APRIL 2026

NO SHADE…JUST SUNSHINE

Meet The Beach

FMBGN-EIHS-From Calusa Kingdom To Koreshian Dreams: How A Barrier Island Took Shape

A move to paradise can start with something as small as a song and something as undeniable as two dolphins surfacing beside your boat. We’re hanging out with Fort Myers Beach neighbor and singer-songwriter Stephen Clark, a retired TV journalist who trades gray Midwest winters for Gulf sunshine, canals, and a music scene rebuilt one gig at a time.

We talk about the moment Florida became real, how he narrowed his home search to three nonnegotiables, and why that kind of clarity matters when life feels heavy. Stephen also shares how growing up in an Air Force family taught him to land in a new town and quickly find his place, a skill that shows up everywhere from songwriting to building community after the hurricane.

Then we get into the craft and the comedy: why he’d rather play three chords to a hundred people, why originals are rare in tourist bars, and how he writes beach lifestyle songs that feel like they were pulled straight from your vacation brain. You’ll hear the stories behind fan favorites like “Drinking Our Kids Inheritance,” “My Damn Dog Won’t Die,” and the Buffett-inspired mindset of noticing those perfect little moments and turning them into music.

If you enjoy local Fort Myers Beach stories, island music, singer-songwriter interviews, and real talk about starting over, hit subscribe, share this with a friend who needs sunshine, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

Stephen Clark
Singer/Songwriter
[email protected]
stephenclark.tv
@StephenClarkOnTheRoad

MEET OUR SPONSORS

Grateful for Our Sponsors:
Join Us in Making a Difference

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our initial sponsors, State Insurance USA, Nervous Nellies, Snug Harbor Restaurant and The Alex King Group for their generous support and commitment to our community. Their partnership has played a vital role in helping us grow and bring exciting events and opportunities to Ft. Myers Beach. We’re truly grateful for their belief in our mission and their investment in making this season a success. If you or your business would like to join our efforts and gain valuable exposure while supporting local initiatives, consider becoming a sponsor today—we’d love to partner with you!

Health & Wellness

TROPCIAL TRADES

FMBGN-BIZ-Leanis Casual and Swimwear Turns 50 And Tells The Story Of Santini Plaza’s Comeback

Fort Myers Beach can feel like a postcard, but the real story lives behind the counters, in the leases, and in the people who decide to rebuild anyway. We talk with Carrie from Leanis Casual and Swimwear on the south end about what it means for a small island business to reach a 50-year milestone and why that history is tied to Santini Plaza and the bigger comeback of the community.

Carrie shares what visitors often don’t see: the grit it takes to reopen after Hurricane Ian, the challenge of seasonality, and the “big city problems” a small town suddenly has to solve. We also dig into the emotional side of recovery. For many families, Leonis isn’t just a place to buy women’s swimwear or resort clothing, it’s a memory marker. People remember shopping there with grandma, then returning years later as the grandparents themselves. That continuity matters when so much else has changed.

We also get practical about planning a visit. We cover how the south end is working to improve communication, where to look for an events calendar, and what’s returning around the island from farmers markets to restaurants to marina services like gas and bait. If you want a grounded, local look at Fort Myers Beach recovery, small business resilience, and what’s actually happening at Santini Plaza, this conversation is for you.

If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share it with a friend who loves the island, and leave us a quick review so more people can find the south-end story.

Ft Myers Beach Community Spotlight

Bringing out The Spirit of The Beach

The Ft Myers Beach Community Spotlight is where local heroes—like dedicated charities, selfless non-profits, proud veterans, and even beloved neighborhood pets—get the recognition they deserve.

Welcome to Our Regular Series STATE INSURANCE USA-Cares Hosted By Gail Langner and Sponsored by STATE INSURANCE USA featuring Local Non-Profits & Charities packed with upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and local happenings to keep you connected and inspired.

It’s all about celebrating kindness, service, and the vibrant community spirit that defines life here in Ft Myers Beach.

A Final Message

Slowing Down, Staying Connected

As April ushers in a gentler pace on Fort Myers Beach, it gives us the perfect opportunity to reconnect with what matters most—our community. With the crowds thinning and the shoreline returning to its peaceful rhythm, we’re reminded that the true beauty of island life isn’t just in the scenery, but in the people who call it home. This is the season to enjoy quieter sunsets, friendly conversations, and the simple joy of being present.

While the start of the year may feel like it’s already behind us, April offers a second chance to reset and refocus. It’s a time to support our local businesses, lend a helping hand, and continue building the connections that make our island strong. The Good Neighbor spirit doesn’t slow down—it deepens, creating a sense of belonging that carries us through every season.

Here’s to embracing the calm, appreciating the little things, and moving forward with gratitude, positivity, and pride in the place we’re lucky to share. Because even as things quiet down, the heart of Fort Myers Beach continues to shine brighter than ever.

See a neighbor spreading kindness like palm fronds in the breeze? Know a business going the extra mile to lift our island higher? Have an event, idea, or story that captures the soul of Ft Myers Beach?

We’re all ears—and all sunshine. 🌺 Share your nominations, stories, or suggestions with us, because this community is built on you and the memories we create together. Drop us a line at [email protected] , give us a call at 239-427-4100, or send us a message on social. Let’s keep The Spirit of Ft Myers Beach shining—tropical, strong, and full of good vibes.

Until next time,

The Ft Myers Beach-Good Neighbors