Ft Myers Beach - Good Neighbor

"Cabo" Jim Schaller

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.

  1. 9h ago

    FMBGN-BIZ-Snug Harbor-Why Locals Love It In The Summer

    Empty streets, easier parking, and a table on the dock without a wait: that’s the Fort Myers Beach off-season most visitors never experience. We’re back at Snug Harbor with Jason to talk about what really changes when the crowds thin out and why locals can turn “slow season” into the best season for dockside dining, sunset chasing, and genuinely relaxed nights on the bay. We get specific about the food, too. Jason breaks down how their fresh seafood pipeline works, from weekly deliveries at the fish house to the moments when boats come in loaded and the team can hand-pick what ends up on the specials menu. We talk what’s running right now, from tilefish and porgy to red snapper, blackfin tuna, and even barracuda, plus why the specials board is often the smartest order if you care about “right off the boat” freshness. If you’ve been searching for the best seafood restaurant on Fort Myers Beach or wondering what to order for the freshest fish, you’ll leave with a clear plan. We also hit local favorites, including Gulf pink shrimp sourced from Erickson & Jensen, and a personal pick that regulars love: the grouper gourmet topped with crab and finished with a blonde beer sauce. Beyond the plate, Jason shares how the team stays motivated during the quieter months, what’s happening with live music and local Wednesdays, and why the back-bay sunsets are still the main event. There’s even a quick dolphin story that nails the whole point: sometimes the most unforgettable moments happen when you stop rushing and just look up. Subscribe for more Fort Myers Beach neighbor stories, share this with a friend who needs a sunset dinner plan, and leave a review so more locals can find the show. Snug Harbor Restaurant Jason Jakaitis 645 Old San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 463-4343 snugharbormgt@gmail.com snugharbor.restaurant #SnugHarborRestaurant #DocksideDining #FreshSeafood #CincodeMayo @snugharborwaterfrontrestaurant 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/

    FMBGN-BIZ-Snug Harbor-Why Locals Love It In The Summer

  2. 15h ago

    ST INS CARES-Connecting Blessings-Meeting Urgent Family Needs

    A single bed can be the difference between chaos and stability for a child, and that is not a metaphor. We’re joined by Brent Hite, the founder of Connecting Blessings, to explain what he and his wife Kelsey are building in Southwest Florida: a practical, people-powered nonprofit that spots real needs and fills them fast. We talk through how CarePortal works in real life, including how social workers and community partners share urgent “calls of concern” and how local groups can claim a request and respond. Brent explains why this model matters for family preservation and child welfare, because meeting a basic need like clothing, bedding, or household essentials can keep a family from slipping into crisis. One theme keeps rising to the top: beds. Bunk beds, cribs, toddler beds, and simple bedding are among the most common needs, and Connecting Blessings teams up with other organizations to source, refurbish, and get them into homes. We also dig into the biggest obstacle Brent sees: not money, not logistics, but the belief that “I cannot help.” He shares why small, consistent acts of kindness create a ripple effect, plus a story from Florida Gulf Coast University that shows how timely support can shape someone’s future. If you want straightforward ways to volunteer, donate goods, sponsor a cause, or show up for your community, we lay out clear next steps, including how to find Connecting Blessings online and how their annual pickleball fundraiser at Ace Pickleball Club helps fund real, local impact. Subscribe for more conversations that spotlight local charities and nonprofits, share this with someone who loves giving back, and leave a review so more listeners can find these stories of hope and practical help. Connecting Blessings Brent Hite Fort Myers, FL, United States info@connectingblessings.org connectingblessings.org State Insurance USA 4450 Camino Real Way Ft Myers, FL 33966 239-567-9992 office@StateInsuranceUSA.com stateinsuranceusa.com https://www.facebook.com/Stateinsuranceusa #StateInsuranceUSA #SupportLocal #WeLoveOurClients @Stateinsuranceusa 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/

    ST INS CARES-Connecting Blessings-Meeting Urgent Family Needs

  3. 2d ago

    ST INS CARES-Premier Mobile Health Services-Primary Care On Wheels

    A mobile clinic can feel like a small idea until you meet the people it’s built for. Gail Langner sits down with Dr. Nadine "Deanie" Singh, founder and CEO of Premier Mobile Health Services, to unpack the moment that made her stop accepting “that’s just how it is” in healthcare. After treating a 24-year-old in hypertensive urgency with kidney failure, Dr. Singh realized the real emergency was years without a simple physical, a blood pressure check, or any preventive screening.  We walk through how Premier Mobile delivers primary care on wheels across Southwest Florida, focusing on uninsured and underinsured neighbors who get blocked by cost, copays, deductibles, or distance. Dr. Singh explains what the mobile health clinic can do day to day, from blood pressure and diabetes checks to common illness visits and prevention-focused screenings, plus how referrals help patients connect to the next level of care. We also talk about where the clinic goes, including Fort Myers, Collier County, Immokalee, Bonita Springs, Lehigh, and Fort Myers Beach, where Hurricane Ian left major gaps in healthcare access.  Building a nonprofit is not just heart, it’s grind. Dr. Singh shares the early funding challenges, the first organizations that said yes, and why volunteers and community partners make the mission sustainable. You’ll also hear how community events like back-to-school drives and Breakfast with Santa create an on-ramp for health education, vision and hearing checks, and family-friendly prevention. If you care about mobile healthcare, preventive care, and real solutions for health equity, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find these stories. Premier Mobile Health Services Dr. Nadine "Deanie" Singh 10676 Colonial Blvd Suite #20, Fort Myers, FL 33913 Fort Myers, FL · Lehigh Acres, FL · Estero, FL · Cape Coral, FL · Bonita Springs, FL (239) 222-1829 info@premiermobilehealth.org premiermobilehealth.org State Insurance USA 4450 Camino Real Way Ft Myers, FL 33966 239-567-9992 office@StateInsuranceUSA.com stateinsuranceusa.com https://www.facebook.com/Stateinsuranceusa #StateInsuranceUSA #SupportLocal #WeLoveOurClients @Stateinsuranceusa 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/

    ST INS CARES-Premier Mobile Health Services-Primary Care On Wheels

  4. 4d ago

    ST INS CARES-Caloosa Humane Society Saves Dogs And Cats Through Shelter

    A no-kill shelter can’t run on good intentions alone, and Caloosa  Humane Society in LaBelle, Florida proves what it looks like when a community decides animals are worth the work. We sit down with Executive Director Erin Hitsman to hear how her career in zoos, wildlife conservation, fundraising, and rescue led her to a shelter that cares for 70 to 80 animals at a time, from big dogs needing room to decompress to cats you can meet in commingled cat rooms. Erin walks us through one of the most powerful solutions they’ve built: the Cell Dog program with the Moorhaven Correctional Rehab facility. Dogs get structured training toward Good Canine Citizen standards, become more adoptable, and open up space at the shelter, while residents gain real skills and certification. We also talk about the behind-the-scenes realities of animal rescue and pet adoption, including why Caloosa focuses on dogs and cats, how they handle meet and greets for current pets, and how a 10-day foster trial can prevent a bad match. Funding is a major theme too. Caloosa receives no government funding, so donations, fundraisers, and their veterinary clinic keep the shelter running. You’ll hear exactly what supplies matter most (kitten and puppy food, neonate bottles, bleach, leashes, beds), why heartworm treatment is a costly but non-negotiable part of responsible rescue, and how events like the Love Unleashed Gala help sustain lifesaving care. If you care about animal welfare, no-kill shelters, volunteering, or humane society donations in Southwest Florida, listen through and then subscribe, share with a fellow pet lover, and leave a review so more people can find these stories and support the work. Caloosa  Humane Society Erin Hitsman ADOPTION CENTER 1200 Pratt Blvd LaBelle, FL 33935 863) 675-0997 VETERINARY CLINIC 1050 Commerce Dr LaBelle, FL 33935 (863) 675-7387 info@caloosahumanesociety.org caloosahumanesociety.org State Insurance USA 4450 Camino Real Way Ft Myers, FL 33966 239-567-9992 office@StateInsuranceUSA.com stateinsuranceusa.com https://www.facebook.com/Stateinsuranceusa #StateInsuranceUSA #SupportLocal #WeLoveOurClients @Stateinsuranceusa 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/

    ST INS CARES-Caloosa Humane Society Saves Dogs And Cats Through Shelter

  5. 5d ago

    Buzz On The Bay - What's The Buzz?

    Fort Myers Beach is packed with beach energy, but the best stories often live just behind it on the back bay. We’re Cabo Jim and Sean, and we’re kicking off Buzz on the Bay with a simple promise: we’ll bring you the people, places, and waterfront experiences that make life on the water feel electric, easy, and unforgettable. We start with what’s happening right now at Matanzas on the Bay and the Matanzas Inn as new ownership pushes a bigger vision for the property. Think an upscale waterfront restaurant with standout service and food, the charm and history of Petey’s Upper Deck upstairs, and lodging that’s being upgraded so your stay matches the views. Then we zoom out to what really makes this spot different: the marina and the on-the-water experiences being built around it. We talk charter services, fishing charters, and a premium boat built for groups, opening the door to dinner cruises, wine dinners, and even wedding weekends where the ceremony happens on the water and the party stays steps from the dock. We also share what you might see from the seawall on any given day: dolphins, manatees, and sunsets that hit different when you’re watching from the bay with quick access out to the Gulf. If you’re looking for things to do in Fort Myers Beach, boating experiences in Southwest Florida, or a true waterfront getaway that ties it all together, this is your starting point. Subscribe to Buzz on the Bay, share it with a friend who needs a tropical reset, and leave a review telling us what you want to hear next. Buzz On The Bay 414 Crescent Street Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 463-3838 matanzasonthebay.com Matanzas On The Bay Matanzas Inn Petey’s Upper Deck @MatanzasInnResort 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/

    Buzz On The Bay - What's The Buzz?

  6. Jul 14

    ST INS CARES-SCORE-Mentors For Small Business Owners

    Most people don’t need another motivational quote to start a business. They need a roadmap, someone who has been there before, and a reality check that doesn’t crush the dream. We sit down with Bill Robertson, Chapter Chair of SCORE Southwest Florida, to talk about what entrepreneurs actually struggle with when they launch, grow, or even restart a small business and how SCORE’s free mentoring helps. We unpack how SCORE works, who it serves across Lee and Hendry counties, and why the first mentor meeting is all about listening. Bill explains how mentors help founders think through the decisions that shape everything else: LLC vs S-corp, bookkeeping and taxes, marketing strategy, and what “success” means to you personally. We also get into why you are not “one and done” with mentoring, because building a business is not a Google search, it is a series of choices made under pressure. Then we go deep on the tools that separate hope from a plan: a business plan that holds you accountable, a feasibility study that forces the hard-cost math, and an elevator pitch that earns you the next conversation with lenders, partners, or grant makers. Bill also shares how SCORE is navigating delayed federal funding and why volunteers and community supporters keep this small business resource strong. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a founder you care about, and leave a review so more entrepreneurs can find practical small business mentoring when they need it most. SCORE Southwest Florida Bill Robertson (239) 533-3102 2201 SECOND STREET SUITE 500, Fort Myers, FL 33901 ch.admin0219@scorevolunteer.org score.org @SCORESouthwestFlorida/ State Insurance USA 4450 Camino Real Way Ft Myers, FL 33966 239-567-9992 office@StateInsuranceUSA.com stateinsuranceusa.com https://www.facebook.com/Stateinsuranceusa #StateInsuranceUSA #SupportLocal #WeLoveOurClients @Stateinsuranceusa 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/

    ST INS CARES-SCORE-Mentors For Small Business Owners

  7. Jul 13

    ST INS CARES-Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife -What Happens To Wildlife When Empty Lots Disappear

    Cape Coral has more burrowing owls than anywhere else in Florida, and the empty lots they depend on are disappearing fast. We sit down with Janet Windisch from Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife to hear how a retired chemist turned a love of birding into hands-on wildlife conservation after Hurricane Ian, and why this all-volunteer organization has become a quiet force for habitat preservation in Southwest Florida. We dig into the real work behind protecting native species: staking and trimming burrowing owl burrows so they are not destroyed by mowing or construction, responding to community calls through a wildlife hotline, and supporting other critical animals like gopher tortoises, a keystone species whose burrows help hundreds of others survive. Janet also shares how the group maintains purple martin colonies, operates a public butterfly house, and helped rebuild the zebra longwing population after the hurricane. You’ll also hear about new monitoring efforts for ospreys, wading birds, and bald eagles that blend citizen science with local stewardship. If you’ve ever wondered what you can do as a homeowner, we get specific: skip rat poison to prevent secondary poisoning in owls, hawks, and eagles, cut back on fertilizers and insecticides, and plant native Florida landscaping that supports pollinators and wildlife. Janet explains fundraising efforts like the Burrowing Owl Festival and the Adopt an Owl program, plus flexible volunteering opportunities for every schedule. Subscribe, share this episode with a neighbor, and leave a review to help more people find the local nonprofits protecting our community. Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Janet Windisch 239-980-2593 PO Box 152761 Cape Coral, FL 33915 ccfriendsofwildlife.org To Report: Burrowing Owls, Gopher Tortoises CCFW: 239-980-2593 Injured Wildlife CROW: 239-472-3644 Harassment of Wildlife FWC: 888-404-3922 Rotary Park Wildlife Info 239-549-4606 Monitor Lizards CC Environmental Dept: 239-574-0785 State Insurance USA 4450 Camino Real Way Ft Myers, FL 33966 239-567-9992 office@StateInsuranceUSA.com stateinsuranceusa.com https://www.facebook.com/Stateinsuranceusa #StateInsuranceUSA #SupportLocal #WeLoveOurClients @Stateinsuranceusa 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/

    ST INS CARES-Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife -What Happens To Wildlife When Empty Lots Disappear

  8. Jul 10

    ST INS CARES-Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation-Water Safety That Saves Lives

    Drowning is one of those risks people underestimate until it hits close to home, and in Florida, water is everywhere. I’m Gail Langner with State Insurance Cares, and I sat 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. We get practical about water safety for families, grandparents, and anyone with a pool, canal, or beach nearby. Terri breaks down the “layers of protection” that save lives: constant supervision, swim lessons, barriers like pool fences, door alarms that alert you when a child slips outside, and CPR skills that buy precious time in an emergency. We also talk about how quickly kids can move, why drowning is often silent, and how easy it is for adults at gatherings to assume someone else is watching. A big focus is access. The Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation provides swim lesson scholarships for families across the state, including many who do not qualify for state vouchers but still struggle to afford lessons. Terri explains where lessons happen through certified swim schools, how the scholarship model works, and how partnerships with HOAs and property managers can expand water safety education and equipment at community pools. If you care about drowning prevention, swim lessons, and pool safety in Southwest Florida and beyond, this conversation gives you clear next steps. Subscribe, share this with a parent or grandparent, and leave a review so more families can find it. Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation Terri Ballo (239) 919-2001 2670 Horseshoe Dr. N. Ste 203 Naples, FL 34104 fldpf.org State Insurance USA 4450 Camino Real Way Ft Myers, FL 33966 239-567-9992 office@StateInsuranceUSA.com stateinsuranceusa.com https://www.facebook.com/Stateinsuranceusa #StateInsuranceUSA #SupportLocal #WeLoveOurClients @Stateinsuranceusa 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/

    ST INS CARES-Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation-Water Safety That Saves Lives
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    "Cabo" Jim Schaller
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    380
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ft Myers Beach - Good Neighbor
  • Show Website
    Ft Myers Beach - Good Neighbor