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. FMBGN-BIZ-The Art of Pour Decisions-Wine Experiences On FMB

    9H AGO

    FMBGN-BIZ-The Art of Pour Decisions-Wine Experiences On FMB

    A lot of people say they want to “do what they love,” but Garrett Kraska actually did it, and his path is anything but typical. We hang out with the founder of The Art of Pour Decisions, a Fort Myers Beach-based wine experiences business led by a WSET Level 3 certified wine educator who knows how to make wine feel welcoming, not intimidating. We talk about Garrett’s pivot from funeral director to wine professional, what it takes to build a small business after a major relocation, and how Fort Myers Beach became home, even with the curveball of Hurricane Ian. If you’ve ever needed that nudge to take the first real step, his story hits hard in the best way. Then we get practical: what’s trending in the wine industry, why organic winemaking and cleaner farming matter, and how additives can show up in the way you feel after a glass. Garrett shares how he teaches Wine Tasting 101, the swirl-smell-sip basics, and why there’s no “right answer” when you describe what you taste. We also get into value hunting, hidden gem regions, and a current favorite: wines from Sicily near Mount Etna. You’ll also hear how to find Garrett online, plus details on upcoming wine events like a wine and cheese pairing at Matanzas and future collaborations supporting Friends of Lovers Key. Subscribe for more Good Neighbor stories, share this with a friend who loves wine, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Art of Pour Decisions Garrett Kraska 651-2838721 Fort Myers Beach, Florida gkthewineguy@gmail.com pourdecisionsswfl.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/

    18 min
  2. FMBGN-BIZ-Snug Harbor-Jason Shares How Fresh Fish And Family Built His Snug Harbor Story

    MAY 4

    FMBGN-BIZ-Snug Harbor-Jason Shares How Fresh Fish And Family Built His Snug Harbor Story

    A great beach meal isn’t just about seafood, it’s about trust: who caught it, who cooked it, and whether the place feels like it belongs to the water you’re staring at. We’re hanging out at Snug Harbor on Fort Myers Beach with Jason, the new operating partner, and he tells the story behind the restaurant from the inside out. From his early days working in Southwest Florida restaurants to stepping into beach life right at the start of season, Jason shares what it takes to run a waterfront favorite where locals return year after year.  We get specific about what makes Snug Harbor different: their fish house near the bridge, local boats delivering grouper and snapper, and a kitchen that keeps recipes simple so the fresh catch can lead. Jason also breaks down the experience guests come for, including dock space for boaters, service that feels like friendship, and that iconic sunset view that turns Table One into the most wanted seat on the bay. If you’re planning a Fort Myers Beach trip, love seafood, or just want a real look at hospitality done right, you’ll walk away with clear recommendations and a better sense of what “local” tastes like.  And yes, we talk about what to order. Jason’s must-try pick is grouper, especially the Grouper Gourmet with crab, lemon butter sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and green beans. We also dig into rotating specials and a dish you won’t see everywhere: grouper wings made from grouper collars, marinated and flash-fried. We wrap with how to find Snug Harbor online and how their catering can help with graduation season and custom parties.  Subscribe for more Fort Myers Beach stories, share this with a friend who loves fresh seafood, and leave a review to help more people find the show. What’s the first thing you’re ordering when you get to the water? 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/

    11 min
  3. FMBGN-BIZ-Nervous Nellies-Turning Waterfront Views to Unforgettable Events

    MAY 3

    FMBGN-BIZ-Nervous Nellies-Turning Waterfront Views to Unforgettable Events

    A great Fort Myers Beach event doesn’t start with a spreadsheet, it starts with a place that makes people feel instantly on vacation. We’re recording at Nervous Nellies with Valerie, the event coordinator who helps turn waterfront views, great service, and a fun crowd into weddings, birthday parties, reunions, and everything in between. If you’ve been searching for a Fort Myers Beach wedding venue or a private event space that can flex from casual to elevated, Valerie lays out what actually matters when you want guests to relax and have a good time. We talk about the kinds of events Nervous Nellies hosts most often, why weddings and rehearsal gatherings keep coming back, and how the venue supports groups with multiple spaces across two floors, including indoor and outdoor options, patios, nooks, and full liquor bars. Valerie also shares what’s coming up for local Fort Myers Beach events like Cinco de Mayo, including an outside bar and margarita specials. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes perspective that helps you picture your own celebration, whether you’re planning a small 10-person moment or a bigger party that needs room to move. You’ll also get to know Valerie beyond the job title: a native Floridian who moved west, helped on her family farm, and has spent real time supporting dog rescue efforts. That mix of hospitality, community pride, and hands-on coordination is exactly what you want when you’re trusting someone with a big day. Subscribe for more Fort Myers Beach local business spotlights, share this with a friend who’s planning a party, and leave a review to help more neighbors find the show. Nervous Nellie's 1131 First St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931  (239) 999-8077 nervousnelliesfmb@gmail.com nervousnellies.net #NervousNelliesFMB  #LiveMusic #WaterfrontDining #HappyHour @NervousNelliesFMB 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/

    7 min
  4. FMBGN-BIZ-Snug Harbor-Special Events

    MAY 2

    FMBGN-BIZ-Snug Harbor-Special Events

    A ten dollar margarita that helps pay for fireworks is the kind of Fort Myers Beach idea we can get behind. We’re posted up at Snug Harbor with Jason to map out what’s happening as the island ramps into the local kickoff, starting with a Cinco De Mayo pub crawl vibe in Bayside Park and rolling straight into weekly locals favorites.  We break down the Cinco De Mayo details you actually need, including the 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. window, the bar setup, and the live music slot that turns the afternoon into a proper beach night. Then we dig into the fundraiser angle: featured El Mayor tequila margaritas where half the proceeds go to the Fort Myers Beach fireworks fund, with multiple participating stops including Snug Harbor, Wahoo Willy’s, and SOB’s. If you’ve been searching for Cinco De Mayo Fort Myers Beach plans, this is a simple way to have fun and support a community tradition at the same time.  From there, we shift to the weekly rhythm with Locals Happy Hour every Wednesday, plus live music and shrimp specials that make midweek feel like a mini event. Jason also shares easy wins for regulars, like Snug Harbor hats and a Locals Day perk where wearing your hat gets you a second drink free on us up to eight bucks. We also touch on graduation season and how to book larger parties, including catering options and a rentable tiki space that can fit up to about 50 people.  If you love local businesses, live music, and Fort Myers Beach happy hour specials that give back, hit subscribe, share this with a friend coming to the island, and leave us a review so more good neighbors 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/

    5 min
  5. FMBGN-HW-ReNew Yu-Pelvic Floor Basics That Actually Help

    APR 29

    FMBGN-HW-ReNew Yu-Pelvic Floor Basics That Actually Help

    Leaking when you sneeze. A sudden urge that makes you sprint for the bathroom the moment you pull into the driveway. Constipation that won’t quit. Pelvic pain that’s hard to explain and even harder to bring up. We’re getting practical and specific about pelvic floor dysfunction, because “just deal with it” is not a plan and it’s not the standard you deserve. I’m joined by Dr. Greet Baestaens, a pelvic floor rehab specialist, to unpack what the pelvic floor actually is, what it’s supposed to do, and why so many people get stuck doing endless Kegels with zero results. We break down the two big urinary patterns, stress incontinence and urgency incontinence, then connect the dots to overactive bladder habits that can shrink bladder capacity over time. We also talk about nocturia (waking up at night to pee) and why the cause might be bladder irritation, hydration choices, or even fluid shifting from swollen ankles and legs. From there, we go where most conversations never do: constipation and straining, pelvic floor tightness and spasm, and why pain can show up in the pelvis, hips, or low back. Dr. Baestaens explains what evidence-based pelvic floor therapy looks like, including symptom journals, muscle testing, biofeedback, ultrasound imaging, and retraining the coordination between the bladder and pelvic floor. If you’re active in the Southwest Florida heat, you’ll also love the simple hydration checkpoint you can use today. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs real options, and leave a review so more people can find pelvic floor rehab resources and stop suffering in silence. REnew-YU Natural Health-Beauty Dr. Greet Baestaens 801 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, FL 34112  (239) 682-1306 RENEWYU3801@GMAIL.COM renew-yu.com #REnewYU #NaturalHealth #MindBodySoul @REnewYUNaples 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/

    24 min
  6. FMBGN-ROXIE-Turtle Time 101

    APR 25

    FMBGN-ROXIE-Turtle Time 101

    A sea turtle can cross an ocean and still lose the last 50 feet because of a single bright light on shore. We sit down with Cindy and Mary Rose from Turtle Time Inc, the volunteer team that patrols Fort Myers Beach at dawn, flags crawls, confirms nests, and monitors eggs until hatching. Along the way, we dig into the surprising scale of what’s at stake: Florida hosts about 90% of all sea turtle nests in the United States, and roughly 60% of the world’s loggerhead nests, putting our local choices on the map globally. We break down nesting season vs hatching season, why one turtle may return to lay multiple nests, and what visitors often do wrong without realizing it. The biggest theme is light pollution and sea turtle disorientation. Cindy and Mary Rose explain what “turtle friendly lighting” actually means under the Fort Myers Beach lighting ordinance: downward directed fixtures, full shielding, full cutoff, and amber LED lighting (not just a yellow bulb). We also talk about the sneaky sources of glare that matter, from open windows to cell phone flashlights during a beach walk. Then we get practical: fill in holes, clear chairs and toys at night, avoid creating ruts that trap tiny hatchlings, and know how to behave if you’re lucky enough to see a nesting turtle. You’ll also learn what the yellow flags mean, when to report fresh tracks, and how to reach Turtle Time at turtletime.org or 239-481-5566. If you care about Fort Myers Beach wildlife, coastal conservation, and keeping the beach a living ecosystem, this one gives you clear rules you can use tonight. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend staying on the island, and leave a quick review so more people learn how to protect nesting sea turtles. Turtle Time Inc. Cindy Johnson  & Mary Rose Spalletta P.O. Box 2621 Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33932 (239) 481-5566 turtletime.org/ 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/

    21 min
  7. FMBGN-Mom's Home Cooking - Homemade Happiness On FMB

    APR 23

    FMBGN-Mom's Home Cooking - Homemade Happiness On FMB

    The best comfort food doesn’t just fill you up, it reminds you why a town feels like home. We’re posted up at Mom’s Home Cooking on Fort Myers Beach with owner Heather Reagan, who also created the beloved Heavenly Biscuit, and she tells the real story behind “homemade.” From cinnamon rolls and biscuits to scratch-made lunch specials, Heather explains why quality ingredients are the only way to deliver food that people remember and come back for. We also talk about the long road after the storms and what rebuilding looks like in practice: operating out of a trailer, dealing with higher insurance and overhead, and hunting for the right space to bring the business back into a building. Heather shares what she misses most about the original setup, including the community traditions that grew over the years, and why she still believes the next chapter can be even better. If you’re visiting Fort Myers Beach or you live here and want a local restaurant that feels personal, Heather drops must-try menu picks beyond the cinnamon rolls, including biscuit sandwiches, a classic Cuban with house-roasted pork, a cheesesteak that earns serious praise, and smoked-chicken chicken salad. We also cover where to find Mom’s Home Cooking on Estero Boulevard and the current hours. Subscribe for more Fort Myers Beach local business stories, share this with a friend who loves great food, and leave a review so more neighbors can find the show. Mom’s Home Cookin / Heavenly Biscuit Heather Reagan 2450 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 785-0707 moms-restaurant-fortmyersbeach.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/

    10 min
  8. APR 17

    FMBGN-ROXIE-What's Up FMB-Raising Money To Keep Fourth Of July Fireworks Alive On Fort Myers Beach

    Fourth of July on Fort Myers Beach nearly lost one of its biggest traditions and the ripple effects would have hit every restaurant, bar, shop, and family that counts on summer energy. From the Roxie Power Hour in Times Square, we talk with Karen Woodson of What's Up FMB, a newly official 501(c)(3) nonprofit with one clear mission: drive visitors back to the island during the off-season and keep local businesses thriving when things slow down. Karen breaks down the behind-the-scenes reality of funding fireworks after the town cut them during budget season, including what it costs to run a safe beach event right now. With the pier still under construction, the show needs a barge, and the full budget covers far more than fireworks shells. We talk security, bridge operations, event setup, and why the fundraising goal sits around $130,000. The best part: the community is already close, and every dollar helps push the finish line and could even carry momentum into New Year’s Eve fireworks. We also get into the fun side of the off-season comeback plan: the Charm Crawl that sends you across dozens of Fort Myers Beach businesses all summer, the return of Mullet Madness, and Glow By The Gulf, a wellness-focused weekend with beach yoga, workouts, and vendors aimed at mind, body, and soul. If you’re searching for Fort Myers Beach events, things to do this summer, or ways to support local, this one is packed with ideas and ways to get involved. Subscribe for more island stories, share this with a friend who loves the beach, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show. What's Up FMB Karen Woodson karen@whatsupfmb.com whatsupfmb.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/

    11 min

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.