Chamber honors business leaders, pays tribute to late community resident
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce honored two of the town’s leading hotels for their contributions to the community, a leading sponsor of events on the island along with the contributions of several volunteers and other businesses at its annual awards ceremony held Friday at the Margaritaville Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach.
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce also had a somber honor this year for its Citizen of the Year Award, which went to the late Mike Yost. A local businessman who owned property at Times Square and other parts of the island, he was recalled by his partner Megan Rose for how much he cared about Fort Myers Beach. “He loved to make people laugh and smile,” she said. Rose, who accepted the award in honor of Yost, said “He loved this beach. He took pride in his haunted pub crawl.” Rose said Yost studied the beach and its history. “He was a beloved fixture and friend of Fort Myers Beach since 2010,” she said. Rose said Yost enjoyed doing magic tricks, trivia and following sports. “He had an infectious smile and love of life,” she said.
The Alex King Group received the Positive Impact Award for the Realtor group’s support of local events and sponsorships. The award honors those who not only drive change through innovative solutions and compassionate efforts but also embody a positive attitude and spirit of encouragement. Recipients of this award uplift others, foster a sense of unity, and consistently champion the recovery of the island, inspiring others to join in the collective effort to create a brighter, more connected future.
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak remarked how King had supported nearly every event on the island (including sponsoring Friday’s festivities). “They support every cause,” Liszak said.
“It’s important to share everything we have been doing and our passion. Our mission and passion is to bring the community together with events,” King said. King has supported community events both through his real estate group and through the King Family Foundation. He said the events help build a sense of community. “We’ve found this is the best way to get people to come out throughout the community to the events and met each other.”
The DiamondHead Beach Resort took home the Friends of the Beach Award for supporting the community through hosting events such as the return of the American Sand Sculpture Championship and a variety of other community events and meetings. The hotel hosted town council meetings and other community organizations for months after Hurricane Ian.
“We are proud to support our island community, and although we hope to never go through a storm like this again, we would and will offer the same support all over again,” DiamondHead Beach Resort General Manager Neil Hopgood said. “That’s what we’re here for.”
Liszak said the resort “exemplified what it means to be a community partner.”
The Pink Shell Beach Resort was also honored for their service to the community with the Outstanding Service Award for what the chamber described as an “island miracle” for reopening the hotel after Hurricane Helene and preparing the pool and property quickly in just a matter of a few days to host the Island Hopper Songwriter’s Festival and pool party. The resort has also provided the Town of Fort Myers Beach with a pumpout service for its mooring field pumpout boat.
Liszak said the Pink Shell Beach Resort’s efforts after Hurricane Helene “meant everything to the people of this island.”
Pink Shell Beach Resort General Manager Bill Waichulis said the recognition belonged to the employees of the hotel. “It took all 300 employees to make it happen,” he said.
Both Waichulis and Hopgood said this past March was one of their busiest months on record.
Other honorees on the night included Key West Express, which received the Commitment to Community Award for its support of community organizations. Suncoast Beverage Sales received the Special Recognition Award for its partnership with beach businesses and sponsorships of local events. The Civic Award went to DebyRoxane Sams for her tireless volunteerism, giving back by time from her personal life to support multiple nonprofits. Melissa VanOsten and Irvine Bourdeau were named the Chamber ambassadors of the year for supporting various Chamber functions, such as ribbon cuttings and Where’s Roxie.
The Chamber’s Environmental” Award went to the Center for the Rehabilitation for Wildlife (CROW). Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey said the organization relies on the Fort Myers Beach community to report sick or injured wildlife which CROW treats at its clinic.
“We love our partners on Fort Myers Beach. You all are the eyes and ears,” Hussey said. “We will continue to support the birds and the turtles to make sure the wildlife thrives here on Fort Myers Beach.” Hussey said the awareness of the community was key.
Business outlook
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Gail Langner, who operates State Insurance USA, remarked on the state of the island by saying “We are all excited about what we are seeing on the island. Every day, it’s getting a little better.”
Assessing the current business climate, Liszak said the island is getting closer to being where it was before Hurricane Ian. “I wouldn’t say it’s like a normal season but it’s darn close. We have to keep the momentum going,” Liszak said. “We need to stay kind.”
At the end of the ceremony, Liszak herself was honored with a certificate of appreciation from the chamber board presented by board member Bill Behrens.
Behrens extolled Liszak with “galactic gratitude” for her “remarkable, longstanding service to the Chamber of Commerce and businesses, and residents.”
Liszak credited the board with making her job easier. “I have the best board,” she said.