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Listen & Subscribe Island Vibes Ahead! Tune in to the Ft. Myers Beach – Good Neighbor Podcast, where the spirit of community meets the rhythm of island life. Each episode is a laid-back journey through heartfelt stories, local voices, and the connections that make our beach town so special. Whether you’re a resident or just dreaming of coastal breezes, let us be your guide to all things good in our neighborhood. Hit play and catch the vibe – Ft. Myers Beach style.
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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 …
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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: c…
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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 sals…
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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 pa…
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A blueprint for kinder leadership and sharper communication, told through the journey of speaker and author Annie Meehan. We sit down with Annie, a Certified Speaking Professional, to unpack how she transformed a personal story into actionable strategy that audiences can use right away—especially when attention is short and expectations are high. F…
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A single DIY bar, some leftover lumber, and a flood of Marketplace messages—that’s how K Dog Custom Designs began. We sit down with Kevin and Dawn Lindsey to trace their path from Ohio basements to Fort Myers Beach workshops, where epoxy, local sand, shells, and even shark teeth become functional coastal art. What emerges is a candid look at how a …
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Sunsets that wash the Gulf in gold. Conversations that turn strangers into friends. And a hospitality comeback that proves resilience can look like joy. We sit down with Melissa Schneider, Chief Marketing Officer at TriPower Vacation Rentals, to explore how Fort Myers Beach is welcoming travelers back with smarter homes, warmer service, and a commu…
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Shovel-ready isn’t enough when your town lives on salt air, neighborly kindness, and a street-level rhythm that makes strangers feel welcome. We sit down with realtor and community builder Dennis Wagaman to map out how Fort Myers Beach can bring back small and mid-sized commercial spaces without losing what makes the island feel like home. The plan…
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If HVAC quotes have ever felt like a maze, this conversation with 5 Star Air’s Chris Kagan brings a much-needed map. We dig into why he built a repair-first company with no commissioned salespeople, how seasoned technicians change the customer experience, and what transparent pricing looks like when you can see the photos, notes, and logic behind e…
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Want a fresher face, faster recovery, and a longer, healthier life without needles or quick fixes? We sit down with Dr. Greet of REnew YU Naples to unpack a natural approach that helps the body repair itself using closed-loop bioelectrical modulation. Instead of fillers and toxins, this conversation explores how gentle electrical signals can improv…
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Big problems don’t shrink on goodwill alone—they change when people, data, and dollars move together. We sit down with Dr. Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of the Collaboratory, to explore how a 50-year-old regional foundation is turning generosity into measurable progress across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. From $132 mil…
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Forget the sci‑fi headlines. We zero in on the kind of AI that actually ships value today and unpack how to choose it, pilot it, and prove ROI without blowing up your workflow. With Ken Johnson from USIT Systems, we sort hype from reality, cut through vendor noise, and focus on targeted wins that save time, reduce errors, and move the bottom line. …
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A home for every child sounds simple until you see the real barriers: empty pantries, unstable housing, and trauma that follows kids into every new placement. We sit down with Karlene Masse, Partner Engagement Officer from 4Kids Southwest Florida to unpack how prevention, foster care, and therapy fit together to keep children safe and help families…
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Think you’ve only got one real internet option and no leverage when things go down? We unpack a better way to buy and manage connectivity, voice, cloud, and AI by partnering with an independent agent backed by master agencies. Ken Johnson from USIT Systems lays out how a single address check can reveal fiber builds on your street, business-class ci…
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Beach breeze, clinking ice, and a plate that refuses to behave—this week we head to the brand-new Marina Cantina Waterfront Tin Tiki at Salty Sam's Marina for a first taste that’s equal parts flavor and view. We go straight for a frozen margarita flight—blackberry, strawberry, mango, and watermelon—built with gold tequila, triple sec, sour mix, aga…
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Real estate dreams are built on more than sunshine and signatures. We sat down with Title Adam, a Florida title insurance pro with deep Southwest Florida roots, to unpack how safe closings actually happen: from verifying identities and ownership to navigating wire fraud attempts that hit inboxes at the worst possible moment. If you’ve ever wondered…
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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…
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Did you know there's only one nonprofit deaf service center between Tampa and Miami? The Sally J Pimentel Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center stands as a critical lifeline serving deaf and hard of hearing individuals across five Florida counties, addressing challenges that many of us never consider. Executive Director Amy Turner takes us behind the sce…
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What happens when you reimagine coastal living from the ground up? Brian Sodre of Miniopolis Builders joins us to share a revolutionary approach to beach homes that's changing how we think about paradise. Breaking away from the conventional wisdom that bigger is better, Sodre reveals how his company creates small footprint homes specifically design…
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Behind the paradise of Sanibel Island's pristine beaches and breathtaking sunsets lies a crucial challenge – housing the essential workers who keep this slice of heaven functioning. Nicole McHale from Community Housing and Resources (CHR) pulls back the curtain on the affordable housing crisis affecting our coastal communities and the innovative so…
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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 …
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Peter Ennis invites us into the heart of Fort Myers Beach's resilient restaurant scene, showcasing how his trio of beloved establishments—Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant, Wahoo Willies, and SOB—are contributing to the community's remarkable comeback story. When Peter opened Snug Harbor six years ago, he revived more than just a restaurant—he reco…
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Hurricane Ian changed everything for Fort Myers Beach businesses. While some remain shuttered, others push forward with rebuilding efforts, determined to reclaim their slice of paradise. At the heart of this recovery stands Gulf Coast Business Bank, Southwest Florida's first community bank in 15 years, providing crucial financial support when it's …
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From the rubble of Hurricane Ian rises a story of resilience, community, and cold beer. Matt Faller, manager of The Beach Bar on Fort Myers Beach, shares the remarkable journey of keeping a beloved local establishment alive against seemingly impossible odds. The Beach Bar stands as a testament to the strength of Fort Myers Beach, having reopened ju…
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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 …
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The unexpected heroes of disaster recovery often emerge from the most unlikely places. When Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers Beach in 2022, a local golf cart shop transformed overnight into a lifeline for an entire community. Heidi shares the remarkable origin story of FMB Strong, which began when business owners Tim Ryan and Dan Allers found th…
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Have you ever wondered what happens when you finally take your own advice and chase your dreams? Gregg Flowers did exactly that when he and his wife Sarah left their comfortable life in Ohio after 30 years in logistics to start fresh in Fort Myers Beach. Their story isn't just about relocating - it's about reinvention, resilience, and discovering w…
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Just a Quick Bite on Tequila & Taco Tuesday on Ft Myers Beach at Charros Brothers on wheels!!! Charros Brothers on wheels 2801 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 414-4422 Ft Myers Beach-Good Neighbor To Nominate Someone to be Featured Or To Subscribe to the Newsletter CLICK HERE https://cabowabojim.com/listen-to-podcasts/…
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When Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers Beach, Darcy Kuenzel and her family faced a crossroads: rebuild what was lost or create something entirely new. Standing amid the wreckage of their recently purchased marina, they asked themselves a simple question: "What is going to make people happy?" The answer became the Tiki Pub – a floating celebration…
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Pull up a beach chair and dive into an inspiring conversation with Ben Duval of Tuna Skin Greetings, a Fort Myers Beach business that embodies the resilience and community spirit of this beloved coastal paradise. Ben shares the quirky origin story behind the Tuna Skin name, born from a fishing trip in the Florida Keys where the founders noticed tun…
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The soul of Fort Myers Beach didn't wash away with Hurricane Ian. Just ask Melody King, who watched from a third-story window as the storm devoured her paradise on September 28, 2022—her 39th birthday. "You never expect your birthday to be the worst day of everyone's life," she reflects with remarkable clarity in this powerful conversation. Melody'…
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Starting over after devastation can lead to unexpected opportunities. For Brian and Michelle Rich, Hurricane Ian became the catalyst for creating Current Riders, a specialty outdoor recreation shop on Fort Myers Beach dedicated to helping people overcome barriers to enjoying Southwest Florida's natural paradise. The couple's journey began with long…
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Florida's second most visited state park holds a remarkable story of conservation triumph that nearly wasn't. Lovers Key, now a pristine coastal sanctuary, once faced imminent development into a canal-lined McMansion community in the late 1970s. Today, this environmental treasure stands preserved through the tireless efforts of an all-volunteer org…
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Grab a lime and pull up a bayside seat as we launch our flavorful journey through Fort Myers Beach's taco and tequila scene! Our inaugural episode takes us to Junkanoo, a mid-island treasure nestled right next to Publix with breathtaking back bay views where dolphins playfully surface throughout the day. We're diving fork-first into their $12.99 Ta…
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The resilience of coastal communities is put to the test when natural disasters strike, but it's in these challenging moments that true innovation and human spirit emerge. Jack Walker's story exemplifies this perfectly, as he transforms personal adversity into opportunity through his drone technology business on Fort Myers Beach. Eight years ago, J…
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Technology promises often fall short of expectations, leaving business owners frustrated and their digital needs unmet. That's where Brett Palladino and Luna Digital Services step in, providing what so many tech companies don't - actual solutions and genuine customer service. On this episode of the Fort Myers Beach Good Neighbor podcast, Brett shar…
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When devastation strikes a community, true character emerges. The Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club exemplifies this through their remarkable story of service, resilience, and growth shared on our latest State Insurance USA Cares podcast. Founded in 1950, the Woman's Club faced near extinction with fewer than 20 members until 2017. Today, they boast ov…
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The resilient spirit of Fort Myers Beach shines brightly in this heartwarming conversation with Scott Safford from Sea Gypsy Vacation Rentals. As the community rebuilds following Hurricane Ian, Scott shares the exciting progress happening across the island and the strategic approach of creating "a win every month" to maintain momentum. July celebra…
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A revolutionary cancer treatment has arrived in Southwest Florida, and it's changing the way we think about radiation therapy. Dr. Shannon MacDonald, a radiation oncologist with 18 years of experience at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, joins us to unveil the region's first proton therapy center and explain why this technology matters for …
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Trading Chicago's bitter winters for Florida's sunny shores, Jason Thomas has brought Badass Coffee to Fort Myers Beach, creating more than just a place for premium Kona beans. His story of transformation—from fine dining executive chef to beachside coffee entrepreneur—captures the essence of island reinvention that resonates throughout the communi…
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The salty breeze, the welcoming community, and the magic of permanent jewelry come together in this heartwarming conversation with Emmy, owner of I Shine Forever Permanent Jewelry on Fort Myers Beach. Emmy shares her fascinating journey from making beaded jewelry as a seven-year-old in Venezuela to becoming a fixture of Fort Myers Beach's vibrant b…
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What happens when life's hardest financial lessons become your professional mission? For Edward Jones advisor Eric Tibbs, watching his grandfather's $700,000 farm inheritance vanish through bad financial advice created a powerful purpose—ensuring others never face similar hardships. From his first taste of Fort Myers Beach at Dog Beach after leavin…
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What happens when an insurance agency puts love at the center of its business model? Gail Langner from State Insurance USA reveals the remarkable difference this makes for Fort Myers Beach residents in this heartfelt conversation. State Insurance USA isn't your typical insurance agency. As an independent agent representing virtually every carrier i…
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Discover the heart and soul of Fort Myers Beach's beloved waterfront destination as Ryan VanDenabeele, Marketing and Operations Director at Salty Sam's Marina, shares his fascinating journey and the marina's remarkable recovery story. Ryan's path to paradise began far from Florida's sandy shores, in a small town south of Kansas City. Taking a leap …
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Ever wonder how someone transforms from facing seemingly impossible odds to becoming a respected business leader? Meet Shalonda Washington, owner of Reliable Permitting with over 27 years of experience helping property owners, realtors, and contractors navigate complex building regulations. What makes Shalonda's story remarkable is where it began. …
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The vibrant renewal of Fort Myers Beach takes center stage as Jacki from the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce joins host Cabo Jim to share the island's remarkable renaissance story. Their conversation paints a picture of a community rebuilding with purpose—where each new structure contributes to a colorful, resilient future while honoring the i…
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Betty Jean isn't just a Fort Myers Beach icon—she's a living testament to embracing life with unstoppable energy at age 97. Her journey from Wisconsin bar owner to beloved beach personality offers a masterclass in aging gracefully through constant engagement and community connection. Arriving on the island in November 1990, Betty found herself "hoo…
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A salty breeze, the sound of waves, and stories that warm your heart like the Florida sun – that's what the Ft Myers Beach Good Neighbor Podcast delivers straight to your ears. We're not just talking about beautiful beaches and picture-perfect sunsets; we're diving deep into the soul of our island community through the people who make it special. H…
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What happens when a community faces repeated crises yet emerges stronger each time? In this captivating conversation with Jacki Liszak, President and CEO of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, we discover the resilience that defines this beloved coastal destination. For nearly a decade, Jacki has guided the Chamber through a remarkable series…
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Have you ever wondered what happens to your home when you're gone for months at a time? The truth might surprise you. Professional Home Watch is far more than just checking that your doors are locked—it's a comprehensive system of protection for what is likely your most significant financial investment. Diane from Home Watch Academy brings 19 years…
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