FORT MYERS BEACH MONTHLY NEWSLETTERAUGUST 2015 — VOLUME 30, NUMBER 8Official Publication of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Catchof the day

Waterline Construction on Estero Boulevard Begins!From the Desk of Kay Molnar at the reFRESH Waterlines and Estero Boulevard Public Information Office

Construction begins to replace waterlines on Estero Boulevard from Times Square to Red Coconut RV Park as part of the Fort Myers Beach Waterline Replacement Program. New water main will be installed on Estero Boulevard starting at Crescent Street and will progress to Red Coconut RV Park. Most of the

waterline construction will be on the beach side of Estero Boulevard and will require connections to existing waterlines on both the bay and beach sides. Waterline construction from Times Square to Crescent Street is expected to begin in September. Once the new waterline is installed, tested and approved, individual services will be connected.

Crews are expected to work during the daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some night and weekend work may be necessary. Motorists should expect lane closures on Estero Boulevard. This project is being done in coordination with Lee County’s Estero Boulevard Improvements Project expected to begin this fall 2015.

Upcoming changes to traffic pattern on Estero Boulevard

Beginning Monday, August 3, motorists should expect two work zones on Estero Boulevard from Crescent Street to Gulf Beach Road. Two crews will install water mains. Crew 1 will start at Crescent Street and move toward Carolina Avenue. Crew 2 will start at Pearl Street and move toward Gulf Beach Road. Crews will need to close the southbound lane and the center turn lane to install water and TECO gas lines. Crews will close the lanes between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Lane closures will be limited to the

areas the contractors will be actively working on that day. Traffic will be maintained in both directions in the northbound lane. Flaggers will alternate traffic directions frequently, but motorists can expect some delays depending on traffic volume.

What do property owners, businesses and residents need to do?

Businesses and residents along Estero Boulevard in this section should be prepared for water shut-offs. Every effort will be made to minimize H2O shut-offs; however, it is likely that you will experience planned and possible emergency H2O shut-offs. While affected parties will be notified via flyers prior to planned H2O shut-offs, it is recommended that you keep bottled water on hand for emergency H2O shut-offs. A precautionary boil water period of approximately three days typically follows an H2O shut-off.

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber has offered to provide assistance to restaurants and bars in the form of ice and water during the boil water period. Please contact the Chamber directly at 239-454-7500 to find out more information about this program.

Questions? Need help?

Visit the website at www.reFRESHFMBeach.com and click on “reFRESH Waterlines” for construction information as it becomes available. You may sign up on the website to receive emails about the project. If you have questions or concerns during construction, please contact the reFRESH Waterlines public information officer, Kaye Molnar, Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. at 239-337-1071 or via e-mail to kmolnar@cella.cc.

1 | AUGUST 2015 FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

President’s Report: An Opinion on Amendment One

Chamber StaffBud Nocera | President

Rhonda Murray | Director of Membership Services & Events

Doug McElheny | Internet & Social Media Manager

Pete Frye | Front Desk

Lisa Beckham | Accounting

Kathy Hanagan | Roxie

1661 Estero Boulevard, Suite 8, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931239-454-7500 • Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Photo of the Lake Okeechobee discharge as it approaches Estero Island. Photo taken by Bud Nocera on September 27, 2013.

It appears the Florida Legislature not only ignored, but even defied the will of Florida’s voters by not implementing Amendment One as it was envisioned and intended. That Florida constitutional amendment, passed last November by 75% of the voters, earmarked one-third of the tax on real estate documents for environmentally sensitive land acquisition and restoration

projects. After the black water discharges from Lake Okeechobee polluted our river, bays and shoreline in the late summer of 2013, this amendment was important to all of Southwest Florida and especially to Fort Myers Beach.

$300 million was created by Amendment 1 for environmental land acquisition and restoration programs. This should have been a banner year for state purchases of environmentally sensitive land. Instead, the legislature actually spent $60 million less than was earmarked for the environment in the previous year’s budget. Instead of $300 million for land acquisition, the legislature provided only $17.4 million for the state’s land buying program.

The money that should have gone toward restoration and land purchases was instead diverted to pay for governmental agency salaries and expenses in the same game of “three card monte” voters saw legislators perform in the education budget back in the late 1980’s when the Florida Lottery was introduced.

The legislators used $92 million of Amendment 1 money to replace sales tax (general revenue) that had already been going to the environment. This coming year the general revenue budget for the environment fell to less than 15% of the total budget, down from 18%.

Amendment One was created and passed because the people of Florida saw a state legislature that appeared indifferent to their desire for increased protection of Florida’s natural resources. This legislature seems to have confirmed that fear. But behavior has consequences. In late June a lawsuit was brought against the Florida Legislature over its failure to listen to Amendment 1. It will be interesting to see if the judicial branch of our state government will force the legislature to follow the amendment as it was written and intended.

Bud Nocera, PresidentFort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce

Officers and Executive CommitteeDavid Anderson, Chair | Krusty Pete’s On-The-Beach

Robb Capps, Chair Elect | Premier Florida Realty of SWFL

Fran Podraza, Vice Chair | CFS Roofing Services, LLC

Sandy Lepley, Treasurer | CENTURY 21 TriPower Realty

Bud Nocera, President | FMB Chamber of Commerce

AUGUST 2015 | 2FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

AmbassadorsRhea BucklandHurricane Bay Water TaxiRobb CappsPremier Florida Realty of SWFLDonna FaganSPD Solutions, Inc.Lisa Farrell Paradise Advertising and DesignJohn Gavin Gavin’s Ace HardwareWayne Gibson R&W Gibson Promotional ProductsCarrie Grunewald Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee CountyJaime Huffman Santini Marina PlazaDarrell Kendzior Traction PlusDenice Knudsen Premier Florida Realty of SWFLSandy Lepley CENTURY 21 TriPower RealtyWanda Linatsas Royal Scoop Homemade Ice CreamLeslie McElheny Associate MemberFran Podraza, Chair CFS Roofing ServicesR.J. Snider Salty Sam’s MarinaCharles Stallings Hampton Inn and SuitesAndrew TateParadise AdvertisingEric Tibbs Edward Jones and CompanyMegan Zelenak Sea Gypsy Inn

Roxie VolunteersDonna BatesAAABrendan BrindiseBrindise Group Inc.Carolyn CrosbyJudy CulticeKiwanis ClubDonna FaulhaberSandy HeinBubby Howell Capt. Bubby’s IsLAND ToursLeslie McElhenyBev MilliganMyersidePeg MorelandElaine MosesJoanne MufalliCheryl NyeMichelle Pyle Truly ScrumptiousPam SchindlerRetired Military/Lee Co. ElectionsTony ScopelJessica TitusFort Myers Beach RealtyRoland WeinmannMyersideDebbie WhiteheadPete FryeFort Myers Beach ChamberKathy HanaganFort Myers Beach Chamber

Ready Ice Steps up for Fort Myers BeachDiscussing the implementation of an emergency ice back-up plan for businesses in the Estero Blvd. construction zone are, pictured from left, Chair Director Bill Fagan, Board Chair, Dave Anderson, Nick Frye, Ready Ice Customer Service Manager, Jack Benitez, Ready Ice Fort Myers Plant Manager, Bud Nocera, FMB Chamber President.

Ambassador of the MonthMegan ZelenakMegan Zelenak of The Sea Gypsy Inn is the Ambassador of the Month! Megan earned this coveted title through performing her volunteer Ambassador duties including attending Ambassador meetings and visiting with new members to welcome them to the Chamber. Each month a new Ambassador of the Month is chosen based on their volunteer participation on event committees and mentoring new Chamber members. The Chamber appreciates each and every one of our Ambassadors and all the work that they do.

Member LuncheonWith Duane HoverstenJoin us for lunch Thursday, August 13th at 11:30amCharley’s Boathouse Grill | 6241 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach

Duane HoverstenDuane Hoversten, founder of Biz Coach Plus has started and owned a broad range of businesses including 3 fertilizer plants, 7 computer stores, a software company, a spice company, a consulting company and a campground. For the last 20 years Duane has been a Small Business Management Instructor and a consultant for the Small Business Development Center for the last 16 years. Duane has also been very active in his community serving on many boards including Chamber of Commerce, City Council, Hospital Board, Economic Development, HRA, Lake Association, Lions, and a Bank Board. Duane is a dynamic speaker that will leave you energized. He has created and given numerous seminars including “Why Small Business Fail and What you Can do About It” , “Don’t Let the Economy Crash your Business” and “Marketing is Everything” Duane has his BS Degree from Mankato State University and his MBA from Cardinal Stritch College.

August Chamber Luncheon Speaker

3 | AUGUST 2015 FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

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Chamber Gives BackThe Fort Myers Beach Chamber provided scholarships for two children to attend summer camp at Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center. The children will enjoy learning about our sea grass communities, plankton populations, mangrove tangles and bird nesting areas.This is a great education program for our future scientists and marine biologists.

Bud Nocera, FMB Chamber President, Joan Semmer, Ostego Bay Foundation, Marcee Anderson, and Dave Anderson, FMB Chamber Chair.

Volunteers NeededVolunteer at the Roxie and take advantage of this great way to promote your business directly with potential customers! Roxie shifts are from 10-2 and 2-6 Tuesday-Sunday, and we ask for a one 4 hour shift per month minimum. Call Rhonda Murray at 454-7500 for more information.

AUGUST 2015 | 4FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

New Member SpotlightsDonald Truax Mobile DetailingSpecializing in providing superior service for your automotive detailing needs. We come to you which will allow you to spend more time with your family or more important things. We provide a variety of services on cars, trucks, boats, rv’s, and motorcycles. We also provide pressure washing services for homes and driveways. We have over 5 years in the detailing business. Call today for a free estimate (239) 994-0523.

Mr Tequila Mexican Restaurant Mr Tequila Mexican Restaurant was founded in 2003 in Bradenton with the main objective of providing the best Mexican food. Our goal is to delight our customers by providing the authentic Mexican flavor in each of our dishes as well and the most efficient service. It’s our hope and pleasure to serve you. Enjoy!

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The Hospital Corporation of AmericaThe Hospital Corporation of America is the Nation’s largest HealthCare provider with over 265,000 employees at our 185+ Hospitals and 120+ surgical medical centers. The Consult-A-Nurse Operations has been in Ft. Myers for over a decade, and we are a Telehealth Operations that does both clinical and non-clinical work with patients. We provide hospitals with customer service support via our inbound call center as well as web site content creation and integration. We are staffed with registered nurses and customer service representatives. Individuals phone our office seeking a physician referral at one of our many hospitals, health information, or to RSVP at a hospital sponsored event. We offer competitive salaries, benefits and a pleasant working environment. Please visit www.HCAhealthcare.com to learn more about how we are advancing the field of healthcare operations to “Put Patients First.”

Ken Sneed Site Director, Consult-A-Nurse Operations HCA l NCCM

Living LocalBeing a resident of SW Florida since 1987, Audrey Brooks has lived through the amazing growth in our community and have also witnessed the tough times that we have been through. Experiencing all of this has given her a true appreciation for our local businesses and the work that goes into making them successful.

At Living Local we are excited to provide affordable, high quality, results-driven advertising to small businesses; while connecting readers to reputable local establishments that offer great products and services. In addition to our targeted mail distribution, we are also found in 30+ Publix kiosks across Lee & Collier counties.

We believe when our local businesses succeed, jobs are created, families are provided for and people find more fulfillment in their lives. Living Local is excited to be a part of the FMB Chamber and to continue to assist in the economic growth across SW Florida!

GphomestayGphomestay is a leader in the educational service industry and specializes in bringing support to international student programs at American high schools across the country. Our trained staff is committed to the success of each student by arranging and overseeing safe residential accommodations that enhance the students’ overall American experiences. We are partnered with over 200 high schools across the U.S. including Canterbury School in Ft. Myers and St. John Newman’s in Naples. Please visit our website at www.gphomestay.com.

FORT MYERS BEACH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

JULY 2015 — VOLUME 30, NUMBER 7

Official Publication of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Catchof the day

Construction on Estero Boulevard Expected to

Begin this SummerFrom the Desk of Kaye Molnar at the reFRESH Waterlines and Estero Boulevard Public Information Office

Construction is expected to start on Estero

Boulevard from Crescent Street to Lovers Lane this

summer. While Lee County’s Construction Manager,

Chris-Tel Construction, is busy soliciting for bids to

build the improvements on Estero Boulevard, the

Town of Fort Myers Beach is preparing to install

new waterlines beginning in July. It is necessary

for the Town to start replacing the water mains on

Estero Boulevard in advance of the County’s work. New waterlines need to

be operational so the existing water main can be removed or abandoned.

Florida Power and Light will move their power poles to the back of the

right-of-way as they continue work to strengthen their facilities throughout

Lee County to help improve service reliability due to severe weather. This

will also allow for wide sidewalks for use by pedestrians and bicyclists as

part of the Estero Boulevard Improvements. Lee County expects to begin

constructing their improvements later this summer.

Fort Myers Beach to Hold Waterlines Pre-Construction Meeting

The Town of Fort Myers Beach will hold a pre-construction meeting for

Estero Boulevard businesses and residents located from (and including)

Times Square to Red Coconut RV Park from 4 to 6pm (4:30pm presentation)

on Monday, July 6, at the Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church in Silver

Hall located at 100 Chapel Street, Fort Myers Beach. This meeting will

provide construction details specific to the waterline work in this area.

The public is welcome to attend to learn about possible changing traffic

patterns. The Town’s waterline replacement program is being done in

coordination with Lee County’s Estero Boulevard Improvements Project.

What to Expect During the Town’s Waterlines Construction

The water main along Estero Boulevard will be replaced and may affect

businesses and residents from Times Square to Red Coconut RV Park.

Businesses and residents along Estero Boulevard in this section should

be prepared for water shut-offs. While affected parties will be notified via

flyers, it’s always a good practice during waterline construction to keep

extra water and ice on hand for emergency shut-offs. A precautionary boil

water period of approximately three days typically follows a water shut-

off. The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce has offered to provide

assistance to restaurants and bars in the form of ice and water during the

boil water period.

In general, crews are expected to work during the daytime hours from

7am to 7pm. Some night and weekend work may be necessary. Motorists

should expect possible lane closures on Estero Boulevard.

Lee County to Begin Construction Improvements to Estero Boulevard

From Crescent Street to Near Lovers Lane Later This Summer

Lee County will begin construction of the sanitary sewer force main,

stormwater improvements and new roadway and sidewalks later this

summer. Bids for contractors to build the improvements were due June

30. Once contractors are selected and then approved, Lee County will hold

a public meeting prior to construction. No date has been set at this time.

Small group and individual meetings will be held throughout construction

with businesses and residents directly located in the construction zone.

What to Expect During Lee County’s Utility and Roadway

Improvements Construction

The goal of both Lee County and the Town of Fort Myers Beach is to

minimize interruptions during tourist season as much as possible;

however, construction of this project will be year-round. Work zones are

expected to be approximately 1,000 feet long and motorists should expect

more than one active work zone throughout the approximate one-mile

segment. Work zones will be both on the bay side and the beach side

creating a meandering effect along Estero Boulevard. More information

will be forthcoming in the next couple of months.

Questions?

Please visit www.reFRESHFMBeach.com for more information about the

project. You may also contact the reFRESH Waterlines and Estero Boulevard

public information office, Cella Molnar and Associates, Inc.

239-337-1071, toll-free: 877-496-1076 or email: KMolnar@cella.cc

Photo Courtesy of Lighthouse Resort Inn and Suites

Cone Zone Seminar Iberia Bank is hosting a free seminar given by Duane Hoversten, Certified Business Consultant of FGCU/SBDC. Duane will be presenting information to businesses on topics including how to survive the off season, managing finances and cash flow, marketing, and getting more business! This is a great opportunity to prepare for the coming months of construction. Please register by going to http://bit.ly/7e2jDuK .

August 13, 20155:00pm - 7:00pm7580 Winkler Road, Fort Myers

5 | AUGUST 2015 FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

July Chamber Business After HoursBayfront Bistro | 4761 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach

We had a great crowd. Standing room only! Tom with Pam Flaherty, Fort Myers Beach Art Association.

Barb Koeplinger, A-Economical B& B Income Tax Inc., Alice Dixon, Jan Ruhstorfer, Barb Rich.

A hopeful crowd looks on as door prizes are given out.

Bill & Donna Fagan, Fagan Assoc., Megan Zelenak, The Sea Gypsy Inn, Sandy Sandness, Island Sandpaper with Jim.

Dan Allen, The Sea Gypsy Inn with Richard Karger, Ft. Myers Beach Insurance.

Meetings and EventsChamber Coffee ConnectionAugust 6th from 7:30am – 9amResidence Inn20371 Summerlin Road

Ambassador MeetingAugust 6th from 9am – 10amResidence Inn20371 Summerlin Road

Executive Committee MeetingAugust 12th at 8am at the Chamber Office

Member LuncheonAugust 13th at 11:30amCharley’s Boathouse Grill6241 Estero Boulevard Speaker: Duane Hoversten

Board of Directors MeetingAugust 19th at 8amHampton Inn and Suites11281 Summerlin Square Boulevard

Business After HoursAugust 20th at 5:30pmNervous Nellies1131 First Street

Tapa Hop Sponsorship OpportunityThe Tapa Hop is full, but your business can still go for the ride! For $100 we’ll hang your banner on one of our trolleys as they zip up and down FMB with our festive Tapa Hop crowd! Please call 454-7500 for more information.

AUGUST 2015 | 6FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

July Chamber Coffee ConnectionPerkins Restaurant and Bakery | 11410 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers

Delicious breakfast muffins and pastries provided by Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Lisa Farrell, Paradise Advertising with Barbara Farrell, Iberia Bank Barbara Koeplinger, A-Economical B&B Income Tax Inc. with Lisa Reece, Extraordinary Events

Donna Fagan, Fagan Associates, Ind., RJ Snider, Salty Sam’s Marina, Wanda Linatsas, Royal Scoop, Jim Lambeth, A Better Bug Man, Kitty Yacks, Perkins, Barbara Farrell, Iberia Bank

Bud Nocera, FMB Chamber President, Bill Fagan, Fagan Associates, Ind., Denice Knudsen, The Closers, Barbara Koeplinger, A-Economical B&B Income Tax Inc., Georgia Reinmuth, Paradise Advertising, John Gavin, Gavin’s Ace Hardware, Fran Podraza, CFS Roofing, FMB Chamber Vice Chair

Denice Knudsen, The Closers Team of Premier Florida Realty with John Gavin, Gavin’s Ace Hardware, Inc.

July Chamber Member LuncheonHeld at Charley’s Boathouse Grill | 6241 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach

Town of FMB Manager Don Stilwell accepts a check from Nervous Nellies for the fireworks fund from FMB Chamber Chair Dave Anderson as Tamara Pigott of the Lee County VCB looks on.

Georgia Reinmuth, Paradise Advertising, Janeen Paullauskis & Jaime Huffman, Fishtale Marina.

Pam Wittenauer, Realtor with Fran Podraza, FMB Vice Chair, CFS Roofing

FMB Chair Dave Anderson, Lee County VCB Exec. Dir. Tamara Pigott, FMB Chamber President Bud Nocera.

Jim Lambeth, A Better Bug Man with Larry Wynberg, Advanced Disposal

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