The storm took the building, but the community kept the art alive. Join us as we sit down with Sylvia Montgomery and Suzan Lanz from the Fort Myers Beach Art Association to explore how a 1951 plein air tradition weathered Hurricane Ian, found a bright new home at Cypress Square, and transformed recovery into a creative movement. From a cozy hut on Denora Street to a modern gallery buzzing with workshops, rotating shows, and neighborly energy, this story is about resilience with a paintbrush.

We dive into the programs that turned occasional visitors into committed members: quick-hit lunch and learns, open paints, gentle-but-honest critiques, a Sunday art book club, and playful classes like “Bossy Pants” that spark experimentation. You’ll hear how membership doubled, why demographics shifted toward full-time locals and remote workers, and what that means for year-round programming in Fort Myers, Bonita, Punta Gorda, and the beach. Along the way, we highlight community partnerships that amplify impact—Women’s Club events, Lions Club Shrimp Festival murals and t-shirts, library exhibits, greeting cards at the Islander, and a growing First Friday art walk that now starts at Cypress Square before flowing to DAAS Co-op, Alliance for the Arts, and downtown.

If you’ve wondered how local arts strengthen a town, this conversation shows the blueprint: clear invitations, consistent events, shared walls, and open hearts. Whether you’re an artist returning to the easel after years away or a neighbor looking for a meaningful night out, there’s a place for you—paint in hand or simply curious. Come see the rotating exhibitions every four to six weeks, bring a friend to First Friday, or jump into a workshop and meet the good neighbors behind the canvases.

Explore events, join a show, or plan your visit at FortMyersBeachArt.com, and stop by 13451 McGregor Blvd Unit 1 in Cypress Square. If this conversation inspired you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more neighbors can find their creative community.

Fort Myers Beach Art Association
Sylvia Montgomery & Suzan Lanz
3451 McGregor Blvd. Unit 1, Fort Myers, FL 33919
(239) 463-3909
publicity@fortmyersbeachart.com
fortmyersbeachart

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Sun on the water, coffee on a balcony, and a quiet stretch of sand just steps away—this conversation with Tim Malbon of the Best Western Plus Beach Resort reveals what it really takes to protect a slice of paradise. We talk candidly about the day Hurricane Ian put feet of water on the second floor, the months of hard choices that followed, and the culture that kept longtime staff and loyal guests coming back when the doors reopened.

Tim shares the resort’s DNA: every room faces the Gulf, each one with a full kitchen, and the mood stays peaceful by design. You can stroll to shops and restaurants, book a day with Holiday Water Sports, and still feel removed from the noise. He also opens up about building resilience into operations—navigating a new property management system, retraining the team, and turning a Facebook community into a lifeline of early bookings. The result is a hospitality comeback powered by trust, clarity, and the simple promise of an effortless beach day.

We also highlight the property’s local roots and community giving, including years hosting Surfers for Autism and a guest-made tagline that says it all: close enough to everything, far away from the crowds. You’ll meet Coco, the 30-plus-year Yellownape Amazon parrot who greets early risers from his tiki hut, and you’ll get practical tips for first-time visitors who want to slow down, find their pace, and let the Gulf reset their mood.

Ready to plan your calm escape? Book through Best Western Plus Beach Resort online or call the property directly, then share this episode with a friend who needs a quiet beach day. If the story resonated, tap follow, leave a review, and tell us your favorite Fort Myers Beach memory.

Best Western Plus Beach Resort
Tim Malbon
684 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
239-373-4160
Info@bwbeachresort.com
bwbeachresort.com

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Ever wondered why your premium climbs while your claim stalls? We talk with public adjuster and attorney John Jacobsen, a former insurance insider who now fights for homeowners across Southwest Florida, to reveal how property claims really get decided—and how you can tip the scales in your favor. John breaks down the insuring agreement at the core of every policy, the role of documentation and line‑item estimates, and why the appraisal process can transform lowball offers into realistic payouts that actually rebuild homes.

John’s story starts in Minnesota and winds through years defending carriers in bodily injury, malpractice, and property claims. That vantage point—the carrier’s mindset, playbooks, and pressure points—now powers his advocacy for policyholders. He shares a striking case where an initial $13,000 offer rose to $186,000 after a thorough assessment and persistent negotiation. We dig into how recent Florida reforms changed attorney fee recovery, why that matters for families with limited resources, and where public adjusters fit as a cost‑effective alternative to litigation when coverage and scope are in dispute.

Beyond the paperwork, we zoom out to the reality of living on the Gulf Coast: hurricanes, soaring premiums, and the haunting phrase “insurance poor.” John speaks candidly about the trend of owners who self‑insure, the scrutiny on carrier estimating practices, and the importance of asking hard questions before and after a loss. You’ll leave with practical steps: read your policy’s insuring agreement, request full estimate details, understand depreciation and code upgrades, and know your rights to bring your own adjuster to the table.

If you’re navigating a claim or preparing for storm season, this conversation will help you secure fair value for your coverage and your home. Subscribe, share this episode with a neighbor who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest insurance question—we’ll tackle it on a future show.

Final Analysis
John Jacobsen
1-800-953-4670
john@finalanalysis.net
johnajacobsen.net

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If you’ve ever wondered how to find a builder who actually shows up, stands by their work, and treats you like family, you’ll want to meet Jadyn Henderson. We welcome the COO and cofounder of Lifestyle Design Homes to share how a family-run company delivers affordable luxury, keeps timelines tight, and stays anchored in the communities they serve.

Jadyn walks us through the full scope of their work: custom residential builds from Fort Myers Beach to Naples, spec homes tailored to neighborhood demand, and development projects guided by data and design. We talk candidly about what happens when markets shift—like the construction surge in Lehigh Acres—and how smart builders adapt without cutting corners. You’ll hear how they balance price and quality, why local presence matters more than ever, and what sets a trustworthy contractor apart from out-of-town storm chasers.

What really shines is the culture behind the brand. Jadyn’s father leads construction quality with two decades of experience, her stepmom guides design and selections, and Jaden orchestrates operations and sales so clients get clear communication and accountable timelines. The result is a builder who’s present from blueprint to handover—and still there when it’s time to host a backyard cookout. We also dive into community givebacks, from holiday photo days to upcoming backpack drives, plus first-time homebuyer seminars that help renters unlock grants and down payment assistance.

If you’re planning a custom home, curious about affordable luxury in SW Florida, or exploring a move to Naples, this conversation packs practical takeaways: how to vet a builder, read the market, and design for outdoor living. Subscribe for more neighbor-first stories, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Lifestyle Design Homes
Jadyn Henderson
10800 Corkscrew Rd., Suite 214 Estero, FL 33928
239-372-5855
lifestyledesignhomes.com

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Storms don’t schedule appointments, but smart preparation does. We sit down with Kim Crispino of Titan Residential and Commercial to unpack a practical roadmap for Florida homeowners and business owners: document what you have, fortify what matters, and only hire people who will still be here when the warranty needs them. Kim explains how her team serves the entire state with verified crews, clear scopes, and a culture that puts customer service first—from free inspections and post-storm assessments to window, door, roofing, siding, and generator upgrades that stand up to Florida weather.

We get into the details that save money later: why a window that “looks fine” after a hurricane may have a compromised seal, how moisture creeps in slowly and turns into bigger bills, and which upgrades deliver the best resilience per dollar. Kim breaks down financing options that make high-impact work feasible without overwhelming budgets, and she shares the red flags that signal storm chasers—vanishing contractors, flimsy paperwork, and warranties no one can honor. For mobile homes and flood-prone areas, we explore elevation strategies that prevent repeat losses and reduce stress when the next storm approaches.

Beyond the tool belt, this conversation is about trust and community. Kim highlights TRC’s partnerships with general contractors, public adjusters, and attorneys who rely on accurate punch lists and reliable execution. She also shares her personal commitment to showing up, calling back, and referring clients to the right pros even when it’s outside TRC’s scope. If you want a playbook for resilience—documentation, durable materials, and people who stand by their work—you’ll find it here.

If this conversation helped you plan your next upgrade, subscribe, share with a neighbor, and leave a quick review so more Florida homeowners can storm-proof with confidence.

Titan Residential and Commercial
Kim Crispino
5619 8th St W Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
(401) 437-7367
kim@trc-pros.com
trc-pros.com

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Sunshine isn’t just a forecast—it’s a way of building a life. We sit down with Valerie Carouthers to unpack her full-circle journey: growing up on Fort Myers Beach, swearing she’d never return, then finding her way back after gray winters and closed doors taught her what really matters. The thread running through her story is simple and powerful: community happens when people meet often, move together, and make room for newcomers.

Valerie maps a beach-town playbook that’s equal parts joy and practicality. She spotlights monthly anchors like Naples Motorsports Cars and Coffee, shares the friends-and-family EDM gathering on San Carlos Bay Beach that runs noon to midnight with hourly DJs and flow artists, and explains how to catch pop-up sets near the pier by following Stage Two Society. She also opens the door to alcohol-light connection at Kava Culture—hammocks, fire pits, a CBD lounge, trivia, karaoke, and open mics—where you can sip a mango juice and still feel fully part of the scene. These third spaces are the heartbeat of a new social era and a perfect fit for a beach town that thrives on warm nights and easy conversation.

Service is another pillar. From her role at ERA Lahaina Realty, Valerie coordinates monthly United Way volunteer events across Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, and Naples. That steady rhythm turns goodwill into real outcomes, exactly what a community needs as it continues to rebuild. She shares a thrifty local tip—enjoying Pink Shell’s energy and sunsets by posting up at Bongos Beach Bar—and lays out a clear case for investing in Fort Myers Beach real estate now, while the slate is still open and the vision is forward-facing. The goal isn’t to freeze time; it’s to carry the island’s soul into its next chapter with intention.

If you’ve been craving a guide to plug into authentic Fort Myers Beach culture—events, third places, volunteer paths, and smart investment timing—this conversation delivers warmth and a plan. Subscribe, share with a friend who misses the sun, and leave a review telling us your favorite local third space or beach ritual.

Valerie Carouthers
https://www.facebook.com/valerie.carouthers

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Sunrise on Fort Myers Beach tastes like warm tortillas and bright mango. We head to La Ola Surfside in Times Square for a quick, flavorful morning session where breakfast tacos meet a mango margarita and local stories meet the sea breeze. This stop brings together the comfort of eggs and sausage, the pop of cheddar jack, and the spark of fresh salsa with a tropical pour that balances sweetness, citrus, and tequila’s clean bite.

We share why breakfast tacos deserve more love, how to dial heat without overpowering the eggs, and the simple tricks that keep tortillas soft and stackable. Along the way, we take a moment to look up at Legacy Tower, a remaining marker from the old Coast Surf Shop and a symbol of resilience for a community that keeps showing up. La Ola’s patio puts you right at the heart of it—bartenders who remember your order, locals dropping in, and that soft thrum of Times Square waking up. It’s a short visit with a big mood: start early, sip something bright, and let the beach set your pace.

If you’re scouting the best tacos in Fort Myers Beach or hunting for a memorable margarita, this guide gives you the essentials. Order the breakfast tacos, ask for salsa on the side, add heat to the eggs not the tortilla, and finish with a squeeze of lime over the mango marg for balance. We also shout out great service behind the bar, because a good pour and a quick smile can turn a Tuesday tradition into a ritual. Hungry yet? Hit play, save La Ola Surfside to your list, and join us for a taste of local flavor and community pride.

Enjoyed the ride? Follow the show, share it with a taco-loving friend, and leave a quick review to help more beach good neighbors find us.

La Ola Surfside
1035 Estero Blvd , Ft Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 765-2222
laolasurfside.com

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What if the real clock on your life isn’t your age, but your strength? We sit down with Dr. Ivan Bracic, clinical director of Novaré Medical and Wellness in Fort Myers, to unpack why muscle, balance, and nerve health are the foundation of longevity—and how neighbors can rebuild capability without surgery or pills. From the first beach walk after pain to the confidence of standing up without armrests, this conversation is about restoring the freedom to live the island life on your terms.

Dr. Bracic shares Novaré’s restore, renew, radiate philosophy and explains the clinic’s integrated approach: manual care paired with noninvasive technology that jump‑starts neuromuscular function. You’ll hear how the “magic chair” (Emsella) creates thousands of pelvic floor contractions to improve balance, reduce low back pain and sciatica, and ease incontinence—while patients remain fully clothed. We also dive into Emsculpt NEO, a device that builds muscle, supports bone, and now carries FDA clearances for chronic and neuropathic pain, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The result: stronger legs, steadier gait, and the confidence to pick up grandkids or stroll the sand without fear.

Along the way, we explore the mindset shift from treating pain to building resilience, plus real stories of neighbors who reversed foot drop, calmed neuropathy, and reclaimed daily joys. Dr. Bracic’s vision is simple and bold: help our community age powerfully with strength, balance, and a clear mind—so the island spirit stays alive in every step. If you’re curious, the team welcomes walk‑ins for a no‑pressure tour next to Publix at Summerlin Crossings or a visit to novarewellness.com to see what’s possible

If this conversation sparks a goal you want to chase—more energy, better balance, fewer aches—hit follow, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a quick review to tell us the activity you’re ready to get back to.

Novaré Medical and Wellness
Dr. Ivan Bracic, DC
Summerlin Shopping Plaza
​15880 Summerlin Rd, Ste 114
Fort Myers, FL 33908
novarewellness.com

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