Ft Myers Beach - Good Neighbor

"Cabo" Jim Schaller
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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.

  1. 4d ago

    GNN-FMB-Restore The FMB Arches-The Gateway to FMB

    They once stood like a promise at the edge of the island: drive through the Fort Myers Beach Arches and you knew you’d made it. I’m joined by Gina Sabiston from Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches to tell the full story behind one of Lee County’s most iconic landmarks and why a piece of it is on the path to returning at Bowditch Point. We walk through the Arches’ origins in the mid-1920s, how hurricanes derailed early development plans, and how the stone gateways outgrew their marketing purpose to become the “front door” to Fort Myers Beach for decades. Then we get into the hard part: the growth years, the old drawbridge headaches, evacuation concerns, and the 1979 demolition that left generations feeling like the island lost a piece of itself. Gina shares how original Arch stones were preserved for decades, how the nonprofit team navigated engineering, county permitting, and fundraising, and why the plan evolved from a full rebuild at the original site to a commemorative portion built with authentic materials at Bowditch Point. We also talk about the bigger stakes of historic preservation, heritage tourism, and keeping Fort Myers Beach from sliding into “everywhere USA,” especially as the community continues to move forward after Hurricane Ian. Want to help finish the project and leave a mark by the beach? You can still support the effort and follow progress through the Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches Facebook page. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Fort Myers Beach history, and leave a review so more neighbors can find the story. Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches Gina Sabiston Restore The FMB Arches Website Support By Buying a Brick 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/

    GNN-FMB-Restore The FMB Arches-The Gateway to FMB

  2. Sep 29

    TTT-Lani Kai & Yo! Taco-Tequila Sunrise And A Jacked-Up Taco

    Spicy tequila, a bright Tequila Sunrise, and a beef taco built right in front of us, this is the kind of Fort Myers Beach food stop that turns a random Tuesday into a plan. We’re hanging at Lani Kai & Yo! Taco for Tequila And Taco Tuesday, keeping it simple: find the flavor, meet the makers, and point you to the taco spots actually worth your time when you’re craving something bold and beachy. We start with the pour, leaning into a spicy tequila twist that fits the sunny, salty setting. Then we head straight to Yo! Taco at Lani Kai to put their most popular order on the spotlight: a classic “jacked-up taco” with beef. You’ll hear the full build as it comes together, from the homemade honey shell and sour cream to jalapenos for heat, a serious layer of melty cheese, and a fresh finish with homemade pico de gallo. If you’re searching for the best tacos in Fort Myers Beach, a reliable Taco Tuesday spot, or a fun tequila cocktail pairing, this quick on-location guide gives you a clear answer and an easy order to copy. We wrap up beachside with the simplest takeaway: come hungry, go spicy if you dare, and don’t skip the cheese. Subscribe for more local taco gems and tequila finds, leave a review if you’re enjoying the show, and share this episode with a friend who needs a new Fort Myers Beach taco spot. Lani Kai Island Resort 1400 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL, United States, 33931 (239) 463-3111 info@thelanikai.com lanikaiislandresort.com  Yo! Taco 1400 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 yotacotruck.com (239) 888-3090 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/

    TTT-Lani Kai & Yo! Taco-Tequila Sunrise And A Jacked-Up Taco

  3. Sep 21

    GNN-FMB-Letson Lund LLC-From Vacant Lot To Revenue

    Thousands of vacant lots. A seven mile island still finding its footing after Hurricane Ian. One builder who decides the best way to join a community is to build something real and do it the right way. We’re talking with Bob Lund of Letson Lund LLC, a Fort Myers Beach newcomer with decades of nationwide construction experience, about how a consulting “backup plan” turns into a focused mission: transforming vacant lots into revenue through smart infill development and vacation rental construction. We get into what it takes to move from corporate America to betting on yourself, including the parts nobody brags about: layoffs, uncertainty, and the uncomfortable gap where the steady paycheck used to be. Bob shares how corporate life taught him people skills, why he’s learning to listen before he pitches, and what it means to slow down to the island’s pace without losing momentum. You’ll also hear why Fort Myers Beach felt different from day one, how the community shows up in surprising ways, and why working with local stakeholders can either unlock progress or stall it. Bob lays out near-term plans for new builds, the role his wife Lori plays in the business, and a bigger question that matters to every resident and investor: how do we build back faster while keeping the island’s energy intact? If you care about Fort Myers Beach rebuilding, real estate development, local business, and thoughtful growth, subscribe, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s one change you want to see as the island builds back? Letson Lund LLC Bob Lund 71 Miramar Street Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (763) 412-9806 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/

    GNN-FMB-Letson Lund LLC-From Vacant Lot To Revenue

  4. Sep 19

    GNN-FMB-Wahoo Willies-Built For The Comeback

    Six weeks after Hurricane Ian put 14 to 16 feet of water inside their building, Wahoo Willies was back open and somehow felt like a familiar home base on Fort Myers Beach. Sitting down with Billy at the open-air tiki bar, we get the real story of what it takes to reopen when the island is still cleaning up, inspections are still happening, and basic things like electricity, Wi‑Fi, and a full kitchen are not guaranteed.  Billy shares what it’s like growing up on Fort Myers Beach, learning the restaurant world young, and saying yes to a chance at ownership with partners who wanted a younger operator with real experience. We talk about why the island keeps pulling people back, how a strong local community can turn a setback into momentum, and why “support local” matters most when it’s slow season, not when the beach is already packed.  Then we get into the fun part: what to order and why. Billy breaks down the “sneaky good food” reputation Wahoo Willies has built, from prime rib on Wednesdays and Saturdays to bang bang shrimp, the chaos-causing stuffed mushrooms, and the seafood Philly that surprises first-timers. On the drink side, we hit specialty cocktails like the Jamaica Me Crazy, shareables made for group photos, and why the crowd here stays proudly beer-forward. And because it’s Fort Myers Beach, live music is the heartbeat, with daily sets that kept musicians and locals connected when almost nothing else was open.  If you love Fort Myers Beach, local restaurants, live music, and true Hurricane Ian recovery stories, hit subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review so more people can find the neighbors who keep the island’s soul alive. Wahoo Willies Billy Ignatti 645 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 233-8055 wahoowillies.com 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/

    GNN-FMB-Wahoo Willies-Built For The Comeback

  5. Sep 18

    GNN-FMB-Flamingo Inn-Old Florida Charm Near The Surf

    She left Frankfurt for a tiny motel steps from the Gulf, then helped bring it back to life after Hurricane Ian. We’re hanging out at the Flamingo Inn on Fort Myers Beach with Nicole, the on-site manager who knows exactly why people crave a smaller, quieter stay and why “Old Florida charm” is not just a slogan when you only have 12 rooms and the beach is about 100 feet away. We talk about what makes the south end of Fort Myers Beach feel like a true reset: slower mornings, fewer crowds, and that moment when you can actually hear the waves. Nicole shares what her guests ask for most, why couples love a boutique motel, and how visitors can still mix calm beach time with the energy of downtown. You’ll also get practical local tips on things to do, from kayaking and boating to walking the bridge to spot dolphins, plus where guests like to grab dinner nearby at places around Santini Plaza and favorites like Nervous Nelly’s and The Whale. Nicole also breaks down how the Flamingo Inn is blending personal service with modern convenience using self check-in and an app-based system for requests, while keeping the stay simple with free parking and easy beach gear like chairs, umbrellas, and coolers. If you’ve been wondering whether a big resort is the only way to do Southwest Florida, this conversation makes the case for trying small, local, and close to the sand. Subscribe for more Fort Myers Beach stories, share this with a friend planning a beach vacation, and leave us a review so more listeners can find the show. Flamingo Inn Nicole Rettig 6080/ 6090 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 463-9194 info@flamingo-inn.com flamingo-inn.com 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/

    GNN-FMB-Flamingo Inn-Old Florida Charm Near The Surf

  6. Sep 16

    GNN-FMB-Nauti Nation Hits Fort Myers Beach

    A sandbar party is fun. A sandbar party that actually strengthens a community is something else entirely. We’re joined by Kassidy from Nauti Nation, the group that calls itself “America’s least exclusive yacht club,” to talk about why their boat-life culture is exploding and why Fort Myers Beach is the perfect place to bring it to life. If you’re craving a weekend that feels laid-back, welcoming, and intentionally drama-free, this conversation lays out exactly what to expect. We dig into the heart of Nauti Nation: openness, zero judgment, and that surprising “family” feeling that happens when people show up ready to be respectful and look out for each other. Then we get practical with the Fort Myers Beach event details, including Sandbar Saturday at Big Carlos Pass, where you pull up, drop anchor, and meet new friends. We also talk VIP perks like the open bar setup, the DJ, giveaways, and the simple must-bring list: sunscreen, a big cooler, snacks, and a good attitude. From there, the weekend rolls into land-based fun with music at Margaritaville and a Sunday bar crawl called the Nauti  Trail. The bigger story is the purpose behind the party. This activation supports local Fort Myers Beach businesses and partners with the Birdwell Foundation, benefiting veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD and other mental health challenges. We cover the 50-50 raffle, donations, wristbands, check-in details at Snug Harbor, trail cards and stamps, and how to follow updates on social media and the event page. If you’re curious, hit play, share this with a friend who loves boat days, and leave a review so more good neighbors can find the show. Nauti Nation Kassidy Necole info@nauti-nation.com nauti-nation.com Facebook Event Page: Nauti Nation - Ft Myers Beach Takeover 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/

    GNN-FMB-Nauti Nation Hits Fort Myers Beach

  7. Sep 12

    GNN-FMG-Nautical Tiki Cruises-Building a New Life On The Water

    A tiki boat with bar stools, a big speaker, and the Back Bay sliding by in slow motion changes your whole definition of “Fort Myers Beach day.” Cabo Jim sits down with Bri and Taylor, the owners of Nautical Tiki Cruises, to talk about the leap from corporate life to running one of the most memorable on-the-water experiences behind Snug Harbor. We get into their origin story, from early roots in the area to more than a decade on the corporate grind, then a bold move back to Southwest Florida with a young family. Bri and Taylor share why they chose to buy an existing family-run tiki cruise business and protect the legacy, and how their tagline “seek the adventure, build the memory, capture the moment” shows up in the way they run every trip. Then we break down the details people actually want: what happens on board a BYOB tiki cruise, how Bluetooth music and optional karaoke can set the vibe, and why having a restroom onboard matters more than you’d think. You’ll hear the difference between a 90-minute cruise and a three-hour customizable cruise, what you might spot out there (dolphins, manatees, birds, shrimp boats), and why the calm Back Bay can be even more relaxing than the beach itself. Bri and Taylor also highlight their Coast Guard licensed captains, the importance of tailoring the trip to each group, and their push to put the phone away and be present. We also talk local love, including supporting Fort Myers Beach businesses, plus their Matlacha location if you want a quieter island vibe. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs water time, and leave a review with your pick: sunset cruise or brunch cruise? Nautical Tiki Cruises Bri & Taylor Johnson 645 Old San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (866) 775-8454 info@nauticaltiki.com nauticaltiki.com 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/

    GNN-FMG-Nautical Tiki Cruises-Building a New Life On The Water

  8. Aug 27

    Buzz On The Bay - Bash On The Bay-Jacquie Roar

    Labor Day weekend at Fort Myers Beach is about to get louder, brighter, and a whole lot more fun. We’re gearing up for Bash on the Bay at Matanzas on the Bay, a waterfront festival where you can roll in by car or pull up by boat and settle in for a full day of live music, cold drinks, food, vendors, and on-the-water activities. If you’ve been searching for things to do around Fort Myers Beach that actually feel local and alive, this one is built for you.  We also sit down with headliner Jacquie Roar, the Oregon artist who turned all four chairs on NBC’s The Voice and brings a fearless country rock sound to every stage she touches.  Jacquie breaks down what goes through your mind when a crowd does not know you yet, how she earns their trust fast, and why she leans into bold choices like heavier guitars, genre-blending originals, and even a Tool cover that no one expects at a “country” show. She shares the reality of performing outdoors, the importance of keeping energy high, and the moments in a set that make a crowd jump to its feet.  Along the way we talk setlist craft, songwriting, and the simple goal behind a great live show: leave people saying, “What did I just see?” Whether you’re coming for  Jacquie, the Ben Allen Band, or the all-day waterfront vibe, Bash on the Bay is shaping up to be a family-friendly Labor Day weekend highlight with music, contests, and plenty to do between sets. Subscribe for more Buzz on the Bay, share this with your beach crew, and leave a review, then tell us: are you coming by land or by water? 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 Jacquie Roar Jacquie Roar jacquieroar@gmail.com jacquieroar.com @JacquieRoars 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 - Bash On The Bay-Jacquie Roar
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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
    393
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ft Myers Beach - Good Neighbor
  • Show Website
    Ft Myers Beach - Good Neighbor