LPA member and Charter Commission Chairman Jim Dunlap has decided not to apply for Jim Atterholt’s open seat on the Fort Myers Beach Town Council. Dunlap and Tom Brady spoke at public comment Monday to voice their interest in the seat.
After announcing his interest Monday, The Fort Myers Beach recall crowd immediately began their attack on Dunlap on social media. They tried to discredit Dunlap by claiming he was not a Fort Myers Beach resident because he had a homesteaded property in Estero which he’s owned for over 12 years.
Dunlap and his wife bought their home on Fort Myers Beach over 4 years ago. Like so many residents of the beach, Dunlap’s home on Egret Street was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian. And, like so many residents of Fort Myers Beach, the home could not be lived in. Dunlap lived off the island while repairs were made to his beach home. Then, Helene hit, Milton hit and the renovations had to begin all over again. All the while, being on the beach virtually every day and attending to his volunteer responsibilities on the island…