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Caloosahatchee Connect Project completed Pipeline links Fort Myers-Cape Coral; abates discharges into river, boosts water reclamation

By CHUCK BALLARO

news@breezenewspapers.com

The most ambitious water project in the history of Cape Coral has been completed after 13 years of effort.

On a chilly Thursday morning, dignitaries from Cape Coral, Fort Myers and the South Florida Water Management District came to Horton Park in the Cape to cele-

“This is a project that will help both our cities many years into the future. The work of those in the past enables us to cut this ribbon today. It helps the city of Cape Coral with irrigation and maintains our freshwater canals because we won’t have to draw from that water source.”

—Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter

brate the milestone while cutting the ribbon

on the Caloosahatchee Connect Project.

Horton Park is the connection between the underground pipeline from Fort Myers under the Caloosahatchee River and the reclaimed water transmission main from the Everest water reclamation facility.

Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter said of all the projects the city has completed over the years, the Caloosahatchee Connect

See PIPELINE, page 38

Cape Council stands firm on stipends

AOW

Residents continue to rally against vote; ask board to rescind its action

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Del Prado Boulevard, will be transformed into an arts paradise for two days, as the possibility of selection for every eye is endless. Numerous exhibitors with the creative touch will show off their style and chat with attendees about their process and the meaning behind their works, which are, of course, for sale.

“This year is bigger than what we’ve ever had,” said Festival Chair Bob Welsh. “It will be the biggest event that we have put on as a

In the face of more public protestation on its vote to take a stipend in addition to their salaries, Cape Coral City Council remained unswayed Wednesday with two members directly addressing the controversy.

Councilmember Bill Steinke shared the reasons for the increase while Councilmember Dan Sheppard — who announced he plans to donate his post-tax stipend money to city beautification — explained why he voted to dissolve and then assume the duties of the former South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency, one justification for the stipend which adds $3,333 and $5,000 per month to the remuneration of council members and the mayor respectively.

“I feel that if the council is the CRA and the citizens don’t like the opinion then you can vote me out,” Sheppard said. “The (previous appointed) board, you could not vote out. If you didn’t like their decision as citizens you were stuck with them. I have respect for the people on the board. They did some very good things when they were on that board. I felt I could bring something different to the table.”

Sheppard said he felt the members of the CRA governing board appointed by

See FESTIVAL, page 16

See STIPENDS, page 41

The Cape Coral Breeze presents Athletes of the Week — Page 47

INDEX Business........................18 Commentary....................4 Education......................35 Pets of the Week................46 Puzzles..........................48 Real Estate....................14 Sports..........................45 Weekly Recap...............19 Your Health..............29-33

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Annual event returns to Cape Coral Parkway this weekend

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

O

ne of the largest events in Southwest Florida returns to Cape Coral Parkway this weekend with hundreds of artists, artisans and vendors taking part.

The Cape Coral Art Festival & Market Place, put on each year by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, is set for Jan. 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m each day. The event, now in its 39th year, is free to attend.

The parkway, from Southeast 10th Place to

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 2

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair, a tradition for generations, has been rebranded this year as the Southwest Florida Ag Expo to put the spotlight on the youth.

Event spokesperson Miriam Dotson, of the Visitor & Convention Bureau, said they are super excited to rebrand the fair this year with the Ag Expo set from Feb. 29, through March 10 will be a full 10 days of exciting events featuring 4-H, incredibly important, as the program involves the youth, education, and activities.

Other fair favorites will be included as well.

“There will be a midway with rides, creative living events — quilting, knitting and crafting,” Dotson said as they want to pay attention to the arts as well.

Lee County Parks & Recreation Operations Manager Lisa Weaver said after speaking with members of the community after the county took over the fair operation their

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Re-brand for Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair: Ag Expo changes focus; will bring back fair favorites “It’s a different type of event that we are really excited to put on for the community. The best and brightest of Lee County is really working on this. We are committed to putting on a quality event that is fun, educational and safe. It provides some things that are new and different and the same nostalgia. It is going to be a great time.”

— Lisa Weaver, operations manager

interest was apparent — showcasing the youth and livestock portion while highlighting the agricultural community. Although there will be midway rides and food, the whole event is for the kids who are really working hard on their projects and showing off their animals, she said.

The change and rebranding of the beloved fair at its centennial has occurred because Lee County Parks and Recreation is leading the efforts this year.

Weaver said they have the best experts in all fields pulling together to make this year’s event the best it can be.

“It’s a different type of event that we are really excited to put on for the community. The best and brightest of Lee County is really working on this,” she said. “We are committed to putting on a quality event that is fun, educational and safe. It provides some things that are new and different and the same nostalgia. It is going to be a great time.”

The expo will also feature exhibits with animals including steer, swine and horses, as well as a petting zoo, live entertainment and differed featured days over the 10 days.

Dotson said the expo is also about the traditional events and activities.

Reithoffer Shows Inc, which does numerous events in the state of Florida, is bringing a couple of rides that have not been showcased in the circuit yet to the expo, Weaver said, adding they have been a really good partner, and they are excited to bring something new to the community.

“That is the whole real reason — to showcase these kids, so they feel like the VIPs of the event,” Weaver said.

Another new component of the expo is work to expand parking and overflow parking, which in the past has been one of the biggest challenges.

“We are working on providing additional overflow parking across the street on 31. We are really excited to be able to offer that. All parking on both sides will be free, no parking charges,” she said.

Promotional nights will include: ■ Opening Day, Thursday, Feb. 29, gates open at 4 p.m. for $1 gate admission.

■ Sensory Friendly Day, Friday, March 1, gates open at 4 p.m. From 4-6 p.m. sensory friendly $0 gate admission and at 6 p.m. regular gate admission.

■ Moonlight Magic, Friday, March 1, and Friday, March 8, from 8 p.m. to midnight $30 admission, which includes ride wristband.

■ Community Night, Monday, March 4, gates open at 4 p.m. Free admission with three canned food items for Harry Chapin Food Bank, $5 gate admission, $25 ride wristband.

■ Senior Day, Wednesday, March 6, gates open at 4 p.m., regular admission, and $5 for 50 years old and older, $25 ride wristband.

■ Latin Day, Sunday, March 10, gates open at 11 a.m., regular admission and $40 ride wristband.

The expo will be held at the Lee County Civic Center Complex, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers.

For more information visit www.swflagexpo.com, or follow its Facebook page, SWFL Ag Expo.

‘Catch the Vision’ tickets now on sale

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Tickets for the hottest show in town when it comes to discovering what’s next for Cape Coral development are now on sale.

Attendees can now ensure a seat at the 13th Annual Catch the Vision event, slated for March 18 at Cape Christian Fellowship.

Tickets are $20, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Cape Coral Caring Center.

Event organizer and Realtor Gloria Tate said Catch the

Cape Coral Breeze Vol. 63, No. 4

Vision is always an exciting time to share what’s on the horizon for the city.

“It’s important to know what type of developments are moving into your neighborhood,” Tate said. “Catch the Vision is for every resident that lives in our city yearround, as well as visitors that come to Cape Coral during certain times of year.”

The program will begin at 5 p.m. with a 75-minute trade show, followed by a 75-minute presentation at 6:15.

“We will have exciting new projects to debut this year, but we are also be updating you on some projects that we started last year,” Tate said.

“It takes a while for these projects to develop, and they change as they go along. Residents are encouraged to come and hear the updates on many of the big projects that we announced last year.”

If you are looking to go, organizers suggest you secure your seat fast, as tickets usually go quickly.

“Last year, our event sold out two weeks before the event, and we think it will be just as exciting this year,” Tate said. “We encourage everyone to buy tickets soon.”

For more informative and to purchase tickets, visit www.catchthevisioncapecoral.com.

Page 3 ■ January 12, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 4

OPINIONS CAPE CORAL BREEZE RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor

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2510 Del Prado Blvd. • Cape Coral, FL, 33904 • Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693 Member Florida Press Association

A change for the good Cape Coral’s first budget workshops of the new year will take place next week with a welcome change.

While the two-day discussion session — previously referred to as a “council retreat — will again take place off site, this year’s meetings to be held Jan. 18 and Jan. 19 at Mercola Market will be televised on CapeTV. That’s not only a good decision, it’s a great one, for while these workshops have always been open to the public with citizen input accepted, attendance has been sparse: The “less formal” location is unfamiliar.

The workshops, which begin at 9 a.m., are held during business hours, making it difficult for many in our growingyounger community to attend.

And they are long — very long — even if the second day is not needed to cover everything on the table.

Televising allows the public to listen in real time or at their convenience as meeting tapes are posted to the city’s website at CapeCoral.gov.

Posted meeting video does two other things. It allows residents to target the areas of discussion in which they are interested, become informed and then provide input directly to members of the city council via email or at a regular meeting.

It also creates an easily accessible archive of discussions. It allows residents coming in later on an issue to better track discussions from the Council-consensus stage to the Council-vote stage at which point “later” too often has become “too late.”

Case in point and one of ’23’s contentious controversies.

The agenda for last year’s meeting, held Jan. 26 in the conference room at the Nicholas Annex, was succinct. There were a only pair of discussion items: Discussion of Major Projects and Initiatives and the Yacht Club, which had incurred heavy damage from Hurricane Ian throughout the park complex.

Consensus built at the ’23 retreat not only included discussion on the possible purchase of the old golf course acreage, long-term infrastructure related to utility expansion, land purchases for aquifer storage and recovery wells, privatizing the city-owned golf course Coral Oaks and the Bimini Basin Mooring Field, but the fate of Yacht Club, built by the city’s founders as a community gathering place.

And that fate-by-consensus for whole new vision — which includes demolition of the state-declared historic Ballroom sometime this month — became a done deal.

The agenda for this year’s meeting will be made available on the city’s website when finalized.

Call them retreats, call them budget workshops, these meetings are a good concept.

We urge residents to attend or watch.

We thank City Manager Michael Ilcycszyn for making it possible.

—Breeze editorial

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.

THE BREEZE JANUARY 12, 2024

A perspective to consider square miles. Within that geography are about Many things have been said, emotions 1400 miles of roads that intertwine with spent, and misinformation has been shared approximately 400 miles of navigable canals over the last several weeks and I offer this, not — the most in the world! We are approaching in defense, although as a different perspective 2000 employees and have a $1 Billion budgand to offer some information potentially et — Billion with a B. The job of local leadunknown. ership is not just showing up on Wednesdays It has been said that in leadership, especialto vote yes or no and go home — it is nonly public leadership, you need thick skin. stop. When I took office Nov. 18, 2022, I While, after 14 months as a Councilman, I can voted “yes” to a calendar of 51 attest to that, I would submit that a greater meetings/events to be held in 2023. In addirequirement is courage. Courage, because tion to those, I attended 234 others in an effort there will ALWAYS be opposition to EVERY to do the best possible job for the citizens of ISSUE. In 1970, there was 46% OPPOSICape Coral. Arguably, the closest municipalTION to Cape Coral incorporating as a city — ity comparison to Cape Coral in Florida is that took courage. We have all heard that “you Bill Steinke Port St. Lucie, with the exception that they can’t please all the people, all the time.” only have about 900 miles of roads and no Currently, in Cape Coral, if 90% of the people canal system. Contrary to a recent television are pleased it means that about 22,000 people report, at the end of 2023, Port St. Lucie’s are angry, ON EVERY ISSUE and 90% base pay and stipend reported for the Mayor would be award-winning — that takes was $106,178 and for a Councilmember was courage. This Council (in general), in my 14 $71,126. months, has been courageous. In the face of While I have been a registered Republican all my life, I very vocal opposition, a long-term view has been maintained, considering the ENTIRE CITY and ALL CITIZENS, both will not be intimidated by, nor bribed with the threat of no funding or publicity if I do not vote or act in accordance with present and those to come — and they are coming.

Let’s consider reasonable compensation for required work any organization’s wishes — that is not what I was elected to — or does that not apply to elected workers? Anyone that do. I will continue to be courageous. I will continue to mainknows gymnastics, or diving, knows that degree of difficulty tain a broad and long view of our ENTIRE CITY and ALL matters. Magnitude of the job matters. Consider the degree of OUR CITIZENS and those coming — THAT is what I was difficulty and the magnitude in leading Cape Coral, both elected to do. Consider opposition that our City’s Founders presently and being prepared for the future. There are 411 faced with 46% opposed — today that would be 100,000 municipalities in Florida and Cape Coral (depending on who’s people! Knowing there will ALWAYS be opposition, I counting) currently is the seventh most populated city in remain committed to doing what I feel is in the best interest of Florida with approximately 220,000 people (the average is our ENTIRE CITY and ALL CAPE CORAL CITIZENS — about 7,000). Again, depending on who’s measuring and now and in the future. how, we have the second largest geographic area to manage, — Councilmember William (Bill) Steinke represents maintain and develop in Florida (we are only 55% developed) — second only to Jacksonville — with approximately 120 District 1 on the Cape Coral City Council.

Guest Commentary

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Raise runaround ruinous to public trust To the editor: I wanted to respond or offer comments regarding the article “Carr declines Council stipend” front page of The Breeze Jan. 5 edition.

I personally applaud Mr. Carr for refusing the stipend that the rest of the Council has elected to receive by going around the approval process for increasing their pay. The members who have voted this raise “stipend” have done so by circumventing what should have been a topic that voters approve. This is so self-serving that I fear the community has or will have lost faith in the Council by their actions.

I will not vote for any member who voted for the stipend and accepts it. There are so many injustices by the method they used to increase their pay that I don’t know anyone who can trust these people going forward.

Jerry Lamb Cape Coral

Council response to stipend criticism has been juvenile To the editor: I sent this letter to the Mayor and Council. I hope you will publish it: Dear Cape Coral Mayor and Councilpersons: You guys remind me of the teenager that takes the family car without permission and then gets angry when they get caught — “Its not my fault, I knew you won’t approve, so I took it because I deserved it. It’s sooooo unfairrrrr.

Everyone is doing it!”

OK, so you think you deserve more compensation for the job you do. Go about it the right way, show me your homework. Where is the job study that shows the tasks performed and the corresponding time it takes? Let’s look at what should get delegated back to the correct department and/or volunteer group. Now that we have a good idea of

what you are responsible for and the time it takes to perform the task, complete an analysis using qualified compensation data and principles. Does the data support additional compensation? Then make your case to the voters and vote on it. Trust that we will do the right thing because you did the right thing; we want you to succeed.

But you didn’t do that and lost the trust of the voters.

Last night at the city council meeting you got the parental response — anger, yelling, and frustration. You even had your peers, former councilpersons and a mayor, telling you your behavior was unacceptable.And you showed no remorse. It’s sooooo unfairrr.

P.S. We are appreciative that our new Councilperson for District 4, Mr. Carr, did the right thing by refusing the stipend.

Bob Goldman and Nancy Cavanaugh Cape Coral

Property taxes and assessments To the editor: By now, most residents have paid their property tax bill in order to not pay the 4% premium if you wait to pay the bill when due in March 2024. I say this is a premium because the city budget for collecting revenue takes the 4% discounted value in account when creating the cost of building the budget. The mayor and city council approved a property tax and fire service assessment (FSA) increase of approximately $28 million or 19% increase in tax and assessment dollars this year. I guess they believe they deserved to double their pay to give the city manager everything he wanted and then some.

In addition to property taxes and the FSA, the council also voted to increase our solid waste assessment 22% per residential property. This substantial increase was way more than necessary to cover the cost of trash collection and disposal. Most of the increase went to build reserves.

See LETTERS, page 6

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Cape Coral Breeze

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 6 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Bridging Futures: The crucial need for expanding career and technical programs in Lee County Public Schools Lee County, Florida, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant communities, is also home to a growing need for a diversified and skilled workforce. In recent years, the importance of career and technical education, or CTE, programs in public schools has gained considerable recognition nationwide. Lee County is no exception, as it faces the imperative task of preparing its students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market. Expanding CTE programs within the public school system is not merely an option but a strategic move towards nurturing a workforce that can thrive in the 21st Century economy.

Meeting the Demand for Skilled Workers: One of the primary reasons to expand CTE programs in Lee County is the increasing demand for skilled workers in various industries. By providing students with hands-on training and practical skills, these programs bridge the gap between traditional classroom education and the real-world demands of the workforce. With the expansion of technology-driven professions, such as healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing, CTE programs offer a pathway for students to develop the skills that employers are actively seeking.

Fostering Local Economic Growth: Lee County's economic landscape is diverse, encompassing tourism, agriculture, healthcare, and technology.

Expanding CTE programs aligns with the needs of the local economy, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills required by industries driving the community's growth. By producing a workforce tailored to local

accommodating diverse talents and interests. By acknowledging the importance of vocational skills, the education system can empower students to pursue careers that align with their passions and strengths.

demands, the county can attract new businesses, stimulate economic development, and create a sustainable cycle of growth.

R e d u c i n g Unemployment and Underemployment: A well-developed CTE infrastructure in Lee County schools can address the issue of unemployment and underemployment among graduates. By offerChris N. Patricca ing specialized training and certification programs, students are better prepared for immediate entry into the workforce upon graduation.

This not only reduces the time spent job hunting but also contributes to a higher employment rate, benefitting both individuals and the community as a whole.

Guest Commentary

Diversifying Career Pathways: Not all students aspire to pursue a traditional four-year college degree, and CTE programs provide an alternative pathway to success. Expanding these programs in Lee County public schools ensures that students have a variety of career options, fostering a sense of inclusivity and

Building a Competitive Advantage: As the global job market becomes increasingly competitive, Lee County can gain a competitive edge by nurturing a workforce with diverse skills and expertise. CTE programs focus on industry-specific training, ensuring that graduates possess a unique set of skills that make them highly sought after by employers. This not only benefits the individual students but also elevates the county’s reputation as a hub for skilled professionals, attracting investment and fostering innovation.

Conclusion: Expanding career and technical programs in Lee County, Florida, public schools is a strategic investment in the future of both the students and the community. By meeting the demands of the evolving job market, fostering economic growth, and providing diverse career pathways, the county can position itself as a leader in preparing students for success in the 21st Century workforce.

The implementation of comprehensive CTE programs is not just an educational initiative but a vital step towards building a stronger, more resilient community.

— Chris N. Patricca, School Board Member, District 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR From page 4 The city plans to increase our solid waste fee substantially over the next 3 years to build a reserve of over $29 Million.

What is their “real” reason for doing this?

The city also increased our water & wastewater rates that went into effect on October 1, 2023. The city is also receiving a windfall from the substantial increase in electricity prices which the city adds 12% in public service tax (PST) and franchise fees on top of all costs billed by LCEC to the users.

In reviewing the FY2024 adopted budget and adding up Property Taxes, FSA and PST revenue, the city has over $86 Million (84%) more this year to use than in 2016. What do we have to show for this dramatic increase in cost over the last 8 years? We need to stop the council’s ferocious appetite for more revenue and demand that they start controlling costs.

As another example of cost growth over and above the council doubling their pay, the city manager wants to add 102 more city workers this coming year after adding 60 last year.

The city council will be holding a budget workshop next week for FY 2025. The residents need to demand that the city not increase taxes or assessments in FY2025. This means using the rolled back Millage Rate. 5 council seats are up for election this year, let’s make sure we vote for candidates that want to reduce taxes & assessments. The city has numerous projects on the books for years that have not been completed.

Let’s also make sure the council does not spend anymore surplus funds on new initiatives without completing work in progress, especially the Yacht Club and other GO bond parks.

Thomas Shadrach Permanent Resident Past Budget Review Committee Chair

Three cheers for the Republican Party To the editor: The Republican Party taking on the moral issue of how the Cape Coral council and mayor got a doubling of salary with the back pay for already time worked is a great start.

The moral issue is great that the party took notice and is planning on taking whatever action it can to keep these folks off the ballot for re election. But for those of us that were elected to any office in Florida and carried around the “Government-in-the Sunshine Manual from The First Amendment Foundation we know that this is not just a moral issue. Looking over the manual tells us that all staff and those working are ministerial workers and can only follow the orders directed from council members and mayor. There are no other marching orders allowed. Staff and the attorneys cannot make up stipends and how much the council members get

paid.

Period.

Also staff and the attorney cannot figure out that the council members and mayor deserve back pay for old work that they took on in October, November and December.

So if staff and the attorney cannot determine back pay and stipends, well, who determined it? Someone wrote it up and obviously all the council members and the mayor knew about it. So how did all this happen? Behind closed doors?

That question begs to be answered by our local State Attorney’s Office.

I would offer up that if the State Attorney doesn’t get involved with all these civil issues that are going on in the Cape Council that the State Attorney also be added to the Republican list of folks not supported in the next election.

The Sunshine needs to come back into our government.

Leo Amos Cape Coral

laws and have been a certified traffic collision investigator.

From my experience, I feel strongly that this is an unsafe law that should not be passed for the sake of all Floridians.

This law will increase injuries, deaths, and traffic congestion on our Florida Highways.

The following are the reasons why this law should not be passed: 1) It will increase congestion and traffic: This law will restrict the use of the left-lane roadway by reducing the current 2-lane roads into 1-lane roads. This will take away HALF of the lanes for vehicle throughput. This will create immense traffic and congestion, and crunch all traffic caused by semi-trailer trucks, work trucks, cars, and motorcycles into one lane. This will bottleneck the flow of traffic and reduce the effectiveness of the highway design by 50%!

Common sense would dictate that the more lanes there are for the vehicles to flow through, the better traffic flow and safety will be. By restricting left lane usage, all the vehicles will be on the right side and it will cause more traffic, safety

Illegal border crossings should be bipartisan concern To the editor: It was very concerning to read the other day that about one half of migrants walking illegally into our country last year had criminal convictions. Tens of thousands of them had serious convictions such as murder, sexual assault, human trafficking, and kidnapping.

President Biden and his Democratic Party are allowing this to happen. This should be a bipartisan issue, but it is the Republicans who are calling the alarm. Sadly, the Democrats do not care about the safety of our country.

They have no problem with criminals coming into our country to terrorize our citizens because it benefits them to allow them in. Most of these people, if allowed to vote, will vote Democrat.

Ask yourself: Would the Democrats allow this to happen if these people were inclined to vote Republican? I doubt it. The borders would be sealed.

Arthur E. Amidano Cape Coral

Left-hand lane legislation a dangerous proposal To the editor: I am voicing my concern about the proposed Florida law SB 258 / HB 317.

I have served as a law enforcement officer for over three decades and saw my share of traffic collisions and related fatalities during my long career. I have also enforced traffic

See LETTERS, page 8

This week’s poll question: On terms of transparency, how would you grade the city of Cape Coral? ∫A ∫B ∫C ∫D ∫F

Previous poll question Should municipal officials have to provided detailed financial disclosure reports? ∫ Yes. Virtually every other elected official in the state files the so-called Form 6. 97% ∫ No. On the local level, it’s too much to require. 3% * 240 votes at press time Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.

Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

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January 12, 2024 ■ Page 8 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR From page 6 hazards, swerving, passing, and other horrible side-effects resulting in more collisions and fatalities between cars and semi-trucks.

2) It will numerically increase highspeed maneuvers, accidents, and fatalities: By exponentially increasing the number of high-speed lane maneuvers on the highway, it will statistically increase the number of highspeed accidents. Similar laws in other states cause aggressive drivers to drive more erratically by driving in and out of traffic for the whole duration of their highway journey.

3) It rewards aggressive drivers: Aggressive drivers regularly speed above the speed limit, swerve in and out of traffic, cut people off, bully others, and in some incidents, challenge others to fight amidst “road rage.” These unsafe and aggressive drivers already cause numerous accidents and deaths on the highways.

Aggressive drivers drive faster to pass multiple vehicles at once, causing highly dangerous situations. Passing drivers have to drive at speeds 10-20 mph greater than the speed limit in order to overtake other vehicles on the right side of the road, and then cut in front of new traffic, including heavy semitrucks, causing hard breaks, collisions, and traffic jams.

With this law, drivers will be forced to act even more aggressively and cause more drivers to become “aggressive drivers.” It encourages them to drive more radically on the roads to execute passes, believing they have the right of way. These unsafe drivers will even try to “enforce” the law themselves by cutting people off or doing “break checks” to intimi-

date other drivers to move over to the right side, causing more accidents and confrontational incidents. This will increase the “road rage” confrontations and the whole situation will endanger many senior drivers.

4) We already have a sufficient law in place: We already have a “Left Lane Law” in place, Florida Statue 316.081(3), which states that “a driver may not continue to operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost lefthand lane if the driver knows that he or she is being overtaken in that lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed.” There is no need to create another, redundant law by creating a more restrictive, unsafe left lane law (SB 258 / HB 317).

The solution is to enforce the current existing left lane law. If there is a vehicle driving in the left lane going too slowly, then police should cite the slow driver under the current law.

We should not create a new, bad law that will empower aggressive drivers and have horrible ramifications statewide! Our great state of Florida is well known as a “Free State” and frequently boasts about protecting its citizens’ freedoms. We should not unnecessarily infringe on our citizens’ rights by creating frivolous laws that restrict freedom and endanger more people.

We already have an effective law in place to address this traffic concern. All we need to do is enforce it.

I hope our Florida legislature considers all the negative impacts that will be placed on their constituents before they vote on this terrible law.

Jeffrey Oh Naples

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral officials are reminding residents that want to be “in the know” to download an app on their phone to help keep them linked in.

The city offers a 311 app, enabling residents to report concerns and access official city information and services on their smart devices.

The app covers a myriad of topics and informational portals, such as severe weather alerts that just played out this

The app covers a myriad of topics and informational portals, such as severe weather alerts that just played out this past week.

past week.

City officials state, “The app also features the latest news, city attractions, a public meeting calendar, contact information for City officials, a contractor

portal, and water billing and payment services.

“The app allows City staff to be responsive to citizen requests.”

Users can report issues to 311,

including, but not limited to: ■ Code Compliance ■ Algal Blooms ■ Lot Mowings ■ Traffic and Street Lights ■ Stormwater, Swale, and Reclaimed Water Issues ■ Transportation Maintenance ■ Utilities Individuals can download the 311 app on the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching for “Cape Coral 311.”

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

“The City of Cape Coral is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a title we’ve held since 1993. We host an event to celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees each year. Ensuring our city has a tree canopy creates a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful urban landscape.”

— Kaitlyn Mullen, city spokesperson There are four criteria to be recognized as a Tree City USA, which includes maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree

ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day. Tree City USA has recognized green

Cape Coral Breeze

The city of Cape Coral has again been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for its efforts in its urban forestry.

“The City of Cape Coral is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a title we’ve held since 1993,” city spokesperson Kaitlyn Mullen said. “We host an event to celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees each year. Ensuring our city has a tree canopy creates a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful urban landscape.”

communities since 1976 across America. In 2022, according to its website, 3,559 cities were recognized with $1,568,831,172 invested in urban forestry with 1,002,569 trees planted.

In 2023, the City of Cape Coral planted approximately 300 trees.

In Florida, Arbor Day is celebrated on Jan. 19.

“Our city sponsored tree planting takes place in April on National Arbor Day, not January,” Mullen said. “This year our city arborist plans to hold tree giveaways and plantings as part of grant initiatives.”

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Arbor Day Foundation again recognizes Cape Coral as a ‘Tree City USA’ for its tree-planting efforts and programs

Page 9 ■ January 12, 2024

Cape officials urge residents to sign up for 311 app

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 10

Page 11 ■ January 12, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 12 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

School District approves 10-year capital plan

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breeznewspapers.com

The School District of Lee County’s 10-year capital plan was approved Tuesday night, putting Cape Coral’s Hector A Cafferata K-8 school and North Fort Myers’ Bayshore K-8 school among the top priorities.

The plan also includes two proposed projects in the South Zone, four new schools in the West Zone, which includes Cape Coral, and eight schools in the East Zone.

“We moved Bayshore up to 2027.

Beginning at the top, Bonita Springs Elementary, the historic building. Hector becomes the second highest priority.

Cypress Lake Middle is already under way. We are waiting for portables at Franklin Park to open up for Cypress,” Superintendent Dr. Christoper Bernier said.

Planning Growth & Capacity Director Dr. Adam Molloy said the updated 10year capital plan included reducing the proposed middle school prototype and advancing one capital project by a year.

The current middle school capacity of 1,200 students moved to a capacity of 1,500 students, a decrease from the previously proposed 1,800 seats.

The updated 10-year capital plan also includes an overall decrease in new seats

The plan also includes two proposed projects in the South Zone, four new schools in the West Zone, which includes Cape Coral, and eight schools in the East Zone. Cape Coral’s Hector A Cafferata K-8 school and North Fort Myers’ Bayshore K-8 school among the top priorities.

from 28,380 to 17,480 seats with an estimated cost of $1,484,852,592.

Molloy said with a projected 114,563 seats needed by 2033 they will fall 4,758 seats short for the projected number of K-12 students.

“What does this mean if both projections hold true — portables and additional buildings to maximize?” Molloy said.

The advanced capital project is for Bayshore Elementary — an addition to make the campus a K-8 school — from a 2028 completion date to a 2027 completion date.

The majority of the conversation regarding the plan stemmed solely around Bayshore Elementary School at both of the school board’s Tuesday meetings. The community came out in droves to talk about their “family” school, which included many students sharing their desire to continue there through middle school.

Bernier said the goal at Bayshore is to create enough space for 150 students to matriculate each year for a total of 450 middle school students. The school has enough space and room to accept the first class and squeeze in the second year.

By having a completion date of 2027, sixth, seventh and eighth grade students would be allowed to occupy the new building by that fall, Bernier said.

“That provides us enough time to plan and permit because Bayshore is not a prototype. It’s a custom build on that property that we have,” he said.

It will take 34 months to get the school ready before the fall of 2027, which includes a 14-month construction period. To accommodate the matriculation of the students, it was discussed that portables may be installed during the 2026-2027 school year.

Board member Armor Persons made the motion to move Bayshore

Elementary School into the matriculation process for sixth graders students in the 2024-2025 school year with subsequent grades and allow the enrollment plan to be amended to reflect the change.

Both board members Chris Patricca and Cathleen Morgan voted against the motion.

“We received the motion after the meeting started. We didn’t receive 24hour notice,” she said, asking that they table the motion, approve the capital plan with the 2027 finish and come back with it in two weeks. “This is a really quick turnaround on a project that is a $50 million decision being made in seven hours.”

Morgan agreed that it should be postponed until Jan. 23, saying there were a lot of unanswered questions.

Persons said if they approve the capital plan, the $50 million is already in it for Bayshore Elementary School.

“The only thing we are approving tonight is to start a year early letting the fifth graders move up,” he said. “The difference is in some relocatable in one year, that is the only change.”

Persons said if they did nothing that the fifth graders this year will go on to another middle school and not be able to come back.

Lifelong Learners kicks off another session of courses

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Another session of Lifelong Learners kicks off this month with five new courses through the School District of Lee County.

The program has been running for more than 30 years to enrich the hobbies and interests of adult residents. After taking a hiatus from COVID, the program is now offered at different times throughout the year.

Adult & Career Education Teacher on Assignment Lifelong Learning Coordinator Marliss Brockington said the new classes are web design, gardening, conversational French and Portuguese and computer BASICS. The session begins Jan. 29 and will run for six weeks at the Lee County Public Education Center, Cypress Lake High School, and Cape Coral High School. Those interested can register at

The classes offered at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd., include Adobe Photoshop, Ceramics for Beginners, Beginner Conversational Spanish, Intermediate Ceramics and Intermediate Conversational Spanish. The classes are offered either Tuesday or Thursday night.

leeschools.net/llc, or call (239) 9396321. Individuals can register until the day the class begins.

Brockington said most of the classes are $53 per session excluding BBQ, which is $145 and Yoga and Hulafit are $26.50.

The classes offered at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd., include Adobe Photoshop, Ceramics for Beginners, Beginner Conversational Spanish, Intermediate Ceramics and Intermediate Conversational Spanish.

The classes are offered either Tuesday or Thursday night.

The Lee County Public Education Center, 2855 Colonial Blvd., offers Beginner and Intermediate Conversational Spanish, Conversational English, Ukulele, Beginner and Intermediate Conversational French, Beginner Microsoft Basics Word & Excel, Beginner Cake Decorating, Florida Gardening, U.S. Citizenship Civics Test Prep Course, Smokin’ Hot BBQ, Family Sewing, Beginner

Conversational Portuguese, Web Design and Computer Basics. The classes are offered on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night with some afternoon classes as well.

The Cypress Lake High School, 6750 Panther Lane, classes include Let’s Get Fit!, Hulafit, Photography for Beginners and Intermediate, Conversational English and Yoga. The classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursday evenings with an afternoon option as well.

“Some classes always fill up — computer, Beginner Spanish and cake decorating —while others have smaller number of participants,” she said.

Those who have a request for a specific class are asked to contact Brockington at marlisskb@leeschools.net.

“Classes are held based on teacher availability,” Brockington said.

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

— Rob Spicker, spokesperson for the School District of Lee County.

District earns three Florida Prepaid College plan scholarships for seniors

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The School District of Lee County on Tuesday approved an agreement with the Florida Prepaid College Plan that allows Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier to provide up to three two-year college scholarships.

The scholarships are in return for alerting kindergarten families of the importance of preparing for college with the prepaid opportunity, Bernier said.

Florida Prepaid will provide up to three two-year scholarships each valued at

$8,000 to award to three graduating seniors.

Bernier said the district is in the process of developing criteria for the scholarship to notify Florida Prepaid. He said they are looking at offering one to a student in the South, East and West zone.

“The winners will have to meet the basic requirements,” he said, such as being a Florida resident and following the rules of the Florida Prepaid program.

“All the cost is covered by the Florida Prepaid program

Cape Coral Breeze

All middle school parents will receive an email from the district explaining to them what actions, if any, need to be taken.

“Students who are attending a school outside of their new proximity zone need to complete a Middle School Continuation form by Jan. 25 to acknowledge they will stay in their current school next year and will provide their own transportation,” Spicker said. “If they need transportation, they instead select to enter the student assignment lottery for a seat in a school in their new zone.”

The Middle School Continuation Form can be found in the FOCUS Parent Portal.

“It is important that parents read that email and respond appropriately, so they do not miss the opportunity to stay in their current school or rank the schools they prefer in their new zone,” Spicker said. “Current fifth graders in an elementary school should us the interactive map on our website to confirm what schools are in their proximity zone and use their FOCUS Parent Portal to rank their choices for the school assignment lottery between Jan. 26 and Feb. 29.”

Approximately 4,500 students who are currently attending a middle school are not in their new proximity zone.

Open enrollment also includes the middle school art program applications, which will be accepted Jan. 16 through Jan. 26. Spicker said the application requires two letters of recommendation and an audition. The three academies for the arts schools are Cypress Lake, North Fort Myers and Veterans Park.

The applications are available on the schools’ websites.

High school open enrollment is from Jan. 16 through Feb. 29. The advanced program applications will be accepted from Jan. 16 through Jan. 26.

“Advanced programs in high school are Arts, IB and Cambridge/AICE. Students first complete the Student Open Enrollment Choice Application form in FOCUS. Staying in FOCUS they then must fill out the Advanced Program application,” Spicker said. “Arts programs will require an audition. Students will receive notice if they are accepted into the program and confirming that acceptance will automatically enroll them in that school. High schools are placing this information on their website.”

www.capecoralbreeze.com

The Student Open Enrollment period begins this month with high school kicking off first next week, followed by elementary and middle school later this month.

“It is critical that students new to kindergarten, rising to middle school and entering high school take this opportunity to submit their rankings for the school assignment lottery,” said Rob Spicker, spokesperson for the School District of Lee County. “It is even more critical for middle school families at a school outside of their proximity zone complete the continuation form before Jan. 25. Missing this window of opportunity means they will be assigned to a school without their input.”

The district’s website, leeschools.net, has level specific pages to guide parents through the school assignment process.

“As long as their applications are in before 4 p.m. on Feb. 29 they have the same chance as another student of being assigned to their first-choice school,” Spicker said.

The Student Open Enrollment process can be completed through a FOCUS Parent Portal account, at https://www.leeschools.net/our_schools/foc us. The school assignments will be released in early April.

The window for elementary school open enrollment is from Jan. 26, through Feb. 29.

“For incoming kindergarten parents, this is their opportunity to rank the schools in their attendance zone for the school assignment lottery,” Spicker said. “First, if they have not done so already, they must register their incoming student with the Student Enrollment Office.”

Registration can be managed entirely online by creating, or logging into their FOCUS Parent Portal.

“Parents who want to visit Student Enrollment in person to register need to make an appointment,” Spicker said.

“Register now if you have not already so that you have plenty of time before the Student Open Enrollment deadline to submit your choices for the school assignment lottery.”

Once a student is registered, parents use their FOCUS Parent Portal to rank the schools in their proximity zone and submit them for the student assignment lottery.

“The deadline is 4 p.m. on Feb. 29. There is no benefit to submitting an application early and no penalty for submitting one on the last day. All applications are processed at the same time after the end of Student Open Enrollment,” Spicker said.

The Open Enrollment for middle school is also from Jan. 26, through Feb. 29, but includes a new proximity-based student assignment plan.

“It is critical that students new to kindergarten, rising to middle school and entering high school take this opportunity to submit their rankings for the school assignment lottery.”

Page 13 ■ January 12, 2024

Student open enrollment begins this month

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 14 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

REAL ESTATE

THE BREEZE JANUARY 12, 2024

Cape’s 2023 luxury home sales Owner could consider changing post a sluggish normalization homestead to Florida Dear Mr. Feichthaler, I read your article weekly and enjoy learning from you and your other readers. Now I have a question.

We own our Cape Coral home but have no homestead in Florida. Our Michigan home is land attached to three of our adult children.

We reside in Florida from the middle of October through the first of June. My husband is a Vietnam veteran, 100% disabled. As our property taxes have increased consistently, my question, is there any tax breaks available without changing our homestead to Florida. If so how do we go about requesting them?

- Janet P. Dear Janet: Thank you for reading the column, and for the very good question posed.

Short answer is, to obtain most property tax deductions, including as a disabled veteran, you must be homesteaded here in Florida. You note that you are here over six months every year, I expect your benefit in Eric P. Feichthaler Michigan would not outweigh the benefit of 100% tax exemption.

Have you considered changing your homestead to Florida?

The one benefit you do have is that tax assessed value is capped at 10% increases every year for non-homesteaded property. I note you are receiving a substantial benefit from this cap, as your property was taxed this year at a value $100,000 less than the market taxable value. This saves you almost $2,000 a year in property taxes. I hope that news makes things better!

I also note you own this property as husband and wife. If you intend to hold this property into the indefinite future, I recommend all my clients have a life estate deed naming their beneficiaries, or to create a trust. This allows you to maintain full ownership and control of the property, including the ability to sell, while avoiding probate court if you died while owning it.

Great information can be found at the property appraiser’s website, www.leepa.org, on all the potential deductions and exemptions available.

Real Estate Law

Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Cape Coral to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, and Cape Coral Kiwanis. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 22 years, and they have four children. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar, and primarily practices in real estate law and wills and trusts. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney.com, or 239-542-4733.

This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone. Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations.

To that point Eisen quoted Thuan Looking back on the year that was Nguyen, owner of the California-based 2023, in our tip of the cap to the late mortgage broker, the Loan Factory, who Robin Leach of “Lifestyles of the Rich said, “It’s (mortgage rates) not low and Famous” fame, the Cape Coral luxuenough to induce more consumers to buy ry home market posted what one could more houses. We aren’t out of the woods argue was a return to a more normal, yet.” albeit seemingly sluggish year. For our To that end, with the rising number of purposes, the Cape’s luxury home market homes coming onto our local market, the is for homes at $1 million and above. competition between sellers, in what has The part of the story involving the clearly become a buyers market in Cape return to a “more normal” year was the Coral, will likely intensify in the coming dramatic decline in the number of luxury months. Sellers who grasp this fact and home sales compared to the peak of the get a little more aggressive than other post-COVID market frenzy that occurred sellers will stand the best chance of in the first half of 2022. As we have preattracting a buyer and getting their home viously discussed, the record level market Bob and Geri Quinn sold. peak in home sales and the subsequent In 2023, there were a total of 227 plunge back to normal coincided with the luxury homes sold in the Cape, with 138 launching of the Federal Reserve’s wellof these sales occurring in the first half publicized war on that pesky little bout of of the year and 89 sales in the second “transitory” inflation that continues to slam our household budgets today. Hurricane Ian com- half. This was down about 31% from the 327 luxury pounded the impact already being felt in our local real homes sold in the Cape in 2022, when a total of 244 sales estate market from the rate hike actions of the Fed. The occurred in the first half of that year and only 83 sales took “sluggish” part of the luxury home sales equation showed place in the second half of the year after we were impactup in the second half of 2023, when mortgage rates spiked ed by the aggressive Federal Reserve interest rate hikes into the 8% range, effectively putting a wet blanket over and Hurricane Ian. By comparison, back in 2021, there the housing market until the recent decline in mortgage were a total of 246 luxury homes sold in the Cape, with 111 sales occurring in the first half of that year, followed rates back below 7%.

Fortunately, this sudden decline in interest rates is com- by 135 sales in the second half of 2021. This included 86 ing at the perfect time as we head into our historically closed sales in the fourth quarter of that year as our market strong seasonal home selling months. In most years, the boom was ramping up from the growing number of people number of closed home sales usually reach their peak lev- who were looking to escape to Florida and moving away els in our market sometime between the months of March from living in the more restrictive COVID-era states.

Currently, as of Tuesday, Jan. 9, there were 2,572 sinand May. Since most homes generally go under contract with a buyer some 30 to 45 days before being finalized as gle-family homes listed for sale through a Realtor in Cape a closed sale, it means that we should be entering our year- Coral, up from the 2,442 active listings on Jan. 1, when a ly “mini-boom" where sales begin ramping up right about number of listings expired at year's end. Right now, list now. To that end, we have noticed a sudden increase in prices are ranging from $260,000 to $11.9 million, with buyer activity recently, and other Realtors we talk to say the median list price remaining at $500,000. Almost 40% they are seeing the same thing. The key to it all will likely of the homes in the Cape, totaling 1,017 listings, were at hinge on mortgage rates remaining below 7%, and ideally $450,000 and under, while 319 homes, or 12.4% of our market are in our luxury home segment at list prices of $1 moving more towards the 6% range.

With all of the conflicting information about the econo- million and above. One year ago on Jan. 10, 2023, there my and the housing market out there in the media, a Jan. 5, were 1,310 active single-family Cape Coral homes listed 2024, article written by Ben Eisen in the Wall Street for sale in the MLS, ranging in price from $274,900 to Journal may have summed up the state of the real estate $4,849,999 with the median list price at $500,000. A and mortgage markets the best. He wrote, “The mortgage total of 532 homes were listed at $450,000 and under, industry has been in a deep freeze. The rapid rate increas- with 156 luxury homes on the market for $1 million and es of 2022 quickly swung the industry from boom to above. A little over two years ago, on Dec. 28, 2021, there bust.” He added, “At current rates, bankers say there is still not likely to be huge mortgage demand.”

See LUXURY HOME SALES, page 15

Homing In

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS Cape Coral Realtor to be installed as district vice president of Florida Realtors The Royal Palm Coast Relator Association, in union with Florida Realtors, has announced that 2023 RPCRA President Jack Martin, sales associate with Century 21 Selling Paradise in Cape Coral, is the District 5 vice president of Florida Realtors, the state’s largest professional trade association. He will serve his fellow professionals in District 5, which encompasses Lee, Collier and Hendry counties.

“We expect a healthy market in 2024 with abundant opportunities for buyers, sellers and investors throughout our district,” said Martin, who is active in Jack Martin

residential and commercial brokerage.

Martin is the 2023 president of the Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association and has served on numerous committees. In the community, he is a board member of the Rotary Club of Cape Coral and active in the Knights of Columbus Council 7131, Horizon Council of Southwest Florida, Southwest Florida Symphony, and Bishop Verot High School.

As district vice president for the state association, Martin will focus on supporting Realtors through education, advocacy and service programs.

In his previous capacity as the 2023 president of the Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association, Martin spearheaded numerous initiatives that strengthened the local real estate community.

Current 2024 RPCRA President Marlissa Gervasoni offered her congratulations, saying, “Jack is an excellent selection to contribute to the leadership of District 5! I am confident that he will achieve remarkable success in his upcoming position.”

See REAL ESTATE BRIEFS, page 15

From page 14 For more about the RPCRA, visit rpcra.org.

For more about Florida Realtors, visit www.floridarealtors.org.

Weichert, Realtors – Agency ONE welcomes Zezula

Seagate Development Group promotes Hensley to chief revenue officer Seagate Development Group has promoted Chris Hensley from vice president of Theory | Design to chief revenue officer of Seagate Development Group. In his new role, Hensley is central to driving revenue growth across Seagate’s multiple industry sectors, including oversight of all top line revenue for the company. His departmental responsibilities include sales, marketing and business development.

He has more than 25 years of professional experience that spans multiple industries. Hensley holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems from the University of St. Francis.

Launched in 2015 and based in Southwest Florida, Seagate Development Group is a real estate company offering an

array of services encompassing land acquisition, entitlements, design, permitting, site development, construction, interior design, sales, leasing, asset and property management and disposition.

Seagate’s companies includes Seagate Residential, a luxury homebuilder; Theory | Design, a luxury interior design firm; Seagate Real Estate Investment Fund Asset & Property Management, specializing in leasing, tenant management and facility and financial services; Seagate Commercial, a commercial development and construction company; and Earth Tech Enterprises, a provider of land development, mining operations, water management and marine services.

For more information, visit seagatedevelopmentgroup.com.

Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida facilitates sale of property off Metro Parkway in Fort Myers Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, a leading commercial real estate brokerage, has

announced the successful completion of the sale of 6341 Topaz Court in Fort Myers. CEO & Principal Broker Gary Tasman, and Senior Director Shawn Stoneburner orchestrated the transaction for this $1.4 million property situated on Metro Parkway, a high-traffic and strategically desirable corridor in Fort Myers.

The property features a 50/50 split of space between showroom and warehouse, a convenient ground-level roll-up door and C-1 zoning with numerous approved uses, making it an exceptional and adaptable space for a variety of potential users.

Cushman and Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, LLC delivers integrated solutions by actively advising, implementing and managing on behalf of landlords, tenants and investors through every stage of the real estate process. The company advises clients in buying, selling, financing, leasing and managing assets and also provides valuation advice, strategic planning and research, portfolio analysis, site selection, and space location assistance.

For more information, please contact Tasman at gtasman@cpswfl.com or visit www.cpswfl.com.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Weichert, Realtors - Agency ONE has welcomed Mikayla Zezula to its team of agents. She will serve clients in Fort Myers and surrounding areas with all their real estate needs.

As a Weichert affiliated agent, Zezula has access to in-depth training programs, the latest technology and the most powerful sales and marketing tools in the industry to help provide superior real estate service to her clients.

Zezula has over seven years of sales and customer service experience and in addition to her work in real estate, she is also the co-founder of a successful mobile detailing venture.

Weichert, Realtors - Agency ONE is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliate. The company serves Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and sur-

rounding areas in Southwest Florida. For more information about Weichert, Realtors - Agency ONE, located at 8191 College Parkway, Suite 206, in Fort Myers and 1113 S.E. 47th Terrace, Suite 7, in Cape Coral, call 239-415-6500 or visit weichertagencyone.com.

Page 15 ■ January 12, 2024

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

Luxury home sales: Totals returning to a more normal status were a total of only 498 single-family homes listed for sale in Cape Coral through the MLS, with 70 of these homes priced at $1 million and above.

As of Jan. 9, there were a total of 445 single-family homes in Cape Coral under contract with buyers as a pending sale at prices ranging from $215,000 to $3.5 million, with the second lowest-priced pending sale at $250,000. The median pending sales price came in at $420,990 and a total of 272 of the 445 pending sales, or 61% of our market, were at $450,000 and under, while there were 32 pending sales in our luxury home market at $1 million and above. One year ago on Jan. 10, 2023, there were a total of 577 single-family homes under contract with buyers as pending sales through the MLS in the Cape, with 369 of these pending sales, or 64%, at $450,000 and under. At that time, there were a total of 27 luxury homes in the Cape under contract at $1 million and above.

The highest-priced Cape Coral home sale in the second half of 2023 closed on Nov. 16 for $3.7 million, making it the second highest-priced home sale in the Cape behind the top sale of the year at $3.925 million back on June 15. This second place finisher was a 3,426-square-foot new riverfront home built in 2023 in the Palaco Grande neighborhood

in the southeast Cape. It was a custom luxury coastal contemporary designed home with 12 to 16-foot high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen featuring a Wolf gas cooktop, quartz countertops and a hidden door leading to a butler’s pantry. The home has four ensuite bedrooms, plus a half bath and a den, along with an outdoor space combining elements of fire and water, with a pool and spa, along with a gas fire pit and separate gas fireplace.

According to the records, the vacant riverfront lot was purchased for $545,000 on Dec. 30, 2019, after being initially listed for sale on Feb. 11 of that year for $799,900.

Construction of the new home started in 2022, and it was listed for sale on March 30, 2022, at $2.85 million while still under construction. The home went under contract on June 30, 2022, and the first sale of the home closed on April 29, 2023, after likely delays due to Hurricane Ian, as a cash sale for $2.7 million. The new owner put the home back on the market for $3.895 million on Sept. 14, 2023, with it going under contract about one month later, before closing for $3.7 million on Nov. 16.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of Jan. 9, 2024, unless otherwise noted. It was compiled by Bob and

Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral single-family homes, and does not include condominiums, short sales or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice. The Quinns are a husband

and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 44 years.

Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.

Cape Coral Breeze

From page 14

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 16 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Festival: Popular Cape Coral event leads list of art-related happenings in Lee County From page 1 club. It’s going to be exciting.”

New this year is the addition of a car show, as well as some boats throughout the marketplace.

When organizers say you can find anything and everything at the festival, they mean it. Vendor booths will line the South Cape for more than a half-mile and, on most occasions, more than 120,000 attendees have turned out to view the vast array of selections.

“We have nearly 300 artists that have set up,” Welsh said.

This year’s featured artist is world-renowned Leoma Lovegrove, whose work also may in the Leoma Lovegrove Collection at Bealls. Lovegrove is a longtime Matlacha-based artist, whose studio and home was ravaged by Hurricane Ian. She recently moved her gallery to downtown Fort Myers.

“She was randomly selected and chosen to be the poster artist,” Welsh said. “I thought that was absolutely wonderful, because it was somebody local, and not only local, but somebody who had some devastating circumstances this past year. It's quite exciting she was chosen this year.”

Welsh said this year’s attendees can also expect “bigger and better” pieces of art from the attending artists.

“We have two or three artists that have taken three booths because they have large sculptures and things of that nature,” he said. “I believe we have upgraded the quality of artists this year.”

Categories that will be displayed at the festival include 2D and 3D Mixed Media, Ceramics, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metal, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Wood. Festival jury will be conducted by a panel of experienced artists and community professionals and is based solely upon the quality of the work as illustrated in the submitted digital images and submitted statement of material/technique.

Welsh said people with all tastes and style, as well as budgets, can find something to pique their interests that the festival.

“This year is bigger than what we’ve ever had, It will be the biggest event that we have put on as a club. It’s going to be exciting.”

— Festival Chair Bob Welsh

“There’s different price points within the show,” he said. “There is a lot of different avenues that are out there, from the expensive to art that is more affordable.

We have something for everybody. And looking at Cape Coral and what Cape Coral has to offer, we feel it’s a good mix, because we have a little bit of everybody in Cape Coral.”

With Hurricane Ian recovery still ongoing when last year’s festival took place, many artists were forced to cancel their spot in the show. Welsh said any artists that were not able to attend last year were not made to pay again for space.

For more information, visit www.capecoralartfestival.com.

Other upcoming arts festivals include: ■ Art Fest Naples Art Fest Naples returns to Fleischmann Park on Jan. 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Now in its 27th year, Art Fest Naples is a juried show that offers Southwest Florida residents and visitors an opportunity to browse and purchase fine art that includes paintings in oil and acrylic, watercolors, drawings in graphite and pastels, art photography, blown glass, turned wood pieces, sculptures, metal works, ceramics and pottery, fiber art, handcrafted fine art jewelry and a variety of 2D and 3D mixed media pieces.

“Art Fest Naples draws some of the best fine art and fine craft artists from around the country and is a must do for residents and visitors of Southwest Florida,” said Taire Malloy, show director, in a release. “Art Fest was named one of Sunshine Artist magazine’s 200 Best of the past decade.

The show ranked 57th of 200 of the best shows in the United States from 2010-2020 in the fine art and design category.”

A portion of the proceeds benefit 501(c)(3) organization St. Vincent de Paul Naples’ Meals on Wheels Program. The program serves nutritious food and a friendly visit to homebound seniors and disabled neighbors.

Admission is free, though donations at the gate will be collected to benefit St. Vincent de Paul Meals on Wheels.

Fleischmann Park is at 1600 Fleischmann Blvd. in Naples. Sponsorships are available. For more information contact Taire Malloy at 239-634-2337, e m a i l artfestnaples@gmail.com, or visit www.artfestnaples.com.

IF YOU GO What: 39th annual Cape Coral Art Festival & Market Place When: Jan. 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m each day Where: Cape Coral Parkway, from Southeast 10th Place to Del Prado Boulevard More Information: For more information, visit www.capecoralartfestival.com ■ Sanibel Invitational Art Fest The Sanibel Invitational Art Fest will be held Jan. 26 to 28.

Organizers state that due to Hurricane Ian, they are cutting the number of artists by 50%, and the event will be indoors.

The show is held on the main street in Sanibel; Periwinkle Way, on the grounds of The Sanibel Community House.

“This new Sanibel Art Festival promises to be Sanibel Island’s premier art event,” organizers state.

“The festival features the finest artists.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Sanibel Community House and SCA. For more information, visit www.boulderbrook.net/sanibel-invitational-art-festartist-january.

■ ArtFest Fort Myers ArtFest will once again enliven the Fort Myers waterfront on the first weekend in February.

On Feb. 3 and 4, attendees can experience exceptional art from more than 200 selected artists, lively entertainment, food, and fun children's art activities.

Overlooking the Downtown Fort Myers riverfront and yacht basin, this free art event welcomes all greater Southwest Florida community members.

Art Fest Fort Myers runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 3, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 4.

ArtFest Fort Myers has partnered with Gulf Coast Symphony for the festival's Opening Night on Feb. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m.. Attendees will be treated to Symphony on the Sound, a free Pops Concert featuring talented musicians from Southwest Florida.

For more information, visit www.artfestfortmyers.com.

■ Coconut Point Art Festival The 18th annual Coconut Point Art Festival takes place Feb 17 and 18 in Estero from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The outdoor art festival at the Coconut Point Mall is free to attend.

Event organizers state the show produces record size crowds and “astronomical” revenues consistently year after year. The event is ranked as one of the top fine art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

Coconut Point Mall is at 23181 Via Villagio Drive.

For more information, visit www.artfestvial.com.

JANUARY 12, 2024

Florida Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club to host Hamfest Jan. 19-20 at FSW Arbor Day

By CHUCK BALLARO

news@breezenewspapers.com

By CATHY DUNN

G C

C

C

See FLORIDA ARBOR DAY, page 46

As ham radio operators love to mention, it is not just a bunch of boomers in basements trying to reach fellow operators all over the world.

Ham radio operators provide an important service to their community in the event of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane.

Operators throughout Southwest Florida are welcoming everyone to step into the world of amateur radio enthusiasts at the Southwest Florida Hamfest, a blend of flea market finds, FCC license testing and workshops.

Hosted by the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, Hamfest is set for Friday, Jan. 19, from noon until 5 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 20, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., at Florida SouthWestern College, Building U, in Fort Myers.

It’s a $10 admission, with students and children 12 and under admitted free with a valid student ID or their parents for the latter.

Daniel Eaton, FMARC spokesperson, said it’s an opportunity to learn about amateur radio and see what they’re all about.

“We want people to learn more about the hobby. It’s a fun hobby, and it’s not expensive to get involved with it.

You can buy a Handy-talkie for $35. With that, you can talk to anyone in the state,” Eaton said. “With the digital, you can talk to anyone around the world.”

There are more than 48,000 amateur radio operators in Florida alone, so this event is more than just a gathering — it’s a celebration of the crucial role amateur radio plays in emergency communications.

Hamfest is a golden opportunity for anyone interested in amateur radio to connect with like-minded individuals, share stories and start new friendships. Among the features will be on how they connect to the International

Winter Field Day coming to Southwest Florida Ham radio operators to deploy in North Fort Myers Jan. 27-28 Ham Radio Fort Myers Field Day will be held in North Fort Myers later this month.

The special event in the amateur radio community will be held Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 27 and 28, at the North Fort Myers Community Park.

“The event serves as both a practice exercise and a public demonstration of the skills and capabilities of amateur radio operators (hams),” organizers said. “The primary purpose of Field Day is to test and improve the ability of ham radio operators to quickly deploy and operate in emergencies, such as natural disasters or other events that may disrupt regular communication channels.”

During Field Day, ham radio operators set up temporary radio stations in various locations, such as parks, open fields or even parking lots. The goal is to simulate the conditions of an emergency response and demonstrate the ability to establish reliable communication in lessthan-ideal situations.

Key aspects of Ham Radio Field Day include: ■ Operating on Emergency Power: Participants are encouraged to operate their radio stations using alternative power sources, such as generators, batteries or solar power, to simulate the conditions of a power outage during an emergency.

■ Setting Up Temporary Antennas: Ham radio operators deploy portable antennas to establish communication over various bands and frequencies. This helps demonstrate the adaptability and versatility of amateur radio equipment.

■ Contacting Other Stations: Participants aim to make as many contacts with other ham radio stations as possible within a 24-hour period. Points are awarded for each contact made, and bonus points may be earned for factors like using alternative power sources or incorporating new technologies.

■ Public Awareness: In addition to the emergency preparedness aspect, Field Day also serves as an opportunity to promote amateur radio to the public. Many operators welcome visitors, provide information about amateur radio, and may even offer the chance for non-hams to make a radio contact under the supervision of a licensed operator.

Winter Field Day is sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association.

“It's a valuable and enjoyable way for ham radio operators to hone their skills, showcase the capabilities of amateur radio, and engage with the community,” organizers said.

North Fort Myers Community Park is at 2000 Recreation Park Way. For additional information about the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club (FMARC), please visit https://www.fmarc.net, or about the Winter Field Day at https://winterfieldday.org.

Cape Coral Breeze

Arbor Day is a special day designated to recognize the importance of trees to our environment, and to celebrate the planting, upkeep and preservation of trees. The Latin word for tree is “arbor,” hence the name Arbor Day. Now celebrated across the United States and throughout the world, ARDEN Arbor Day has a long and fascinating history. The LUB OF origins of Arbor Day extend back to the early APE ORAL 1870s in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The journalist Julius Sterling Morton moved to Nebraska in 1854 at the age of 22, more than 10 years before Nebraska achieved statehood in 1867.

Morton and his wife purchased 160 treeless acres in Nebraska territory and proceeded to plant thousands of trees on their land. Morton became editor of the state’s first newspaper, The Nebraska City News, which he used as a platform to spread his knowledge of trees, offering agricultural advice and urging fellow residents to plant trees for food, fuel, building material, wind breaks and shade. He was appointed acting governor of the Nebraska Territory in 1858 by President James Buchanan and served in this position until 1861. In these leadership positions he was recognized as a political and agricultural expert, and often gave speeches about the ecological and economic value of trees and urged groups and individuals to plant trees.

Morton served on the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture and in January 1872 made one of his most significant achievements by proposing a tree planting holiday to be called “Arbor Day.” The Agriculture Board agreed, and the first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872; the event was a huge success with more than 1 million trees planted.

President Grover Cleveland appointed Morton as the United States Secretary of Agriculture in 1893; in this position he is credited with changing the department into a coordinated service for farmers and for encouraging Cleveland to establish national forest reservations. An interesting historical sidenote: Morton’s son Joy Sterling Morton founded the Morton Salt Company and Argo Starch in Chicago, and established the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. This 50-acre park includes a public garden and outdoor museum with a library, herbarium and program in tree research including the Center for Tree Sciences.

The Arbor Day tradition quickly spread, and by 1882 schools across the country were participating in planting trees. By 1920 more than 45 states and territories were celebrating Arbor Day, and the event also spread across Europe, Canada and Australia. All 50 states now celebrate Arbor Day, with most states celebrating Arbor Day on the last Friday in April. In recognition of the ideal times to plant trees in different areas, Northern states celebrate in May, and southern states often celebrate earlier. Florida was one of the first states in the nation to celebrate Arbor Day in 1886, and the official Arbor Day in the state is now the third Friday in January.

President Richard Nixon declared National Arbor Day as an official federal holiday in 1970 in conjunction with environmental initiatives such as the Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Most holidays celebrate past events that are memorable, but Arbor Day is a forward-looking holiday that shows hope for our environmental future. By planting

www.capecoralbreeze.com

news@breezenewspapers.com

Space Station.

Established in 1957, FMARC is dedicated to fostering camaraderie among individuals with a shared passion for amateur radio.

Committed to facilitating the exchange of information, promoting electronics and amateur radio knowledge, advocating for good radio operating practices and advancing the hobby, the club strives to create a vibrant community.

Additionally, the club sponsors and promotes various activities related to amateur radio, provides crucial public service during emergencies and actively engages in other community initiatives.

One of the events they participate in is Field Day, a national event where operators attempt to contact fellow operators throughout the country within a 24-hour period.

It is held every June at the North Fort Myers Community Park.

Field Day serves as a place where people can see how amateur radio works and for practice for when there is a real emergency, like Hurricane Ian was in 2022.

Eaton said you don’t have to be a computer whiz to get involved, even if much of the equipment today is computerized.

“It’s a hobby anyone can do. It doesn’t take any special requirement other than the FCC license,” Eaton said.

“Hamfest gives us an opportunity to show what we can all do.”

FMARC is affiliated with and sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, which is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information, and resources.

For more information about Southwest Florida Hamfest, visit https://swflhamfest.info/ or by email hamfest@fmarc.net.

Page 17 ■ January 12, 2024

COMMUNITY

THE BREEZE

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 18 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

BUSINESS BUSINESS BRIEFS Public invited to today’s grand opening of The Laughing Brush in Fort Myers A new haven for art enthusiasts, The Laughing Brush, is set to open its doors today, Jan. 12. This free event will run from 6-9 p.m. Drinks and snacks will be served, and the first 20 people can do a painting with the Laughing Brush artists.

The studio is located at 7051 Cypress Terrace, Unit #203, Fort Myers. Founders Damon and Alexander Hamel invite the community to embark on an artistic journey, offering a unique blend of painting, laughter and creativity.

The Laughing Brush caters to individuals of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned artists, providing a welcoming space where everyone can express their creativity. Skilled instructors lead participants through each painting session, offering guidance in a fun and constructive manner to help them hone their artistic techniques.

In addition to the immersive painting experience, The Laughing Brush also provides a range of painting supplies available for purchase on-site, ensuring that everyone interested has access to the tools needed to bring their artistic visions to life.

For information, please visit www.thelaughingbrush.com or call 239-850-1577.

SWFL Inc. launches Hispanic Business Council; first meeting set for Tuesday SWFL Inc. has announced the launch of the Hispanic Business Council. The first meeting will be hosted at Castilla Roofing Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

This initiative aims to bring together local professionals and provide them with opportunities for networking and business development. At the core of the council's mission is a commitment to the growth of success of Hispanic-owned businesses in the region.

The benefits of the Hispanic Business Council include: ■ Exclusive networking and business development opportunities ■ Access to resources to help grow your business ■ Ability to connect with other Hispanic professionals For registration and event details, please visit swflinc.com/events/hispanic-business-council-january2024. If you are interested in hosting a Hispanic Business Council event or becoming a sponsor, please contact Client Relationship Manager Alex Rodriguez, at Alexa@SWFLinc.com or call 239-992-2943. .SWFL Inc is the region’s only five-star accredited chamber of commerce serving businesses in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties. Please contact https://www.swflinc.com/contact-us/ to sign up for a free membership.

Southwest Florida International Airport announces November traffic totals; year-to-date tally down 5% over 2022 During November, 953,025 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was an increase of 17 percent compared to November 2022. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is down 5%.

The traffic leader in November was Delta with 184,814 passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (158,644), American (133,440), United (129,404) and JetBlue (91,303).

Southwest Florida International Airport had 8,218 aircraft operations, an increase of 10 percent compared to November 2022. Page Field saw 15,725 operations, which was a 17 percent increase compared to November 2022, and the best November in 41 years.

Southwest Florida International Airport served a record-breaking 10.3 million passengers in 2022 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction.

Visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

THE BREEZE JANUARY 12, 2024

North Fort Myers Habitat ReStore announces grand reopening on Feb. 2 ReStore calls for donations to replenish total inventory loss during Hurricane Ian Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties has nearly completed an extensive renovation of its North Fort Myers ReStore, which was damaged during Hurricane Ian in September 2022.

Prior to its grand reopening set for Friday, Feb. 2, the Habitat ReStore is seeking the community’s support to help replenish its North Fort Myers warehouse with donations of new and gently used items.

“We can’t wait to reopen our doors and welcome back our dedicated customers and supporters in North Fort Myers,” said Becky Lucas, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “As we approach the finish line of our reconstruction efforts, every donation brings us one step closer to continuing our mission of building decent and affordable homes. Together, we can rebuild stronger than before and continue to make a difference in the lives of many.”

As one of the largest thrift stores in Lee County, the North Fort Myers ReStore features more than 29,000 square feet of space and serves the community by selling donated household items and building materials to help fund Habitat for Humanity’s home building efforts in Lee and Hendry Counties. However, catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Ian left the store with a severely damaged roof, flooding and a complete loss of merchandise.

After extensive rehabilitation, the ReStore is nearing completion of its restoration.

The North Fort Myers ReStore is actively seeking donations, such as furniture for living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas and patios, as well as household appliances, building supplies and home decor. Every contribution is vital as the store rebuilds its once-flourishing inventory. For a list of accepted donation items, visit Habitat4Humanity.org/ accepted-donation-items.

Residents are encouraged to bring donated items to any of the four ReStore locations in Lee County, including: ■ North Fort Myers ReStore – 31 Willis Road, North Fort Myers, 33917 ■ Bonita Springs ReStore – 9080 Bonita Beach Road,

Bonita Springs, 34135 ■ South Fort Myers ReStore – 16133 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 33908 ■ McGregor ReStore – 15271 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 33908 Qualified items can be dropped off at ReStore locations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information or to schedule a large donation pickup, visit ReStoreLee.org or call 239-652-0388.

About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is a faith-based private nonprofit serving families with a housing need willing to partner. As a developer, builder, mortgage lender, housing counseling agency, retail operator and hurricane recovery organization, Habitat partners with families to build, improve or retain places to call home.

Since 1982, Habitat has partnered with more than 1,800 families to help them achieve their dream of affordable homeownership. In addition to putting in 300 hours of sweat equity into building their own homes, Habitat Homebuyers contribute to their closing costs, attend more than 20 hours of financial education classes and pay an affordable mortgage set at no more than 30% of their monthly income. Through volunteering and providing financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry County families achieve strength, stability, and independence. For additional information, please visit Habitat4Humanity.org.

Local attorney among 21 lawyers to receive Florida Bar Pro Bono Awards 20th Judicial Circuit’s Smith recognized The Florida Bar will recognize 21 lawyers for their work on behalf of low-income and disadvantaged clients at a Jan. 18 ceremony at the Supreme Court of Florida.

Established in 1981, The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Awards are intended to encourage lawyers to volunteer free legal services to the poor by recognizing those who make public service commitments. The awards also help raise public awareness of the substantial volunteer services provided by Florida lawyers to those who cannot afford legal fees. Florida Bar President F. Scott Westheimer will present the 2024 awards.

The awards recognize pro bono service in each of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits as well as service by one Florida Bar member practicing outside the state of Florida.

They are presented annually in conjunction with the Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service and other service awards, which are given by the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court.

In the most recent reporting period from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, Florida lawyers provided more than 1.5 million hours of pro bono services to those in need and $7.5 million to legal aid organizations.

Among the 2024 circuit honorees is: Andrea Smith, 20th Judicial Circuit (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties) Smith serves a dual role at the Statewide Guardian ad

Litem Office, where she volunteers as a FAWL in Love with GAL mentor and as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer. In both roles, she consistently goes above and beyond to provide a consistent source of guidance and comfort to abused, abandoned and neglected children in the dependency system. Through the FAWL in Love with GAL program, Smith has mentored two individuals since 2019. She expanded her role with the GAL office in 2021, when she took her first case as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, establishing herself as a persistent and compassionate advocate for the children she represents. A former president of the Lee County Association for Women Lawyers (2019) and fierce advocate for women in the legal profession, Smith was selected by the Florida Association for Women Lawyers as Lee County Leader in the Law 2018-2019.

This year’s awards ceremony, which also honors Voluntary Bar, Law Firm, Young Lawyers Division, Distinguished Judicial Service and Distinguished Federal Judicial Service pro bono efforts, takes place at the Florida Supreme Court Thursday, Jan. 18, at 3:30 p.m.

About The Florida Bar Founded in 1949, The Florida Bar serves the legal profession for the protection and benefit of both the public and all Florida lawyers. As one of the nation’s largest mandatory bars, The Florida Bar fosters and upholds a high standard of integrity and competence within Florida’s legal profession as an official arm of the Florida Supreme Court.

To learn more, visit FloridaBar.org

DeSantis announces funding for water quality projects Breeze Staff Report

news@breezenewspapers.com

Gov. Ron DeSantis

Janes Preserve Nutrient Reduction Project. ∫ Lee County ($1.5 million) – Palm Creek Water Quality Filter Marsh ∫ Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District and Lee County ($15.5 million) – Frank Mann Preserve Water Quality Improvement Project. ∫ Florida Governmental Utility Authority ($7 million) – Wastewater Treatment Nutrient Reduction and Effluent Disposal Project. ∫ Florida Governmental Utility Authority ($2.76 million) – Lehigh Acres Advanced Wastewater Treatment Project.

Lee County operations adjust schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Solid Waste ■ There will be no change to collection schedules on

Expanded ICU opens at Cape Coral Hospital

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

ee Health's continued progress towards serving a larger number of Cape residents took a leap Monday morning, as the ribbon was cut for an expansion of the Intensive Care Unit at Cape Coral Hospital.

Dozens of hospital employees, Lee Health executives and leaders, and all that lent a hand in making the expansion a possibility gathered in the newly renovated wing with smiles from ear to ear.

The Intensive Care Unit has now expanded to 34 patient beds, and has increased its dialysis from four to six units.

“This day is exciting for Lee Health. It's exciting for Cape Coral and the community,” said Lee Health President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Larry Antonucci. “Intensive care is something that's so critical to what we do every day, and with the growth of this community, it was important that we expand to meet the needs of the community. We're excited about the growth in Cape Coral, and have a lot of exciting projects in the works.”

The expansion adds 11,190 square feet of vertical space over an exiting MRI and ultrasound area.

Officials said in addition to adding 12 ICU rooms and staff support areas with a tie-in to the existing second floor, there will be a first-of-its-kind HVAC pandemic mode that allows the new addition to become its own negative pressure wing, expanding isolation patient space in the event of a widespread infectious disease.

“This is a state-of-the-art facility,” Antonucci said.

“The rooms are big. They can fit patients with family, and a lot of the equipment we need as we take care of

L

folks.”

Nursing Director of the ICU and Critical Care outreach Heather Kingery was on-hand to cut the ribbon alongside countless colleagues, all expressing their gratitude and joy for the moment.

“There's a need for more critical care beds, and we are very excited to be able to fulfill that need by adding 12 beds to our department,” Kingery said.

When it comes to what possibilities this new expansion will present the hospital and its patients, Kingery said all avenues are open.

“We know that we have neurosurgical service lines here, we have orthopedic service line here and so those beds provide an opportunity for those patients, whether they are here with the most critical illness to receive those services, (or) we can also hold those patients through discharge as well. So it really helps our whole facility by adding these beds.

“There's a space for our residents...it also opens opportunity for the most advanced equipment.”

Antonucci added, “The exiting thing is with our Cape Coral Internal Medicine Program here, we're

See CAPE CORAL HOSPITAL, page 21 Dozens of hospital employees, Lee Health executives and leaders, and all that lent a hand in making the expansion a possibility gathered in the newly expanded ICU at Cape Coral Hospital with smiles from ear to ear Monday afternoon. The ICU has now expanded to 34 patient beds, and has increased its dialysis from four to six units.

CJ HADDAD

Jan. 15.

■ The Resource Recovery Facility on Buckingham Road will be open regular hours 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

■ Lee County Solid Waste offices and the Household Chemical Waste Collection Facility, 6441 Topaz Court, are closed Monday, Jan. 15.

■ The Lee-Hendry Landfill, LaBelle Transfer Station and Clewiston Transfer Station will be open normal hours, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Jan. 15.

Parks & Recreation ■ Swimming pools, recreation centers and adminis-

trative offices are closed Jan. 15 and will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 16. Lee County Parks & Recreation beaches, parks, preserves and boat ramps are open on the holiday.

Lee County Utilities ■ The offices of Lee County Utilities, the Call Center

and its drive-thru window will be closed Monday, Jan. 15. A drop-box is on-site at the front door and another accessible via the drive-thru for payments by check.

■ Payments can also be made online at myutilities.leegov.com or by phone at 855-895-6939.

■ For additional information, visit leegov.com/utilities.

Libraries ■ All library locations will be closed Monday, Jan.

15. Each branch will resume regular operating hours Tuesday, Jan. 16. The library is available online at www.leelibrary.net.

Domestic Animal Services ■ Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers,

will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, and will resume regular business hours Tuesday, Jan. 16.

LeeTran ■ There will be no change to LeeTran’s bus, trolley,

tram, paratransit or ULTRA on-demand services on the holiday. Route schedules and maps are available at www.rideleetran.com.

General information To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www.leegov.com/resources/ newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.

Cape Coral Breeze

Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The county’s holiday schedule adjustments are as follows:

www.capecoralbreeze.com

The office of Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the awarding of more than $30 million in state funding to support six water quality projects in the Caloosahatchee River Watershed. The projects included several projects in Lee County which are intended to help address excess nutrients, which are known to contribute to increased algal blooms, by investing in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

“These projects will continue our momentum and further our commitment to preserving the important role

Florida’s environment plays in our economy," DeSantis said.

The projects are intended to improve water quality and better manage the timing and quantity of water flows from Lake Okeechobee, which serves as the entrance point for the St. Lucie River and the C-44 canal to the east and the Caloosahatchee River and C-43 canal to the southwest.

The projects include: ∫ Lee County ($2.5 million) – Bob

Page 19 ■ January 12, 2024

Weekly BREEZE Recap

An array of unique creations by members of Weavers of Char-Lee is on exhibit during library hours through Feb. 27 in the

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 20

Weavers of Char-Lee exhibit on display at the Cape Coral Library through Feb. 27 Art Gallery of the Cape Coral Library, located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, off of Mohawk Parkway. The gallery committee is excited to welcome back the weavers, whose creations have been popular with library visitors over the years.

This time a collection of recent work features weavings, spinning, collage, some beautiful shawls and other fiber art created

by Char-Lee guild members. The exhibit also includes information on the processes involved in the fiber arts.

In addition, some samples of weaving and spinning tools and equipment are on display in the mirrored glass cases.

Originally guilds were set up by likeminded individuals for mutual interest and benefits – to share knowledge and tech-

PHOTOS PROVIDED

“Arashi Shibori” by Rose Young

Among the Weavers of Char-Lee items on display in the Cape Coral Library gallery are, at left, “NavajoTapestry” by Julie Powell; in the center, “Earth's Baptism” by Carol Murphy; and on the right, “Mug Rug” by Kathy Koch. At left is a cardigan, “Sunflower,” by Magda Skala Changing exhibits in the library’s niques, preserve heritage, and encourage high standards of workmanship. The gallery are sponsored by the Friends of the Weavers of Char-Lee also welcome begin- Cape Coral Library and are designed to ners or anyone simply interested in weav- afford local artists and artisans the opportunity to share their work in this public ing or spinning to join their group.

As their website www.weaversofchar- forum.

For information contact Monica lee.com describes themselves: “We are masters and learners of an ancient art. We Rahman, Art Gallery Chairperson at galshare, teach and love the threads that bind lery@capefriends.org or visit www.capeus as members…. It’s a gift to pass on to friends.org. Follow “Friends of the Cape Coral Library” on Facebook. future generations.”

All are invited to the next Friends of the Cape Coral Library General Meeting Saturday, Jan. 20, starting at 9:30 a.m. with light refreshments, a business meeting at 10 and then a special presentation by Captains for Clean Water.

FOCCL General Meetings, which take place in the large meeting room of the Cape Coral Library at 921 S.W.

39th Terrace, are free and open to the public. You may also bring a guest or two.

For more information on Friends of the Cape Coral Library, visit www.capefriends.org and follow us on Facebook.

Captains for Clean Water is an organization that has united the outdoor industry, environmental groups, busi-

ness community and concerned citizens around the important issues concerning the water quality of local rivers, estuaries and gulf. As a result, progress is happening at a record pace. Come to the Cape Coral Library on Jan. 20 to hear an enlightening and educational program about issues that affect all of us living in the water paradise of Southwest Florida.

Page 21 ■ January 12, 2024

Captains for Clean Water to speak at Friends of the Cape Coral Library meeting on Jan. 20 Alliance for the Arts calls for artists for 38th All Florida Juried Exhibit and working in all mediums to create an exhibition which displays the diverse and rich talent of artists working in Florida today.”

Categories for entry include: sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor and mixed media), photography, prints and drawing. An entry may consist of 1 to 3 artworks. All entries must be submitted online no later than January 15. Artists can download the prospectus and submit their work online at www.artinlee.org/allflorida38/.

The opening reception for the All Florida Exhibition

will be March 1 from 5-7 p.m. The juror will be on hand to present awards including $1,000 cash for Best In Show, a 2nd Place gift certificate, $100 cash for 3rd place and Juror's Choice Award(s) of Alliance for the Arts membership(s).

AFTA members may use coupon code Member10 to receive $10 off the entry fee. Current students and teachers, with a valid .edu email address, may use coupon code Education10 for $10 off the entry fee.

Call 239-939-2787 or visit ArtInLee.org/allflorida38/.

Cape Coral Hospital: Ceremony officially opens expanded ICU From page 19

ists.

Lee Health will also provide medical services in the new Bimini Square building in Cape Coral when it opens in 2025, including primary care, cardiology services, imaging, breast health, lab services, pediatric primary care and behavioral health services.

“We're congenitally growing what we already do great,” Kingery said. “We already provide exceptional care. We have exceptional team members and nurses. Now we're just able to build that team to be bigger and really reach out to a bigger part of the community.”

For more information on the Cape Coral Hospital ICU expansion, visit www.leehealth.org.

Cape Coral Breeze

bringing in young doctors, and they're always pushing us to do newer things. This facility, the big advantage to it, is the facility itself. Things like Florida ceiling heights, which allows us to do a lot more technology. The size of the rooms themselves, so that they're ready for the newest technology coming down, such as artificial intelligence, which we know will be a big part of medicine moving forward.”

Antonucci also noted that while the hospital is always providing the care that needs to be done, the expansion will alleviate challenges with space that have occurred in the past.

“That's why there are times we may have to hold people in the emergency department longer,” he said. “What this will do is allow us to get those patients out of the ED quicker and get them into the right setting.”

To further support the needs of the growing population, Lee Health has a number of other patient-focused projects in the works in Cape Coral.

In 2023, Cape Coral Hospital added six new vertical bays to its Emergency Department to bring a more “comfortable and private” space for patients to be seen and to expedite treatments.

Officials said the Surfside Medical Facility is slated to be completed this year. It will be home to orthopedics, endocrinology, rheumatology and rehabilitation special-

www.capecoralbreeze.com

The Alliance for the Arts is seeking Florida artists to submit their work to the Annual All Florida Juried Exhibit

by Monday, Jan. 15. This show is the Alliance’s longest running exhibition, entering the 38th year.

The show features pieces created by artists, both emerging talents alongside established artists, working in a wide variety of media from all over the state of Florida.

“Every year this exhibition is a testament to the strength of Florida’s artists,” gallery manager Emily Radomski said.

“We welcome submissions from artists of all backgrounds

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HEALTH

THE BREEZE JANUARY 12, 2024

Planning helps ‘elder Expansion of Gulf Coast Village’s orphans’ age in place multi-purpose auditorium compete

The word “orphan” conjures up images of a young, lonely child whose parents, for one reason or another, are no longer in the picture.

The term usually isn’t associated with seniors who live alone.

However, a staggering number of unmarried or widowed seniors live alone and lack a support system. In fact, a 2021 study by AARP reported that these “solo agers,” also known as “elder orphans,” make up 12% of the nation’s 50+ population.

As baby boomers continue to age, the number of solo agers will increase proportionally.

Many of these elder orphans are opting to age in place, staying in their own homes or apartments rather than moving into a senior living community. It’s estimated that 90% of seniors want to age at home, and who could blame them? They worked tirelessly for decades to pay off their mortgage and settle into their dream home, surrounding themselves in comfort and stability. Where they choose to Scott Miller live isn’t just a physical space; it’s their home. It’s a place filled with a lifetime of memories, a piece of real estate where they feel independent and in control of their lives.

However, the concept of aging in place extends beyond the physical dwelling. Seniors opting to age in place need a detailed health care plan, which sometimes requires in-home care or modifications to the home.

Seniors, even those living independently, should never be in a situation where they must create a health care and aging plan on their own. That is where senior advocacy organizations like Florida Senior Consulting, the largest privately held care management and placement firm in the state, come into the picture.

The agency’s team of health care professionals have the resources to help seniors coordinate a health care plan that meets their unique needs as they age in place.

There are three points to consider when committing to aging in place: Be proactive For individuals of any age, the best time to consider health care needs is before a crisis. Take the initiative to look back on family medical history and schedule baseline testing to determine what health care concerns might arise down the road. Do dementia, cancer, high blood pressure or heart conditions run in the family? Consider these possibilities and devise a plan for the future.

Ask for help Seniors determined to age in place should tap experts to help build a roadmap that includes future options for in-home care service organizations, and perhaps in a few years, a senior living community or assisted living center. Asking for help to develop contingency plans creates peace of mind while seniors are still living at home while ensuring access to high-quality resources and genuine care from highly trained medical professionals when the time comes.

Create a path to longevity Socialization is a key to living a long, fulfilling life. While aging in place as an elder orphan, join social groups and sign up for activities to remain vibrant and active in the community.

Not sure where to start? Consider an organization like Senior Friendship Centers, which has seven locations in Lee County where seniors can expand their social network, volunteer and participate in daily activities.

With the right resources, partners and a plan of action, solo agers can confidently and successfully navigate the senior living journey.

Guest Commentary

Scott Miller is the founder and CEO of Florida Senior Consulting. He is a board-certified Healthcare Services Administrator and certified Dementia Practitioner who partners with seniors and their families to help navigate the next stage of life while getting the best care possible.

Gulf Coast Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Cape Coral, has completed renovations on its auditorium.

The updates to the 2,500-squarefoot auditorium include new carpet, furniture, curtains and wallpaper; updated lighting and chandeliers; a fresh coat of paint and new wallpaper; new sound boards, and more.

Renovations were completed in December.

As a senior living community that caters to the various needs and interests of its residents, Gulf Coast Village utilizes its auditorium for its daily community activities, which are planned and led by the community’s lifestyle team. Common activities include church services, holiday events, concerts, happy hour, educational programs and movie screenings.

Additionally, the space is used by community and civic groups including the Rotary Club of Cape Coral Goldcoast, the Jewish Federation Lunch Bunch and the annual Cape Coral Chamber Leadership Day. The audi-

torium is available for use to outside organizations with provided inhouse catering services.

“As the location of so many of our activities as well as outside organizations, having an updated and visually appealing space for our residents is reflective of the quality of our community and our lifestyle programs,” said Greg Anderson, executive director of Gulf Coast Village. “With an all-new space, Life Enrichment can continue to host engaging, high-quality events for our independent living residents and encourage socialization among them.”

The renovated auditorium holds eight tables, seats nearly 100 residents and features a carpeted stage and optional dance floor for event speakers and performers.

Located near the community’s dining room, the auditorium is a prime location for resident socialization.

To learn more about Gulf Coast Village, please visit http://GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-772-1333.

HEALTH NOTES Tanjavur joins staff at Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons

Lee Health Foundation hires Brand as director of development

Dr. Vijayakumar Tanjavur has joined the staff of the Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons.

Tanjavur arrives after three years as a vascular surgeon at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, La. He started as a postdoctoral research assistant in the Department of Transplant Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine.

Tanjavur completed his internship at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in Bronx, N.Y. He then moved to Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey, where he finished his general surgery residency. Subsequently, he completed his Vascular Surgery Fellowship at Northwell Health – Staten Island Hospital.

Tanjavur also has considerable experience in his home country of India. He received his Medical Degree from M.S. Ramaiah Medical College at Bangalore University, Diploma in Orthopedic Surgery from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, and Diplomate National Board from Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin. He also worked as a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at hospitals in Bangalore and Madurai, India, from 2008 until 2012.

The Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons, with locations in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, has been serving Southwest Florida for over 30 years. For more information go to gulfcoastsurgeons.com or call 239344-7061.

Justin Brand of Cape Coral has been hired as director of development at Lee Health Foundation, a role in which he will focus on philanthropy to support children’s services.

Brand’s experience includes working as chief development officer for the Charlotte Community Foundation since November 2018. In June, he was named as cointerim executive director for the foundation. Prior to joining the foundation, he served as operations manager for four years at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. His more than 10 years of experience includes leadership, relationship building, financial management, community engagement and board relations.

For additional information about the role of philanthropy at Lee Health or to donate, please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950.

‘It’s All About You’ chronic disease self-management program starts Feb. 1 Lee Health’s “It’s All About You,” Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, a self-management resource program with the SMRC, is offering a research based chronic disease self-management program for the community.

The program is designed for people 18 years of age or older with chronic health conditions to help them learn ways to better manage their chronic conditions and the symptoms that often accompany chronic health conditions. Participants will receive a complimentary copy of the book, “Living a Healthier Life with Chronic Conditions.”

The workshop is held once a week for 6 weeks and it is free. Workshops will be offered on Thursdays beginning Feb. 1, from 1-3:30 p.m., in person held at CSS Training Room, 4211 Romeo Lane, Fort Myers.

For information or to register, call 239-424-3121.

Abuse Counseling and Treatment to host teen male and teen female programs Abuse Counseling and Treatment Inc. has unveiled its upcoming events to encourage empowerment among young individuals in Lee, Glades and Hendry counties.

The Teen Male Summit will be held Wednesday, Jan. 17, hosted at Fort Myers' Collaboratory and via ZOOM. Following that, the Teen Female Conference is set for Monday, Jan. 29, at the Collaboratory in Fort Myers These gatherings have been designed specifically for teens, focusing on establishing healthy relationships and personal boundaries, nurturing self-empowerment, and fostering positive connections.

Registration for the Teen Male Summit starts at 3:30 p.m. with presentations starting at 4 p.m. Join the Zoom meeting at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88212479527 Meeting ID: 882 1247 9527 Password: 370413 The Teen Female Conference runs from 4-7 p.m. at Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers.

Attendees can join both events for free, but prior registration is required. Youth participants at the Collaboratory will receive complimentary swag bags packed with gifts.

Meals and light refreshments will be served, while motivational speakers and breakout sessions will occur throughout the events.

For more information or to RSVP for the event, please contact Kelly Rico at (239) 939-2553 or email Krico@actabuse.com.

JANUARY 12, 2024

EDUCATION NOTES Creus named to Dean's List at UNG for fall 2023

Tyler named to Columbia College Fall 2023 Semester Dean's List

Mercer University announces Fall 2023 President's, Dean's lists MACON, Ga. - Mercer University recently announced the President's List and Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester. Inclusion on these lists requires students to meet rigorous GPA standards specific to the college or school within the University.

The following area students earned a place on the lists: ■ Shannon Dougherty, senior, School of Business, President’s List Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls more than 9,100 students in 12 schools and colleges - liberal arts and sciences, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing, health professions, and professional advancement - on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta, medical school sites in Macon, Savannah and Columbus, and at regional academic centers in Henry and Douglas counties.

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. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southwestern State

See EDUCATION NOTES, page 37

Hurricane recovery continues Workers from CFS Roofing Services, LLC and Tobler Construction Inc. work on the roof of Caloosa Elementary School Friday morning. The roof was heavily damaged in September 2022

by Hurricane Ian which inflicted an estimated $230 million in damages to School District of Lee County facilities. The roof repairs at the school at 620 Del Prado, including temporary repairs, roofing consultant/architect and new roof is estimated to cost approximately $2.75 million. As of September 2023, the district had been reimbursed $56.8 million, only $10.9 million of which had come from FEMA, according to Leeschools.net. Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary in Cape Coral was destroyed in the near Category 5 storm that devastated Lee County's island communities on Sept. 28, 2022 and caused heavy damage in Cape Coal along the riverfront and elsewhere. Hector A. Cafferata Jr.'s new campus, a K-8 school, will open in 2025.

Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation awards four grants to Southwest Florida schools The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which focuses its philanthropic efforts on education initiatives, has issued four grants totaling $2,176 to teachers in The School District of Lee County.

On Dec. 14, the Chamber Foundation visited the teachers and coaches from Diplomat Middle School, East Lee County High School, Oasis Elementary South and Ida S. Baker High School for a check presentation to receive their funding.

“The primary focus of the Chamber Foundation is to help provide and support educational opportunities for our local community,” said Michele Hoover, president of the Chamber Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We hope that with these grants, we will be able to elevate and expand learning for future STEM students, aspiring medical professionals and female athletes, and help to facilitate a comfortable and engaging learning space for our children.”

The first of the four grants was provided to coach Kyle McClinton at East Lee County High School. He received $690 to help purchase female-specific equipment for the girls weightlifting team. Coach McClinton has built the team up from four girls to 12 and is looking to grow the team even more. The girls are required to use specific bars for their weightlifting competitions, and this grant will allow them to purchase six bars, which is six more than the team currently has.

The second grant was provided to teacher Alisa Brown at Diplomat Middle School. She received $500 to help launch the school’s STEM Program and Project Lead the Way. The initiative will introduce students of all races, gender and socioeconomic status to careers in science, technology, engineering and math. One of the courses the school will provide is “Medical Detectives,” which gives students the chance to solve medical mysteries and practice real-world medical skills.

The third grant was provided to teacher Allison

McCarraher at Oasis Elementary South. She received $500 to fund flexible seating options for the students in her classroom. The flexible seating options will help increase student engagement and decrease off-task behaviors by creating a comfortable and collaborative learning environment.

The final grant was provided to teacher Elizabeth Woodward at Ida S. Baker High School. She received $486 to help purchase medical equipment for the school’s CNA and EKG training courses, as well as the Future Health Professionals Club. Adding medical equipment to the classroom will help her students get comfortable using real equipment and prepare them for their certifications.

Founded in 2004, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation supports the Chamber in its efforts to enhance education at a variety of levels in our community. The Foundation provides scholarships for college students, grants to educators and educational institutions, supports educational programs and presents seminars and workshops of interest and benefit to the business community.

To date, the Chamber Foundation has raised over $600,000 to support educational institutions and programs, our community and local students.

Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization that provides solutions and serves as a catalyst for growing the economy. The Chamber represents nearly 750 professionals and businesses throughout Southwest Florida, empowering, connecting and uniting members through meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events.

For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events, please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org

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COLUMBIA, Mo. - Columbia College recently announced its dean's list for the Fall 2023 Semester (August-December 2023). To be named to the dean's list, a student must have completed 12 credit hours in a 16-week period and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale.

Among those named to the dean's list is Shalisa Tyler of Cape Coral, who attended online.

Founded in 1851 in Columbia, Missouri, Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 170 years. As a private, nonprofit institution, the college takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs. With 25 locations across the country, about half of which are on military installations, students may enroll in day, evening or online classes. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Columbia College has more than 97,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit ccis.edu.

VALARIE HARRING

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DAHLONEGA, Ga. -- Keila Creus of Cape Coral made the fall 2023 Dean's List at the University of North Georgia for achieving at least a 3.5 grade point average, carrying 12 or more credit hours in one semester and having no grade lower than B. Positioned in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia comprises five campuses united by a single mission focused on academic excellence and academic and co-curricular programs to develop students into leaders for a global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. With more than 18,000 students, the University of North Georgia is one of the state's largest public universities. The university offers more than 100 programs of study ranging from certificate and associate degrees to doctoral programs.

For more information, visit https://ung.edu/

Page 35 ■ January 12, 2024

EDUCATION

THE BREEZE

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 36 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

North Fort Myers High to present ‘All Shook Up!’ Feb. 2-4 North Fort Myers High School will present the Elvis Presley-inspired musical, “All Shook Up,” Feb. 2-4, in the school’s auditorium.

“All Shook Up” tells the all-new story of a square little town in the middle of a square state in the middle of a square decade where a lonely young girl dreams of hitting the open road. Into her life rides a guitar-playin' roustabout who changes everything and kick-starts a hipswivelin’, lip-curlin’ musical fantasy that will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes.

“All Shook Up” features a lineup of Elvis’ greatest hits, ensuring an unforgettable night for music enthusiasts of all ages. Songs include the foot-tapping rhythms of “Jailhouse Rock,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Don't Be Cruel,” and soul-stir-

“All Shook Up” features a lineup of Elvis’ greatest hits, ensuring an unforgettable night for music enthusiasts of all ages.

Songs include the foot-tapping rhythms of “Jailhouse Rock,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Don't Be Cruel,” and soul-stirring ballads like “Love Me Tender.” ring ballads like “Love Me Tender.” The show covers the full spectrum of Elvis’ discography, catering to every fan’s musical preference.

“All Shook Up” is surefire fun for rock ‘n’ roll rebels of all ages! Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of

“All Shook Up” as the show combines music, dance and storytelling into a seamless and captivating experience.

The skilled performers engage the audience, creating a connection that makes you feel like you’re a part of Elvis’ entourage. Prepare to sing along, dance in your seat and relish in the excitement that fills the air!

Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., with Sunday's performance at 2 p.m. Tickets are available on TicketLeap.com or at the door. Student tickets are $7 or $15 for VIP, with adult tickets $12 or $20 for VIP Doors open 1-hour prior to show, house opens 30minutes prior to show.

North Fort Myers High School is at 5000 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers. For additional information, call the school at 239-995-2117.

The Cape Coral Computer Club meets over Zoom the first and third Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting being from 2-4 p.m., Jan. 17.

Meeting topics are Cell Phone Providers: Is it time for a change? and Office 365 -- What's new? with time for questions and answers. All skill levels are welcome.

For information, visit the club website at https://www.capecoralcomputer.club/

Use the “CONTACT US” feature to register for a complimentary Zoom link. If you have any questions or need help with Zoom, call: 321-430-5959.

Club Zoom meetings are recorded. If you become a member and miss a meeting you have the opportunity to watch the presentation at a later date. The Zoom format works well because you don't have to be in FLorida to participate in and enjoy all of the benefits the club has to offer.

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Cape Computer Club to meet via Zoom Wednesday

EDUCATION NOTES Frome page 35

Application deadline for HEM Fellowship Feb. 15

TROY, Ala. -- Sarah Sinclair of Matlacha Isles has been named to the Provost's List at Troy University for the Fall Semester/Term 2 of the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Provost's List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who have a grade point average of at least 3.65.

Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students on the Troy, Ala., campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.

Cape Coral Breeze

The Institute for Citizens & Scholars is accepting applications for the Higher Education Media Fellowship. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15, 2024. The Higher Education Media Fellowship aims to increase the number of journalists with the tools and networks to provide richer and more comprehensive coverage of postsecondary education, particularly career and technical education.

The HEM Fellowship is open to all U.S. journalists whose work experience includes reporting on education and associated

Sinclair named to Troy University Provost's List

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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 additional information.

workforce development, social, or public policy issues. Potential Fellows will be early- and mid-career journalists working in any type of media.

The award amount is $10,000 Questions may be directed to ctemedia@citizensandscholars.org.

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 38 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Pipeline: Ribbon-cutting held for Caloosahatchee Connect Project, a 13-year effort From page 1 project is perhaps the most transformational.

“This is a project that will help both our cities many years into the future. The work of those in the past enables us to cut this ribbon today,” Gunter said. “It helps the city of Cape Coral with irrigation and maintain our freshwater canals because we won’t have to draw from that water source.”

Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Henderson echoed Gunter, saying it was important for everyone to get together and work to save the environment.

“It’s great to have this partnership with the city of Cape Coral with this project and many others,” Henderson said. “With 78 people a day moving to Lee County, we have to pull together and this is a prime example.”

Ground was broken on the Cape Coral portion of the project last March and finished about a month earlier than expected.

Cape Coral City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said the speed of the construction was perhaps the most impressive thing.

“What the contractors were able to do without delay or degradation in the environment for one of the longest pipelines under a river is amazing,” Ilczyszyn said.

“When you start these things, they’re a concept. Us and Fort Myers came together to discuss ideas that made this a real win/win for everyone.”

Jeff Pearson, Cape Coral utilities director was excited about the project and for the residents who will benefit.

“This reclaimed water saves our residents millions of dollars each year versus using drinking water to irrigate their lawn,” Pearson said. “Every year this project will

CHUCK BALLARO

Local dignitaries cut the ribbon on the Caloosahatchee Connect Project on Thursday at Horton Park in Cape Coral. The pipeline — one of the longest under river — is a joint effort between the cities of Cape Coral and Fort Myers, providing the Cape with reclaimed water for irrigation use and eliminating the need for Fort Myers to discharge into the river. pay dividends to our customers.”

The Caloosahatchee Connect Project is a large reclaimed water pipeline allowing the city of Cape Coral to transfer up to 12 million gallons of water daily from Fort Myers.

The water, which would otherwise have been discharged into the Caloosahatchee River, will provide Cape residents with an additional irrigation water source to reduce withdrawals from freshwater canals and help maintain water levels during the dry season.

The $22 million project ($12 million of it paid for by grants) will bring irrigation and fire-service water to the city via 7,630 feet of pipeline underneath the Caloosahatchee, the largest such project in the world.

The effort to make the project a reality began in 2011, as the city was growing and the need for irrigation water was becoming more acute.

Former city manager John Szerlag was instrumental in pushing the project forward until Cape Coral and Fort Myers entered into an interlocal agreement to construct the pipeline in 2018, giving the city a source for water it needs and Fort Myers a way to dispose of its treated wastewater in a way that is more environmentally friend

Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter addresses the people during the ribbon cutting on the Caloosahatchee Connect Project on Thursday at Horton Park. ly than discharging it into the river.

Cape Coral utilized Horizontal Directional Drilling to install pipe underneath the river while Fort Myers utilized microtunneling to install a portion of the reclaimed water main underneath busy intersections along the pipeline route.

The Caloosahatchee Connect Project is a large reclaimed water pipeline allowing the city of Cape Coral to transfer up to 12 million gallons of water daily from Fort Myers. The reclaimed water will be used for irrigation.

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‘Two Cities Working Together To Better the Environment’

ILLUSTRATION FROM CALOOSAHATCHEECONNECT.COM

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January 12, 2024 ■ Page 40

Washington, D.C. does and brought it to our city,” he said.

“Everyone knows better than to bring those resolutions forward and move it forward without any discussion. That was the thing that drove me crazy.”

McGrail asked the council to rescind its decision, made 5-1 with Councilmember Bob Welsh voting against the consent agenda and Sheppard absent, and to revisit that issue.

“What you are doing is going to turn our city into a nightmare,” he said.

Tom Shadrach, former chair of the Council-eliminated Budget Review Committee, said although he was not at the Dec. 13 meeting, he watched the video and was shocked that no council member was willing to pull the item from the consent agenda for discussion.

“Transparency is just lip service in our city government,” he said.

Shadrach said since there was no discussion, he asked for justification of expenses that would add up to the monthly stiped — “the response came back no justification available.”

Councilmember Richard Carr, who was appointed to the District 4 seat after the stipend vote, has said he will not accept the stipend.

Meanwhile, the Lee County Republican Party Executive Committee is expected to vote next Tuesday on a resolution that would “condemn profiteering by the Cape Coral City Council” and withhold support for the re-election of council members who voted in favor of stipends that nearly double their remuneration from the city.

The original resolution included all members of Council sitting at the time except Welsh as he had voted no.

The resolution was modified Thursday to include any member of council who accepts the stipend.

“The updated resolution, amended with feedback from fellow REC members, strengthens its effects by including current and future members by applying the consequences to those who accept the stipend,” said Sean Hartman, who drafted the resolution. “This allows Councilmembers and the Mayor an out by declining to take the stipend without repealing it outright.”

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Public comment Steinke and Sheppard made their comments in answer to those asking for information at public comment Wednesday.

Again, public comment was critical and sometimes harsh.

A 15-minute recess was taken 24 minutes into the onehour allotment for input and Police Chief Anthony Sizemore addressed meeting decorum when the session was called back to order.

“This is still a business meeting,” he said. “Other business has to be attended to in addition to citizen input. What I am asking — maintain decorum. Do the ‘jazz hands’ if we approve. Refrain from vocal outburst and behavior.

“I have made the recommendation, if disruptions and temperature gets to a certain level, recommend another recess. If continues again, I will be making a recommendation to suspend citizen input and clear chambers to conduct business.

There are some serious safety concerns of people getting the temperature up.”

Input continued for the allotted time without further action.

Among those who spoke was former city council member Richard Leon, who started a petition drive to persuade Council to rescind the vote taken Dec. 13.

“Today this petition has been signed by 7,219 people in three weeks. Give me three months. Give me six months. Give me to the election in November — I promise I will have a lot more,” Leon said.

He said council had the opportunity to fix the “injustice.”

Serving on the council is a greater calling, in which they all volunteered to do, he added.

“Use that good you have and rescind this stipend,” Leon said.

Lisa Cohen told the council that many in the community are generally upset. She touched upon city employees getting the short end of the pay, while new hires are making more than folks who have worked for the city for years.

“You are supposed to be listeners. High time you truly hear the voice of the people,” Cohen said.

Kevin McGrail, a 34-resident and former council member, also spoke. He said he had so much more respect for the council than what he saw on Dec. 13 — a day he said will live in infamy.

“You brought every single nasty, miserable thing that

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From page 1 city council drifted from their mission — to get rid of blight within the city’s old downtown. Sheppard said he spent four to five hours with the city manager walking up every street and alley in the South Cape.

That walk revealed four feet of weeds, overgrowth, wild trees, trash and abandoned vehicles, he said.

“That is blight. Why wasn’t that taken care of?

Sidewalks that can’t even be walked on — that is blight,” Sheppard said. “The CRA got away from their cause. It should be spotless and beautiful downtown.”

Sheppard also addressed the stipend and why he was not present when the vote on the consent agenda was made last month — he had left to use the men’s room.

He also criticized how those attending conducted themselves at that Dec. 13 meeting.

“The meeting was so out of control that if I glanced at my phone, or computer screen, people were chewing us out that we weren’t listening,” Sheppard said. “I don’t think anyone in this room had the guts to respond.

It was like a riot. It was out of control.”

Sheppard said he plans to donate the stipend money received in addition to his council salary.

“I will pay the full tax on it and then donate the entire stipend to the beautification of the city.”

As of Jan. 6, salaries were $48,095 per year for the mayor and $41,920 for council members.

Steinke emphasized to the crowd gathered in the chambers for Public Comment Wednesday that members of council did not receive a raise, but a stipend which he said a great number of Florida’s 411 municipalities use.

Elected officials perform numerous duties not readily apparent, he added.

“When I was elected, I voted yes for a schedule of attendance that I would be required — 51 events went on my calendar. At the end of 2023, I attended 234 other meetings and events that I had no idea I needed to attend,” Steinke said. “There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes because of the magnitude of work that goes on.”

Page 41 ■ January 12, 2024

Stipends: Lee GOP modifies resolution to include any council member who accepts the money

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 42 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Collaboratory scholarship application deadline today Collaboratory’s scholarship application for the 2024-2025 school year will close this Friday, Jan. 12, at 11:59 p.m.

“Early on I knew that I would not be able to afford college because I did not come from an economically wealthy family,” said Evelyn Suarez, an Oasis High School and FGCU graduate now working as an ICU nurse in heart surgery at HealthPark. “I started applying for every scholarship that I found that I might be a candidate for and Collaboratory’s was one of them.”

Suarez was born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States with her parents when she was 2 years old.

Norman Marcus and Dawn-Marie Driscoll established a scholarship fund with Collaboratory (formerly Southwest Florida Community Foundation) in honor of Norman’s 80th birthday in 2014. His parents were immigrants - Russian Jews – and Dawn-Marie’s grandparents were immigrants - Polish Catholic, so they both grew up in immigrant families. Norman passed away in 2018 but Dawn-Marie has

continued to support the fund and meets annually with her recipients.

“One of the joys was after we set up the fund, we got to meet the first recipient, Evelyn Suarez. It was fabulous. We stayed in touch with her – at Christmas and on her birthday - and she would write emails to Norman to let him know how she was doing at FGCU where she was a superstar; she rocketed through that place,” said Driscoll.

“Now I have an amazing job as a nurse.

Education and career success is very doable, and everybody can come from nothing and really make something out of themselves,” Suarez said.

Suarez graduated in 2019, debt free, and has purchased two homes in Cape Coral.

Since 2015, FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory has been working toward a goal of transforming Southwest Florida’s workforce by increasing the percentage of working age (25-64 years old) adults who hold post-high school credentials to 55 percent by 2025.

Collaboratory’s scholarships support this goal by providing funding to a variety of students including traditional collegebound individuals as well as those that want to earn a credential after high school and adults looking to reconnect with education to start or advance a career.

Scholarships are available for students seeking or continuing education at vocational and technical colleges, community colleges and state colleges and universities.

FutureMakers Coalition Navigators are available to connect adults needing training programs to acquire better paying jobs as well as students who previously attended college but did not complete a credential or certification.

In 2023, Collaboratory awarded more than $1.1 million and 164 scholarships to local high school students, adult learners, undergraduate and graduate students from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. One in five students who applied received a scholarship. Collaboratory had over a 50% increase in applicants compared to the previous year and awarded 28

of the scholarships as multi-year awards which will continue to help the students each year towards completion.

Students can apply at https://collaboratory.org/. Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships and can upload a transcript, letter of recommendation, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Submission Summary, which is a summary of the data provided on the FAFSA form.

All scholarships require the FAFSA form available at studentaid.gov.

“FutureMakers Coalition partners throughout Southwest Florida have been vital in spreading the word about the scholarships offered and helping increase the number of awards,” said Crystal Maldonado, scholarship coordinator at Collaboratory. “We have scholarships available for students across many categories and encourage all to apply to expand their educational opportunities.”

For those interested in starting a Collaboratory scholarship fund, email scholarships@collaboratory.org or call 239-308-1214.

Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute to hold small business course in Cape Individuals who are thinking about starting their own business, but need some mentoring are invited to apply for a class to be held in Cape Coral, scheduled for Feb. 5 to March 14.

Applications are now being accepted, and class size is limited.

More than 500 local businesses have emerged from the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute. This sixweek small business development program helps low-to-moderate income emerging entrepreneurs start new ventures and grow

small businesses.

Classes are scheduled from 6-9 p.m. on Monday and Thursday evenings at 815 Nicholas Parkway, E., Cape Coral.

Graduates complete a comprehensive training course and prepare a solid plan to guide their start-up. They work with mentors who are successful businesspeople, and hear from subject matter experts in areas of accounting, legal, marketing, insurance and funding. An easy to use workbook, used by organizations across America, assist in transforming vision into a plan for

a successful business.

A recent program graduate said, “This course helped me to organize and plan out the steps for creating my business. Coming in, I had no idea how to start a business that would lead to success, and now I have that.”

To apply, please visit www.goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise, or call 239-9952106, extension 2215. The session is $80; Volunteer hours can be substituted for the fee if income requirements are met. For more information, email Sandra Plazas at

sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org.

The Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute is administrated by the nonprofit Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, and is part of Goodwill’s mission of providing lifechanging opportunities toward independence for those with disabilities and disadvantages.

For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.

Lee Clerk hosts free class on how to search land and official records

Riverboat Jazz Band will perform Friday, Jan. 19, from 6-8 p.m., at Lake Kennedy Center, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per person.

BYOB and other refreshments. For additional information, call 239-574-0575.

Anyone who would like to learn how to search, access and electronically certify land and official records is invited to attend a free online class hosted by Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes.

The How-To class will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 2-3 p.m. through the online platform Zoom.

The Lee Clerk’s office offers an online service platform that allows community members to search for and easily access many public documents, including those from our Official Records Department. Official records consist of liens, plats, certificates of title, mortgages, lis pendens, marriage licenses, deeds, judgments, death certificates, military discharges and more.

The class will cover the following: ■ A brief overview of Official Records ■ What documents are accessible online ■ How to perform a search online ■ How to obtain an electronically certified document Participants should register for the class at www.leeclerk.org/seminar.

This class is part of the “How-To” series provided by the Lee Clerk’s office to educate the community about all of the resources available to them. Recorded tutorials of “How-To” classes are available at past www.leeclerk.org/howto.

League of Women Voters educational events scheduled

International Holocaust Remembrance Day set for Jan. 29 at The Laboratory Theater In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Laboratory Theater of Florida is holding a community event called Remember at 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 29. This program is designed to share the feelings and experiences of the victims who lost their lives, their families, and trust in humanity.

Guests will have the opportunity for a deeper awareness of the importance of honoring the memories of those murdered, as well as the need to educate each new generation to help prevent another Holocaust from happening again.

India Association of Fort Myers to hold Senior Wing Meet & Mingle Jan. 27 at Luminary Hotel in Fort Myers The India Association of Fort Myers will host a Senior Wing Meet & Mingle from 6-9:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Luminary Hotel Terrace at Silver King Ocean Brasserie, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers.

There will be a pre-fixed three-course dinner with vegetarian options available. The cost is $65 per person with soft drinks, coffee and tea included.

A cash bar will also be available and there will be Bingo & Carom competitions.

Please purchase tickets to reserve your spot ASAP as there are only 30 spots available. Purchase tickets at https://www.iaftmyers.org/events.

Cape Coral Breeze

The League of Women Voters of Lee County invites the public and league members to free in-person virtual educational events. More information is available on the website calendar www.lwvlee.org.

The league is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The league’s principles and policy positions support responsible government that is transparent, effective, and efficient. The league supports governing that provides leadership and coordination to solve economic and social issues and assures needed services to all citizens. This includes funding for programs that prevent or reduce poverty, promote self-sufficiency, and enhance the quality of life and the well being of individuals.

The educational events include: ■ Feb. 3, Democracy Watch ■ March 2, Behavioral Health ■ April 6, Climate ■ May 4, Voter Education/Registration All of the programs free and will be held at Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers and virtually via Zoom. Information and registration links: https://my.lwv.org/florida/lee-county/calendar Information on the programs and issues of the League of Women Voters is available on the web at www.lwv.org, www.lwvfl.org and www.lwvlee.org or by calling 239278-1032.

The program will be a series of songs, instrumental music, and include readings written by and based on Holocaust victims.

The program will include Holocaust survivors Peter Seminauer and Carla Beninga; Dr. Robert Hilliard, a WWII liberator; Sunny Lubner, a celebrated community and human rights activist who lost family members during the Holocaust; and Logan Aleph, an Israel Defense officer, each sharing their personal stories. Musicians include Chuck and Diane Coffman, pianist Bella Gutstein, and violinist Boris Sandler.

Tickets are on sale now for $10, and donations will be collected for the Lab’s Holocaust and Human Rights Education to further the work of human rights education in our community. For tickets, call 239-218-0481 The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation and the development of ensemble work.

For more information please visit www.Laboratory TheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Riverboat Jazz Band to perform at Lake Kennedy Center dance Jan. 19

Page 43 ■ January 12, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 44 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Nuclear Jazz Sextet to open Winter Concert Series this Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers has announced its 2024 Winter Concert Series.

There is no charge for the performances, although the church does request a free-will offering that is given totally to support each performing group.

The Nuclear Jazz Sextet will be the first of the five concerts in the series, performing Saturday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m. at the church at 7401 Winkler Road.

The Nuclear Jazz Sextet features a

trombonist, trumpeter, saxophonist, pianist, bassist and drummer, along with vocalist Susanne Sale, performing jazz standards from professional arrangements created by band leader and trumpet player Cary Davids.

The second concert Saturday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m., features the Gulf Coast Harmonizers, an award-winning barbershop harmony group originally knows as the Cape Chorale which has been performing for over 30 years.

The third concert on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m., is by The Del Prados. The quartet, founded 21 years ago by Lou Reyes, is known for singing songs from the Sock Hop bands of the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m., the Southwest Florida Concert Band visits the main church sanctuary at Zion Lutheran.

Established in the summer of 2017, the band's repertoire includes music from the movies, dramatic overtures, popular vocal tunes, melodies from Broadway shows,

marches and more.

Closing out the series is the Sanibel Seahorse Chorale, made up of 6th, 7th and 8th graders from the Sanibel School. The concert on Saturday, March 9, at 2 p.m., is a fundraiser to help the chorale travel to New York in April to perform at Carnegie Hall.

For additional information about the concert series, please call Denny Bowers at 239-887-8585.

Epiphany Episcopal Church to host Astralis Chamber Ensemble Jan. 23 Epiphany Episcopal Church will again host the popular Astralis Chamber Ensemble in concert Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m.

The ensemble features Angela Massey (flute), Rachel Aguilar (violin), Paul Aguilar (viola) and Laura Usiskin (cello).

These award-winning musicians will be presenting virtuosic works by prominent composers from Europe, including Mozart, Mendelssohn, JS Bach, Kuhlau, and Handel.

A reception will follow in Puffer Hall, the reception venue of the church.

The church is located at 2507 Del Prado Blvd., S., in Cape Coral. The concert tickets are $20 and will be available at the door on concert night. To assure a seat, call the office at 239-574-3200 between 10 a.m. and 2 also call any other time and leave a message with your name, phone

number and a request to be added to the Astralis Will Call list.

Epiphany Episcopal Church is at 2507 Del Prado Blvd., S., Cape Coral. For additional information about the concert, please call 239-574-3200.

Tebows guest speakers for Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast

Cape Coral Breeze

Registration open for free event celebrating National Day of Prayer on May 2 at Lee Health Sports Complex The Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast will host its annual event at 6 a.m., Thursday, May 2, at the Lee Health Sports Complex, located at 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers.

Returning by popular demand is Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, firstround NFL draft pick and Heisman trophy winner. Tebow will be joined by his wife Demi-Leigh Tebow, a former Miss

Universe 2017 and founder of the Unbreakable Campaign, as this year’s keynote speakers. During the event, the couple will share their powerful stories of faith along with their shared passion for serving others.

Registration is now open at communityprayerbreakfast.com/. Thanks to the sponsors, the event is complimentary and includes breakfast and a unified prayer

program, in addition to the keynote address.

The SWFL Community Prayer Breakfast event sponsor is the Daniel R. and Anne M. Harper Foundation, and the 2024 Speaker Sponsors are AIM Engineering, Edison National Bank, Ron and Sherry Inge, LSI Companies, Quinton B. and Beverly H. McNew Foundation, John and Pam Noland, the John E. and Aliese Price Foundation, Donna Sublett, and Bill and Kim White.

Sponsorships are still available for the 2024 event. For more information, please email SWFLCommunityPrayerBreakfast@gmail.com or call 239-744-7769.

The event is held annually on the first Thursday of May, and local, state and federal observances are held from dawn to dusk nationwide. Over 2 million people participate in the special day annually and Fort Myers has honored the day each year since 1988, with the exception of 2021.

As the son of missionaries, Tebow has continuously worked to spread God’s word by serving people in need. Tebow is the author of four New York Times Best Selling books, which include “Through My Eyes,” “Discovering Your True Identity,” “This Is the Day” and his most recent release, “Bronco & Friends.”

He is also the founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, an organization with the goal of bringing faith, hope and love to those in need of a brighter day. The foundation makes dreams come true for children with life-threatening injuries and provides surgeries to children in the Philippines through the Tebow CURE

Hospital.

Demi-Leigh Tebow, a South Africa native, is the founder of the Unbreakable Campaign. The campaign’s goal is to educate and empower women globally on how to prevent and manage dangerous situations. The campaign was founded after she survived a hijacking attempt in South Africa. Through her work as Miss Universe, she was able to expand the Unbreakable initiative to create a community of hope and support across the globe.

She is also a board member of Her Song, an Anti-Human Trafficking ministry within the Tim Tebow Foundation.

“Tim and Demi Tebow encapsulate the true essence of what it means to serve God in all that they do,” said Ron Inge, president of Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast Inc. “We look forward to having Tim return, joined by his wife, for this year’s annual breakfast and hearing their message of faith and outreach to others that they will share with the Southwest Florida community.”

Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast Inc. was founded to guarantee that the prayer breakfast continues to be celebrated annually, thanks to the generous support of local businesses, organizations, individuals and foundations. John Noland, Carl Barraco, Gary Trippe, Ron Inge, Richard Akin, Ashley Hull and Matt Roepstorff serve as board members of the Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast.

About the Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast The Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast is held annually on the first Thursday of May in observance of the National Day of Prayer, a day when individuals of all faiths join in unified prayer for continued blessings on the nation. Southwest Florida has been honoring the National Day of Prayer since the Com-munity Prayer Breakfast’s inception in 1988. To learn more, visit Community PrayerBreakfast.com or call 239-744-7769.

JANUARY 12, 2024

See SHEEPIE, page 46

TIDES CHART Tide Time

at Cape Coral Bridge Height Sunrise Moon Time Feet Sunset

Day

High /Low

% Moon Visible

Sa 13 13 13 13

High 3:15 AM Low 12:06 PM High 6:24 PM Low 10:27 PM

1.1 -0.4 0.5 0.3

7:18 AM 5:55 PM

Rise 9:19 AM Set 8:32 PM

2

Su 14 14 14 14

High 4:11 AM Low 12:45 PM High 6:41 PM Low 11:43 PM

1.0 -0.3 0.5 0.3

7:18 AM 5:56 PM

Rise 10:00 AM Set 9:39 PM

7

Sa 13 13 13 13

High 2:43 AM Low 11:32 AM High 5:52 PM Low 9:53 PM

2.1 -0.7 0.9 0.7

7:18 AM 5:56 PM

Rise 9:20 AM Set 8:33 PM

2

Su 14 14 14 14

High 3:39 AM Low 12:11 PM High 6:09 PM Low 11:09 PM

1.9 -0.6 0.9 0.6

7:18 AM 5:56 PM

Rise 10:00 AM Set 9:40 PM

7

at Matlacha Pass (Bascule bridge)

■ 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” Note: 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. Find Calusa Blueway on Facebook. Visit the iTunes store or Google Play to download the free smart-phone app. Visitors can find information at www.fortmyers-sanibel.com.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www.leegov.com/resources/ newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.

PREP REPORT Wednesday

Boys Basketball Bishop Verot 68, Imagine School North Port 46: Gavin Williams scored 27 points to lead the way for the Vikings (12-3). Jerry Ashley had 14 points and 14 rebounds, Leroy Roker scored 15 points with 11 boards and Tyler Reeder added 10.

Girls Basketball Ida Baker 54, Lehigh 40: The Bulldogs (8-2) went to Lehigh and dropped the Lightning to 10-4. Alexandra Reuss, Maia Berbedes and Julianna Nieves led the Ida Baker attack.

Boys Soccer Cape Coral 2, Bonita Springs 1: Juan Limpias and Sebastian Munoz scored for the Seahawks, (9-4-2), with Adel Zammar contributing an assist. Erwin Quintanilla made four saves in goal for the win.

North Port 8, Oasis 0: The Sharks are 4-7-3.

Girls Soccer Cape Coral 10, Bonita Springs 2: Mikala Allen and Cameron Fallacara had a hat trick each, with Fallacara adding an assist. Angelica Murillo had a goal and an assist for the Seahawks, while Zuee Maurillo, Olivia Toro and Isabella Cruz scored a goal each. Sophia Vianest made two assists while Angelina Toro, Emily Graulich and Briella Alexander contributed an assist each.

North Fort Myers 1, Fort Myers 0: Evie McCarthy set up Kenlee Dominguez for the only score of the match as the Red Knights (11-2) downed the Green Wave (7-32).

MARK CLIFFORD

Cape High’s Alaysia Ivy (15) dribbles past Dunbar’s Daniya Maycock (30) in the Seahawks’ 29-7 win last Thursday.

Boys & Girls Clubs to host ‘Evening at the Ballpark’ March 14 at JetBlue Park Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County’s annual “Evening at the Ballpark” event will be held March 14 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers and include a Baseball Legends Panel with some of the game’s greatest athletes.

The event starts with appetizers, drinks, activities and games on the concourse, along with autographs from cur-

rent players on the Boston Red Sox roster and photos with World Series trophies. Then, guests move onto the warning track at JetBlue Park, where they can bid on dozens of auction items, including signed baseball memorabilia.

See ‘EVENING AT THE BALLPARK,’ page 46

Cape Coral Breeze

With winter sheepies typically hanging around rocks, docks, pilings, bridges and oyster bars, casting anglers are often surprised to encounter big sheepshead patrolling the mangrove edges and hitting lures designed for redfish and snook.

Sheepshead are always associated with some type of vertical bait fishing using shrimp or fiddler crabs, oyster bits and even oddball baits like recent video clips of anglers loading up on big specimens using live crickets another using earthworms. More videos show anglers dock walking and catching whoppers by dropping down very lifelike plastic imitations of Capt. George small crabs. D&D in Tunison Matlacha has an interesting selection of these lures. My biggest shallow-water specimen was just a tad over 10 pounds caught in Matlacha on a mangrove point after eating a gold redfish spoon then producing a memorable fight on a light snook rod.

An oyster bar next to a channel can be a prime spot for a shallow encounter, otherwise, traditional drop the bait down to them spots like the Boca Grande phosphate docks and all the area bridges are worth checking as well as several stretches of the Cape and Matlacha canals and docks. When fishing docks always try to be a good ambassador for the sport and respect people’s property and privacy. If a homeowner is uncomfortable with you fishing their dock, don’t hassle, just move on. It’s a big pond.

Before the fronts, nearshore reef anglers where doing well on not only sheepshead but also catching the usual variety of snappers, and if and when the weather allows, that fishing should continue. For those that venture further out, red grouper remains open in state and federal waters with a 20-inch total length the ticket to legally take some home for dinner. Black grouper fishing is also open year-round in state waters with a four-fish, 24-inch limit to harvest. Best advice, let the weatherman and common sense be your guide when running offshore.

When deciding to relocate to Florida, living on

“A Wealth of Waterways, Canoeing & Kayaking in Florida” is the second in a series of free Calusa Bluewayrelated programs and is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 N. Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers, FL 33903.

Johnny Molloy, veteran author of more than 85 outdoor guidebooks, will share a slide show and presentation focused on paddling the Sunshine State. He will be sharing his favorite destinations included in the just released third edition of his book “Canoeing & Kayaking Florida,” along with essential paddling tips. Malloy has paddled waterways from the Yukon Province to Minnesota's Boundary Waters to Maine's Allagash Waterway to rivers throughout the South. He is looking forward to sharing with you his love of Florida paddling.

“Johnny literally wrote the book on paddling in Florida,” said Calusa Blueway Coordinator Mike Hammond. “One of the reasons his books are so popular is because he has spent so much time experiencing the outdoors firsthand. We’re looking forward to him sharing those experiences and adventures with us.”

Books will be available to be autographed by the author.

Calusa Blueway Speaker Series schedule:

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Don’t be surprised Second presentation in Calusa if you catch a sheepie Blueway speaker series Jan. 23 while casting for Lee County Parks & Recreation to offer events through March something else

Page 45 ■ January 12, 2024

SPORTS

THE BREEZE

January 12, 2024 ■ Page 46 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Six Mile Cypress Slough 2024 Digital Photo Contest underway young people, the Friends group is the Slough’s staff and volunteers.

Deadline for adult, youth entries is Jan. 31 among allowing youths ages 17 and under to par- Membership levels in the Friends organiticipate for free. The entry cost for adults zation start at $10 for students and $25 for

Entries are now being accepted for the Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve 2024 Photo Contest. The deadline is Jan. 31.

The contest is limited to amateur photographers only and, for the first time, only digital entries can be submitted. Photos must be of native species and must have been taken at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, which includes Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve North.

Registration and entry submissions should be made on the Friends website, www.sloughpreserve.org “Through your camera’s lens, we invite you to capture the essence of the flora and fauna that call this preserve home,” said

Sabine Vandenhende, president of the nonprofit Friends organization. “Embrace the challenge and share your artistic vision as we join together to preserve, protect, and honor this natural jewel through the art of photography.”

First, second and third place winners will be awarded in three categories: Plants and Landscapes, Birds and Animals. A Grand Prize winner will be awarded to the photo the judges deem best overall.

In addition to the regular adult contest, there will be separate contests for youths and staff members. Youth entries are eligible for the Grand Prize.

Hoping to foster a greater love and appreciation of nature and conservation

is $15.

Winning entries are on display at the Slough Interpretive Center, which is open daily except Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free with paid parking. The photos also can be viewed on the Friends website. Winning photos from previous years, dating back to 2010, are on the website.

Last year, a total of 263 photos were submitted by 89 different entrants. The 2023 Grand Prize photo, taken by Pat Lonergan, was of a bobcat on the Slough boardwalk.

The Friends organization is a nonprofit citizens group that provides support for

individuals. More information about the photo contest and membership is available on the Slough Friends website at www.sloughpreserve.org Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is over 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem with a boardwalk trail and Interpretive Center. Animals like otters, alligators, turtles, wading birds, and more live at the Slough year-round. Others, like migrating birds and butterflies, use the Slough as a feeding area or a winter home. The Slough is managed by the Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation and is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

‘Evening at the Ballpark:’ Special event benefits Boys & Girls Clubs From page 45 Following dinner on the outfield grass, the Baseball Legends Panel will feature an engaging dialogue with Major League Baseball greats who will offer insight into baseball a generation ago and unfiltered perspectives on today’s game.

In 2023, Evening at the Ballpark attracted nearly 150 supporters and featured a pair of legendary pitchers in Minnesota Twins great Bert Blyleven and Red Sox star Luis Tiant, along with autographs from three active Red Sox players: Kutter Crawford, Adam Duvall and Rob Refsnyder.

“Last year, we sat under the Green Monster and listened to Bert and Luis telling captivating stories about their playing days,” said Denise Gergley, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County.

“Evening at the Ballpark is a literal field day for baseball fans in Southwest Florida.

You don’t get many opportunities to enjoy dinner on the outfield grass and ask questions directly to players you idolized growing up.”

Proceeds from Evening at the Ballpark support Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County’s impactful After-school Program and Summer Enrichment Program, which focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation. Boys & Girls Clubs operates eight community, neighborhood and school programs in Lee County.

Evening at the Ballpark will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive in Fort Myers.

Event tickets are $200 each, or $1,500

CAPE CORAL ANIMAL SHELTER

for a table with 10 seats, and include appetizers, drinks, games, dinner, raffle items, a silent auction, autographs and the Baseball Legends Panel. Event sponsorships are still available. For more information or to register, please visit bgclee.org/events/join-us-for-an-eveningat-the-ballpark.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County Established in 1974, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County serve children and

teens through school-based, neighborhood and community club locations. The nonprofit’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Afterschool and summer programs focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation. For more information, please visit BGClee.org or call 239-334-1886.

Sheepie: Catch them anywhere From page 45 Florida’s east or wrong side is something I didn’t choose to do, due to, at that time in early 2000, population density and hurricanes that always hit Miami then up the east coast to the Carolinas, then out to sea. Good fishing, less folks and near zero hurricanes drew me here to Southwest Florida along with now many more folks and, of course, hurricanes. East coast angling does offer great opportunities, including great inshore angling but also fantastic pass, along the beach/coastal and relatively close to shore “offshore” fishing. The east coast mullet run draws huge tarpon, sharks, jacks, snook and big redfish almost to the beach for, at times, fantastic non-stop action for skiff and beach anglers. Wading in the surf isn’t a good plan during the mullet run feeding frenzy.

Up north along the Space Coast really big tripletail lurk under Canaveral buoys and inshore the state’s biggest seatrout, as in double-digit trout, are likely to hit your Skitter Walk in skinny lagoon waters.

Jumbo cobia ride the backs of incredibly huge manta rays right outside the surf zone chased by tower boats looking to lure 50pound cobia to a brightly colored jig. Right now sailfish alley is lit up all along the coast all the way down to Key West, and something to cross off your angling list.

Catching a sailfish on a fly rod is one of my most treasured angling memories. Want to try a test of wills and tackle with a 50pound or larger jack crevalle? Head over, he’s waiting to hurt you.

Actually Southwest Florida not only offers great angling but within 2-5 hours of here heading either north to fish Mosquito Lagoon for giant trout or Lake Toho for a giant largemouth, east to fish the Atlantic side or south to Biscayne Bay, Florida’s back country or casting to Key West winter tarpon and permit, Cape Coral is Florida fishing central. I’m not moving.

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-282-9434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.

Florida Arbor Day: A tradition From page 17 Bullet

Tuck

Looking for a loving home Bullet is a 1 to 3-year-old male. Life threw him a curveball, but he is still wagging his tail non-stop. His special skills include cuddles, funny faces and the art of finding the coziest spots. If you're ready for a friendly sidekick, let's get together and meet!

Tuck is a 1 to 3-year-old female kitty.

She is a petite little cat who loves nothing more than to snuggle on her human's lap. Tuck can be shy at first meet, but give her a few minutes and she will

warm right up to you.

If you are interested in meeting any of the animals available for adoption at The Cape Coral Animal Shelter, please visit its website at www.capecoralanimalshelter.com for additional information.

The shelter is located at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, and hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

trees, we strive to provide cooling shade, wildlife habitats, clean air and water and natural beauty. As Morton stated: “Other holidays repose upon the past; Arbor Day proposes for the future.”

This year the Garden Club of Cape Coral will celebrate Arbor Day by planting Lee County native Sweetbay Magnolia trees at Cultural Park and Sirenia Vista Park Friday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m. More than 400 trees will be planted to celebrate Florida Arbor Day and the 100th anniversary of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. The Duke Energy Foundation is supporting this project with a $20,000 grant that will help garden clubs buy siz-

able native trees.

Plan to join the Garden Club of Cape Coral as we celebrate the legacy of the visionary J. Sterling Morton on Florida Arbor Day! It is amazing to think that a young man who moved to the barren plains of Nebraska and undertook a massive tree planting endeavor has had such an influence on our nation and the world. Let’s celebrate his forward-thinking gift by participating in the Arbor Day events, and maybe even planting a tree in Morton’s honor in our own garden.

Cathy Dunn is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com

Page 47 ■ January 12, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

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January 12, 2024 ■ Page 48 www.capecoralbreeze.com

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Air Conditioning

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