Ft Myers Beach - Good Neighbor

The soul of Fort Myers Beach didn't wash away with Hurricane Ian. Just ask Melody King, who watched from a third-story window as the storm devoured her paradise on September 28, 2022—her 39th birthday. "You never expect your birthday to be the worst day of everyone's life," she reflects with remarkable clarity in this powerful conversation. Melody's story begins six years...

Starting over after devastation can lead to unexpected opportunities. For Brian and Michelle Rich, Hurricane Ian became the catalyst for creating Current Riders, a specialty outdoor recreation shop on Fort Myers Beach dedicated to helping people overcome barriers to enjoying Southwest Florida's natural paradise. The couple's journey began with long walks on the beach, contemplating their...

Florida's second most visited state park holds a remarkable story of conservation triumph that nearly wasn't. Lovers Key, now a pristine coastal sanctuary, once faced imminent development into a canal-lined McMansion community in the late 1970s. Today, this environmental treasure stands preserved through the tireless efforts of an all-volunteer organization working to protect its unique...

Grab a lime and pull up a bayside seat as we launch our flavorful journey through Fort Myers Beach's taco and tequila scene! Our inaugural episode takes us to Junkanoo, a mid-island treasure nestled right next to Publix with breathtaking back bay views where dolphins playfully surface throughout the day. We're diving fork-first into their $12.99 Taco Tuesday special – beefsteak tacos wit...

The resilience of coastal communities is put to the test when natural disasters strike, but it's in these challenging moments that true innovation and human spirit emerge. Jack Walker's story exemplifies this perfectly, as he transforms personal adversity into opportunity through his drone technology business on Fort Myers Beach. Eight years ago, Jack and his wife made the leap from a Ch...

Technology promises often fall short of expectations, leaving business owners frustrated and their digital needs unmet. That's where Brett Palladino and Luna Digital Services step in, providing what so many tech companies don't - actual solutions and genuine customer service. On this episode of the Fort Myers Beach Good Neighbor podcast, Brett shares his journey from construction to beco...

When devastation strikes a community, true character emerges. The Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club exemplifies this through their remarkable story of service, resilience, and growth shared on our latest State Insurance USA Cares podcast. Founded in 1950, the Woman's Club faced near extinction with fewer than 20 members until 2017. Today, they boast over 150 members and operate with a unique...

The resilient spirit of Fort Myers Beach shines brightly in this heartwarming conversation with Scott Safford from Sea Gypsy Vacation Rentals. As the community rebuilds following Hurricane Ian, Scott shares the exciting progress happening across the island and the strategic approach of creating "a win every month" to maintain momentum. July celebrated the Beach Bar becoming the first bus...

A revolutionary cancer treatment has arrived in Southwest Florida, and it's changing the way we think about radiation therapy. Dr. Shannon MacDonald, a radiation oncologist with 18 years of experience at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, joins us to unveil the region's first proton therapy center and explain why this technology matters for cancer patients. Proton therapy represen...

Trading Chicago's bitter winters for Florida's sunny shores, Jason Thomas has brought Badass Coffee to Fort Myers Beach, creating more than just a place for premium Kona beans. His story of transformation—from fine dining executive chef to beachside coffee entrepreneur—captures the essence of island reinvention that resonates throughout the community. At Santini Plaza on the island'...

The salty breeze, the welcoming community, and the magic of permanent jewelry come together in this heartwarming conversation with Emmy, owner of I Shine Forever Permanent Jewelry on Fort Myers Beach. Emmy shares her fascinating journey from making beaded jewelry as a seven-year-old in Venezuela to becoming a fixture of Fort Myers Beach's vibrant business community. After relocating from Nash...

What happens when life's hardest financial lessons become your professional mission? For Edward Jones advisor Eric Tibbs, watching his grandfather's $700,000 farm inheritance vanish through bad financial advice created a powerful purpose—ensuring others never face similar hardships. From his first taste of Fort Myers Beach at Dog Beach after leaving the Air Force, Eric recognized somethi...

What happens when an insurance agency puts love at the center of its business model? Gail Langner from State Insurance USA reveals the remarkable difference this makes for Fort Myers Beach residents in this heartfelt conversation. State Insurance USA isn't your typical insurance agency. As an independent agent representing virtually every carrier in Florida, they offer something increasingly...

Discover the heart and soul of Fort Myers Beach's beloved waterfront destination as Ryan VanDenabeele, Marketing and Operations Director at Salty Sam's Marina, shares his fascinating journey and the marina's remarkable recovery story. Ryan's path to paradise began far from Florida's sandy shores, in a small town south of Kansas City. Taking a leap of faith 24 years ago, he...

Ever wonder how someone transforms from facing seemingly impossible odds to becoming a respected business leader? Meet Shalonda Washington, owner of Reliable Permitting with over 27 years of experience helping property owners, realtors, and contractors navigate complex building regulations. What makes Shalonda's story remarkable is where it began. Pregnant at 14, she didn't have the luxu...

The vibrant renewal of Fort Myers Beach takes center stage as Jacki from the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce joins host Cabo Jim to share the island's remarkable renaissance story. Their conversation paints a picture of a community rebuilding with purpose—where each new structure contributes to a colorful, resilient future while honoring the island's storied past. Jacki reveals exci...

Betty Jean isn't just a Fort Myers Beach icon—she's a living testament to embracing life with unstoppable energy at age 97. Her journey from Wisconsin bar owner to beloved beach personality offers a masterclass in aging gracefully through constant engagement and community connection. Arriving on the island in November 1990, Betty found herself "hooked on the beach" after what w...

A salty breeze, the sound of waves, and stories that warm your heart like the Florida sun – that's what the Ft Myers Beach Good Neighbor Podcast delivers straight to your ears. We're not just talking about beautiful beaches and picture-perfect sunsets; we're diving deep into the soul of our island community through the people who make it special. Host "Cabo" Jim Schaller i...

What happens when a community faces repeated crises yet emerges stronger each time? In this captivating conversation with Jacki Liszak, President and CEO of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, we discover the resilience that defines this beloved coastal destination. For nearly a decade, Jacki has guided the Chamber through a remarkable series of challenges—red tide, Hurricane Irma, COVID-19,...

Have you ever wondered what happens to your home when you're gone for months at a time? The truth might surprise you. Professional Home Watch is far more than just checking that your doors are locked—it's a comprehensive system of protection for what is likely your most significant financial investment. Diane from Home Watch Academy brings 19 years of industry experience to this eye-open...

Remember when "putting Mom in a home" was the only option for aging family members? Those days are long gone! Today's seniors are redefining aging with choices that preserve independence while building meaningful community connections. The premiere episode of Aging Well at Home explores this evolution in senior living options, particularly for those considering Southwest Florida as...

Navigating the path to homeownership doesn't have to feel like scaling a mountain without gear. Puja Romero of CrossCountry Mortgage's Wellmax Mortgage Team unveils the truth behind common mortgage misconceptions that keep many potential homeowners on the sidelines. Think your credit score isn't high enough? Think again. Puja shatters the myth that you need pristine credit to qualif...

Discover the delicious journey of Snow Monkey Business, Estero's homegrown food truck bringing global flavors to Southwest Florida. In this captivating conversation, military veteran Roger Munoz shares how international travels with his wife sparked an innovative culinary concept combining three distinct offerings: traditional savory foods, authentic boba tea, and spectacular snow ice – a spe...

Ever feel like you're at the mercy of corporate whims? That's exactly where Robyn Deering found herself before discovering the power of franchising. As a self-described "corporate refugee" who watched job after job get outsourced, Robyn transformed her career frustrations into opportunity by becoming a franchise consultant and partner at the Franchise Consulting Company. Robyn&...

Standing at the edge of adolescence, today's young women face unprecedented challenges. Social media pressures, unrealistic beauty standards, and constant connectivity have created a generation battling anxiety, self-doubt, and disconnection like never before. But in Southwest Florida, an extraordinary organization is offering a powerful alternative. WellFit Girls, now celebrating its 10th ye...