WEEk of JaNuarY 10, 2024 FLIER INSIDE
Eaglet hatches 2023 was an eventful year for the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 47, NumbEr 36
Gifford finds a home at Sunbelt Realty By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Velma Gifford’s island roots began 5 generations ago on Cayo Costa. Her father was in the Army, which meant the family traveled often, but they always came back to the island for the summer, she said. When Gifford was going into the 9th grade, her parents got a divorce, which brought her mother back to Pine Island full time, in fact, family is the reason Gifford said she ended up where she is. “That’s where my family started and that’s where I feel comfortable. I feel like I know the culture and I heard a lot of really good things about Mike (Shevlin) and Sunbelt,” Gifford said. After a career in the education industry that lasted 36 years, Gifford got her real estate license. It was her moth-
Beacon begins disbursement of Unite Florida Grant By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
According to Beacon of Hope board member Elsie Stearns, hiring Grants Manager Joanne Lembo for the disbursement of funds from the Unite Florida Grant was one of the best things the board could have done. After having been on the Beacon Task Force, Lembo wrote the application process. “Joanne has a tremendous background with law enforcement, and she’s been a big part of volunteering to help people with FEMA and all of that. She’s been right by our side since the aftermath of the storm,” Stearns said. Grants have a very strict audit trail, where projects done with the money must be shown, Lembo explained. After the announcement was made on Nov. 1, the application process was opened. Volunteer Florida had basic criteria in its MOA (memorandum of agreement), Lembo said, leaving her to try to imagine how the grant might best benefit Pine Island. “We received 39 applications from the island. We decided to approach small businesses first, because small island businesses were impacted and that’s one of the criteria. It had to be an impact by Hurricane Ian, you had to have had the business prior to Hurricane Ian, you had to have been on Greater Pine Island and it had to be tangible,” Lembo said. Of the 39 applications, 28 of them were awarded grant money, Lembo said, totaling over $340,000. Individual award amounts were kept confidential, Stearns explained, in an effort to protect the privacy of everyone involved. “There was a lot information gathered, a lot of consideration given and something that the Beacon wanted was the transparency and accuracy. Bringing Joanne in as someone who didn’t know everyone in the communiSee DISBURSEMENT, page 16
er who insisted she meet Shevlin. Once she did, she said she immediately felt comfortable. It was then Gifford said she realized she had to learn both the business of real estate, and also how to market herself. Although she is very familiar with the island, as a real estate agent, she considers herself a newcomer. “After being in education for 36 years, I wanted something that would be enjoyable — working with people — being
Velma Gifford
outside. I think I made the right decision. I wanted to go into something that makes people happy and buying your first home or buying a new home makes people happy,” Gifford said. Part of the reason Gifford loves her job, she said, is that she is able to be her own advocate for success, by creating her own schedule and hours. In meeting agents from Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Gifford has been able to see the various approaches taken. There’s no cookie cutter approach to this, she said. You just have to pick an approach that fits you. “I think the most important thing about being on the island is understanding the culture. I think that’s what makes me a good agent,” Gifford said. Contact Century 21 Sunbelt Realty at 239-283-1100.
Nasser new hair stylist at Christine Karow Hair Designs and Massage Special to THE EAGLE
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Tricia Nasser is a new hair stylist at Christine Karow Hair Designs and Massage, with 25+ years of experience in the industry. Nasser travels back and forth between her New York and Florida locations, allowing her to offer services in several locations to better serve her clients. Over the years she has offered a multitude of services including hair, nails, lashes and cosmetic tattooing. She was a salon owner herself before moving into the independent contractor role. She uses her skills and knowledge to create unique and beautiful hairstyles for her clients. She said she believes that hair is a perfect way of Tricia Nasser expressing ourselves. She is here to help islanders recreate their vision or to help finally find the style that is your own. Nasser is also an experienced colorist, with a specialty in reds and curls of all tones, shapes and styles. Christine Karow Hair Designs and Massage is at 10700 Stringfellow Road, Unit #70, Bokeelia. For more information about the salon to make an appointment, call 239-283-4222 or to contact Nasser direct, call 518-322-3366.
Athlete of the Week.........19 Cribbage Corner..............20 Island Mahjongg.............18 insidetoday Cat of the Week.................9 Dolphin Tales.....................6 On the Water....................10 Classifieds & Obituaries
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Pine Island Potters’ Guild show Saturday at Koucky Studios The Pine Island Potters’ Guild welcomes 2024 with the fourth in this season’s series of seven showings at Koucky Studios on Saturday, Jan, 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Guild Shows optimize the concepts of “Shop Small” and “Keep it Local.” The show features works created by local artists and craftsman in pottery, jewelry, woodworking, paintings, island-themed home décor, ready-to-wear art, books, notecards, candles and scents, local honey, jams, gourmet mustards and hot sauces, plus so much more. In addition, fresh baked goods will be available for a delicious snack or to take home as a special addition to any meal. By request, potter Chuck Koucky will
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work, stay for the demonstration, take a tour of the studio and find information about local classes and workshops. The Pine Island Potters Guild shows are held on the second Saturday of each month through April from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the courtyard of Koucky Studios, 5971 Bay Point Road, Bokeelia. For more information about the Potters’ Guild and the seasonal shows, please call Nancy Koucky at 239-2333003. An example of Chuck Koucky’s horsehair pottery. FILE PHOTO
Birth of eaglet caps busy year for Southwest Florida Eagle Cam By CHUCK BALLARO
Pine Island Eagle
again demonstrate the art of horsehair pottery firing at 11 a.m. Horsehair pottery, as the name implies, incorporates hair from the tails and manes of horses into its design. The random lines and patterns that are the signature of this style are created when strands of hair are applied to the surface of a hot raku clay pot that has just been removed from the kiln. The horsehair combusts and carbonizes, leaving random patterns on the pot’s surface. The use of horsehair is preferred in the technique as it makes beautiful random patterns because of its coarseness and length. Please plan to drop by, meet these talented makers, chat with them about their
What a year 2023 was for the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam. It started with the disappearance of Harriet and the remarkable raising of the eaglets by M15 and ended with the first clutch of eggs from his new mate, F23, in the nest off Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. Unfortunately, the first clutch produced by the cam's new international stars will result in only one eaglet being raised. M15 and F23 saw the hatching of eaglet E23 early Sunday morning around 7 a.m. However, the second egg, which was badly damaged, did not hatch, cam organizers said.
Ginnie Pritchett-McSpadden, cofounder of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, said that since this was the first clutch by the pair, the result isn’t that surprising. “We assumed this was the first attempt for F23 laying and incubating. She was a rookie all-around so our expectations were low. We didn’t know what to expect,” Pritchett-McSpadden said. “She incubated the eggs and feels more comfortable being the matriarch.” The pip from the first egg, created by the eaglet with the “egg tooth” on its beak, was spotted Friday night at 8:54 p.m. However, before that there was a large crack spotted in the second egg. Many at first thought it was just a different pip from all the others, and the
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA EAGLE CAM
Newly hatched E23 in the nest.
chick was seen and heard from inside. Over the course of the next 24 hours, the condition of the egg worsened, with a spot of blood visible. By Sunday morning, the egg was cracked and crumbled. “That second egg doesn’t seem to be developing or hatching any further. We have to assume that egg is no longer viable,” Pritchett-McSpadden said. The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam was evaluating what exactly happened to the second egg. It is the first time this has happened on the live 24/7 multi-camera eagle cam founded by the Pritchett McSpadden in 2012. While there have been eggs that were viable (it has happened twice), never has an egg cracked See EAGLET, page 20
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OPINIONS 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60 Bokeelia, FL 33922 Phone: (239) 283-2022 Fax: (239) 283-0232 Web: pineisland-eagle.com Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com
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Web Poll Previous Web Poll Question: Have you noticed an increase in seasonal traffic on the islands or around the area? ■ Yes, everywhere. 32% ■ Off the islands, yes. 3% ■ Not on the islands. 52% ■ Nowhere, yet, but soon I’m sure. 13%
Current Web Poll Question: Do you make New Year’s resolutions? ■ Yes, every year. ■ No, never. ■ Sometimes. ■ It depends on if I feel I really need to set an accomplishable goal. Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle.com
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DCF Tallahassee continues to place obstacles contrary to Legislature’s intentions In what may be described as a misguided, mean-spirited retaliation against grassroots efforts and community-based organizations in Lee County’s desire to participate in social services for their own families, friends and neighbors, DCF Tallahassee continues to place unreasonable restrictions for local organizations wishing to participate in The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative, HB 7065, contrary to the Florida Legislature’s provisions and intentions. The Florida Legislature’s Subcommittee on Children, Families and Seniors was criticized by The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative on its handling of the grant awards process through HB 7065 for overlooking large regions of Florida and benefiting primarily urban areas and national nonprofit groups. As a part of DCF Tallahassee’s most recent grant application posting Dec. 13, DCF has omitted Lee County, and other growing Florida communities, from their list of counties with “targeted populations.” Lee County and the Fort Myers area are among fastest- growing areas in Florida presently with an expanding population. Lee County nearly mirrors demographics in counties which ring Tampa Bay in the need for specific fatherhood services. DCF Tallahassee has previously awarded funds to multiple organizations in the Tampa Bay Area and elsewhere so this removal of Lee County as a desired location for fatherhood services can only be viewed as some form of
Guest Commentary state agency disdain for the mandates of the Florida Legislature, rather than an error of omission. Single Dads Outreach, Corp a local 501c3, nonprofit Florida corporation, was denied funding by DCF under the auspices of HB 7065, The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative in August 2023. When Single Dads Outreach, along with other Florida nonprofits, brought to the attention of the Florida Legislature how DCF in Tallahassee flagrantly overlooked the provision of this legislation to “encourage grassroots and community-based organizations” DCF in Tallahassee was ordered by the Florida Legislature to repeat the grant application process promptly. DCF inexplicably also ignored large areas of Florida for this important effort and funding opportunity, including SWFL. DCF in Tallahassee also omitted the most populated county in the Florida Panhandle, Escambia, another area previously overlooked for fatherhood improvement grants. To function in the social service arena an organization like Single Dads Outreach needs access to adequate population centers where program clients and participants reside along with readily available, capable professional staff, mentors, volunteers and other ancillary employees.
There is only one federally funded fatherhood specific fatherhood program in SWFL, an area that stretches from Tampa Bay to Key West. This program is Ignite at the Jewish Family Service Center in Sarasota far away from most of SWFL. There are at least 70 million fathers in the US. Florida accounts for 7% of the entire US population. That is roughly 5 million fathers in Florida and South Florida has the highest portion of the state’s population. Doesn’t SWFL deserve more available fatherhood services? Single Dads Outreach is presently engaged in completing a HB 7065 grant application, as reordered by the Florida Legislature in September 2023, to expand fatherhood services in SWFL. There are opportunities for retired and active social work, law enforcement, corrections and education professionals on the Advisory Council. In addition, a pillar of Single Dads Outreach’s services is mentoring by prior, seasoned fathers to single dads. Contact SingleDadsOutReach.org for more information. This is part two of a two-part submission contributed by Joshua Krakow, SDO Active Dads Administrator and Sean Ryan, President, Single Dads Outreach, Corp. Part one ran in last week’s Eagle,
Letters to the Editor Devastating inflation cripples fixed income and low-income citizens To the editor: The blinders donned by this administration during the first 24 months of their occupation of the White House speaks to the incredible ignorance of not only Biden, but his entire cadre of economic “advisors.” In 2021 inflation was measured at 7% and 6.5% for 2022 and we’re waiting for the final numbers for 2023. Noted economic scholars like Larry Sommers and Mohamed El Erian were sounding the alarm bells in mid-2021 saying that this round of inflation was not “transitory” as was being claimed for two years by the Biden administration. And, indeed, it was not transitory, and the Federal reserve began using a limited array of tools to counteract, as best they could, some of Bidens hyper-infla-
tionary legislation like the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, borrowing another $1.9 trillion dollars to stimulate an economy that was already recovering from COVID under the guidance of the previous administration. That “rescue” plan rescued nobody. It threw more fuel on the fire for the worst inflation spiral seen in the U.S. in 40 years. Those numbers of 7% in 2021 and 6.5% in 2022 don’t tell the whole story. Inflation is like a compounding interest rate and without a recession, the prices you paid for your food, your insurance, your new mortgage rate, your clothing and transportation will never go back to where they were. Sure, the higher income earners in our country can absorb those increased costs but what about the majority of Americans just coming out of the pandemic on fixed or low incomes? They can’t earn more money and just have to consume less. Less food, less medicine, less of everything they need in order to just survive.
We want your opinion 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 mailed to: Pine Island Eagle, 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60, Bokeelia, FL 33922; e-mailed to pineisland@ breezenewspapers.com; posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com or faxed to 283-0232. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: pineisland-eagle.com
If inflation slows to 3%, that’s a 3% increase on top of the increases we’ve already suffered under this president. An ABC News Poll taken in November 2023 revealed that 76% of Americans think the country is moving in the wrong direction and the poll was taken by political affiliation. 54% of Democrats polled said the country is going in the wrong direction along with over 70% of the independent voters. A Forbes poll shows 88% of respondents believe the country is going in the wrong direction. This president has been a complete and utter failure as a leader and as a commanderin-chief. He has made us less safe, poorer, less free and with 76% of the people polled saying the country is moving in the wrong direction, he’s made most of us much less happy than before he got here. If you are one of those voters who’s only criteria for electing a president are free abortions paid for by our taxpayers then maybe you are among the 23% that thinks the country is going in the right direction under Biden. Max Christian St. James City
MCA has overstepped its bylaws To the editor: The Matlacha Civic Association is now acting like the board of directors of an HOA. Pitting neighbors against neighSee LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, page 13
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Dolphins and SJCCA opens year with a number of activities pregnant women Many reports from erties. Humans may pregnant women who hear the sounds have interacted with underwater to some dolphins suggest that extent, but this the dolphins exhibit varies depending on special behavior factors such as toward them. Some water depth, diswomen describe the tance from the anidolphins as being mals and backmore gentle, curious ground noise. and attentive during According to Mike encounters. A dolphin Walsh, an aquatic who swims with a animal veterinarian female trainer before at the University of Capt. Cathy Eagle and after she becomes Florida, water is the pregnant might well perfect medium for detect a difference in ultrasound and her echo profile or the echolocation. Just as pattern of sounds sonograms give returned by echolocapeople a visual tion. Dolphins might even have image of their babies, echolocathe ability to detect a fetal heart- tion gives dolphins a mental image beat even before a woman knows of them. she is pregnant. Dolphins buzz for a variety of These accounts describe the reasons, including at other pregdolphins swimming up to the preg- nant dolphins. They also buzz to nant women and making buzzing communicate with their pod, their sounds near the women’s bellies. offspring, even buzzing to disciBuzzing is a form of very concen- pline their new calves, protecting trated echolocation which emits a them from dangerous situations or precise beam of sound. The dol- telling them when it’s time for phins actually hone in on the belly feeding or playing. Perhaps this is by putting their snout against the why they hone in on human pregskin while making the buzzing nancies and buzz against their belsound. It is believed that the dol- lies. It may be a protective gesphin’s brain produces an image of ture. the object detected by echolocation. The dolphin may not know Captain Cathy Eagle has spent that this is a developing human over 40 years boating in our local fetus but it “sees” the shape of an waters. As a professional charter image. captain, she specializes in dolphin The sounds produced by the and nature tours. Visit dolphins can travel long distances CaptainCathy.com or call /text through water due to the water’s 239 994-2572. Welcome density and unique acoustic prop- aboard!
Dolphin Tales
The St. James City Civic Association is welcoming the new year with several events and activities.
Big Breakfast The SJCCA will open for its first Big Breakfast since Hurricane Ian! This is very exciting news for the island community. A team of volunteers working in the kitchen and caring for customers on the floor allow the islanders to better support the Civic Association operations and help everyone rebuild. Islanders are invited to enjoy breakfast Jan. 13, from 8-10 a.m., and shop with vendors in the outdoor craft market. $8 will buy you allyou-can-eat scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits, sausage gravy, pancakes with strawberry and whipped cream topping. Coffee and tea will also be served. Vendors can contact Cindy Bickford at 954249-5512 for space.
Brent Burns Concert
Burns will be at the SJCCA Jan. 26, featuring “Dead People’s Clothes,” “Things You Shouldn’t Do When Drinking,” Join the SJCCA for a fun concert at 6:30 p.m. - tickets on sale at the door beginning at 6 p.m.
Music Mondays begin in January Jan 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come out and enjoy the bands who will be scheduled for Music Mondays.
Yoga with Michelle Every Monday until March, come and participate in Yoga with Michelle Jordahl, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. It's fun and it's good for you! The SJCCA is at the corner of Lemon Street and 4th Avenue in St. James City. For more information about the facility or its programs, please call 239-283-0242.
Calusa Land Trust work/fun party Saturday at Fritts Park The Calusa Land Trust's monthly work/fun party will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, at Fritts Park, located on Beach Daisy Lane just south of the trailer park in Bokeelia, beginning at 9 a.m. This maintained park, like all its preserves, is open to the public. The mission this month will be grounds sprucing up for seasonal use and in preparation of the 48th Annual Meeting to take place on Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. and the annual Alison Ackerman Rummage Sale on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 8 a.m. Note: Alison is seeking donated quality items
for delivery to the park the afternoon before the sale. The Calusa Land Trust is an all-volunteer land conservancy and relies upon motivated Pine Islanders to assist in the stewardship of its 2,400+ acres of preserved lands. Happy participants should include work gloves/clothing, pruning tools and for their efforts will be rewarded with beverages, a pizza lunch and shared warm friendships. For additional information, please contact Les Smith at 978-618-7447 or lesmanatee3355@gmail.com
The Greater Pine Island Civic Association has been advocating at the county level for ways to sunset old development orders and also works to track new Pine Island-related developments as they work their way through the development process. But it’s a big task and the organization is seeking GPICA members interested in joining its new Development Committee. Committee members will help track development through the county approval process so that the GPICA can ensure that
all Pine Island Plan rules are being followed and that the community has a say in local development. GPICA is seeking committee members who: ■ Are computer savvy, with the ability to conduct online searches of Lee County development records (we will show you how!); ■ Have attention to detail; ■ Willing to work as part of a team focused on protecting Greater Pine Island's coastal-rural character;
■ Willing to take direction and work closely with the GPICA Board to track development; ■ Are willing to commit 5-10 hours a month to this work; ■ Are GPICA members in good standing. Other helpful background would include expertise in building/construction/development and business communication. If you have the skills listed above and are interested in putting them to work to
protect Pine Island, please send GPICA an email with: ■ Your contact information — first and last name, mailing address, email address, phone number; ■ A couple of sentences about your interest and any relevant background; ■ Email it to Info@GPICA.org and put "Development Committee" in the subject line. For more information about the GPICA, visit https://gpica.org/
Archaic Sites In Florida and Their Association With Shell Tools presentation Jan. 17 studies have shown that the majority of this type of mollusk in Florida can be found between Charlotte Harbor and the Ten Thousand Islands region, drawing people from the north and Midwest to south Florida, even in antiquity. The Archaic and Early Woodland were times of extensive resource movement, and places such as Indian Knoll, Kentucky; Tick Island, Florida; and Poverty Point, Louisiana saw massive influxes of both people and exotic resources. Lightning whelk can be found in archaeological contexts in every eastern U.S. state and even into parts of southern Canada, even though the shell was most often obtained from the Gulf of Mexico, as chemical sourcing and spire angle studies have shown. Important though it was, additional "exotic" resources traveled alongside the whelk: mica, pearls, yaupon holly, steatite, copper,and greenstone, among others, often
deposited in the same places and all described as being symbolic of the Milky Way. This presentation will highlight the role that lightning whelk has played over the millennia and will provide hypothetical routes of travel for whelk and its travelling companions, even including canines. It is believed by some Native Peoples that dogs act as guides for transition to the Upper World, leading their companions through the cosmos to reunite with those lost before. The next time you admire the intricate perfection of a lightning whelk’s spire while walking the shoreline here in Southwest Florida, just know that you are among a long line of people to do so, stretching back untold millennia. The Southwest Florida Archaeological Society is at 27655 Kent Road, Bonita Springs.
About the speaker Michelle Calhoun graduated from New College of Florida in 2021 with a BA in anthropology [thesis: An Analysis of Prehistoric Shell Tools (Columella Tools and Gastropod Hammers) from Snake Island, Sarasota County (8So2336)]. She works for Archaeological Consultants Inc. (ACI), is a long-term volunteer for Sarasota County Historical Resources, working on various archaeological collections, and she also volunteers at a local archaeological site and eco-preserve, helping to manage invasive vegetation and monitor a rare, native species of flower. She is currently involved with many projects, including indexing dozens of archaeological journals to create an archaeo-bibliography and GIS database for the eastern U.S. and southern Canada, illustrating artifacts for various publications, and helping to document the assemblage from two local archaeological sites.
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The Southwest Florida Archaeological Society will host a presentation on Archaic Sites In Florida and Their Association With Shell Tools. The presentation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m., at the IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. This is a free public program. The lightning whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum, once known as Busycon perversum) has been integral to the lives of some Native People throughout eastern North America since at least the Archaic, having been used as tools for woodworking and other tasks, as bowls and cups, as ornamentation like beads and gorgets, and as a symbolic representation of the cosmos. It was so important due to its leftward-spiraling columella and spire, mimicking the spiral arms of the Milky Way galaxy, as it is believed by some Native Peoples that movement to the left keeps this Middle World in balance. Population
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FDOT: Resurfacing, utility installation to continue along Pine Island Road in Matlacha BARTOW, Fla. – This weekly report is prepared by the Florida Department of Transportation to inform the public about upcoming road work in Southwest Florida. Below are the work schedule and lane closure locations for major state road projects. Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge Permanent Repairs Construction project: As part of the Emergency Restoration of the Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge, crews will be working in the project boundaries along CR 78 Pine Island Road from west of
tain safety, motorists should find alternate parking areas. Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway. Crews are maintaining two-lane traffic on causeway. Motorists can expect occasional delays due to flagging operations for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment. ■ Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted with-
in the construction zone. ■ Noise from construction equipment in the area is to be expected. ■ Please be patient and plan for additional travel time as it may be slower than usual in the area. As a reminder, travelers can visit www.FL511.com or dial “511” from their phone to learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state. If you know before you go, you can plan accordingly and save time and money.
Holloway makes Fall 2023 Academic Achievement List at Georgia Southwestern State University AMERICUS, GA. -- Hannah Holloway, a resident of St. James City, made the Fall 2023 Academic Achievement List at Georgia Southwestern State University and was among 701 students recognized for
scholastic achievement. To be eligible for the Academic Achievement List, a student must previously earn at least 12 credit hours at GSW, be enrolled in 3 to 11 hours of courses, and earn a 3.5 or higher GPA.
in 1906, Georgia Founded Southwestern State University is a public, four-year unit of the University System of Georgia with approximately 3,000 students. Georgia Southwestern offers professional programs of study as well as
degrees in the arts, humanities, sciences and graduate programs in business, computer science, education, English, and nursing. Visit www.gsw.edu for more information.
American Legion Auxiliary Post 136 blood drive today The annual American Legion Auxiliary Post 136 blood drive will be today, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Pine Island Eagle
Little Pine Island Bridge (Bridge No. 120111) to West of Shoreview Drive. CONTINUED: The contractor will be resurfacing and working on ground utility installation on the north side of the causeway. Crews work on desilting and drainage on the shoulders west of Matlacha Pass Bridge. Please be alerted to construction equipment in the construction zone. To main-
As a thank you, OneBlood will provide a $20 eGift Card and a long-sleeve Tshirt. All donors will also receive a wellness check that includes blood pressure,
temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening. Look for the Big Red Bus. The American Legion is located at 4106 Stringfellow Road in St. James City. Arrive early or stay after your donation. The Legion serves lunch on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and lunch is
open to the public. Let’s work together to get 2024 off to a great start by saving lives. Remember that every donor can save up to three others. Appointments are encouraged. Please visit www.oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code #25421. For more information, please contact DJ at 239-910-2829.
‘Island in Transition’ program at Randall Research Center Jan. 17 Friends of Pine Island is offering the program “Island In Transition” at the Randall Research Center Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m. Annisa Karim, operations manager, will conduct the presentation in the center's classroom. She will discuss the history of our island in transition ... from the Calusa civilization (drawing on her expertise) to the 1940s (using historical photos) to the present. Karim will follow up her lecture with
a short tour. Seating is limited to 40 guests, so registration is required. Please email author talkpilibrary@gmail.com or text 515314-1226 with your name and the number wishing to attend no later than Jan. 14. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged. The classroom is not climate controlled so please dress accordingly. There is no charge for this program, but donations to the center are always welcome.
“Wildlife Photography and Paddling the Florida Saltwater Circumnavigational Trail” was scheduled to be the first talk in a series of free Calusa Blueway-related
Cat of the Week
Pine Island Eagle
This little guy has been through a lot. Grayson and his mother were both found injured and curled up on someone's porch. Grayson's leg was broken and his mother, GrayC, had a bad bone infection in her leg. Grayson had to be in a cage for 6 weeks and GrayC recovered after a round of antibiotics. They both still limp but it may be from habit more than injury. Grayson runs, climbs and plays like a typical 10-month-old kitten. GrayC is content just to be lazy and safe indoors.Both kitties are sweet and deserve a chance at a fur-ever home. They don't need to be adopted together so if you have room for either of them, please call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 239-283-9100.If you’d rather just donate, our address is10060 Mallory Parkway, E., Unit D, St James City, FL, 33956,orthere’s always our websitewww. helpingpawsanimalsanctuary.com
includes: ■ Jan. 23 – Johnny Molloy – “A Wealth of Waterways, Canoeing & Kayaking in Florida” ■ Feb. 13 – Annisa Karim – “Knowing the Calusa – Turning Anthropology on its Ear” ■ March 12 – John Connelly – “Dying out Here Is Not an Option: 1500 – 1500 Mile, 75 Day, Solo Canoe and Kayak Odyssey” ■ March 26 – Bill and Mary Burnham – “Burnham Guides Paddling Adventures in Florida, Costa Rica, and ESVA” All programs begin at 6:30 p.m. at North Fort Myers Recreation Center. For more information and directions to the program, contact North Fort Myers Recreation Center at 239-5337200.Trail information is at www.calusablueway.com or www.leeparks.org/blueway.
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Grayson
programs set for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 N. Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers. John Shinner is a wildlife photographer and avid Florida paddler. He will share his photos and tips for getting great shots. Shinner has paddled the entire 1,515 Florida Saltwater Circumnavigational Trail and will discuss his paddling adventures. “After a three-year hiatus, we’re very excited to kick off the Calusa Blueway Speaker Series with John Shinner,” said Calusa Blueway Coordinator Mike Hammond, who manages the Blueway for Lee County Parks & Recreation. “The photography and kayaking adventure programs have been very popular and we’re lucky to get both topics in one night. It’s going to be great to enjoy his program and talk paddling with old friends again.” The Calusa Blueway Speaker Series schedule
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Calusa Blueway speaker series under way
Week of Wednesday, January 10, 2024 ■ Page 10 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle
Nearshore fishing is good when weather allows The first week of the new year did around until you not deliver the weather for a good locate good bottom week of fishing. Sandwiched between if the marked numrainy and windy days, there were a bers aren’t produccouple days with cooperative weather. ing. For offshore anglers, red grouper Anglers report season reopened and anglers lucky decent sheepshead enough to venture offshore on the few fishing inside the nice days were rewarded with grouper barrier islands and limits. Grouper up to 15 pounds were around the passes. pulled from live bottom 30 to 40 miles Shrimp and small west of Captiva Pass and southwest of crabs fished around Knapp’s Point. Drag-screaming bonito structure with good were schooling around 30 miles offtide movement Capt. Bill Russell shore as they were sighted feeding hooked sheepshead under birds. Casting a spoon or jig to 5 pounds, plus with a fast retrieve often resulted in redfish, black drum instant hook-ups and a hard fight. and a few catchLarge bull sharks were common and-release snook. around the schooling bonito. Snook, including a Nearshore fishing is good when the few big ones, plus sheepshead and black weather allows. Depths from 25 to 50 feet drum were reported from the Bokeelia produced sheepshead, grunts, mangrove Fishing Pier and Matlacha Drawbridge by and lane snapper, plus lots of undersize shore bound anglers. grouper and a few big catch-and-release In mid-Pine Island Sound and around gag grouper. Live shrimp rigged in a vari- the passes sharks up to 6 feet were comety of ways and fished on bottom was top mon hook-ups. Lemon, bulls, blacktip and bait. A good starting point is around the sand bar sharks went for chunked ladyfish public artificial reefs. Begin at the marked and jack crevalle. Black tips and spinners coordinates and work around the area to were reported around nearshore reefs and find good bottom. inshore, bonnethead sharks were hooked Many of the man- on live shrimp fished under popping corks. made reefs are Good number of undersize seatrout are positioned near coming from grass flats and sand troths good natural hard from San Carlos Bay up through Pine bottom and Island Sound into Charlotte Harbor. Depths ledges. Watch to fish vary with the weather but fishing your bottom live or Gulp shrimp under a popping cork machine or drift in 4 to 6-foot depths produced consistently.
On the Water
PHOTO PROVIDED
A couple hours fishing nearshore before the winds picked up then moving inshore resulted in a tasty catch for Tim of St. James City and his visiting brother. They caught a mix of sheepshead, snapper, grunts and a limit of seatrout fishing with Capt. Bill Russell. Many fish are in the 13 to 15-inch range, if you keep at it there are larger fish around. Keep up to date with fishing rules and regulations in your area by visiting www.myfwc.com for all current Florida and Federal fishing regulations. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations with pictures to
help identify fish. 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 Flori-da, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years.
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Kiwanis to host annual 5K run/walk Saturday The Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island will host its annual 5K walk/run Saturday, Jan. 13, at 8 a.m. This race takes place at the Alden Pines clubhouse and takes runners, and walkers, through the quiet neighbor streets of Alden Pines and Pineland. Last year over 150 participants enjoyed this fundraiser. Following the race there will be refreshments and an awards ceremony. Pre-registration is encouraged at the race website at https://runsignup.com/Race/ FL/Bokeelia/2022PineIsland5K Kiwanis has helped support the chil-
dren of Pine Island for 45 years. The proceeds from this run will allow the club to continue to make a difference. The island club sponsors PILOT, the Little League, Junior Olympics, the Fall Festival, pool parties, scholarships and much more. A portion of the proceeds of this event will be donated to the Calusa Heritage Trail to specifically benefit its children's programs. For more information about the Kiwanis Club, visit https://www.pineislandkiwanis.org
Ballard to speak at Friends of the Pine Island Library meeting Tuesday Friends of Pine Island Library will hold a Membership Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m., at the library. Prior to the meeting, Robert Ballard, a Pine Island native, will present “An Early History of the Five Communities of Pine Island.” Light refreshments will be served. Membership is required to attend ($5),
which can be paid at the door. Space is limited; please register by emailing authortalkpilibrary@gmail.com or texting 515-314-1226. Please state your name, and program title. The Pine Island Library is at 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia.
‘WILD About CROW’ event Jan. 26 Tickets are on sale now for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)’s fundraising event "WILD About CROW." The event will be held Friday, Jan. 26, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the historic Burroughs Home and Gardens in downtown Fort Myers. Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands is returning as the Loggerhead sponsor for the event. “We are delighted to support this great organization once again as the WILD about CROW Presenting Sponsor,” said CEO Geoff Roepstorff, “As a past board member, I am well aware of the mission and the dedication of their staff. It is an
honor to invest in the great work they do for Southwest Florida’s wildlife.” This year, proceeds from the “Under the Sea” themed fundraiser will generate critical funding to rebuild CROW’s Sea Turtle facility. Hurricane Ian destroyed many of the clinic’s outdoor enclosures, and the clinic's ability to treat Sea Turtles. CROW fulfills an important role as the only licensed sea turtle facility on the west coast of Florida between Sarasota and the Keys. “WILD is always a fun event and I’m so looking forward to this year’s focus on our sea turtle facility. Getting our sea turtle facility back up and running is our main priority for 2024,” said CROW Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey. “I hope everyone hurries to get their tickets before they sell out like they have in the past. This will be a don’t miss party!” WILD will feature a cocktail hour, dinner reception, appearances by CROW's Animal Ambassadors and plenty of fun surprises for guests to show their support for CROW. Early bird general admission tickets are $250 per person through the end of 2023. On Jan. 1, the price will increase to $275 per person. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at crowclinic.org. Event sponsors also include Kemps Ridley Beverage Sponsor Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and Scanlon Auto Group, Green Sea Turtle Sponsors Spivey Law Firm, Northern Trust, and WWRE Certified Public Accountants.
From page 4 bors. Board member Carol Scott, now the president of the MCA, has taken it upon herself to turn in neighbors who are still trying to rebuild after Ian. She stated it’s been over a year and she’s tired of living in a neighborhood that looks blighted. Not all members of the MCA support her endeavor, but most of the board did. She has complained to the County Commission and Code Enforcement. What she doesn’t realize is residents are still flighting or in litigation with their insurance company and that can take two to three years. MCA has overstepped its bylaws, they are not the policing authority for Matlacha. Jon Hunt Matlacha
Thanks to president and Democrats in Congress
Luminaries were amazing in Matlacha To the editor: 2,500 luminaries covered all of Matlacha, including Pine Island business section, Buccaneer Island,and Dolphins Resort, making the 38th year-tradition an astonishingly Christmas event! Matlacha neighbors were busy Christmas Eve making the luminaries, using candles and the donated sand by
It’s time for the U.S. to have an official language To the editor: In the last couple of years there have been a surge of people entering this country both legally and illegally. I think in 2024 the United States should push to have an official language. Recently in stores and public places I have observed many people get annoyed and frustrated, both employees and customers, by not understanding each other. I still don’t understand how you can take a driver’s test in many languages when the signs and directions are in English. The United States in only one of five countries that do not have an official language. Establishing an official language would promote unity and cohesion among the diverse population. With a common language, communication barriers would be minimized, leading to enhanced understanding and collaboration among individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This would foster a sense of national identity and strengthen our social fabric. Having an official language would help efficient government operations and public services. It would streamline communication between government agencies and citizens, ensuring that information and services are accessible to all. This would also result in improved efficiency, reduced costs, and a more inclusive society. Declaring an official language would also provide economic advantages, foster unity, and enhance government operations. A shared language would enhance workforce productivity and mobility, allowing individu-
als to participate in the job market more effectively. Ultimately, this would contribute to economic growth and competitiveness on a grand scale. I understand that language is deeply intertwined with cultural diversity, and it is important to acknowledge and respect the various languages spoken within our nation. However, having an official language does not mean disregarding or devaluing other languages. It simply serves as a common foundation for communication and integration and keeps a nation together. Lou Walker Cape Coral
We can do better than this To the editor: Pep rallies were so much fun back in high school. Everyone felt good, rooting for “our team,” scorning “their team” led by a strong-voiced leader who inspired all to boast, yell, dance—become a joyous mob to build school spirit. Back then, we were not responsible for our country. Now we are. Today, many adults are led by a pep rally leader who convinces them that they don’t have to think, discern or behave themselves when they leave. They don’t have to care about anyone but themselves. They listen to blowhards and liars who use the mocking, humiliating tone of schoolyard bullies to attack experienced, wise leaders who care about others. They make up anything when faced with these undeniable realities: -- The last presidential election was won fair and square -- Many have been caught red-handed trying to change that -- That’s illegal. We know we are better than this. We can all be better than this. Mary Lewis Sheehan St James City
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To the editor: Effective Jan. 1, the price of insulin is capped at $35 with an annual savings of $500 for many, many Americans. This is thanks to the hard work of the Biden administration and Democratic House Representatives and Senators and the passage of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. Every Republican voted against this act. Are you one of the beneficiaries of this cap? If so, thank the current president and the Democrats in Congress. Zan Lombardo Bokeelia
John and Cheryl Honc. And thank you to the homes that were decorated with the holiday lights, an added feature that expanded our 2023 motto, "Let’s Light Up Matlacha." We had windy, chilly weather, but the neighbors still enjoyed the luminaries, and ended their stroll attending CW Fudge Factory’s annual "live" nativity setting, with music and their famous hot chocolate. Luminary Committee Matlacha
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Letters to the Editor
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How to achieve your New Year's resolution for healthier habits and a healthier weight Many view the start of the New Year as a reset and a chance to better themselves, and this year is no exception. Let it be your time to shine and focus on creating healthy habits that will benefit your body both mentally and physically. Starting a healthy diet is the key to feeling your best, achieving your goals and having more energy. Doing it safely will give you results that can last for years to come. Diet fads and diet pills might help you lose weight quickly, but they are not made for sustainable and lasting results. Here are some tips to succeed in your New Year’s resolution, whether it’s to lose weight, have more energy or just practice healthier habits. What is a healthy weight? Achieving a weight goal that’s advantageous to you shouldn’t be about following a diet or program. It often starts by aiming to lose weight, but keeping the pounds off works best when it becomes a lifestyle paired with healthy eating patterns, stress management and regular physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with gradual, steady weight loss (about one to two pounds per week) are more likely to keep the pounds off than their counterparts who lose weight quickly. Sleep, genetics, age, diseases, environ-
ments and medications may also play a role in weight management. If you are thinking about going on a diet or are concerned about your weight, make an appointment with a dietician to discuss a weight loss plan that works best for you.
replaced with an apple, banana with peanut butter, pistachios, almonds or another delicious and healthy alternative. To achieve the best overall results, a healthy diet should be paired with regular physical activity and overall healthy habits, such as proper stress management.
What is a healthy diet? There are always going to be fad diets and they are especially popular this What should I do to pretime of year. A healthy pare for this healthy diet Leigha Messner diet is one of natural, and lifestyle journey? unprocessed foods. This Before you dive into the means saying no to prejourney of creating healthier packaged meals and habits, it’s important to be snacks. in the right headspace to A healthy meal plan give yourself the best provides the body with all chance of success. the nutrients and minerals it needs to funcThink about why this is important to tion at optimum levels. This is why people you and make a commitment. For some often feel better and have more energy people, it helps to write it down. Consider after they’ve been consistently eating a your current habits and track your sleep, healthy diet and living a healthier physical activity and take stock in what lifestyle. you eat and drink every day. Also, think As a good rule of thumb, it’s recom- about your lifestyle and identify any barmended to eat plenty of protein, fruits and riers to creating healthy habits and how vegetables, and foods that are low in sugar and salt. Healthy fats are good for you and include olive oil, other plant-derived oils and fish. Processed snacks can also be ty, as most of us on the board do, enabled her to be more objective in her recommendation. She did an amazing job and we were blown away by the job that she did.
Guest Commentary
you can overcome them. For example, you may stop at fast food restaurants because you don’t always have time to prepare healthy meals. One change you could make is to discover easy recipes to make ahead of time or there could be healthier grab and go options you could try. Make sure you set realistic goals and continually monitor your progress. Setting easy short-term goals along the way helps boost confidence. It could be as simple as losing some weight and better controlling your blood pressure. Overall, they should be realistic, specific and open to a little wiggle room to make sure that they are achievable. A dietician will customize a patient’s diet, so they are eating the best possible foods for their goals while considering any other health factors. Please make an appointment with a dietician if you have any questions or are interested in learning more about your optimum health. For more information, please visit www.leehealth.org. Leigha Messner is a nutrition manager with Lee Health
Disbursement From page 1 She is going to continue to be the grants manager for the individual grants, which we will be rolling out around the first of February,” Stearns said.
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33rd Tour De Cape scheduled for Jan. 19-21 By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
A long-standing tradition for cycling enthusiasts returns to Cape Coral for its 33rd year this January. The annual Tour De Cape cycling event takes place Jan. 19-21 where riders from novice to expert can hit varying courses in the spirit of fun, exercise and selfcompetition. The weekend's festivities begin with a kick-off celebration at Rotary Park, located at 5505 Rose Garden Road, on Jan. 19 from 4-7 p.m. Participants can pick up race packets, maps and T-shirts at the event. Tour De Cape continues Saturday with a 5K run/walk and a mini kids bike ride and culminates Sunday with the Tour De Cape bike rides. Riders have a choice of 15, 30, 62, or 100-mile bike tours in the south-
west, northwest, and northeast regions of Cape Coral. "Cape Coral is thrilled to host the 33rd Tour de Cape, a tradition that not only promotes fitness and outdoor recreation but also fosters a strong sense of community pride, emphasizing camaraderie and the sheer joy of pedaling through our beautiful city," said city spokesperson Lauren Kurkimilis via email. Kurkimilis said each year, Tour de Cape brings in athletes from countless states across the U.S. In 2023 those states included California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. "That’s 27 different states, and some from Canada," she said. "In the after-event survey, 14% of respondents said they stayed at local hotels, VRBOs, Air BNB and with family. The other 86% live locally." Course choices feature: ■ The 15-mile bike tour loops through southwest
Cape Coral and includes a 24-foot elevation change. ■ The 30-mile bike tour loops through southwest Cape Coral, extending out and back into northwest Cape Coral, and it includes a 65-foot elevation change. ■ The 60-mile bike tour takes place in southwest and north Cape Coral and includes a 102-foot elevation change. ■ The 100-mile bike tour takes place in southwest and north Cape Coral and includes a 154-foot elevation change. There is a new "speed zone" challenge built into each of the tours, which will time each participating rider’s final quarter mile. Those who can complete their final quarter mile in under a minute have a chance to win a Trek gift card. Registration is currently open. "While cyclists and runners can register the day of the event, it is encouraged to register ahead of time to ensure participants receive a performance cycling shirt and chipped trackers," Kurkimilis said. Additional information and registration can be found by visiting www.tourdecape.net
Church of God of Prophecy's next chicken dinner Saturday The Church of God of Prophecy will hold a Chicken Dinner Saturday, Jan. 13. Dinner will be takeout only, no dine in. The price is $10 per dinner — fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn or green beans, dinner roll, and dessert. Chicken is fried in peanut oil. Baked chicken is avail-
able upon request. Call your order in to 239-283-2128 as soon as possible, quantities limited. Meal pick-up is from 12:30-3 p.m. The church is at 15146 Stringfellow Road in Bokeelia.
Pine Island Eagle
First Baptist Church of St. James City to hold movie night Friday First Baptist Church of St. James City will be hosting an outdoor family movie night Friday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. The movie will be “Blue Miracle.” Everyone is invited! Come for the free popcorn and
drinks, and see a great movie. Bring a chair and a friend! First Baptist Church of St. James City is at 3417 8th Ave., St. James City. For more information, call 239283-0982.
Island Mahjongg For our first mahjongg of the year, we had 11 players. High scorers were Sue Rasmussen and Carolyn Crosby, both with 130 points, Judy Burchianti came in next with 110 followed by Tom Kopec with 105. Well done to all.
We play Mahjongg every Thursday, 11 a.m., at the Moose Lodge on Stringfellow. If you’re looking for a fun activity to start the new year, come and join us. For more information, call Carolyn 239-233-7682.
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Cape High’s Fallacara selected Athlete of the Month for December moving the ball around until The votes are in for the we found the opportunity to Cape Coral Breeze’s be clinical and finish it.” December Athlete of the Other nominees for Month, and the winner is December included Ryleigh Cape Coral High School's Acosta, senior, Mariner Cameron Fallacara. Tritons; Mackenzie De The Seahawks’ leading Lisle, junior, Bishop Verot scorer found the back of the Vikings; Austin Arringdalenet a whopping 10 times Klein, senior, Cape Coral over three matches during Seahawks; Jillian Hataaja, her nomination week, junior, Bishop Verot including a five-goal game Vikings; Sophia Kerns, senversus Cypress Lake, and ior, North Fort Myers Red performance four-goal Knights; Aubrey Curry, senagainst Lehigh. The senior also added four assists over Cameron Fallacara ior, Island Coast Gators; Mario Acosta, senior, Oasis those matches. “I was really excited to go out and High Sharks; and Stephanie Saracione, play last week. I maintained my focus senior, Mariner Tritons. Voting for January's Athlete of the throughout the games no matter what was going on and controlled what I could,” Month will open toward the end of the Fallacara told The Breeze. “Our offen- month. Stay up to date with Athlete of sive success came from being in control the Week selections on capecoralwhen entering into the final third and breeze.com.
Cribbage Corner Cribbage results from Jan. 4 at the St. James City Civic Association: 1st Place — Mike Mulder 2nd Place — Judy Schuitema 3rd Place — Linda Bessette 4th Place — Randy Brooks
"Turkey of the Week" -- Ahn Brooks Cribbage is played on Thursday evenings at 6:30 at the St. James City Civic Association (SJCCA) at Fourth Avenue and Lemon Street. Come out and have some fun, and bring a friend.
Eaglet From page 2 in the nest in this manner. “We’ll be speaking with wildlife experts. We’re watching and waiting to see what unfolds like everyone else,” Pritchett-McSpadden said. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had an egg not hatch. It’s not that uncommon.” People on social media were hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. As it was just Day 34 for the second egg, the eaglet inside would have been premature. F23 laid her first egg Friday, Nov. 24, at around 5:47 p.m., with the second egg coming Monday, Nov. 27, at around 1:45 p.m., with the first view at 2:28 p.m. All seemed normal for the new pair, with the first egg beginning the hatching process pretty much on schedule. As always, the Southwest Florida
Eagle Cam provided viewers with all the action in the nest. This is the 12th season the eagle cam will show the goings on in and around the nest at the Pritchett Farm. Pritchett-McSpadden said that it’s better that the eagles have one hatchling to celebrate than to mourn the other egg that didn’t make it. “It’s big because it’s the first attempt ever for this couple. To successfully hatch one egg, let alone any, is a huge story,” Pritchett-McSpadden said. “Four months ago we didn’t think we would be looking at any eggs. It’s an amazing blessing to have one to watch and hopefully grow.” The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam may be viewed at http://dickpritchettrealestate.com.
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Sprinkler Systems & Irrigation
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