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- No Shade...Just Sunshine - July 2026
No Shade...Just Sunshine - July 2026
Your all-access pass to sun-soaked stories, legendary locals, the businesses that keep the community thriving, and the rich history that makes Ft Myers Beach the vibrant, colorful paradise we call home.
Cabo Jim Schaller
July 15, 2026
JULY 2026
NO SHADE…JUST SUNSHINE
Celebrating Summer, Community & the Spirit of Good NeighborsGood Neighbors, Welcome to the July Issue of the Ft Myers Beach – Good Neighbor Newsletter, your all-access pass to sun-soaked stories, legendary locals, hidden gems, and unforgettable adventures that make Ft Myers Beach the vibrant paradise we proudly call home. July is the heart of summer—a time when warm Gulf waters, spectacular sunsets, and the simple joys of island life remind us why this little slice of paradise is unlike anywhere else. Whether you're spending the day on the water, enjoying fresh seafood with friends, watching fireworks light up the night sky, or simply taking a peaceful stroll along the beach, July is all about making memories and celebrating community. So, kick off your flip-flops, embrace the island spirit, and join us as we spotlight the people, businesses, events, and stories that make Ft Myers Beach more than a destination—it’s a place where Good Neighbors make every day a little brighter. Warmly, |  |
Meet The Beach
FMBGN-BIZ-Diversified Plumbing Services-Call The Cowgirl
When a toilet backs up or a water heater quits, you don’t just need a fix, you need someone who shows up calm, clear, and ready to help. We talk with Ashleydawn, the “call the cowgirl” face of Diversified Plumbing Services, about what it really takes to deliver reliable plumbing and septic service across Southwest Florida, from Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach to Marco Island and beyond.
We get into the behind-the-scenes reality of running a family-owned plumbing company in a high-demand area: emergency calls, tight timelines, and the hardest piece of growth, finding great employees who treat customer service like the job, not an add-on. Ashley shares how their team thinks about trust, communication, and small maintenance habits that save homeowners money, including annual water heater flushes and proactive checks that catch issues before they turn into disasters.
We also talk hurricane impact and recovery, including how saltwater flooding damaged older copper and cast iron systems and why many island homes needed full repipes. Then we zoom into what’s changing in the plumbing world right now, from true tankless water heaters to hybrid units that can even cool a garage. Along the way, Ashley shares her love for Fort Myers Beach, community giving through autism awareness with Family Initiative, and a personal message about skin cancer prevention and reef-safe sunscreen for beach life.
Subscribe, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review if you want more local stories, practical home tips, and the people making Fort Myers Beach stronger.
Diversified Plumbing Services of SWFL Inc.
Ashleydawn Wells
534 Meadow Road Lehigh Acres, FL 33973
(239) 850-6674
Ashleydawn - (239) 691-2222
[email protected]
dpservicesfl.com
@diversifiedplumbingswfl
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!
 STATE INSURANCE USA 4450 Camino Real Way |  REnew-YU Natural Health-Beauty Dr. Greet Baestaens |
 SNUG HARBOR RESTAURANT645 Old San Carlos Boulevard |  ALEX KING GROUP 100 Lovers Ln
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
FMBGN-HW-Balanced Nutrition-That Fits Real Life
We’re joined by Francesca Scerbo, founder of Balanced Nutrition, to talk about what actually works when you want better energy, better digestion, and a plan you can live with not a short-term diet you’ll quit by next month. Francesca brings a food first, evidence-based perspective shaped by her background in clinical nutrition and exercise science, plus real life experience coaching clients through change without the all-or-nothing pressure.
 | Balanced Nutrition |
TROPCIAL TRADES
FMBGN-BIZ-Erickson & Jensen Seafood-The Story of Local Pink Shrimp
Pink shrimp has a nickname for a reason: “pink gold.” We’re on the bayside of Fort Myers Beach at Erickson Jensen Seafood with Anna, a fourth-generation shrimper who grew up on the docks and still feels that pull every day. She shares the real story behind Gulf pink shrimp, including what makes this species unique to local waters and why so many people swear it’s sweeter and better than what’s shipped in from far away. If you care about fresh seafood, local flavor, and buying with confidence, you’ll want to hear how she thinks about origin, taste, and quality.
We also talk about what it takes to keep a working waterfront alive after a hurricane. Anna walks us through how their operation changed, why they opened a retail seafood market focused on education, and what “local” truly means when you’re choosing shrimp, rock shrimp, and other catches that come through the docks. Along the way, she breaks down sustainability in plain language, explains what demand looks like right now, and shares what she hopes to build next, including plans for an open-air bar and food trucks that keep the waterfront community vibe strong.
Then we zoom out to life at sea: 30-day trips, fishing at night, grading shrimp by hand, brine tanks, and a boat hold that functions like a giant freezer, all done without chemicals. It’s equal parts craft, grit, and pride, plus a little dock-side joy thanks to a snack-loving pig named Cupcake. Listen, share it with a friend who loves great seafood, and leave a review if you want more local stories from Fort Myers Beach.
 | Erickson & Jensen Seafood |
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, and Ft Myers Beach Chamber – Roxie Series, highlighting local businesses, organizations, events, and community connections.
It’s all about celebrating kindness, service, and the vibrant community spirit that defines life here in Ft Myers Beach.
 ST INS CARES-Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation-Water Safety That Saves LivesDrowning is one of those risks people underestimate until it hits close to home, and in Florida, water is everywhere. We sit down with Terri Ballo, president of the Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation, to talk about what actually prevents child drowning and why “it only takes a second” is not just a saying. Terry shares the heartbreaking moment that pushed her to take action, and how that personal turning point became a statewide mission built on education, access, and community support. Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation |  ST INS CARES-Bonita Springs Assistance Office Keeps Families Fed & HousedA rent notice, a medical bill, a week without wages, or even higher grocery prices can knock a working family off balance fast, especially in Southwest Florida. We’re joined by Caily Martin, Executive Director of Bonita Assistance Office in Bonita Springs, to talk honestly about what crisis support looks like when you treat people like neighbors, not numbers. Gail Langner asks the questions many of us are afraid to ask until we need help ourselves: who qualifies, how private is it, and what can you do when you’re trying to hold it together? Bonita Springs Assistance Office |
 Courtesy of the FMB Chamber…. Featured Events…Santini & Time Square Farmers Markets, Bayside Concerts Series, Happy Hours & More…
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A Final Message
Until Next Tide...
As another beautiful July comes nd goes, we hope this issue has inspired you to slow down, embrace the island lifestyle, and appreciate the little moments that make Ft Myers Beach so special. Whether it's a sunrise walk along the shoreline, an afternoon supporting a favorite local business, or an evening spent watching another unforgettable Gulf Coast sunset, these are the moments that remind us why we're so fortunate to call this community home.
Summer also gives us a chance to reconnect—with family, friends, visitors, and neighbors who share our love for this incredible island. Every smile, friendly wave, shared recommendation, and act of kindness helps strengthen the sense of community that makes Ft Myers Beach more than just a beautiful destination—it makes it home.
As you enjoy the rest of the summer, we encourage you to continue exploring, supporting local businesses, and sharing the positive spirit that defines a Good Neighbor. Thank you for being part of our growing community and for helping make Ft Myers Beach a place where everyone feels welcome. We'll see you next month with more inspiring stories, local discoveries, and reasons to celebrate the paradise we proudly call home.
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.
A great community isn't measured by how many people visit, but by how neighbors show up for one another when the crowds go home.
That's the true spirit of Ft Myers Beach.
NOMINATE SOMEONE TO BE FEATURED
Until next time,
The Ft Myers Beach-Good Neighbors
