Fort Myers Beach Town Council Appoints New Member

John McLean selected to fill vacant council seat after previous member's resignation.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Fort Myers Beach Town Council in Lee County, Florida, has appointed John McLean to fill a vacant council seat. McLean, who previously served on the town's Local Planning Agency, was chosen over two other candidates in a 3-1 vote. He will serve through November and plans to run in the election to keep the seat.

Why it matters

This appointment marks the second new member to join the Fort Myers Beach Town Council in about three months, following the recall of a previous council member. The town has faced some recent turnover, raising questions about continuity and leadership on the council.

The details

McLean was selected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of council member Jim Atterholt, who cited family priorities and a desire for more travel flexibility as his reasons for stepping down. The council cited McLean's experience, community involvement, and understanding of local planning issues as factors in their decision to appoint him.

  • On February 17, 2026, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council appointed John McLean to fill the vacant council seat.
  • The vacancy was created in late December 2025 when Jim Atterholt announced his resignation from the council.

The players

John McLean

A resident of Fort Myers Beach who was serving on the town's Local Planning Agency prior to being appointed to the Town Council.

Jim Atterholt

A former member of the Fort Myers Beach Town Council who resigned from his seat in late 2025, citing family priorities and a desire for more travel flexibility.

Dan Allers

The mayor of Fort Myers Beach, who voted for a different candidate, James S. Boan, to fill the vacant council seat.

Rebecca Link

A businesswoman who recently joined the Fort Myers Beach Town Council after edging out Thomas Brady in a November 2025 election, following the recall of a previous council member.

Karen Woodson

The first person in Lee County, Florida, to be removed from office by a recall in nearly 75 years, leading to the recent election that brought Rebecca Link to the Fort Myers Beach Town Council.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Serving on the LPA has given me valuable insight into land use, development challenges, and long-term planning decisions. That experience has informed my ability to make thoughtful and sometimes tough decisions in the best interest of the town.”

— John McLean (naplesnews.com)

“Just last month, Brenda and I became grandparents to our first grandchild who lives in Colorado, and we expect more grandkids will be coming soon. In addition, another of our sons recently moved to Tampa, and we hope to spend more time with him.”

— Jim Atterholt, Former Fort Myers Beach Town Council Member (naplesnews.com)

What’s next

McLean will serve in the appointed position through November and plans to run in the election to continue serving on the Fort Myers Beach Town Council.

The takeaway

The appointment of John McLean to the Fort Myers Beach Town Council marks the second new member to join the council in about three months, following the recall of a previous member. This turnover raises questions about continuity and leadership on the council as the town navigates land use, development, and long-term planning decisions.