Flu season off to an early start
By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com
Feeling under the weather?
You’re not alone
Lee County’s leading healthcare system is reporting an uptick in influenza and respiratory illness cases over the last few weeks, before the usual peak of flu season
L e e H e a l t h M e d i c a l D i
c t o r o f
“We’re hoping that people will get out there and get their vaccine if they haven’t got it, and that we’re hitting some early herd immunity,”
Mary Beth Saunders, Lee Health’s medical director of Epidemiology
Epidemiology Mary Beth Saunders said the system has seen an influx of individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms
years past, early in the year,” Saunders said “Just a lot of influenza in our community Though not necessarily a lot of people having to be hospitalized It is concerning when you see such high numbers.”
From Dec 22 to Dec 28, Lee Health reported a total of 1,273 cases of influenza in acute care hospitals and ambulatory, the overwhelming majority being cases of
“For this flu season, we’re seeing a much higher spike than we have seen in
Donations can make for a happier new year
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
Southwest Florida is full of organizations, all of which are seeking additional support as they continue to support those in need through a variety of programs in 2025 Among them:
Cape Coral Caring Center
Although 2024 proved to be challenging with the economy and a few hurricanes that impacted the
area, the Cape Coral Caring Center kept up with the demand
“We had a much busier year than we have had in a while 2024 was particularly busy and difficult for us because so many people are dealing with high prices of everything,” said Cape Coral Caring Center Executive Director Julie Ferguson, adding that incomes are not matching the cost of milk and food “We helped everyone Thankfully, we never had to turn people away There were lots of times our
See GIVING, page 26
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers
com
With a key source of drinking water the only source for many homes on wells dwindling toward record low levels, Cape Coral residents are again urged to conserve the resource
The Mid Hawthorne Aquifer, the primary water source for the northern section of Cape Coral, continues to experience critically low supply levels, a condition that spurred conservation mandates a year ago that remain in effect
On Dec 20, the city shared a Facebook post from the South Florida Water Management District that says the current situation is serious enough that additional restrictions may need to be imposed
“A portion of the City of Cape Coral and a portion of unincorporated Lee County are experiencing a very serious water shortage!” the post states
“Because of low aquifer levels, irrigation from the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer is currently restricted to one day per week A drier than normal dry season is forecasted
“The Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer, located approximately 125 feet underground, provides water to many private wells in this area. Water levels within this aquifer are approaching record low levels
“If the aquifer drops closer to the ‘significant harm threshold,’ more restrictions will be put into place and residents may no longer
Act of terrorism hits close to home
Two Canterbury grads among the 35 injured in incident that left 15 dead in New Orleans
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com
What’s being called an “act of terrorism” in New Orleans during a New Year’s celebration turned deadly saw 15 killed and 35 injured, with two teens from Fort Myers among those harmed
Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson, both 19 and 2023 graduates of Canterbury School in Fort Myers, were in the French Quarter District early on New Year’s Day when the incident occurred
According to local reports, both were transported to a hospital following the attack Eisele is currently a student at the University of Georgia, and Idelson a student at San Diego State University
The families of Eisele and Idelson shared a joint statement through Canterbury School
“The Eisele and Idelson families are deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and offers of support for our daughters following the tragic attack in New Orleans,” the statement reads “We are especially thankful for the excep-
“The Eisele and Idelson families are deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and offers of support for our daughters following the tragic attack in New Orleans We are especially thankful for the exceptional care and compassion they are receiving at University Medical Center We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, whose swift actions may have saved our daughters’ lives To everyone who has reached out with love and support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts ”
Statement on behalf of the families of Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson, both 19 and 2023 graduates of Canterbury School in Fort Myers
tional care and compassion they are receiving at University Medical Center We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, whose swift actions may have saved our daughters’ lives To everyone who has reached out with love and support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts ”
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Press Office, at approximately 3:15 a m CST, an individual drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon street
“After hitting the crowd, he exited the vehicle and fired upon local law enforcement,” the FBI release states “Law enforcement returned fire, and the subject was pronounced deceased at the scene Two law enforcement officers were injured and transported to a local hospital ”
The individual who drove through the crowd was identified as Shamus-Din Jabbar, 42, a U S citizen from Texas
The FBI stated the Ford pickup truck he was driving appears to be rented, and an ISIS flag was located inside the vehicle
“Weapons and a potential IED were located in the subject’s vehicle Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter The FBI’s special agent bomb technicians are working with our law enforcement partners to determine if any of these devices are viable, and they will work to render those devices safe,” the release states
According to a secondary release, the FBI, in part, stated, “The FBI's Evidence Response Team continues to process the crime scene to meticulously gather all relevant evidence The
FBI plans to turn over the Bourbon Street crime scene to local authorities by early (Thursday) morning Additional FBI resources, including victim specialists, are responding to assist victims and family members ”
Head of School at Canterbury, Rick Kirschner, also issued a statement regarding Eisele and Idelson
“Two Canterbury alumni were among those injured in this senseless attack,” Kirschner stated “Our thoughts are with them, their families, and all those impacted by this tragedy
“We are committed to supporting these families and our entire community during this challenging time
“When we return to campus next week, our counseling staff will be available to any student who wishes to talk or process their feelings
“As a community, let us continue to keep these families in our thoughts and prayers, offering strength and compassion in the days ahead ”
Congressman for Florida’s 19th Congressional District, Byron Donaldson, also released a statement on the events and the two Southwest Florida teens
“Two members of our Southwest Florida community were injured during this morning’s terrorist attack in New Orleans,” Donalds said in a release issued New year’s Day “Both Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson are 2023 graduates of the Canterbury School in Fort Myers. My office is actively tracking ongoing developments regarding this heinous terrorist attack Erika and I pray for the health, strength, and speedy recovery of Elle, Steele, and the other injured victims of this evil ”
Meanwhile, relief funds are being organized
The Greater New Orleans Foundation along with the city of New Orleans and various community partners has launched the New Orleans New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund to assist victims and survivors
“The Fund will serve as a resource fund to help those affected by the incident,” the website states
Visit 2014givenow kimb i a c o m / n o l a - n e w y e a r s d a ytragedy-fund for more information or to make a donation.
The “United for New Orleans Relief Fund” has been set up through United Way of Southeast Louisiana
“Together, we can help our community heal In the wake of the devastating New Year’s Day attack, we launched the United for New Orleans Relief Fund to provide direct support to victims and their families Donations will help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, trauma counseling, and more 100% of donations go directly to those impacted Unite and show your love for our NOLA neighbors by donating below,” the donation website states To make a donation or for additional information, visit unitedwaysela org/ UnitedforNOLA
OPINIONS
CAPE CORAL BREE
RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor 2510 Del Prado Blvd • Cape Coral, FL, 33904
Fax
Member Florida Press Association
ZE
JANUARY 3, 2025
A better way to fund law enforcement –transparency, fairness, and accountability
When I think about the role of government, I am reminded of a principle that President Reagan often championed: trust but verify We trust our institutions to work for the people, but we must also ensure that they operate transparently and fairly It is with this in mind that I propose a new approach to funding law enforcement in our county: creating a dedicated Municipal S
Sheriff's Office
This isn’t just about dollars and cents it’s about trust, fairness, and giving voters the transparency they deserve
Why We Need a Law Enforcement
MSTU
i t t l e t h i n g s t h a t w e w o u l d n o t c a l l l u x u r i e s :
L o w - c o s t / n o c o s t p l a c e s t o g o
S u p p o r t f o r t h e a r t s , f o r t h e e n v i r o n m e n t , f o r e d u c at i o n a l o p p o r t u n i t i e s , f o r t h e c o m m u n i t y a r o u n d u s
W e c a n t e l l o u r s e l v e s a n d t r u t h f u l l y , t o o t h a t
w e p a y p l e n t y f o r “ t h e g o v e r n m e n t ” t o f i x t h i n g s a n d t h a t i t s h o u l d
O r w e c a n l o o k a t t h e n e e d s a r o u n d u s a n d m a k e a
d i f f e r e n c e
T o d a y a n d o f o u r c h o i c e
A c t u a l l y , w e c a n d o b o t h h o l d p o l i t i c i a n s a n d b u r e a u c r a t s a c c o u n t a b l e f o r p r o m i s e s m a d e a n d m o n e y
s p e n t w h i l e a l s o o f f e r i n g t i m e o r m u c h - n e e d e d m o n e t a r y
s u p p o r t t o o r g a n i z a t i o n s t h a t h a v e a d i r e c t i m p a c t o n t h e
l i v e s o f o u r n e i g h b o r s a n d , y e s , o u r o w n a s w e l l
O v e r t h e p a s t f e w w e e k s , n u m e r o u s y e a r - e n d p l e a s
h a v e b e e n s e n t o u r w a y i n h o p e o f g a r n e r i n g d o n a t i o n s T h e r e q u e s t s r u n a f u l l g a m u t e v e r y t h i n g f r o m
d o n a t i o n s t o h e l p h o u s e t h e i n c r e a
Guest Commentary
Our Sheriff’s Office provides an essential service: protecting our families and keeping our neighborhoods safe But over the years, funding for the Sheriff's Office has grown so rapidly that it often consumes nearly all the new revenue generated by our county’s growing tax base This forces us as commissioners to hold other departments flat or even make cuts, affecting everything from emergency services to parks and funding road projects through our Growth Increment Fund (GIF)
This isn’t about whether the Sheriff’s Office deserves adequate funding it absolutely does It’s about creating a
Council’s choice:
fair and transparent way to manage those funds so that every department in our county has a chance to thrive, not just survive
Transparency for Taxpayers
One of the most common questions I hear as a commissioner is: “How can you approve the Sheriff spending so much to put his name on all of those cars?” The truth is, we as commissioners don’t get to approve or even see expenses at that level of detail Once the Sheriff's budget is approved, how those funds are spent is entirely at the discretion of the Sheriff
Creating a dedicated MSTU for law enforcement does not mean an increase in taxes It simply creates a new line item on your bill, so you have a clear picture of how much of your property taxes go to the Sheriff's Office And for the first time, voters could ask the Sheriff directly about specific expenses, from patrol car branding to equipment purchases, holding the office accountable in a meaningful way
Fairness Across the Board
An MSTU wouldn’t just benefit taxpayers; it would also allow the Sheriff's Office to plan its budget more inde-
See GUEST COMMENTARY, page 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Good guys? Or bad guys?
To the editor:
I have submitted the following letter regarding the Guest Commentary, “Who runs Cape Coral?” to members of the Cape Coral City Council The column was written by attorney J Michael Hannon and published in The Breeze on Dec 12:
Dear Councilmen and Councilwomen,
See EDITORIAL, page 7
Since you have been prohibited from hearing the 3 Fisherman’s side of the story, I thought you may want to read this article from Friday’s Cape Coral Breeze After reading this article you may decide that you are being misled by the City Attorney and those who want to punish the 3 Fisherman for standing up for clean water.
The whole legal process since the ruling to remove the lock in June has been one of punishment The 3 Fisherman signed a settlement agreement at that time The City’s whole case rests on proving that these 3 men, who have spent more time on the local waters than most in this city, acted in an improper and frivolous way when challenging the city’s permit to remove the Chiquita lock
Remember, this same permit was denied 4 years ago with virtually the same facts, just a different judge Judge Van Wyck had never heard a water case before and had never seen or even been to the waters around Cape Coral The City’s own attorneys stated that the lock removal would add 58,000 lbs. of additional nitrogen per year to an already compromised system Nitrogen is the single biggest polluter in our water system The City’s suggested (will probably never happen) mitigation efforts are weak and ineffective against the onslaught of speeding large boats and additional pollution, which are the anticipated results of removal
The people that have the most to gain here are the few behind the lock whose real estate values will go up 2030% Ask any Realtor about this result Essentially you are asking all of the taxpayers of Cape Coral, some 200,000+ people to pay for removal of infrastructure that was built to protect the water for everyone.
Most taxpaying citizens will never use the Chiquita Lock, and many do not even know where it is But all taxpayers will pay for its removal and pay with water that is
further polluted
This sanctions pursuit is exactly what I said at the last Council meeting It is about character Right now you are the BAD GUYS This is just one more affront to the will of the people and their right to disagree with the City You are now known nationwide as a “city which is trying to punish it’s own citizens ” Your actions are described “as vicious as the winning army running back on the field after battle to bayonet the losing army’s wounded ”
That is what it feels like to us It is even harder to take since the 3 fisherman are taxpaying citizens that have volunteered for years to better the City of Cape Coral IS THIS WHO YOU PEOPLE ARE???
We know who we are, the Good Guys, but the question now is who are you??
Stop this harassment now Why not assess those behind the lock who are getting this huge home value windfall for the legal fees and removal costs? They are the few who are benefiting while everyone else, including the manatees and other wildlife, will lose My suggestion was a 2 way high speed TOLL lock paid for by those who use it just like the many bridges and roads in our state
Sincerely,
Many
thanks
To the editor:
Cheryl Anderson Cape Coral taxpayer for 20 years
As 2024 draws to a close, Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to our supporters, donors and volunteers Your dedication to our mission has made a tremendous impact on the preservation and enhancement of habitat for burrowing owls, gopher tortoises and other precious wildlife, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment
We are also thankful to the Cape Coral community, whose support of our events and wildlife reporting plays a crucial role in our success. A special thank you goes out to the local businesses that generously donate to make our events possible and to the City of Cape Coral for cospon-
See LETTERS, page 6
Brian Hamman
A Preemptive Strike? The Chiquita Lock and the greater implications for citizen engagement
Don’t want a recycling facility next to your community? How about a landfill? What about wetlands being bulldozed over and filled in? If you are someone who says no, no and no take notice! Recently, the city of Cape Coral has taken a controversial stance of suing its own taxpaying citizens, The Three Fishermen, because they challenged Cape Coral’s decision to remove the Chiquita Lock (which Cape Coral tried to do once before and lost because of the environmental implications) This legal action could signify a broader strategy of intimidation aimed at deterring residents from voicing opposition to future developments
The lawsuit raises concerns especially because it’s NOT a “winner take all” scenario I am not a lawyer, but as I understand it, Cape Coral must prove that The Three Fishermen were behaving “frivolously” for an “improper purpose” in their decision to challenge the removal of the Chiquita Lock due to the implications for local ecosystems Why would anyone think that three environmental advocates, including one who has won awards for his advocacy and volunteerism, would be acting “frivolously” or without merit by trying to protect the very waterways on which all we all thrive?
Southwest Florida boasts stunning natural resources: beaches, lush wetlands, and diverse wildlife, all of which attract millions of tourists each year Our exceptional blend of a warm climate, vibrant sunsets and unique flora and fauna make it a picturesquely per-
From page 4
fect getaway! The destruction of these resources would not only diminish our natural beauty, but also severely impact our tourism industry, leading to significant economic losses
The Three Fishermen understand this
Yet, there is a growing trend in which Cape Coral seeks to rezone wetlands for development projects, often justified by claims of economic growth but at significant ecological costs They use mitigation “credits” (i e , taking credit for reducing pollution in an unrelated location) to offset environmental impacts (i e polluting another area) caused by development, such as wetland or habitat loss But it does not always work as intended and our polluted waters exemplify that They are simply trading pollution in one area for another In this case, Cape Coral used mitigation credits from a reuse water project to allow contaminated waters to flow through the Chiquita Lock into the Caloosahatchee, thereby threatening the water quality, ecosystems and public health of neighboring Fort Myers and Sanibel
Guest Commentary
Council meetings, they are on fixed incomes Why then, would Cape Coral continue to “let this play out” (as some council members have stated) knowing they will never recoup the millions of taxpayer dollars spent on attorney fees? Why aren’t they using this money constructively for something like salary increases for Cape Coral city employees?
Cape Coral’s actions related to the lock could be viewed as a preemptive strike against ANY potential opposition to development plans By suing citizens who challenge municipal actions, Cape Coral sends a clear message: opposition will not be tolerated
This action signals a potentially slippery slope If citizens are hesitant to challenge the city, it could embolden local officials to push through unjustified rezoning of wetlands and other significant environmental changes Consider what the city has done with Jaycee Park, despite citizen input But now there is talk about Redfish Point, proposals to rezone portions of Yellow Fever Creek, the Bimini Basin project, the Seven Island development, etc Cape Coral spends taxpayer dollars on plans before citizens even have an opportunity for input!
questions about governance, transparency, and the role of citizen participation in local affairs As Cape Coral navigates its development ambitions, residents MUST remain vigilant, advocating for environmental protections and THEIR right to question local governance. Only through active participation and community solidarity can people ensure their voices are heard and valued in decisions that affect their environment and future Community members must recognize the stakes involved; the health of Cape Coral's wetlands and the democratic principles of engagement are inextricably linked Citizens must stand together and assert their rights and challenge any perceived fear tactics employed by local authorities and encourage a more transparent and accountable city government
Cape Coral’s suppression of environmental activism could serve as a troubling blueprint for other Florida municipalities by illustrating a strategy where development priorities overshadow ecological concerns, potentially normalizing governmental practices that silence citizen voices and prioritize economic gain over environmental stewardship, thereby compromising long term sustainability for short-term development goals
The Three Fishermen have stated at City
soring the Burrowing Owl Festival and Ground Owl Day Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our cherished wildlife species
Here are some of the highlights from 2024:
Over 200 incredible volunteers logged more than 9,000 hours of service
The 22nd Annual Burrowing Owl Festival attracted 3,700 visitors, helping to raise awareness about our beloved burrowing owls
5,098 burrowing owls were counted in this year’s owl census, contributing vital data to wildlife conservation efforts
Our sister organization, Cape Coral Wildlife Trust, now owns 79 lots in the Cape, totaling over 9 acres, with more planned for future protection
Thanks to the advocacy of our dedicated volunteers, the City of Cape Coral received a grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission for up to $900,000 to purchase burrowing owl habitat
Thousands of visitors from around the world toured the Tom Allen Butterfly House at Rotary Park, providing education and enjoyment to all
The Purple Martin colony at Sirenia Vista Park saw 68 fledglings this year an exciting success story for these migratory birds
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited for the 23rd Annual Burrowing Owl Festival, scheduled for February 22 We invite you to join us for this special event and consider volunteering to help make it a success Whether it’s giving a few hours of your time or contributing in other ways, your involvement makes a meaningful difference Also, don’t forget Ground Owl Day on February 10, when our mascot Athene will determine if Spring is on the way CCFW is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the habitats of protected wildlife species, as well as educating our community about Cape
Cape Coral’s decision to initiate legal proceedings against community members who challenge its authority raises fundamental
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Coral's rich wildlife resources If you’re interested in donating, volunteering, or learning more, please visit our website at ccfriendsofwildlife org or call us at 239-9802593
Thank you for being a part of this important work Together, we can continue to protect the burrowing owls, gopher tortoises and other precious wildlife that makes Cape Coral such a special place to live, work, play and visit
Sincerely,
Michiale Schneider is a North Fort Myers based artist and photographer known for her nature-focused work which sells globally
difficult
More money for education (they never fail to get more than their share as education keeps getting worse)
Many pork barrel items aimed at buying votes from the lucky parties An example of pork barrel is $15,000 of stimulus funds to Florida Atlantic University to study how alcohol affects a mouse’s motor function
Janet Windisch Corresponding Secretary Cape
Coral Friends of Wildlife
What’s another trillion dollars?
To the editor:
The new regime in Washington, D C is bringing some issues to light that should have been brought for decades The federal spending bill before Congress is the first big fight The bill started out at 1,547 pages
It seems unbelievable but reportedly congressmen did not have three days to read and two days to study the bill Now that it cannot be passed in the present state and congressmen have time to read and discuss the many items, many unnecessary items are coming to light
Examples:
$10 billion in aid to farmers
3 8% increase in pay for lawmakers who already earn $174,000 in pay plus enormous side benefits
Exempted lawmakers from purchasing insurance on the Obamacare marketplace The bill that the same lawmakers passed they are now rejecting for special privilege I presume New health care policies
A new stadium for the Washington Commanders (why should fans of other teams pay for the stadium of a competitor?)
Items that would make Trump’s presidential role more
So typical of our Congress, when a bill that is mandatory has to be passed, Congress adds their pet ideas and pork for their friends or district These items would never pass if submitted alone. That is one reason why we now have a $36 trillion debt with over $1 trillion interest a year as part of our budget
In the fiscal year just ended, the government spent $6 75 trillion
20% was for Social Security, the interest would pay 2/3rds of this humongous bill
16% Medicare, the interest would pay 81% of that bill
14% national defense, the interest would pay almost all 13% health, the interest would pay all
The new spending bill submitted is based on keeping the debt growing at an unsustainable pace
For the first time in my life, Washington is being undressed and voters can learn what all that rhetoric to be elected really was It bodes well for the next few years We might have someone with America in mind
Of course those voters who are locked in regardless of what their party does won’t be listening They may be on the receiving end of the gravy train so human nature wins over country
On second thought, many won’t learn about this because the media won’t tell you The same cheating has been there all along and media never told you They were too busy covering the Democrats attacks on Trump Why change now What’s a trillion dollars anyway?
John Benedict Cape Coral
Agree? Disagree? Weigh in! Letters, guest opinions, comments welcome
The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the editor or guest columns may be e-mailed to vharring@breezenewspapers.com. All letters and guest opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for verification purposes. Readers are also invited to comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: capecoralbreeze.com.
Michiale Schneider
∫ A v a i l a b l e c o n t a c t s & r e s o u r c e s P a r t i c i p a n t s s h o u l d r e g i s t e r a t
w w w l e e c l e r k o r g / s e m i n a r t o r e c e i v e t h e
Z o o m l i n k f o r t h e c l a s s T h i s c l a s s i s p a r t o f t h e “ H o w - T o ” s e r i e s p r o v i d e d b y t h e L e e C l e r k ’ s o f f i c e t o e d u c a t e t h e c o m m u n i t y a b o u t a l l o f t h e r e s o u r c e s a v a i l a b l e t o t h e m
R e c o r d e d t u t o r i a l s o f p a s t “ H o w - T o ”
c l a s s e s a r e a v a i l a b l e a t
w w w l e e c l e r k o r g / h o w t o
A b o u t t h e C l e r k ' s o f f i c e T h e F l o r i d a C o n s t i t u t i o n e s t a b l i s h e d t h e C l e r k o f t h e C i r c u i t C o u r t a s a p u b l i c t r u s t e e , r e s p o n s i
Guest Commentary: Why Lee County needs a law enforcement MSTU
pendently, without competing with other vital county services Meanwhile, other departments would no longer be forced to make sacrifices every time law enforcement costs rise This approach levels the playing field and ensures fairness in how we allocate our resources
A Vision Rooted in Accountability and Trust Ronald Reagan also reminded us that government’s
first duty is to protect the people, not to run their lives. This proposal does exactly that it protects taxpayers by giving them a direct line of sight into how their money is spent It protects fairness by balancing the needs of all county services And it protects our community by ensuring that law enforcement has the dedicated funding it needs to keep us safe
This is not about politics; it’s about good governance It’s about creating a system where everyone taxpayers, commissioners, and the Sheriff’s Office can work
together with clarity and accountability.
Let’s have the courage to make this change for the betterment of our county Together, we can build a future that is transparent, fair, and rooted in the principles of accountability and trust
Commissioner Brian Hamman represents District 4 on the Lee County Board of County Commissioners
Cape Coral welcomes 2025
The city of Cape Coral hosted its second annual New Year ’s Eve Celebration & Ball Drop with a party in the South Cape Tuesday night featuring a national headlining band and two different ball drops. Thousands enjoyed live music featuring Baha Men a national act that also headlined the city’s inaugural fest last year Deb & the Dynamics and DJ Rifik.
Above: The Baha Men entertain the crowd right up until midnight
Above right: At midnight, the giant screen announces the New Year has arrived!
Right: Tom and JoAnne Bierma find their own spot to “dance in the New Year ”
PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD
The city of Cape Coral’s second annual New Year ’s
with a pair of ball drops one early and activities for children.
Far left: The “Sugar Rush” slide was a big hit.
Left: Kelo Martin (top) and sister Isabella Rose Martin
painted before joining the celebrations
PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD
Anthony’s on the BVLD back to serving menu favorites
Doors of the popular Cape Coral restaurant opened in November with a grand re-opening planned for Jan. 25
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com
A popular Cape Coral restaurant that closed its doors following Hurricane Ian damage and the loss of its namesake creator has reopened after more than two years
Anthony’s on the BVLD welcomed back customers at the end of November, welcoming in regulars and new patrons alike, and has plans for a grand reopening on Jan 25
The restaurant, which serves up traditional American and Italian eats, faced significant setbacks after the passing of its original proprietor, Anthony “Tony” Serrago, on Sept 9, 2022 Damages from Hurricane Ian and other weather events during repairs followed
After extensive upgrades, the restaurant is ready to welcome the community back to its favorite gathering place
Denise Whitker, who now is a personal representative for Serrano’s estate and his significant other for 13 years until his death, said she’s trying to keep the spirit of Anthony’s alive Whitker, who has worked at the restaurant for more than a decade, is committed to honoring Tony’s vision of creating a friendly, welcoming spot where people can enjoy great food at great prices
“It feels really good to be back,” Whitker said “All of the customers have been thanking us for reopening and say they’re glad to be back where they feel at home
“We’re just continuing with (Anthony’s) vision I think that if he was here and had to experience the hurricane, he would have done exactly what we did I just want to see what he wanted to happen, happen I just want it to be what it always was ”
So, what's new and what’s returning at Anthony's?
The establishment now has expanded hours It is now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with limited menus initially Breakfast is served from 8 to 11 a m , featuring favorites like daily quiche and made-to-order omelets There is also a breakfast buffet on Sundays from 8 a m to 1 p m
Lunch begins at 11 a m , with options like fresh salads, sandwiches, and classics like the famous fish fry and BLVD Burger
And for dinner (available after 4 p m ), patrons can expect
crowd-pleasers such as the meatloaf and the all-you-can-eat fish fry on Friday nights
“It’s home-style cooking,” Whitker said “Everything is made here in-house If you’re a regular here, we all know your name when you come in I think that’s what bring a charm It has a nostalgic feeling People feel like they’re at home
“All the recipes are the same. The food tastes the same. And we kept the menu We’re bringing back all the favorites ”
Happy Hour is back from 11 a m to 5 p m , offering drink specials Fan-Favorite events such as karaoke, BARGO, and trivia all resumed during the opening week, with plans for live music on the patio, comedy, and other performances in the near future
The grand reopening on the 25th will feature a pig roast
and fundraiser for local JROTC programs
Repairs and upgrades at Anthony’s include a brand new roof, new duct and electrical work, ceiling tiles, windows and doors, fresh paint, siding, with more to come
“I think it all worked out the way it was supposed to,” Whitker said “We know the building is in better repair, and we don't have to worry ”
Originally opened in 2007, Anthony’s on the BLVD is at 1303 Del Prado Blvd Anthony’s offers a spacious dining room perfect for large groups, an indoor lounge, and an outdoor patio ideal for enjoying Southwest Florida’s beautiful weather The staff is ready to assist with all party and catering needs, whether hosting on-site or bringing catering to an offsite location
For more information on special events, visit www AnthonysontheBLVD net or call 239-800- 5451
Longtime Fort Myers Beach restaurant to close
Bonita Bill’s property first used as fish house in 1926; fundraiser set to help employees
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe, a hallmark on Fort Myers Beach for decades, will close on Sunday, Jan 5
A fundraiser will be held at the restaurant Saturday, Jan 4, and Sunday, Jan 5, to support the staff at the waterfront restaurant on San Carlos Island run which was run for more than three decades by the late Bill Semmer
The Fisherman’s Wharf property is under contract to be sold as part of several San Carlos Island properties owned by Semmer's estate Semmer died in January of 2023, just months after Hurricane Ian damaged the restaurant’s docks and closed it down The restaurant triumphantly reopened in March 2023 after repairs were made while a boat remained lodged on its docks becoming a tourist attraction
“It’s a lot to take in,” said Semmer's daughter Katie Reynolds She helped oversee repairs to the restaurant and its reopening after Hurricane Ian
“It’s hard to imagine Bonita Bill’s is not going to be there anymore,” she said
“The reason I am closing is the estate made the decision to sell it,” Reynolds said “It was a labor of love A lot of blood, sweat and tears.”
Right now, all Reynolds can think about is helping to find the staff jobs after the restaurant closes She has started a GoFundMe page for the workers and will be holding a fundraiser on closing weekend Jan 4-5 An online store is also being launched to support the staff, with an auction planned of Bonita Bill’s memorabilia
“I am trying to rally the community around the staff to help find them new positions,” Reynolds said Reynolds said the Bonita Bill's staff are “superstars” who will help
and volunteers
any local business who hires them
Reynolds recalled how the staff at Bonita Bill’s repaired the restaurant after Hurricane Ian and had to clean up all over again after Hurricane Milton She credited General Manager Leah Brakefield for saving much of the restaurant's equipment before Hurricane Milton by packing it up in a U-Haul and storing it in Cape Coral
“You will not find harder-working, more dedicated people than the people who have worked at Bonita Bill’s,” Reynolds said “The heart and soul of Bonita Bill’s is the people who work there ”
Reynolds said her father’s last request was to ask her to return home and help out “my dad's commitment” to the restaurant
“I moved down here full-time I was working at Boeing for over 12 years and was moving into management when my dad passed,” she said
Following Semmer’s death, Reynolds helped oversee repairs of the restaurant and its reopening two months later She oversaw a remodeling of the restaurant’s meeting space and updated its menu while repairing its docks
The restaurant’s meeting space was used by local organizations and the property even hosted a couple weddings over the past year
Reynolds said there has been an “amazing outpouring of people” sharing their stories of the restaurant, which has been in business since 1991 “We are collecting those stories to share online,” Reynolds said “A lot has been shared about how much life happened at that little watering hole My life happened there I grew up there ”
Reynolds said she was proud that the restaurant was
See BONiTA BILL’S, page 31
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers
com
A Cape Coral man was arrested after barricading himself inside a garage following an alleged domestic assault
Christopher Peel, 42, was arrested on one count of false imprisonment and one count of battery stemming from an incident that took place Dec 26
Cape Coral Police Department officers were called out to a residence near Northwest 15th Avenue and Northwest 2nd Terrace just before 5 p m Thursday for a domestic disturbance
Police said a 9-1-1 call reported that Peel "was battering a woman he was in a relationship with "
CCPD officials said once officers arrived, Peel "barricaded himself in the garage and refused to cooperate "
CCPD's Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation, with the victim telling detectives that Peel had "physically battered her during an argument and blocked her from leaving the residence "
CCPD officials said the victim had "minor but visible injuries and was not required to go to the hospital "
The victim told law enforcement that when Peel learned that police were on their way, he locked himself in the garage Police officials said Peel made statements that "he would only leave the home in a body bag."
CCPD officials said due to Peel's "erratic" behavior and refusal to comply, the SWAT team was activated
"Shortly after SWAT arrived on scene, Peel elected to exit the home and was taken into custody without further incident," CCPD officials stated in a release
As of Friday morning, Peel is still in custody at Lee County Jail, being held on a $105,000 bond
Staff
at the Cape Coral Animal Shelter made Christmas special again this year by presenting gifts to all the dogs and cats housed at the center over the holiday.
NATHAN MAYBERG
A worker at Bonita Bill's Waterfront Cafe walks by a boat that has been lodged on its dock since Hurricane Ian The restaurant is closing Jan 5 after more than 30 years in business
‘Right to clean water’ town hall set for Jan. 11
Proponents of proposed constitutional amendment invite public to attend info session
Speakers to include:
∫ Erik E Crown, environmental cancer survivor and filmmaker
∫ Joseph Bonasia, program emcee; education coordinator and lead for FRONN’s statewide 2026 constitutional amendment ballot campaign to create the legal right to clean water in Florida
∫ Dan Carney, one of Cape Coral’s “Three Fishermen” who opposed the removal of the Chiquita Lock
∫ Stel Bailey, film cast member, globally recognized activist and forever chemical expert
“ W i t h e n v i r o n m e n t a l c a n c e r o n t h
r i s e 8 0 % w i t h 1 i n 2 p e o p l e p r o j e c t e d f o r d i a g n o s i s , i t ’ s i m p e r a t i v e e n v i r o n m e n t a l p o l l u t i o n a n d c a n c e r s s t a y i n t h e p u b l i c d i s c o u r s e , ” C r o w n s a i d i n a p r e p a r e d s t a t e m e n t “ W h e n i n d u
g n t o c r e a t e t h e l e g a l r i g h t t o c l e a n w a t e r f o r f u t u r e g e n e r a t i o n s o f F l o r i d i a n s B o n a s i a w i l l e x p l a i n h o w t h i s n e w l a w c a n e n d h a r m t o F l o r i d a w a t e r s
f r o m m u n i c i p a l a n d c o r p o r a t e p o l l u t e r s
a t a l l l e v e l s A l s o s p e a k i n g w i l l b e D a n C a r n e y ,
o n e o f t h e T h r e e F i s h e r m e n i n C a p e
C o r a l w h o l i t i g a t e d t o p r o t e c t w a t e r q u a l -
i t y b y f i g h t i n g C h i q u i t a L o c k r e m o v a l a n d i s n o w b e i n g t h r e a t e n e d w i t h p a y i n g
t h e c i t y ’ s o v e r $ 2 m i l l i o n l e g a l f e e s
A d d i t i o n a l l y , S t e l B a i l e y , f i l m c a s t
m e m b e r , g l o b a l l y r e c o g n i z e d a c t i v i s t a n d
f o r e v e r c h e m i c a l e x p e r t w i l l s p e a k t o h e r
Law enforcement rallies for family of fallen CCSO sergeant
Off-duty officers from multiple agencies collect funds in the wake of the shooting death of father of four
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com
Varying law enforcement officers came together last Saturday at locations throughout Southwest Florida to help support the family of the late Sgt Elio Diaz, of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
A group of about 40 off-duty officers, representing the Cape Coral Police Department, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Punta Gorda Police Department, and CCSO, collected donations to go to Diaz' family at Publix and Walmart locations in Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Babcock Ranch
Diaz, 40 was killed in the line of duty on Dec 15 in Charlotte Harbor after a traffic stop turned deadly He was a law enforcement officer for more than 11 years, and is survived by his wife and four children
CCPD Sgt Charles Caruso played a major role in organizing the fundraiser with the goal to help lessen the financial burden for the Diaz family during this unbelievably trying time.
Caruso said the idea for last Saturday’s fundraiser was in the spirit of a similar event he was involved in that took place in 2008 following the death of Fort Myers Police Department Officer Andrew Whitman, who also was a father to young children
“When I heard about Sgt Diaz and his four kids, I just kind of got that idea and it started gaining momentum in my head, and I said, ‘This is something that needs to be done But I'm going to need help,’” Caruso said Caruso, who is a 27-year law enforcement officer, said the tragedy hits close to home as he resides in Charlotte County, driving past the site where Diaz was killed at the Chevron
Department, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Punta Gorda Police Department, and CCSO, collected donations to go to the family of Sgt. Elio Diaz.
gas station across from the Sunseeker Resort every day
Caruso is a former PGPD officer as well
“I was on a joint SWAT team with Charlotte County, and made a lot of friends that I’m still friends with today,” he said. “I’m still friends with a lot of those people I was roommates with a (CCSO) deputy who is still there now, and he actually was very closely tied to Sgt Diaz and the whole incident
“I felt a sense of obligation to try and do something for his family ”
on board immediately and without hesitation,” Caruso said
Caruso added he had a partner with the Fort Myers Police Department who helped him get in touch with some of the businesses that assisted with the event
The off-duty officers were outside of Publix and Walmart from 9 a m until 5 p m , with buckets that were adorned with stickers of Diaz and wearing T-shirts in his memory
Caruso was at the Walmart on King’s Highway, and said the support from the public was overwhelming and appreciated
“What stands out is the genuine nature of people’s sympathy and people's grief,” he said “It really puts things back in perspective It’s easy to get jaded and to become skeptical and mistrusting But, that event Saturday really gives you an idea of how much support we really have ”
Caruso said there were many stories told from those he interacted with people who had family in law enforcement, or were closely tied to CCSO
One person in particular really stood out
“A woman came up, and she started talking, but really couldn’t She started crying,” Caruso recalled “It was just genuine tears I gave her a hug She was just saying how sorry she was and what a tragedy it is And she has no connection to the Diaz family or law enforcement at all She was just genuine ”
Caruso said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of community businesses
Lowe’s donated 50 buckets for the officers to collect funds for the Diaz family. Brand 1 Ink in Cape Coral printed the stickers to put on the buckets free of charge, as well as the T-shirts
“Publix and Walmart both, when I explained what we wanted to do, they were
While he felt it was necessary to put on the event, it was also heartbreaking and something Caruso wished wasn’t necessary
“It’s a horrible reason,” he said “I absolutely hate why we had to do this But, I’m proud of what everyone that helped did Everybody stepped up and jumped in and helped put something together in a short period of time ”
“But I’m honored to do this, and I hope that we are able to help the family in some way ” All along in the process, Caruso has been in contact with a close friend who is a lieutenant at CCSO, serving as the conduit to the Diaz family from the start
He said the coming together of law enforcement agencies in this tragedy only reaffirms the comradeship of being a law enforcement officer.
“It reinforces what we already know,” Caruso said “It reminds me of how big our family really is A takeaway is that, God forbid, if that were me, if I were killed in the line of duty, I know that at least my family is going to be taken care of because of my brothers and sisters ”
Caruso said officers will be out at Babcock Ranch during an upcoming Food Truck Friday to accept donations for the Diaz family
A GoFundMe has also been organized by the Diaz family To donate, visit www gofundme com/f/n3ev9-a-heros-legacy
CCFD,
B y C J H A D D A D
c j h a d d a d @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m
T h e C h r i s t m a s s e a s o n w a s a b i t
b r i g h t e r a n d m e r r i e r t h a n k s t o t h e e f f o r t s
o f l o c a l f i r s t r e s p o n d e r s a n d d o n a t i o n s f r o m t h e c o m m u n i t y
B o t h t h e C a p e C o r a l P o l i c e
D e p a r t m e n t a n d C a p e C o r a l F i r e
D e p a r t m e n t h o s t e d t o y d r i v e s t o g i v e
b a c k t o c h i l d r e n w h o s e f a m i l i e s n e e d e d
s o m e h e l p a n d / o r c h i l d r e n w i t h a c h r o ni c i l l n e s s
C C F D c o l l e c t e d t o y s a n d g i f t s f o r l o c a l c h i l d r e n w h o h a v e s p e c i a l n e e d s ,
h a v e i l l n e s s e s s u c h a s c a n c e r , a r e i n f o s -
e r c a r e , o r h a
C h r i s t m a s m o r n i n g S o m e t o y s w e r e p i c k e d u p b y p a r e n t s , w h i l e o t h e r s w e r e
d e l i v e r e d b y f i r e f i g h t e r s o n t r u c k s “ T h e C a p e C o r a l F i r e D e p a r t m e n t w o u l d l i k e t o t h a n k t h e c o m m u n i t y o n c e a g a i n f o r t h e i r s u p p o r t o f t h e a n n u a l t o y d r i v e , ” s a i d C C F D s p o k e s p e r s o n , A n d r e a
S c h u c h “ W e h a d m o r e r e q u e s t s f o r a s s i s t a n c e t h a n i n y e a r s p a s t , b u t t h e
c o m m u n i t y ’ s g e n e r o u s d o n a t i o n s a l l o w e d u s t o f u l f i l l t h o s e r e q u e s t s a n d
p r o v i d e g i f t s t o o v e r 1 , 0 0 0 c h i l d r e n ”
S c h u c h s a i d b o t h t h e q u a l i t y a n d q u a n t i t y o f t h e d o n a t i o n s t h i s y e a r w e r e i m p r e s s i v e a n d a p p r e c i a t e d .
C C F D s h a r e d a s p e c i a l “ t h a n k y o u ” t o i n d i v i d u a l s w h o d o n a t e d
0 0 c h i l d r e n . ”
Andrea Schuch, CCFD spokesperson
p r o g r a m a n d i t s a p p l i c a n t s C a m p i o n
s a i d t h e p r o g r a m c a n o n l y a c c e p t s o
m a n y s t u d e n t s w h o a r e i n n e e d t h a t c a n
b e p a i r e d w i t h a n o f f i c e r
“ A n y o n e w h o a p p l i e s b u t i s n o t
a c c e p t e d f o r t h e e v e n t r e c e i v e s t o y s f r o m
t h e s e d o n a t i o n s , ” h e s a i d “ W e d o n o t
s a y ‘ n o ’ t o a n y o n e w h o i s e l i g i b l e . ”
F o r “ F i l l t h e B o a t ” a l l f a m i l i e s t h a t
a p p l y w e r e e l i g i b l e t o r e c e i v e h e l p w i t h
g i v i n g t h e i r c h i l d r e n a h a p p i e r h o l i d a y
O t h e r c o m m u n i t y p a r t n e r s i n c l u d e d :
G o l
S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a , C h i l d r e n ’ s A d v o c a c y
n
d o n a t e d
w e r e d i s t r i b u t e d t o v a r i o u s c o m m u n i t y p a r t n e r s a n d p r og r a m s F o r i n s t a n c e , t h e “ S h o p w i t h a C o p ”
“ I t i s i n c r e d i b l y r e w a r d i n g t o b e a b l e t o p o s i t i v e l y i m p a c t t h e l i v e s o f
c h i l d r e n i n o u r o w n c o m m u n i t y T h e C a p e C o r a l P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t i s f o r t u n a t e t o h a v e t h e p a r t n e r s h i p w e d o w i t h o u r c o m m u n i t y t
t o h e
“ We a r e e x t r e m e l y g r a t e f u l f o r t h e g e n e r o s i t y a n d c o n t i n u
f r o m t h e C a p e C o r a l c o m m u n i t y. W i t h o u t t h e m , w e w o u l d n o t b e a b l e
t o a s s i s t o u r n e i g h b o r s w h o m a y n e e d a l i t t l e e x t r a h e l p t h i s t i m e o f
y e a r ”
Capt Matthew Campion, CCPD’s Community Service Bureau
COMMUNITY
La c ew i n g s
a r e y o u r f r i e n d
You probably have not seen a lacewing because they are nocturnal insects Their small size, less than an inch long, makes it hard to appreciate their exquisite green wings Yet it is not their beauty that makes me a big fan It is their ability to eat our bug pests: aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mites, mealybugs, scale insects and insect eggs
GARDEN CLUB OF CAPE CORAL
T h e l a c e w i n g ’ s l i f e begins as an egg on the end of a thread-like stalk They are usually laid on the underside of a leaf, near a colony of aphids The eggs hatch in 3-10 d a y s , d e p e n d i n g o n t h e t e m p e r a t u r e E v i d e n t l y they are so hungry when they hatch that they will eat each other if not separated somewhat from each other
After hatching, they are in the larval stage for 2-3 weeks. Voracious eaters, they can eat soft-bodied insects 20 times faster than a ladybug larvae! They possess a set of pincer-like jaws used to grab and consume their favorite foods They have been described as looking like little alligators, light colored with brown or gray stripes going down the length of their body Their legs are longer than caterpillars and they can move with agility and quickness
The fully grown larvae then curls into an egg shaped chrysalis After 5 days, it emerges as a fully formed lacewing with those beautiful, transparent, green veined wings
Adult lacewings are about 3/4 inches long and live up to 6 weeks, maybe more They have chewing mouthparts for eating insects but also eat nectar, pollen and honeydew, which is secreted by aphids and some other insects The lovely wings are not great for flying, so they usually do not move far from the aphid colony from which they started There are 22 species of green lacewing in Florida
There are also 10 species of brown lacewings in Florida Although similar in many ways to the green ones, they do not lay eggs on stalks and they live longer, sometimes several months Mostly they prefer to eat aphids but some prefer mealybugs I need to find some of these!
Generally, beneficial insects will just appear when y o u h
patience There’s a time lag before the population gets big enough to have a visible effect Out of respect for Mother Nature’s plan to keep populations in check, take a deep breath and wait when possible
Lacewings and ladybugs are only two of many beneficial insects that keep damage to plants to a minimum Yards and gardens are a rich source of diverse life,
Art by Carioto-Krugle, Stevenson featured in Cape Coral Library gallery
Changing exhibitions in the Cape Coral Library’s expansive art gallery are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and are designed to afford local artists the opportunity to share their work in this public forum and to sell their art directly without commissions The library is located at 921 S W 39th Terrace, off of Mohawk Parkway, and the current exhibit will be open during their regular business hours from Jan 4 through Feb 27
Artwork by Kim Carioto-Krugle will be on display on the walls of the library’s gallery Her work is done either in oil paint or using paper pieces. The paintings are on canvas and executed with brushes and/or palette knives
Her unique paper art images are comprised of cut and torn papers They have their origins from years of using cut paper designs and mosaic projects with elementary and high school students She also likes to give credit to her mother, who is a quilter Watching her mom manipulate color and printed fabric inspired Carioto-Krugle, whose quilting medium is paper
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carioto-Krugle has lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and Maryland She received a bachelor’s of science in art education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a masters in humanities with a fine arts concentration from Arcadia University in Pennsylvania Her art teaching career spanned 36 years in four states and included all grade levels, including pre-school and K-12 She also had experience as a technical stage director for plays and musicals and as a facilitator for art clubs, summer arts programs and school exhibits
Upon retirement, Carioto-Krugle has become a full time Florida resident and is currently a member of the Cape
Coral Art League and the Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda She has had several solo exhibits, including a previous display at the Cape Coral Library, has won many awards for her work and has participated in numerous art festivals and group shows throughout Southwest Florida Artwork by Martha Stevenson will be featured in the three display cases in the library gallery Her small paintings are rendered with a variety of media (acrylic, watercolor, markers, pen and ink ), on many different surfaces, and of diverse subject matter All of them are cheerful, colorful, and whimsical Growing up in northern Ohio and Buffalo, New York, area, Stevenson was an artist even before she knew she was an artist! With a creative father and an imaginative mother, school projects always had lots of visual extras Now as an adult (and Southwest Florida resident since 1984), she never stops painting and never stops learning, taking online classes locally and from instructors around the world.
Stevenson also teaches art classes online using Zoom As a teacher, she is encouraging and sharing - always leading student painters to discover their own abilities and styles Her previous lifetime experience as a technical class instructor endowed her with the ability to communicate color and techniques; thus painters need not rely on a line drawing
She proclaims that art is an especially important part of life and “provides connections to good friends, good times and good confidence ” So Stevenson has chosen to share some of the shelves in the library cases with artwork by her friends as well as her very talented daughter-in-law, Bobbi-Jo Napoletano The other artists in the display will be Deb Booker-Foley, Debbie LaCavera, and Sharon Yanz
For more information about library exhibits, contact Art G a
gallery@capefriends org or visit www capefriends org Follow “Friends of the Cape Coral Library” on Facebook
North Fort Myers Arts Association, Gulf Coast Village partner for ‘around the world’ exhibit
The North Fort Myers Arts Association and Gulf Coast Village have partnered for their second art exhibit at the community in Cape Coral
“Around the World in 50 Days” opens Thursday, Jan 9, with a “Cocktails, Conversations, and Collaborations” unveiling
The exhibit will be open to the public daily through Feb 27 at Gulf Coast Village at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd
This exhibit, the second installment in the "Gulf Coast Gallery" art exhibition series, is a unique collaboration between the community and the arts association It allows local and resident artists to display their mixed media art with some of the works also offered for sale
A painting by artist Sunny Lee, a Gulf Coast Village
resident, is the first piece in the exhibit Her life as an artist that began at age 4 and she also enjoyed a career in the military alongside her husband, Ron
In addition to works by Sunny Lee and other local artists, the acclaimed Southwest Florida artist Douglas MacGregor will be displaying some of his artwork
“We’re excited to once again showcase some of the amazing artwork our residents and the North Fort Myers Arts Association have created,” said Ryan Keller, regional vice president of senior living for Volunteers of America National Services “It’s not just an opportunity for our residents and local community to admire art, but also a chance to embrace a fresh start by exploring something new ” Contact Gulf Coast Village at 239-772-1333
One of Martha Stevenson’s paintings, which are on display at the Cape Coral Library
PHOTOS PROVIDED A mosaic by Kim Carioto-Krugle.
What is cervical cancer and what do I need to know about it?
w cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed, and about 4,000 women lose their lives to the disease By raising awareness about preventive measures and ways women can protect themselves, we aim to empower women to take control of their health
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the cervix the lower, narrow end of the uterus begin to mutate and form cancerous cells The cervix plays a crucial role by connecting the uterus to the vagina (birth canal)
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Early detection through a Pap smear screening test can reveal abnormal cells, known as dysplasia, in the cervical tissue If these abnormal cells are not treated or removed, they may eventually become cancer cells, which can grow and spread deeper into the cervix and surrounding areas
How is cervical cancer spread?
Most cervical cancers are caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact When the body is exposed to HPV, the immune system recognizes the virus as
a foreign invader and produces antibodies to fight it off However, in some individuals, the virus can persist for years and eventually lead to the development of cervical cancer cells
The risk of cervical cancer can be reduced through regular screening tests and by receiving the HPV vaccine, which helps protect against HPV infection
Cervical cancer symptoms
Symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer may include:
∫ Vaginal bleeding after sex
∫ Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Guest Column
∫ Vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal
∫ Watery vaginal discharge that has a strong odor or contains blood
∫ Pelvic pain or pain during sex
If you experience any of these symp-
toms, it is crucial that you discuss them with your physician and follow their recommended next steps
What is the Pap smear screening test?
Women should begin cervical cancer screenings at age 21, with pap tests every three years for those aged 21-29 years old For women aged 30-65, it’s recommended to have pap and HPV co-testing every five years or a pap test alone every three years. Women over 65 with a history of normal results do not need further screenings unless they have serious pre-cancer Those who’ve had a hysterectomy for non-cancer reasons and have no cervical cancer history also do not require testing Vaccinated women should still follow age-appropriate screening recommendations
What is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine protects against the
strains that cause cervical cancer and is recommended for girls and boys ages 11-12, ideally before sexual activity It can be given until age 26 or sometimes later and prevents over 90% of HPV-related cancers
Ways to reduce HPV risk
To lessen the risk of HPV, get vaccinated and have regular pap smears Common risk factors include smoking, multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, early sexual activity, having other STIs and a weakened immune system
Cervical cancer care available close to home
Cervical cancer typically develops slowly, making regular screenings crucial for early detection In Southwest Florida, patients can access comprehensive cervical cancer care through the Lee Health Cancer Institute, which offers a skilled team of oncologists For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit www leehealth org
Dr Mark Roh is Chief Physician Executive of the Lee Health Cancer Institute
Lacewings: Some of the insects in our gardens can be helpful friends
From page 20
above and below the ground The practice in our neighborhoods of routine spraying for all insects changes the balance of nature and may prevent these insects from
coming to the rescue in a no-spray yard. For a prized plant or growing vegetable, spraying with horticultural oil or neem oil will kill those aphids immediately There is no need to spray any other plants and risk harm to beneficial insects or to your-
self, children and pets.
Keep an eye out for a variety of larval insects eating the offending insects on your plants Given a chance, they will take care of the problem for you, while you put your feet up and relax!
Sherie Bleiler volunteers at the Cape Coral Library Butterfly Garden and is past president of the Garden Club of Cape C
ral com Like us on our Facebook page
Dr. Mark Roh
BUSINESS
BUSINESS BRIEFS
FPRA chapter to host webinar Wednesday
The Florida Public Relations Association Southwest Florida Chapter invites members and guests to its virtual meeting Wednesday, Jan 8, from 11a m to noon, to hear from Teri Hansen, APR, founder, president and CCO at Priority Marketing and Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC, senior director of public relations at Priority Marketing, discuss the best practices for successful event planning
In addition to offering tips and tricks for planning and publicizing events of all sizes in a variety of industries, the duo will present a case study on one of the region’s largest annual events, the Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast, with insights into:
■ How to leverage the four-step RPIE process –Research, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation –for event planning;
■ What to include in an integrated approach to your event plans; and
■ How to navigate and mitigate challenges including budget constraints, technical glitches, natural disasters and weather
The Zoom link for the webinar will be provided upon registration The cost is free for FPRA members, $10 for non-members
To register, visit Events – Florida Public Relations Association Southwest Florida Chapter at https://www. fpraswfl org/
Changing role of agriculture to be discussed at REIS meeting Jan. 14
The changing role of agriculture will be discussed at the Real Estate Investment Society’s Jan 14 luncheon meeting The discussion will be led by Fritz Roka, director of Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Center for Agribusiness
Roka, PhD, has led the development of the Center of Agribusiness at Lugert College at FGCU since 2018 He previously served as head of the University of Florida’s Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Food and Resource Economics Following the presentation, Roka will respond to questions of specific interest to the real estate investment and development industry
The meeting will begin at 11:45 a m on Jan 14 in the Osprey Room at Pelican Preserve’s Clubhouse, on Treeline Avenue at Colonial Boulevard, in Fort Myers Admission is $30 for members and $45 for guests, which includes lunch
Reservations are required by Thursday, Jan 9, and may be made at the REIS website at www reis-swfl org
Application registration open for Leadership SWFL Class of 2025
Early admission plications are open for Leadership SWFL, the region’s leading community immersion program dedicated to providing business professionals with a greater understanding of the community and creating a cohort of individuals ready to serve as effective leaders in the region Individuals who apply by Jan 24 will be considered for early admission, and will be notified by Jan 27 For more information and to submit your application, visit swflinc com/leadership-swfl-2025-
The primary objective of Leadership SWFL is to educate business professionals about the economic, demographic, and societal resources and challenges in the region Spanning eight months, Leadership SWFL fosters transformation among community champions with full-day exclusive experiences Hands-on opportunities offered through this immersive experience challenge participants to delve into crucial components spanning Southwest Florida and explore diverse perspectives Nine full-day class sessions and an overnight retreat for the program will run from May through December 2025
Participants will be able to engage in professional development activities that further enhance their skills and abilities Sessions include special tours and in-depth discussions on the topics of crime and justice, education and workforce, environment, government, healthcare, infrastructure, and tourism
For more, contact Katy Johnson, events and programs manager, at Katy@SWFLinc com or 239-992-2943
Kahlua Beach Club gets council’s nod for restoration
Private resort on Fort Myers Beach was damaged by Hurricane Ian
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
The Kahlua Beach Club has received approval from the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council for a special exception permit that will allow the owners to restore part of their property that was damaged by Hurricane Ian
The approval by the council followed unanimous recommendation of approval from the Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency
The special exception permit will give the owners, formally known as Kahlua Beach Club Condo Timeshare, the ability to restore recreational elements for their condo association in the environmentally critical area The restoration includes two cheeky huts, the shuffleboard area, paver pool decks and fencing along the existing seawall portions in the environmentally critical zone
Jim Ink of Ink Engineering said the special exception permit was needed due to the location of the property in the town’s environmentally critical zone He said the permit should be granted due to the circumstances of Hurricane Ian and that Kahlua Beach Club is an older condo building constructed before the town incorporated
Kahlua Beach Club is a private resort with rooms that are individually owned as timeshares on a weekly basis
The 27-unit resort is located mid-island on about threequarters of an acre at 4950 Estero Boulevard, near the Publix supermarket
“What this will do, will allow us to put back what we
Town closes on 7-Eleven property
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
Town of Fort Myers Beach officials announced that the town has closed on purchasing the former home of the 7-Eleven at 6221 Estero Blvd , which neighbors the
Driftwood Lane Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt said in August that the town had made an offer of $1 7 million for the 7-Eleven property, which was accepted
The town intends to use the property, which is currently in disrepair, for parking to service its new town hall The town purchased the property at 6231 Estero Blvd for its new town hall over the summer for $7 million
According to town officials, the existing 7-Eleven building will be demolished
had with some minor geometric differences,” Ink said Ink said one of the chickee huts will be slightly larger in square footage and the pool will be slightly different in size
The resort incurred major damage from Hurricane Ian and its owners have been working on repairs ever since Ink said the owners will also need permits from the state for the restoration of its pool and other work in the town’s environmentally critical zone
Insights into economic development in Lee County topic of Greater Fort Myers Chamber luncheon
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a m to 1:15 p m , Tuesday, Jan 14, sharing insights on economic development in Lee County.
During the luncheon, attendees will hear from John T a l m a g e , d
Development Office, who will discuss current events and new developments coming to Lee County as well as economic resources available to businesses in Lee County
Talmage has spent more than 30 years working in local economic and community development, both for municipal governments and national research organizations Before he was named director of economic development for Lee County, he was chief of staff to the city of Fort Myers’ city manager and served on the city of Sanibel’s
Planning Commission
Talmage began his career working for the New York City Council and previously directed economic development for the City of New Orleans, served as a senior policy advisor for Mayors Diaz of Miami and Mallory of Cincinnati, and was CEO and president of Social Compact
The luncheon will be held at Embassy Suites Fort Myers Estero, at 10450 Corkscrew Commons Drive in Estero Admission is $35 for chamber members and $45 for future members and includes lunch Attendees must register for the event by Friday, Jan 10; walk-ins will not be accepted
To learn more or to register, visit FortMyers org or call 239-332-2930
Local Chapters of Business Women celebrates 20th anniversary, raises $8,000 to support children in need
Local Chapters of Business Women, a leading organization empowering women in business, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a successful fundraising luncheon Nov 4 The event raised over $8,000 to support children in need in Collier, Lee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties
“We are thrilled to celebrate two decades of empowering women and giving back to our community,” said Mary Anne Cipressy, board member of LCBW “This milestone event reflects the dedication and generosity of our members and our supporters We are grateful for their contributions, which will make a significant impact on the lives of many children here in SWFL for the holidays ”
The funds raised will be distributed to six local organizations: San Jose Mission, Healthy Start, EHL Fragile X, Peace River Wildlife, Homeless Coalition and Loveland Centers. These organizations provide essential services
and support to children in the community, including toys, clothing and educational resources
LCBW is dedicated to assisting women advance their business skills through networking, educational opportunities and sharing resources It encourages participation at its events that are specifically designed for women in business Through these events, business women develop skills to reach higher goals and meet the people who can help you achieve them
With chapters in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples, Punta Gorda, North Port, Venice, Marco Island and Babcock Ranch, LCBW offers a variety of programs and events tailored to the needs of its members
To learn more about LCBW and how to get involved, please visit https://lcbw org/ or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LCBWLLC
Giving: Support helps area organizations meet community goals
From page 1
pantry was very bare We managed because we have this commitment we help people who walk through our door no matter what ”
The center helped, on average, between 300 to 400 families a month, which went up significantly after Hurricane Helene and Milton
“A lot of our clients were very affected by the hurricanes,” Ferguson said “A lot of people came in because they lost hours at work, or many people lost their jobs after the hurricane. People were out of their homes for weeks, lost power, and having family living in other areas that had to come and live with them because of situations they were going through It was really a difficult time for a lot of people We helped hundreds of people through the hurricane ”
To help with the ongoing demand, she said they are always looking for food donations perishable and nonperishable
Cash donations, though, literally provide more bang for the buck
“Something that is always really important is monetary donations Every dollar donated to us is worth about $8 Donations large and small are extremely helpful for us We can turn it into larger donations with our buying power,” Ferguson said “It’s pretty wonderful that we are able to do that and make little into big ”
In addition to the day-to-day assistance, the Cape Coral Caring Center also helped 1,200 families with holiday meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as provided Christmas toys for about 250 children
“We do both because everybody ought to have a nice holiday season,” she said
Visit capecoralcaringcenter org
Cape Coral Animal Shelter
Although the Cape Coral Animal Shelter was down about 50 adoptions for 2024, they still found homes for 950 animals
“We are not down as much as the rest of the country A lot of shelters are adopting half of what they normally do,” Cape Coral Animal Shelter Executive Director Liz McCauley said The new year has a promising future for the shelter, as it will be breaking ground at the end of February for its new
19,000-square-foot building, which will expand their clinic
“Our future is extremely exciting,” she said McCauley said they serve about 5,000 clients animals and pet owners in their clinic
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter launched its capital campaign in November for a building that will cost $8 million They have set aside about half Late 2024, the shelter received $1 5 million from the Golisano Foundation
“We are asking the community for a lot of help Every penny counts at this point,” McCauley said
The shelter has naming rights for the new building
“It’s a great opportunity to get the community involved in something very important,” she said
In addition to the campaign, the shelter is asking the community to adopt dogs and cats McCauley said they have animals for everybody small to big, young to older for both dogs and cats.
The shelter currently has 86 animals, she said, adding that when they have open kennels, they get more animals
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter is also moving the needle and making a difference across the entire state of Florida
“This year we lost the initiative Operation Fix it Florida, which basically provided partnerships with local veterinarians and veterinarian associations across the state to provide spay and neuter services in underserved areas There are way too many animals than there are homes for them,” McCauley said
They are working with legislators to have better legislation and accountability for people breeding animals, overbreeding animals and having resources to get animals fixed.
“Florida is the fourth worst state in the country for euthanizing animals in animal shelters,” she said, adding that the top three are California, Texas, and North Carolina
“This is totally unacceptable We need to do better in the state of Florida ”
Visit capecoralanimalshelter com
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife had a very successful 2024, thanks to its supporters
The organization had more than 200 volunteers logging more than 9,000 hours of service. The organization also counted 5,098 burrowing owls for this year’s owl census
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Corresponding Secretary Janet Windisch said their sister organization, Cape Coral Wildlife Trust, now owns 79 lots in Cape Coral totaling more than nine acres
Due to the advocacy of the volunteers, the city received a Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission grant for up to $900,000 to purchase burrowing owl habitat
The goal for 2025 is to continue to raise funds to purchase land for wildlife habitat in conjunction with Cape Coral Wildlife Trust, as well as expand their starter burrow program to provide homes for owls displaced by development
Windisch said the community can help the Friends of Wildlife by attending the upcoming Burrowing Owl Festival, set for Saturday, Feb 22, as well as other events which raise awareness and generate funds for wildlife
Individuals can also volunteer
“Our volunteers maintain burrows throughout the city, maintain the butterfly house in Rotary Park, take care of the Purple Martin colony and butterfly garden at Sirenia Vista Park, monitor lots owned by CCWT, and those to be purchased by the city using the FWC grant, organization events and much more,” she said
Other ways individuals can help the organization going into 2025, is to place a starter burrow in their yard or donate money to help the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife purchase land as habitat and support its mission
Tom Allen Butterfly House Curator Cheryl Anderson said the butterfly house at Rotary Park is at its most spectacular with more butterflies now than at any time she can remember in the past 15 years.
“We have 50, or more zebra longwings, the state butterfly of Florida, which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian two years ago They are making an amazing comeback now,” she said “Over the past two weeks I have released 50 or more and many are still hanging around Rotary Park, as it is an ideal place for them ”
In addition, Anderson said they have given eggs, caterpillars and butterflies to visitors who come to the park who have the right plants in their garden to support the zebra longwing
“These plants are corkystem passion vine and nectar-bearing flowers like penta, firebush, and jatropha, all of which are
See GIVING, page 27
Giving: Donations of time, money, always welcome & always needed
From page 26
in abundance at the park,” she said.
Anderson said the butterfly house also has the malachite, atala, queen and monarch butterflies
Visit ccfriendsofwildlife org/wildlife/
There is a plethora of other organizations in Lee County that are seeking the community’s support, so they can further their missions They include:
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, in 2024, provided employment to more than 1,200 individuals in their stores, 75% of whom self-identify with a disability or disadvantage
In addition, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida has also kept more than 25 million pounds of goods out of the local landfills
In addition to the stores, Goodwill empowers individuals by teaching them life skills through Pathways to Opportunity; provide workforce development training through the Community Resource Centers; help more than 1,000 low- to
moderate-income individuals turn their dreams into a reality through Small Business Development and provide affordable housing for low-income seniors and adults with physical disabilities
Goodwill Industries is seeking the community’s help through financial gifts, as 93 cents of every dollar goes directly to the mission services
Visit donorbox org/giving-tuesday-606
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
The center is seeking donations from the community to continue to connect, inspire and transform the community through the arts
Donations go towards educational programs, exhibitions and performances and outreach initiatives to make art assessable to all
Visit sbdac.com/support2/?mc cid=db2e91d7ec&mc eid=0ae3e22ecd
A N A ’s Friends, Inc
The organization filled more than 2,000 requests during
2024 through its Our Children’s Needs Program, which provides essentials such as beds, clothing, schools supplies and more The organization serves abused, neglected, and abandoned kids in Southwest Florida
Visit anasfriends org
Community Cooperative Community Cooperative is asking for the community’s support in donations to ensure that no one is left behind by providing support to those that need it the most
The organization provides such programs as Meals on Wheels, Mobil Food Pantry, the Community Market, Sam’s Community Cafeé & Kitchen and Social Services & Education
“Every gift, no matter the size, has a profound impact,” said Community Cooperative Chief Executive Officer Stefanie Ink Edwards in a prepared statement. “Your support helps provide meals, comfort, and stability to those who need it most Together, we can make sure that the most vulnerable in our community feel seen, cared for, and supported ” Visit communitycooperative com
Water: North Cape, parts of Lee County, facing serious shortage
From page 1
be able to use their lawn irrigation systems. Restrictions are put in place to protect the aquifer and drinking water supply ”
The water shortage order with the oneday-a-week watering restriction was issued in November 2023
Homeowners on wells rely wholly on the Mid-Hawthorne Aquifer for drinking water as well as irrigation
For those on city utilities, the water supply is groundwater pumped from wells 700 to 800 feet deep, the depth of the Lower Hawthorn Aquifer.
The city utility source of irrigation water is treated wastewater supplemented from five freshwater canal pumping stations
From Oct 10 to Dec 5, the city only received 81 inches of rain, almost 4 inches below normal of where the city should be at this time during dry season, Utilities Director Jeff Pearson said last month
“If you think about it, the issue we are facing right now, that water, potable water, has been depleted over many years It’s at a point it is becoming fairly critical We have to make major moves to continue its sustainability for a long period of time,”
Councilmember Joe Kilraine said “Action is needed now It’s at a critical point ”
The aquifer has become critically low because it was not adequately replenished during the normal rain cycle, he said.
He urged conservation
“We are using too much for the irrigation,” Kilraine said “Conservation is the key We don’t have control over our own destiny
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is able to control the use and manage it by state statute ”
He said residents have to be very conscious of the level and participate fully participate in the conservation effort
For those on wells, help is on the way but it is going to be another few years before relief is felt
The North 1 Utilities Expansion Project will address about 75% of the impacted area by 2027, and North 6 UEP will complete the remaining 25% by 2030, Kilraine said.
“We have to buy ourselves a little bit of
room here and that will be done through conservation That is key for the residents,” Kilraine said “Use sparingly irrigation ”
“Water is the most valuable thing we have here from a natural resource standpoint, and we have to protect it,” Kilraine said
Other suggested methods of conservation include watering lawns early in the morning on their irrigation day to reduce evaporation, use drought-tolerant plants and repair leaks in irrigation systems, faucets and toilets
Meanwhile, there is a joint action plan being worked on among the city, Lee County, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Pearson said at a December City Council.
Flu: Typical peak season for ailment is usually January & February
From page 1
influenza A The week prior, a total of 1,244 cases were reported
As for why the county is seeing such an increase of flu cases compared to previous years, Saunders said the answer is not black and white, and that the data available on the number of individuals who have received the flu vaccine is not yet available
“I think there may not have been as many folks taking influenza vaccine early in the year like they usually do, and it has kind of caught up with us,” she said
The typical peak of flu season in South Florida usually comes after the holidays, in
, Saunders said
“It does start to march up after the
n e , ”
Saunders said “And then, really a lot in January and February as northern visitors are coming into our area We’ll see a higher spike at that time, but we’ve had a relatively high spike in December ”
Other contributing factors for the early rise in cases could be the holiday travel and gatherings many have experienced over the last few weeks
“When you have large groups of people commingling together and have the greater ability to spread disease by respiratory droplets and things, you’re going to see more outbreaks,” Saunders said “I would also say the fact that people are probably minimizing it If they’re having mild symptoms they think they have the common cold People are not apt to test for COVID as much now, so they may just say, ‘Oh, I have COVID ’ But in fact what we’re seeing is just this large number of influenza
From Dec 22 to Dec 28, Lee Health reported a total of 1,273 cases of influenza in acute care hospitals and ambulatory, the overwhelming majority being cases of influenza A. The week prior, a total of 1,244 cases were reported.
cases People are getting out and getting tested, that’s how we know it’s happening, but that's only the tip of the iceberg ”
Many people often just put off their illness to make it through the holiday season
“After the holidays come, they say, ‘OK, now it’s time to go to the hospital,” Saunders said
Saunders said roughly 30% of Lee Health patients being tested for viral infections have contracted influenza, while the COVID percent-positivity is around 5%
When it comes to influenza A and B, Saunders said the system is seeing a majority of influenza A cases, and that when spring break travelers come to visit, that’s usually the time where a rise in influenza B is prevalent Both types of influenza share similar traits, but are different strains
“In general, influenza B may be milder, but (both carry) the same symptoms runny nose, congestion, sneezing, cough, feeling achy and feverish,” Saunders said Saunders said the majority of flu test results are coming from outpatient facilities, meaning most individuals are not feeling sick enough to necessitate a trip to the emergency room.
“As far as seeing a high number of folks in the hospital that are admitted with just influenza in particular, it’s not what we’re seeing,” Saunders said “People are coming in for the general things that they come in with anytime of the year ”
So, what are the best practices to prevent contracting the flu? First and foremost, Saunders said, is becoming vaccinated
“It’s been readily available for many, many years, and is effective for decreasing your illness and also decreasing your risk for hospitalization,” she said “I do advocate for people to get the influenza vaccine We’ve seen more people kind of resistant to vaccine overall for the past several years, but this has been a tried-and-true tested vaccine ”
The next best way to be proactive is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand gel Saunders also added, “The other thing that we forget about, is that we shouldn’t be touching our face, our nose, our eyes r u b b i n g o u r e y e s w i t h o u r h a n d s because that’s how we take little viral particles from inanimate objects, surfaces, and then contaminating ourselves So just avoid touching your face, nose, mouth and eyes if you can ”
Saunders also said people should stay home if they are experiencing symptoms, as to not spread the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals may be able to spread flu to someone else before they know they are sick, as well as when symptoms are present The CDC states that people with flu are most contagious during
According to a CDC study published in 2018, on average, about 8% of the U S population gets sick from the flu each season, with a range of 3% to 11% depending on the season.
Those most at-risk for hospitalization as a result of the flu are the elderly and infants
“Early identification of influenza there is treatment available for influenza, and it is recommended for those over the age of 65 (and) people who may have health conditions that cause them to be immunocompromised, and children under 2 If you’ve been exposed to someone who has flu, or are concerned you have flu and you’re in those categories, you can seek medical attention and there is availability of medication for treatment ”
As for the upcoming months where the highest number of cases are usually reported, Saunders said she hopes the numbers don’t continue to rise
“We’re hoping that people will get out there and get their vaccine if they haven’t got it, and that we’re hitting some early herd immunity,” Saunders said
Lee Health strongly urges people to visit one of four Lee Health Convenient Care locations if you have the flu. Lee Health clinics are specifically designed to treat flu symptoms in a much easier and faster way than emergency rooms, which handle life-threatening medical issues
Flu shots can be found at many local pharmacies, as well as at Lee Health facilities
To schedule an appointment for a flu
es/vaccine-appointments
SPORTS
Looking ahead to the new year
With 2024 behind us, let’s look ahead to a new year of fishing and with luck, no hurricanes January is generally our coolest month, and our water temperature will be the lowest of the year Lucky for us, Southwest Florida cool fronts only last a day or two, then it’s back to sunny, mild days There should be plenty of great opportunities on the water this month
With cooler days and water temperature of winter, shrimp is the top or preferred bait for most species If you prefer throwing artificial baits, soft plastics in shrimp patterns are your best bet.
S e a t r o u t a r e t h e m o s t popular inshore gamefish i n F l o r i d a a n d h u n g r y through the winter months Fish for them in 4 to 8-foot depths across grass flats, around the edges of sand holes and bar edges On the cooler days they often reloc a t e t o d e e p e r p r o t e c t e d areas where the water is not as cold These could be residential canals and waterways, bays and oyster bars
F a v o r i t e t r o u t b a i t s include live shrimp freelined or suspended under a popping or rattling float
Capt Bill Russell On the Water
Scented DOA shrimp and a wide variety and color of soft plastic baits allow you to cast and retrieve to cover a lot of area, and they catch fish If it’s cold, fish baits near bottom and slow down your retrieve
Winter and cold weather are the best time for catching sheepshead You will find sheepshead hanging around some type of structure as they feast on barnacles, oysters, worms, small crabs and other critters that live around these areas Structure may include dock, pier and bridge pilings, rock piles or jetties, oyster bars or any submerged structure that has life on it Nearshore, in gulf waters, large sheepshead are caught around the many artificial reefs well within sight of land and over ledges and hard coral bottom
Shrimp is the top bait for sheepshead They have a small mouth full of big crusher teeth, so a large bait isn’t necessary Fish baits on bottom with just enough weight to keep it there and use a small sharp hook or jig head. Sheepshead often bite best on the coldest days
If fishing nearshore in gulf waters, expect to catch mangrove and lane snapper, tasty grunts and possibly permit or grouper along with sheepshead Good bottom
MARK CLIFFORD
A soft touch
Cape Coral's Dylan Bandale lofts a short onehanded jump shot over North Fort Myers' Chance Taylor. The Seahawks defeated the Red Knights, 59-44, in a recent contest at Cape High.
PREP REPORT
Wednesday
Boys Basketball
Palmetto Ridge Holiday Classic
Oasis 79, Stone Ridge (CA) Christian 51: The Sharks (9-4) rolled to an opening-round win in the tournament Oasis had five players score in double figures, led by Zack Louzao's 19 points Austin Louzao scored 14 points, Brendan Overbaugh and Llyod Baptiste 11 each and Johnny Cemuska scored 10 Next up on Thursday is Lake Worth Park Vista, which routed Aubrey Rogers, 75-34
advanced to a second round matchup with Tampa Wharton, which received a first-round bye
Monday
Boys Basketball Holiday Hoopfest Championship
Cardinal Gibbons 60, Bishop Verot 53: The visitors from Fort Lauderdale (13-2) dropped the Vikings to 9-3 on the season to capture the Hoopfest title Austin Leslie scored 21 points and Gavin Williams had 19 for Bishop Verot
North’s Busenbark voted December’s Athlete of the Month
Breeze Staf f Repor t news@breezenewspapeers com
The votes are in for the Cape Coral Breeze’s December Athlete of the Month, and the winner is North Fort Myers High School's Hannah Busenbark
The Red Knights' leading scorer helped her team to three wins d u r i n
e k , bringing the club to a 10-2 record on the season The junior recorded a hat trick or better in each of the three matches, scoring a total of 10 goals and contributing three assists
Busenbark leads the team with 34 goals in 12 matches, which is the fourth-highest total for goals in the state so far this year
"It's been an exciting start to what for sure will be a great season for our team," Busenbark told The Breeze "I've worked hard to come back even stronger this year after an injury last season I love the team and it's so exciting to play with an amazing group of girls We are ready to make it to states again and bring home a state title "
Busenbark has been a Breeze Athlete of the Week twice so far this year
Voting for January's Athlete of the Month will open toward the end of the month. Stay up to date with Athlete of the Week selections on capecoralbreeze com
Dates announced for ‘local waters’ boating seminar
Local author Tom Dawson and local charter captain
Josh Wurtsbaugh will be hosting a “local waters” seminar at the Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron | America’s Boating Club Cape Coral Tuesday, Jan 14, at 7 p m The two-hour seminar covers many of the things you should know before you head out on our waters
Dawson and Wurtsbaugh will be sharing insights into how it came to be that we can navigate the shallow waters that surround us They will also help boaters understand the safest ways to get to many of the favorite spots that locals like to visit Their goal is to help boaters avoid some of costly mistakes made by many boaters new to local waters
The seminar starts by covering:
■ How the commercial development in Fort Myers and the draining of the Everglades had both positive and negative impacts on how and where we can boat
■ What information to look for on local charts
■ The impacts river current, tidal current and winds can have on boating experience
■ How being in a Federally Protected Manatee Area affects how and where you can boat
■ What you need to know about boating on the Intracoastal Waterway
■ Where the “real” Miserable Mile is found, it not where most people think it is
5
After playing four tournament games in four days, the Vikings took two days off before playing teams in Hebron, Kentucky, and Cincinnati set for Thursday and Friday
The second half of the seminar looks at the safest ways to get to favorite destinations in Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, San Carlos Bay, Estero Bay and along the shores of the Caloosahatchee River There may even be a recommendation or two for some spots worth more than a quick stop
Hannah Busenbark
Community Cooperative announces January mobile food pantry schedule
Community Cooperative has announced its mobile food pantry schedule for the month of January For many in the community, putting food on the table is a constant struggle, which Community Cooperative recognizes and steps forward to help alleviate the burden
Mobile food pantries are an essential service that brings fresh produce, staple foods, and vital resources directly to neighborhoods and rural areas where traditional food distribution methods may fall short By meeting people where they are, the mobile food pantry ensures that families, seniors, and individuals facing economic hardship can access the nourishment they need with dignity and ease
Beyond alleviating hunger, this initiative fosters a sense of community and resilience, demonstrating that together, we can overcome challenges and support one another in times of need In a region as diverse and dynamic as Southwest Florida, the mobile food pantry stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity
Please note that the mobile food pantry located at Mariner’s Landing will be held on Monday, Jan 13, instead of its usual schedule This one-time date change is to accommodate the holiday season and ensure our community members have access to essential resources.
For further information, contact Community Coopera-
tive’s Food Pantries Coordinator at 239-332-7687
Community Cooperative mobile food pantry schedule for January
■ Tuesday, Jan 7 -- Trafalgar Middle School, 2120 Trafalgar Parkway, Cape Coral, 4:30-6 p m
■ Wednesday, Jan 8 -- Cape Coral Technical College, 360 Santa Barbra Blvd , N , Cape Coral, 3-5 p m
■ Friday, Jan 10 -- North Fort Myers Regional Park, 2000 N Recreation Parkway, North Fort Myers, 10 a mnoon
■ Monday, Jan 13 -- Mariner’s Landing, 2120 Carrell Road, Fort Myers, 10-11:30 a m
■ Tuesday, Jan 14 -- Bonita Springs YMCA, 27200 Kent Road, Bonita Springs, 9:30-11:30 a m
■ Wednesday, Jan 15 -- VA Healthcare Center, 2489 Diplomat Parkway, E , Cape Coral (use Corbett Road entrance), for veterans and veteran families only, 9 a mnoon
■ Thursday, Jan 16 -- Lehigh Senior High School, 901 Gunnery Road, N , Lehigh Acres, 3-5 p m
■ Tuesday, Jan 21, -- Pine Manor Community Center, 5547 Tenth Ave , Fort Myers, 10 a m - noon
■ Wednesday, Jan 22 -- North Fort Myers High School, 5000 Orange Grove Blvd , North Fort Myers, 3-5 p m
■ Thursday, Jan 23 -- Island Coast High School, 2125 De Navarra Parkway, Cape Coral, 3-4:30 p m
■ Tuesday, Jan 28 -- Veterans Park Lehigh Acres, 55 Homestead Road, S , Lehigh Acres, 3-5 p m
Note: Limit ONE mobile food pantry per month per household address ID is required and bringing your own bags is encouraged
About Community Cooperative
Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.
‘Local waters:’ Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron seminar Jan. 14
From page 30
Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron | America’s Boating Club Cape Coral has been a member of the community since 1964 Its members have an in-depth knowledge of local waterways which they are always willing to share With an estimated 100,000 vessels in the county it is easy to see why boating here is nothing like it was “back home ”
The Southwest Florida Boating Seminar has three sessions currently scheduled in the first part of 2025: Tuesday,
Jan 14; Tuesday, Feb 11; and Tuesday, April 8 The seminar starts at 7 p.m. and lasts approximately two hours. The cost is $15, and seating is limited so pre-registration is encouraged to ensure a seat Registration information can be found on the Events Page at www ccsaps org
The Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron | America’s Boating Club Cape Coral is located at 917 S E 47th Terrace, Cape Coral Plenty of parking is available behind the building and students can enter through the back door
If you can’t wait to get into one of the seminars the squadron office sells copies of Barret Bonden’s “Local
Knowledge Recommended - Things you wish someone had told you about boating here!” The seminar is based on the material in this book The squadron ships store also sells two waterproof charts, Cape Coral Canals and Barrier Islands / Boca Grande to Estero Bay, “Chart Art’s Boaters Destination Guide” and “Safe Boating in Southwest Florida, Your Guide to the Many Channels on our Waterways ” The office is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a m to noon If you are out and about on Saturday mornings, stop by the office or the squadron's booth at the Cape Coral Farmer’s Market at Clubhouse Square
Bonita Bill’s: Fort Myers Beach restaurant set to close after 30 years
From page 14
able to reopen after Hurricane Ian devastated the property and other San Carlos Island properties owned by the Semmer family
“I am beyond proud of what we did and what the team did,” Reynolds said “I am proud to say the hurricanes didn’t beat us ”
Reynolds said she was also proud that Bonita Bill’s was a longtime supporter of local fishermen The restaurant bought its seafood from local fishermen, including its shrimp from Erickson and Jensen
For years, the restaurant was home to the annual Fourth of July children's fishing tournament Reynolds remarked how children who fished in the tournament years ago would return as parents with their own children to compete in the tournament Free food, fishing equipment, trophies would be given out to families
Semmer would also sponsor fireworks on Fort Myers Beach “My parents had such a dedication to the community,” Reynolds said
Bonita Bill’s was popular with locals and visitors for its
open-air, laid-back atmosphere along the docks overlooking the bay The restaurant earned a reputation for its seafood and sandwiches, and breakfast under an affordable and comfortable menu The fresh, local seafood catches accompanied hamburgers, B L T’s and chicken wings on the menu Decorations on its ceiling detailed visitors from around the country including many fire and police department patches
In 1991, Semmer purchased the property at the end of Fishermans Wharf which was known as the Bonita Fish Company and Fish House and turned it into Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe and Tiki Bar The property’s use dated back to 1926, when it was a fish house.
Semmer also operated Semmer Electric, rental properties and owned the building occupied by the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center next door Both properties as well as a vacant lot are part of the sale under contract Reynolds said her late mother Shirley was also a big part of the success of Bonita Bill’s and Semmer’s other business from “behind the scenes ” Both were heavily involved in the community, supporting local organization's like the Fort Myers Beach Lion's Club, Beach Kids Foundation and
Looking ahead: January fishing in local waters
From page 30
fishing in gulf waters is often between 25-50 feet, a short run offshore on a nice day.
Red grouper season reopens on the first of the year
While it’s possible to catch keeper size fish nearshore, most grouper diggers begin fishing depths around 60 feet out to well over a hundred Most often, the deeper the water the larger the grouper
Chances are good at hooking redfish and pompano over the month Around inshore waters they are often caught while targeting sheepshead or seatrout Pompano are generally on the move along bar drop-offs, shorelines, off oyster bars and, like sheepshead, they only eat mollusks and crustaceans; fish is not in their diet Shrimp is a top bait for pompano along with a small colorful jig most anglers call a silly or pompano jig When slow bounced across a sandy bottom it mimics a shrimp or small crab escaping
Redfish range over a wide area They might show up on the flats and bar edges while trout fishing, around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines and the same structure men-
tioned for sheepsheads Redfish are scent feeders; their eyesight isn’t the best, so they rely on their nose Shrimp is a great bait and often rigged with the tail pinched off on a jig head This allows shrimp scent in the water Another proven method is to find a likely area to hold reds such as a shoreline or structure and fish cut bait like pinfish, sardines, mullet or ladyfish on bottom
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting the F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W
l i f e C
m m
s s i o n at: www myfwc com Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish.
I hope everyone has a great New Year and takes some time to spend on the water
If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service at 239-4108576, on the web at www fishpineisland com or via email at gcl2fish@live com
As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Florida,
local events
Reynolds said Bonita Bill's was like a “second home” for her and her family growing up It’s where she would eat breakfast with her parents siblings, it’s where the family celebrated birthday parties and baby showers
The GoFundMe page to support the staff of Bonita B
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