Beach Kids Foundation seeking scholarship applications

As the recovery from Hurricane Ian continues, the Fort Myers Beach Kids Foundation wants everyone to know that they are coming into 2023 stronger than ever, with some great things planned for our island kids when they need it the most

The board announced this week that they are now accepting applications for their annual scholarship program, which offers $1,000 to any graduating high school senior living in the 33931 area code who is enrolling or is a college student already enrolled in a college or trade school, or whose parent or grandparent has worked on Fort Myers Beach for at least two years

“Obviously with the hurricane, this year it will be for students who met that criterion before Ian,” said Beach Kids Foundation Vice Chair Deborah Groll. “Every year we do scholarships which includes college and grad school, also vocational schools This is one of our favorite programs and we have helped so many students year after year We love to see their progress, and many keep in touch with us after graduation ”

Scholarship applications are available on the Foundation website at w w w b e a c h k i d s f o u n d a t i o n n e t Completed applications can be emailed to summerinoh@aol.com or to btmyers2152@eagle fgcu edu

The deadline to get them is June 30 out 16 checks for $1,000 last year, which are made payable to the college institution after verification of enrollment. Once the Board reviews all the applications, a decision will be made in July Be sure and stay tuned to the Fort Myers Beach Observer and social media as more fun is in store for this summer The foundation is planning a couple of fundraisers a corn hole tournament in June and a beach cleanup event in July They are also planning a backpack drive to send island kids back to school with everything they need, including clothes, and Island parents will be invited to pick up the fully stocked backpacks at an event sometime in August

The Beach Kids Foundation gave

DEP accepting student entries for Earth Day contest

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Protection will join the global celebration of Earth Day This yearly observance mobilizes efforts of more than 1 billion people across the world who are dedicated to the protection of the environment for future generations

Within this theme, 4-12 grade students are encouraged to partici- pate by joining a statewide poster contest The theme of Earth Day 2023 is “Invest in Our Planet.”

Students are asked to design a poster that reflects how they take care of the environment The deadline for the poster contest is April 10

Winning students will be selected from each age group (grades 4-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12) in each of the DEP's six district regions and will receive day-passes for entrance to a Florida State Park

Regional winners will be entered into a statewide contest for a full-size printed poster of their art

The winners will be announced in late April

For the contest rules and guidel i n e s n W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , A p r i l 5 , 2 0 2 3 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

Above, Linda Clayton bought her home on Miramar Street in 1989

The moment meant so much to her, she still has the Century 21 ad that she saved from the Fort Myers Beach Observer. One the few possessions she was able to save was a book published by the Fort Myers Beach Observer in 1995 with a history of the town

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