WEEK OF MARCH 1, 2023
Volume 38, number 9
School board voices support for Beach School rebuild No official action yet taken, agreement with town may be needed By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The majority of the Lee County School District Board gave direction to Superintendent Dr. Chris Bernier this past week that they want to stabilize the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School and reopen it in phases. The project would cost an estimated
$10.4 million for the first phase and, if enrollment warrants an expansion, would cost $9.1 million for a second phase for a full rebuild. The costs are expected to be reimbursed through insurance and Federal Management Agency Emergency (FEMA) funds due to the damage brought by Hurricane Ian to the structures. Specifics have not yet been agreed
upon by the board. The board majority said they supported stabilizing the school and reopening it though that option would entail an interlocal agreement with the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Some board members indicated they want the town to provide the school district access to the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus. Board Vice Chair Samuel Fisher said
he supported a memorandum of understanding with the town. He said he would like a three-year timeframe which board members have discussed as the timeframe they are seeking to see if the school’s enrollment can grow. The work session meeting started with a slide that showed the 2022 budget for the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School was $1.7 million with $404,000 of that See BEACH SCHOOL, page 9
Town seeks easements for beach renourishment By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
Salty Sam’s Marina pirate ship, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill reopen By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
W
hen Hurricane Ian swept in off the Gulf of Mexico, it hit Salty Sam’s Marina as hard as it could, wiping out dozens of boats that were stationed there and leveling much of its docks. Despite the damage, Salty Sam’s Marina is still standing, its famed pirate ship survived and this past week its signature restaurant – the Parrot Key Caribbean Grill opened back up. The pillars are still standing upright, holding up its iconic balcony and architecture. Several of the concrete pillars had to be replaced. A pirate statue is still standing in front of the restaurant greeting customers. The Original Shrimp Dock Bar & Grill which is also on the property next door — was hit particularly hard, with extensive roof damage. Darrell and Matt Hanson, owners of Salty Sam’s Marina and the two restaurants
on the property, are still considering plans for the Original Shrimp Dock Bar & Grill, Salty Sam’s Marina Marketing Manager Ryan VanDenabeele said. “It’s still kind of up in the air. We want to focus on one restaurant at a time.” Currently, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill is offering a limited menu off its grill with grouper, burgers, hot dogs and bratwurst. VanDenabeele said the kitchen just had power restored and hopes to have a larger menu this week. The See SALTY SAM’S, page 10 The famous Salty Sam's Marina pirate ship is back in action after undergoing repairs and a new coat of paint after taking some damage from Hurricane Ian. NATHAN MAYBERG
The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council is supportive of a $25.5 million beach renourishment project and $7 million emergency berm project that its consultant says will only cost the town less than $1 million of the overall cost due to state and county reimbursements. But so far, the town hasn’t been receiving the easements it needs for the project to go forward. At a council meeting in February, the council was told only about one-sixth of the 360 easements required for the project to go forward have been granted by property owners. The town recently updated the easement to make it clear that “there are no third party beneficiaries and nothing prohibits the upland owner from using their property in any way as long as such use is consistent with the easement and complies with federal, state, county, and Town of Fort Myers Beach law,” town spokesperson Jennifer Dexter stated. “It also clearly states that all risks associated with the use of the easement is on the Town, not on the property owner.” The easement document and instructions as well as additional information about the Town’s beach recovery projects can be found at www.fmbgov.com/beach. Questions can be sent by email to Chadd Chustz, the Town’s Environmental Projects Manager, at chadd@fmbgov.com. The plan is to start the project in the fall if the easements can be acquired. “We’ve had property owners that are eager to get their properties back in shape to bring in beach compatible sound,” Chustz said. Chustz said he has worked with property owners and vendors. Chustz See EASEMENTS, page 10
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