Redevelopment & Investment

Redevelopment is critical to the future of Fort Myers Beach and should be encouraged for large developers, small business owners, property owners, and residents alike.

• Support redevelopment that improves the island and expands opportunity.

• Make it easier for residents and small businesses to navigate permitting and approvals.

• Ensure everyone operates under clear and consistent rules.

• Provide transparency regarding height, density, traffic, parking, and project impacts.

• Align major projects with the island's infrastructure and long-term needs.

• Encourage investment that improves the community rather than creating future burdens.  If any traffic/congestion is added, it can and should be offset.
   

Infrastructure & Transportation

Growth should be accompanied by infrastructure improvements so today's progress does not become tomorrow's congestion or frustration.

• Prioritize improvements to Estero Boulevard.

• Coordinate growth with road, utility, and public service capacity.

• Consider evacuation and emergency access as part of long-term planning.

• Invest proactively rather than waiting for infrastructure problems to emerge.

• Use infrastructure planning to support growth rather than restrict it.
   

Economic Opportunity

A prosperous island creates opportunities for workers, business owners, entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors.

• Support local businesses and entrepreneurs.

• Encourage new restaurants, retail, lodging, and services.

• Reduce unnecessary barriers to investment.

• Promote a strong local economy that benefits residents as well as visitors.

• Foster an environment where businesses of all sizes can succeed.
   

Community Character

The qualities that make Fort Myers Beach attractive are also part of its long-term economic value.

• Preserve public beach access.

• Support walkability, recreation, and community gathering spaces.

• Maintain the island's unique identity and sense of place.

• Encourage development that complements surrounding areas.

• Recognize that growth and community character can coexist.
   

Transparency & Accountability​

Residents should be able to easily understand what government is doing and why.

• Improve access to public information.

• Clearly explain major projects, amendments, and exceptions.

• Standardize how development metrics are measured and reported.

• Make public participation easier and more meaningful.

• Ensure decisions are made using transparent and consistent standards.
   

Resiliency

As a barrier island, Fort Myers Beach must be prepared for future storms and challenges while continuing to grow and prosper.

• Improve stormwater and flood management.

• Support resilient rebuilding practices.

• Strengthen infrastructure against future storms.

• Consider long-term risks when making major investments.

• Balance growth with preparedness.
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Code Enforcement & Fairness

Rules should be understandable, consistently applied, and fair to everyone.

• Apply standards equally to residents, businesses, and developers.

• Focus on predictability and consistency.

• Help people understand requirements before problems occur.

• Simplify processes where possible
   

Public Safety

A growing community must remain a safe community.

• Support police, fire, and EMS readiness.

• Maintain strong hurricane preparedness.

• Protect emergency access and evacuation routes.

• Ensure growth does not outpace public safety capacity.

• Invest in public safety infrastructure alongside community growth.

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Guiding Principle

Fort Myers Beach welcomes growth, investment, and opportunity while ensuring that development remains transparent, infrastructure-supported, and consistent with the rules residents and property owners rely upon.

Success should not be measured simply by how much we build, but by whether the island becomes more prosperous, more resilient, and a better place to live, work, visit, worship, and raise future generations