AUGUST 2026

NO SHADE…JUST SUNSHINE

Meet The Beach

FFMBGN-BIZ-The Goodz-From Hardware to Heart on Fort Myers Beach

Resilience, community, and the sweetness of ice cream amid reconstruction—this is the story of Graham Belger and The Goodz on Fort Myers Beach.

Graham takes us on a journey through his roots as an island native who transformed a run-down hardware store into a thriving local business, only to face Hurricane Ian's devastating impact. With remarkable candor, he shares how his entrepreneurial instincts led him to partner with Love Boat Ice Cream, creating a unique business model that serves both practical needs and sweet cravings for locals and tourists alike.

The heart of this conversation reveals how small businesses become lifelines during disaster recovery. When major retailers remained closed after the hurricane, The Goodz stepped up as the first place where islanders could find cold drinks and essential supplies. Now operating from trailers while awaiting rebuilding, Graham maintains the same level of inventory and service despite significant challenges. His family's deep connection to the community—including his father who works as a handyman late into the night helping neighbors—exemplifies the interdependent nature of island life.

What stands out most is Graham's unwavering optimism despite personal sacrifices, including selling his beloved fishing boat to keep the business afloat. His story captures the essence of Fort Myers Beach's recovery: perseverance, adaptation, and maintaining the spirit of paradise even when the physical landscape has changed. Visit The Goodz for hardware needs, cool off with one of their 45 ice cream flavors, and witness firsthand how supporting local businesses strengthens the fabric of this resilient beach community.

The Goodz
Graham Belger
1698 Estero Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 765-8900

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, ReNew YU 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

FMBGN-HW-REnew Yu - Osteoporosis Prevention

We sit down with Dr. Greet Baestaens from Renew Yu, Natural Health and Beauty in Fort Myers Beach to make bone health practical and understandable. We break down osteoporosis vs osteopenia, what a DEXA scan T-score actually tells you, and why an additional test like TBS can add important context about bone quality. If you have ever left a doctor’s visit with numbers you did not understand, this conversation gives you better questions to ask and clearer next steps.

TROPCIAL TRADES

Buzz On The Bay - Bash On The Bay

A long weekend on the water can either slip by fast or turn into a story you tell all year. We’re betting on the second one, and we’re laying out the plan for Bash on the Bay at Matanzas on the Bay near Fort Myers Beach, happening Labor Day weekend (Saturday through Monday, the 5th-7th). Think waterfront dining, cold drinks, big views, vendors, contests, and the kind of bayfront energy that makes you want to stay “just one more hour” until the music ends.

We also bring in special guest Ben Allen of the Ben Allen Band to unpack what a great live show actually takes. He talks about the band’s country and country rock mix, how they keep the dance floor moving, and why the perfect setlist is always changing. We get into the craft of pacing a night: running up-tempo for hours, then landing one slow song at the right moment so it hits you right in the feels. Along the way, we nod to other talent joining the weekend like Jackie Rohr, and we talk about why Southwest Florida crowds feel like home after playing stages around the country.

Beyond the music, Bash on the Bay brings a full boat show with multiple boat dealerships on site, giving you a chance to climb aboard, look around, and picture your next day on the water. If you’ve been searching for things to do in Fort Myers Beach for Labor Day, a family-friendly waterfront festival, or live music at Matanzas on the Bay, this is your shortcut to the details and the vibe. Subscribe for more bayfront stories, share this with your Labor Day crew, and leave a review with the one song you’d want to hear live.

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 The STATE INSURANCE USA-Cares Series, hosted by Gail Langner spotlighting local non-profits, charities, volunteer opportunities,

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

ST INS CARES-Premier Mobile Health Services-Primary Care On Wheels

A mobile clinic can feel like a small idea until you meet the people it’s built for. Gail Langner sits down with Dr. Nadine "Deanie" Singh, founder and CEO of Premier Mobile Health Services, to unpack the moment that made her stop accepting “that’s just how it is” in healthcare. After treating a 24-year-old in hypertensive urgency with kidney failure, Dr. Singh realized the real emergency was years without a simple physical, a blood pressure check, or any preventive screening.

Premier Mobile Health Services
Dr. Nadine "Deanie" Singh
10676 Colonial Blvd Suite #20, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Fort Myers, FL · Lehigh Acres, FL · Estero, FL · Cape Coral, FL · Bonita Springs, FL
(239) 222-1829
[email protected]
premiermobilehealth.org

A Final Message

Keeping the Island Spirit Shining

As we say goodbye to another August, there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy on Ft Myers Beach. These quieter days give us a chance to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and enjoy the island at its most relaxed. Take the long way home along the beach, catch one more sunset, try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit, or simply spend a little extra time with friends and neighbors enjoying the paradise right outside our doors.

The slower season is also when our local businesses need their neighbors the most. Every meal enjoyed, local shop visited, activity booked, and recommendation shared makes a difference. Supporting local isn't just about where we spend our dollars—it's about supporting the people behind those businesses who live here, work here, and help give Ft Myers Beach its unique personality.

As summer begins to wind down, let's keep the island spirit going strong. Be kind. Support local. Meet a new neighbor. Share a smile. And never take for granted the incredible place we get to call home. After all, beautiful beaches may bring people to Ft Myers Beach, but it's the Good Neighbors who make them fall in love with it.

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