Beach Talk Radio

Joe Gambino is running for Lee County Board in the Republican primary against Mike Greenwell and John Albion. Eliza is a local with a lot of cool stories who brought prizes for our local trivia game. And, Annie Meehan detailed how she overcame big obstacles in her life.

John Albion is running for Lee County Board again. Dr. Traci Kohler is the new Beach School Principal. Michael Braun is leaving the News-Press after 17 years to take on a new role at WGCU.

We covered everything from the 1986 World Series to why he's running for the Lee County Board with former Boston Red Sox great Mike Greenwell. During the second half of our show, Fort Myers Beach resident Dave Crist joined us to tell us his story. The Dave is in need of a new kidney.

Cindy is running against Byron Donalds for Florida's 19th district in the House of Representatives. This past Saturday, we asked her about being arrested in DC, the Supreme Court abortion ruling, how she thinks Governor DeSantis is doing and much more, including our speed round of questions.

Town Council candidate Karen Woodson joins us for the full hour. She talks about her opponents in the race, the dune walkover, community policing, the town manager and much more. Plus she answers our speed round of questions about herself.

Melissa Rice from Sanibel joined us to talk about affordable housing. Former Judge Stephen McGuire from Naples about his new political thriller. And, Greg Von Krumreig, one of the new owners of The Whale.

Fort Myers Beach Town Council Patrick Romcoe returns for another round of questions and the owners of Captiva Spirits bring their own vodka for us to taste.

Ben Duval from Tunaskin had a special gift for us. Jeff and Kristen Stanko from Royal Scoop told us all about their great ice cream and fudge products. Fort Myers Beach Town Council candidate John King returned for another round of questions. Kim tries to force ice cream on Ed one day before a big race.

Today's show was short but packed a lot of punch. In fact Nan came ready with the insults for Ed. Kim and her funky math. Great summer programs at the library. And, Lauren gives us the skinny on the Big Carlos Pass kayak launch battle.

Monica Lynn joins us to talk about the dolphins. Louise Kowitch from Lovers Key lays out the Summer program for us at Lovers Key State Park. Ed addresses The Mayor calling voters the dregs of society.

Councilman Jim Atterholt was our guest on episode #218 last Saturday. For 90 minutes Atterholt filled the community in on everything from the beach renourishment to tinted windows to the big three beach projects.

Nancy Bouchard and Kelly Smith from the Community Foundation tell us all about the $70,000 they distributed to the community. Terry Carlson gives us the lowdown on the mangroves being cut down in his neighborhood behind Beach Pottery.

Janeen Paulauskis and Jan Fleming update us on the Film Festival at The Beach Theater. Karen Woodson discusses her run for Town Council.

Both Patrick Romcoe and John King are running for the Fort Myers Beach Town Council. Dave Nusbaum tells us why he's not in favor of beach renourishment near his condo Island Winds.

Taste of The Beach and Beach Renourishment

It was Shrimp Festival weekend on Fort Myers Beach. We spoke to Alex King from the King Foundation, who was the Grand Marshall of the parade. Our second guest was Fort Myers Beach historial Elle Bunting.

Bernard McGarvey from The Lions Club joined us to give us a final update on the 64th annual Shrimp Festival. TJ Holzapfel told us about his new business Rude Shrimp Co.

The Beach Talk Radio Community Calendar is sponsored by JPS Vacation Rentals (www.jpsfmb.com). To add your event to our Community Calendar - at no charge - send all the details to edryantheeditor@gmail.com

Roxana and Steve tell us about the March 17th Woman's Club event, Dan Allers and Steve Johnson battle over the lighting issue. Ed apologizes to Mayor Murphy.

Fort Myers Beach PTO President Chantal Blais and Treasurer Jenny Tardiff discuss the upcoming fundraiser at Shuckers. Steve Johnson from the Marine Resources Task Force talks about the lighting on the beach.

Director of Lee County Human and Veteran Services Roger Mercado told us about the homless services the county offers. Adam Rose from the Florida Department of Transportation reviewed the recent Matanzas Pass Bridge public meeeting. Jennifer Rusk talks turtles. Ed's Boss from Radio Ink paid the show a visit.

Najibullah Torakai, who, along with his family, escaped from Afghanistan as it was being taken over by the Taliban was our first guest. Then, Lee Melsek told us abuot the book he's writing and gave us a Fort Myers Beach history lesson and Christy and Steve return to talk local issues.

Kevin Cothron lost his house in the January 2022 tornado that ripped apart Iona. He told us what happened when his neighbor's house landed on his. Steve and Christy fill in for Kim.

Ed "The Sandman" Reed tells us why he create sand magic every weekend on Fort Myers Beach. Tim Shadle is considering running for Town Council. Bernard McGarvey updates us on The Shrimp Festival.

Adam Rose from the Florida DOT talks to us about the fishing pier near Nervous Nellie's and why it's coming down. Danielle Garcia talks Yoga. Sam Ankerson fills us in on The Shell Museum on Sanibel. Kelly Jones and Nancy Bouchard from the Community Foundation discuss the upcoming concert series.

Fireworks from the roof of Mango Rita's to being a close to 2021.

The 2022 Putt and Pub Crawl is right around the corner and Nan and Christy fill us in on the details. And, Kevin Behen has started a new mobile vehicle cleaning business.

Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Ron Martin discusses the importance of safe driving around the holidays and Santa Claus makes an appearance on the show.

Doris told us all about her SAVE the REEF fiber art exhibit at the Fort Myers Beach Library...and she never wears shoes. And Debbie Debbie LoVerde filled us in on the Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center where she is the Community Education Coordinator.

Steven Ray McDonald gives us an update on the Restore the Arches campaign, AND he gets a special surprise donation. And, Dan Allers fills us in on the December 18th Beach Bike Parade.

Danielle Lynch from Blue Ribbon events tells us about the slate of events coming up, Megan Allers has the latest on the 4th annual Woman's Club Tree Festival and Auction and Brett Baugh discusses the 19th annual Spirit of Christmas online auction.

Dr. Banyan is putting together a special report about the Fort Myers Beach Fire department and is looking for community input.

We started off the show with a presentation from Jennifer Rusk from the Marine Resources Task Force to 7-year old Bodie Bellefeuille. Watercolorist Shari Blaukopf showed off some of her awesome art. And, former Lee County Judge Hugh Starnes discusses race, redistricting and Robert E.Lee.

Craft brewers from all over the state come to Lovers Key State Park for the annual fundraiser called Beach & Brews. This year thre were 9 breweries, food trucks, live music and a silent auction. Organizer Megan Allers joins us followed by local residents Brad Foreman and Keran Farrell and several of the brewers.

Alex King, form the King Foundation, discusses his $10,000 donation to the Lions Club for the Shrimp Festival, along with Lion Bernard McGarvey. Steve Davis, from the Everglades Foundation, gets us up to speed on saving the Everglades and LOSOM.

Paula Smith and Kathy DelBalzo discuss the Salvation Angel Tree at the library. Kelly Smith updates us on the gift card giveaway from the Community Foundation. The Roar Offshore leadership presents a $13,000 check to the Lions Club and Nightbird jams out three songs, including one Tom Petty hit, leading up to their performance at the kickoff of the FMB Friends of The Arts concert series.

Scott Allan returns to tell us about the third annual Mayhem at The Mancaves. Fred Morgan and Jacquelyn McMiller from the Lee County NAACP discuss the once-in-a-decade redistricting and the new map they would like to see approved.

During a special broadcast of Beach Talk Radio at the Fort Myers Brewery, Dan Andrews joined us to talk about LOSAM, the politics of clean water, how Captains has become his full-time job and much more. The event at the brewery was a fundraiser for the organization.

Carol Mathai and Inna Malostouker brought some of their best photographs and told us about their photography classes at Lovers Key. Marine Resources Task Force Committee member and beach resident Mary Rose Spalletta covers everything from turtles to Boulevard lighting to her turtle tattoo.

Kim interviews Friends of The Everglades Executive Director Eve Samples about all things water, including: The Everglades, Lake O, LOSAM, the sugar industry and more. They also discuss the great work Friends of The Everglades does and how you can get involved.

Linda Miller give us the details on the Fort Myers Beach Farmers Market. John and Jodie Perrin tell us about the fundraiser going on for 4-year old Sophie who has cancer. Corky Condon's dad was a Navy Seal killed in Vietnam. They are holding a Navy Seal Fitness Challenge on October 16th.

Megan and Stephanie tell us all about what's going on at The Women's Club this holiday season. Fort Myers Beach Councilman Jim Atterholt talks about all the local issues the council is working on.

Fire Chief Ron Martin talks about taking over the job as Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief from Matt Love. And, Dan Spears from BMI is back to talk about the 2021 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.

Janeen fills us in on one of the coolest events on the beach, the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival at The beach Theater. Councilman Dan Allers talks public safety, Estero Boulevard lighting, parking fee increase and much more.

The entire team from the Roar Offshore Championship boat races filled us in on the October 2021 event. Louise Kowich joined us to detail everything that's happening at Lovers Key State Park. Ed & Kim discuss Community Policing and much more from the town council meeting.

London resident Anika Kurk tells us why she's moving to Fort Myers Beach and Eddie Rood gives us an update on the fight he's having with the town over a walkover in his backyard. Plus Ed and Kim discuss LOSAM and the resignation of the FMB Fire Chief.

Mike "Popeye" Dearden joined us to talk about Popeyepalooza. He's added a new bike ride to his charity event and Shuckers will be part of the fundraiser. Steve and Cindy Johnson talk turtles, lights and the COVID vaccine with us.

Lee County Board Chairman Kevin Ruane joined us for the full hour to discuss LOSOM and the possibility that Lee County might file a lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers.

Ben Duval from Tunaskin discusses the Grouper Grappler, Al Kinkle tells about Kimmie's Recovery Zone and Jim Hocket discusses Estero Boulevard Lighting.

The town is going after Tuba player Derick Nangle. They say he can no longer walk the beach playing his Tuba. Jason tells about the crazy man who attaccked his staff at Mangorita's.

Pastor Shawn Critser and Sherri Critser from the Beach Baptist Church tell us all about the services the church offers, the great coffee they sell to help the people of Guatemala and we have a frank discussion about the homeless.

Chauncey Goss, Chairman of The South Florida Water Management District gives us an update on LOSOM. Fort Myers Beach Town Councilman Dan Allers touches on every issue the town is facing today.

Bonita Springs Councilman Jesse Pardon joined us for a discussion on community policing. As Fort Myers Beach debates hiring two LCSO deputies, Pardon tells us why Bonita has 14 community police officers.

Lee County School Board Member Chris Patricca is back to give us an update on how things are going at the district, including a search for a new Superintendent, LBGTQ issues, whether the Beach School should remain open and much more. Sanibel City Manager Judy Zimomra is retiring after 20 years. We look back on her stellar career, how she's been able to survive two decades in the manager's chair and what she has planned next.

John Campbell from the Army Corp of Engineers keeps us up to date on the Corps' LOSAM plan. Retired Federal Judge Steve McGuire talks about his book Prior Restraint and Bob Closson and Sarah McCormick, the new owners of Hammerhead Gym, give us the scoop on changes they're making to the fitness center.

City of Bonita Springs District 2 Councilman Jesse Purdon is all in on Community Policing. In this special interview, Purdon explains why Bonita has 14 community police officers, what they provide to the community and why he believes working with LCSO is better than creating a Bonita Springs Police Department.

With 40 years experience in the Kettering, Ohio police department, Jim Knickle has a great perspective on public safety. James Evans from the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Association is the go-to person on Water Quality.

Brad Foreman tells us about his latest attempt to climb Mt. Everest and the COVID breakout on the mountain. David Brown and Faiza Shariff from Family United give us the details on the 2021 Reeling For Autism fishing tournament coming up June 19th.

Paula, Forrest and Wayne discuss the Blue Star Memorial at the Fort Myers Beach Library. Louis Kowitch from Lovers Key gives us an update on the new summer education programs and Cindy Johnson provides her input on Amber lights for Estero Boulevard.

Tom Campo, owner of the Beach Theatre joined us to give us the history of the theatre and to talk about the great food his location has, which is also available for takeout. And, we continued the discussion about the lights on Estero Boulevard with Emily Asp from the Sea Turtle Conservancy and Steve Johnson from The Marine Resources Task Force Committee.

Ralph Nudi tells us about his new TV show called Nudi on The Beach. Lighting expert Jim Hockett, who's also a member of the Estero Boulevard stakeholders committee, gives us his thoughts on amber lights versus LED. And, more Fort Myers Beach trivia from Mr. FMB History Lee Melsek.

It's Turtle season in Florida. Eve Haverfield from Turtle Time and Kelly Sloan joined us to tell us all about how their organizations are taking care of the nests, what the hundreds of volunteers do during turtle season and how long it takes for the turtle to swim from Southwest Florida to the Keys. And, Jamie Kouba is the new Vice President for Save The Arches. Jamie updated us on the fundraising effort to reconstruct the arch that will be built at Bowditch Beach.

Lee County Homeless Coalition Executive Director Janet Bartos discusses all the programs available for the homeless in the county. Brian Nagle from Shuckers tells us about his May event at the restaurant to help the Beach School raise money. Ed and Kim review the situation with the town targeting the show.

United States Congressman Byron Donalds joined us for the entire hour. We asked him about the attack on the Capitol building, the crisis on the border, gun control, and how he's helping keep the water in Southwest Florida clean.

The owner of Matanzas Doug Speirn Smith joined us to talk about the mooring field issue. Kelly Jones-Smith and Sandy Sandness unveiled The Community Foundation cookbook. Ben Duva froml Tunaskin fills us in on their May 15 fishing tournament.

It was all about water safety on Episode 159 with Golisano Childrens Hospital Safe Kids Coordinator Sally Kreuscher, Dan Eaton from the United States Coast Guard and Paul Demello who lost his 14 month old twins in a drowning incident.

Neil Newton and Chase Huessey from Paradise Parasail tell us all about their 40-year old business on the beach and Charlie Whitehead talks Little League, community issues and why he opposes Myerside.

Nancy Bouchard updates the Community Foundation virtual fundraiser. Marine Resources Task Force members Steve Johnson and Jennifer Rusk detail the committee's new pop-up education booths. Popeye has a new business called Bike Billboards. Scott Allan is hosting a fundraiser at the mancaves.

Shelby Sites tells about the booth set up in Times Square for what would hae been the 2021 Shrimp Festival weekend. Tara Taggart from the Florida League of Cities explains the vacation bill moving through the Florida Legislature. Len Lemmer from Nervous Nellies and attorney Mike Chianopolis discuss why the town of Fort Myers Beach is targeting local businesses.

Congressman Brian Mast has a message for the Army Corps of Engineers, Lou Daviau wants to ride his motorized bike on the beach, and, Beverly Milligan and Rolland Weinmann, owners of Myerside Resort need a zoning change to expand.

Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani gives us a big picture look at water quality. Daniel Clarkston tells us when he believe his hotel - The Sun Deck - will be open again after a Friday night fire. FMB Town Councilman Jim Atterholt has an idea of his own regarding cleaning up the water.

Jackie Hutcherson Parker is the host of the Shellcast podcast produced by the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel in Lee County. Local attorney Mike Chionopoulos discusses the court case he won against the town for Sunset Grill owner Terry Presaud.

Dr. Scott Crater, candidate for City Council and Clair Beckman and Joyce Matthys from the Sanibel Shell Club

John Henshaw and Tim Drobnyk are both running for Sanibel City Council. There are 6 candidates running for 3 open spots on the council. The election is March 2.

Our guests were Book Nook owner Annette Stillson and children's book auther Claire Lawrence. Karen Woodson and Keran Farrel. From Island Oils Cory Johnson.

Mary Bondurant, who's running for Sanibel City Council was our first guest on Episode #3. Chauncey Goss updated us on water quality issues and his role on the City Council now.

Tom Torgerson and John Dammermann give the community and update on Margaritaville. Tom and Mark DeBeer discuss their new venture together, Gulf Marine Yachtworks.