During the meeting, the council members engaged in a discussion on the town’s strategic planning process, which included the importance of a clear mission and vision for guiding the town’s direction. The debate touched upon how the previous strategic plan would be integrated into future decision-making. Angela Christ, director for the Florida Institute of Government at the University of South Florida, stressed the significance of involving all stakeholders in the planning process. Council members participated in a group activity to identify key milestones in the town’s history, reflecting on events and individuals that have shaped Fort Myers Beach, including its incorporation in 1995, Hurricane Charlie in 2004, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s influence in 2020.

The council also highlighted the need to preserve the town’s unique community atmosphere, its natural areas, and a balance among residents, businesses, tourists, and seasonal visitors. The discussion revealed concerns about the impact of traffic congestion on the island’s quality of life, with some members expressing the desire to address this issue within the strategic plan. Additionally, members discussed the impact of recent hurricanes, red tide phenomena, and the pandemic, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to ensure resilience against natural or man-made disasters.

Financial planning was a key topic, as the council addressed the necessity of setting aside funds for emergencies and future growth. The conversation transitioned from a focus on survival and response to a more visionary and forward-thinking approach. Council members suggested that regular reviews of the strategic plan, potentially quarterly, would be more beneficial than the previously proposed 3 to 5-year review cycle. They also discussed the importance of aligning performance appraisals, goal setting, and job descriptions with the strategic plan.

The importance of local businesses and their interdependence with residents and tourists was another focal point. The council discussed the significance of encouraging small businesses to return to the island and understanding spending habits to maintain a balanced community. Members envisioned Fort Myers Beach as a distinctive and inclusive community that offers sustainable opportunities. They were tasked with envisioning the town’s accomplishments in a newspaper column set in the year 2034, which aimed to define a comprehensive vision for the future.

The town was compared to diverse places like Key West and Santa Barbara, with council members appreciating its inclusive population, diverse activities, and cultural events that draw people outdoors. The council agreed on the necessity of strategic planning and action planning, highlighting the practical impact of having a clear vision for community initiatives and future goals.

Community involvement in the strategic planning process was underscored, with the council discussing the need for unity of purpose and a culture shift to prioritize strategic goals effectively. Input from the community was deemed essential, with plans to conduct surveys, open forums, and stakeholder interviews over a 9 to 12-month period, followed by quarterly reviews and updates. During the public comment portion, a resident commended the town’s development post-hurricane, citing improved walkability and reduced traffic, while a mayoral candidate called for effective communication with county and state officials, and expressed concerns about maintaining the small-town feel.