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 and an uncertain vision. Then Hurricane Ian hit. While devastating for the island, the storm's aftermath revealed an opportunity: the beach's beloved party bars were gone, leaving a void in the community. Mr. Waves stepped in, creating a vibrant space offering karaoke seven days a week, all-day breakfast, and their now-famous giant bucket drinks.

"Fort Myers Beach is very special because it's not owned by bigger corporations, it's literally family business oriented," Daniel explains, pinpointing exactly what gives the area its unique charm compared to other Florida beach destinations. This family-focused approach resonates throughout Mr. Waves, where locals and tourists alike gather from 8am (making it one of the earliest-opening establishments on the beach) until late evening for food, drinks, and singing.

The challenges weren't insignificant - navigating flood elevation changes, permitting issues, and the struggle to let people know Fort Myers Beach is open for business post-Ian. Yet two years later, Mr. Waves has become a beloved fixture on the beach, even expanding with PedalTiki.com, a 14-person party bike offering island tours and pub crawls.

Daniel's journey from German teacher to beach bar owner shows what's possible when passion meets opportunity. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to see how the beach has rebuilt, make sure Mr. Waves is on your list - your karaoke song can't wait any longer! Find them on social media or at MrWavesIslandBar.com to plan your visit.

Mr. Waves Island Bar
Daniel Clarkston
1028 Fifth Street Ste A Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 299-9311
[email protected]
mrwavesislandbar.com

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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 reconnected with local history, establishing the eatery on the same spot where the original Snug Harbor stood in the 1970s. What makes his approach special is the genuine boat-to-table experience. His business partner commercially catches fish just before Hurricane Pass, ensuring Chef Rizzo (who's worked with them for over 25 years) has access to the freshest possible seafood. For visitors unfamiliar with local species like triple tail, golden tilefish, or American red snapper, these dishes offer a true taste of southwest Florida waters.

The spirit of preservation extends to Peter's other ventures. At Wahoo Willies, operating partner Bill Ignati—whose family was part of the original cottage community—has reintroduced prime rib nights that hearken back to Charlie's Steakhouse, maintaining beloved traditions despite hurricane challenges. Similarly, when SOB's previous owners decided to move on, Peter and partners Angie and Hank Leitnicker stepped in to ensure this local favorite would continue serving the community.

Beyond serving excellent food and drinks, Peter's businesses actively strengthen community bonds through free concert series at Bayside Park between the restaurants. These Friday evening and Sunday afternoon gatherings have become essential meeting grounds where locals, seasonal residents, and first-time visitors connect through music and shared experience. After weathering multiple hurricanes, Peter has also become adept at rapid response, putting equipment on wheels for quick evacuation—a skill he wryly notes "you don't want to be good at," but one that's necessary for coastal business survival.

Want to experience Fort Myers Beach's revival firsthand? As Peter says, "The beach looks nicer than I think it's ever looked," with expanded shorelines and hotels reopening. Whether you arrive by car or boat (dockage available at Snug Harbor), you'll find a warm welcome, fresh seafood, and the unmistakable spirit that makes this slice of paradise worth fighting for.

Peter Ennis
Snug Harbor Restaurant
645 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
 (239) 463-4343
snugharbor.restaurant

Wahoo Willies
645 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
239) 233-8055
wahoowillies.com

Smokin' Oyster Bar (SOB)
340 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 373-4115
sob4fun.com

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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 needed most.

Treasury Manager Kathy Stefanski joins us to share how the bank's unique approach to commercial lending and business services is helping revitalize the community. "We want our area, our community, to grow," she explains, highlighting their mission to provide financing options and support that larger institutions might overlook. Unlike corporate banks, Gulf Coast boasts entirely local shareholders, fostering a genuine understanding of the region's specific challenges and opportunities.

Beyond financial services, the bank demonstrates its commitment through active community involvement. As title sponsor for the upcoming Bayside Friday Night Concert Series and through partnerships with local organizations like FMB Strong and The Heights Foundation, they're helping restore the island's vibrant culture. This dedication extends to their banking approach, where personal relationships flourish – their branch manager knows every customer by name, transforming routine transactions into meaningful connections.

The conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into how community banking adapts to modern needs while preserving personal service. For businesses struggling to recover from recent storms or entrepreneurs looking to launch new ventures, Gulf Coast Business Bank represents a partner deeply invested in their success. Reach out to them at gulfcoastbusinessbank.com or contact Kathy directly at 239-318-5946 to discover how local banking can make a difference in your business journey.

Gulf Coast Business Bank

Kathy Stefanski 
239-318-5946
12205 Metro Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33966
(239) 345-2265
gcbbswfl.com

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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 just 97 days after Hurricane Ian devastated the island. Matt proudly recounts how they maintained operations with a trailer on their original property while planning their comeback. What began as a management position in 2019 evolved into a mission to preserve a community gathering place when disaster struck.

"The biggest silver lining I found immediately after Ian was this community," Matt reflects, describing how neighbors from all backgrounds united as family throughout the recovery process. This spirit of togetherness embodies the Beach Bar's welcoming philosophy: "Walk in as friends, dance out as family." It's more than a catchy phrase—it's the heartbeat of their approach to hospitality.

Beyond serving cold drinks with ocean views, the Beach Bar actively gives back through regular fundraisers including their September Blues Bash supporting local schools and December's Toys for Tots drive with the Marines. Even during challenging times, their commitment to community remains unwavering.

Originally from Long Island, Matt has fully embraced the Southwest Florida lifestyle, spending his rare free time paddleboarding, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty that drew him to the area. His passion for the beach life shines through in the simple but perfect formula he's created: "Cold beer, live music, toes in the sand."

Visit the Beach Bar behind the Goods at 1668 I Street, connect with them on Facebook and Instagram @FMBtheBeachBar, and experience firsthand how a small beach bar helped heal a community and keeps the island spirit alive every day. Come witness Fort Myers Beach's remarkable revival and be part of the continuing story of paradise restored.

The Beach Bar

Matt Faller

1668 I Street Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

[email protected]

thebeachbarfmb.com

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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 candor, he shares how his entrepreneurial instincts led him to partner with Love Boat Ice Cream, creating a unique business model that serves both practical needs and sweet cravings for locals and tourists alike.

The heart of this conversation reveals how small businesses become lifelines during disaster recovery. When major retailers remained closed after the hurricane, The Goodz stepped up as the first place where islanders could find cold drinks and essential supplies. Now operating from trailers while awaiting rebuilding, Graham maintains the same level of inventory and service despite significant challenges. His family's deep connection to the community—including his father who works as a handyman late into the night helping neighbors—exemplifies the interdependent nature of island life.

What stands out most is Graham's unwavering optimism despite personal sacrifices, including selling his beloved fishing boat to keep the business afloat. His story captures the essence of Fort Myers Beach's recovery: perseverance, adaptation, and maintaining the spirit of paradise even when the physical landscape has changed. Visit The Goodz for hardware needs, cool off with one of their 45 ice cream flavors, and witness firsthand how supporting local businesses strengthens the fabric of this resilient beach community.

The Goodz
Graham Belger
1698 Estero Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 765-8900

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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 their building relatively undamaged after the hurricane. As donations began pouring in, what started as a chaotic collection point quickly evolved into an organized distribution center providing generators, tools, water, and essential supplies to devastated residents. The outpouring of support was overwhelming – semi trucks arriving from Wisconsin, donations flooding in from across Florida, and strangers stepping up to help strangers in their darkest hours.

But FMB Strong's impact goes far beyond material aid. The organization became a beacon of hope for the community's most vulnerable members, including those struggling with addiction, homelessness, and elderly residents unable to navigate complex relief systems. Their case manager Patty Benson, herself nearly 30 years in recovery from substance abuse, has helped numerous individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives from scratch. As Heidi puts it, "These are the things that we've done... We've really helped people that needed help."

The organization's innovative fundraising approach – an annual "Mrs. Roper" themed event that started with a modest goal of 100 tickets – has exploded into a community-wide celebration attracting 700+ participants and becoming "the biggest day of the year" for many local businesses. Despite facing challenges like donor fatigue and diminishing grants as other disasters command attention, FMB Strong continues providing critical services while adapting to evolving community needs. Their story stands as powerful testament to what becomes possible when everyday people refuse to stand by in the face of catastrophe.

State Insurance USA
4450 Camino Real Way
Ft Myers, FL 33966
239-567-9992
100 Lovers Ln 3rd Floor
Ft Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 690-6300
[email protected]
stateinsuranceusa.com

FMB Strong

820 Buttonwood Dr
33931, Fort Myers Beach
(802) 239-1962
[email protected]

fmbstrong.org

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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 what truly matters.

Gregg's candid conversation takes us through the journey of becoming an "instant local" in a beach paradise, despite arriving just months before Hurricane Ian devastated the area. Rather than regretting their timing, the Flowers found themselves embraced by a community that pulls together in the face of adversity. As Greg puts it, "If you've been here three weeks or three years, as long as you're good people, you become a local just like that."

The heart of this episode explores how leaving behind the corporate world opened doors to unexpected opportunities in marina management and, more importantly, a lifestyle focused on joy rather than just earning a paycheck. Greg shares his personal philosophy—"No shade, just sunshine"—which guides not only his outlook but his mission to inspire others through their own life hurricanes. His powerful insight that "enjoying your job is a lot more important than a paycheck" resonates throughout the conversation.

Listeners will be touched by Gregg's authentic approach to community building and his practical wisdom about appreciating what matters most. From the simple pleasure of watching a free sunset (something "tourists save all year for") to the importance of supporting local businesses, this episode reminds us that paradise isn't just about location—it's about perspective. Ready to rethink what makes a good life? This conversation might just inspire your own journey toward finding your slice of paradise, wherever that may be.

Gregg Flowers

#INSPIRED365

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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

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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 that embodies the resilient spirit of this beach community.

The Tiki Pub isn't just another party boat; it's a thoughtfully designed experience that adapts to whatever "vibe" guests bring aboard. From Justin Bieber-themed bachelorette parties to Sunday family fun days complete with "kid-ioki," these floating tiki huts create customized celebrations for groups of all types. As Darcy explains, "Whatever your form of fun is, we enhance your theme."

What makes this business truly remarkable is how it was built with lessons learned from disaster. Everything is movable, allowing them to quickly secure their assets before storms and reopen almost immediately afterward. This adaptive approach has proven invaluable during subsequent weather events, but their commitment extends beyond self-preservation. The Tiki Pub regularly offers free cruises to neighbors struggling with recovery, supports local animal rescue organizations, and celebrates what many would call "off-season" as "local season" – a special time when year-round residents can enjoy their paradise without the crowds.

With three vessels now in their fleet, including their original 25-passenger boat, a new 28-passenger "Islandside" craft, and a six-passenger tiki with a water slide, the family-run operation has become a symbol of Fort Myers Beach's comeback. Ready to experience the joy yourself? Visit tikipubfmb.com or call 239-800-8454 to book your own customized cruise and be part of the community's inspiring journey from devastation to celebration.

Tiki Pub - Ft Myers Beach
Darcy Kuenzel
18450 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 800-8454
[email protected]
tikipub.com/fortmyersbeach

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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 tuna's unique skin-like appearance. What started in a garage has blossomed into four retail locations across Florida's most beautiful coastal communities. While many might dismiss them as "just another t-shirt company," Tuna Skin has woven itself into the fabric of Fort Myers Beach through environmental stewardship and community engagement.

When Hurricane Ian brought 14 feet of storm surge crashing through their flagship store, Ben and his team transformed devastation into opportunity by completely redesigning their space. This experience prepared them for future hurricanes, turning what was once a 90-minute hurricane prep meeting into a confident 15-minute checklist. "We've been there, we've done that, we got the t-shirt," Ben reflects with the characteristic resilience of a coastal business owner.

The podcast reveals how Tuna Skin's annual Beach Keepers Club has grown from a modest 80-person cleanup to a community celebration attracting over 400 volunteers, complete with live music, food, and camaraderie that extends long after the official event ends. This initiative now spans all their locations, with Ben emphasizing that these events should inspire year-round environmental consciousness: "The one day should remind you why you should be doing it continually."

As a fourth-generation Floridian who once left paradise only to return with renewed appreciation, Ben brings authentic perspective to his business philosophy. With 80-85% of their merchandise made from recycled plastics and partnerships with organizations like Keep Lee County Beautiful and Mote Marine, Tuna Skin demonstrates how local businesses can align profit with purpose.

Whether you're planning your next beach vacation or simply drawn to stories of community resilience, this episode showcases how one business is preserving paradise while creating products locals wear with pride. Follow Tuna Skin on social media to discover their upcoming events or visit one of their locations in Fort Myers Beach, Siesta Key, Bonita Springs, or Key West to experience this unique blend of fashion and community spirit firsthand.

Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel
Ben Duval
1300 ESTERO BLVD.
FORT MYERS BEACH, FL
(239) 747-2230
tunaskin.co

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