Fort Myers Beach Hires Private Firm To Help With Traffic Problems

Fort Myers Beach leaders has hired AWP Safety to handle growing traffic problems at major intersections. Using emergency powers given after Hurricane Ian's damage, Town Manager Andy Hyatt approved the contract. It runs through spring 2025, with extra hours beyond regular shifts costing $50 per hour.

Teams of traffic officers will be deployed at a cost of $930 per day for two officers, $1,395 for three officers, and double rates on the weekends. Traffic officers will be posted at two key locations: where Old San Carlos Boulevard meets Times Square and at the intersection of Estero Boulevard and Crescent Street. They'll manage traffic flow from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The officers will wear town-branded uniforms and use radio channels to coordinate traffic flow. 

Breaking from tradition, the town moved away from Lee County Sheriff's Office traffic control. This change puts traffic management directly under local control.

Council members are looking at more solutions. They're considering options like intersection cameras and designated spaces for delivery trucks to stop. One suggestion would close off Crescent Street during peak times for valet parking.