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Resident feels love from community

By Staff | Mar 4, 2015

To the editor:

I moved to Fort Myers Beach two years ago by myself not knowing a single person on the island. I had been hired by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission as a Biological Technician to monitor and educate others about the beach nesting birds. If that was all that were to come from my move, I would have been happy enough. I love wildlife of all kinds and working to protect threatened species such as the birds that nest on Fort Myers Beach gives me great personal satisfaction.

However, after living on the beach these past two years, I have come to treasure my human friends and the FMB community as a whole, as well as the birds. Early on, with the many fundraisers for local people in need, it became evident to me that the community was full of energetic and kind individuals who truly cared about one another. This outpouring of kindness became personal when I had hip surgery a few weeks ago. Everyone I knew here, both year-round and seasonal, were offering their help to me. Up until the surgery, I heard “whatever you need” more times than I could count. Post-surgery, flowers, food, cards and gifts were sent my way. Neighbors, Mound House staff and volunteers continue to check on me daily to ask if there’s anything I need.

When I needed to be transported to Lee HealthPark a few days after coming home from the hospital, Jeff and Eric from FMB EMS were prompt in responding to the 911 call and professional in every sense of the word. My first ride in an ambulance was another reminder of how fortunate I am to be living here.

Fort Myers Beach is my home now, and I feel like Pooh when he got stuck in the honey pot.

Penny Jarrett

Fort Myers Beach