The Town Manager initiated the discussion about the Public Safety Committee’s effectiveness, highlighting concerns over its redundancy in light of town staff and council already addressing many issues. A call for guidance on whether to revamp the committee or assign it a new purpose was made. The conversation then shifted to the idea of a neighborhood watch program, with emphasis on collaboration with local law enforcement to address petty crimes, such as equipment theft from lighting projects. It was noted that the existing law enforcement presence was insufficient to cover all areas at all times.

The concept of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was revisited, with proposals for trained volunteers to assist during emergencies. Although the CERT program had dissolved previously due to underutilization and an aging volunteer base, the need for clear coordination between emergency response teams and community volunteers was emphasized. Suggestions were made to revive emergency call boxes, especially in high-traffic areas like Times Square, to enhance public safety.

Discussions also highlighted the need for better educational frameworks to inform visitors and residents about local safety protocols, including traffic and water safety. Suggestions included distributing informational pamphlets in hotels and condos to consolidate various educational initiatives, thus improving awareness of local rules and safety measures.

Crosswalk and pedestrian safety were identified as concerns, with proposals for implementing infrastructure improvements such as flags for crosswalks and temporary lighting solutions during busy seasons. The need for a systematic approach to address potholes and improve lighting in key areas was emphasized, with members advocating for a prioritization system to address these hazards promptly.

The council also deliberated on an ordinance aimed at regulating smoking in public parks, following changes in Florida law. The ordinance would address smoking and vaping in public parks, considering the environmental impact of smoking-related litter and the rights of individuals to enjoy smoke-free environments. Discussions included whether enforcement should focus on education and compliance rather than punitive measures, and the need for public understanding and peer enforcement was noted.

The procedural aspects of advancing the smoking ordinance were debated, with a commitment to further collaboration between staff and legal counsel to finalize the wording and scope. The council noted similar efforts in Sanibel, which could inform Fort Myers Beach’s approach.

In addition to safety and health concerns, traffic management during peak tourist seasons was discussed, with proposals for temporary measures such as rented barriers and volunteer traffic handlers. However, liability and training concerns were raised, emphasizing the need for qualified personnel to manage altered traffic patterns.