012225 Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

VOLUME 41, NUMBER 4

Hyatt gives town 100 days resignation notice

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h M a n a g e r A n d y

Hyatt has given the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council 100 days notice that he intends to resign his position and to help with the transition

Hyatt, who was approaching two years on the job, announced his decision to Council Tuesday morning Hyatt said he had been speaking with family for the last six months about “the next phase” of his life after about 50 years of public service

Putting for a good cause

Fort My ers Be ac h Woma n’s

Club Putt & Pub a ttr act s s pect ac le of c ost um es to rai se funds for loca l nonprof it s

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

There were no slots left to fill in the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club Putt & Pub Saturday as more than 300 miniature golf putters made their way around downtown Fort Myers Beach dressed like the Flintstones, as genies and other characters to putt at the toughest and most creative greens assembled by the island’s restaurants

The event was for a good cause, to support nine Fort Myers Beach nonprofits

Sponsored by the King Family Founation, nine restaurants hosted the party as the teams arrived in full costume at the largest Putt and Pub organized in the 13 years of the event

“Our nine nonprofits had amazing gift baskets and the supporting restaurants created amazing putting holes,” Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club President Dawn Thomas said

“And the costumes continue to get better and better A big thank you to everyone who helped make this happen

” Thomas gave a special thanks to the King Family Foundation for their sponsorship of the event as well as many others who also added sponsorships

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers w as amo n g th e co u n cilmemb er s w h o showered Hyatt with accolades for his service on Tuesday but also remarked that Hyatt had faced threats that led to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy being present at town council meetings

“When we have to have a deputy here, not for his safety but his family’s safety, we have gone too far,” Allers said.

Hyatt said he was proud of how town staff had responded to several hurricanes last year “They have done a remarkable

Dawn Thomas, Deb Nelson,

“A huge thank you to our sponsors this year we had more sponsors than ever who were so generous,” Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club President Dawn Thomas said “Our nonprofits and partnering restaurants created a funfilled golf course We even had the weather cooperate ” According to Thomas, more than $65,000 was raised at the

job,” Hyatt said

Hyatt said his current contract calls for 120 days notice for him to leave the position

Allers said “although I respect your decision, I wish I had heard something else ” Allers said he has “seen the best of this island and I have seen the worst since Hurricane Ian Some of the things you guys have had to endure is not right.”

Councilmember John King said he thinks the “bad of the island has driven

See HYATT, page 15

Trump orders Gulf of Mexico name change to Gulf of America

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

President Donald Trump issued an executive order Monday on his first day in office that would propel a change in the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America The order was one of dozens issued by the 47th president and one which would have an immediate impact on Fort Myers Beach as the Gulf of Mexico is the vast body of water that beachgoers on Fort Myers Beach look out upon from the shore

The name change does not take effect immediately, though The executive order sets out a process for appointing a board which could lead to the change being made in as early as 30 days

Gov Ron DeSantis was quick to act, though, on Monday evening, issuing an executive order related to a winter weather warning for the Panhandle and northern Florida which referred to the “Gulf of America ” Messages left with the communicat i o n s o f f i c e o f D e S a n t i s w e r e n o t returned

Barb

took part in the Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club dressed up as genies Saturday. The annual Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club Putt & Pub brought out a number of colorful costumes out for some miniature golf putting to raise funds for local nonprofits and support local businesses.

event Of those funds, between sponsorships, registration fees, business partnerships and funds donated by the partnering restaurants, about $40,000 will be distributed to the nine non-

See PUTT & PUB, page 16

U S Sen Rick Scott took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday morning, to proclaim “New map just dropped, and the GULF OF AMERICA has never looked better off of Florida’s shores” with a map showing “GULF OF AMERICA” in bold letters with Scott’s name underneath

In response to questions from the Fort Myers Beach Observer about the timeline for changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico and review board process, as well as the potential costs to schools to change textbooks and maps, and for federal agencies to adopt changes for official documents, Scott’s staff referred queries to The White House

PHOTO PROVIDED

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To the editor:

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Anne Mosle Guest Commentary

Midwest Food Bank mobilizing resources to California wildfire victims

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this news article.

Pedestrians help a firefighter stretch a hose as an apartment building burns Jan 8 in the Altadena section of Pasadena, Calif.

(AP PHOTO/CHRIS PIZZELLO)

BUSINESS

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank welcomes Liszak to board of directors

STAFF REPORT

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has announced the appointment of Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak to its board of directors

In its announcement of the appointment, the bank highlighted Liszak’s “wealth of experience and a strong background in executive management, marketing, sales and customer relationship management ”

The president and chief executive officer of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce since 2016, Liszak is also the principal owner of Sea Gypsy Vacation Rentals on Fort Myers Beach

The bank is expected to open its newest branch location on Fort Myers Beach in 2026

“We are excited to welcome Jacki to our board,” said Craig Albert, chairman of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank’s board of directors and the bank’s former president and CEO “Her expertise in economic development and her advocacy for businesses in Southwest Florida, especially on Fort Myers Beach, aligns perfectly with our mission We are confident Jacki will help us achieve our long-term goals, strengthen our customer relationships and further enhance the positive impact we have in the communities we serve ”

Founded in 2003, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has eight locations open throughout Lee County In Fort Myers, at the bank’s McGregor Branch, located at 15975 McGregor Blvd , the staff is operating out of a temporary mobile banking unit due to major flood damage to the existing building Construction on the new building is underway and is expected to be completed in 2025

The bank is nationally ranked in the top 2% best-performing community banks by S&P Global Market Intelligence out of more than 4,400 banks with assets under $1 billion The bank employs more than 120 employees, and more than 60% are current shareholders Since 2003, the bank has contributed more than $5 million to over 400 local, charitable causes and employees volunteer close to 1,000 hours annually

Horizon Council, Lee County Economic Development Office

‘state of the economy’

registration deadline approaching

If You Go:

What: 2025 Annual Meeting of the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office

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C o m m i s s i o n e r s o n e c o n o m i c d e v e l o p m e n t i s s u e s T h e

When: Thursday, Feb. 6, from 11 a m to 1:30 p m

Where: Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd , Fort Myers

More information: For more information, visit HorizonCouncilFoundation com, or call 239-533-6800

C o u n c i l h a s u p t o 8 0 m e m b e r s r e p r e s e n t i n g c i t i e s ; c h a m b e r s o f c o m m e r c e ; e c o n o m i c d e v e l o p m e n t a n d t r a d e o r g a n i z a t i o n s ; c o m m u n i t y , b u s i n e s s , a n d e d u c at i o n o r g a n i z a t i o n s ; a l o n g w i t h v a r i o u s o f f i c e r s a n d a tl a r g e m e m b e r s T h e H o r i z o n C o u n c i l i s t h e v o i c e o f b u s i n e s s i n L e e C o u n t y T h e C o u n c i l ’ s m i s s i o n i s t o i m p r o v e L e e C o u n t y ’ s b u s i n e s s e n v i r o n m e n t , r e t a i n a n d e n c o u r a g e t h e e x p a n s i o n o f e x i s t i n g b u s i n e s s e s , a n d a t t r a c t n e w a n d d i v e r s i f i e d e m p l o y e r s I t i s t h e

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School District of Lee County to host career event

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Beach Living Town releases documents on beach wagon proposal

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Town of Fort Myers Beach has released documents relating to the proposal from Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers for the town to purchase wagons and contract with local beach vendors for tractors to transport the public for miles across the beach

The documents released by the town, as requested by the Fort Myers Beach Observer, show some of the potential costs and companies the town could purchase the equipment from, based on research by Allers and Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt

The estimates include one from Zimmerman Farm Service of Pennsylvania for an 8 5 x24 feet wagon at a cost of $9,200 plus a $1,300 tarp kit for a total of $10,500 for one wagon before delivery With delivery, the cost for two wagons would be $24,200 Photos of the wagons on the Zimmerman Farm Service website show them being pulled by tractors

The cost estimate for the wagons were forwarded by Hyatt to the town’s legal counsel, Nancy Stuparich Hyatt also shared with Stuparich links to other wagon vendors such as Weaver Wagons & Custom Design of Ohio and Stoltzfus of Pennsylvania, who offer a number of tractor-drawn wagons

At the town council’s management and planning session earlier this month, Allers inquired as to the status of contracts between the town and beach vendors who rake the beach That was the first time such contracts had been mentioned at a town council meeting since Allers first discussed his beach wagon idea with the council on Oct 28 and mentioned that two beach vendors were interested. Council took no action to approve a beach wagon contract or beach vendor contract at that meeting though Allers said he was seeking consensus to look into it more though only Councilmember John King voiced support

In response to questions from the Fort Myers Beach Observer last week, Allers said his questions to legal counsel about the status of the contracts at this month’s management and planning session was about “how the contract was coming to get to our beach vendors for consideration to operate ”

Allers said “it would have to come to council for

approval before anything can happen ”

Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt, who had not publicly commented on the proposal at either meeting, said this week that he believed that the concept was only being explored at the present time

“I took the Mayor’s suggestion as just one of a number of ideas that may be worth exploring as we try and help folks get up and down our island during these times of high traffic congestion,” Atterholt said “It is my understanding that this concept is still in the exploratory stage by the Town.”

Councilmember Scott Safford ruled out the possibility of the wagon proposal occurring this season though he said he was open to discussing it for next season

“This would be something we could discuss for next season We would have to look at all kinds of things like permitting, licensing, insurance etc , ” Safford said in an email “I don’t feel there would be any way this could be pulled off this season, especially with the beach renourishment going on ”

In addition to the town’s beach renourishment project, the state’s shorebird nesting season begins in Southwest Florida Feb. 15 and lasts through September. The sea turtle nesting season begins May 1 and runs through October

Allers has ruled out that the wagon transportation proposal would occur during those months

Allers said that the wagons would run for several hours during the day up and down the beach from Santini Plaza to the area around the Fort Myers Beach Pier, which is about five miles each way

Florida Audubon has raised concerns for the impact on shorebirds as well as beachgoers who could stand in the way of the tractors and wagons The island is home to four threatened bird species that nest annually as well as dozens of other bird species many of whom are migrating birds that stop on Fort Myers Beach to rest between trips between North America, South America and as far as the Arctic

Fort Myers Beach residents largely reacted negatively to the proposal by Allers on the Fort Myers Beach Observer Facebook page Carol Sutto-Pugliese, of Fort Myers Beach, warned of “extreme liability” from the tractors and wagons

Summer Ray MacDiarmid, of Fort Myers Beach, called the proposal “a joke Please do anything else with our tax dollars ” Others also wondered if the proposal was in fact a joke.

See WAGON, page 13

PHOTOS PROVIDED

County completes tree-planting project in Lakes Park

Lee County Natural Resources this month completed a tree-planting project in Lakes Park funded by a $37,500 grant from the U S Forest Service to decrease erosion, improve stormwater runoff capture and protect the water quality of the watershed

More than 120 native and Florida-Friendly trees were

planted within 200 feet of waterbodies in the park, including the shoreline of South Lake, wetlands, and man-made stormwater canals This will reduce potential run-off entering the watershed and provide many other benefits

The project is expected to intercept up to 1 5 million gallons of run-off over the course of 10 years In addition, the

park pond banks will be stabilized, reducing erosion and the cost of possible shoreline repairs in the future Lakes Park is in the Hendry Creek watershed, which has a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for total nitrogen and is currently subject to a State of Florida Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)

Conservancy of Southwest Florida announces $25M grant from John & Carol Walter Family Foundation

STAFF REPORT

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida announced a historic $25 million grant from the John & Carol Walter Family F

p

c commitment in the organization’s history

This grant will enable the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to transform the current Nature Center brand and public offerings into the new redefined John & Carol Walter Nature Experience The goal is to inspire and invite the community to protect the natural environment

“My family has become deeply connected to the natural beauty and our shared way of life here in Southwest Florida,” said John Walter “This area is important and holds great significance to all of us We feel a great responsibility to get involved and care for our surroundings since they offer so much meaning and enjoyment Like many, we want our community to thrive for future generations It's our hope that the re-imagined Nature Experience will continue to positively transform this critical regional destination so that residents and visitors will better understand how fundamental the

Conservancy's mission is to each of our personal lives. We hope our commitment inspires others to learn more and join us by investing in our way of life, which benefits all in Collier County ”

According to a release from the organization, the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience will "inspire individuals to take action and support the Conservancy’s critical mission to preserve Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife, and future, for generations to come "

The new John & Carol Walter Nature Experience will feature:

∫ Interactive and Dynamic Learning

tours, traveling exhibits, and state-of-theart multimedia technology will make education engaging, memorable, and everchanging Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and conservation challenges; ∫

Carefully preserved diverse habitats and peaceful spaces will create new opportunities for visitors to connect with nature, reflect, and recharge;

∫

Education: Clear, accessible exhibits and materials will inspire action, showing visitors what they can personally do and contribute to preserving Southwest Florida’s environment as members, volunteers, and advocates;

∫ Family-Friendly Features: Inclusive programs and facilities will be designed for all ages, with child-centered activities and accessible amenities to ensure a welcoming experience for everyone;

∫ C u l t u r a l a n d C o m m u n i t y

Engagement: Collaboration with local schools, artists, and organizations will continue to enrich the visitor experience, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and regional stewardship;

∫ B e s t - i n - C l a

Practices: A transformed guest experience featuring a new welcome center complex as the gateway to the Conservancy’s mission, showcasing exhibits, thematic programs, and traveling exhibits; a sustainably designed building including a twoand-a-half-story parking garage with a solar panel roof; and a half-acre stormwater lake and enhanced filter marsh system to showcase innovative water quality

enhancement efforts

“This $25 million grant is not just a benefit for the Conservancy but for the entire Southwest Florida community The John & Carol Walter Nature Experience will ultimately enrich the lives of residents and visitors, empower individuals to take meaningful action in conservation,

President and CEO Rob Moher said “The more we connect with nature, the more likely we all are willing and able to protect it John and Carol Walter’s family passionately and purposefully understand the value of making that connection We are truly grateful to the John & Carol Walter Family Foundation for their transformative grant and are pleased to offer appreciation and celebration for their continued commitment to the Conservancy’s mission to enhance the quality of life we all enjoy in Southwest Florida ”

The opening of the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience is anticipated in the first half of 2028

State GOP committeeman calls for removal of sheriff

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Mick Peters, a state Republican Committeeman representing Lee County, has called for the resignation of Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno or his removal by Gov. Ron DeSantis

“This was never, and is not now, about 'guilt/innocence'; it's about misfeasance which is abuse of discretion,” Peters said in an email sent to the Fort Myers Beach Observer regarding Marceno Peters said there is an “overwhelming appearance of impropriety on his part ”

Peters was elected in a Republican primary last August to represent Lee County on the State Republican Committee

The call is an individual one and not all members have echoed the request

Tara Jenner, a state Republican Committeewoman representing Lee County, said “Governor DeSantis has evaluated and acted in other cases where removal of an elected official was warranted He will do so if and when appropriate with Sheriff Marceno The Governor has historically fulfilled his duty without needing to be prompted ”

Marceno has faced scrutiny since last year, when it came to light that Marceno had hired a Bonita Springs jewelry store owner for social media consulting services Mike Hollow, a former Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy who ran against Marceno as a write-in candidate last fall, alleged that part of the payments to the jewelry store owner were then redirected to a relative of Marceno to pay for a luxury car Other Lee County Sheriff’s Office contracts have since also drawn controversy, including a $9,000 a month contract with AGL Solutions, whose president is former State Sen Lizbeth Benacquisto

See SHERIFF, page 11

FILE PHOTO

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, shown during a press conference on Fort Myers Beach in 2022 bringing attention to missing people after Hurricane Ian, is under fire from State Republican Committeeman Mick Peters to resign.

More recently, Lee County officials disclosed that the Lee County Sheriff’s Office had been subpoenaed as part of a grand jury investigation The secretive grand jury process has led to further speculation regarding Marceno’s office though county officials have said they believe the grand jury case involves other matters than contracts, such as permitting

On Jan 7, the social media accounts of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office announced that Marceno would be addressing an FBI investigation involving the department on a Facebook Live show During the Facebook Live show that was billed as a “state of the agency,” Marceno engaged in a 16-minute conversation with Public Information Officer Nestor Montoya

When Montoya asked about the FBI investigation, Marceno said “The FBI requested the documents and we supplied the documents and we move on ”

No charges have been filed against Marceno

Peters, who ran unsuccessfully against Lee County Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle in November, said his call for Marceno to resign or be removed from office “has nothing to do with the rank and file, management and other leadership of LCSO, they are some of the finest people I've ever met ” Peters said he believes Marceno “must be above reproach, governing himself within the same laws we're all required to obey He is, by definition, to be a 'better person' than the rest of us ”

DeSantis has not addressed the matter directly though in a question at a press conference last week regarding the call for Marceno’s ouster, DeSantis reiterated his powers to remove elected officials for a variety of reasons under the state constitution

At a press conference announcing he was appointing

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill the seat of outgoing U S Senator Marco Rubio, DeSantis did not say whether he may do so in Marceno’s case

“If you read Florida’s constitution, the governor has the constitutional authority to suspend elected officials at the county level based on a number of criteria: misfeasance, malfeasance, incompetence, neglect of duty, drunkenness, there may be another one or two but those are the main ones. And when a public official triggers, and they only need to trigger one of it, I won’t hesitate to react,” DeSantis said

The question from the reporter was coupled with questions about State Attorney Monique Worrell, the state attorney for Orange and Osceola County, whom DeSantis suspended from office in 2023 but who won back her office in 2024

DeSantis referred to his suspension of Worrell and Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren from office as precedent

DeSantis suspended Warren for having pledged not to prosecute any doctor who performs an abortion in violation of the state’s abortion ban, and suspended Worrell for what he alleged was her failure to prosecute certain cases

Under the state constitution, once the governor suspends an elected official, the state legislature can vote to remove the official from office

DeSantis said he wants to change that rule “I am going to talk to the Senate President about changing that rule,” DeSantis said “They can still delay if they need to, but I think they incentivize these people Andrew Warren went to court for like two years and he lost We won that He never went in front of the Florida Senate Yes, he got voted down when he tried to run again but a lot of that is because

Hillsborough County is a nominally red county ”

Worrell won her seat back as State Attorney of Orange and Osceola County, after running again in 2024 despite the suspension from DeSantis DeSantis said Worrell is a blue county

“This judicial circuit is blue so in a presidential election, if you have a D next to your name, here you have a benefit,” DeSantis said

DeSantis reiterated his ability to suspended elected officials at the press conference

“It’s not just here It’s anywhere in the state of Florida, folks should just be on notice This is a valid power It was not necessarily used as robustly (in the past),” DeSantis said

“When I became governor, my first week in office, we got rid of the Sheriff of Broward who bungled the Parkland operation,” DeSantis said “We then got rid of the Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections who botched the 2018 election and previous elections as well We got rid of the Osceola State Superintendent who failed this really tragic case where she was sweeping things under the rug, not living up to the law ”

DeSantis touted his record on going after “leftist prosecutors ”

In response to the statements, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Commander Anita Iriarte said “The governor has the authority to remove public officials should facts and circumstances warrant taking the action

“Guesses and speculations we see in the media aside, the Sheriff looks forward to serving the great residents of Lee County for the term just started ”

From page 8

Ryan Cody worried that “they are turning it into Daytona Beach ”

If the town council were to approve moving forward with the wagon proposal, a number of legal steps would be needed including changing the town’s law that prohibits motorized vehicles on the beach The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Department of Environmental Protection both regulate vehicles on the beach The FWC would have to review impacts to birds and other

wildlife

The DEP’s review would focus on any impacts to dunes or vegetation on the beach

Brooke Keck, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, said the DEP regulates beach cleaning and also any impact to dunes or vegetation on the beach

“Under Section 161 053(2), Florida Statutes, it is prohibited to drive on, over or across any sand dune, or to damage dunes

Mound House to host water quality talk

The Mound House on Fort Myers Beach will host Dr Mike Parsons of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School for a presentation about the water quality around Fort Myers Beach today from 6:30-8:30 p m

Building upon years of research, Dr Parsons will answer questions about

water quality and share data from a community science project from this past summer on Fort Myers Beach The p r o g r a m i s f r e e f o r M o u n d H o u s e Members, and $5 for the public.

The cost to attend includes museum admission, lecture, and light refreshments Register at MoundHouse org

or vegetation seaward of the CCCL,” Keck said “State law focuses on how vehicles access

PHOTO

Lions Club Shrimp Festival to return in March

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Fort Myers Beach Lions Club announced they are bringing back one of the island’s most popular events in March with the return of its shrimp festival this March

The festival, which started on Fort Myers Beach in the 1950’s, will begin with a kids shrimp run on March 1 followed by a shrimp crawl that will run from March 39 The festival parade, arts and crafts fair, and queen’s pageant will be held Saturday, March 8 The festival will culminate with a blessing of the shrimp fleet and shrimpeating contest on Sunday, March 9.

“We are really excited for the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival this year,” Fort Myers Beach Lion Drew Yelle said “The Lions Club shrimp dinners are back The fine folks at Erickson & Jensen are once again delivering on a promise to deliver delicious wild-caught gulf shrimp for us all on Fort Myers Beach

Yelle said Lions club volunteers will be boiling and serving pink gold shrimp March 8-9

“All the other fan favorites will be back as well ” Yelle said “Parade, 5-K race, crafts vendor expo, pageant, eating contest, and the second annual shrimp crawl.”

The tentative schedule is for the kids shrimp run to kick off the festival Saturday, March 1 at 8 a m for a one-mile run on the beach The kids shrimp run is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade The race will begin and end at the beach access on Gulf Beach Road across from the old Topps Supermarket and ends at Connecticut Street beach access Starting at 8 a m , each grade will be released separately The race is free Each participant will receive a shirt and awards will be given to the top three finishers for each gender

The 5K Run will take place Saturday, March 8 from 9 to 10 a.m. The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed beginning at 9 a m for the 5K run and the following parade

The popular shrimp festival parade will run from 10 a m to noon and is known for attracting colorful floats, costumes and the shrimp festival princesses The festival will run two miles down Estero Boulevard from the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School to the base of the Matanzas Pass Bridge

Fort Myers Beach restaurants will be serving locally caught pink gold shrimp as part of the festival shrimp crawl to help support the local shrimp industry and small businesses.

An arts and crafts fair will be held on both Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, from 10 a m to 5 p m along Old San Carlos Blvd and between 1st Street & 3rd Street

Hyatt

From page 1

this ” Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said he was “a bit stunned and saddened” but said Hyatt “left us in a good place ” Atterholt asked that Hyatt help the town with the transition even if takes a little longer Atterholt said he would like Hyatt to provide the town some helpful guidance as to what the challenges are for the island

“I wasn’t prepared for this,” Atterholt said “I believe public service is a calling and I thank you for answering the call ”

Councilmember Scott Safford complim

Queen’s pageant, Saturday 1 p m to 2 p m

The longtime tradition of crowning a shrimp festival queen returns Saturday, March 8 with the shrimp festival queen’s pageant.

“We’re excited to hold the Shrimp Festival Queen’s Pageant again this year to celebrate our local shrimp fleet with the island locals and Lee County locals, to entertain our visitors and bring lots of people into all the small island businesses who are coming back two years after Hurricane Ian and just months after Debby, Helene and Milton,” said pageant organizer Tracey Gore Gore said the pageant was an important way to support the festival by helping to raise funds for the Fort Myers Beach Lion’s Club “so they can continue their mission ”

Gore said the Lions Club is “truly an amazing nonprofit ”

On Sunday, March 9, the blessing of the fleet at 11 a m at the shrimp docks on Main Street after a service at St Raphael’s Episcopal Church

At noon, a pink gold shrimp celebration will follow with p e e l a n d e a t w i l d - c a u g h t Florida pink gulf shrimp from Erickson & Jensen The shrimp sales will benefit St Raphael’s Episcopal Church

The showstopper will be the shrimp-eating championship at 2 p m at The Whale The con-

Hurricane Milton last year

“We got hit by Helene, we got clobbered by Milton How the town bounced back so quickly is a testament to your leadership,” Safford said

Councilmember Karen Woodson said she is “extremely saddened by this.”

Woodson said the “negativity” on the island is “absurd, ridiculous ” Woodson

s a i d H y a t t h a d a “ c o m m o n - s e n s e ” approach to town business

Woodson said she was “furious” about the news of Hyatt’s resignation

test will feature up to 10 sponsored contestants who will compete to eat as many pounds of cooked and peeled shrimp within 8 minutes Contestants will be aided by assistants who will divvy out the shrimp to them in preweighed portions Last year’s event turned out a record winner of three pounds eaten.

For a full festival schedule and to find out more information about entering into the events including the parade, races, pageant and shrimp eating contest, visit https://fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival com/schedule/

“I think we all need to look at ourselves for this decision,” Woodson said “I hoped we would grow old together

Hyatt said he had developed close relat i o n s h i p s w i t h t h e s t a f f a n d s a i d h e

believed the town’s response to the hurricanes would be looked at by other towns

Hyatt touted efforts by the town to obtain state funds for revenue replacement and to build a new town hall

Hyatt said he gets calls from other t o w n m a n a g e r s a b o u t d e a l i n g w i t h

FEMA

Last year, the town was notified by

FEMA that it was being placed on probation, which could lead to the town losing its National Flood Insurance Program discount of 25%

“Too often people like to pick on the negative and not the positive,” Allers said Woodson she hoped that Hyatt would keep his decision open to a change of heart

“A change of heart needs to come from the community as well,” Allers said “There needs to be a change there ”

FILE PHOTOS

M

Putt & Pub From page 1

profits

“I also want to thank all the great golfers who came out to play and the volunteers who aided in another successful event We can’t wait for 2026,” Thomas said

This year’s nonprofit awardees are:

∫ FMB Revival

∫ FMB Strong

∫ Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce

∫ Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation

∫ Fort Myers Beach

∫ Friends of Lovers Key

∫ Friends of the Library

∫ Friends of the Mound

Winners

PUTT & PUB, page 17

∫ Fort Myers Beach Elementary School PTO

Lion's Club

House

∫ First place The Flip Flippers: Jodi Lapinsky, Nick Lapinsky Teresa Christie, Kenny Christie

∫ Second place Mike Miller, Scott Miller, John Cahill, John Beerman

∫ Duffers Award Safari Swing Squad: Nikki Wood

∫ Best Dressed Team Barbie and Ken Nan Williams, Jeff Williams, Dave Berens, Cindy Berens

∫ Best Hole Smokin' Oyster Brewery

PHOTOS PROVIDED Valerie Prottsman (left) celebrates putting with Terry Lavay (right) at the Fort Myers Beach Putt and Pub Saturday.

PHOTOS BY GAYLE CRABTREE

School safety inspections continue across the district

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The School District of Lee County’s Office of Safe Schools continues to inspect schools to ensure campus safety

On Jan 7, Safety, Security and Fleet Operations Chief Dave Newlan told the school board the office is required to provide quarterly reports During the first quarter, six schools were inspected and 27 were inspected in the second quarter Inspection includes that exterior and interior doors close properly as, well as threat assessment man-

From page 1

“The White House would have more d e t a i l s o n t h e e x e c u t i v e o r d e r , ” s a i d Madeline Holzmann, press secretary to Sen Rick Scott

The office of Rep Byron Donalds did not respond to requests for comment

Trump’s executive order calls on the Secretary of the Interior to take “all appropriate actions” for the name change within 30 days of the executive order and calls on the U S Board on Geographic Names to ensure all federal agency maps, docu-

agement

Of the 27 schools that were inspected during the second quarter, seven schools had deficiencies: Patriot Elementary School, Tropic Isles Elementary School, Treeline Elementary School, Gateway Charter Upper Campus, J. Colin English Elementary School, Mariner High School and Coronado High School

Deficiencies are quickly corrected

“Once I get the notification the school was inspected, within three days they are fixed We have to acknowledge in one day and up to three days to fix defects With these

ments and communications include the name change

Trump’s order also calls for a review of each federal agency head’s appointments to the U S Board on Geographic Names within a week of the order and to “consider replacing those appointees in accordance with applicable law ”

The order calls on the Secretary of the Interior to “review and consider additional appointments to the Board to assist in fulfilling all aspects of this order, subject

Obituaries

they were done within one day; way before the timeline they were fixed,” he said “The schools did a great job of meeting the compliance of all state requirements ”

The school district is not notified when the inspection is going to take place, nor are the schools that will be inspected.

“I am very proud of our schools for the great job that they do with student safety,” Superintendent Dr Denise Carlin said “I commend Mr Newlan for his leadership in that area Thank you for the support you provide our schools ”

to all applicable laws ”

In his statement on the executive order, Trump said:

“The area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning nation and has remained an indelible part of America T h e G u l f w a s a c r u c i a l a r

America’s early trade and global commerce It is the largest gulf in the world, and the United States coastline along this remarkable body of water spans over 1,700 miles and contains nearly 160 mil-

economy today The bountiful geology of this basin has made it one of the most prodigious oil and gas regions in the world, providing roughly 14% of our Nation’s crude-oil production and an abundance of natural gas, and consistent-

ly driving new and innovative technologies that have allowed us to tap into some of the deepest and richest oil reservoirs in the world The Gulf is also home to vibrant American fisheries teeming with snapper, shrimp, grouper, stone crab, and other species, and it is recognized as one of the most productive fisheries in the world, with the second largest volume of commercial fishing landings by region in the Nation, contributing millions of dollars to local American economies. The Gulf is also a favorite destination for American tourism and recreation activities Further, the Gulf is a vital region for the multi-billion-dollar U S maritime industry, providing some of the largest and most impressive ports in the world

The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy, and in recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America ” Within 30 days of Trump’s executive order, the Secretary of the Interior is ordered to “update the GNIS to reflect the renaming of the Gulf and remove all references to the Gulf of Mexico from the GNIS, consistent with applicable law

The Board shall provide guidance to ensure all federal references to the Gulf of America, including on agency maps, contracts, and other documents and communications shall reflect its renaming.”

School district continues to upgrade mental health programs

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

School District of Lee Coun cials said mental health continues at the forefront, an initiative began in July of 2018 in the wa of the mass shooting at Marjor Stoneman Douglas High School

“It was game-changing legislation that married together safety and how are the children,” School Counseling and Mental H e a l t h S

Brooks said “It set forth a recur ring allocation under the Gener Appropriations Act for mental he of schools and established req ments that districts must approve Mental Health Allocation Plan outcomes for mental health to the Department of Education ”

On Jan. 7, the school board meeting touched upon the many layers the district says it is tackling mental health Throughout the years additional layers and requirements have been added, as the district is required to educate children about what wellness is, resiliency skills and coping skills with stressors that life can hand them

The Comprehensive School Mental Health Plan provides a broad spectrum of prevention, assessment, intervention and postvention services, officials said Areas of support include swatting calls, school-based incidents or a natural disaster that could create exposure to trauma

“We are actually charged with engaging with our community-based partners and parents to create that system approach,” Brooks said

New this year the district’s first Mobile onse Team Crisis Assessment se and Education (CARE) Team ooks said the district has been ding its own CARE team for the st three years This spring they will be ready to deploy the district CARE team

“Each region will have a ded-

deploy,” she said

The team will respond when

Response Team is unavailable.

arlotte, Hendry and Glades coun-

support starts at the school level hool mental health team, which is comprised of school counselors, school social worker, school psychologist, a licensed mental health professional and school nurse The school mental health teams meet weekly for fact-based problem solving identifying students’ needs and adjusting the support the student is receiving if needed

“We staff 57 LMHP positions. Our growth is based on data, mental health needs, school leaders’ feedback and how well we are able to meet those needs based on allocation increases,” Brooks said

She said they assist students that may be in a crisis mode through suicide identification the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, which is administered by school-based mental health professionals

“The level of response will always include the parent We have had to make significant progress on how to

implement this protocol We are reducing the number of students based on the Baker Act,” Brooks said.

The number of involuntary examinations under the Baker Act went from 129 in the 2022-23 school year to 54 in 2024-25 The number of students placed under the Baker Act went from 107 for 2022-23 to 50 for 202425 The number of Baker Acts initiated by the Mobile Crisis Response Team went from 67 in 2022-23 to 30 in 2024-25 The number of Baker Acts initiated by School Resource Officer went from 62 in 2022-23 to 24 in 2024-25

The 2023-24 school year had an increase across the board, which Brooks said was due to Hurricane Ian

The 2024-25 school year data was reported through Dec 6

The district is currently looking into potential expansion with the University of South Florida (USF) for M

(MIDAS) and Project SMARTS (School Mental Health

Prevention)

MIDAS is early identification for social-emotional and behavioral concerns through universal screening and implementation of evidence-based interventions

Project SMARTS will adopt an innovative prevention model that aims to decrease youth suicide and increase the delivery of critical prevention and postvention supports

Brooks said this will target up to 10 middle schools and provides staff training from USF

“It’s a pathway for schools to become a Department of Education Suicide Prevention School It’s a pathway for schools to become certified, staff trained in suicide prevention training and how to connect students to that support,” she said

STAFF REPORT

The Southwester Florida Reading Festival isn't until March 1 but that won't keep other reading activities from starting throughout Lee County beginning next week

Author visits, books signings and other book-focused events are planned for this month and through February as

part of a series of free pre-festival programs from the Lee County Library System to celebrate the power of reading Authors visiting library branches ahead of the festival include Jennifer Coburn, Libby Fischer Hellmann, Jean Kwok and Terrie Farley Moran

In addition:

∫ Readers can participate in festival-themed book discussions

∫ Budding writers can join a live, virtual event on working with a literary agent

∫ Children can join local artist Carolyn Gora who will present her picture books with a drawing lesson

∫ And much more

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , J

Grampy’s Charities Tennis Tournament at Beachview Tennis Club to benefit LARC

Grampy’s Charities, an organization that raises funds to support organizations transforming children’s lives, is presenting The Beachview Tennis Club Open Doubles T o u r n a m e n t t o b e n e f i t t h e L e e A s s o c

Remarkable Citizens (LARC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)

The event will be held on Saturday, March 8, for men’s and women’s doubles 3 0, 3 5, and 4 0 and on Sunday, March 9, for mixed doubles 3 0, 3 5, and 4 0 at The Beachview Tennis Club, 1101 Par View Drive, Sanibel Island

The entry fee is $100 per person for Saturday or Sunday or $150 for combined Saturday and Sunday play per person All entrants will receive t-shirts and lunch on Saturday and Sunday Awards will be presented to winners and runners-up!

The tournament provides participants with a fun and meaningful way to contribute to an important cause while enjoying a day of outdoor recreation.

Beachview Tennis Club is conveniently located near the Gulf of Mexico on Sanibel Island The picturesque

facility has five HydroGrid clay courts

“LARC has been making an impact in Southwest Florida for 70 years,” said Angela Katz, Executive Director of LARC “We are committed to providing life skills and vocational training, residential services, and community inclusion programs aimed at helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) lead fulfilling lives By participating in the tournament or becoming sponsors, individuals, and businesses can directly contribute to LARC’s mission of empowering individuals with IDD to achieve their full potential ”

“I chose LARC to benefit from this tournament because I feel it is important to support local nonprofits, especially those like LARC,” said Toni Halski, tennis pro and owner of Beachview Tennis Club. “They play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Southwest Florida

LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 83 Its main campus is

Double the Families, Double the Laughs: ‘Caught in the Net’ at Broadway Palm

you to laugh out loud with its Off Broadway

located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes in Fort Myers and Cape Coral

Contact Toni Halski at (239) 472-9099 to register for the tournament

For sponsorship information, contact Nickole Hendra a t 2 3 9 - 3 3 4 - 6 2 8 5 x 2 2 9 o r n i c k o l e h e n d r a @ l a

cleeecounty org or visit www larcleecounty org/tennis

About LARC

Established in 1954, LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 83.

LARC offers life skills and vocational training, youth programs, community residential and employment services, and a wide array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis Its main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes.

Inferno Rock Radio & Ember South Entertainment to present Everclear Live in Fort Myers Jan. 30

Get ready to rock! Inferno Rock Radio

u g h

Caught in the Net, runn

February 23, 2025 This side-splitting farce, written by Ray Cooney, is the uproarious sequel to the hit comedy Run for Your Wife

The story follows taxi driver John Smith, who is desperately trying to keep his two separate families and his bigamy a secret When his teenage children from each marriage accidentally meet online, chaos erupts, leading to a web of hilarity, mistaken identities, and frantic cover-ups

Group discounts are also offered for parties of 20 or more

Show Details

Enjoy an afternoon or evening of nonstop laughter in the charming Off Broadway Palm Theatre Get your tickets now for Caught in the Net by visiting the Broadway Palm website, calling the box office, or stopping by the theatre in person Show and meal prices start at $65, with show-only options available

Dates: Jan 14 – Febr 23

Location: 1380 Colonial Blvd , Fort Myers

Tickets: Available at BroadwayPalm com or by calling 239-278-4422

Prices: $55 – $70, with special rates for groups of 20+

thrilled to announce a night of unforgettable music as Everclear takes the stage at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon on Thursday, Jan, 30 Joining them for this electrifying evening are special guests Grin Cynic and Kamenar

Known for their iconic hits like “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine,” Everclear has been a staple of the rock scene for decades, captivating fans with their raw e

you’re a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, this is your chance to experience their magic live in an intimate setting

“Inferno Rock Radio is all about delivering high-energy rock experiences to our

South Entertainment to bring Everclear to

Fort Myers is the perfect way to continue bringing live music to the heart of our community in 2025,” said Patricia Ray, spokesperson for MAT Media Group. “This is more than a concert it’s a celebration of rock music’s enduring spirit and its ability to bring people together ” The night promises a dynamic lineup that showcases the best of the rock world Grin Cynic, with their powerful sound and gripping lyrics, and Kamenar, Southwest Florida’s own rising stars, will set the stage for a headliner that’s guaranteed to rock the night away Don’t miss out on what promises to be one of the hottest rock events of the year. Follow Inferno Rock Radio for exclusive updates, contests, and behind-the-scenes content leading up to the show Tickets: https://infernoradio com/event /everclear-fort-myers

A t t e n t i o n , S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a

(Top)golfers: it’s time to dress to impress from the waist down while raising money on beha area nonprofit dedicate h e l p i n g l o c a l c a n patients and their fam lies

T h e C a n c e r

A l l i a n c e N e t w o r k (CAN) hosts its annua l F a n c y P a n t s f u n d r a i s e r o n Saturday, Feb 1, from 9 a m t o n o o n a

T o p g o l f , 2 0 2 1 T o p g

W a y , F o r t M

P a r t i c i p a n t s c a n r e g

individuals or as a team of up to six people

Crazy outfits are encouraged m w i t h t h e “ f a n c i e s t ” will receive a special a r d ( a n d b r a g g i n g ghts), and all participants will be treated to a brunch buffet CAN was formed in 2002 and is devoted to p

ollier and Lee counties

o u g h f i n a n c i a l a i d , u r c e s a n d s u p p o r t h generous community

donations, including at events such as the F a n c y P a n t s f u n d r a i s e r , C A N t u r n s despair into hope by providing a lifeline during a very difficult time

Individual tickets are available for $125, while team tickets can be purchased for $650 Sponsorship opportunities are also available: the presenting sponsor is Gulf Shore Cooling, LLC

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call 239-643-HOPE or v i s i t h t t p s : / / c b o i o / b i d a p p / i n d e x p h p ? slug=fancypants#

About Cancer Alliance Network

T

Network is to help individuals facing a cancer diagnosis receive the dignity and

relief they deserve by offering non-medical financial assistance for essential living expenses, which may include rent, mortgage, car payments, utilities, gas and food Since 2002, our support programs have served thousands of individuals with c a n c e r a n d t h e i r f a m i l i e s i n C o l l i e r , expanding to Lee County in 2017 and now also serving children in Hendry and Glades counties We strive for a community where those impacted with cancer and their loved ones can access quality support, at no cost to the family, as they navigate the financial strain and emotional stress of the disease and focus their attention on the fight against cancer To learn more, visit https://canceralliancenetwork org or call 239-643-HOPE

These special events, like all programs happening in the library branches, are free and open to the public Visit leelibrary net/events to explore and register for these programs or get more information about other activities offered at Lee County libraries, including our virtual author events

The Southwest Florida Reading Festival will be held from 10 a m to 4 p m Saturday, March 1, at the Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St This free event draws thousands of booklovers annually to meet dozens of internationally recognized authors of books for adults, teens and children Every child and teen in attendance can choose a free book at the event Ongoing entertainment will include author talks and book signings, library resource demos, youth writing awards, crafts, food and merchandise for purchase. Festivalgoers can plan their perfect day using the mobile app “SWFL Reads” to see the full schedule of authors, book signings and more

“There is a lot of variety in the featured author line-up, with powerhouse writers like Debbie Macomber and Reed Farrel Coleman that will be a big draw for attendees this year,” said festival coordinator Melissa Baker

Many featured authors are participating in the Name a Character Raffle, a special festival fundraiser where fans can enter for a chance to name a character in an author’s upcoming book More information is available at the festival website, readfest org

Fundraiser tickets available through Jan 30

An Evening with the Authors, the reading festival’s premier fundraiser, takes place Friday evening, Feb 28 This ticketed event gives attendees a chance to meet and mingle with the authors as part of an unforgettable dining experience at the Burroughs Home and Gardens The evening includes a silent auction with proceeds supporting the festival and gives guests the chance to snag spring training baseball game tickets, weekend getaway hotel packages and more Tickets are available on the festival website through midnight Thursday, Jan 30 or until the event sells out

The Southwest Florida Reading Festival is presented by the Lee County Library System, which has 13 branches to serve Lee County residents For more information about other library services and programs offered, visit www leelibrary net or call 239-479-4636

Festival Preview Events List

January

∫ Online Author Event with Seth Fishman

1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28

Writing a book, or thinking about it, and wondering what happens next? Join us for an inside look into working with an agent and the beginning stages of the publishing process with Seth Fishman, Vice President and Literary Agent at The Gernert Company Registration is required

February

∫ Book Discussion: “The Mango Tree” by Annabelle Tometich

2 p m Wednesday, Feb 12

Location: Estero Recreation Center, Room 103B

The Mango Tree is a poignant and deceptively entertaining memoir of growing up as a mixed-race Filipina "nobody" in Fort Myers, Florida Annabelle traces

the roots of her upbringing, while reckoning with her father's untimely death, her fiery mother's bitter yearning for the country she left behind and her own journey in the pursuit of belonging Registration required

∫ Meet the Author: Libby Fischer Hellmann

2 p m Thursday, Feb 13

Lakes Regional Library

Join us for an engaging author presentation and book signing featuring Libby Fischer Hellmann Copies of her latest novel "Max's War" will be sold at this event (credit card only) Registration is required

∫ Meet the Author: Terrie Farley Moran

2 p m Friday, Feb 14

Fort Myers Regional Library

Location: Meeting Room ABCD

Meet Terrie Farley Moran, the current co-author, with Jessica Fletcher, on the “Murder She Wrote” series as well as a coauthor of Laura Childs’ “Scrapbooking Mystery” series Learn more about being a mystery writer and the author's many works Registration is required

∫ Meet the Author: Terrie Farley Moran

2 p m Saturday, Feb 15

East County Regional Library

Meet Terrie Farley Moran, the current co-author, with Jessica Fletcher, on the “Murder She Wrote” series as well as a coauthor of Laura Childs’ “Scrapbooking Mystery” series Learn more about being a mystery writer and the author's many works Registration is required

∫ Reading Festival: Creation Stations

1 p m Monday, Feb 17

Northwest Regional Library

In preparation for the 26th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, we will be highlighting authors Kate Hannigan, Molly Idle and Kate Messner with writing and craft stations throughout the Youth Services area All supplies provided

∫ Meet the Author: Jennifer Coburn

2 p m Monday, Feb 17

Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

Join us for an engaging author presentation and book signing featuring Jennifer Coburn Copies of her latest novel “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory” will be sold at this event (credit card only) Registration is required

∫ Youth Author Visit and Art Lesson

4 p m Tuesday, Feb 18

East County Regional Library

Join artist and author Carolyn Gora as she presents her book "The Almost True Story of the Birds of Paradise " After the story, participants will receive a short art lesson Supplies will be provided Copies

of Ms Gora's books will be available for purchase

∫ Book Discussion: Reading Festival Edition

2 p m Thursday, Feb 20

North Fort Myers Public Library

An open book discussion focused on the talented Reading Festival authors coming to Southwest Florida on March 1 Choose from any of the numerous children, young adult and adult authors Share your thoughts on their works before attending the 26th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival to hear from the authors

∫ Storytime Fun for Everyone

11 a m Saturday, Feb 22

Pine Island Public Library

A special storytime celebrating favorite children and teen authors presenting at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival Enjoy stories and readings from the authors’ books, family games and crafts

∫ Meet the Author: Jean Kwok 11 a m Friday, Feb 28

Location: Estero Recreation Center, Room 103B

Join us for an engrossing author presentation and book signing by Jean Kwok Copies of her books will be sold at this event by the Friends of South County Regional Library. Jean Kwok is the awardwinning, New York Times and international bestselling author of “The Leftover Woman,” “Searching for Sylvie Lee,” “Girl in Translation” and “Mambo in Chinatown ” Registration is required

Southwest Florida Reading Festival author list and short biographies are below

Adult authors

∫ Tracy Clark is the acclaimed author of the “Detective Harriet Foster” series and “Cass Raines Chicago Mystery” series Clark draws on real-life people, places, and experiences while crafting her award-winning narratives

∫ Reed Farrel Coleman is The New York Times bestselling author more than 30 novels, including six in the “Jesse Stone” series for the estate of the late Robert B Parker The former executive vice president of Mystery Writers of America, Coleman lives with his wife on Long Island

∫ Jenny Colgan is The New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including “The Christmas Bookshop,” “The Bookshop on the Corner” and “Little Beach Street Bakery ” Jenny and her family live in a genuine castle in Scotland

∫ Eli Cranor is a nationally bestselling, Edgar-Award-winning author who writes from the banks of Lake Dardanelle where he lives with his family Eli also pens a

weekly column for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and serves as the Writer in Residence at Arkansas Tech University

∫ Alison Gaylin is the USA Today bestselling author of 15 books, including “The Collective,” the Edgar-Award-winning “If I Die Tonight” and the “Brenna Spector” series

∫ Lisa Genova is The New York Times bestselling author of “Still Alice,” “Left Neglected” and “Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting ” “Still Alice” was adapted into an Oscarwinning film and her TED talks on Alzheimer’s disease and memory have been viewed over 11 million times

∫ Ali Hazelwood is a New York Times bestselling author of several romance novels including “The Love Hypothesis ” With a background in neuroscience, much of her work features women in STEM fields and academia

∫ R J Jacobs, a practicing psychologist, has presented at numerous conferences and routinely performs PTSD evaluations for veterans His latest novel is “This Is How We End Things ”

∫ Steven Mack Jones is a published poet, award-winning playwright and winner of the Kresge Arts in Detroit Literary Fellowship His “August Snow” crime/thriller series won the 2018 Nero Award.

∫ Jean Kwok, the award-winning, New York Times and international bestselling author of “The Leftover Woman,” “Girl in Translation” and “Mambo in Chinatown,” has had her work published in more than 20 countries All her novels are in development for film and television

∫ Elinor Lipman is the award-winning author of 16 books of fiction and nonfiction, including “The Inn at Lake Devine,” “Isabel’s Bed,” and “I Can’t Complain: (All Too) Personal Essays.” Her first novel, “Then She Found Me,” was adapted into a film directed by and starring Helen Hunt

∫ Sarah MacLean is The New York Times bestselling author of 19 novels that have been translated into more than 25 languages Co-host of the weekly romance novel podcast, “Fated Mates,” she is a leading advocate for the romance genre

∫ Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide Her novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list Macomber has also published cookbooks, inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books

∫ Viola Shipman is the pen name of Wade Rouse, the bestselling author of 17 books, which have been selected as Indie Next and Michigan Notables He writes fiction under his grandma’s name, Viola Shipman, to honor the woman whose heirlooms and family stories inspire his fiction

∫ Julie Soto is a USA Today bestselling author, playwright and actress Her musical “Generation Me” won the 2017 New York Musical Festival’s Best Musical award, as well as Best Book for her script

∫ Annabelle Tometich went from medical school reject to line cook to journalist to author. She spent 18 years as a local food writer, editor and restaurant critic for The News-Press Her first book, “The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida,

Saint Michael Lutheran School to host 2025 TOUCH-A-TRUCK Jan. 25

Saint Michael Lutheran School will hold its 7th Annual TOUCH-A-TRUCK event, presented by Drake Ready Mix and Dynamic Equipment Group, Saturday, Jan 25, from 10 a m to 2 p m

The free family event is open to the public and takes place at the Saint Michael Lutheran School and Church campus at 3595 Broadway, Fort Myers.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK transforms Saint Michael’s campus into a hands-on interactive experience that allows kids to get up close with vehicles of all kinds The event gives truck-obsessed children a chance to turn their imagination into reality Kids can honk horns, open doors, climb into the driver’s seat, and learn from community leaders and vehicle operators

Parked along the streets of Saint Michael’s campus, attendees will see construction equipment, fire trucks and police vehicles, a Coast Guard boat, bucket trucks, dump trucks, farm equipment, delivery trucks, commercial lawnmowers, side-by-sides, ATVs and a helicopter (weather permitting)

Saint Michael’s gymnasium offers even more kids activities including bounce houses, family-friendly vendors, vehicle-related arts and crafts projects, face painting and more

Sponsored by SWFL Therapy Works, the first hour of the event, 10-11 a m , will be a sensory-safe time During this time, lights, sirens, horns, and other sounds that might disturb young or sensory-sensitive children, are prohibited SWFL Therapy Works will also provide a sensory-safe playroom inside and away from the trucks where kids can take a break from the noise and participate in games and activities

F o r a d d i

Lutheran School, please visit www smlcs org or call 239-939-1218

Better Together, Fort Myers Community Church to host job fair in Fort Myers Jan. 28

Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, is partnering with Fort Myers Community Church to host a community job fair from 10 a m to 1 p m on Tuesday, Jan 28 in Fort Myers

Registration is now open for job seekers to participate in the event The church-based job fair connects job seekers with local employers who are ready to hire, while also providing resources to facilitate stronger connections and more hires Free one-on-one job coaching sessions are available to job seekers to review resumes and interviewing skills, and additional services will be available onsite

The community job fair is part of Better Together's “Better Jobs” program, which has helped nearly 40,000

Broadway Palm brings you

‘Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story’

Get ready to rock and roll as Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, now playing through Feb 15 This electrifying production tells the inspiring story of Buddy Holly’s meteoric rise to fame, celebrating his original sound and remarkable talent

Audiences will be treated to live performances of over 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits, including “Maybe Baby,” “Every Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be The Day,” “Oh Boy,” and “Rave On,” as well as Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” and The Big Boppers’ “Chantilly Lace ” Experience the energy, music, and legacy of a true rock-and-roll legend in this unforgettable musical journey

“Actor Hunter Henrickson is an absolute delight to watch on stage from the moment he enters until the moment he exits, as he has mastered Buddy Holly, including the musician's vocal hiccup that became an unforgettable trademark along with his abrupt pitch changes Henrickson's performance gets two thumbs up as he keeps the energy going until the very end, and even then, he gives the audience one more famous song to end with, which brings everyone to their feet clapping and smiling ” Dave Elias – NBC2

prices start at $85, with show-only options available Group discounts are also offered for parties of 20 or more

About Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre:

Tickets for Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story are on sale now and can be purchased through the Broadway Palm website at BroadwayPalm com, by calling 239278-4422, or in person at the theatre Show and meal

applicants connect with employment opportunities across 24 states At job fairs hosted by Better Together, two-thirds of attendees get a job interview, and 1 in 4 receive a job offer on the spot Some 70% find work within six weeks

The Jan 28 job fair will take place at Fort Myers Community Church, located at 8400 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers Job seekers can register at BetterTogether US org/FMCC or by texting “JOB”" to 844-987-3949

Churches interested in hosting a Better Together job fair can visit BetterTogetherUS org for more information

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is the premier destination for live entertainment in Fort Myers, showcasing a variety of productions that entertain and inspire audiences of all ages With delicious dining options and a commitment to high-quality performances, Broadway Palm is dedicated to creating memorable experiences

online at https://northfortmyerstheatre ticketleap com/ pippin/ or with cash at the door Seats range from $5-$20 and are assigned The lobby opens one hour before the curtain, and the house opens 30 minutes before the curtain North Fort Myers High School is at 5000 Orange Grove Blvd , in North Fort Myers

Contact the school at 239-995-2117 or visit its website at https://nfm leeschools net/

SWFL Inc.’s Mini Golf Tour nament at Popstroke to be held Jan. 31

present ‘Pippin’ the musical

Nor th For t Myers High students to

North Fort Myers High School’s theater department will raise the curtain on the musical “Pippin,” with shows staged on Friday, Jan 31, and Saturday, Feb 1, at 7 p m and Sunday, Feb 2, at 2 p m

“Pippin” is a circus-inspired production, which features an acrobatic troupe of performers, led by the charismatic Leading Player (portrayed by Mia Zottolo)

The ensemble cast tells the story of Pippin, a young prince (Tyler Scott) who longs to find passion and adventure To prove his loyalty to his distracted father, King Charles (Dominic Pilozo), and his stunning new wife Fastrada (Rilyn Dick), Pippin goes to war alongside his dimwitted step-brother Lewis (Kevin Rees-Diaz). But when the Leading Player convinces the prince to fight tyranny, Pippin kills Charles and takes over the throne Thanks to his cunning grandmother Berthe (Grace Duncan), Pippin realizes his mistake and begs the Leading Player to bring his father back to life The prince falls in love with Catherine (Jay Encalada), a widow with a young son, Theo (Parker Laux), and much to the Leading Player’s chagrin, Pippin struggles to decide whether he should settle down and pursue a peaceful life or continue to make magic with the dazzling troupe of performers

Tickets for each of the performances can be purchased

SWFL Inc is excited to announce the SWFL Inc Mini Golf Tournament. Join us for a day of putting valuable networking opportunities with professionals from across the region on Friday, Jan 31, at Popstroke of Fort Myers

This event is designed to provide attendees with not only a memorable mini-golf experience but also a platform for building meaningful business relationships The tournament kicks off at 10 a m , attendees can anticipate a diverse range of offerings, including raffles, various prizes, refreshments, a luncheon, and more Given the limited availability of twosome slots, we strongly encourage you to secure your place by registering at https://www swfl inc com/2025-mini-golf-tournament

Popstroke is an 18-hole putting course built entirely with synthetic turf, incorporating fairways, bunkers, and rough just as you would see on a traditional golf course PopStroke infuses technology within the golf experience to create an interactive and competitive atmosphere for all participants

Twosomes are priced at $250 and can be reserved by

Ella@SWFLinc com

Twosomes must be secure by Friday, Jan 24, at noon

PHOTO PROVIDED

PALS

Sweet family in need of a good home

By ISABELLE WELLS Co-founder of the

Find a

Home,

Give a

Home pet rescue organization of Fort Myers

We rescued an all family of parents and puppies Nala is the Mom, Bruno was adopted and we have four little ones who really need a home. They are standard poodles. If you are interested in adopting any of them please call or text 239-281-0739

years old

WOODSTOCK- 3 months old, loves to play

SHADOW- Part poodle, like his brother and sisters he loves to play.

Food & litter donations

they were

and are bonded They must be

Please consider adopting both. Double fun!

Sierra is a beautiful sweet 1-year-old Seal Pointe Siamese and her friend is friendly and sweet named Abbie Abbie is white and tabby coloring They have been together since

kittens

adopted together

Beach

NALA- Sweet, 2

CHLOE AND ELLA- Love the dog park!!

and Felony” was heralded by The New York Times

Children’s authors

∫ Kate Hannigan loves to find interesting people from history and share them with young readers. Her titles include the historical novel “The Detective’s Assistant,” graphic novels like “The Great Chicago Fire,” and nonfiction picture book biographies like “Blips on a Screen” about the invention of video gaming

∫ Molly Idle is the Caldecott Honorwinning creator of the picture book

“Flora and the Flamingo.” Her most recent picture books are “Witch Hazel” and “I Don’t Care,” written by Julie Fogliano and co-illustrated with her best friend Juana Martinez-Neal

∫ Kate Messner is a New York Times bestselling author who has written more than 60 books for curious kids. Messner writes award-winning picture books, chapter books, novels and the popular “History Smashers” series

Teen authors

∫ Renée Ahdieh is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling

author of “The Wrath & the Dawn” series, the “Flame in the Mist” series and “The Beautiful” quartet “Emilio Sloth’s Modern Manners” is her debut children’s picture book

∫ Kristy Boyce played her first roleplaying game in high school and is now the nationally bestselling author of “Dungeons and Drama ” Other titles by Boyce include “Hot British Boyfriend” and “Hot Dutch Daydream ”

∫ Karen M McManus is a New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author of young adult thrillers Her work, which has been translated into 42 languages, includes the “One of Us Is

Lying” series, “Two Can Keep a Secret” and “Such Charming Liars ”

∫ Angela Montoya has been obsessed with the magic of storytelling since she was a little girl Her debut novel, “Sinner’s Isle,” received multiple starred reviews and her newest title, “A Cruel Thirst” is scheduled to be released Dec. 17, 2024

∫ Ginny Myers Sain is the author of “Dark and Shallow Lies,” a New York Times bestseller Other titles of hers include “Secrets So Deep,” “One Last Breath” and “When the Bones Sing,” slated to be released in March 2025

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d r u m s , a n d J a y H e a t h o n s a x o p h o n e

T h e c o n c e r t w i l l t a k e p l a c e o n t h e h i s -

t o r i c F o r d l a w n a l o n g t h e

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