[{"_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",6231459,"mediaKeyId","3431427-3d0ee31c4745fc34378ed7f899cef25c","parentId",3431427,"title","Town awards earthwork contract for Newton Park; advisory board eyes additional South‑end amenities","audioSeconds",1283,"startMs",1344000,"endMs",2627000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3431427-3d0ee31c4745fc34378ed7f899cef25c&start=1344&end=2627","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3431427-3d0ee31c4745fc34378ed7f899cef25c/thumbnail_1344000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6231459/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Town-awards-earthwork-contract-for-Newton-Park-advisory-board-eyes-additional-Southend-amenities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231459-1602565ce7552d4e8fb12cfa5017bbaa/orig.mp4?Expires=1775797429&Signature=d0du2tG-DGOGftfhDNgnlaN533Y7t4PgibEOQt-Y1b7Hc-T4PWFf~-ioBOZVPOA-x-Ppn6BrHIJo7cLYrwrIwNUzJAknG7CBPCv~42sKSa63l4ml-nz2RirkIS9J2q-jymlCj6ZTeyVh09u~zeKvBQnPr8I4Kdpow3Agb6kplkmcyC-ezTDeVuhNIaNio3lueVYcXb2C0NAWi9t9EopkkC5GhCLt52ue1X8hpCAFcZ9Mx0wt-eUneodd6WfSp4ax2mTdfiLnfH6FT3AG3UAfr37Kro5z3eWEFRPcyA0Tii203mUSx0u5dJwewx3Unc4u8RIR-1UrbAf6VfyyLIE0jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of For Myers Beach, FL","date","2025-05-21T14:50:02Z","article","Fort Myers Beach has awarded a contract to perform earthwork at Newton Park to grade the site for new sod, pickleball courts and a walking trail, advisory board members were told Wednesday.

The project is an early construction step that prepares the park for future recreational amenities and public use; the earthwork will make the parcel grade-ready so subsequent work — sod installation, courts and site furnishings — can proceed.

Town staff said the work will ready the site for picnic tables and other minimal improvements in the near term. Separately, board members said the town received a grant for a 30-by-30-foot fitness court to be installed on the south end of Newton Park near Strandview, next to the restroom trailer. The fitness court is a compact outdoor workout area intended for drop-in use and complements other park amenities.

Board members also discussed broader South‑end needs, saying any purchase of small properties or pursuit of grants (for example conservation or trust grants) would need council-level direction and likely grant funding because the town’s operating budget does not currently include new land acquisitions. Members asked staff to continue tracking opportunities and to bring benchmark information to future budget discussions.

Board members noted that beach renourishment is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks and that some beautification work will follow renourishment. Contractors placed portable restrooms at access points to support renourishment work; staff said not all were located on town property and that the town is coordinating with the contractor to remove units where appropriate.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BORCAB, May 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The town awarded an earthwork contract to prepare Newton Park for sod, pickleball courts and a walking trail; the board said it received a grant for a compact fitness court to be placed at Newton Park’s south end.","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},6231464,"Advisory board moves to form Friends of Bay Oaks but banking and donation transfers remain unresolved",587,1439000,2026000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3431427-3d0ee31c4745fc34378ed7f899cef25c&start=1439&end=2026","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3431427-3d0ee31c4745fc34378ed7f899cef25c/thumbnail_1439000.jpg","/articles/6231464/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Advisory-board-moves-to-form-Friends-of-Bay-Oaks-but-banking-and-donation-transfers-remain-unresolved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231464-e586083e1a51f82747320f5361fe1d0e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775797429&Signature=FsKDxAueK8VnWCP4FEBica22wKnhx-n2W-4npjVw-EalWR6-lxMJQxaA3jMKxGL3ycxYIRF0SftGBwcBBKllGjdnP-gDCJxoBwJpxo-4AcaSqpIxgnSupxLNDl~5RFpZttWTQFbpV18dQBoYNUqPZGzfj8DLfYdqrZ3BrZwl85QmnWsvHt7vmBTS7TZwn5ZOhbZ-uiHZ40kodabrh6WxJjR8YtEw2Ji2YANzZ0oymwhcu2c1zqjmpGtTMA7G398JzYF16DPHFmrMUYEGt~n5cudcPxMqlTy2ArWREkjrnctlDYR3JsaQ3r6VKOuCsUIz19f4vBezcnYLa1-Szh5gVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board discussed progress toward forming a Friends of Bay Oaks nonprofit and moving donated funds out of the town account to the new group's bank account, but flagged unresolved checks and the need for additional account signatories.

The matter matters because a Friends group would allow the organization to solicit and manage donations for programming and larger capital items that the town budget does not cover. Board members said they want the Friends group to be independent from the advisory board once it is operational.

Board members identified four people who had indicated interest in forming the Friends organization: Mike Cleary, Julie Del Solari, Don Fleming and Bill Murphy. The group has articles of incorporation available and the advisory board discussed holding a workshop to get the Friends group organized. The board said it prefers Friends to handle fundraising and program support rather than have those matters remain on the board's agenda.

The session also highlighted unresolved banking and donation issues. Board members said a check mailed in April had not been processed; another donation of $15,000 from Mary Torgerson remains in the town's account pending transfer. A board member said she planned to visit the bank to verify the status and to complete any needed account changes. Board members discussed adding a second or third signatory to the Friends group's bank account once the account is created; staff said the bank requires those who will be signatories to consent and to provide identification and Social Security numbers.

Michelle Cherney offered to meet with the prospective account holder at the bank to complete the transfer. Board members discussed naming an interim treasurer or president to accept responsibility for the account and recruit the initial Friends officers from among the four interested candidates. The advisory board will keep the Friends formation on its agenda and requested an update at the next meeting.

","Board members discussed creating a Friends group to accept donations and manage larger-ticket items. Several potential volunteers have expressed interest, but a missing donation check and the need to transfer the account and add signatories remain outstanding.",{"_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},6231469,"Town issues RFQ for Bay Oaks pool design; school reopening uncertainty could affect after-school plans",341,885000,1226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3431427-3d0ee31c4745fc34378ed7f899cef25c&start=885&end=1226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3431427-3d0ee31c4745fc34378ed7f899cef25c/thumbnail_885000.jpg","/articles/6231469/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Town-issues-RFQ-for-Bay-Oaks-pool-design-school-reopening-uncertainty-could-affect-after-school-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231469-a3601b478fc685288c1f6d2b60959b69/orig.mp4?Expires=1775797429&Signature=ZuDGLfFWVRFeMK~eYXozQyLBP2v3CSMWT6AfveNA4gaHNL26OCZ7dtvjFTwojKJ~r2vKSP5PcedmuRQv1VFdds8D6m09ylEoxCy2JcNOkUGM0-depbElvF1ztnCb5oMWWY8jjfRTe2HA0IbKkk0NyjfebaIFl4JsLhFxN8YhgDIlXmv5xlp5~8U2Aw~h9jSNn4D3OWRqXP1q3cLo2KhK409MeIX9w~-AcZRJ5RYJKx8TYU8e-q26JPSHH3uD5KLIvJ41EKlGInF8RJCSkotFlBl-lQQ-Q-KE8yYGttyEu~PegUm9IsMAy5OODp8wePrG6qT9dmGBpGYdNO9w~haKjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The town of Fort Myers Beach issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for pool design a few weeks ago, and the Bay Oaks advisory board heard staff say submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee, with proposals returned within a roughly 30-day window.

The RFQ moves the pool design process into procurement; the timing matters because a local elementary school’s reopening status will shape Bay Oaks’ ability to host or coordinate after-school programs and shared use of playgrounds.

Parks and Art Manager Neil Mathis told the board that the RFQ for design has been released and that the town will review proposals when they arrive. Board members said the submissions period is approximately 30 days before staff will convene a selection committee for proposals.

Separately, board members reported ongoing, unresolved negotiations with the school district over an interlocal agreement for playground and school access. Town representatives said they had been trying to locate a revised interlocal agreement (ILA) and had been in contact with the school district; the town plans an emergency council meeting and to attend the district’s June 3 meeting to press the issue. Board members said, if the school does not reopen, the town will continue to run after-school programming from the library and maintain bus options for participants.

The advisory board did not take formal votes on the RFQ or the school issue at Wednesday’s meeting. Staff said they will update the board on RFQ responses and any changes to the school arrangement after the emergency council meeting and district communications.

","Town staff said a request for qualifications for pool design was issued and that uncertainty over an elementary school reopening may affect Bay Oaks after-school programming; an emergency council meeting is planned for June 3 to consider next steps.",{"_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},6231474,"Fort Myers Beach plans Bay Oaks rec center reopening June 2; fitness equipment delayed until July",2197,112000,2309000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3431427-3d0ee31c4745fc34378ed7f899cef25c&start=112&end=2309","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3431427-3d0ee31c4745fc34378ed7f899cef25c/thumbnail_112000.jpg","/articles/6231474/Fort-Myers-Beach/Lee-County/Florida/Fort-Myers-Beach-plans-Bay-Oaks-rec-center-reopening-June-2-fitness-equipment-delayed-until-July","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231474-af7c0fcea761cd29854721ae9ef42e8a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775797429&Signature=FBmPozNwwT8BbUAOnVqngzCaqO3Qgq0fh6Uwo8lS-l3-IFCiHpFzrBe3iV6gr5p3gDxg3uxf6kie3OzwFQGHehmlBZCpfjgNgGTKI7foyHWI9r4X-Tv2bC09EUlwdWCH33~X6VAqKvx8fi9pYxU~ZdLxQs2kxQrMM0E6735fQ0OTRXNSoPAG7n8KRUfZ63yCPG5CfLdZY4M-zv8KyXdRiRD~QZr-quNXwIibfCIoJDHqmcfTGRVuq6E-qJ7WL~-NqUhOdAUM57boOUZQsTahoSisP9O9J4wz2iRlCyzWKp6ZYBBIbqNd5GKPupsXloKPuTP67Kg78Fidl4C8ut4ckg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bay Oaks Recreational Center in Fort Myers Beach is scheduled to reopen the week of June 2, with new gym court flooring, a rebuilt front desk and other repairs completed or near completion, Parks and Art Manager Neil Mathis told the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board on Wednesday.

The reopening matters because summer programming begins the week after the planned reopening and the facility has been operating out of trailers and the library since hurricane-related closures. Restoring on-island recreation services affects after-school care, summer camp and community activities.

Mathis said crews finished the final painting for the main gym basketball court this week and applied a durable urethane finish that extends about 3 inches up the walls. The court now includes color-coded lines for basketball, pickleball and volleyball. He said the new front desk was built and punch-list cleaning and touch-ups are being completed. \"It looks really, really good,\" Mathis said of the work.

Staff reported additional repairs and upgrades completed or underway: a contractor repaired the bridge to the rec center using marine-grade plastic 2x4s after equipment damage; BNI Contractors completed a water service-line project that restored multiple lines and extended service to a new outdoor bottle-filler and fountain; Sofia Quartz completed pickleball line painting on tennis court No. 1 and left paint for future touch-ups; rubber matting for the strength and cardio rooms has been delivered; and Fire Pro will recertify fire extinguishers next week. The facility's automated external defibrillator (AED) was sent out for service and a loaner unit is in place.

Mathis said staffing and equipment remain constraints. He told the board that new fitness equipment originally scheduled for delivery sooner will now arrive the week of July 6. \"That's not gonna be delivered until the week of July 6,\" he said. Despite that delay, staff continue to plan for limited public access at the rec center starting the week of June 2 so programs can prepare ahead of summer camp, which begins June 9. Mathis said summer camp registrations average about 20 children per week across nine weeks.

Planned initial hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; weekend hours will depend on staffing and demand. Mathis and board members said janitorial services will walk the facility next week for initial supply orders and training, and that building, plumbing and fire inspections must be completed before a public announcement. Memberships were paused during the closure and staff said they have information needed to resolve prorated accounts.

Board members asked about scheduling classes and open gym time during summer programs; Mathis said instructors and contractors have been contacted and some classes may resume before the formal grand opening. He said the advisory board will delay a grand-opening celebration until the new fitness equipment arrives, likely in July.

The board approved the April 16 meeting minutes during the session and kept the rec center reopening and related fee-schedule review on future agendas. Next Bay Oaks advisory board meeting is scheduled for June 18.

","Town staff told the Bay Oaks advisory board the recreation center will reopen the week of June 2 with new court flooring, a rebuilt front desk and other repairs; fitness equipment delivery is delayed to the week of July 6 and inspections must pass before a public announcement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Town awards earthwork contract for Newton Park; advisory board eyes additional South‑end amenities

Advisory board moves to form Friends of Bay Oaks but banking and donation transfers remain unresolved

Town issues RFQ for Bay Oaks pool design; school reopening uncertainty could affect after-school plans

Fort Myers Beach plans Bay Oaks rec center reopening June 2; fitness equipment delayed until July