Journal Six: Urban Environments

The City of Fort Myers

On the surface, Fort Myers does not seem like a city which would be so rich in cultural history. Going back as far as 1513, Ponce De Leon explored areas around what is now lee county and it is believed that Fort Myers was one of his many stops. In 1821, Florida became a US territory and with is came the attest from settlers demanding protection from native Seminoles. Fort Myers was built along the Caloosahatchee River as one of the first bases of operation during the Seminole Indian wars. The name "Myers" comes from Colonel Abraham C. Myers, who was the son-in-law of the commander of Fort Brooke. After the wars had passed, the Fort was disassembled in 1876. Cattle herders marched their livestock to Punta Rassa, often traveling through the old fort grounds. Cattle, farming, and logging were the early mainstays of the area we now call Fort Myers, but it would flourish as time went on. In 1885 Fort Myers saw a lively population of 349, and in that same year Thomas Edison paid a visit on his trip cruising Florida's coast. On the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, Edison built his home and laboratory (the Seminole Lodge). Edison is revered as the "electric man", but he had a deep passion for the natural world. He mentioned that nature is an "endless source of discovery." Edison's initial research in the area was on goldenrod rubber, but the incandescent light bulb is the most famous innovation to come out of his lab. An old friend of Edison's, Henry Ford, would often visit to go on camping trips in the area. In 1903, Ford had perfected the gasoline driven automobile, and the first ford car dealership opened up in 1914 in, you guessed it, Fort Myers. Since these times, the area has grown even more. Industries and small companies around the area are always growing, a testament to Edison and his innovative spirits.

a)  How  the city government has addressed environmental issues - parks, water, buildings etc.

There are always going to be environmental issues to deal with, regardless of where you are. Fort Myers sure has some, but city officials have taken notice and are trying to help. Dumping of waste into the Caloosahatchee has been an issue for quite some time, but there are efforts to try and minimize the damages done. Just before the banks of water, there is a well that collects all of the sludge and waste once thrown in to the water. When this area of water is filtered and reaches a certain point, only then is it dumped into the river. This is just a minor effort in trying to massage some of the damages done by dumping waste.

b) The conflicts between efforts of environmental, historical and economic forces in the decision making  about the city functions

Fort Myers prides itself in the efforts put forward to promote environmental sustainability as well as provide a beautiful place for its residents to live. Affordable housing is something that the city of Fort Myers is always looking to provide in medium to high density populated areas. There are a number of areas for people to visit that promote art around the area, even advocating for local artists to come and display their works. These efforts put forward by the city make the community a cultural gathering place that does not care about race or other separating factors. 

3. How can you apply aspects of biophobia, biophilia and topophilia in the city?

Throughout the trip around downtown Fort Myers, there was a lot of diversification in the plants around the area. One area in particular showcased numerous plants from all the continents around the world. In another area, a tree hundreds of years old towered over the sidewalk. Its historical purposes unmatched by any other part of the city, efforts were put forth to preserve this piece of natural beauty. All of these aspects scream biophilia, the revolution is very much alive downtown and it was quite refreshing to see. Biophobia is also present, as many contractors and companies are licking their lips at the opportunity to snag a piece of unmarked land to build upon. Money and greed will forever be the enemy of nature and all of its beauty, and this is markedly clear in downtown. 

4. How does the learning on the city relate to the readings and the course objectives

Learning about the city really echoed some ideas by David Orr, more specifically biophilia and its revolution. As previously stated, it is apparent that a biophilic lifestyle is very much alive downtown, thus bridging the connection between our readings on Orr and our trip downtown. It is always refreshing to see that the topics we study and discuss in class are part of the real world and it was an eye opening trip to say the least.