{"id":385957,"date":"2026-08-31T10:14:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T10:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/385957\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T10:14:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T10:14:18","slug":"miller-recognized-with-fort-myers-beach-citizen-of-distinction-award-joy-and-kevin-sullivan-earn-heritage-award-fort-myers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/385957\/","title":{"rendered":"Miller recognized with Fort Myers Beach citizen of distinction award, Joy and Kevin Sullivan earn heritage award – FORT MYERS"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Dawn Miller was named the Fort Myers Beach Arts and Culture Citizens of Distinction Award. File photo<\/p>\n

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Joy Sullivan (pictured) and Kevin Sullivan have been named the recipient of the Town of Fort Myers Beach citizens of distinction heritage award. <\/p>\n

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Dawn Miller, the co-founder and president of What\u2019s Up FMB, was recognized on Monday by the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council with the Arts and Culture Citizens of Distinction Award. The Town Council also honored Joy and Kevin Sullivan with the citizen of distinction heritage award.<\/p>\n

Miller, who also co-owns The Whale with husband Mike Miller, was nominated by Councilmember Rebecca Link.<\/p>\n

Link said she chose Miller for being \u201ca driving force in the revitalization, promotion, and community spirit<\/p>\n

of Fort Myers Beach through her vision and leadership as founder and president of What\u2019s Up<\/p>\n

FMB.\u201d Link credited Miller with bringing visitors and businesses together, along with the community on \u201ccommunity-focused events, tourism initiatives, and business collaboration.\u201d Link said Miller \u201chas worked tirelessly to restore energy, optimism, and economic activity to Fort Myers Beach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Link cited Miller\u2019s leadership in organizing a fundraiser among local businesses to bring back the Fourth of July parade and fireworks, when the Town Council was unable to fund the event this summer. Link also noted the Island Charm Crawl, Glow by the Gulf, and other What\u2019s Up FMB events that Miller spearheaded.<\/p>\n

Miller said \u201cI am incredibly honored and grateful to Councilmember Rebecca Link and the Town of Fort Myers Beach for this recognition. I truly love what I do, and helping bring our residents, businesses and visitors together is incredibly fulfilling. While my name is on the award, it reflects the dedication of the entire What\u2019s Up FMB board, our members, volunteers and community partners. I am proud of what we continue to accomplish together for Fort Myers Beach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Sullivan was recognized for her work with the Fort Myers Beach Women\u2019s Club, on the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board, and her work with the Community Foundation. Mr. Sullivan is president of the Bay Beach Lane Homeowner\u2019s Association. Mr. Sullivan led the Palms of Bay Beach Landscaping Committee through three hurricane recoveries. Both have worked on beach cleanups and advocated for sustainable practices to protect the island\u2019s ecosystem, according to a nominating form submitted by Robin and Todd Capela.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am thankful and honored\u201d to be recognized,\u201d Joy Sullivan said. \u201cI am surprised and happy.\u201d<\/p>\n


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