During the meeting, the council conducted a comprehensive interview process with several candidates for the town manager position. Each candidate presented their qualifications and vision for the future of Fort Myers Beach, with a particular focus on leadership style, budget management, and community engagement. McCann stood out by articulating a clear strategy for managing the complexities faced by small municipalities, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters that have impacted the area.

McCann’s background includes a significant tenure in military leadership roles, which has equipped him with the skills necessary for managing large budgets and fostering intergovernmental cooperation.

In his career, McCann has handled budgets exceeding $200 million, requiring a disciplined approach to financial management. He acknowledged the challenges of managing finances in a small municipality, particularly with fluctuating property values and limited revenue streams. McCann proposed identifying growth opportunities and potential increases in funding through user fees or grants to balance economic and community development. This pragmatic approach to financial management was a key factor in his selection.

The council’s decision-making process was methodical, with each council member ranking the candidates based on their presentations and responses to questions. His emphasis on pre-established relationships, particularly in emergency management, was noted as a valuable asset for the town as it continues to recover from recent disasters.

The council expressed optimism regarding McCann’s potential to lead Fort Myers Beach through its ongoing recovery efforts. His perspectives on leadership and governance were well-received, and his unanimous support from the council members reinforced his fit for the role. The next steps involve contract negotiations, with McCann expected to transition smoothly into the position as the current manager’s term concludes.

In addition to selecting a new town manager, the council meeting addressed several other topics. The ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian was a recurring theme, with discussions highlighting the need for effective lobbying with federal agencies such as FEMA to secure necessary funding for community restoration. The importance of building strong relationships with stakeholders, including neighboring communities and government entities, was emphasized as vital for successful recovery efforts.

Another topic was the development of a shoreline protection project that has been in the works for several years. The project aims to enhance habitat and safeguard property, with community consensus deemed essential before proceeding with state and federal funding. The council acknowledged the complexities involved in the permitting phase with agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency, stressing the importance of transparency and community input throughout the process.

Budgetary constraints were also discussed, with a particular focus on the challenges of managing limited revenue streams and fluctuating property values. The council recognized the necessity of collaboration with existing budgetary processes and the potential impact of state-level changes on the town’s financial planning. The need for flexible staffing approaches in response to tourism fluctuations and emergencies was noted as a critical aspect of maintaining public service demands in a resort community.