Roxie Smith

Roxie Smith, 70, came to Fort Myers Beach in 1952, when her family bought the first cottage of what became Pink Shell Resort. After her father and her husband died in the same year, she grew the company to 180 units before selling. Today she is developing one of the original cottages as a bed and breakfast. One of the beach's biggest cheerleaders and civic supporters, Smith, a member of Florida's state tourism board, is leading the way in welcoming visitors back to the island.

Birthplace: Lincoln, Neb.

Most notable characteristic: Dedication and loyalty.

Looking back: My roles have evolved from wife to mother to grandmother to caregiver to my aging mother to businesswoman and community activist-and none is more important to me than the others.

Hoped-for achievement: A public/private historic village in Fort Myers Beach, with small shops in historic buildings.

Would trade places for a day with: Seventy years old is too old to trade even one day.

Favorite book: Anne Morrow Lindbergh's Gift from the Sea; it speaks to women of all ages and all times.

Perfect day: Exploring the beach, bay and tidal pools at our restored beach cottage with my children and grandchildren, watching them delight in each new discovery. It would end with a cookout on the back porch overlooking Estero Bay as the sun sets and the birds come to roost.

What the Gulfshore needs: A plan for preserving the natural environment that attracts so many to the area while honoring personal-property rights.