News - Lee County ARES®

FMARC Ham of Year 2025 is LeeARES Leader

The prestigious “Ham of the Year” award from the Ft Myers Amateur Radio Club was recently presented to LeeARES AEC-Planning Jeff Kennedy NK4AA. While the announcement of the honor was made at the recent FMARC Holiday Party, the actual presentation of the plaque came during a recent meeting of LeeARES.

Jeff was recognized for his behind-the-scenes work on behalf of amateur radio. Jeff, who has served as both Vice President and President of FMARC has also been PIO for the club. Jeff took the top club position following the sudden passing of the incumbent. He led the club during this time until the next elections. Jeff is also familiar to local hams and the news media. As PIO, he often speaks on camera during events like Field Day. Jeff is a seasoned presenter who has promoted amateur radio and its benefits at public events like hurricane preparedness sessions.

The FMARC Ham of the Year is chosen by former award recipients annually. A ham can only receive the honor once.

“HOTY” Jeff Kennedy NK4AA and last year’s recipient Dave Sheppard W2PAX

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Jeff Kennedy NK4AA, LeeARES AEC Planning and Leadership Team Member was recently named the Ft Myers Amateur Radio Club “Ham of the Year” for 2025. Jeff was recognized for his work with both LeeARES and FMARC. He served as both Vice President and President of FMARC along with PIO. He is known for his behind the scenes and outreach work for LeeARES. Jeff is often the individual who speaks to groups on behalf of LeeARES and amateur radio. Congratulations Jeff on the well deserved recognition.

Jeff educating Lee County residents on Emergency Communications

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All LeeARES in-person meetings are held at the Lee County Public Safety Center located at 2675 Ortiz Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33905.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. All area Hams are welcome.

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On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, ARES Assistant Emergency Coordinator – Planning, Jeff Kennedy, gave an outstanding, informative presentation to the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club.

Follow the link below to access the presentation.

What You Should Know about ARES Presentation by Jeff Kennedy

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EC Emeritus Steve Smith SK

The former Emergency Coordinator (EC) for ARES in Lee County has become a Silent Key. Steve Smith W9GPI lost his battle with cancer on November 20, 2024. He battled the disease for over a year.

Steve’s positive attitude and willingness to take on any and all tasks for Amateur Radio, ARES and individual fellow Hams was well known. In addition to his service to ARES, Steve was an active member of the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, serving in many roles including Education Chair, Nominating Chair and Modulator Editor at various points during his time in Lee County. Steve was named as the FMARC “Ham of the Year” in 2016. He was also an active member of the local VE Team.

During the August meeting of LeeARES, a special recognition was announced. The meeting, held in conjunction with a session that included Lee County Emergency Management Leadership and Staff, Steve was recognized as “EC Emeritus”.

Steve came to southwest Florida from Fond du Lac Wisconsin in 2013 where he had served as the EC. He was named EC for Lee County in 2014 and served in the position until health forced his resignation in 2023. During his tenure he built on the strong relationship that ARES has with Lee County and was considered a friend and colleague by many in the local and statewide Emergency Management group along with ARES members.

His positive attitude, smile and leadership will long be remembered by those who knew him.

The EC Emeritus presentation can be viewed here: EC Emeritus Video

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Lee County ARES® Responds to Hurricane Milton

Local Fort Myers, Florida, amateur radio operators provided storm shelter communications, October 10, 2024 — Lee County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (LeeARES) was activated to assist with auxiliary emergency communications for the Hurricane Milton response. The group’s leader is Fort Myers resident Rich Schnieders, KR4PI, who serves as Emergency Coordinator. When asked about deploying amateur radio operators to shelters, Schnieders responded, “This is what we train for year-round, to serve the community in times of disaster.” Schnieders said that the group works closely with Lee County Emergency Management and has an amateur radio station within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Schnieders added that “(h)aving amateur radio operators in the shelters and at the EOC allowed for round-the-clock contact with county officials, even if there was a loss of power or cell phone service.”

In all, 15 ARES® members were deployed to 10 shelters. Amateur radio operators also coordinated constant communications from home stations during the storm. ARES® in Lee County is also known as LeeARES Inc., a voluntary organization committed to providing emergency communications and communications support for events when requested by the Lee County Office of Emergency Management. LeeARES Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is a tax-exempt entity in the United States dedicated to activities that serve the public interest and the common good.