02d4a08181a5c31210f9b6e3ae833bd/thumbnail_3790000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6106437/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Friends-of-Bay-Oaks-nonprofit-needs-volunteers-and-filing-board-weighs-handing-off-fundraising","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6106437-c9086475f5920a6077f9d84bbe5b89d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177237&Signature=gMJPqqkG0KrekksP3AuNsNg5ecxd3MUae5KRDiNyOqMAZ~api2VWat0WeobXevQSjVog4tLFjapLJ3iJdWNsVkQYjlEZzqxajHe95QV3np2lRKAtwsesLEWJWoibBJi6VUBZg~A6KZEq6tYrZ6Lp0iVVXmeN7YdxWD~Och3pNrsOzo4q2g3zfPTZv2FpO-WOosWSfMo5l5t74XI42RVFp1h1oTIFjvti5qPjYrUsU1Sq4rvWVgbiRl-uUDAC8me8vBbCi-RdvC6YVvPLVM-cy8wZKahbBzPqHvfvU2jpUAVWJYMDpzq9MyJL8AK6R74cZRPFLzqMkbJZ4loHFlQfUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of For Myers Beach, FL","date","2025-03-26T21:44:12.947Z","article","Board members discussed the status of Friends of Bay Oaks, the volunteer nonprofit that supports Bay Oaks activities, and identified immediate administrative and organizational tasks.

Becky Guidry and other board members said the group has an annual state filing due May 1. Board volunteers reported they have not received promised checks that were discussed in earlier meetings; members cited references to a $14,000 check or other amounts but said financial records need verification. Guidry said she has a coupon to submit the annual filing and will follow up with town staff to locate outstanding checks.

Several board members stressed confusion about who may solicit donations and conduct fundraising. Staff and members clarified that town advisory boards cannot actively fundraise on the town’s behalf; the town can accept donations, but active fundraising and raffle sales must be done through an independent nonprofit. Members discussed restarting an independent Friends organization with volunteer officers and bylaws, and Denise Monahan — a founder of the Friends group — offered to help with organization and bylaws if volunteers step forward.

John (last name not provided at his public introduction) said he has two people interested in serving on a restarted Friends board; other members volunteered to contact prospective volunteers. Guidry said she will pay the small state filing fee (about $61) to preserve the nonprofit status while volunteers organize.

Why it matters: the Friends group can raise private funds and solicit grants that the advisory board and town staff cannot pursue directly; without an active volunteer nonprofit the town may forgo potential outside funding for Bay Oaks projects or amenities.

Next steps: staff and volunteers will locate outstanding checks, file the May 1 state paperwork to preserve nonprofit status, and coordinate a volunteer meeting to reconstitute the Friends board and agree roles and bylaws. Staff recommended keeping town staff limited in organizing volunteers to avoid conflicts with Sunshine Law and municipal rules governing advisory boards.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BORCAB, March 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Advisory board members reported that Friends of Bay Oaks — the volunteer nonprofit associated with the rec center — has a state filing due May 1 and limited volunteer leadership; members discussed next steps and town rules about advisory boards and fundraising.","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},6106441,"Board explores pocket parks, right‑of‑way buys and kayak launches for south end",273,2794000,3067000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2781135-e02d4a08181a5c31210f9b6e3ae833bd&start=2794&end=3067","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2781135-e02d4a08181a5c31210f9b6e3ae833bd/thumbnail_2794000.jpg","/articles/6106441/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Board-explores-pocket-parks-rightofway-buys-and-kayak-launches-for-south-end","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6106441-56c892870b198ec80dc2052a564ede5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177237&Signature=VZKvUuzTl303Xsidl~pI8Okno5RVgNkeFuzy-MO6bR5ikyc13bUzgy-E0MA8XYiqGwD2GBsEqQIz-0QaQccSztUKaEMuCLPpXeX7n4mW-eH-76K~oBidiLekYIQfSnspkxk6Ey6jQK-gYauTUZiZqQ8xeFwmuNKBlfXpQc68vSyu1~OEDM7BdUNR29itnjVrD8D-oTb1q~JfA81kNtoTJs7XaQNW7WKMDnQfAyFHwpKj8SGMSAvcxUzVaVkMF7kHlkJ4X49YJsWsU7tsTd~-0eSmuYLTcDuSXWmnsHyYLZJ0ULVF0zI954boLoMRNUnzhptHlTmMmJJt33vUQEfgUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Bay Oaks advisory board spent part of the March 26 meeting reviewing potential small “pocket park” sites and town‑owned right‑of‑way parcels that could serve as neighborhood green space.

Jeff Haughey said staff have identified right‑of‑way parcels and privately listed parcels on the South End that might suit pocket parks and community gathering spaces. During the discussion a board member noted an asking figure “about $6.50 ish” for one property; staff and the board did not specify the unit for that figure during the meeting.

Board members emphasized they are looking for small, low‑cost parks with basic amenities — benches, shade structures and small playgrounds or seating — rather than full ballfields. Haughey said staff will research right‑of‑way parcels and follow up with finance and other departments to check feasibility and potential funding sources, including state land‑conservation programs.

On kayak access, Haughey said the town is moving forward with work at the Coconut (Coconut) kayak launch and has contracted with a concrete company for repairs. He said the town hopes to put shell for a temporary Newton Park parking area and place a restroom trailer by Friday to provide about eight parking spots while longer‑term work is planned.

Why it matters: pocket parks and additional access points can expand recreational options across the island and help distribute activity beyond Bay Oaks. Acquiring property on the south end could address gaps in neighborhood open space, but funding and ownership questions remain.

What’s next: staff will check finance options, pursue any available state land‑conservation funding, and return with feasibility information on specific parcels.

","Board members discussed small pocket parks, potential right‑of‑way purchases on the town’s south end, and work to rebuild kayak launches and temporary parking at Newton Park; one property showed an asking figure discussed as about $6.50 (unit not specified).",{"_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},6106446,"Bay Oaks rec center: flooring poured in April window, gym layout and equipment storage remain open questions; new parks manager introduced",827,1532000,2359000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2781135-e02d4a08181a5c31210f9b6e3ae833bd&start=1532&end=2359","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2781135-e02d4a08181a5c31210f9b6e3ae833bd/thumbnail_1532000.jpg","/articles/6106446/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Bay-Oaks-rec-center-flooring-poured-in-April-window-gym-layout-and-equipment-storage-remain-open-questions-new-parks-manager-introduced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6106446-7e30a414129b23770173960dee9aea78/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177237&Signature=ayxf72Olp1L7CTa9r-93n6qWnk-Aaefx0kpFH4INJoQrFepizWWU6SsxzuscJlON5ZgaNiqTqCM21D--X6ilJMT-OCvIntQG2Pa7nGhm2XMac2nWPS~HK~G1BTa~TcSSgkkxw6d1j6RuWvBVBnw4u5ydAb~QtJguDYpSk~rsBBDpy1pZsx05vvTVqf1rIQ3qj3-6t48Z6W5n042piMbZsF7aeNyScM~0MCeyKtvdYrwQDY4U-LJk4mB0HJNfuznVRlaDUUBohgOjVV16xTE7SKRspk9O--QSldkjL733YAbE8~2GZX~hMsOYGS3WzDOr0QzNobsGuNmfdAM5T~qY4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the March 26 Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board meeting, town staff gave a detailed construction and operational update for the Bay Oaks recreation center and wider campus.

Jeff Haughey, director of community services, and project staff said contractors will begin pouring the rec center’s epoxy floor starting the week of April 7; staff expect the epoxy to cure for three to four weeks before toilets, partitions and gym equipment can be installed. “They’ll start pouring it second week, April 7,” Haughey said. After the epoxy sets, installers will place fixtures and bring in gym equipment; staff estimated the center could be ready by May, though they called that tentative.

Board members raised longstanding concerns about cramped gym layouts and equipment resilience to storms. Staff said they plan to reinstall similar equipment but will explore options to reduce flood risk, including raising equipment on concrete blocks and checking engineering limits. Frank Kropatschek described storage and moving as costly and logistically difficult; one board member reported a personal moving cost of about $5,000 to remove furniture before a storm.

Neil Mathis, the town’s new parks and recreation manager, introduced himself and described his aquatics background. Mathis said he has run large aquatic facilities and will prioritize equipment, pool pump room improvements and durable finishes when the design team is selected for the pool project. “My background is aquatics… I ran a product center for the city of Deerfield Beach for six years,” Mathis said.

Staff updated the board on the town’s move into the renovated town hall: the elevator work is done but the fire inspection remains outstanding; staff said they cannot occupy the building until the fire review and final elevator hookup are completed. Staff also reported they are clearing trailers at the old site and expect to shift operations once inspections are complete.

The board briefly approved a procedural vote allowing an off‑site individual to participate virtually in the meeting while staff continued the project discussion. The board also discussed ongoing hurricane preparedness, including FEMA training and emergency supplies for staff and the facility.

Why it matters: Bay Oaks is the town’s principal recreation facility; its reopening affects programming for children, adults and seniors, and staffing, equipment and design choices will determine the center’s resilience and usability.

What’s next: staff said they will continue to coordinate equipment installation schedules, explore storage or pulleys to protect gear during storms, and expand programming once facilities are ready. Mathis will take a lead role on aquatics and programming coordination.

","Board heard an update that epoxy flooring for the Bay Oaks recreation center will be poured in early April, with fixtures and equipment to follow; staff described space and resiliency constraints for gym equipment and possible temporary storage solutions. The board also introduced new parks and rec manager Neil Mathis.",{"_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},6106450,"HUD CDBG‑DR funding will pay for pool, Newton Park and downtown lighting; town expects planning bids this summer",979,184000,1163000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2781135-e02d4a08181a5c31210f9b6e3ae833bd&start=184&end=1163","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2781135-e02d4a08181a5c31210f9b6e3ae833bd/thumbnail_184000.jpg","/articles/6106450/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/HUD-CDBGDR-funding-will-pay-for-pool-Newton-Park-and-downtown-lighting-town-expects-planning-bids-this-summer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6106450-4457a4d6ab3b6c577d06f2d93ed07a3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177237&Signature=HgQjVrUO25rFoxMAvdYPNV5silXN6BjLKLHvPSLRbt-~L2Aw671IaBPczr272F4h5pgLD1m11czXXQee75Ye7golBcjfVb-~I1CBwlFkaAtMfAWNj59gTPfKHluM23WREgNqe3iTzLvWjP33d6kMDLwDrysZKCXEHId1D5tGUA3yFuMlfYRr3PlNGK3PFMxRUUadXXmafHOzaJ8FLT~0q7~uYYx7rwZK1RKphJUeW-h3D8XQfiL8suhYH9d7RPGg7xFIwiWzVIo57jb0euqGsIGyyByOLk9~DR1UDN1LU6SZA6D5VMJfHFHA7LpyYGh7e8rL0D6P1bV-SI7JMbAcsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Frank Kropatschek, compliance and operations director for the Town of Fort Myers Beach, told the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board on March 26 that the town has cleared major administrative steps and is close to getting permission from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to go out for bids on projects grouped under the town’s CDBG‑DR application.

Kropatschek said the package as discussed with HUD covers multiple projects and was split into three procurement segments: the Newton Park work, downtown San Carlos lighting and the community pool. “We’re just about ready to be, given permission to put out for bid,” he said. “The first part of that bid is gonna be for planning and design.”

The town described the funding in broad numbers in board remarks: roughly $13 million for the combined set of disaster‑recovery projects, with about $4.3 million discussed for the parks portion and “roughly almost $400,000” set aside for downtown safety lighting. Kropatschek said the largest allotment went to a North water tower project, followed by the pool and Newton Park. He also said prior FEMA payments were credited against the town’s requests, reducing the total HUD award: “even with the HUD project, we have to use whatever money we did get from FEMA and put that at the top end,” he said.

Kropatschek and other staff outlined a constrained schedule set by HUD. The planning‑and‑design contract will be procured first; town staff expect to select a vendor in June or July, and the selected design team would produce the detailed plans and renderings later. “We’re probably looking at June or July by the time we actually have a vendor selected,” he said, and cautioned that construction work and milestones are subject to HUD’s timeline requirements. He added that the design engineering firm that prepares contract documents cannot also be the construction contractor, a separation HUD requires to protect the procurement process.

Jeff Haughey, director of community services, and county project managers are involved in weekly coordination to keep the project on schedule, Kropatschek said. He told the board that the design phase will focus on producing buildable plans rather than community charrettes, although town staff will submit community input and earlier renderings into the process: “When it all comes down to it, it’s not gonna be like a charrette process… HUD will not allow that to happen.”

On the pool timeline, Kropatschek said the town hopes to have the pool back in service in 2026 but did not set a firm construction start date. “I don’t wanna say, actually, by the end of 2026, I would think,” he said.

Why it matters: the CDBG‑DR award channels federal disaster‑recovery money to local reconstruction and resilience work after storms. The projects discussed include both public‑safety and recreation infrastructure, and HUD’s procurement and schedule constraints will determine how quickly designs, bids and construction can proceed.

Board members asked how the public will be involved. Kropatschek and Haughey said prior public input and past park renderings will be provided to the design team and that staff will circulate questionnaires and collect comments once a design vendor is on board. The board also discussed that the pool’s existing footprint must remain (the town cannot change the pool’s location under the HUD project) but that the project can improve aesthetics and resilience.

Clarifying details from the meeting: staff said the three procurement segments are Newton Park, downtown San Carlos lighting and the community pool; the combined award discussed was about $13 million; the parks segment figure discussed was roughly $4.3 million; the downtown lighting allotment discussed was about $400,000. Staff said the planning‑and‑design procurement should be advertised after HUD’s final review and that a design vendor likely will be in place by June or July, with renderings and final design work to follow.

Board members and staff said HUD and county project managers will monitor timeline milestones and that failing to meet HUD schedule requirements can put funding at risk. Kropatschek said town staff have weekly meetings with county partners and expect a more intensive schedule once construction invoices begin moving through the system.

Frank Kropatschek and Jeff Haughey told the board they will return with procurement notices and public‑input opportunities when the design contract is advertised.

","Town staff said a HUD Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery award will fund work at the community pool, Newton Park and downtown lighting, with planning-and‑design bids expected after HUD review. Town staff warned HUD rules set tight timelines and design firms cannot later serve as construction contractors.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Friends of Bay Oaks nonprofit needs volunteers and filing; board weighs handing off fundraising

Board explores pocket parks, right‑of‑way buys and kayak launches for south end

Bay Oaks rec center: flooring poured in April window, gym layout and equipment storage remain open questions; new parks manager introduced

HUD CDBG‑DR funding will pay for pool, Newton Park and downtown lighting; town expects planning bids this summer