OCTOBER 2025

NO SHADE…JUST SUNSHINE

Meet The Beach

FMBGN-Icon-How Jameson the Sunglassed Beach Dog Built Community, Joy, and Hope on FMB

A tiny car, a pair of pink sunglasses, and a beachside town that decided to choose joy—meet Jameson, the Fort Myers Beach icon whose daily strolls turned into a movement of smiles and neighborly kindness. We sit down with Adrian and Alice Barrett to trace the unlikely path from a Sarasota pup to a community legend, and the surprising ways a dog can change how people show up for each other.

We dive into the practical origins of Jamison’s signature look—vet-mandated eye protection after a sandy scare—and how that small fix became a beacon on the shoreline. When the world shut down, the Barretts added a mini ride so Jamison could greet more people at a safe distance. That choice sparked a weekly ritual: Saturdays from noon to five, rolling from the pier past beloved spots like La Ola, DiamondHead, and tiki haunts, where staff know her by name and guests line up for quick photos and pets. Along the way, restaurants traded bacon for chicken, proving that a good-natured celebrity can nudge healthier habits and attentive service. Online, the “just-for-fun” Instagram, Jameson8670, quietly grew to thousands of followers who wanted real-world ways to join the story.

Resilience threads through the heart of this episode. After the hurricane, Jameson’s familiar presence turned attention into action—volunteers organized by a follower helped clear and demo the home in those first, overwhelming weeks. That response wasn’t a fluke. It came from the goodwill built during years of small, sincere moments—pets for toddlers and seniors alike, gentle visits with people who needed a calm companion, and the reliable comfort of seeing the little car glide by the surf.

If you’re hungry for a feel-good story rooted in real community, this one’s for you. You’ll walk away with fresh appreciation for how simple rituals create belonging, how local businesses can elevate hospitality through empathy, and how a dog in shades can remind us all to leave the crabby behind and lean into sunny, shared moments. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a smile, and leave a quick review to help more neighbors find the show.

Jameson Alice & Adrian Barrett

Instagram-@Jameson8670

TROPCIAL TRADES

FMBGN-BIZ-Mr. Waves Island Bar-Karaoke, Community, and Cocktails

Spotlighting the Services, Shops, and Stories Behind Ft Myers Beach Entrepreneurs

Daniel Clarkston never imagined owning a bar when he first moved to Southwest Florida from Germany in 2017. Yet today, his Mr. Waves Island Bar stands as a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and community resilience on Fort Myers Beach.

When Daniel and his wife purchased a prime Times Square property in mid-2022, they had no restaurant experience and an uncertain vision. Then Hurricane Ian hit. While devastating for the island, the storm's aftermath revealed an opportunity: the beach's beloved party bars were gone, leaving a void in the community. Mr. Waves stepped in, creating a vibrant space offering karaoke seven days a week, all-day breakfast, and their now-famous giant bucket drinks.

"Fort Myers Beach is very special because it's not owned by bigger corporations, it's literally family business oriented," Daniel explains, pinpointing exactly what gives the area its unique charm compared to other Florida beach destinations. This family-focused approach resonates throughout Mr. Waves, where locals and tourists alike gather from 8am (making it one of the earliest-opening establishments on the beach) until late evening for food, drinks, and singing.

The challenges weren't insignificant - navigating flood elevation changes, permitting issues, and the struggle to let people know Fort Myers Beach is open for business post-Ian. Yet two years later, Mr. Waves has become a beloved fixture on the beach, even expanding with PedalTiki.com, a 14-person party bike offering island tours and pub crawls.

Daniel's journey from German teacher to beach bar owner shows what's possible when passion meets opportunity. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to see how the beach has rebuilt, make sure Mr. Waves is on your list - your karaoke song can't wait any longer! Find them on social media or at MrWavesIslandBar.com to plan your visit.

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 New Regular Series STATE INSURANCE USA-Cares Hosted By Gail Langner and Sponsored by STATE INSURANCE USAfeaturing Local Non-Profits & Charitiesacked 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.

HEALTHY VIBES ONLY

Up Lifiting Lifestyle, Mental Health, Balance & Positivity

Breathe deep, smile wide, and soak up the sunshine—Healthy Positive Vibes Only is your go-to space for uplifting stories, mental wellness tips, feel-good routines, and all things positive in the Estero community. From mindful moments to local wellness events, this section helps you stay balanced, inspired, and connected—one good vibe at a time. Know a Business or Someone who shares the Healthy Lifestyle?

A Final Message

YOUR VOICE, YOUR VIBE, YOUR BEACH NO SHADE…JUST SUNSHINE!!! 🌴☀️🌊

Ft Myers Beach–Good Neighbor isn’t just a newsletter and podcast—it’s a living celebration of the people, businesses, and stories that keep our island spirit glowing. Through storms and sunshine, your voices and your vibes are what make this beach community resilient, vibrant, and full of heart.

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