Finance Director Joe Anzac presented a detailed overview of the financial history and projected budget for the mooring field. Anzac’s report highlighted the shortfall in revenue and how capital improvements, such as the purchase of a pump-out boat and expansion costs, including the addition of new mooring balls, have affected the budget. The discussion pinpointed concerns over the 2024 budget’s potential shortfalls and the necessity to understand the financial implications of occupancy rates, grant funds, and capital expenses. Anzac underscored the importance of a bridge loan from the state, which could assist in covering lost revenues and expenses.

Committee members interrogated the presented financial data, with specific questions regarding the funding for new mooring balls, which Anzac explained was primarily financed by grants, with a portion contributed by the town. Another point of clarification was sought on the inclusion of FEMA reimbursements in the budget, to which Anzac responded that hurricane-related repair and replacement were considered emergency fund budget items and thus excluded from the presentation.

During the meeting, the council discussed the mooring field’s expansion, which is set to accommodate larger vessels and position Fort Myers Beach as a premier boating destination. Concerns over staffing challenges and prioritizing the town’s development efforts were raised. The council was also updated on the transition to a new Harbor Master, who is expected to have the vision and experience necessary to oversee the expansion effectively.

Eddie Paresi, the new general manager of Matanzas Inn Resort and Marina, expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the council and updated them on the resort’s ongoing repairs and renovations, including plans to rebuild the bar and expand the kitchen. The council acknowledged Matanzas for their interim support and deliberated on the possibility of outsourcing marina operations to local marinas, which previously did not pique much interest. Furthermore, they discussed the status of six slips shut down by the US Coast Guard, for which there were no updates at the meeting.

The council touched on the growing boating industry’s opportunities. The council also talked about the marketing for the mooring field and the role of the new public information officer in future promotional efforts. They also mentioned the ongoing discussions with Lee County Commission about using Bic docks for mooring field operations and potential partnerships for the expansion.

Operational updates included the design of a new dinghy dock and plans for debris cleanup and dredging in waterways impacted by recent hurricanes. The need for a marine debris contractor was discussed, along with potential funding sources and the status of the Laguna Channel. Strategic planning was mentioned, with concerns about a shallow channel at Laguna Shores and the consideration of alternative UPL facilities.

The positioning of mooring balls and channel markers in relation to the US Coast Guard’s review of the channel alignment was debated. The council considered the implications of allowing vessels near the new channel alignment and shifting the markers’ impact. A proposal to change the meeting day was debated, considering the feasibility of such changes for a council member’s schedule.