Fort Myers Named One of America's most "Playful" Cities

For the sixth straight year, the Fort Myers has been named a “Playful City USA.” Cities and towns across the country are honored for putting the needs of kids and families first so kids can learn, grow and develop important life skills. These communities are transforming ordinary places into playful spaces and using play as a solution to the challenges facing their residents.
258 communities across the country were named Playful Cities in 2017. Florida boasts the most Playful City USA communities, but Fort Myers is the only recipient in the Southwest Florida region.

1000+ Participate in Kids to Parks Day

More than 1,000 kids and families flocked to Centennial Park on May 20 to celebrate Kids to Parks Day. The fun-filled day of kids’ events included dance contests, street hockey, bounce houses, arts and crafts, a potato sack relay race, and more. Other returning favorites included bubble soccer, a rock climbing wall, and a close-up look at the Public Works Department’s vehicles and the FMPD’s K9 unit. (Photo by Eloise Pennington)

Marie Adams Retires After 40+ Years with City

More than 45 years after her first day on the job at the City of Fort Myers, long-time City Clerk Marie Adams has retired. Adams joined the City in 1972 and became City Clerk in 1990. She briefly retired in 1994, but returned less than three years later to serve again as City Clerk for another two decades.
City employees know Adams as the City’s unofficial historian. Adams served to eight mayors and two city managers in her tenure with the City.
The Fort Myers City Council honored Adams by proclaiming May 1, 2017 as “Marie Adams Day” in the City. (Photo by Eloise Pennington)

Teens "Clean Up" Neighborhood

The City of Fort Myers became a little more beautiful this May, thanks to the Fort Myers Teen Advisory Council. On Saturday May 6, the Council organized a community beautification project in association with the Florida League of Cities. Along with Delta Sigma Theta, the groups collected 34 large trash bags of debris from Fort Myers roadsides, with special thanks to neighbors, Councilwoman Teresa Watkins-Brown and Councilman Forrest Banks.
The Teen Advisory Council is a group dedicated to community engagement. For more information, please contact Gary Bostic at 239-321-7539. (photo by Jerry Miller)

Get Involved by Joining a Citizen Advisory Board

The City of Fort Myers seeks responsible, community-minded citizens to serve on its Citizen Advisory Boards. These volunteer boards provide advice and recommendations to City Council on numerous topics of public concern. Typically, board members must reside, work, or own property within the City of Fort Myers. Citizen Advisory Board members usually serve for two- to four-year terms.
The Mayor and City Council members appoint board members. If you are interested, download an application from the City’s website at www.cityftmyers.com/266/Board-Applications-Forms or call (239) 321-7035.

Public Safety Open House

The Fort Myers Fire Department will host a public safety open house on Saturday, June 17 with the FMPD and Lee County EMS. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. until noon at Fire Station No. 5 (9700 Treeline Ave., Fort Myers).
Come learn more about public safety in the City of Fort Myers and meet your first responders-- plus get a closer look at a fire engine, ladder truck, ambulance, police armored SWAT vehicle, HAZMAT trailer and more. The FMPD K-9 unit will be on hand along with fire safety mascot Sparky the Fire Dog.

Meet the Fort Myers Fire Chief Candidates

You are invited to meet the seven finalists for the position of Fort Myers Fire Chief! We will host a meet and greet from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6th. The open-house style event will be held at the City Pier Building, 1300 Hendry St. (Second Floor).

Eastwood Golf Course to See Improvements

The front nine at Eastwood Golf Course will get an “extreme makeover” this summer. The expansion of Hanson St. to Ortiz Ave. will cut through the course, so City Council has approved additional renovations to improve play at the City-owned course.
Renovations are expected to be complete by the Fall. In addition to a redesign of holes 1-9, the City hopes to improve some drainage issues on the back nine as well.

Dozens Enjoy "Coffee With a Cop"

Fort Myers residents got a chance to chat with members of the Fort Myers Police Department in May, at “Coffee With a Cop.” Dozens of citizens took advantage of the opportunity to build a stronger relationship with the police and learn more about the FMPD’s work.
The next Coffee With a Cop will be held on Monday, June 12 at the Downtown Fort Myers Starbucks (Corner of First and Broadway) from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Crime Prevention Tips from the Fort Myers Police Department

With Summer Break arriving, you may wish to take a few extra precautions to lessen your chances of becoming the victim of home or car burglary:

•   Never advertise you are leaving town
•   Create the illusion of occupancy by using timers for lights, TV or Radio
•   Lock all windows and doors in your house and vehicle
•   Hide or lock up valuables—and keep valuables away from windows
•   Keep a video or photo record of all items in your home
•   Report ALL suspicious activities or persons to the FMPD.

For more tips, contact Kathryn Hoffmann, Crime Prevention Practitioner at (239) 321-7753 or khoffmann@fmpolice.com

Juneteenth Coming to Clemente Park

On Saturday, June 18th, Clemente Park in Fort Myers will host the sixth annual Juneteenth Fathers' Day Celebration. The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers is combining its Father’s Day festivities with the Lee County Black History Society’s Juneteenth celebrations. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.
This year's event will include bounce houses, kids games, a basketball clinic, music, door prizes, food and drinks, stage performances, raffles, and more.

Richard Moulton, Ellen Clyatt, Saeed Kazemi

Public Works, Human Resources Directors Named

The City’s Public Works and Human Resources departments have new leadership. Richard Moulton and Ellen Clyatt were promoted to the positions of Director of Public Works and Director of Human Resources, respectively. The two were sworn in on May 9. Both had previously been serving in the positions in an interim capacity. (photo by Eloise Pennington)

Turning America "Orange" on June 2 & 3

Fort Myers City Council has proclaimed June 2 “Wear Orange Day.” The color orange symbolizes safety and the value of human life. In 2013, a group of Chicago teens asked classmates to honor their murdered friend by wearing orange. Their request has grown into a national movement for gun safety.

239 Unity at STARS Complex

On June 3, the S.T.A.R.S Complex will host “239 Unity,” a family fun day. The event will include both fun and safety, with bounce houses, field day events with local police and clergy, a wear orange march, and a water safety awareness program. The event goes from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Billy's Creek Marsh Restored

The City of Fort Myers has removed about 200 dump truck loads of sediment from the Billy’s Creek filter marsh. De-silting helps reduce the organic content that settles at the bottom of the marsh. It also helps to reduce exotic aquatic vegetation. This process will help Billy’s Creek continue its natural flow in to the Caloosahatchee River, and cleans up the waters that flow into the Caloosahatchee.

FMFD "Cereal Killers" Win Weight Loss Challenge

Three Cheers to the "Cereal Killers," from the Fort Myers Fire Department, who tied for first place in the HealthyWage SWFL Weight Loss Challenge. The team lost more than 16% of their body weight during the challenge-- and earned a $7,500 team prize!
Overall, 43 City of Fort Myers employees that lost a total of 679 lbs. in the challenge, making everyone a winner for living healthier lives. (photo by Eloise Pennington)

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