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Fort Myers Beach Council directs start of decennial charter review; sets application timeline
Summary
The council agreed March 13 to begin Fort Myers Beach's required 10‑year charter review, seek five citizen commissioners, set an application deadline in mid‑May and target appointments for the June 2 meeting, with any charter changes to appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council on March 13 directed staff to begin the town's decennial charter review and open applications for a five‑member Charter Review Commission, with applications due in mid‑May and appointments targeted for the June 2 council meeting.
Nancy, town attorney, explained the requirement: “your charter requires, that every 10 years, you take a look at your your charter, to see if any updates are needed based on changes in Florida law or based on, policy concerns that, you feel, should be, reviewed or or altered.” She told the council the next practical ballot for any charter questions would be Nov. 3, 2026.
The council discussed committee size and membership rules. Amy, town clerk, and Nancy confirmed the clerk and town attorney serve as ex officio staff to the commission and that the commission's meetings are subject to Sunshine Law, so the public may monitor progress. Members of the council recalled the previous review included five appointed members plus staff representatives; Nancy read the prior committee roster from records as Tom Babcock, Miffy Greer, Dan Hughes, Jay Light and Dan Barker.
Councilmembers sought guidance on process details. The council agreed to advertise the appointment, allow applications from residents (including those currently on advisory committees), set a May 15–16 closing for applications to allow review before a June 2 appointment meeting, and give the commission roughly a year to complete work so staff could prepare any necessary ordinances and hearings in time to meet ballot placement deadlines. Nancy reminded the group that any charter changes accepted by council must follow the ordinance process and then be placed on the ballot for a yes/no vote.
The council directed staff to return with the advertised application, timeline and any intermediate deadlines required to place charter changes on the November 2026 ballot.
