The core mission of the FMBFCD is, “combat hostile fires and treat and transport the sick and injured as well as provide multiple levels of rescue.”

The Early Years: 1940-1959

The district began as a volunteer fire department in 1949 by the Beach Improvement Association, Inc. with Earl Howie as its first appointed “Fire Captain”. 

In 1950, the district incorporated as the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District, Inc., and the Florida Legislature organized FMBFCD as a special taxing district in 1951.  The legislature instituted a 3-member Governor-appointed board and limited its territory to San Carlos and Estero Islands. 

Shortly thereafter, Mr. and Mrs. Donald and Ora Zimmer donated land for the construction of a Fire Station #1 (also known as #31) on Estero Boulevard .  The Zimmer’s donated the land with the understanding that the property would remain a fire station or revert back to family ownership.  In the 1950s, the district grew.  The district funded the fire chief and captain positions, acquired additional equipment (a 1947 Jeep and new Ford engine), levied taxes on real and personal property, approved the first burn ordinance. 

Growth and Change: The 1960s

FMBFCD experienced considerable growth throughout the 1960s.  In that same year, the district acquired property, additional trucks, communication equipment, and received a radio license.  That year, Hurricane Donna hit the beach on September 10, 1960 with 117 mile per hour winds, causing 26 million dollars worth of damage (in 1960 dollars).  The storm caused severe financial shortfalls for the district due to extensive recovery efforts.  In 1961, the district acquired an additional parcel from the Zimmer family for station expansion.  Between 1961 and 1962, the Fort Myers Beach Equipment Vehicle Inc. and the Fort Myers Beach Rescue Unit formed as a not for profit organizations.  The Rescue Unit transported patients to Miner Corner for ambulance service to the hospital. 

In 1963, the district’s territory expanded to the mainland, establishing its current boundaries.  Also in 1963 the Fort Myers Beach Rescue Unit, Inc. and all of its properties were transferred and became an official division of the FMBFCD.  FMBFCD became one of only two districts in Lee County to handle ambulance calls.  In 1966, the district received a Certificate of Need (CON) license and a $2,500 vehicle to operate an ambulance service.  Also in 1966, the district constructed a two-story addition to Fire Station #31.  In 1969, the district purchased a new rescue vehicle. 

Trouble Brewing: Conflict in the 1970s

In May 1976, the Fort Myers Beach Professional Firefighters Union formed.  This caused considerable conflict between firefighters and the Commission over a three-year period.  The conflict culminated in lawsuits, strikes, and the 1979 resignation of all fire commissioners.  Still the district seemed to be moving forward as property was leased and a second station opened in 1978.  The growth was short-lived as the district scaled back operations in 1979 due to financial constraints, terminating its fire prevention activities and closing the newly built station. 

Change, Save Our Homes, and Town Incorporation: The 1980s and 1990s

More change was evident throughout the 1980s.  At that time, the district’s programs included a medical director, a fire apprentice program, and programs for educating schoolchildren on safety behavior.  In addition, the district reinstated its fire prevention activities and the Fire Commission was expanded from three to five elected members.  In 1981, enabling legislation authorized the Fire Board to determine millage and operate an Advanced Life Support ambulance.  Station #2 (also known as Station #32) opened in a different location that better served the residential and commercial patterns in 1983.  The FMBFCD added equipment to better support medical emergencies on the waterways and address cardiac emergencies. 

During the 1990s, the district suffered severe financial setbacks.  The district’s finances were affected by the 1992 Save Our Homes amendment to the Florida Constitution.  Despite rapid demographic growth and a healthy tax base, the district spent the latter part of the 1990s recovering financially.  From 1990 to 2000, 5 employees were hired and no new stations were constructed.  Also of significance was the 1995 incorporation of the Town of Fort Myers Beach.  Prior to incorporation the fire district was solely within the jurisdiction of Lee County ; after 1995 the fire district also operated within the Town of Fort Myers Beach, requiring the fire district to work with both local governments.

A New Decade: 2000 to Present

Currently, a five-member commission elected by district residents, each serving a term of four years, governs the FMBFCD.  The district is funded by an annual millage rate set by the Fire Commissioners assessed on property within the district.  The district employs 55 professionals.

Chief Michael Becker was appointed in 2005.  His mission is to strengthen the reputation of the district by building collaborative relationships with the labor unions and the elected commission, using evidence-based decision making, and providing significant opportunities for an efficient and effective organization.