Rome wasn’t built in a day. There are many challenges to address, and the town’s first elected leaders will have much to accomplish in their first term. They will be responsible for hiring the first town administrator, overseeing the setup of intergovernmental relationships and contracts, starting the process of drafting a 20-year comprehensive plan, and standing up committees.

Local zoning and planning will take around a year and a half to two years to be in full force, as it relies on developing a 20-year comprehensive plan. Other things can happen quickly, like addressing potholes on municipal roads and improving park and beach maintenance. As traffic is a significant concern in our community, elected leaders should prioritize traffic studies and planning.

It is encouraging to know that for one of its first acts as a municipality, the town of Fort Myers Beach secured a $1,000,000 grant, purchasing an important archeological and natural site for the community. When local residents work together, much can be accomplished.