The meeting began with the council addressing the recall election results from November 4th, 2025. The certified results led to the recall of two council members, John King and Karen Woodson, primarily due to perceived inadequacies in representing community interests. The resolution to confirm these results was passed with a three to zero vote, as both King and Woodson abstained from voting due to conflicts of interest. Following this, a resolution certifying the election of Rebecca Link to replace Woodson was also approved, further altering the council’s composition.

Karen Woodson, one of the recalled members, addressed the council and audience, expressing disappointment but gratitude for the support she received while serving. She characterized the recall as being based on misinformation and emphasized her commitment to maintaining integrity and service to the community.

With new leadership in place, the council reorganized its structure, reappointing Dan Allers as Mayor and electing Scott Safford as Vice Mayor. These leadership changes occurred alongside the council’s decision to adjust the agenda to accommodate urgent discussions on the comprehensive plan, advisory committee adjustments, and ongoing strategic planning.

The comprehensive plan discussion was another focal point of the meeting, with council members deliberating on the timeline for its adoption and the role of the Local Planning Agency (LPA). A deadline of December 1st was set for adopting the plan, and there was consensus on involving the LPA to gather additional feedback. The council considered various options for moving forward, including holding a special meeting for further LPA input or collecting individual comments from members. The urgency of the plan’s adoption was emphasized, with a council member noting the tight timeline and potential need for a complete restart if the deadline was missed.

Public comments on the comprehensive plan reflected community concerns, particularly regarding conservation elements and the future land use map. Residents urged the council to consider environmental implications and ensure community engagement before finalizing the plan. The council also addressed the importance of adhering to strategic planning processes, which involve community input to establish a vision, mission, goals, and objectives for Fort Myers Beach.

Discussions on ongoing development projects highlighted infrastructure challenges, particularly in the Times Square area.

The meeting also touched on the town’s compliance with FEMA regulations, culminating in Fort Myers Beach coming off FEMA probation. This milestone was attributed to collaborative efforts to address administrative concerns, with the town now positioned to pursue potential flood insurance discounts through the Community Rating System. Council members expressed gratitude for the hard work involved in achieving compliance and emphasized the importance of maintaining these standards to prevent future issues.

Additionally, the council revisited its interactions with the Lee County School Board regarding the historic school building on the island. The school board’s response, perceived as lacking good faith negotiation, prompted frustration among council members.

Finally, the meeting addressed logistical matters such as the town’s financial adjustments, including impact fee ordinances and budget resolutions. Community engagement was further encouraged through upcoming events like the 35th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championships.