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Council approves two recurring island markets with conditions after merchants, Lions Club and vendors debate access
Summary
After extended public comment from Times Square merchants and a weeks-long permit overlap issue with the Lions Club Shrimp Festival, the council approved Santini and Times Square market permits but excepted specific dates (including the Shrimp Fest day) and restricted hot food at Times Square to reduce competition with nearby restaurants.
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council on June 15 approved two recurring market permits submitted by promoter Linda Miller but attached conditions intended to reduce conflicts with existing businesses and a long-running community festival.
Nora Skipper, the town—s special-events coordinator, described overlapping permit requests: a Santini Marina market (vendor produce, food trucks, baked goods) and a Times Square market (artisanal crafts and boutique merchandise). The Lions Club later applied for a single booth at Times Square on March 13 to support the Shrimp Festival, prompting merchants and the Lions Club to ask council to avoid competition with the festival's move to Bay Oaks.
Times Square merchants and nearby property owners told council they have repeatedly experienced access and safety conflicts during markets. Barry Frank, speaking for Times Square owners, said vendor schedules and food preparation sometimes block customer access and expressed frustration about inconsistent enforcement. Frankie Gropaczek, the town—s community development director, said staff has worked on-site to deconflict setups and will continue oversight.
Mayor Allers moved to approve Linda Miller—s Times Square market for Fridays and Saturdays from October 2026 through May 27, 2027, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Santini market application, with exceptions: the Times Square permit will not run on December 19, January 23 and April 17 (dates approved earlier for other events), and March 13 (the Lions Club Shrimp Festival date) unless the Lions Club agrees to be a vendor within Miller—s market that day. The motion also included a restriction that no hot food be served at the Times Square market to avoid direct competition with Times Square restaurants. The motion passed unanimously.
Linda Miller told council her markets draw large online reach and help local businesses; she said she has worked with property owners and argued that excluding multiple prime-season days would be a hardship for vendors who rely on market income. Council members urged the parties to coordinate and find a cooperative solution where possible. Staff said Lynn Hall Park restrooms and other operational accommodations will be used to help manage customer needs.
The council also confirmed prior approvals for Santini Marina Plaza subject to standard Fire Department and sheriff oversight. Members said they expect continued dialogue among the promoter, Lions Club and merchants to minimize recurring disputes and to preserve access on the busiest festival weekend.
