A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the strategic planning workshop led by Tina Fisher from Collaborative Labs at St. Petersburg College. Fisher introduced a new approach to gathering ideas using technology, moving away from traditional methods. The use of polling technology was highlighted to facilitate transparency during the brainstorming process. This technology-driven approach aimed to streamline participation and make it easier for the community to engage in the planning process.

The council discussed the strategic planning project, structured in three phases: data gathering, design, and implementation. The initial phase involved stakeholder interviews and community feedback through surveys and focus groups. The iterative nature of this process was emphasized, with each step building on the previous to ensure comprehensive input from various sources.

A council member expressed concerns about redundancies among the capital improvement plan, comprehensive plan, and strategic plan. The concern was that these plans, though interconnected, could potentially overlap and confuse public engagement. The need to respect the public’s time was underscored, particularly given past community forums perceived as unproductive. To address this, it was suggested that feedback for both the strategic and comprehensive plans could be gathered in a single forum to prevent overwhelming the community.

Fisher confirmed that the strategic plan’s website would allow for public comments on both plans, emphasizing coordination to avoid multiple meetings that could strain public engagement. The need for communication among the firms facilitating the planning efforts was highlighted.

The meeting also delved into leadership qualities among council members, where they reflected on their strengths and what they wish to be remembered for. This exercise was aimed at understanding leadership styles, with categories including action-oriented, empathetic, analytical, and visionary. Participants shared their preferences, with one member identifying as “more of a numbers guy” and another expressing frustration with the slow pace of processes. This discussion highlighted a consensus on the need for a balance between action-oriented strategies and sensitivity to community input.

A recurring theme in the meeting was the importance of mutual respect and civility. Council members recognized the necessity of maintaining respectful dialogue even amid passionate disagreements. This approach was deemed essential for addressing the island’s challenging issues and aligning the council’s vision with community input.

Challenges in rebuilding the town amidst external factors such as hurricanes were also a focal point. The town has faced significant hardships, including the impacts of red tide, COVID, and Hurricane Ian, which have collectively affected the community’s quality of life. The need for patience and resilience among residents was reiterated as the town navigates its recovery efforts.

The council discussed the balance of interests among residents, businesses, and tourists, describing the town as a “tripod” that cannot lean too far in one direction without jeopardizing the others. This balance is crucial in maintaining the town’s integrity and ensuring a sustainable future that considers both tourism and community needs.

Emphasis was also placed on the principles of improvisation as a means to foster collaboration during the strategic planning process. The concept of “listen and agree” was introduced, encouraging participants to focus on generating ideas without criticism. This approach is intended to maintain a constructive atmosphere and keep energy levels high.

The council members engaged in a collective exercise to identify key themes they wish to prioritize, including the balance of residents, businesses, and tourists, a sustainable future, and the effective rebuilding of Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian. These themes are significant in guiding future discussions and decisions as the council navigates the complexities of redevelopment and community engagement.