Fort Myers Beach councilmember announces retirement, effective end of 2025

Fort Myers Beach Councilman Jim Atterholt has announced his retirement from the town council, effective at the end of 2025.

According to a press release issued on Friday, Atterholt was first elected in March 2019, serving through the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple major storms, most notably Hurricane Ian, which caused significant damage to the town.

In his retirement notice, Atterholt cited family milestones, including the recent birth of his first grandchild and a desire to spend more time with his family. Atterholt expressed his continued commitment to service and civic engagement, regardless of whether he held his council position.

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers published a brief statement on Atterholt’s retirement, saying, “I have had the privilege of working alongside Jim Atterholt for more than five years during some of the most challenging moments in Fort Myers Beach’s history, including a global pandemic and multiple major storms.”

Allers then added, “His service to this community has been exceptional, and while he will be deeply missed on the town council, I am grateful to call him a colleague and a friend.”