Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

City council talks post-storm policies, more

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel City Council approved changes to post-hurricane policies including the curfew and recreation center use after hearing reco updates from staff its recent meeting as well as agreed on a raise for the city manager and r e c e i v e d a n u p d a t e f r o m

Community Hous and Resources

On Jan 17, the council discussed a r a n g e o f p o s t - s t o r m t o p i c s w i t h c i t y department officials

City Manager Dana Souza asked for direction on whether the city's curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 p.m. should remain in place or be amended Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton recommended changing it to midnight to 6 a m, along with eliminating the causeway checkpoint

The council voted 5-0 to proceed with the staff suggestions

Historical village provides post-storm update on buildings

Recently, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village provided a post-hurricane update on three buildings Morning G l o r i e s , S h o r e H a v e n a n d t h e C a r e t a k e r s ' Cottage as well as their histories.

O f f i c i a l s r e p o r t e d t h a t M o r n i n g G l o r i e s (1926) is a Sears & Roebuck prefabrication At a cost of $2,211, Martin Mayer ordered it delivered in 1925 The building arrived on the island in 30,000 pieces on a flatbed truck aboard a

barge Originally located on the San Carlos Bay, it represents a typical winter home on Sanibel in the 1920s and 1930s

Morning Glories sustained minimal storm damage and requires drying and dehumidification

Officials reported that Shore Haven (1924), which serves as the welcome center and administration building, sustained moderate damage to

See HISTORICAL VILLAGE, page 2

M o r n i n g G l o r i e s a t the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village s u s t a i n e d m i n i m a l s t o r m d a m a g e f r o m H u r r i c a n e I a n a n d requires drying and dehumidification.

SANIBEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND VILLAGE

Candidates qualify for Sanibel City Council election

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

With the qualifying period for the city of Sanibel’s March 7 election closing as of Jan. 13, four candidates are now in the running for two city council seats that will appear on the ballot

The candidates are aiming to win the seats currently held by Mayor Holly Smith and Vice Mayor Richard Johnson, who are both seeking re-election Both of their terms will expire on March 6

The other two candidates seeking office are Jude Sincoskie and Troy Cobb

Elections held for Sanibel City Council seats are non-partisan races.

During its regular meeting on Jan 17, the council voted unanimously 5-0 to approve a resolution designating the four candidates for the office of the city council for the municipal election in March

l l o t

T h e L e e C o u n t y E l e c t i o n s O f f i c e n o t e d t h a t t h o s e w h o p l a n t o r e t u r n t h e i r V o t e - b y - M a i l B a l l o t i n t h e m a i l s h o u l d d o s o n o l a t e r t h a n F e b 2 8 B a l l o t s r e c e i v e d a f t e r 7 p m o n M a r c h 7 w i l l b e i n e l i g i b l e .

O n E l e c t i o n D a y , b o t h o f t h e i s l a n d ' s p r e c i n c t s w i l l v o t e a t t h e S a n i b e l R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w l e e v o t e o r c a l l 2 3 9 - 5 3 38 6 8 3

Souza also asked for direction on when the city should resume requiring a membership to use the Sanibel Recreation Center Recreation Department Director Andrea Miller provided an update on the facilities and an overview for January She proposed reinstating the requirement for memberships in February, expanding

See CITY COUNCIL, page 3

Isl anderInsIde

n e

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently responded to a vehicle fire at an island home

On Jan 19 at about 9:40 a m , fire crews were dispatched to a residence on North Yachtsman Drive in response to a report of a vehicle on fire The commercial work van involved was parked out front

“The fire was quickly contained to the vehicle,” Fire Chief Kevin Barbot said

The crews were able to quickly extinguish the flames, with no damage to nearby structures

“No damage occurred to any property,” he said “No injuries occurred,” Barbot added.

The cause of the fire was unknown as of Jan 20 “(The) cause of the fire is under investigation,” he said, adding that the cause is “undetermined due to the extensive damage ”

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m

Historical village

Shore Haven's exterior was restored to its 1924 look, with the exception of the sun porch a modern addition In the early 1920s, the Mayer brothers landed on the beach fronting the San Carlos Bay

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

From page 1

Ross and Martin Mayer decided to live side-by-side and share facilities They both chose Sears Roebuck kit homes Martin and Ada Mayer purchased the Springwood model Morning Glories and completed it in 1926 The twos t o r y V e r o n a m o d e l h o m e S h o r e Haven was built by Ross and Daisy Mayer

Officials reported that the Caretakers'

Cottage was built after 1925 behind the Mayer family's bayfront home Through the years it served as a guest house, bath house, caretakers' cottage and annex In the 1950s and '60s, Hannah and Isaiah Gavin, after farming and living on Sanibel for decades, stayed there to help widowed Daisy Mayer with housework and gardening The cottage was donated and moved to the village with Shore Haven in 2012

and features an exhibit of Sanibel’s Black History

a

To donate to the recovery efforts, visit https://donate sanibelmuseum org/

SANIBEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND VILLAGE Shore Haven at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village suffered moderate damage from Hurricane Ian to the first floor.

a u s e d r e l a t i v e l y m i n o r d a m a g e t o t h e C a r e t a k e r s ' C o t t

The Caretakers' Cottage at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village sustained relatively minor damage from Hurricane Ian.

Sanibel crews extinguish van on fire in front of residence

o p e r a t i o n s t o i n c l u d e M o n d a y , a n d enhancing the schedule of class offerings

The council voted 5-0 to approve the staff recommendations

Souza also asked for direction on determining a date for when property owners would need to have hurricane debris put on the right-of-way for collection Staff recommended a deadline of Feb 20

The council voted 5-0 to establish the date suggested by staff

Additional storm-related updates highlighted during the meeting included the following:

∫ I n t e r i m P u b l i c W o r k s D i r e c t o r David Schmitt provided an update on the beach parks and a timeline for their anticipated reopening Souza reported that the g o a l i s t o r e o p e n t w o l o c a t i o n s i n February

Staff are aiming to reopen Tarpon Bay and Blind Pass next month, followed by a March reopening for Gulfside City Park with limited beach accesses For a midMarch or April reopening, staff listed Bowman's Beach and the boat ramp. There are no dates yet for the Lighthouse Park and Turner Beach

“The big thing is making it safe for the public,” Schmitt said

“We're trying to get the ones we can get open opened up first,” he added Schmitt also provided an update on the restricted beach accesses and a timeline for their anticipated reopening Several are looking at a February or mid-month reopening, with a few others set for March.

“We're going to be opening up those as quickly as we can,” he said

∫ In her update, Natural Resources D i r e c t o r H o l l y M i l b r a n d t g a v e a n overview of eagle nesting on Sanibel, which is monitored by Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers

As of the meeting, there were six active nests

Milbrandt provided the following tips for how the public can support eagle nesting:

Quietly watch from a distance If you notice an animal changing their behavior in response to your visit, it's best to move farther away and leave the animal be Fleeing is energy expensive and may cause the bird to abandon the nest, leaving the eggs/chicks vulnerable to predators

Never feed wildlife.

Birds, like other animals, gain the most nutrients from their natural diet. Feeding can bring crows, which predate upon eagle chicks, to the area

Do not use rodenticide.

It may injure eagles and other native wildlife

She added that eagles like other birds are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which protects active bird nests and prohibits all disturbance to nesting behaviors If any disturbance is witnessed, people are encouraged to call the Sanibel Police Department at 239472-3111 to report it

∫ Deputy City Manager and Finance

D i r e c t o r S t e v e C h a i p e l p r o v i d e d a n update on hurricane-related expenses, such as requested cash resources, reimbursable expenses, insurance coverage and more

Later in the meeting, he reported that s t a f f r e c e i v e d t h r e e r e s p o n s e s t o t h e r e q u e s t f o r p r o p o s a l r e g a r d i n g t h e issuance of a $20 million line of credit Fifth/Third Bank came in with the lowest a n d c l e a n e s t p r o p o s a l , w h i c h w o u l d include a variable interest rate and standard debt closing costs

He added that the bank did request a $20,000 commitment fee

The council voted 5-0 to approve a p p l y i n g f o r t h e l i n e o f c r e d i t w i t h Fifth/Third Bank

∫ Souza reported that staff are projecting an $8 5 million revenue loss as a result of the storm

He explained that the figure includes about $5 million in ad valorem taxes due to possible refunds, about $375,000 within the transportation fund from tolls, about $100,000 in the recreation fund because of memberships and the after-school program, and about $2 million tied to the beach parking fund

Per for mance evaluation

During the meeting, Administrative Services Director Crystal Mansell presented the council with the results of the performance evaluation for Souza His o n e - y e a r a n n i v e r s a r y w a s i n m i dNovember

She explained that each of the council members ranked the city manager from one to five in 10 categories, with one being poor and five being excellent Staff then averaged the numerical ratings

Souza received a total score of 48 74 out of a possible 50, based on the following: 4 92 for individual characteristics; 4 88 for professional skill and status; 4 88 for relations with city council; 4 84 for policy execution; 4 92 for reporting; 4 9 6 f o r c i t i z e n r e l a t i o n s ; 4 7 2 f o r staffing; 4 88 for supervision; 4 88 for fiscal management; and 4 86 for community

Mansell provided a breakdown of comparable compensations to his salary of $ 2 0 3 , 0 0 0 S h e a l s o n o t e d t h a t s t a f f received a 3 percent wage increase last year, plus a 5 percent hike from union negotiations

“He does not want to receive any more than what staff received,” she added

During the following discussion, the council found consensus with giving Souza an 8 percent raise retroactive to November and discussing a housing allowance increase that would enable Souza and his family to relocate to the island It directed staff to bring back a draft for approval, plus the research.

Community Housing and Resources

At the meeting, CHR Executive Director Melissa Rice provided an update on its rental units

She reported that 29 units have been

deemed safe and habitable and residents were notified that they can return Of those, 18 residents said they will return, seven are not returning and four are undecided

Casa Mariposa and Woodhaven are multi-family properties with 12 units On Jan 29, 19 units were cleared During the final safety check, however, CHR was told that the fire alarms, panel and sprinklers must be operational Residents cannot return until the repairs are done, which is expected by Jan 31

Rice reported that the CHR board decided to terminate the leases for 21 units due to the extensive damage that they sustained from the hurricane and not knowing when they could be reoccupied They included 10 at Riverview, one at Algiers Lane, three at Casa Mariposa, two at Woodhaven, two at Mahogany Way, two at Airport Way and one at Beach Road

In addition, 11 units will not be recovered She explained that the board thought it would be best to keep the units empty while the repairs are completed and then have them available in the future.

The major projects needed are related to flooding, drywall, mold and collapsed ceilings

“We're working, like everyone else on Sanibel, on contractor time,” Rice said

She added that the goal is to return clients to units as quickly as possible Councilmember John Henshaw asked if the vacancies would be offered to those who had their leases terminated, while Councilmember Dr Scott Crater asked if current residents would be prioritized.

Rice reported that the board would make those decisions, but it seems reasonable that it would She noted that residents are still vacating units, so there is timeline before any decisions can be made

In other news

∫ The council voted 5-0 in three separate motions to: execute an agreement b e t w e e n t h e c i t y a n d t h e C a p t i v a Community Panel for the completion of a n S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a E f f l u e n t D i s p o s a l Study related to the proposed Captiva Sewer Expansion Project; approve a resolution authorizing a budget amendment for $45,105 to complete the study utilizing the city's consultant, TetraTech; and approve an agreement with TetraTech for $45,105 to complete the study

Prior to voting, staff explained that Lee County has agreed to fund the study and the Lee County Commission approved an addendum to the prior agreement from December Through the agreement, the county will provide the $45,105 to the CCP, then the CCP will reimburse the city for the cost

∫ F o l l o w i n g a p r e s e n t a t i o n b y B u i l d i n g D e p a r t m e n t D i r e c t o r C r a i g Mole', the council voted 5-0 on three staff recommendations for transitioning out of t h e c i t y ' s c u r r e n t E n e r G o v s o f t w a r e : awarding a contract to CityView, a divis i o n o f t h e N H a r r i s C o m p u t e r Corporation, for electronic permit plans review/inspection, property information, planning, and licensing software licensing

subscriptions and solution implementation in the amount of $329,766, including $96,884 for the first year of a five-year licensing subscription agreement; approving a 25 percent reduction in emergency permit fees for six months; and approving performing a fee/staffing study to adjust future fees to maintain fund balance compliance and to set staffing levels to maint a i n c u s t o m e r s e r v i c e w i t h f u t u r e increased permitting

∫ The council appointed three members to the Sanibel Planning Commission for three-year terms that run from now through Jan. 12, 2026. Voting by ballot, i t s e l e c t e d i n c u m b e n t C o m m i s s i o n e r

Laura DeBruce, Ken Colter and Lyman W e l c h T h e o t h e r a p p l i c a n t s w e r e C h r i s t o p h e r B e a n e , R o b e r t D a r r o w , A n d r e w E c o n o m a k i s , J e f f r e y H a r v e y , M a r k H e i m a n , W i l l J o n e s , C a r l O r d e m a n n , i n c u m b e n t C o m m i s s i o n e r K a r e n S t o r j o h a n n , P a t r i c k T r i m b l e , Tommy Williams and Michael Young

∫ The council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the city's Code to allow for a waiver of development permit fees for a specific period of time by mayoral proclamation or council resolution following a disaster The second reading will be held on Feb 7

∫ The council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the city's Code to provide for a discount on building permit fees when private providers are utilized by a property owner or contractor and to provide the council with the authority to waive building permit fees by resolution or mayoral proclamation following a disaster The second reading will be held on Feb 7

∫ The council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the city's Code to allow the council to waive fees associated with the placement of a recreational vehicle or park trailer on a residential lot by resolution or mayoral proclamation The second reading will be held on Feb 7

∫ The council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the city's Code to update the Resort Housing development regulations in order to update the Land Development Code regulations, based on the city's desire to retain short-term rental units and to allow for redevelopment in a manner that reduces the impacts of future hurricanes and other storms consistent with the Sanibel Plan The second reading will be held on Feb 7

∫ The council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the city's Code relating to off-street parking requirements and land use regulation within the Resort Housing District in order to streamline the permitting process and aid in the redevelopment and reconstruction of the district The second reading will be held on Feb 7

∫ The council voted 5-0 for staff to p r e p a r e d r a f t o r d i n a n c e s t h a t w o u l d amend the architectural design standards for multi-family housing and for commercial and institutional uses and to bring the draft ordinances back for first readings

∫ The council declared and celebrated Jan. 20 as Florida Arbor Day in a proclamation

P a g e 3 ■ W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , J a n u a r y 2 5 , 2 0 2 3 b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s . c o m I s l a n d R e p o r t e r

to avoid tax season fraud

By IRS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Each year, taxpayers’ personal information is compromised through phishing scams or by unscrupulous tax preparers With tax season kicking off this month, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) wants taxpayers to be aware of tax-related fraud

your tax return preparer’s credentials should be top priority this time of year since you have the ultimate responsibility of the accuracy of what is put on your tax return,” IRS-CI acting Special Agent in Charge Ronald A Loecker said

to avoid tax season fraud include:

a tax preparer wisely Look for

preparer who is available year-round

Guest Commentary

legal action. If you receive a call like this, hang up

Don’t respond to text messages, emails or social media posts claiming to be the IRS They may contain malware that could compromise your personal information

Don’t click links or open attachments in unsolicited emails or text messages about your tax return These messages are fraudulent ∫ Protect your personal and financial information Never provide this information in response to unsolicited text messages, emails or social media posts claiming to be the IRS

vincing them their mortgages and other debts entitled them to tax refunds

∫ Erotida Natasha Harden Ortiz and Aida Cortes, both of Orlando, were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States and aiding in fraudulent and false statements related to IRS returns Their sentencing hearings were scheduled for this month Ortiz and Cortes orchestrated a scheme to file taxes for u n s u s p e c t i n g t a x p a y e r s w i t h f r a u d u l e n t

fall victim to tax preparers’

The following are some fraudulent tax preparation cases the IRS-CI Tampa Field Office worked: ∫ Marcos Antonio Tejada, of Kissimmee, was sentenced to 18 months for tax fraud for preparing false tax returns for himself and others He prepared two versions of the same tax return, one he claimed was accurate and one he knew was false ∫ Iran V. Backstrom, aka Shariyf Noble, was sentenced to 105 months in prison and Mehef Bey, aka Arthur Daniels, was sentenced to 11 years in prison Their scheme involved recruiting clients and preparing false tax returns on the clients’ behalf by con-

Guest Commentary

Schedule C forms and Earned Income Tax credits By obtaining the Earned Income Tax credit the taxpayers were able to receive refunds to which the taxpayers were not entitled As a result, the taxpayers continued to come back every year

IRS Criminal Investigation is the criminal investigative arm of the IRS, responsible for conducting financial crime investigations, including tax fraud, narcotics trafficking, money-laundering, public corruption, healthcare fraud, identity theft, and more IRS-CI special agents are the only federal law enforcement agents with investigative jurisd i c t i o n o v e r v i o l a t i o n s o f t h e I n t e r n a l

Revenue Code The agency has 20 field offices located across the Unites States and 11 attaché posts abroad

r d u r i n g t h e G e n e r a l E n r o l l m e n t P e r i o d

T h e p e r i o d r u n s f r o m n o w t h r o u g h M a r c h 3 1 e v e r y y e a r

I f y o u d o n ’ t e n r o l l i n P a r t B w h e n y o u ’ r e f i r s t e l i g i b l e f o r i t , y o u m a y h a v e t o p a y a l a t e e n r o l l m e n t p e n a l t y f o r a s l o n g a s y o u h a v e P a r t B c o v e r a g e Y o u r m o n t h l y p r e m i u m w i l l i n c r e a s e 1 0 % f o r e a c h 1 2m o n t h p e r i o d t h a t y o u w e r e e l i g i b l e f o r P a r t B b u t d i d n o t s i g n u p f o r i t Y o u r c o v -

e r a g e s t a r t s t h e f i r s t d a y o f t h e m o n t h a f t e r y o u s i g n u p T o l e a r n m o r e a b o u t M e d i c a r e , v i s i t o u r M e d i c a r e B e n e f i t s p a g e a t w w w s s a g o v / b e n e f i t s / m e d i c a r e Y o u m a y a l s o r e a d o u r p u b l i c a t i o n a t w w w s s a g o v / p u b s / E N - 0 5 - 1 0 0 4 3 p d f

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t t h e S o c i a l S e c u r i t y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n a t w w w s s a g o v P e o p l e c a n a l s o c o n t a c t t h e a r e a o f f i c e i n F o r t M y e r s a t 8 8 8 - 3 1 8 - 9 1 1 4 o r t h e n a t i o n a l n u m b e r a t 8 0 0 - 7 7 2 - 1 2 1 3 f o r a s s i s t a n c e

Repecki at trepec-

County schools eye access limits on library content

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Parents would be able to control their child’s access to school library materials under a media center access plan under consideration by the School District of Lee County

Parents would be able to fill out a form that would determine what their child could check out, according to a policy draft recently discussed

Teaching and Learning Director Lori Houchin said one of the things the district wanted to ensure is that parents had more voice in the types of materials their children are checking out District staff are proposing that one of the beginning-of-the-year forms be a media center access form

“The parent can select that their child has full access with no limitations at the media center, or they can begin outlining what the restrictions are,” she said. “They may have an author, or title of books, or books that they don’t want their child to have access to ”

Parents would be allowed to see what books have been challenged in the district The media center notes any restrictions in Destiny and OverDrive, so when a child does try to check the material out it will deny access

“Parents and community members can visit each school’s website and see what materials are in the media center and then they can go through the child’s Launchpad onto Destiny and view their child’s checkout history as well,” Houchin said

This is part of policy 2 18, the Selection of Instructional Materials, which includes library material

Teaching and Learning Director Dr Bethany Quisenberry said training was made available for purchasing library material for all personnel involved in the selection of library material, which began in the curriculum department

“Each year our schools complete a collection development analysis for their school media center,” she said, which is done through Destiny

All the materials in the media center are run through Destiny, which takes into account Accelerated Reading levels, times the book is checked out and how many books are available in each genre Quisenberry said if they are short on different levels for AR, it prompts them to purchase more

Teaching and Learning Director Candance Allevato said there is a school committee review that determines what books are going to be purchased for the library The committee includes a media specialist or literacy coach and an administrator who oversees every book being placed into the media center There is also a SAC, PTO or PTA member part of the selection process from the beginning

The books are selected based on developmental appropriateness, reading level and have to have book reviews

“We learned from the state that they need to be peer reviewed, professional peer reviewed,” she said “Each book comes with an interest level ”

They bring a list before SAC or PTO for approval and once they have the approval then it goes before the principal The principal is the final person to sign off on the list

topics as Title II; Title VI; Title VII and Title IX

Inter vention, notification on Baker Act actions

Another policy that received feedback from the board included Policy 4.221, Student Suicide Prevention Awareness and Screening

Board Member Debbie Jordan asked again what “reasonable attempts” means in terms of the principal trying to call the child’s parents

The policy states “the principal is required to make a reasonable attempt to notify the student’s parent(s) before the student is removed from school, school transportation, or a school-sponsored activity ”

“I need to know, does that look like two times I am going to call and I don’t get you, too bad I need to know we are doing everything in our power before we take a child away from the school and their parents That is really important to me Every time I see that it does something,” she said “I really want to know what does that look like?”

Jordan also asked where the district is as far as the mobile response team

#-5+-2-% ) :%6 .867 6,< 3* ,-6 2( &-57,(%< 0%5/ :%6 5%-6)( -2 3;&353 %66%',86)776 2 :,-0) %77)2(-2+ ! %7 7,) "2-9)56-7< 3* 3:% ,) (38&0) 1%.35)( -2 30-7-'%0 '-)2') %2( 866-%2 0%2+8%+) ) 1)7 ,-6 *-567 :-*) :,-0) %77)2(-2+ 7,) "2-9)56-7< -6 %47-78() *35 866-%2 0%2+8%+) )%52)( ,-1 7,) %77)27-32 3* 7,) -5 35') %2( % 75-4 73 7,) 866-%2 %2+8%+) %2( 5)% 78(-)6 %7 <5%'86) "2-9)56-7< 0%66)6 -2 75%**-' %2%0<6-6 %2( '5<47 %2%0<6-6 *3003:)( "432 +5%(8%7-32 ,34-2+ *35 % +0%135386 4367-2+ 73 7,) " 35 )51%2< ,-6 %66-+21)27 :%6 6'-)27-*-'%00< ()7)51-2)( &< (5%: -2+ 2%1)6 *531 % ,%7 ) :%6 %66-+2)( 73 $%6,-2+732 '%5))5 :-7, 7,) )268)( %032+ :-7, 2-+,70< 678(-)6 %7 )35+)73:2 "2-9)56-7< %: ',330 73 4%66 7,) #-5+-2-% %5 ;%1 2 %'7-9) (87< -5 35') %66-+21)27 %7 %75-'/ -5 35') &%6) -2 035-(% 0)( 73 % .3& 5822-2+ 7,) -5 35') -66-0) !)67-2+ )27)5 7)',2-'%0 %2%0<6-6 453+5%1 (85-2+ 7,) 8&%2 -66-0) 5-6-6 *7)5 4%66-2+ 7,) 035-(% %5 ,) :%6 %443-27)( -7< 77352)< *35 %7)00-7) )%', -6 :35/-2+ 5)0%7-326,-4 :-7, 7,) 68& 6<67)1 0%82', '32(8'735 *35 7,) 43003 453+5%1 0)( 73 % .3& 3**)5 :-7, %2( % 139) &%'/ 73 $%6,-2+732 2 ,) :%6 ,-5)( &< 7,) -&5%5< 3* 32+5)66 %6 7,) ,-)* 3* 7,) 31487)5 440-'%7-326 **-') :,)5) )9)278%00< ,) 536) 73 7,) 436-7-32 3* )487< )+-67)5 3* 34<5-+,76 -6 0%: %'81)2 %2( (5-9) 0)( 73 '3 %87,35-2+ % &33/ 32 27)52%7-32%0 34<5-+,7 %: :-7, (:%5( 031%2 ;)' -5)'735 3* 27)52%7-32%0 267-787) 3* 31182-'%7-326 ) %063 48&0-6,)( 281)5386 %57-'0)6 32 '31487)5 7)',2303+< %2( '34<5-+,7

2 ,) 1%55-)( )%22) %55)77 ) 6332 &)'%1) % &)039)( 1)1&)5 3* 7,) 0%5+) %55)77 *%1-0< )%22) %2( 0%5/ 6,%5)( %2 -2'5)(-&0< &0)66)( ,%44< %2( 039-2+ 1%5 5-%+) *35 <)%56 2 0%5/ 5)7-5)( *531 7,) -&5%5< 3* 32+5)66 %2( :%6 5)'%00)( 73 %'7-9) (87< -2 7,) -5 35') :35/-2+ :-7, 7,) )27%+32 %2( 2 0%5/ :)27 32 73 0%82', ,-6 3:2 '31487)5 '326807-2+ &86-2)66 0%5/ %1-0732 %2( 663'-%7)6 64)'-%0-=-2+ -2 %663'-%7-326 0%5/ :%6 5)6-()27 3* 7,) $-2(635 %/6 31)3:2)56 662 *531 0%5/ %2( )%22) %063 %5) 4%572)56 -2 7,) 70%27-' 37)0 -2 )50-2 %2( :)5) %'7-9)0< -29309)( -2 -76 5)239%7-32 7,%7 :32 7,) -6735-' 5)6)59%7-32 :%5( *35 7,) 7%7) 3* %5<0%2( -2 2 0%5/ %2( )%22) &37, 5)7-5)( 73 %2-&)0 60%2( 035-(% :,-0) 64)2(-2+ 681 1)56 -2 0);%2(5-% # 73 :%7', 7,)-5 *%935-7) 7)%1 7,) %7-32%06 0%5/ '327-28)( ,-6 0-*) 3* 6)59-') 73 37,)56 -2'08(-2+ :35/ :-7, 7,) )(-'%0 )6)59) 3546 :,-', 5)6807)( -2 ,-1 &)-2+ ,3235)( :-7, 7,) 8767%2(-2+ )(-'%0 )6)59) 3546 8&0-' )%07, #30827))5 :%5( % 2%7-32%0 ,3235 2 -26%7-%&0) 0)%52)5 ,) 2)9)5 7-5)( -2 ,-6 48568-7 3* /23:0)(+) ,81&0) %2( 13( )67 1%2 ,) '327-28%00< )2.3<)( ,)04-2+ 37,)56 ) :%6 /23:2 *35 ,-6 039) 3* '38275< ()937-32 73 (87< 67532+ *%-7, 6)26) 3* ,8135 %2( 039) 3* (3+6 %2( -') '5)%1 -6 53&867 0%8+, -6 5)1)1&)5)( &< %00 -6 632 '377 '311)27)( 7,%7 ,-6 (%( 6,3:)( % >1%+2-*-')2') 3* ',%5%'7)5 ? -6 2)-+,&356 :,3 %**)'7-32%7)0< 5)*)55)( 73 ,-1 %6 >7,) 1%<35 3* %0'301 0%')? :-00 1-66 ,-1 +5)%70< -6 1%2< ())4 %2( 032+ 0%67-2+ *5-)2( 6,-46 :)5) % 5)6807 3* ,-6 -22%7) +33(2)66 ,81-0-7< %2( 03<%07< 0%5/ -6 6859-9)( &< ,-6 :-*) )%22) %2( *385 ',-0(5)2 %9-( 0%5/ %1-0732 !,31%6 '377 %1-0732 )-+, ,5-67-2) %1-0732 %2( ,5-6734,)5 %1)6 %1-0732 (%8+,7)5 -2 0%: -'30) $30%26/- 2-2) +5%2(',-0(5)2 *-9) +5)%7 +5%2(',-0(5)2 +3( 632 50%2(3 0331 %2( ,-6 ()937)( 4)76 00< %2( 8'< )135-%0 82)5%0 %66 :-00 &) ,)0( %1 !8)6(%< 8+867 %7 0)66)( %'5%1)27 %7,30-' ,85', $ 5%((3'/ ( 0);%2(5-% #% *3003:)( &< % ')0 )&5%7-32 3* 0-*) -2 8-22 %00 3* 7,) ',85', 2 0-)8 3* *03:)56 (32%7-326 1%< &) 1%() -2 ,-6 1)135< 73 !822)06 73 !3:)56

“The approval for all materials must be certified by the individual that holds a media center certification What we elected to do, the principal signs off the material they would like to purchase That list of books goes into PeopleSoft and it goes to the curriculum department Our certified individual signs off on those pieces,” Allevato said “If there is a book that is not approved at district level it will get pushed back and a note why ”

School bathrooms and locker rooms

Another policy brought forth during the Jan 10 meeting included 2 36, Designation of Bathrooms, Locker Rooms and Dressing Rooms School Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said they have had an unwritten policy in their Civil Rights and Equity Guide for a long time concerning this topic

The policy reads, “The School Board is dedicated to providing students equal access to bathrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms in district schools ” It further states that “the board separates bathrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms on the basis of biological sex at birth Students requesting accommodation can be provided a single stall/private restroom option on a case-bycase basis by following the appropriate process ”

Board Member Chris Patricca said having the policy strengthens the district with a greater defense of any challenges that might come their way

“I am encouraged that the board is considering this policy today,” she said.

Board Chair Armor Persons had similar sentiments

“I want to be on record as saying, having a policy is definitely the way to go Thank you,” he said

The board also showcased a video of the School District of Lee County Civil Rights and Equity Guide The guide includes such

“Where do we look and say it is not just the two of us deciding what is going to take place with this child? I need to know we are making every effort to have the team there to look at it, as well as making sure we are doing everything in our power to reach an individual,” she said

Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier said it is a great reminder to all how fragile our young people are, and at the same time have resources in the school buildings who can do the work

“Working as a mental health service provider, being a licensed mental health therapist, provides additional abilities and other professional certifications that educators do not have,” he said “I hear your questions very clearly I think it will be a chance for me to work with academic services and to go back to student services, to Lori Brooks and to bring forth to all of you some of what we have been doing to ensure students can be assessed by mental health team members when an event occurs ”

Bernier also touched upon law enforcement individuals who made the decision to Baker Act a child. He said at that point, a school system loses control of the situation and it is inappropriate for staff to intervene

“What I believe is reasonable is when the officer takes a student into custody, my only responsibility, paramount responsibility, is to make contact with parents,” he said, adding that the first phone call regarding a child being removed from school should not come from the officer “That is an immediate response when it comes to the mental health of children ”

Patricca said one of the ways they can address the issue with School Resource Officers and Baker Acting is to seek funding to have mental health professionals embedded in each of their departments, as it would take the pressure off of the police officer

The board moved all of the policies forth to come back before them again at a future meeting

Sanibel fire to take par t in appreciation day

The Sanibel and Fire Rescue District will have an apparatus taking part in the First Responder Appreciation Day on Jan 29 from noon to 4 p m at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, at 2101 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers Hosted by the Gary Sinise Foundation, the event

will salute local first responders for their r e s c u e a n d s u p p o r t e f f o r t s d u r i n g Hurricane Ian Open to the public, it will feature a concert and presentation at 2 p m , as well as live music, a children's play area and provided barbecue

W

County rescinds post-storm curfew for Captiva

e e k o f

B y T I F FA N Y R E P E C K I t r e p e c k i @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m T h e c u r f e w t h a t w a s s e t i n p l a c e i n t h e a f t e r m a t h o f H u r r i c a n e I a n h a s b e e n l i f t e d f o r C a p t i v a L e e C o u n t y B o a r d o f C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r s C h a i r m a n B r i a n

H a m m a n r e c e n t l y s i g n e d o f f o n a n e m e r g e n c y r e s o l u t i o n r e p e a l i n g a p r e v io u s e m e r g e n c y r e s o l u t i o n t h a t d e c l a r e d a c u r f e w f o r t h e i s l a n d r e s u l t i n g f r o m H u r r i c a n e I a n T h e c u r f e w , w h i c h r a n f r o m 9 p . m . t o 6 a . m . , w a s l i f t e d a s o f J a n 5

T h e c u r f e w f o r C a p t i v a , w h i c h i s p a r t

o f u n i n c o r p o r a t e d L e e C o u n t y , w a s i n it i a t e d i n O c t o b e r “ L e e C o u n t y d e t e r m i n e d i t w a s n e ce s s a r y t o d e c l a r e a c u r f e w o n C a p t i v a i n o r d e r t o p r o t e c t a n d s a f e g u a r d t h e h e a l t h , s a f e t y a n d w e l f a r e o f t h e p e o p l e o f L e e C o u n t y , ” t h e r e s o l u t i o n r e p o r t e d O n t h e s i s t e r i s l a n d o f S a n i b e l , c i t y

o f f i c i a l s a l s o i m p l e m e n t e d a c u r f e w i n r e s p o n s e t o t h e h u r r i c a n e

A t t h e J a n 1 7 m e e t i n g o f t h e S a n i b e l C i t y C o u n c i l , s t a f f r e c o m m e n d e d c h a n g i n g t h e c u r r e n t 9 p m t o 6 a m c u r f e w f o r S a n i b e l t o f r o m m i d n i g h t t o 6 a m T h e c o u n c i l a g r e e d a n d d i r e c t e d s t a f f t o p r o c e e d

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m

Chapel to resume in-person services following storm

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

T

“Our beloved Captiva Chapel by the Sea sustained significant damage,” officials reported “Although the chapel itself has not been usable, almost 1,000 of our dedicated worshippers have viewed the Sunday services online ”

The Rev Larry Marshall, who is leading the ministry for his fourth year, suggested at a recent board meeting that he return to the island in mid-January to resume the live services The board agreed

Due to ongoing repairs to the building, the services will be held in the chapel yard

“Chapel attendees will miss the charm and simplicity of the chapel, but there are ordinarily more outside worshippers

than those who can occupy the 90 seats in the chapel pews,” officials reported

he Captiva Chapel by the Sea will resume its in-person Sunday service on Jan 29 Marking its 74th season, the chapel typically holds its services from November through April Following Hurricane Ian's landfall in late September, it began posting services on its website and Facebook page in mid-November as remediation and recovery efforts took place at the chapel.All are welcome to attend the inter-denominational service, which will take place at 11 a m

As usual, the services will continue to be videotaped and posted online for viewers Officials have been sharing updates on the ongoing storm recovery efforts

On Jan 5, the flooring, pews, steeple and cemetery were being addressed A few days earlier, sand removal was to begin in order to accommodate folding chairs and walking wors h i p p e r s I n a d d i t i o n , a s t o r a g e c o n t a i n e r arrived to hold the pews, which had to be removed to repair the chapel's flooring

The fish on the tip of the steeple was found on the chapel's

Hurricane Ian reinforced goals that Timbers Resorts had already set to bring the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva to four- or five-star standards with a focus on the environment and a sense of place, Chief Executive Officer Greg Spencer told the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce during its business lunch on Jan 18 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort in Fort Myers

The storm hit exactly 364 days after the global resort management firm purchased the resort

“We plan to make South Seas the number one multi-generation resort in the U S That’s our goal,” Spencer, who grew up in Florida and visited Sanibel and Captiva often, said. “You’ll see it in everything we do a focus on Captiva That’s why people are coming here It’s the thrill of driving across the causeway It’s the beauty of Pine Island Sound ”

He told the chamber members, who met jointly with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association at the luncheon, that the immediate plans for the resort include stabilizing facilities, then reopening the hotel and main swimming pool by September

Long-term goals will bring reconceptualization of the resort’s food and beverage operations and golf course, plus the building of amenities-rich Captiva Club Rather than keeping all amenities congregated at the island’s northernmost end, the new site map will spread them throughout the 330acre property The resort is also setting up a foundation so owners and guests can contribute to the local environment

“I want to be able to be a funding source for sea turtles, restoring sea grass,” Spencer said. “If that starts happening, along with amenities, it will help everything on the resort It will help all of Captiva and the businesses on Sanibel ”

Timbers Resorts already demonstrated its commitment to the community last year bycommissioning a vulnerability assessment for all of Captiva to determine steps needed for future resiliency efforts and to facilitate grant monies After Ian, it turned land formerly occupied by decrepit employee housing into a landing pad and transported some of the first recovery equipment to the island

“We estimate we had eight-and-a-half feet of storm surge,” he said “We took a

THE SEA

See SOUTH SEAS, page 7

e m b e r s o f t h e C a p t i v a C h a p e l b y t h e S e a ' s

Executive Committee head to the Historic Captiva Cemetery to discuss the fencing damaged in the storm and other required cleanup CAPTIVA CHAPEL BY

In

Chapel

From page 6

porch in the aftermath of the hurricane Dating back to the schoolhouse times, it will be remounted on the weathervane In addition, the organ had to be removed from the chapel and stored elsewhere during the renovations until ready for use

As for the Historic Captiva Cemetery, the fence may need a total replacement Due to the storm, sand covered

South Seas

From page 6

pretty good hit Almost every building on property needs a new roof ”

All of the resort's offices and support functions were totally destroyed, and retail buildings like the former Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille were rendered likely unsalvageable The marina on the surface looked good, but divers have been cleaning up below the waterline, and gas pumps were destroyed

Golf course and water park renovations will be designed with the company's multi-generational blueprint in mind. Timbers Resorts will assist homeowner associations with their restoration, as well It is aiming to raise the reputation of South Seas to the level of its 16 other award-winning resorts

“We look forward with eager anticipation to South Seas' comeback as the island gem it once was, and even more,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said “I think Greg has instilled a sense of hope and pride in us all today ”

Gavin's Ace Hardware sponsored the luncheon.

Greg Spencer shared the short- and long-term goals for the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva at the Sanibel

C a p t i v a I s l a n d s C h a m b e r o f Commerce's

on Jan. 18.

many of the gravestones closest to the Gulf of Mexico, which volunteers are cleaning up

“The chapel building is nearly 120 years old and has weathered many storms in the past,” officials reported “Construction will be ongoing during the remainder of the chapel season ”

T o d o n a t e t o t h e r e c o v e r y e f f o r t s , v i s i t

Captiva Chapel by the Sea officials reported that the pews are delaminating at the bottom, but seem solid. They will get an extra wood base, along with wrapping around all of the sides and molding

https://www captivachapel com/donate html

For more information, visit www captivachapel com People can also follow on Facebook at www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea

The Captiva Chapel by the Sea is at 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva

Timbers Resorts Chief Executive Officer

&

meeting

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA

CAPTIVA CHAPEL BY THE SEA

terms of flooring, the altar section was the first priority at the Captiva Chapel by the Sea.

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m

BUsIness

CFI awards $100K in assistance to nonprofit employees Island business reopenings cause for chamber celebration

T h e g r a n t s c o m e f r o m t h e N o n p r o f i t E m p l o y e e A s s i s t a n c e P r o g r a m , l a u n c h e d b y t h e C h a r i t a b l e F o u n d a t i o n o f t h e I s l a n d s i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h t h e n o n p r o f i t s T h e o r g a n i z a t i o n s r a i s e d t h e m o n e y a f t e r t h e s t o r m s t r u c k i n S e p t e m b e r , i m p a c ti n g t h e l i v e s o f m a n y o f t h e a g e n c i e s ' e m p l o y e e s w h o w e r e a t t e m p t i n g t o h e l p s o m a n y o t h e r s w h o h a d s u s t a i n e d s e r i o u s l o s s e s

T h e C F I r e p o r t e d t h a t m o r e t h a n 4 0 e m p l o y e e s h a v e r e c e i v e d a b o u t $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 , w i t h t h e r e m a i n d e r e x p e c t e d t o b e d i s t r i b u t e d b y M a r c h 1 F I S H o f S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a i s a d m i n i s t e r i n g t h e p r o g r a m

“ T h e s u c c e s s o f t h e N o n p r o f i t E m p l o y e e A s s i s t a n c e P r o g r a m i s d u e t o t h e t r e m e n d o u s g e ne r o s i t y o f o u r d o n o r s T h e y a r e g i v i n g n o t j u s t t o t h i s i n i t i a t i v e , b u t t o m a n y o t h e r s w i t h t h e g o a l o f a c c e l e r a t i n g o u r i s l a n d s ' r e c o v e r y , ” E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r D o l l y F a r r e l l s a i d “ W e t h a n k t h e m a n d t h e e m p l o y e e s t h e m s e l v e s T h e s e d e d i c a t e d s t a f f m e m b e r s a r e t h e r e a s o n t h e n o n p r o f i t s c a n d e l i v e r m u c h - n e e d e d s e r v i c e s t o o u r c o m m u n i t y T h i s p r og r a m i s j u s t a s m a l l w a y w e c a n r e c o g n i z e y o u a n d y o u r e f f o r t s ”

T h e C F I r e p o r t e d t h a t $ 2 , 5 0 0 o n a v e r a g e w a s g r a n t e d t o q u a l i f i e d a p p l i c a n t s f o r n e e d s s u c h a s r e n t a l a s s i s t a n c e , p e r s o n a l p r o p e r t y r e p l a c e m e n t a n d l o s s o f i n c o m e R e c i p i e n t s r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e f u n d s w o u l d h e l p t o r e p l a c e e v e r y t h i n g t h e y h a d l o s t i n t h e h u r r i c a n e , f r o m c l o t h e s t o a p p l i a n c e s , t o f i x i n g u p t h e i r h o m e t h a t s u s t a i n e d f l o o d i n g a n d e v e n b r i d g i n g t h e g a p f o r w h a t t h e i r r e n t e r ' s i n s u ra n c e d i d n o t c o v e r “ A s a r e s u l t o f H u r r i c a n e I a n , 7 0 % o f t h e s t a f f l o s t t h e i r h o m e s O t h e r s w e r e i m p a c t e d b y f l o o d e d c a r s o r s u f f e r e d p e r s o n a l i s s u e s , ” “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e S o c i e t y - F r i e n d s o f t h e R e f u g e E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r B i r g i e M i l l e r s h a r e d w i t h t h e C F I “ T h e s u p p o r t y o u r o r g a n i z a t i o n g a v e t o t h e s e e m p l o y e e s w a s s u c h a r e l i e f t o t h e m a n d a l l t h e o t h e r n o n p r o fi t e m p l o y e e s w h o p a r t i c i p a t e d T h e y a r e o f t e n h e si t a n t t o a p p l y f o r s u p p o r t , a n d t h e f a c t t h a t y o u r g r a n t w a s d i r e c t e d a t n o n p r o f i t e m p l o y e e s w a s i m p o r t a n t ”

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e p r o g r a m , v i s i t w w w m y c f i o r g

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated three post-hurricane business reopenings with ribbon-cutting celebrations: Sea Oats Day Spa and Royal Shell on Jan 10 on Sanibel, and C a p t i v a C r u i s e s o n J a n 1 2 o n Captiva

“We could all use a massage and a relaxing day on the water right now,” c h a m b e r P r e s i d e n t a n d C h i e f Executive Officer John Lai said “We welcome these opportunities back to t h e i s l a n d b u s i n e s s l a n d s c a p e . Congratulations and thanks to all involved ”

Owner Logan Tennant had opened Sea Oats Day Spa on Aug 25 with seven other staffers, about a month before Hurricane Ian slammed the islands Fortunately, the spa's elevated venue left it mostly high and dry Tennant, who has worked as a massage therapist and nail technician and esthetician on Sanibel for nearly 14 years, was offering massage and nail services to island clientele by Nov 22

“I want Sea Oats to be a big part of the community,” she said “I thought hopefully it would bring some normalcy back to the people who were here, that it would help heal the island ”

Tennant credits the positivity of the community and help from the chamber for giving her the motivation and confidence to reopen her first business, which offers eco-friendly treatments. She said she is planning to organize shopping, lunch, and spa days to support other island businesses

“We wish Logan all the luck in the world and thank her for the positivity she brings to recovery efforts,” Lai said “Her enthusiasm is infectious ”

Royal Shell, which celebrated its Captiva office reopening in December, was waiting for power to be restored to the Sanibel office for its ribbon cutting

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

“Royal Shell has been helping out islanders on both Sanibel and Captiva since the causeway opened, and we’re happy to make their Sanibel reopening official,” Lai said

Captiva Cruises opened last month with limited tours for islanders, pass-holders and guests at the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa With the Sanibel Causeway fully open, operations have expanded using two boats it moved inland before the storm The 49-passenger power

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce representatives celebrated the reopening of Sea Oats Day Spa on Sanibel on Jan. 10 with a ribbon cutting and biodegradable cannon confetti.

See CHAMBER, page 10

Chamber marks more reopenings with ribbon cuttings

Post-storm business reopenings continue to inspire ribbon-cutting celebrations for the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce On Jan 3, the chamber shot off its signature, biodegradable confetti cannon at the McCarthy's Marina on Captiva to congratulate Captain Brian on the Water's return, and the reopening of the SanCap Pak-n-Ship on Sanibel was cause for applause on Jan 5

Capt Brian Holaway was forced to move off island temporarily after Hurricane Ian's landfall on Sept 28 to the Port Sanibel Marina due to damage to the dock and flooding in the office at the marina “Overall, it was minimal damage compared to other areas,” he said “It feels good to be back to my normal environment ”

Holaway was able to save his 24-foot center console boat trailered in his garage, and he was up and running a few days later to ferry friends to their homes on the islands Holaway later docked at a friend's house in the Iona area of Fort Myers and transported supplies for needed hurricane relief to St James City on Pine Island Running local charters since 1995, he is now back to doing tours

“ I a m t h a n k f u l I g e t t o d o w h a t I d o , ” H o l a w a y , w h o i s k n o w n f o r h i s i n - d e p t h t o u r s t o l e s s e r - k n o w n s p o t s , s a i d “ I a m p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t t h e a r e a h i s t o r y , p e o p l e , a n d p l a c e s I e n j o y l e a r n i n g n e w t h i n g s a n d m e e t i n g p e o p l e f r o m a r o u n d t h e w o r l d . I c u s t o m i z e e a c h c h a r t e r , t r y t o f i n d o u t m o r e a b o u t m y g u e s t ' s i n t e r e s t s , a n d s t r i v e t o s h o w t h e m s o m e t h i n g t h e y m a y h a v e n e v e r s e e n o r d o n ' t k n o w a b o u t S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a A s a l o c a l g u i d e f o r n e a r l y 3 0 y e a r s , I a m c o n s t a n t l y l e a r n i n g a n d s t r i v i n g t o m a k e e a c h t r i p a n e w e x p e r i e n c e f o r m y g u e s t s , w h o o f t e n b e c o m e f r i e n d s o r r e p e a t g u e s t s ”

His five-hour Beach & Lunch tour to Cabbage Key, which is back open for business, is his most popular Currently, there has also been high demand for beach trips to North Captiva and Cayo Costa

“Capt. Brian has been a good friend to local tourism for years, and became a strong asset in the industry's recovery,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said “He is a Captiva staple, and we’re so happy to see him back at home ”

SanCap Pak-N-Ship moved across the street after the storm to a temporary site at 2341 Palm Ridge Road to be able to reopen on Sanibel and fill postal needs onisland while the post office is closed Four feet of

“We pack and ship items such as artwork, shells, and home goods,” Lauren Clifford said “We also have personal mailbox services for people, which is especially handy for everyone not wanting to go all the way up to Jet Loop to get their mail. We notarize docu-

ments,

U S Mail ”

“This is just what the island needs right now,” Lai said “We are so appreciative of practical services like what Pak-N-Ship offers to make life easier for businesses and residents on the island Thanks to Capt Brian and the Pak-N-Ship team for starting out the new year with optimism and forward momentum.”

floodwaters and a leasing situation made it difficult to reopen in the original location, where Lauren Clifford and her husband, Dustin Dariano, have operated for six years

print documents, offer scan and email services, and accept drop-off packages including FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce celebrated the reopening of Captain Brian on the Water on Captiva with a ribbon cutting on Jan 3

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce representatives celebrated the reopening of the SanCap Pak-n-Ship on Sanibel with a ribbon cutting on

Kiwanis holds meeting with speaker

ChamberFrom page 8

catamarans Santiva and Playtime are now offering dolphin sightseeing cruises and luncheon excursions to Cabbage Key.

“Our awesome crew has been helping with all the recovery efforts,” co-owner Brad Junghans said “Before we opened for business, we brought disaster crews from Cape Coral to South Seas Island (Resort) While

Rec center adds to Hall of Sponsors

Renovation 1 LLC has joined the Sanibel Recreation Center's Hall of Sponsors as a sponsor

Proceeds from sponsor signs financially assist parents, grandparents and legal custodians who qualify for their children to attend the: after-school program; summer day, winter and spring break camps; fun days; babysitter training camp; basketball league; volleyball camp; and Counselor In Training (C I T ) programs at the center

A printout of all the sponsors can also be obtained at the center's reception counter or by visiting https://files constantcontact com /97af97e6001/51af58d4-47d6-4372-932afc131961dce7 pdf

For more information, call volunteer sponsor Chairperson Barry Alan Roth at 239-3139591

Trust Company to host 2023 Economic Outlook

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company will hold its 2023 Economic Outlook luncheon program on Jan 26 at 11:30 a m at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, at 1380 Colonial Blvd , Fort Myers

The Investment Management Team will provide a global economic overview and discuss investment strategies for the year The program will include:

Welcome and introductions by founder and Chairman S Albert D Hanser

Craig J Holston, Senior Vice President and

we are happy to back up and running, there is still lots of work to be done ”

T h e t e a m a l s o m o v e d t h e L a d y Chadwick offsite for the storm to a Fort Myers Beach boatyard for its annual inspection and maintenance Storm surge delivered some damage, but the boat is expected to be repaired and back in serv-

Ciskowski and Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager Gary W Dyer

∫ Closing remarks by Sanibel market President Jeffrey A Muddell and Wealth Service Advisor Megan Marquardt

The program is intended for guests with $2 million and higher in investible assets

Seating is limited, and reservations are required

For more information, contact Frances Steger at fsteger@sancaptrustco com or 239472-8300

San Cap Bank reopens McGregor Branch

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has reopened its McGregor Branch in a temporary mobile banking unit at 15975 McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers The building experie n c e d c o n s i d e r a b l e f l o o d d a m a g e f r o m Hurricane Ian and requires major reconstruction.

While the building undergoes renovations, the bank has acquired a fully functional mobile banking trailer The unit includes two teller stations, a customer service representative desk and a night drop

S t a f f w i l l b e o n s i t e M o n d a y t h r o u g h Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a m to 5 p m Safe deposit boxes formerly located in the building have been safely and securely transported to the Bridge Branch at 9311 College Parkway in Fort Myers and can be accessed during business hours

For more information or questions, call 239-472-6100 or visit sancapbank com

ice in the coming months Captiva Cruises also suffered significant damage to its docks and property

“I think everyone appreciates seeing the return of what the islands are known for opportunities to get out on the water,” Lai said. “I applaud Captiva Cruises for steering the islands’ comeback

in a positive direction ” S e a O a t s D a y S p a i s a t 1 1 4 9

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Royal Shell is at 1547 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Captiva Cruises is at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce representatives celebrated the reopening of Captiva Cruises on Captiva on Jan. 12 with a ribbon cutting and biodegradable cannon confetti.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA KIWANIS CLUB Bailey's General Store owner Richard Johnson, left, was the guest speaker at the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club's recent meeting

Open For Business Post-Storm

(Editor's note: To add a reopened business on Sanibel or Captiva to the list, contact Editor Tiffany Repecki at trepecki@breezenewspapers com )

Grocer y

∫

Jerry's Food, at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Sanibel Spirits, at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Suite 6 Sanibel

Retail

Barracudas, at 14970 Captiva Drive, Captiva ∫ Beach Stuff, at 14900 Captiva Drive, Captiva ∫

∫

Footloose H2O Outfitters, at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Suite 4, Sanibel ∫

Jungle Drums Gallery, at 11532 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva ∫

∫

The Island Store, at 11500 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

Restaurants

Nanny's of Sanibel, at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫

∫

Blue Giraffe food truck, at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Cantina Captiva food truck, at 14970 Captiva Drive, Captiva

∫ Captiva Island Pizza, at 11513 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

∫ Cielo, at 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Gramma Dot's food truck, at 634 N Yachtsman Drive, Sanibel

∫ Huxters Market & Deli food truck, at 1203 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Island Pizza, at 1619 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Jerry's Cafe, at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫

Old Captiva House, at 15951 Captiva Dr, Captiva

∫ Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory, at 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel

∫ The Shack of Sanibel, at 1219 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

The Sanibel Grill, at 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

∫

∫ Traders, at 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, at 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

RV show to return to Lee Civic Center

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

F o r t h o s e w h o l i v e t h e R V lifestyle, it brings adventure, freedom and ability to share time with family and friends

For those who want to, the Fort Myers Recreation Vehicle Show will motor back to the Lee Civic Center for its 37th annual show on Jan 2628 from 10 a m to 5 p m and Jan 29 from 10 a m to 4 p m

T h i s y e a r ’ s s h o w w i l l p r o v i d e attendees an opportunity to see the l a t e s t a n d b e s t c a m p i n g p r o d u c t s available to RVers and lovers of the great outdoors offered by a slew of local RV dealers and vendors

Dave Kelly, executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association, said the show will appeal to all levels of travelers and provides the perfect learning ground for those interested but afraid to ask questions at a dealership

“RV shows are a great place to come whether they are just getting started or experienced RVers The great thing is you have multiple deale r s s h o w i n g m u l t i p l e b r a n d s a n d styles of RVs,” Kelly said “There are RVs for every price point, hobby and interest ”

The Fort Myers RV Show is one of the largest RV shows in the state, with more than 11,000 attending for last year’s show and as many as 16,000 during its heyday 20 years ago

Attendees can view hundreds of recreation vehicles aged 2018 and newer of all different types, sizes and price points

In years past, the show featured mostly new RVs, with some models c o s t i n g n e a r l y $ 1 m i l l i o n T h a t changed a few years ago so the event could include older models to allow more people the opportunity to afford

one, including a growing number of younger people

“Some people don’t want to buy something brand new as a first unit, so seeing some used models gives them an idea of where they can get started,” Kelly said. “For a while, bigger was better It’s now switching with a younger audience, who now just want a place to sleep because they’re going to use them to do things outside the RV ”

Units on display will include gas and diesel motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, 5th wheels, park models and van campers

The show also will feature more than 50 outdoors and camping supply vendors that focuses on the fun, flexibility and affordability RVs can prov i d e , a l o n g w i t h e q u i p m e n t a n d accessories to help outfit RVers or p r o v i d e i n f o r m a t i o n o n c a m p i n g throughout the nation

Items will include new towing systems, specialized lighting RV insurance, unique camping equipment and where to camp throughout the nation Daily free RV travel and maintenance seminars also will be offered

There is a fundamental change happening in the way Americans

travel, work, and live More people are choosing RVs as their preferred option for travel as they prioritize spending time outdoors and embracing the freedom that comes with RVing

T h e n e w R V s M o v e A m e r i c a Economic Impact Study, released by the RV Industry Association shows the RV industry has an overall annual impact to the U S economy of $140 billion, supporting nearly 680,000 jobs and paying more than $48 billion in wages This is a 23 percent increase in economic output in just the past three years

“Even after COVID, you see how storms have impacting flying and having trouble getting people where they need to be Since 2020, people have reevaluated how they travel and vacation,” Kelly said “They want those experiences that you want in traveling, not just getting on a plane and going somewhere ”

Admission is $10 with children under 16 free Parking is free courtesy of the RV Trade Association

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w F R V T A - R e g i o n 1 o r g o r www.FRVTA.org/show/ft-myers-rvshow

Rachel Pierce Art Gallery, at 1571 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Sanibel Surf Shop, at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Suite 10, Sanibel ∫

Sea Oats Day Spa, at 1149 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Whitney's Bait and Tackle, at 1554 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫

YOLO Watersports, at 11534 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

Service

Bank of the Islands, at 14812 Captiva Drive, Captiva ∫

Bank of the Islands, at 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Captiva Post Office, at 14812 Captiva Drive, Captiva ∫ SanCap Pak-N-Ship, at 2341 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel ∫

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, at 2406 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Sanibel Primary/Walk-In Care, at 2495 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel

Lee Health seeks blood donations

o d a

d b l o o d p r o d

c t

a r e n

t

e d i n t h e t r a u m a c e n t e r , b u t a l s o t o t r e a t c a n c e r p a t i e n t s , p r e m a t u r e b a b i e s , a n e m i a a n d a v a r i e t y o f o t h e r c o n d i t i o n s . L e e H e a l t h ’ s b l o o d c e n t e r s a r e t h e s o l e s u p p l i e r o f a l l p r o d u c t s f o r t h e h e a l t h s y s t e m A b o u t 8 0 0 u n i t s o f b l o o d a r e n e e d e d p e r w e e k , a n d t h e b l o o d c e n t e r s r e l y o n l i f e t o s a v i n g d o n a t i o n s f r o m t h e c o m m u n i t y t o m a i n t a i n i n v e n t o r y l e v e l s

T h e L e e H e a l t h B l o o d M o b i l e w i l l b e a t t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s :

∫ T o d a y , J a n 2 5 : N o r t h F o r t M y e r s P a r k a n d R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r , a t 2 0 0 0 N R e c r e a t i o n W a y , N o r t h F o r t M y e r s , f r o m 9 a m t o n o o n

∫ J a n 2 7 : M e r c e d e s - B e n z o f F o r t M y e r s , a t 1 5 4 6 1 S . T a m i a m i T r a i l , F o r t M y e r s , f r o m 1 1 a m t o 4 p m

∫ J a n 2 8 : B e l l T o w e r , a t 1 3 4 9 9 U S 4 1 S E , F o r t M y e r s , f r o m 9 a m t o 2 p m

∫ J a n 2 9 : F a i t h P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h , a t 4 5 4 4 C o r o n a d o P a r k w a y , C a p e C o r a l , f r o m 8 : 3 0 a m t o 1 2 : 3 0 p m

∫ J a n 2 9 : N e w H o p e P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h , a t 1 0 0 5 1 P l a n t a t i o n R o a d , F o r t M y e r s , f r o m 8 a m t o 1 p m

∫ J a n 3 0 : L e e H e a l t h C o c o n u t P o i n t , a t 2 3 4 5 0 V i a C o c o n u t P o i n t , E s t e r o , f r o m 1 0 a m t o 3 p . m .

∫ J a n 3 0 : A m e r i c a n O n c o l o g y N e t w o r k , a t 1 4 5 4 3 G l o b a l P a r k w a y , F o r t M y e r s , f r o m 1 t o 4 p m

A l l b l o o d d o n a t e d a t L e e H e a l t h s t a y s w i t h i n t h e s y s t e m t o c a r e f o r p a t i e n t s i n S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a I f u n a b l e t o a t t e n d a d r i v e , d o n a t i o n s c a n a l s o b e m a d e a t o n e o f L e e H e a l t h ’ s b l o o d c e n t e r s

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n h o w a n d w h e r e t o d o n a t e , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w l e e h e a l t h o r g / o u rs e r v i c e s / b l o o d - c e n t e r s

PreserVInG ParadIse

City dedicates trees during Arbor Day celebration

The city of Sanibel held its annual Arbor Day program on Jan 20 at City Hall on Sanibel

Sanderling from Peru sighted on Sanibel

As the chaos of hurricane disaster recovery continues to dwindle, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's shorebird team is back in the office reviewing data from the last year It recently confirmed that a sanderling encountered on Sanibel late last summer was from Peru

At the time the team resighted the sanderling known by its band code, 4MC it was halfway home to its wintering grounds in Peru After breeding in arctic Canada during the summer, many sanderlings begin their southward migration on a journey that can range anywhere from 1,800 to over 6,000 miles

“Thanks to the Paracas Shorebird Project, we know that sanderling 4MC travels to and from South America for the wintering and breeding season, respectively,” shorebird technician Aaron White said “It was banded as an adult in Peru, in February 2018, making this bird at least 4 years old This is the first ever banded bird that our shorebird team has ever resighted from Peru ”

The SCCF reported that not all sanderlings journey all the way to South America Sanibel is home to a couple of winter resident sanderlings, known as P03 and T93, that complete their southern migration once they reach Sanibel Some non-breeding individuals remain at their wintering grounds throughout the year to avoid wasting energy traveling north, so sanderlings can also be found year-round on many beaches across North America, including on Sanibel and Captiva

The Paracas Shorebird Project has been banding shorebirds at the Paracas National Reserve in Peru for the past seven years The project has banded over 6,000 individuals of many shorebird species, including the semipalmated sandpiper, western sandpiper, sanderling and semipalmated plovers, which can all be found in Southwest Florida

“ O b t a i n i n g t h i s r e s i g h t i n f o r m a t i o n g i v e s researchers at the Paracas Shorebird Project insight into the migratory patterns of their banded birds,” he said “The SCCF shorebird team thanks the Paracas Shorebird Project for getting this bird’s information to us and hopes to see more Peruvian shorebirds in the future ”

Each year, the city celebrates Arbor Day by planting a dedicated tree This year, a Mastic (Sideroxylon foetidissimum) was planted in honor of the residents of Sanibel, whose resilience continues to be displayed following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian

Additionally, a Joewood (Jacquinia keyensis) the official plant of Sanibel was included in the celebration to symbolize new beginnings for the sanctuary island community during these early stages of recovery and restoration

Arbor Day celebrations on Sanibel began 34 years ago when the city's Vegetation Committee, seeking to become recognized as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation, recommended the city participate in an annual observance of Arbor Day Since 1989, Sanibel has celebrated Arbor Day by planting a tree in honor of a historical figure, local individual or organization

To view the “Arbor Day Trees” list, visit https://www mysanibel com/content/download/29007/file/ 2022%20ARBOR%20DAY%20SEEDLINGS%20%280

02%29 pdf

In addition, the city is providing free native seedlings as a way for residents to participate in Arbor Day by planting their own commemorative tree The options available for this year are as follows:

∫ Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum)

∫ Live oak (Quercus virginiana)

∫ Red maple (Acer rubrum)

To pick up a seedling, stop by the City Hall main entrance between 8:30 a m and 4 p m

There are 120 seedlings available on a first come first serve basis

For more information, Rachel Rainbolt at the Natural Resources Department at rachel rainbolt@mysanibel com

KLCB volunteers help clean up the refuge

T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e

Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that 100 volunteers with Keep Lee County Beautiful showed up on Jan 14 at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel to help staff pick up debris that Hurricane Ian left behind

The DDWS extended a big thanks t o R a n g e r K a t y H o s o k a w a f o r arranging the clean up and to the volunteers from all over Lee County who pitched in to help Refuge Cleanup with a Ranger takes place on Wednesdays at 9 a m Participants meet at the Visitor & Education Center parking lot for a safety brief before traveling to the c l e a n u p s i t e o f t h e w e e k Participation is limited; preregister at DingDarling.Eventbrite.com.

The J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel

County board votes to acquire parcels through Conservation 20/20

On Jan. 17, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to acquire five acres in southern Lee County through the Conservation 20/20 program The land is surrounded entirely by conservation land in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, owned by the South Florida Water Management District

The property includes pine flatwoods, hydric flatwoods, cypress strand and wetlands The purchase price is $5,250, plus closing costs

The Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee voted

unanimously on Nov. 16 to recommend the board purchase the land

Efforts to preserve land in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed began in 1989 and now include more than 60,000 acres in both Lee and Collier counties The land provides natural flood protection, water purification and critical aquifer recharge The watershed also serves as important habitat for animal species such as the endangered Florida panther, snail kite and wood stork

An existing Memorandum of Understanding specifies management

responsibilities of Lee County-owned properties within the watershed to the SFWMD

In another vote, commissioners voted to acquire 10 acres in Alva as part of Conservation 20/20 The parcel is heavily wooded and adjoins the 1,175-acre Alva Scrub Preserve The Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee voted unanimously on Nov 16 to recommend the board purchase the land

The purchase price is $100,000 plus closing costs.

The Lee County Conservation 20/20

program acquires land from willing sellers for resource-based recreational opportunities such as hiking, birdwatching, nature study, photography and paddle craft launches The program for environmentally sensitive land acquisition and management has preserved more than 31,400 acres since its inception

In addition to recreation, conservation lands help the county to protect drinking water, enhance water quality, protect areas from flooding and provide wildlife habitat

For more information, visit www Conservation2020 org

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

CITY OF SANIBEL Mastic (Sideroxylon foetidissimum)

Isl and lIVInG

TCH to provide chance to get rid of documents securely

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Community House will hold a Community Shredding Day this weekend for the islands

On Jan 28, the venue will host its first event for 2023 from 9 a m to noon in its north lot, located across Periwinkle Way in front of the BIG ARTS Strauss Theater. The cost to utilize the service is $5 per box and bag, with residents and businesses welcome to stop by and dispose of their paperwork

The Community House uses Secure Shredding, out of Cape Coral

Documents, credit card receipts, checks, CDs, DVDs and more can be shredded

“Make sure all your documents are dry before you bring them because they can't shred wet or damp paper,” Admin Specialist France Paulsen added

Participants are asked to remove large paperclips and binder clips

There is a limit of four boxes or bags per person.

Participants are asked to enter via the driveway next to Dunlop Road After pulling up in a vehicle, volunteers will help them remove their paperwork, which is thrown in the shredder on the truck

Participants exit via the driveway nearest to the Sanibel Bean

In addition, The Community House and Sanibel Community Association will have their “Rebuilding” Tshirts available for sale The proceeds are assisting with the facility's post-hurricane restoration

Adult shirts come in small to XX large, and youth shirts come in extra small and medium.

The shirts can also be purchased at https://sanibelcommunityhouse net/

For more information about the event, visit online or call 239-472-2155

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

University

Sanibel library to present next lecture in virtual series

W i t h s u p p o r t f r o m t h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r y F o u n d a t i o n , t h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r y h a s l a u n c h e d a s e r i e s o f v i r t u a l a u t h o r t a l k s t o i n c l u d e b e s t s e l l i n g a u t h o r s a n d t h o u g h t l e a d e r s

T h e n e x t l e c t u r e w i l l b e h e l d o n J a n 3 1 a t 2 p m a n d w i l l f e a t u r e R a n d a l l M u n r o e , x k c d w e bc o m i c c r e a t o r a n d “ W h a t i f ? ” s e r i e s a u t h o r H i s n e w b o o k i s “ W h a t I f ? 2 : A d d i t i o n a l S e r i o u s S c i e n t i f i c A n s w e r s t o A b s u r d H y p o t h e t i c a l Q u e s t i o n s ” A p r a c t i c a l g u i d e f o r i m p r a c t i c a l i d e a s , h e c o n s u l t s t h e l a t e s t r e s e a r c h o n e v e r y t h i n g f r o m s w i n g - s e t p h y s i c s t o a i r p l a n e - c a t a p u l t d e s i g n t o c l e a r l y a n d c o n c i s e l y a n s w e r h i s r e a d e r s ' q u e s t i o n s

B o r n i n E a s t o n , P e n n s y l v a n i a , M u n r o e g r e w u p o u t s i d e R i c h m o n d , V i r g i n i a . A f t e r s t u d y i n g p h y s i c s a t C h r i s t o p h e r N e w p o r t U n i v e r s i t y , h e g o t a j o b b u i l d i n g r o b o t s a t N A S A L a n g l e y R e s e a r c h C e n t e r I n 2 0 0 6 , M u n r o e l e f t N A S A t o d r a w c o m i c s o n t h e I n t e r n e t f u l l t i m e a n d h a s s i n c e b e e n n o m i n a t e d f o r a H u g o A w a r d t h r e e t i m e s I n 2 0 1 3 , t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l A s t r o n o m i c a l U n i o n n a m e d a n a s t e r o i d a f t e r h i m : A s t e r o i d 4 9 4 2 M u n r o e i s b i g e n o u g h t o c a u s e m a s s e x t i n c t i o n i f i t e v e r h i t s a p l a n e t l i k e E a r t h

If you go What

Community Shredding Day

When Jan 28 from 9 a m to noon

Where North lot of The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Details

Cost is $5 per box and bag

Education Note

SPD releases weekly blotter

As Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued on Tuesday that will include real time information about law enforcement response to criminal activity

Last week, the SPD provided the following updates:

Arrest repor ts

∫ Medardo De Jesus Portillo, 44, of 5446 10th Ave., Fort Myers, was charged on Jan 13 with one count each of burglary unoccupied dwelling state of emergency/riot and larceny grant theft $750 less than $5,000

Other enforcement actions

∫ Officers continue to issue warnings and citations for the dewatering of pools in violation of the city ordinance

Enforcement operations statistics

Week to date for Jan 10-16:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 5

∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 19

Traffic crashes: 2

Traffic stops: 12

Field interviews: 3

Residential area checks: 816

Business area checks: 303

Reported burglaries: 2

Reported thefts: 2

Total CAD calls: 1,568

January 2023 to date:

Alarm calls (business and residential): 11

Non-emergency calls: 51

Traffic crashes: 6

Traffic stops: 81

Field interviews: 21

Residential area checks: 1,877

Business area checks: 686

Reported burglaries: 4

Reported thefts: 5

Total CAD calls: 3,590

Reminders from the SPD

The Sanibel Lighthouse area, fishing pier and all beach parking lots are currently closed

A q u e s t i o n - a n d - a n s w e r s e s s i o n w i t h t h e a u t h o r w i l l f o l l o w

T o r e g i s t e r f o r t h e a u t h o r t a l k , v i s i t h t t p s : / / l i b r a r y c o r g / s a n l i b / u p c o m i n g

I n a d d i t i o n , t h e l i b r a r y i s o f f e r i n g s o m e p r og r a m m i n g p o s t - s t o r m f o r a d u l t s a n d y o u t h s

F o r t h e m o s t u p - t o - d a t e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t t h e l i b r a r y ' s c a l e n d a r a t w w w s a n l i b o r g

I f y o u h a v e p h o t o s t a k e n d u r i n g H u r r i c a n e I a n o r o f p o s t - s t o r m d a m a g e o r r e c o v e r y i n S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a , c o n s i d e r a l l o w i n g t h e l i b r a r y t o a r c h i v e t h e i m a g e s I t i s a l s o l o o k i n g f o r p h o t o s o f t h e i s l a n d s b e f o r e t h e c a u s e w a y , d u r i n g t h e l a n d b o o m o f t h e e a r l y 1 9 2 0 s , a n d o f n o t a b l e l o c a l s I m a g e s , v i d e o s a n d s t o r i e s c a n b e e m a i l e d t o s a n i b e l p u b l i c l ib r a r y @ g m a i l c o m

T h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r y i s o p e n M o n d a y t h r o u g h F r i d a y f r o m 1 0 a m t o 3 p m

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 2 4 8 3 o r v i s i t w w w s a n l i b o r g

T h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r y i s a t 7 7 0 D u n l o p R o a d , S a n i b e l

Dewatering of a pool or spa directly into a waterbody, into the city’s stormwater system or onto any thirdparty’s property without the third party’s consent is expressly prohibited

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel.com or use Tip411.

Repor ting suspicious activity

Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411

∫ W e b t i p s c a n b e s u b m i t t e d a t https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert group id=2245 0

∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device.

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239-472-3111

Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice

Poulin named to Dean’s List

Abbey Poulin, of Sanibel, was named to the fall Dean’s List at Lehigh

Dean's List status is awarded to students who earned a scholastic average of 3 6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses

DDWS reports on refuge programming and more

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's waters, lands and facilities are closed to the public until further notice due to hurricane damage. Consequently, many programs and events are canceled

In addition, the DDWS provided the following updates:

∫ “Ding” Darling Nature Wellness is partnering w i t h t h e S a n i b e l R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r f o r a f r e e Mindfulness Meditation Class on Wednesdays at 8:30 a m and a free Guided Mindfulness Walk on S a t u r d a y s a t 1 0 a m P r e r e g i s t e r a t DingDarling Eventbrite com

∫ Most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the Nature Store will pop up at the Outdoor Gallery and Island Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rachel Pierce Art Gallery, at 1571 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ The 10th annual “Ding” Darling-Theodore Cross High School Photography Contest is open The deadline for entries is March 1 For information, contact Ali Reece at alison@dingdarlingsociety org

∫ The DDWS' major annual fundraiser, “Go Bully for “Ding” An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt,” will take place on March 6 at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers Reservations are open

∫ “Ding” Wellness Week will precede National Mental Health Awareness Week, May 3-10

∫ The annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament remains on the calendar for May 19 Registration is open The DDWS thanked the 2023 sponsors To become an event sponsor, contact April Boehnen at aprilb@dingdarlingsociety org

Minnesota Twins Celebrity Golf Classic set for February

Registration is open and sponsorship are a l able for the 25th anniversary Minnesota Twi Celebrity Golf Classic set for Feb 17 from 1:30 to 4:30 p m at Topgolf, at 2021 Topgolf Way, Fort Myers

This year, support for the event series will benefit the Lee H ealth Regional Cancer Center, ensuring families can stay close to home for lifesaving cancer care

Registration for individual tickets and spon

will close on Feb 1

Individual tickets are $350 Team registraions are $1,500 and include tickets for five participants

Sponsorships levels range from presenting sponsor to silent auction and hole sponsorships

F o r i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o r e g i s t e r , v i s i t eeHealthFoundation org/twins

Beach permits available for Sanibel residents, owners

The city of Sanibel reported that A and AC beach parking permits are now on sale for Sanibel residents and property owners only at the Sanibel Recreation Center, at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

B and BC beach parking permits for non-residents and non-property owners will be available for purchase on Jan 31 Beginning in February, a limited number of beach accesses will be open

The vehicle registration or lease agreement for each vehicle for which a permit is being purchased must be

County accepts emergency grant funds to place beach sand

On Jan 17, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to accept grant funds of $5 m i l l i o n f r o m t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection for Hurricane Ian and Nicole Emergency Recovery to place sand on Lee County beaches

The state allocated $5 million for the beach and dune sand placement The county reported that the allocation will help provide storm protection and recreational benefits along the publicly accessible and heavily used beaches eroded by Ian

The project consists of trucking sand to beaches designated by the s t a t e a s c r i t i c a l l y e r o d e d a n d actively managed by the county to protect public infrastructure at risk from hurricane impacts Currently permitted locations include: south of Blind Pass, where the severely e r o d e d b e a c h t h r e a t e n s t h e Sanibel-Captiva Road evacuation route; and on Lovers Key, where a breach threatens the access bridge

presented at the time of the purchase

Acceptable proof of residency or property ownership include: ∫

Driver’s license with a Sanibel address ∫

Valid government issued photo identification card with a Sanibel address ∫

Lee County voter registration card with a Sanibel address ∫ Tax bill with the homestead exemption for the Sanibel property that the owner owns ∫ Tax bill with the property ownership on Sanibel

∫ Notarized declaration of domicile listing a Sanibel residence

Permits may be purchased with cash, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Visa or check

To access the permit application, v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w m y s a n i b e l c o m /content/download/30062/file/Beac h%20Parking%20Permit%20Applic ation pdf To save time, bring the application already completed.

For more information, call the center at 239-472-0345 or visit www mysanibel com

n e s

B

FA

R E P E C K I

t r e p e c k i @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m

T h e S a n i b e l I s l a n d F a r m e r s M a r k e t r e c e n t l y r e t u r n e d t o t h e i s l a n d f o l l o w i n g H u r r i c a n e I a n C e l e b r a t i n g i t s 1 5 t h s e a s o n , t h e w e e k l y e v e n t w a s s c h e d u l e d t o k i c k o f f i n O c t o b e r , b u t t h e n e a r C a t e g o r y 5 s t o r m s t r u c k t h e r e g i o n j u s t d a y s b e f o r e a n d d e v a s t a t e d t h e i s l a n d s . F o u r m o n t h s l a t e r , w i t h S a n i b e l a n d C a p t i v a o p e n a g a i n t o t h e g e n e ra l p u b l i c , t h e m a r k e t i s b a c k i n a t e m p o r a r y l o c a t i o n

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m

T y p i c a l l y h e l d a t t h e S a n i b e l C i t y H a l l , t h e e v e n t i s t a k i n g p l a c e o n S u n d a y s f r o m 9 a m t o 1 p m i n t h e f r o n t p a r ki n g l o t o f J e r r y ' s F o o d s . O r g a n i z e d b y L o c a l R o o t s , w h i c h i s c oo w n e d b y i s l a n d r e s id e n t s J e a n B a e r a n d B e t s y V e n t u r a , i t f e at u r e s a m i x o f v e n d o r s a n d p r o d u c t s a n d w i l l r u n u p t h r o u g h M a y B a e r e x p l a i n e d t h a t w h i l e t h e y w e r e w a i t i n g t o h e a r a b o u t t h e p o s t - s t o r m s t a t u s o f C i t y H a l l a n d p o s s i b l e t i m e l i n e f o r o p e n i n g u p a t t h e s i t e , t h e m a n a g e m e n t a t J e r r y ' s F o o d s c o n t a c t e d t h e m . “ O u t o f t h e b l u e w e r e c e i v e d a c a l l f r o m J e r r y ' s , ” s h e s a i d “ T h e y s a i d , ' W e b e l i e v e t h a t t h e f a r m e r s m a rk e t i s r e a l l y g o o d f o r t h e c o m m u n i t y a n d w e w o u l d l i k e t o i n v i t e y o u t o u s e o u r p a r k i n g l o t ' ”

L o c a l R o o t s a p p l i e d f o r a s p e c i a l e v e n t s p e r m i t t h r o u g h t h e c i t y a n d r e c e i v e d t h e g r e e n l i g h t

B a e r d e s c r i b e d t h e s e a s o n ' s o p e n i n g d a y o n J a n 1 5 a s “ a b s o l u t e l y f a n t a s t i c ”

S h e e x p l a i n e d t h a t a t t e n d e e s e v e r y w h e r e w e r e c a t c h i n g u p w i t h n e i g h b o r s t h a t t h e y h a d n o t s e e n , w h i l e o t h e r s t h a n k e d t h e m f o r b r i n g i n g b a c k t h e m a rk e t . S e v e r a l o f t h e v e n d o r s e v e n s o l d o u t b e f o r e n o o n .

“ R i c k c a m e o u t s e v e r a l t i m e s t h a t d a y a n d h e w a s s m i l i n g f r o m e a r t o e a r , ” B a e r s a i d o f t h e s t o r e d i r e ct o r a t J e r r y ' s “ T h e y ( f a r m e r s m a r k e t s ) d o n ' t t h r e a t e n o t h e r g r o c e r y s t o r e s T h e y e n h a n c e t h e m ”

“ I t h i n k i t w a s g o o d f o r t h e i s l a n d , ” s h e a d d e d

A s f a r a s w h a t t h e m a r k e t f e a t u r e s , t h e r e a r e a b o u t 2 5 v e n d o r s r e d u c e d b y a b o u t h a l f f r o m w h a t w a s i n i t i a l l y p l a n n e d o n p r e - I a n S h o p p e r s c a n f i n d f r e s h f r u i t s a n d v e g e t a b l e s , p r e p a r e d m e a l s a n d m o r e “ I t i s m u c h s m a l l e r , ” B a e r s a i d , e x p l a i n i n g t h a t t h e y t r i e d t o f o c u s o n i n v i t i n g b u s i n e s s e s w i t h p r o d u c t s n e e d e d d u r i n g t h e p o s t - h u r r i c a n e r e c o v e r y “ W e t r i e d t o t h i n k , ' W h a t a r e t h e n e e d s o f t h e r e s i d e n t s ? ' ”

S o m e o f t h e v e n d o r s i n c l u d e I r e n e ’ s P r o d u c e , A u r o r a ’ s P r o d u c e , F r e s h C a t c h F i s h C o , M o l l y M a l o n e S e a f o o d , C h e f S e b a s t i a n M a z z o t t a , P i l a r ' s E m p a n a d a s , T w i l a M a e ' s C h i c k e n S a l a d , S t a m p e r C h e e s e , A u x D e l i c e s F r e n c h B a k e r y , E u r o p e a n B a k e r y , C h e r i e ' s S w e e t T r e a t s , D y n a s t y G u a c a m o l e , a n d m o r e

S h o p p e r s c a n a g a i n o r d e r i n a d v a n c e f r o m v e n d o r s a n d s i m p l y g r a b - a n d - g o

A l s o , L o c a l R o o t s i s p a r t n e r i n g w i t h F I S H o f S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a t o h e l p f i l l i t s f o o d p a n t r y

B a e r e x p l a i n e d t h a t t h e p r o g r a m w o r k s w i t h t h e p a r t i c i p a t i o n o f t h e v e n d o r s A t t h e e n d o f t h e e v e n t , v e n d o r s c a n d o n a t e a n y l e f t o v e r p r o d u c t s , w h i c h F I S H v o l u n t e e r s p i c k u p f o r t h e f o o d p a n t r y A t t e n d e e s w h o w a n t t o h e l p c a n a l s o d r o p o f f d o n at i o n s a t t h e L o c a l R o o t s b o o t h d u r i n g t h e m a r k e t .

“ I f y o u ' r e i n a p o s i t i o n t o s u p p o r t F I S H , p l e a s e d o s o , ” s h e s a i d , n o t i n g t h a t t h e l o n g - r u n n i n g p a r t n e rs h i p i s e v e n m o r e i m p o r t a n t t h i s s e a s o n a s t h e c o mm u n i t y n e e d h a s g r o w n d u e t o I a n

B a e r a d d e d t h a t F I S H h a s b e e n a n d c o n t i n u e s t o b e a g r e a t r e s o u r c e f o r t h o s e i m p a c t e d

“ W e ' r e d o i n g e v e r y t h i n g w e c a n t o h e l p a n d f a c i l it a t e t h e i r e f f o r t s , ” s h e s a i d

D e s p i t e t h e d e l a y e d s t a r t t o t h e s e a s o n , L o c a l R o o t s s t i l l p l a n s t o c e l e b r a t e i t s 1 5 y e a r s a s p l a n n e d

B a e r e x p l a i n e d t h a t t h e i r m a r k e t s t a r t e d o u t a s a h o b b y , s o m e t h i n g f u n t o t r y .

“ I t w a s B e t s y ' s i d e a S h e l o v e s g o i n g t o f a r m e r s m a r k e t s S h e ' s a r e a l f o o d i e , ” s h e s a i d , a d d i n g t h a t V e n t u r a w a s c u r i o u s a b o u t w h y t h e i s l a n d d i d n o t h a v e o n e a n d a s k e d h e r i f t h e y s h o u l d s t a r t o n e I n 2 0 0 7 , t h e m a r k e t h e l d i t s f i r s t s e a s o n i n t h e p a r k i n g l o t o f t h e T a h i t i a n G a r d e n s s h o p p i n g c e n t e r o n P e r i w i n k l e W a y T h e r e w e r e 1 6 p a r t i c i p a t i n g v e n d o r s , a n d t h e e v e n t t o o k p l a c e o v e r f i v e S u n d a y s

W i t h t h e s u p p o r t o f t h e S a n i b e l C i t y C o u n c i l , t h e m a r k e t m o v e d t w o y e a r s l a t e r t o C i t y H a l l B a e r n o t e d t h a t s o m e o f t h e o r i g i n a l v e n d o r s s t i l l t a k e p a r t .

L o c a l R o o t s h a s s i n c e e x p a n d e d t o s e v e r a l m a r k e t s i n t w o c o u n t i e s , w i t h m o r e t h a n 1 5 0 v e n d o r s

“ M a n y v e n d o r s s t a r t e d t h e i r b u s i n e s s w i t h L o c a l R o o t s a n d a r e n o w i n m u l t i p l e m a r k e t s , a n d m a n y

h a v e o p e n e d t h e i r o w n s t o r e f r o n t s , ” s h e s a i d “ I t h a s b e e n a n d c o n t i n u e s t o b e a n a m a z i n g j o u r n e y t o b e a p a r t o f t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e s e l o c a l s m a l l b u s i n e s se s . ”

A s f o r t h e S a n i b e l e v e n t , t h e y e x t e n d e d t h e i r g r a t it u d e t o t h e c i t y a n d J e r r y ' s

“ W e h o p e t o c o n t i n u e t o g r o w t h e m a r k e t a s w e g r o w i n o u r r e c o v e r y p r o c e s s , ” B a e r s a i d

R e s i d e n t s a n d v i s i t o r s a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o s t o p b y .

“ I t ' s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o o b t a i n m e a l s - t o - g o , f r e s h j u i c e s , f r e s h p r o d u c e , ” s h e s a i d “ A n d n o w m o r e t h a n a n e v e r , i t ' s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o g a t h e r a s a c o m m u n i t y ”

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w b u y l oc a l l e e c o m /

r i

e

y T I F

N Y

Betsy Ventura and Jean Baer at the Sanibel Island Farmers Market's opening in 2007.

In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the S a n i b e l I s l a n d F a r m e r M a r k e t , v e n d o r A u x Delices French Bakery and Cafe will introduce the Incroyable Croissant for this season

Former Sanibel City Manager Judie Zimomra, center, runs the city of Sanibel booth during a past Sanibel Island Farmers Market.

Co-owners Betsy Ventura and Jean Baer last season at the Sanibel Island Farmers Market

PENELOPE STEWART

FINNLEY PETTIT

Arbor Day Youth Contest winners announced

In conjunction with the city's Natural Resources Department and Vegetation

C o m m i t t e e , t h e S a n i b e l R e c r e a t i o n Department hosted a youth contest to celebrate Arbor Day

For grades K-3, the contest was to submit a drawing inspired by Arbor Day For grades 4-8, the contests included an essay or a poem, and the topic was “Why is Arbor Day so important?”

This year's winners included:

∫ Kindergarten, coloring contest win-

ner: Penelope Stewart ∫

First grade, coloring contest winner: Neil Vedvyas ∫

Second grade, coloring contest winner: Finnley Pettit ∫

Third grade, coloring contest winner: Nevaeh Towler

∫

Fifth grade, essay contest winner: Ally Flynt

The winners received prizes

The contest was sponsored by Beach Floor & Decor

SCCF to celebrate community with music at Point Ybel

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Point Ybel Brewing Company will host a light-hearted community gathering that features live music on Jan. 29 from 4-6 p m in Fort Myers

The SCCF reported that the free event will take place in lieu of its regular seasonal fundraising events, including its Pine Island Sounds on-the-water concert series, which will not be able to be held this year

The headliner will be Cold Chocolate, a Boston-based Americana band that fuses folk, funk and bluegrass Led by Ethan Robbins and Ariel Bernstein, it has released three full-length albums and regularly performs up and

down the East Coast

“The band was booked before the storm, and we’re thrilled to still be able to create a space for entertainment and community thanks to our partners at Point Ybel Brewing,” SCCF Facilities and Events Manager Jeff Siwicke said “We hope this allows everyone to take a break from hurricane recovery and just have fun ”

There will be a food truck will be on site

The Point Ybel Brewing Company is at 16120 San Carlos Blvd , Fort Myers

Cold Chocolate

NEIL VEDVYAS

NEVAEH TOWLER

ALLY FLYNT

Isl and HOMe islander

F.I.S.H. and United Way partner on furniture distribution

In partnership with the United Way, F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva is distributing furniture to Sanibel and Captiva's residents and workforce through the Hurricane Ian Point of Distribution (POD) program

F I S H is distributing the items, donated through the United Way's Gifts-in-Kind program, to those in need. Recipients must either be residents of the islands or show proof of their island employment

PROVIDED Bromeliad imperialis

Bromeliad can withstand a variety of climates

The sun-grown bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) is a family of monocot flowering plants with about 3,475 known species It is found through the subtropics of America and West Africa and throughout South America In the United States, they are found in Virginia, Florida, Texas and Arizona The plant is uniquely adapted to withstand a wide variety of climates due to its unique ability to accumulate water between its succulent leaves, while at the same time providing aquatic habitats for a wide array of invertebrates This in turn nourishes the plant with organic material for the plant to thrive

The bromeliad is found in areas where humidity is high and can thrive in conditions from full shade to full sun The species of bromeliad that does best in the Florida climate are the sun varieties that include bromeliad imperialis (Alcantarea imperialis) and bromeliad petra (Neoregelia petra)

The Alcantarea imperialis is considered the signature species among the 20 or so in the Vriesea genus This variety is characterized by its large form with the ability to grow to a massive 5 feet across with a flower spike that can reach over 6 feet tall, although it could take 10 years or longer to achieve that impressive size Originating in Brazil, the species has leaves with a blueish-green top and a maroon bottom, giving it a beautiful contrast of colors The imperialis takes three to 10 years to bloom a beautiful spike of small white flowers numbering in the hundreds, making it one of the most striking bromeliads in the tropical landscape It was popularized by Robert Burle-Marx, the famous Brazilian landscape architect

The petra variety of bromeliad is a smaller variety compared to the imperialis and is characterized by deep bright reds and oranges This variety of sun bromeliad thrives in full sun Described as tough by many bromeliad growers, it has the ability to handle a few frosts Petra’s bright leaves increase in intensity with direct sun exposure This variety also makes a great groundcover due to its ability to create offshoots on its stolons, making it easy to create a mass planting of gorgeous color Adding groups of petra bromeliads will add intense bright colors to any native plant garden on Sanibel

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-395-5859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden

Items available for distribution may include but are not limited to: ∫ Mattresses ∫ Bed frames ∫ Chairs and tables

Accent furniture

“We are pleased to partner with United Way to offer this valuable program to our community members, many of which have lost everything due to Hurricane Ian,” Program Coordinator Manuela Martinez said.

The United Way is offering furniture points of distribution throughout Lee County

For more information about the POD program, including information on other distribution locations, contact Martinez at 239-472-4775 or manuela@fishofsancap.org.

County tax collector launches new website

The Lee County Tax Collector recently announced the launch of its n e w l y r e d e s i g n e d w e b s i t e LeeTC com which features Edison, its Artificial Intelligence (AI) customer service agent. It offers a cleaner, more modern design with easier navigation and one click access for all of its services

In addition, customers can interact with Edison, who is available to answer questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week No more searching through multiple links to find information; type your question in the chat and Edison will answer in seconds The more questions he is

asked, the smarter Edison gets.

“This new website, along with Edison, takes the customer experience

to a whole new level,” Tax Collector Noelle Branning said “Stakeholder feedback told us we needed to overhaul our website, so information is easier to find, and we listened ”

“In addition, adding Edison gives customers a fun and informative way to interact with us, which is not something normally experienced on a government website,” she added “We are thrilled with the results and hope our customers feel the same ”

The office partnered with Vectra Digital for the design and development of the website

Edison was created in partnership with CogAbility

Mitigation experts offering free rebuilding advice

A s p a r t o f a c o n t i n u i n g e f f o r t t o h e l p F l o r i d i a n s r e b u i l d f r o m H u r r i c a n e s N i c o l e a n d I a n , F E M A i s o f f e r i n g f r e e a d v i c e f o r s t o r m s u r v i v o r s o n h o w t o r e b u i l d s t r o n g e r a n d s a f e r a g a i n s t s t o r m s

F E M A m i t i g a t i o n e x p e r t s a r e a v a i l a b l e a t :

∫ H o m e D e p o t , a t 3 0 3 1 N E P i n e I s l a n d R o a d , C a p e C o r a l

M o n d a y t h r o u g h S a t u r d a y f r o m 8 a m t o 6 p m a n d S u n d a y f r o m 8 a m t o 5 p m T h e y w i l l a n s w e r q u e s t i o n s a n d o f f e r h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t t i p s a n d m e t h o d s t o p r e v e n t a n d l e s s e n d a m a g e f r o m f u t u r e d i s a s t e r s . M i t i g a t i o n i s a n e f f o r t t o r e d u c e t h e l o s s o f l i f e a n d p r o p e r t y d a m a g e b y l e s s e n i n g t h e i m p a c t o f a d i s a s t e r

T h e i n f o r m a t i o n i s g e a r e d f o r d o - i ty o u r s e l f w o r k a n d g e n e r a l c o n t r a ct o r s I n a d d i t i o n , s u r v i v o r s c a n c a l l t h e F E M A M i t i g a t i o n L i n e t o s p e a k w i t h m i t i g a t i o n s p e c i a l i s t s

T h e n u m b e r i s 8 3 3 - 3 3 6 - 2 4 8 7 a n d i s a v a i l a b l e M o n d a y t h r o u g h S a t u r d a y f r o m 8 a m t o 6 p m

Animal Services highlights ‘Never Walk Alone Again’

J a n u a r y i s W a l k Y o u r D o g M o n t h , a n d L e e C o u n t y D o m e s t i c A n i m a l S e r v i c e s i n v i t e s t h e p u b l i c t o a d o p t a n e w e x e r c i s e b u d d y s o t h e r e i s n o n e e d t o w a l k a l o n e a g a i n .

Make pets a part of your New Year’s plan and consider that there a r e m a n y w a y s a n e w p e t c a n improve your life:

∫ Getting fit, losing weight and being healthy: A pet is a great way to b e m o r e a c t i v e , w h e t h e r p l a y i n g

games or going for a walk

∫

Reducing stress: Having the companionship of a devoted pet is a p r o v e n s t r e s s r e d u c e r R e s e a r c h shows that contact with animals has many health benefits.

been reduced to $30 for the month of January

∫

Enjoying life more: With all the benefits of pet adoption, this one is simple

∫

Helping others: By adopting, you will not just be helping You will be saving a life

The adoption fee for dogs have

Valued at $600, the adoption package includes spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, de-worming, flea treatment, heartworm test for dogs 6 months and older, feline aids and leukemia test for cats, Lee County pet license for pets 3 months and older, microchip ID, and a 10-day health guarantee

Sanibel Captiva

PHOTO

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

Stop all the stirring, put down your wooden spoon and wipe off your brow It is time to give your “risotto” a makeover. Learn to make risotto using new flavors and trends and the latest cooking methods Ask anybody about making risotto and they will tell you that the main ingredient is “pazienza ” Patience is needed because of the 25 minutes of constant stirring that it takes to make a perfect risotto, even though we are all in agreement that this is a small price to pay for such a delicious reward Serves eight

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup of battuto (onion, celery and garlic)

2 cups raw risotto rice

1/4 cup dry white wine

5 cups homemade chicken or seafood stock

2 zucchini, sliced and grilled

4 Roma tomatoes, cut in half, grilled and chopped

8 sea scallops

1/4 cup Fontina cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Recipe of the

Week:

Melt half of the butter and oil together in a 12-inch skillet and cook battuto until transparent Add rice Stir until coated, about two minutes Add wine, stirring until it evaporates

Slowly add just enough stock to cover the rice while stirring constantly Add more stock, as needed, until rice is al dente, about 23 minutes over medium heat Stir in the grilled zucchini and the chopped tomatoes and cook for five more minutes Add fontina cheese.

At the end of the cooking time, when risotto is “al dente,” stir in butter, parsley, salt and pepper Place rice in a serving dish and top with scallops Serve immediately

Loretta Paganini

Dry scallops with paper towels, season with salt and pepper Heat a nonstick frying pan with olive oil. Sear the scallops for a few minutes on each side and reserve.

Tips for making a good risotto ∫ Use good quality rice: Arborio, Vialone Nano or Carnaioli ∫ Have a hot homemade stock ready before you begin the risotto ∫ Use a good heavy bottomed, six-quart stockpot ∫ Only use a wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula Never use a metal spoon; it will ruin the tender grains of rice ∫ Use fresh unsalted butter

∫ Use a good quality Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to flavor risotto once it is off the heat.

∫ Use a good dry white wine Never use cooking wine

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, and via Zoom For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail com

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea Rev Larry Marshall

In-person service on Sundays at 11 a m through April Services will be videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page. Services from the past season can also be found online

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Glass Fusing with Petra Kaiser on Feb 8 from 10 a m to 1 p m

Junonia found on Captiva

Misty Kelly, of Fort Myers, found a junonia on Jan 16 at sunset in front of the family home at the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva She reported that she found a fragment of a junonia while she was washing her hands in the ocean and something her angel told her to look to her right At the edge of the surf was a junonia on top of a mound of shells no more than 3 feet away Kelly noted that the house has been in the family since 1978 and no one has ever even found a piece of one before She was beginning to think they did not exist Kelly added that she

read the junonia is named after the Roman warrior goddess Juno, the wife and sister of Jupiter and Jupiter was bright in the sky that night Also, it happened on Martin Luther King Jr Day, her initials are MLK and she was born on Aug 28 the same date that he gave his “I Have a Dream” speech “I've always believed in the magic of that island and how that magic is never stronger than at sunset, and now I have proof!” she shared To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@ breezenewspapers com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Lecture and discussion on Thursday at 11 a m via Zoom Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a m via Zoom Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p m via Zoom Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a m via Zoom For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail com

∫ Sanibel Christian Science Church 2950 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-810-1077

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch.com/, https://www facebook com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a m in the SCC Historic Chapel Sunday service at 5 p m at the Fort Myers Community Church, at 8440 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday

∫

Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www sanibelucc org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/ Senior Minister Dr Mark Boyea Sunday service at 10 a m at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers

∫

St. Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www saintisabel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/

Father Ed Martin

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www saintmichaelssanibel org/, https://www facebook com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Service with optional healing prayers on Wednesday at 9 a m at the Peace Lutheran Church, at 15840 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers Sunday service at 11:30 a m at the same location, followed by a coffee hour in Fellowship Hall

Shell Find

islandBeat islander

Pinkham, Strallen to join Gulf Coast Symphony

SWFL Symphony to present ‘Masterworks 1’

The Southwest Florida Symphony will present “Masterworks 1” on Jan 28 at 7:30 p m at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, at 13350 FSW P a r k w a y , F o

Grammy Award winner and worldrenowned violinist Gil Shaham, the concert will feature popular pieces by

a

d Mozart conducted by Maestro Radu Paponiu There will be a pre-concert lecture and question-and-answer session at 6:30 p.m. with Shaham and Paponiu Tickets range from $60-140 For more information or tickets, visit https://www swflso org/tickets/

Tony Award nominee Bryce Pinkham and double Olivier Award nominee Scarlett Strallen will present “From Broadway to the West End: A Love Story” on Jan 29 at 7 p m at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, at 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers It is the story of how two actors met and fell in love while working on the “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder ” They will share their experiences performing, as well as their stories about how they met and fell in love Joined by the Gulf Coast Symphony, they will perform songs from their favorite musicals, including “The Sound of Music,” “Les Misérables,”

Edison, Ford estates to host Antique Ford Car Show

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host its annual Antique Ford Car Show on Feb 4 from 9 a m to 2 p m on the Ford estate lawn, at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers; vehicle registration is open

Each year, classic car owners exhibit their cars as a tribute to Henry Ford, pioneer of the automobile industry Model Ts, Mustangs, Thunderbirds and other models will be on display.

There will also be a deejay, and food trucks with refreshments available for purchase P a r t i c i p a t i n g f o o d v e n d o r s include Easy Cheesy, Hungry Pony Food Cart and Millennial Brewing Company

The event is free for members or $25 for non-members

Antique car owners wanting to participate can register any Ford model, 1980 or older for d i s p l a y b e f o r e J a n 2 7 Registration is $30 for the first car and $15 for each additional car, and it includes admission

For more information, tickets or to register a vehicle, visit EdisonFord org

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

Attendees at the Antique Car Show at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

I recently read that people who live in Finland are the happiest people in the world The article highlighted something they avoid, and two things that Finnish people do that impacts their level of happiness: ∫ They avoid comparing themselves to their neighbor ∫ They appreciate nature Many Finnish cities are densely built to preserve natural spaces: parks and preserves People make it a priority to spend time in nature

r

I wonder if people in Finland are happy because they have adopted practices that remind them of how God has created us to live?

Faces on Faith

∫ Each and every one of us is a beloved child of God, created in God’s image and likeness and loved beyond our wildest imagining by God. No one of us is greater or more loved than another This love is a free gift that we are called to share so that we will be the beloved community that God

longs for us to be Diversity is to be celebrated

∫ G o d h a s g i f t e d u s w i t h t h e m a rv e l o u s c r e a t e d w o r l d a r o u n d u s a n d e n t r u s t e d i t t o o u r c a r e W e c a n s e e a n d k n o w G o d t h r o u g h t h i s h a n d i w o r k ; G o d ’ s c r e a t i o n W e a r e c o n n e c t e d i n a d e l i c a t e w e b o f l i f e a n d c a l l e d t o l i v e i n h a r m o n y w i t h c r e a t i o n a n d e a c h o t h e r ∫ We are called to live in a community of trust and respect We are most fully who God created us to be when we love one another. This means we do things as small as returning a lost wallet and as large as making the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of another We work for the common good We value diversity We reach out and put others’ needs ahead of our own Happiness is not found in a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, but in practices that remind us who we are (God’s beloved) and how God created us to live (“love one another”) May the people of Finland help us to remember this

The Rev William “Bill” Van Oss is the rector at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

Lee Health to offer self-management programs

Lee Health's “It’s All About You” a self-management resource program with the SMRC is offering the following research-based virtual programs for free to the community: Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program

The Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program is designed for

A quartet of Gulfshore Opera artists, with piano accompaniment, will present “Mostly Mozart” on Jan 26 at 7 p m at the Daniels Pavilion at Artis Naples, at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd , Naples The concert will feature a variety of scenes and arias by Mozart and the Italian masters, Rossini and Donizetti, who followed him Tickets are $55 For tickets or more information, visit https://www gulfshoreopera org/ GULFSHORE OPERA

Poetic License

‘Earth Machine’

I’m nothing more than an Earth Machine, An outmoded molecular engine

Feeding on leftover stardust chemicals

And lower kinds of Earth Machines, All created for no purpose other Than wonder for what purpose I and other Earth Machines were created

people ages 18 and older with chronic health conditions to help them learn ways to better manage the chronic conditions and symptoms that often accompany chronic health conditions The workshops are held once a week for six weeks

The program will be offered on Thursdays starting on Jan 26 from 1 to

3:30 p m at the Providence Family Life Center, at 3592 Broadway, Suite 100, Fort Myers

Participants will receive a copy of the book “Living a Healthier Life with Chronic Conditions ”

For more information or to register for one of the programs, call 239-4243121

Refuge’s WoW adapts lessons due to weather

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge reported that the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife on Wheels spent a coup l e o f w e e k s a t G W e a v e r H i p p s Elementary, a Title I school in Lehigh Acres

Recent rains had the WoW team adapting by bringing exhibits and information from the mobile classroom indoors to the school's third- and fourth-grade classrooms for students

Other upcoming WoW visits include:

∫ Now through Feb. 2: Orange River Elementary in Fort Myers ∫ Feb 6-16: Harns Marsh Elementary in Lehigh Acres

The WoW currently operates with a reduced team because of the storm's impact on staffing

To donate to support the upkeep and programming for the WoW efforts, visit https://interland3 donorperfect net/weblin k/WebLink.aspx?name=E54182&id=12.

Obsolete from the day of my assemblage, I’m now in need of constant repair, And though I’m complex and not simple, Simplicity overwhelms me

As I creak on toward downsizing

And disassembly in that final junkyard Where only forever runs forever

GCWA accepting entries for contest

Joe Pacheco

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Gulfshore Opera to present ‘Mostly Mozar t’

Community Chorus resumes at BIG ARTS

by Ellen Whitten, the BIG ARTS Community Chorus is back and stronger than ever Those interested in participating are invited to be part of a wonderful and

Florida Junior Duck Stamp Contest accepting submissions

In January, the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Education Team began making its round of school visits to get local students excited about the annual Florida Junior Duck Stamp Contest.

The judging traditionally takes place at the Sanibel refuge Because of hurricane damage this year, it will move to a different refuge within the complex, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

Art submissions must be postmarked by March 15 Mail submissions to Ranger Toni Westland, Florida Panther NWR, 12085 SR 29 South, Immokalee, Florida 34142

https://www youtube com/watch?v=jvs41r4s-Xs

creative experience that performs in the Christiansen Performance Hall on Sanibel Rehearsals will be held on Thursdays from 1 to 2:30 p m There are no auditions to

required The chorus will sing at the March 15 community gathering at BIG ARTS To sign up or for more information, contact 239-395-0900

Gulfshore Opera to present ‘Taste of Opera’

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will host Michael Dutra and the Strictly Sinatra band, a Frank Sinatra tribute, on Jan 27 at 6:30 p m on the F o

River T

The group performs many of Sinatra's greatest hits and has been performing all across the country since 2002 They opened for Howie Mandel at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and performed at the Gov Chris Christie inaugural event in 2010

Food and beverage vendors will have refreshments available for purchase No coolers or picnic baskets will be permitted

Free parking will be available in the main Edison Ford parking lot

Advance tickets are $30 for members or $35 for non-members; tickets at the door will be $40

Attendees should bring a lawn chair and sweater or blanket if the weather is chilly

For more information or tickets, visit EdisonFord org

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

The Gulfshore Opera will present “Taste of Opera: Soiree in Seville” on Jan 31 at 6 p m at the Hideaway Beach Club, at 250 S Beach Drive, Marco Island Classical and contemporary songs will be enhanced by a specially selected menu from Chef Tim a n d

i n e s G O ’ s Professional Artists in Residence will delight with a Spanish-themed program, including scenes from “Carmen,”

are $150 For tickets or more

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings

GULFSHORE OPERA

Led

BIG ARTS

Those interested in participating are invited to be part of a wonderful and creative experience that performs in the Christiansen Performance Hall on Sanibel

judging

last year's Florida Junior Duck Stamp Contest

e e

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m