Silent Treatment Stalls Pier Progress: FMB Awaits Answers

by Richard Luthmann

Fort Myers Beach is at a standstill, not due to nature’s fury but from the silent treatment emanating from Lee County’s halls of power. At the heart of this brewing storm is Commissioner Ray Sandelli, whose lack of communication has left the community’s ambitious plans for the iconic pier’s reconstruction adrift.

A frustrated community seeks transparency and action from county officials. The absence of essential information about the pier’s future prompts critical questions that, to date, have gone unanswered. Sun Bay Paper asked Commissioner Sandelli, the lame-duck representative for District 3, and the Lee County Press Office these questions over a week ago. As of press time, there was no response:

What are Commissioner Sandelli’s comments on the Fort Myers Beach Pier Rebuild?” Why is there no support for a more expansive pier that could boost tourism and economic activity?”

Can Mr. Sandelli provide examples from his business career at CBRE where non-forward-thinking investments were still pursued?

What are the highlights of the Commissioner’s tenure in the context of the pier’s reconstruction?

What are his thoughts on community plans for a larger, more robust pier that could be a major tourist attraction?

The lack of response from Commissioner Sandelli is not just a local issue but a roadblock in the path of economic recovery and community revitalization. FMB could leverage the pier as a central hub for tourists and locals. However, the community’s hands are tied without clear guidance or acknowledgment from county officials.

The timing for transparency and decisive action could not be more critical. Florida’s tourism numbers, as reported by Governor Ron DeSantis’ office, underscore the economic imperative. The state welcomed 35.1 million visitors between July and September 2023, a record-breaking achievement highlighting the region’s appeal to domestic and international travelers. With over 105.2 million visitors in 2023, the state’s tourism industry is on an upward trajectory, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for FMB and Lee County to capitalize on this growth, provided its infrastructure, notably the pier, can meet this burgeoning demand.

Local stakeholders, including residents, business owners, and community groups, have rallied behind the vision of a revitalized pier. Town Council Member Karen Woodson and members of the Let’s Go FMB! Pier Committee, like Alan Shanosky, have been proactive in their efforts to contribute to the pier’s redesign and reconstruction. Shanosky, in particular, has dedicated significant time to researching pier rebuilds and visiting numerous sites along the Florida coast and the Eastern seaboard to gather insights and best practices. 

The community’s readiness to support and invest in the pier’s future contrasts with Lee County officials’ inaction. FMB’s willingness to engage, fundraise, and plan is evident, yet these efforts remain in limbo without a clear direction or open dialogue from the county.

Commissioner Sandelli and Lee County’s silence hampers the reconstruction efforts and raises questions about their commitment to FMB’s recovery and future prosperity. The pier, more than a structure, symbolizes the community’s resilience and hope. Its reconstruction could catalyze economic revival, drawing tourists and supporting local businesses, ultimately contributing to the region’s recovery from Hurricane Ian’s impacts.

FMB stands ready to turn setbacks into opportunities. The ball is squarely in Lee County’s court. The need for transparency, detailed planning, and community involvement has never been more pronounced. The reconstruction of the FMB Pier represents a significant opportunity for community development and tourism enhancement. This opportunity hinges on the willingness of county officials to step forward, engage with their constituents, and provide the leadership necessary to navigate these murky waters.

The path forward is straightforward but requires collective will, transparency, and action from all parties involved, starting with Commissioner Sandelli and Lee County. The community awaits, hopeful yet determined, ready to rebuild not just a pier but a brighter, more prosperous future for Fort Myers Beach.