GETTING MY BAG OF GOLD OFF FORT MYERS BEACH & INTO HEAVEN
Flashback to 2003 and we watched the
newer owners sell out for huge profits and the newest owners
auctioning off their new purchases. Real Estate agents routinely rang
the doorbells and promised fantastic prices. Then 2008 came and 2009
went into the toilet. Nearly half of the canal changed hands once or
twice. Only us old timers held on for the ride.
Where were we to go with a half a
million in our pockets when property values were spiraling upwards at
such a pace. The Christmas party of 2006 was easy to remember because
so many non-member residents showed up. When the membership committee
asked them to sign up, most declined but didn't leave. The free beer
and eats were to seductive. “Naw, we're just speculating.”
The Christmas party of 2009 was just a
memorable but for the exact opposite reason. Over three years some of
the speculators had moved on and some couldn't move on. The party was
sparsely attended except for the hard core members and a handful of
desperate 'upside-downers' who kept asking, “WTF happened?”
Throughout the years 'The Reverend'
kept preaching the same Psalm; Matthew 19:24 “Again I say to you,
it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for
a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Despite the undeviating
meaning, the words have taken on different meanings at different
times.
Gone are the foreclosed homes and in
their place are the new speculators. They deny that they are in it
just to make profit but are desperate to see their investments soar
once again. And so they watch their neighbors very carefully for any
evidence that might diminish their investments. The rising tide has
already floated all their boats but they want more.
“So we are in agreement that we
donate to our most needy family once again this year. The Jonseses
are the longest dwellers of the canal and neediest by far,” said
'Pensacola Slim.'
“I agree that their rundown shack is
terrible but if you donate food or clothing or presents it won't
improve their place,” said Newbie Bill. “I live next door to them
and they have the most desirable view of the whole canal. Let them
sell out and move inland with the rest of the Crackers!” A loud
cheer came from the far side of the clubhouse.
A low roar came from the other side.
This has been a bone of contention for many years. “We've argued
this point for a long time. Happily the anti-association members
outnumber you condo commandos so we aren't forming no Communist group
to benefit YOU,” shouted Trooper Tom!
“The Joneses house is the oldest.
It's small but it's clean and neat. You object to the fishing boat at
their dock instead of the plastic Sea Ray behind your houses,” said
Erie Earl.
“At this time of year we should
practice what we preach the rest of the year,” said the Reverend as
he lowered his head to signal a prayer coming. “Again I say to you,
it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for
a rich man to enter the kingdom of God, Amen. Meeting adjourned!”
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