Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

INSIDE: Future Forestry celebrates 20 years Cape Coral’s Community Newspaper Since 1961

WWW.CAPECORALBREEZE.COM

WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 26, 2024

$ 1.00

CC BREEZE 01/26/24

Cape Coral’s Community Newspaper Since 1961

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Weekend Edition, January 26, 2024

$1.00

Stipend rhetoric ratchets up to recall threat

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Wednesday was not a good night for Cape Coral City Council.

The Republican Party of Lee County announced it is planning to start a recall of members of the board who supported a controversial stipend and residents turned their back on the board en mass in protest of the city’s plans for Jaycee Park with the formation of a politician action committee announced.

“We are not going to put up with that. The people here in Cape Coral may put up with it, but the Party is not. I am here to deliver a message to you today. On Saturday, we are going to start the process of recalling you guys. And we are definitely not going to be supporting you with re-election.”

— Michael Thompson, Lee County Republican Executive Committee chair Lee County Republican Executive Committee Chair Michael Thompson

began Citizens Input by telling Council that at the Lee GOP meeting last week the

executive committee voted 131 to 0 to condemn the city council and mayor for their “use of power to enrich themselves.”

He asked Council to reconsider and reverse their resolution for the stipend, or there would be no funding resources, literature, or support to come from the Republican Party of Lee County to Mayor John Gunter and council members Dan Sheppard, Tom Hayden and Keith Long for any re-election bids in 2024 or 2026.

See STIPEND, page 27

Concert in the Park set for Feb. 1

AOW

The Freecoasters featured at free city-sponsored event

By CJ HADDAD

The Cape Coral Breeze presents Athletes of the Week

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

— Page 40

INDEX Business........................18 Commentary....................4 Education......................33 Obits/death notices.....36 Real Estate....................16 Sports..........................38 Weekly Recap...............19 Your Pets..................24-25

Today’ s Ad Inserts*

Future Forestry to host 20th Birthday Bash next Wednesday

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A

local non-profit dedicated to keeping Cape Coral green and creating ecosystems for native plants and animals is celebrating 20 years of serving the community.

Future Forestry will host its 20th Birthday

* Selected ZIP Codes

Bash next Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Wicked Dolphin Tiki Hut from 6 to 10 p.m.

Attendees can expect great food, music, and various forms of entertainment, including live music, an aerialist, and more. Future Forestry Executive Director Russ Ringland said this

See FUTURE FORESTRY, page 37

The second of the city of Cape Coral’s ongoing free Concert in the Park series takes place next week.

On Feb. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cultural Park, the free concert series sees its second installment, with attendees treated to live music and treats from on-site food trucks.

“The series’ first concert at Jaycee Park was well-attended, with live music from Nashville singer Dennis Caravello,” said city spokesperson Kaitlyn Mullen. “Concert in the Park has been around for years. It is a popular event with our residents looking for family-friendly entertainment that’s a little more laid back.”

This time around, it’s The Freecoasters that will take the stage from 5:30 to 7:30.

Those that attend are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds.

“The Freecoasters are a unique and funky blend of reggae, soul, and ska,” Mullen said. “They play current, popular

See CONCERT in the PARK, 37

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 2

Increase of 3,500 will provide for projects already in the city’s development pipeline

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Thousands more residential units will be allowed in the Pine Island Road District.

The PIRD, which has not been revised or updated since it was established in 2002, had its residential cap raised Wednesday night by more than 3,500 units.

Planning Team Coordinator Wyatt Daltry said the ordinance for the PIRD went to the state and regional agencies for review before coming back to the Cape Coral City Council where it was unanimously approved.

Since the initial PIRD was established, there have been major improve-

“As of today, that cap (5,030 units) has been met. The new cap will encompass every development in the pipeline that had at least gone past preapplication phase — no additional residential would be permitted.”

Planning Team Coordinator Wyatt Daltry, adding that vertically-integrated mixed use may become integrated in the PIRD after discussions are had. ments of the road with widening and provisions of utilities to the area, which caused city staff to revisit the caps.

Daltry said the success of attracting multi-family residential units to the district led to meeting the original cap on units, “As of today, that cap (5,030 units)

has been met. The new cap will encompass every development in the pipeline that had at least gone past preapplication phase — no additional residential would be permitted,” he said, adding that vertically-integrated mixed use may become integrated in the PIRD after discussions are had.

The residential component will be changed from 5,030 units to 8,615.

Daltry said affordable multi-family rental units will not count for residential development due to the Live Local Act. There will be a discussion regarding vertically integrated mixed use at a March workshop, due to it becoming more complicated to include in this plan.

Daltry said the comprehension plan has a range of units, as well as a range for retail square footage, office/warehouse and light manufacturing and hotel rooms.

They are deleting the square footage for hotel rooms, office, warehouse, and light manufacturing.

Coral Lakes tract rezoning approved

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

A Cape Coral subdivision off Del Prado Boulevard will be allowed 350 additional residential units.

City Council City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved the rezoning of a 34-acre tract, as well as a Master Concept Plan, for the Coral Lakes subdivision on Del Prado north.

Principal Planner Chad Boyko said the owner of the property, Coral Lakes Sage, LLC, at 3100 Del Prado Blvd. N. asked to remove tract four within the Coral Lakes subdivision from the Planned Development Project, which also eliminates a requirement for a traffic light at the entrance.

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape ups allowable residential units in Pine Island Road District

Cape Coral Breeze Vol. 63, No. 6

This tract, which is located on the frontage along Del Prado Boulevard, was originally approved for 275,000 square feet of commercial development.

The tract underwent a Future Land Use and zoning amendment for a multi-family residential future land use for the entire 34-acre tract that has 24 acres as a Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD) zoning designation.

This 34-acre is undeveloped and is bounded to the west by a preserve and abuts city’s land for the Academic Village.

Boyko said 10 acres are subject to RPUD. He said they have to remove the commercial requirement and then asked to remove the traffic light condition.

With the removal of the commercial development, Boyko said they agree that there was not any trip requirement counts that would necessitate a traffic light, which was to be paid for by the developer. By removing 300,000 square feet, it removes the trip county generations that would require a traffic light, he said.

With the council approving the rezone of 10 acres from commercial to RPUD, a master concept plan was approved for the 34.15 acres. That plan includes a maximum of 350 residential units, model homes, home-based businesses, temporary sales office, and other accessory residential units, such as club houses and recreational areas.

“The majority of the site consists of low intensity and multi-family uses, stormwater tract interior, recreational area of approximately 2 acres and some stormwater areas and buffering on the north and south of site. They do have some roadways in the interior providing access in site,” Boyko said.

Duplex dwellings were removed from the plan. The proposed uses are multi-family dwellings, single family attached dwellings and single-family semidetached dwellings.

Page 3 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 4

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

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

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

Caloosahatchee Connect: Win-win project complete In February 2022, The Breeze heralded on these pages the commencement of a joint project between the cities of Fort Myers and Cape Coral that had been years in the making.

That project was Caloosahatchee Connect, a plan to construct an underwater pipeline to bring treated wastewater from Fort Myers to Cape Coral where it would be used for irrigation and to replenish city canals instead of being discharged into the river.

On Jan.11, just shy of two years later, the completion of the engineering wonder — one of the longest pipelines of its type — was celebrated with the traditional dignitary-studded ribbon-cutting here in the Cape.

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

Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Henderson took a similar view, adding it is important for everyone to get together and work to save the environment.

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

Some history: In September 2018, after six years of back-and-forth, onagain-off-again negotiations that also involved the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the two cities reached a 30-year water pact hailed by both sides.

Randy Henderson, then mayor of Fort Myers, called the agreement a milestone.

The late Joe Coviello, then mayor of Cape Coral, called the deal a win/win for both cities.

And clean water advocates on both sides of the river that runs between the communities said it was about time that a way had been found to reduce wastewater discharges into the Caloosahatchee while also providing for its reuse.

The now competed Caloosahatchee Connect pipeline will do two things.

See EDITORIAL, page 9

This week’s poll question: What do you think of Gov. Ron DeSantis dropping out ot the primary? ∫ It was the right decision. ∫ I’m sorry to see it, but it’s best for the party. ∫ I was DeSantis supporter; it was the wrong decision. ∫ The choice is clearly Trump. ∫ As a Democrat, it made me happy. ∫ Doesn’t matter to me, I’m not voting Republican.

Previous poll question Do you use city parks or recreation facilities ∫ Yes, frequently. 14% ∫ Yes, when I am here in the winter. 3% ∫ Sometimes. 12% ∫ No. 71% * 211 votes at press time Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.

Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

THE BREEZE JANUARY 26, 2024

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Thank you, Cape Coral Youth Council To the editor: I have addressed the following to the Cape Coral Youth Council: Dear members of our youth council: There was an unfortunate moment during Wednesday’s City Council meeting when the chair of the Lee County Republican Executive Committee — during public input — accused the youth council of being some sort of lobbying group and insinuated you were going to Tallahassee on a political agenda.

Obviously, none of that is true, but because some of you were there to present your youth council quarterly report, I wanted this group to know the truth.

Councilmember Jessica Cosden and I couldn’t be prouder of you. What you all have accomplished over the past two years exceeds even the highest expectations. You are a remarkable group of students dedicated to making the youth council and your community better.

Rhetoric and untruths that circulated Wednesday night are coming from someone who is clearly out of touch with who you are and what you stand for. I am sorry you had to hear it but know the mission you are on and the people you are becoming clearly cripples any lies that might circulate.

Your work on the projects, the first-of-its-kind strategic plan for a youth council, community service and how dedicated you are is what matters most. Throughout your lives people like Wednesday’s speaker will no doubt try and stand in your path. You keep moving forward with integrity, skill, reason, ethics and the desire to make a difference and you will always come out ahead.

Again, thanks for all you do, who you are and know I will always be there for you.

Tom Hayden Cape Coral City Council, District 3

Cape Coral Preservation PAC sets rally for this Saturday To the editor: Join us this Saturday, Jan. 27, at noon at Jaycee Park as we launch our petition signature drive to Save the Park!

Cape Coral Preservation PAC (CCPPac), a new bipartisan volunteer political action committee is hosting the rally to launch the petition signature drives for two initiatives.

The Cape Coral City Council has shown that they will not listen to us, so an initiative is a tool to get our issues on the ballot and override the City Council.

CCPPac is sponsoring an initiative to Save Jaycee Park and prevent the commercialization the City Council plans.

The second initiative is to require the Mayor and City Council to rescind and repay the stipends they gave themselves that doubled their salaries. We will need 28,000 petitions signed in less than 90 days. This will require an army of volunteers and a significant amount of money, so we need your support!

You can donate to the PAC and sign up to volunteer at www.CCPPAC.com, or in person at the rally on Saturday.

If we work together, we can force our local government to pay attention and not destroy one of the best places to enjoy nature and waterfront views.

Joel Pusateri Cape Coral

Leadership lacking To the editor: My reaction to “Cape Council addresses how to deal with residents asked to leave meetings,” Jan. 19, 2024; was, oh dear, the mayor is being juvenile again. It’s sad that the only comparison I can make is to teenagers.

Mayor Gunter reminds me of the grumpy domineering vice principal in The Breakfast Club. In the movie, at the beginning of detention he warns them not to talk or move from their chairs — like a council meeting. When the mayor called a recess a lot of folks laughed. Then the mayor had the police chief come out to tell us to behave, ‘cause he wanted to keep us “safe.” Jeez, I felt like I was back in a high school assembly.

The mayor has made some erroneous assumptions about the citizens he represents. First, we are adults and pay taxes — yes, it is true we pay you! Stop acting like the vice principal of discipline. Instead of sending us to “detention” try active listening. The folks at council meetings may say things

you don’t want to hear, but I am confident they speak for others.

You have lost control of the classroom. It’s time to stop worrying about how long you can kick someone out of class and start dealing with your leadership problems.

Nancy Cavanaugh Cape Coral

End the stipend To the editor: We are truly living in a moment of history in the City of Cape Coral. The lack of transparency coming directly from the City Council is once in a lifetime. On Dec. 13, when the Cape Coral City Council doubled their salary, in an unprecedented move, they decided to do it with lack of public knowledge, documents that contain research and data to back it up, and at the end of the day, we have no idea who proposed this.

City staff has stated that this was a legislative matter. The City Attorney’s office, through public records request, has declared they have no data or research related to the stipend or resolution that backed it. As far as the City Council, mum’s the word. No one on this Council wants to discuss, debate or even tell the public how this came to be. What are they hiding? Shame? embarrassment? Where is the courage to have integrity while serving? Did that leave this body once elected?

One council member boldly states while thumping his chest, “I voted no” and yes sir, you did….. On the consent agenda as a whole. Who is to say you voted no on the item itself? You didn’t pull the item for debate. You did not discuss why you were voting no. But beat your chest, November will come and show us what your “no” vote really means.

And of course, how could we forget the member who conveniently left for the vote. A child could do better. An act of cowardice that will be repaid in kind come election time.

Despite the lack of knowledge of the Charter and Council rules, Robert’s Rules of Order, the “bible” of public meetings in our country and city, does allow for any member to bring forward three types of motions regarding this poor excuse of a resolution.

The first and most important motion, as well as easiest, which despite lack of knowledge from some on council, can be made from any member of this council, is the motion to suspend the resolution and payments immediately.

The other two motions that can be made is a motion to amend the resolution or a motion to rescind the resolution previously adopted. Again, this can be made by any member regardless of their original or lack of vote.

Took me two minutes to look that up, I just do not understand why some can’t read the same rules I am reading.

But at last, here we are. Council members, voting for this abrupt runaround of our City Charter. Council members who have refused to discuss the matter. And a public who deserves better than what is currently the “status quo” of what will most likely go down as the Council who has destroyed the public trust for years to come.

This however is not the end. Thankfully we have hope in our State Representatives to see an end to our Council’s stipend. We must call upon them now to take action to what has now become an epidemic across the state. Local municipalities circumventing their own charters and regulations by giving themselves pay increases. And at last, the residents of Cape Coral must come together and unite this November to send a clear message. Electing officials who will end this stipend immediately and bring back the transparency sorely needed to Cape Coral.

Richard Leon Cape Coral

Another way to become informed To the editor: Do you have children in Lee County public schools and are confused about what you’ve heard about book “bans” and your rights as parents to let your own kids read what they find interesting, without the interference of book “challengers” with a restrictive agenda?

We know that attending the school board meetings in Fort Myers is a challenge for busy families in the southern areas of Bonita and Estero. Here’s a chance to meet advocates who attend Lee public school board meetings to learn what is going on.

The Purple Group is the non-partisan advocate for public See LETTERS, page 9

Page 5 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 6 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Environmental activists protest proposed development Say Kingston project in east Lee threatens endangered panther habitat

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

A public hearing on a proposed development opponents say would constitute one of the gravest threats to the survival of the endangered Florida panther in Lee County, brought out state and national environmental groups who warned of the dire consequences that up to 10,000 homes on the eastern border of Lee County could bring to the species.

A study from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the project could lead to more than 20 panthers deaths on Lee County roads each year.

The project, known as Kingston, is the result of a negotiated settlement between the Lee County Board of County Commissioners and Cameratta Companies LLC after litigation over a proposed mine on the land which contains former citrus groves. The development is situated on a parcel that covers 6,675 acres including wetlands.

Environmentalists say the project would be just as disastrous to the Florida panther and other threatened animals with the resulting traffic estimated to have the potential to kill up to 21 panthers a year according to a study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The groups are pushing for the agency to declare that the development would jeopardize the very existence of the Florida panther. Between 120 and 240 panthers are estimated to survive in the wild, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service figures. However, a high rate of panther deaths from vehicle crashes in recent years could be severely depleting their population.

With major developments also currently moving through the approval process in core panther habitat in neighboring Collier County, the project has the potential to deliver a one-two punch to one of the most endangered species in America, opponents said.

In addition to the 10,000 homes for the Kingston project, the agreement with the county would allow up to 240 hotel rooms and 700,000 square feet of commercial space. No development orders have yet been issued for the homes or construction.

A public hearing was held in Lehigh Acres this past week over an application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a wetlands permit.

The Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity and Conservancy of Southwest Florida protested outside the hearing. They called on the DEP to deny the permit and for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to invoke the Endangered Species Act and stop the development.

The Kingston project involves the construction of an internal four-lane public spine road from Corkscrew Road to State Route 82. There is just one large mammal crossing in the plans and 12 small mammal crossings.

Matthew Schwartz, executive director of the South Florida Wildlands Association, said the project would be a death blow to the Florida panther. The panther is already struggling to survive in Florida, he said.

“For an animal like the Florida panther, it is 100% loss,” Schwartz said of the project. Schwartz said that the settlement Lee County engaged in with the developer in lieu of the rock mine was about as bad.

“Either one would be bad,” he said. “It’s in the core habitat of the panther.”

The project is near Florida Gulf Coast University, off Corkscrew Road, and extends out to the Lehigh Acres area.

Opponents of the Kingston development, which would place up to 10,000 homes in Eastern Lee County, gather outside the East County Regional Library in Lehigh Acres to protest a Florida Department of Environmental Protection public hearing on a wetlands disturbance permit request.

Environmental groups said the project would impact the endangered panther population. At right is Conservancy of Southwest Florida Director of Environmental Policy Nicole Johnson.

Schwartz said the panthers will pay a price lation.

Messages left with the U.S. Fish and trying to cross Corkscrew Road and the other roads built as a result of the project, Wildlife Service were not returned.

Elise Bennett, Florida director for the which is why the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is projecting so many panthers Center for Biological Diversity, said the Endangered Species Act is meant to ensure deaths as a result of the project.

“Fish and Wildlife (Service) should be that “no action threatens the survival of the drawing a line here,” Schwartz said. species.” Bennett said the Florida panther Schwartz said the agency has the ability to needs three distinct populations to recover.

“They need every last inch of habitat in stop the project if it believes the development jeopardizes the survival of the Southwest Florida to recover,” Bennett species. “The project should have been said.

Bennett said one of the problems with denied,” he said.

Schwartz said the new development the review process is that the Florida DEP would put up to 20,000 new cars on the has taken over control of the wetlands permit review process, which used to be in the road.

Last year, there were 13 confirmed purview of the U.S. Army Corps of Florida panther deaths on the state’s roads. Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Most were in Collier County, while others Service. Now the U.S. Fish and Wildlife were in Hendry County and Glades Service provides comments but does not County. That was down significantly from hold the keys to denying the permit unless 27 in 2022, including three deaths in Lee it considers it to jeopardize the survival of County. In 2021, there were 27 panther the species.

“There is no question that this is jeopdeaths on Florida roads, including eight in Lee County. There were 22 deaths in ardy,” Bennett said.

Schwartz is disappointed the U.S. Fish 2020, including one on Corkscrew Road.

That precipitous drop last year has envi- and Wildlife Service hasn’t taken more ronmentalists concerned that the number of serious action to stop the project from Florida panthers is continuing to dwindle moving forward.

“What I have seen of the service in 18 from their precarious population.

Combined with the possibility of 20 years of doing this work, is they just don’t more panthers deaths a year from the say no. They don’t know how to say no.”

One of the problems he has with their Kingston project and alarm bells are going review is he doesn’t believe they aren’t off among some panther advocates.

“There are only eight panthers born taking into account the cumulative effect of each year. It doesn’t take a lot of advanced the various projects going through the panmath to think this is unsustainable,” said ther habitat in Collier County and Lee Julianne Thomas, a senior environmental County. By reviewing each project individplanning specialist with the Conservancy ually, and piecemeal, “they are not looking at the full picture,” Schwartz said. of Southwest Florida.

Others are hopeful that the fact that the The numbers tell the story. Panthers are disappearing from Lee County roads and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has forethat means they could also be starting to casted so many deaths for the Florida panther as a result of the project, changes will disappear from Lee County entirely.

The precise number of panthers left in need to be made by the Florida Department the Florida wild is unknown. The U.S. Fish of Environmental Protection (DEP) or a and Wildlife Service has not completed a court battle will likely ensue. study that is overdue on the panther popuThe Sierra Club has already filed suit to

stop the state’s review process.

At the public hearing, some of the officials from the Florida DEP were talking up the conservation areas of the development.

Unlike the public hearings some may be accustomed to, the DEP doesn’t hold forums where each speaker is heard by the room. Rather, attendees meet with DEP officials at stations with maps and discuss the plans. There is a table for public comment to be given and written comments were being accepted through this past Tuesday.

The DEP held just one public hearing on the project and did not hold a hearing close to the other side of the project near Corkscrew Road and Florida Gulf Coast University.

According to DEP officials, the agency will review the public comments and provide them to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for further review. The EPA will issue a notice to issue or a notice to deny. Based on feedback from the EPA and the comments already submitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the DEP could approve or deny the wetlands permit, or make further conditions.

“It drives the nail in the coffin of our conservation landscape and our natural resources,” said Patty Whitehead, of Estero.

In addition to the crashes, panthers face other obstacles including a mysterious disorder that has been affecting their walking.

The invasive Burmese python has been decimating panther prey in the Everglades, leading the animal to search farther for food.

The project is close to the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the Everglades. Florida Audubon is “very concerned about the proximity of this large development on Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s northern boundary,” said Brad Cornell, of Audubon Florida.

Messages left with all five Lee County commissioners regarding the project and the county commission’s settlement that set the development into motion, were not responded to.

Lee County spokesperson Betsy Clayton said that of the 6,675 acres, a minimum of 3,287 acres to be dedicated to the creation, restoration, and/or enhancement of conservation/flowway areas.

According to the DEP, approximately 1,910 acres will be restored to a natural wetland. Of the remaining wetlands, 1,163 acres will be unaffected.

The panther has been Florida’s official state animal since a referendum by voters in 1982. The Florida panther was among the first animals placed on the Endangered Species List in 1967 following the passage of the Endangered Species Preservation Act, along with the grizzly bear, bald eagle, American alligator, red wolf and manatee.

That law was strengthened by the Endangered Species Act in 1973.

Schwartz said the Kingston project is the “tip of the iceberg.” Combined with the Belmar and Rivergrass projects in Collier County, thousands of acres of prime panther habitat are threatened. Schwartz said there are about a dozen major projects going through the area that threaten the endangered species.

“It’s not compatible with the panther recovery plan or the Endangered Species Act,” Schwartz said.

“Developers are trying to turn eastern Lee, eastern Collier into suburbia,” he said.

“The continued existence of the panthers is in doubt.”

Page 7 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 8 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Family Initiative conducting post-Ian survey to better serve special needs families

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

A nonprofit organization that supports individuals and families affected by autism has begun a survey to better prepare for the next hurricane season.

Family Initiative, Inc. President and CFounder David Brown said Hurricane Ian was unbelievably catastrophic and significantly impacted all the families they serve.

The storm opened the eyes of the whole team to the unique needs of special needs families in regard to hurricane preparation and recovery efforts.

Although nonprofits and faith-based folks in the community opened up food and water distribution sites directly after the storm, it provided a hardship for special needs families as they did not have the ability to wait in line for 45-minutes or longer.

Brown said pretty quickly after the storm their team started delivering food to their families, after pallets of food were dropped off by such entities as the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

The next question —what the children would eat, as they would not eat everything.

Brown said in real time it was realized there were needs to think about moving forward to be better prepared for another storm — and what that would look like.

From those conversations, an idea of launching a survey to get a better temperature from the community was formed.

Family Initiative rolled out the Lee County/Family Initiative Autism Hurricane Response and Recovery Survey, a partnership with Lee County government.

“They are sharing the survey to the community and stakeholders. It’s a survey to understand the unique needs and organizationally how we can drive our priorities and listen to the community,” Brown said. “We are thrilled to get information and gather insight and move forward.”

This will help in becoming operational prepared: If another hurricane passes through, they will know exactly what they need to do and what resources need to be available.

The survey, made available in English and Spanish, can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RKZ8CQN, or www.fiflorida.org.

Brown said they are looking to close the survey at the beginning of March, so it gives them time to synthesize the results. They will share the results with community leaders at a city, municipality, county, and state level.

“We have communicated a lot with the state leadership to share our findings with them,” Brown said, adding that it would provide insight of what those needs might be.

Family Initiative Vice President and CoFounder Anjali Van Drie said as they wrap up the results of the survey, it will be around the start of hurricane preparation. They will have data readily available throughout the summer to prepare a better plan to be as ready as they can be on day one.

Brown said insight and understanding from moms and dads will be a big help for guiding and shaping the needs of special needs families.

“The exercise spurs a lot more conversation and dialogue across the state,” he said regarding what special needs families need in sheltering and recovery considerations to get their needs met.

With the survey already launched, they are watching the results closely, Brown said, adding the early return of information has proven to be very insightful.

“We have seen already that over 90% of our families plan to ride out a category 2 or 3 in their home,” Brown said, adding that 30% have indicated they will ride out a catastrophic hurricane in their home. “That’s a pretty big number. Their intention is to sit in their home and ride that storm out. There’s insight you can take from that.”

Board of Directors member Jessica Van Hart said that number is so high because there is not a special needs shelter in the area.

“I would not take my son to a special needs shelter. He would not do well in that environment. Parents like myself cannot take my child to a shelter — we have to stay home and hope and pray that we make it through the storm,” Van Hart said.

She appreciates that everyone is having a conversation in the county.

“Our whole county has grown so much.

There’s a greater need now to have the conversation about special needs shelters and trying to help families that don’t feel like they can bring kids to them, or leave their homes,” Van Hart said.

She said there are certain safety issues that arise that their kids need that she does not believe are in place at shelters.

Fortunately, during Hurricane Ian, Van Hart’s family was fortunate enough to stay at her husband’s business, an environment with which her son is both familiar and comfortable.

“It weighs heavy on me to think about families at home with their kids. I feel for other families that didn’t feel they could leave their homes and it was dangerous,” Van Hart said.

Van Drie said with the increase in autism — one in every 36 impacted — it is important to at least look at how they can help families be prepared for a storm.

“How can we prepare and respond after the fact to make sure they get their basic needs, additional needs” met, Van Drie said.

Family Initiative has learned a lot from their own personal experiences and recognizing how much was lacking for their families.

Obstacles included parents not evacuating, but rather staying in place, financially not being able to pay for a hotel, or having the transportation to get there.

“All the things that impact a typical family and then to have additional challenges of a child that struggles when that structure changes — unexpected things,” Van Drie said. “The kids had anxiety and the kids felt it.”

She recalls one instance where one family stayed through the hurricane and their 25year-old son came to the facility afterwards and found everything he could find out about hurricanes, as his anxiety was high that it was going to happen again.

Van Drie said anything they can do to mitigate that and make it easier for families is what they are striving to do.

Brown said they have an enormous amount of gratitude for local leadership being open and receptive with this conversation.

Local leadership really embracing this process speaks volumes, he added.

“We encourage others to engage in other courageous discourse of what else we can do together,” Brown said.

He said it is Family Initiative’s responsibility.

“We know these are the families and kids we love,” Brown said, adding that they want to build enough capacity and structure to be of value to them.

$280K for what?

schools, students, parents and professional educators. They are presenting at the Bonita Springs Library at 15060 Reynolds St. at a FREE event, open to the public, Tuesday night Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. They know your rights and closely follow the piling on of new school law out of Tallahassee. They are keeping tabs on how that is changing access to books and narrowing aspects of the curriculum.

They will share what they have learned by attending public meetings, talking with administrators and joining curriculum committees.

This meeting is sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Southern Lee County, a non-partisan group of neighbors in and near Bonita Springs. They can be contacted at CCofSouthernLee@gmail.com Liz Matt Bonita Springs

To the editor: Two weeks ago, the city manager said a gentleman was repulsive because he withheld information regarding a conversation with the City Clerk. That was me. As I recall, the City Clerk said old agendas and documents are temporarily being withheld from the city’s website for redactions due to cyber security because of a software issue. I never mentioned the City Clerk because it’s an IT problem.

He also said I stated the city was breaking the law.

If you listen to the video it’s quite clear I never said that. Although the city has violated state statutes and withheld information in the past.

I don’t hide things and I don’t withhold pertinent information.

The City Manager exposed the city clerk not me. He also gave out information, in my

opinion, that never should have been made public.

The City Clerks’ Office is one of the most effective and efficient departments in the city.

Cape Coral agenda records prior to 2023 are not available on the city website.

These documents and videos are available in places that don’t have a billion dollar budget. It shouldn’t be a surprise that anyone would ask why we don’t have the same access on our website.

As a former IT professional, I know, Cyber Security, data and software fall under the purview of the IT Department. The IT Department reports to the City Manager.

Thirty-five years ago, software utilities were available that could easily search through records and documents for characters or numbers and make mass redactions.

It’s well known that our IT Department has been problematic. The permitting department took a hit because of a software installa-

tion. There were long delays to get permits and inspections at a critical time before and after Ian because of an IT glitch. And now it’s the City Clerk’s problem.

We brag about hiring at 75th percentile pay so we can attract the best employees. This policy results in hiring untested personal while paying near top salaries.

Common sense dictates we don’t pay new hires near highest pay scale. You hire at lower pay and incentivize by increasing pay according to work ethic and skill set. Our residents wind up paying near top dollar for secondand third-rate services.

As a point of information, Permitting, City Clerk and IT etc. report to our $280K city manager. The city manager and the city council need to start doing their jobs and get the mess straightened out.

John Sullivan former mayor Cape Coral

Editorial: Water reuse pipeline will mitigate discharges to the river pipeline to be installed without any disturbance to the river bottom or harm to the environment, officials said.

To receive the water, Cape Coral installed a 22-inch pipeline from its Everest Water Reclamation Facility to the river at Horton Park.

The pipeline runs under the river to San Marcos Avenue south of the Midpoint Bridge on the Fort Myers side, and then to the city’s South Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The project cost the city of Fort Myers $62 million and includes upgrades to its wastewater plant so it can produce the reclaimed water it will now sell to the city of Cape Coral as well as the pump station need-

ed to deliver it.

Fort Myers expects to receive an initial $1.2 million to $2.4 million per year for the water it sells to the Cape. The city received grant money from FDEP to help offset its portion of the costs.

In Cape Coral, the cost was about $22 million, with about $12 million paid for with grants from public agencies, officials said at the ribbon cutting.

We are among those who have heralded the project since its proposal.

It has our continued support for the same reasons: Watershed nutrients — local watershed nutrients — have been among the issues of concern expressed by regional scientists and

water quality experts who blame more than Lake Okeechobee for Southwest Florida’s water quality woes.

Reuse, and a higher standard of treatment for Fort Myers’ effluent, is certainly to be preferred over discharges, even if the water going into the river “meets standards.”

This interlocal agreement may have taken more time than either side wanted, but we agree, it is win-win and win — for residents on both sides of the bridge as well as for our Gulf, bays and local waterways.

As we have stated before on these pages, it also is good to see, as the project’s promo states, “Two Cities Working Together” for the betterment of both.

— Breeze editorial

Cape Coral Breeze

From page 4 One, it will allow the city of Fort Myers to meet a state mandate that required the municipality to reduce its discharges into the river

by January 2023. Two, it will provide the Cape with additional water suitable for irrigation and to help maintain levels in the city’s freshwater canals.

The multimillion-dollar project will send up to 12 million gallons of “reclaimed water” — highly treated, odorless and colorless wastewater — from the city of Fort Myers to Cape Coral via a 7,600-foot transmission main that will be the largest and longest of its type in the country.

Construction entailed the use of horizontal directional drilling, allowing the 30-inch

www.capecoralbreeze.com

From page 4

Page 9 ■ January 26, 2024

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 10

Page 11 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 12 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

CRA redevelopment plan update topic of discussion

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency will further look into the redevelopment plan in a possible workshop environment to refresh.

Executive Director Mike Ilczyszyn, who also is Cape Coral’s city manager, said the redevelopment plan is the meat and potatoes, as it shares the core of the board’s vision to redevelop the South Cape and eliminate slum and blight.

The plan highlights such areas as the history of South Cape, demographics, boundaries, characteristic description, what

creates the slum and blight, assets owned, lots, roads and the redevelopment goals, objectives, policies and mission statement.

“There are about 14 elements, sections in the document. It would be good to break it down into much smaller bites,” Ilczyszyn said to the Cape Coral City Council sitting as the CRA governing commission.

That approach stemmed from going over a set number of sections per meeting over the next couple of months or dedicating a day to reviewing the entire plan. He said it is important to go through the document to make sure it aligns with the visions the commissioners have.

“This document is what my administration and my staff have to use in appropriating funds, expending funds and providing incentives. If it is not in the CRA plan then I cannot move forward with it,” Ilczyszyn said. “I have about 20 items that I would like to flag and bring it to your attention.”

The goal would be to amend the plan, as it is time to have an amended fresh redevelopment plan.

Mayor John Gunter, acting as commissioner, said it is the strategic plan for the CRA and he thinks it is important that they have the proper plan in place — not that it is not currently a proper plan.

“It is our responsibility to take a look at this plan and see if want to modify it and how,” he said. “Since we are a new board, it is important to set what our goals and objectives are in the CRA — to revisit the plan and modify it if we need to.”

Commissioner Richard Carr said he thought it was important to expedite the meeting, as staff uses the document effectively to do their job.

Commissioner Keith Long did not see the urgency, as they have a plan in place.

He thought it would be better to spread the conversation out, so they have positive input about the plan.

Ticket deadline approaches for St. Andrew gala fundraiser

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Members of the community can enjoy “a night of enchantment” in support of a Cape Coral school.

St. Andrew Catholic School will host its annual themed gala event on Feb. 3 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Center in downtown Fort Myers. Organizers say time is running out to purchase tickets to the event that helps raise funds for the school.

“The theme is us presenting a nice winter evening,” said St. Andrew Committee Member Maria Montwill. “No snow involved, just a mix of a woodsy winter night, with the goal of raising money for the future of St. Andrew Catholic School.”

Montwill said a goal for this year’s fundraising is for security upgrades, including having Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the hallways.

“This is to get parents and alumni together for a night of celebration and fundraising. Anybody in the parish or affiliated with St. Andrew is welcome. It’s a great way to get involved and know the behind-thescenes of the school and know what the committee does.

We work hard to put this event on to give everyone a chance to enjoy themselves for a night and get dressed up and raise money for a good cause. We want nothing more in our kids’ future than to be successful and to have a good life ahead of them, and with that comes good schools.”

— Maria Montwill, St. Andrew committee member “We have security now, but we really was LCSO to be our security,” Montwill said.

The deadline to secure a seat at the gala is today, Jan. 26. Tickets include an appetizer, dinner, dessert, and drinks. E Jason “Big Mama” Jones from B103.9 will serve as the deejay for the night. There

will be both silent and live auctions with a variety of themes, raffles, ballerina dancers, and more.

Organizers said all are welcome to attend the gala. They are hopeful to expand their reach for a fun night out, and are excited to see festive-themed attire.

“This is to get parents and alumni together for a night of celebration and fundraising,” Montwill said. “Anybody in the parish or affiliated with St. Andrew is welcome. It’s a great way to get involved and know the behind-the-scenes of the school and know what the committee does. We work hard to put this event on to give everyone a chance to enjoy themselves for a night and get dressed up and raise money for a good cause. We want nothing more in our kids’ future than to be successful and to have a good life ahead of them, and with that comes good schools.”

Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online by visiting www.standrewcs.org/sacsgala. Sponsorship levels can also be found on the same site.

Sidney & Berne Davis Center is at 2301 First St. in Fort Myers.

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

events could work around them.

“Any of the other specialized events by nonprofits we are currently funding and assisting in funding can work around our schedule, the city-initiated events,” he said.

There was another discussion about the CRA Street Banner Program, which is a joint program between the CRA and the city that was established in 2015. There are 50 poles that exist in the CRA area on Cape Coral Parkway between Del Pardo Boulevard and Palm Tree Boulevard.

This conversation stemmed around only using the poles for city use, or continuing to let organizations utilize the poles.

Gunter said he would like to see the poles used to brand the CRA area, or use for special events to do a much better job at promoting the CRA. “The banner should be for the city only,” Vice Chair Dan Sheppard said, adding longlasting banners can be used and changed out.

Steinke said it should be used for city purposes, as there should be banners up promoting the city for 52 weeks a year. With that said, he said he sees no reason not to swap them out and make citizens aware of special events.

“Last year, we only had three total nonprofits use those banners,” Commissioner

Tom Hayden said. “Our downtown area is a destination place. It should be all inclusive.

Our downtown should be a welcoming community. I think we can develop a nice campaign and incorporate great banners and include some nonprofits to use some of those poles.”

Commissioner Jessica Cosden said she supported keeping the banners the way they are, as she thought it would be a shame to change it. She said several years back the SWFL Military Museum hung up banners allowing people to buy banners for family members and loved ones.

“I did this for my husband,” Cosden said of the banners that showed veteran pictures, titles, and accomplishments. “I would hate to take it away. Something like that is valuable to the community. It’s a shame to make that impossible. I support the program.”

The last discussion was one the commissioners agreed should stay the same — the economic development grants.

They all agreed they should explore the facade program and see if it can be added to the efforts of the CRA. A lot of legwork has already been done in establishing a facade program — significant above and beyond painting.

The commissioners all wanted to explore

www.capecoralbreeze.com

With Cape Coral City Council assuming the duties of the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency board of commissioners, the CRA’s special Wednesday meeting had presentations about policies, budget, and grants — some areas that will be further discussed in the future.

The first discussion stemmed around special events sponsorship programs, which turned into a bigger conversation about focusing more on city events.

“We are focused on the CRA. What makes CRA attractive and enjoying the CRA should be our focus,” said Chair Bill Steinke.

“There are many organizations that decide where they are going to have their event. We want to be attractive to outside entities when they choose where they have their events. We would certainly want to be conscious of the decision in attracting them to us and feel welcome and drawn here versus having to compete with city efforts.”

City Manager Assistant Maureen Buice said the special events sponsorship program created by the CRA is to support special events that take place in the CRA district that also supports and upholds the mission.

Currently they grants are for $5,000 or less.

The budget of $105,000 has $39,540 left, as the previous appointed board approved several sponsorships in the amount of $65,460.

“I think what we need to try to do in the CRA is more city-initiated types of events that we utilize funding for — city established additional events,” Mayor John Gunter, acting as a CRA commissioner, said.

He said the special events are nice down there and he knows the community enjoys them.

“I think this particular board, maybe, on a yearly basis approve the events that we are going to have down in the CRA, which ones we are going to fund. Still have this process of an application before we adopt our yearly budget, identify which events we want to participate in. I would like to see the funding utilized for city-initiated events,” Gunter said.

Commissioner Richard Carr said he liked that concept, as many of the events the general public already associates as city events, which through some subsidy they somewhat become a city event.

It was asked if the CRA did not fund the particular events, if they could still be held.

The question was answered with a yes.

Carr said they could work a year in advance and have a schedule and the other

Page 13 ■ January 26, 2024

CRA meeting begins to lay foundation for budget, programs & policies

Cape Coral Breeze

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 14 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

COMMUNITY

THE BREEZE JANUARY 26, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS Concerto Soloists Internationale to perform at Mann Hall Three internationally acclaimed singers will perform “Great Voices from Opera to Broadway” Monday, Feb. 5, at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, as part of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association’s 2024 season.

“Concerto Soloists Internationale is one of Europe’s premier classical ensembles. We are delighted that they will be performing in Fort Myers once again with an entirely new program,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.

The concert will include popular highlights from grand opera to Broadway to pop performed by soloists from three continents. They will be accompanied by a live, on stage orchestra.

Selections from classics by Mozart and Verdi will be performed along with more modern music from enduring musicals Carmen, South Pacific, Phantom of the Opera and many others.

Tickets are now on sale at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers. Tickets may be purchased at the box office at 239-481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com. Prices are $55 for orchestra and mezzanine seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

Mrs. Edison's Hymn Sing Feb. 6 to feature two performances Celebrate the Edison Festival of Light and help feed the hungry by attending Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing Tuesday, Feb. 6, at The First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Myers at the corner of Second Street and Lee Street.

It’s the 34th anniversary of the hymn sing, which is an official sanctioned event of the Edison Festival of Light.

Sponsors are the Galloway Family of Dealerships and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media.

Because of the overwhelming popularity of the event, two performances are planned at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

Admission is free, but because of the increased need for food for the hungry, organizers are requesting that those who attend bring cans of non-perishable food and a voluntary cash donation, if possible, to benefit Sam’s Community Kitchen & Cafe of Community Cooperative.

Community Cooperative is an innovative nonprofit organization made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and hunger in the Southwest Florida community. It provides more than 26,000 meals each month through Sam’s Community Café, Meals on Wheels programs and school programs, distributes more than 2.1 million pounds of groceries through its Mobile Food Pantries, and serves 14,000 individuals and families with homeless and comprehensive case management services through its Social & Education Resource Centers. A proud United Way partner, Community Cooperative serves Lee and Collier Counties.

The church has been a strong supporter of the agency from the beginning and continues to support its ministry there by providing volunteers and other support for Sam’s Community Kitchen & Café and the Meals on Wheels program.

Cash donations are especially valuable because Community Cooperative can buy five times as much food for the same amount of money that residents spend at local grocery stores.

This year’s event will feature the First Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir and many other singers, along with a piano-organ combination.

In addition to Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, First Presbyterian Church annually presents the very popular Christmas Carol Sing in December. Both events benefit Sam’s Community Kitchen & Café of Community Cooperative.

For more information or directions to the church, call 334-2261 or visit www.fpcfortmyers.org. For more information about Community Cooperative, call (239) 332-SOUP or visit www.communitycooperative.com.

Lee County Homeless Coalition to host Homeless Service Day and Veterans Stand Down Jan. 27 Annual event connects the homeless and veterans with much-needed services In an effort to provide the homeless and veteran populations in Lee County with access to essential goods and services, the Lee County Homeless Coalition will host the 24rd annual Homeless Service Day and Veterans Stand Down this Saturday, Jan. 27.

The event will begin at 8:45 a.m. at City of Palms Park, 2201 Edison Ave., Fort Myers, until approximately 2 p.m.

Services provided during the event to anyone homeless or a veteran will include provisions for food, hygiene kits, backpacks, haircuts and information on VA benefits.

Referrals for substance abuse and mental health counseling will also be available.

During the event, the Lee County Homeless Coalition, along with Lee County Human and Veteran Services and many community volunteers, will complete the Annual Homeless Census, which provides critical information on the scope of homelessness in our community.

The coalition has again partnered with the 20th Judicial Circuit Administrative Office of the Courts, Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, the Lee County Tax Collector and JFCS of the Suncoast to offer Traffic Court for Veterans and people experiencing homelessness to provide an opportunity to receive assistance with their unpaid court fines. A valid government-issued ID is

required, such as a DD214, VA card or driver’s license.

Attendees must register by Jan. 26 at trafficcourt2024.eventbrite.com to participate.

The effort to provide these one-stop, free services is a collaborative endeavor which includes several agencies and civic organizations. The original “Stand Down” for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being.

The Lee County Homeless Coalition is a non-profit organization comprised of community and faith-based service providers, local businesses, people who are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness and other advocates committed to ending homelessness. The coalition’s mission is to advocate, educate and promote awareness of issues and obstacles facing homeless individuals in Lee County through community collaboration, planning, and implementing solutions.

To learn more about how you can help join the fight against homelessness, contact us at 239-322-6600. For more information on the Lee County Homeless Coalition, visit www.leehomeless.org.

Lee County Chili Challenge set for Feb. 3 in Fort Myers Annual event raises money for veterans' and first responder organizations The 5th Annual Lee County Chili Challenge, presented

by Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz and Stu’s Motorcycles, will tickle the tastebuds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, at Stu’s Motorcycles, 14607 Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers.

The Lee County Chili Challenge brings together fire, EMS, police and military chili teams to raise money and awareness for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Injured Warriors Fund of Florida and Collier-Lee Honor Flight.

“Assemble your team, perfect your recipe, choose your accoutrements and get your taste buds ready,” said event founder and veteran Jason Dysarczyk. “While the competition is spicy, we know we have a great recipe to benefit and honor the men and women who have fought to protect and serve our nation.”

For a $10 donation, visitors get a chili tasting kit to sample various chilis. Tickets for over $20,000 in prize drawings, beverages and food are all available for a donation. Live music will be provided by the band Deep Cover.

Dysarczyk is a battalion chief with the South Trail Fire & Rescue Service District and served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Several years ago, he thought that Stu’s Motorcycles, which is in the jurisdiction of the district, would be a great place to have a chili challenge to benefit

organizations that help first responders and veterans.

Beneficiaries of the event are: ■ Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Sillier, who died on Sept. 11, by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building custom smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. (t2t.org) ■ The Injured Warriors Fund, which was created by the Marine Corps League Department of Florida to help warriors injured in combat in Iraq, Afghanistan and areas of terrorism. (mcldof.org/injured-warriors-fund-of-florida) ■ Collier-Lee Honor Flight transports veterans free of charge to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. (https://www.collierhonorflight.org) Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz returns for a third year as a presenting sponsor.

At last year’s event, $14,019 was raised for the organizations. Lee County Public Safety EMS unseated twoyear chili champion Fort Myers Fire Department in the judged competition, and Sanibel Fire Rescue District won the People’s Choice vote.

For information, call 239-898-3627.

Cape Coral Art League’s Silent Auction underway The Cape Coral Art League's Silent Auction began Jan. 8 and continues through Jan. 30. The auction runs Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Items up for bid include artworks, classes and art supplies. Funds raised from the auction will benefit the Art League.

Come and find that special piece of art that you have

been looking for.

Auction winners will be contacted when the sale closes on Jan. 30.

The Cape Coral Art League is at 516 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral For more information, call 239-7725657, email capecoralartleague@gmail.com or visit the website at www.capecoralartleague.org.

Page 15 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 16 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

REAL ESTATE

THE BREEZE JANUARY 26, 2024

Trusts can protect For the year, Cape’s 2023 home sales and prices were lower family assets after a death Dear Mr. Feichthaler, I own a home in Cape Coral with no mortgage, and I want the value to transfer to my son. I am concerned because my son is receiving government assistance, and if he inherits the value of the property, he may become ineligible. Is there anything I can do?

-Angie H. Dear Angie, Protecting the value of your home is a vital goal for all of us. Congratulations on having substantial equity that you wish to bestow upon your son on passing.

Although I do not know the specific benefits your son is receiving, I can speak generally on your options.

Taking your comments to mean he would not be living there, but would benefit from the value of a future sale, forming a special needs trust would furnish you with the desired result. If you pass the property directly to your son, Eric P. Feichthaler either through a probate estate or life estate deed, his direct ownership could create ineligibility for certain benefits.

Instead, if you form a trust that addresses his special needs, you can tailor this trust to provide for your son’s benefit, without him actually taking possession of the assets. My clients form trusts for a variety of reasons, including your situation, children with substantial debt, or in situations where there are concerns about the funds being squandered.

Planning for the value of your home and other assets to benefit your loved ones is an important task, albeit one that many put off, sometimes permanently. I encourage you to seek professional advice to prepare a trust best suited for your situation.

Real Estate Law

Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Cape Coral to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 20052008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, and Cape Coral Kiwanis. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 22 years, and they have four children. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar, and primarily practices in real estate law and wills and trusts. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney.com, or 239-542-4733.

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

the 561 sales for the year in 2022.

If we had to recap the 2023 Cape Coral The median sales price in the Cape real estate market in one sentence, we would Coral single family indirect gulf access summarize it with, “home prices have been canal home segment came in at weaker than most sellers want to believe, but $849,000 in December, which was up stronger than the collapse that a lot of buy17.9 percent from the $720,000 in ers have been waiting for.” We are noticing December of 2022, and 19.2 percent a seasonal increase in active listings and above the $712,500 in November of pending sales so far this January, in a gener2023. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the ally slower paced, higher inventory buyers median sales price in this segment avermarket. The year-end numbers for each of aged $765,500 per month, or 3.1 perour single family home segments are broken cent below the average of $790,000 per down, below. Keep in mind that the fourth month in the fourth quarter of 2022, and quarter numbers are being compared to the 2.1 percent less than the average of Hurricane Ian influenced market of 2022. $782,000 per month in the third quarter Next week we will take a deeper dive into of 2023. For the year, the median sales the market analytics. Our condo numbers Bob and Geri Quinn price in this segment averaged will be in two weeks. $779,167 per month in 2023, or 2.2 In the overall Cape Coral single family percent below the average median sales home market, there were 383 closed home price of $796,671 per month for the sales in December, which was up 9.1 percent year in 2022. from the 351 homes sold in December of 2022, and it was 10.4 percent higher than the Direct sailboat access canal homes 347 sales in November of 2023. In the fourth quarter of In the Cape Coral single family direct sailboat access canal 2023, there were 1,103 closed sales, which was 27.8 percent higher than the 863 homes sold in the fourth quarter of 2022, home segment (homes with no bridges in the canal system to but 15.6 percent below the 1,307 sales in the third quarter of reach open water), there were 23 closed sales in December.

2023. Last year, there were 5,134 single family homes sold This was 20.7 percent lower than the 29 sales in December of in the Cape, which was 10.8 percent below the 5,758 homes 2022, but 15 percent above the 20 sales in November of 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2023, there were 65 closed sold during 2022.

The median sales price in the overall Cape Coral single sales in this segment, which was 8.3 percent more than the 60 family home market was $388,900 in December, which was sales in the fourth quarter of 2022, but 21.7 percent below the down 2.8 percent from the $399,990 posted in December of 83 closed sales in the third quarter of 2023. For the year in 2022, and 2.4 percent below the $398,500 in November of 2023, there were a total of 367 homes sold in this segment, 2023. In the fourth quarter, the median sales price averaged which was 24.3 percent below the 485 homes sold for the $395,133 per month, which was 4.8 percent below the aver- year in 2022.

The median sales price in the Cape Coral single family age of $414,997 per month in the fourth quarter of 2022, and down 2 percent from the average of $403,000 per month in direct sailboat access canal home segment came in at the third quarter of 2023. Last year, the median sales price in $808,000 in December, which was up 21.5 percent from the Cape’s overall single family home market averaged $665,000 in December of 2022, and 1.6 percent above the $407,033 per month to finish 4.1 percent below the average $795,000 in November of 2023. In the fourth quarter, the median sales price of $424,583 per month for the year in median sales price in this segment averaged $788,500 per month, which was up 7 percent from the average of $736,667 2022. per month in the fourth quarter of 2022, and 0.9 percent above the average of $781,667 per month in the third quarter Indirect gulf access canal homes In the Cape’s single family indirect gulf access canal home of 2023. For the year, the median sales price in this segment segment, meaning canal homes with bridges in the canal sys- averaged $769,237 per month in 2023, or 9.2 percent less tem, there were 17 closed sales in December. This was 26.1 than the average of $847,377 per month for the year in 2022. percent lower than the 23 sales in December of 2022, and Freshwater canal and lake homes 45.2 percent below the 31 sales in November of 2023. In the In the Cape’s single family freshwater canal and lake home fourth quarter of 2023, there were 78 closed sales in this segment, or 11.4 percent more than the 70 sales in the fourth segment, consisting of landlocked canals and lakes with no quarter of 2022, but 11.4 percent below the 88 sales in the boating access to the river or the Gulf of Mexico, there were third quarter of 2023. For the year in 2023, there were a total 34 closed sales in December. This was 5.6 percent lower than of 427 homes sold in this segment, or 23.9 percent less than See 2023, page 17

Homing In

REAL ESTATE BRIEF Dominium to resyndicate Crossings at Cape Coral with $6.1 million renovation Dominium, a leading affordable housing owner, developer and manager, announced last week the resyndication of Crossings at Cape Coral, a 168-unit family property in Cape Coral.

Dominium will renew the property’s affordable housing status while beginning a $6.1 million rehabilitation of the property. Crossings at Cape Coral will undergo an extensive remodel of the existing clubhouse and site amenities, including upgrades to the fitness center, playground, pavilion and grill areas for residents, as well as a full siding and window replacement. Resident homes will also receive new flooring, low-flow plumbing fixtures and energy efficient lighting fixtures.

Resyndication of Crossings at Cape Coral is supported by the Section 42 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. Nationwide, LIHTC is the largest source of support for the construction and maintenance of affordable housing

communities. In exchange for tax credits, affordable housing developers and operators agree to maintain rents at levels tied to the Area Median Income. Construction of LIHTC properties has a positive effect on the local housing market by increasing the supply of affordable housing.

Crossings at Cape Coral was originally constructed in 2000 and was initially financed through the 4% lowincome housing tax credit program. Dominium acquired the property in January 2022 and has since owned and operated the property.

Founded in 1972, Dominium is a leading national owner, developer and manager of affordable apartment communities with offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix and Minneapolis. Owning and managing over 38,000 homes at over 230 sites in about half of all U.S. states, Dominium is known for creative solutions to unique and challenging development projects, and property management expertise.

For more information, visit www.dominiumapartments .com.

First weekend ‘a busy one’ with 30 model homes on display, available to tour

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

2023: Cape’s home sales and prices were lower last year From page 16 the 36 sales in December of 2022, and 10.5 percent below the 38 sales in November of 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2023, there were 103 closed sales in this segment, which was 3 percent above the 100 sales in the fourth quarter of 2022, but 27 percent below the 141 sales in the third quarter of 2023. For the year in 2023, there were a total of 513 homes sold in this segment, which was 16.2 percent lower than the 612 homes sold for the year in 2022.

The median sales price in the Cape Coral single family freshwater canal and lake home segment came in at $500,000

in December, which was down 5.3 percent from $528,200 in December of 2022, and 5.1 percent below the $526,750 in November of 2023. In the fourth quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $525,583 per month, beating the average of $516,067 per month in the fourth quarter of 2022 by 1.8 percent, but down by 1.1 percent from the average of $531,229 per month in the third quarter of 2023. For the year, the median sales price in this segment averaged $518,516 per month in 2023, or 1.2 percent less than the average of $525,004 per month for the year in 2022.

Dry lot homes In the Cape’s single family dry lot (non-canal) home seg-

ment, there were 308 closed sales in December, which was 16.7 percent higher than the 264 sales in December of 2022, and 18.9 percent above the 259 closed sales in November of 2023. There were 856 closed sales in this segment during the fourth quarter, which was 34.8 percent above the 635 sales in the fourth quarter of 2022, but 13.5 percent less than the 990 sales in the third quarter of 2023. For the year, there were a total of 3,809 dry lot homes sold in 2023, which was 6.3 percent lower than the 4,067 dry lot homes sold in all of 2022.

The median sales price in the Cape Coral single family dry lot home segment came in at $375,000 in December, which See 2023, page 39

Cape Coral Breeze

“It’s an excellent opportunity for prospective home buyers to assess which builder aligns best with their preferences and requirements,” Boldissar said. “Visitors can interact with the builders, asking questions about their expertise and previous projects.

Learn from each builder the architectural design options, craftsmanship, home technology and energy efficiency capabilities, customizable options, and other aspects that may be considered.”

Whether you’re looking for your final home, looking to see what’s out there, or wondering what’s being offered, the Showcase of Homes is a great weekend out for any who has the chance to experience it.

“These talented and award-winning builders have countless years of experience in guiding prospective home buyers through the entire process, from selecting a suitable site to designing and constructing a personalized and high-quality home,” Boldissar said.

“These are reputable and reliable builders that offer top level service and capabilities to meet any buyers’ requirements.”

The CCCIA’s Builders’ Showcase of Homes awards presentation took place last week at La Venezia Ballroom to recognize those who stood out among the best.

Awards in 14 categories (differentiated by price range) were given for best pool

earn best kitchen and interior design for “The Bayview,” while Ramos Builders took honors for the remaining categories, including best overall, with “The Highland.”

■ Eagle Home Builders were named best landscape design, outdoor living, and interior design in Category 9 with “Sailfish,” while Arnold Roberts Signature Homes took the remaining categories, including best overall, for “The Savannah Grand.”

■ Category 10 saw Poseidon Homes sweep with “Pegasus 4 Premiere.”

■ In Category 11, Frey & Son Homes took home best exterior design, bath, and livability with “Palm Beach II,” while Palmer Homes of SWFL won the remaining categories, including best overall, with “Reflection.”

■ SW Florida Dream Homes was named tops in exterior design in Category 12 for “Casa Dei Sogni Grande,” while Toto Custom Homes won best pool for “Bella Casa.” Tracey Quality Building Inc. won the remaining categories, including best overall, for “Hammerhead.”

■ Category 13 saw Arnold Roberts Signature Homes win best interior design for “Barrington II,” while Tundra Homes won for best outdoor living, kitchen, bath and livability with “La Palma Estate.” Windward Construction won all others, including best overall, with “The Makani.”

■ In Category 14, Windward Construction was tops in exterior design and landscape for “The Mahina,” while Lux Development Group won the remaining categories, including best overall, for “Bayshore.”

■ Koogler Homes swept Category 15 with “The Crown Jewel.”

For more information on the CCCIA and The Builders’ Showcase of Homes, including a (Google-friendly) map and detailed imaging of each model home, visit www.buildersshowcaseofhomes.com.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Future and current Southwest Florida homeowners can get an up-close-and-personal look at some of the region’s residential builders, as the Cape Coral Constructions Industry’s annual Showcase of Homes continues.

The Cape Coral Construction Industry Association’s 2024 Builders’ Showcase of Homes kicked-off last Friday, as 24 of the Cape’s best creators and designers display 30 different models for prospective buyers, or just anyone, to tour over three weekends.

Model homes will be open to the public this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the weekend of Feb. 2.

“The first weekend proved to be a busy one with builders reporting increased walkthru traffic,” said CCCIA Executive Director Lynn Boldissar. “One model had several hundred visitors with a line waiting outside.”

Touring hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. All but one of the home models are located in Cape Coral (one in North Fort Myers), varying in location from northwest to southwest.

“The Showcase of Homes offers a unique and comprehensive experience for potential buyers, providing insights into the latest trends, construction quality, and the chance to meet and connect with many builders over a short period,” Boldissar said.

Those who visit locations in the showcase will find there’s something for all walks of life and budget to explore. The event also helps connect potential buyers with builders who can work together in the future to design exactly what you may be looking for. Model homes on display range from $400,000 well into the millions.

This could also be a great opportunity to chat with local builders and designers on renovations or repairs still needed following Hurricane Ian.

design, best landscape, best outdoor living, best exterior design, best interior design, best kitchen, best bath, best livability and best overall in that price range.

There were also top overall awards for best overall interior design, best overall landscape design, best overall pool design, best overall home technology and best overall home, all regardless of price.

This year’s awards include: ■ Best overall pool design, Lux Development Group for “Bayshore.”

■ Best overall interior design and home technology, Poseidon Homes for “Pegasus 4 Premiere.”

■ Best overall landscape design, Rosado Landscape Design and Koogler Homes for “The Crown Jewel.”

■ Best overall home, Koogler Homes for “The Crown Jewel.”

■ Category 2 (the first category) saw D.R. Horton sweep the category, including best overall, for “The Cali.”

■ In Category 3, Delta Build Services swept with “Verona.”

■ Category 4 saw Holiday Builders named best exterior design, landscape design, interior design, and livability with “Charlotte,” with Coral Isle Builders sweeping the remaining honors, including best overall, best kitchen, best bath, best outdoor living, and best pool design, with “The Ibis.”

■ In Category 5, best pool went to ClickInvest for “Model 1767;” best outdoor living, kitchen, and livability to D.R. Horton for “Destin;” with Holiday Builders taking home all other categories, including best overall, for “Captiva.”

■ In Category 6, it was Coastal Craft Homes named best exterior design, kitchen, interior design and livability for “Paradise Point,” while Urban Domus took home all others, including best overall, for “Gaia.”

■ In Category 7, Lauren Homes swept all categories with “Lucy.”

■ Category 8 saw S.P.O. Construction

Page 17 ■ January 26, 2024

CCCIA’s 2024 Builders’ Showcase continues

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 18 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

BUSINESS BUSINESS BRIEFS Côté joins Priority Marketing as project manager Priority Marketing has added Nathan Côté as a project manager for client services, a role in which he coordinates marketing services and projects for clients across a variety of industries.

Côté’s tasks include conducting marketing research, creating and managing project tasks, organizing assets, managing schedules and deadlines, evaluating campaign success, preparing client-facing documents and meeting agendas, and supporting the firm’s client services team.

Priority Marketing’s portfolio of clients represent a broad spectrum of industries, including hospitality and tourism, retail, health care, senior living, construction, legal, financial, government, education and locally owned businesses, as well as nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations.

Before joining Priority Marketing, Côté was a marketing strategy manager for Ironside, a printing and advertising agency in Vero Beach, where he developed and executed marketing strategies for more than 30 business accounts.

Côté, who is bilingual in English and French, earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing from FGCU, where his academic achievements earned recognition as a Dean’s List honoree.

Founded in 1992 by Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing is a Southwest Florida full-service marketing, advertising, public relations, website development and digital marketing agency. The firm has grown to include 60 savvy creatives and mastermind strategists whose areas of expertise include brand development, public relations, graphic design, social media and email marketing, media planning, web solutions, event planning, video production, digital advertising and more. Priority Marketing serves clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including hospitality and tourism, retail, health care, senior living, construction, legal, financial, government, education, locally owned businesses and charitable organizations. For more information, please call 239-267-2638 or visit PriorityMarketing.com.

Tanner elevated to stockholder at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., has announced that attorney Madison Tanner was elected as a stockholder. Her career spans from a summer associate to associate and now stockholder With a focus on premises liability, Tanner’s litigation practice involves personal injury defense, legal malpractice and insurance coverage matters.

Her experience adds a valuable perspective in her role as general counsel for Hendry Country School District and School Board Attorney.

Tanner received her undergraduate degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and earned her law degree from Stetson University College of Law. Tanner may be reached at madison.tanner@henlaw.com.

Marking a century of service, Henderson Franklin has a team of over 50 dedicated attorneys.

The firm has been a cornerstone in providing a comprehensive array of legal services, from business and tax planning to estate planning, family law, civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate and land use and environmental law.

With offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples, the firm is deeply connected to the region.

For more information on Tanner or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.

THE BREEZE JANUARY 26, 2024

South Cape’s pub crawl returns for 18th installment this Saturday

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Get your taste buds ready and drinking caps on, as the South Cape’s premiere pub crawl returns for its 18th installment this Saturday. This annual event features creative concoctions and good eats at various downtown establishments.

At South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association’s Best South Cape Martini Competition, locals can enjoy a one-of-a-kind martini, as well as an appetizer sample at the Jan. 27 event. With an interactive component, it’s up to the public to decide which South Cape spot comes up with the most unique and palatepleasing drink and dish.

“SCHEA looks forward to this event each and every year,” said spokesperson Shannon Quinn. “This is our largest trolley event, and it continues to grow. Seeing new, as well as familiar faces discovering the South Cape is what makes it a great night out.”

Trolleys will run from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets include unlimited trolley rides, a passport to all sampling locations, martini and appetizer samples, a voting ballot and access to win prizes at the official photo booth. Attendees who get their passport stamped at each venue will be entered to win a White Claw bicycle.

Participating locations and their samples include: ■ BackStreets Sports Bar - Blackberry Martini & Coconut Shrimp ■ Cruisers Lounge - Almond Joy Martini & Cheese Tort ■ Dixie Roadhouse - Cranberry Fizztini & Caprese Skewers ■ The Dive - Appletini & Cinnamon Sugar Preztel Sticks ■ Monkey Bar - Chocolate Martini & Yuca Fries ■ Pizza Parma - Goodnight Kiss & Mozzarella Glaze

■ Rack’em Spirits & Times - 3 O’Clock Lunch and Crackers & Olives ■ Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill Tropical Caketini & Key Lime Grilled Shrimp ■ Ralph’s Place - Watermelon Martini & Chicken Meatballs ■ Tiki Bar -Elderflower Pear Pop & Truffle Cheese Tater Tots Martini-lovers and foodies are sure to enjoy every minute of the popular event that sells out quickly each year.

“Each year I tell you the creativity gets better and better with concoctions and appetizers,” Quinn said of the participating establishments. “These competitors never cease to amaze me.”

Festive garb is encouraged and can be rewarded at the official SCHEA photo booth at the South Cape Hub. Pictures that are posted publicly on Facebook with the tag #southcapemartini are entered to win four free tickets to the Mardi Gras Trolley Event on Feb. 17.

There’s also bragging rights at stake.

“Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition?” Quinn said. “Once the votes are counted, a banner is presented to the winner(s) to display at their establishment.”

Guests can check in from 6 to 7:30 p.m. under the entry awning of the Dolphin Key Resort (1502 Miramar St.) and at Big John’s Plaza. Late check-in will take place until 10 p.m. at Dolphin Key. This event is 21-plus. Valid ID at check-in will be required.

Tickets are $30 with designated driver tickets at $25.

Tickets are available only on Eventbrite. Designated driver tickets include everything the normal ticket does, other than the drink sample, which can be replaced with a nonalcoholic beverage. Day-of tickets are $35, if available.

Tickets and more information can be found by visiting www.southcapeentertainment.com.

Tarpon Lodge and Calusa Mounds excursion to resume Captiva Cruises' tour about the centuries of local fishing cultures is returning for the season.

Typically offered from mid-November through April, the “Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island” cruise will take place four times this year, with the first event scheduled for Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This cruise will focus on the fishing cultures of the Pine Island Sound, encompassing more than a thousand years of fishing — from the indigenous Calusa and Spanish-Cuban fishing era, to commercial fishing with the Punta Gorda Fish and Ice Company and on up to today, including the area's incredible sport fishing,” Captiva Cruises educator Richard Finkel said.

Departing from McCarthy's Marina on Captiva, the tour will travel to the community of Pineland on Pine Island.

The historic fish houses of the Pine Island Sound will be seen along the way, as well as North Captiva, Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key and Useppa Island.

“The ecology and the importance of the back bay estuary are discussed, which is the common denominator throughout time. The cultural history, wildlife and present day living are all intricately tied into the waters around the islands,” he said. “Dolphins and a variety of birds are often seen while cruising the waters.”

On Pine Island, participants will disembark for lunch at the Tarpon Lodge Restaurant. They will hear about the family business' storied tradition of fishing the Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. An historic home converted into an inn and a restaurant, the lodge dates back to the mid 1920s. Today, it maintains that “old Florida charm.”

Following lunch, there will be an opportunity for a guided walk along the Calusa Heritage Trail at the Randell

CAPTIVA CRUISES

The historic fish houses of the Pine Island Sound is one highlight of the “Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island” excursion that Captiva Cruises will offer on Jan. 20.

Research Center and Calusa Indian Mounds to learn about the indigenous fishing culture. A program of the Florida Museum of Natural History, the facility is dedicated to learning and teaching the archeology, history and ecology of Southwest Florida through the Pineland archeological and historical site.

The cost is $50 for adults and seniors and $35 for ages 12 and under.

Reservations are required; lunch is not included in the cost.

The other dates are Feb. 7, March 9 and March 20.

For more information or reservations, call 239-4725300 or visit www.captivacruises.com.

Captiva Cruises is at McCarthy's Marina, at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.

Republican leaders react to DeSantis exiting primary nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

By CHUCK BALLARO

news@breezenewspapers.com

hen many think of Florida, they think of palm trees and beaches. They don’t think about the Florida with horses and cattle being moved up and down the state.

There were cattle in Florida before there were cattle in Texas and many of the events you see at a rodeo, such as steer wrestling and calf roping, were used to doctor the animals.

That heritage is celebrated every year at the Lee County Posse Arena, where from Friday to Sunday, Jan. 26 to 28, it will host the 63rd Cracker Day Rodeo.

When people come to the Lee Posse Arena this year, they will see some changes for the better, which Bobbi Harrison, who puts together the rodeo, hopes people will enjoy.

“We’ve added more sidewalks, new bleachers and bull chutes. We’ve also added a sign display and a second bird house where we announce from,” Harrison said. “We’ve also added a VIP section for the first time. We’re really excited.”

The event has had some obstacles in the past. The 2018 rodeo was cancelled from damage caused by Hurricane Irma, and they dodged some bullets in 2021 by COVID and last year after Hurricane Ian. The events at this rodeo tend to be a little different.

There is still bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing, but there are also unusual but popular events such as the Buddy-Pick-up and the cowgirl trifecta, where they have to breakaway rope a calf, race barrels and tie a goat, all in the same event.

There also will be more than 20 vendors selling everything from cowboy hats to Mexican food to perhaps even a ride on a mechanical bull.

Harrison said Saturday will be a busy day, since there will technically be two rodeos, the kids rodeo and the adult one, all for one admission.

“If you come in Saturday morning and buy a ticket, your ticket will get you in for later that day. I don’t know how much rodeo you can take in for one day, but if you’re a mega-fan, that would be the day to come,” Harrison said.

The rodeo in recent years has brought in some of the top cowboys and cowgirls in the world, as they compete in

W

At a Glance The 63rd Cracker Day Rodeo will be held at the Lee County Posse Arena from Friday to Sunday, Jan. 26 to 28.

Gates open Friday at 4:30 p.m. with the rodeo starting at 6:30. Saturday’s youth rodeo begins at 10 a.m., following slack. The open rodeo begins at 7, and the Sunday matinee kicks off at 2, preceded by Cowboy Church.

Competitions will include bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing as well as the Buddy-Pick-up and the cowgirl trifecta. More then 20 vendors will offer food, drink & more. the winter circuit. Last year, barrel racer Fallon Taylor competed.

Gates open Friday at 4:30 p.m. with the rodeo starting at 6:30. Saturday’s youth rodeo begins at 10 a.m., following slack. The open rodeo begins at 7, and the Sunday matinee kicks off at 2, preceded by Cowboy Church.

Admission is $30 for adults, 13 and under is $15 and 5 and under are free. Military and first responders are $25.

The new VIP special is $100, which includes parking, VIP seating, and food and drink. There is a limit of 125 tickets.

The rodeo serves as the biggest fundraiser for the arena, a non-profit organization which was founded in 1960 and has survived as an all-volunteer group that gets no financial support from any government entity.

“We’ve always been a place for youth to come. We’re the only non-profit horse arena in Southwest Florida.

Everything we’ve evolved from in revenue goes right back into the facility,” Harrison said. “We strive to make it better and better.”

The Lee Posse Arena is off Bayshore Road at 17401 Pal Creek Drive, North Fort Myers For more information, go to www.leecountyposse.com.

Cape Coral Breeze

Cracker Day Rodeo busts out of the gate tonight

The decision by Gov. Ron DeSantis to suspend his presidential campaign over the weekend was a swift and remarkable departure from the Republican primary race for a candidate once seriously considered to be a formidable threat to capture the presidency.

DeSantis made his decision to end the presidential campaign following a defeat in Iowa to Trump by 30 percentage points and just days before the New Hampshire Republican primary. In Iowa, DeSantis finished only two points ahead of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

DeSantis put much of his resources into Iowa and spent a lot of his time over the past year trying to make inroads there.

Local Republican party leaders said the decision was the right one and urged support for former President Donald Trump.

“I think it’s a smart decision,” Lee County GOP Chair Michael Thompson said. “I think it’s long overdue. I think Gov. Ron. DeSantis it’s time everybody rallies around President Trump in order to save America.”

Thompson said he thinks the DeSantis campaign “struggled from day one and I think that showed. With a better strategy, I think he could have performed a little better. I don’t think he would have put up a serious challenge to President Trump regardless.”

DeSantis was initially considered to be a major threat to both Trump and President Joe Biden after his landslide victory over former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist in 2022. His campaign raised more than $200 million, one of the largest for a primary race.

The office of Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, whose district encompasses most of Lee County, pointed to statements made on Newsmax in response to questions about the campaign. Donalds said on an appearance this week that DeSantis “fought hard. He entered this campaign truly believing that he was going to be our nominee to lead our party and to help get our country back on track.

Republican voters stood strongly behind President Trump.

He made the right decision.”

Donalds said “the time has come for Republicans to unite behind President Donald J. Trump. We have an enemy in the White House, we have radicals through our government. We have to be united as a party.”

Asked why DeSantis struggled to connect with Republican primary voters, Thompson said the reason DeSantis struggled to connect was because “Donald Trump was in the race.”

Thompson said that DeSantis largely failed to separate himself from Trump aside from disagreeing on COVID policy.

“We already had somebody in the race putting America first,” Thompson said.

In his speech announcing the suspension of his candidacy, DeSantis said he would support Trump because “We can’t go back to the old Republican guard of yesteryear, a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents.”

DeSantis said the days of “putting America last” and “cowtowing to large corporations” and “caving to woke ideology are over.”

www.capecoralbreeze.com

By NATHAN MAYBERG

Page 19 ■ January 26, 2024

Weekly BREEZE Recap

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 20 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Second budget workshop focuses on taxes, fees, assessments

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council's two-day budget workshop ended with a consensus on four points concerning next year’s tax and assessment rates.

While Council decided to email each of their top funding priorities for fiscal year 2025 and beyond, a majority agreed that the fire service assessment — 70% cost recovery— and the public service tax — 7% — would remain the same.

As far as the property tax rate, there was support for staying flexible this early in the process.

Although Councilmember Dan Sheppard said he would like to see the millage kept the same or, if at possible, lowered, Councilmember Tom Hayden said he does not think he will change from his previous stance — reducing the rate.

Councilmember Bill Steinke said the millage rate needed to be flexible to see what inflation would do to the budget.

Councilmember Robert Welsh said in previous years they had the option of a fallback rate, or midway between the current and rollback rate.

“I would like to see what that rate might be and what can be funded with that.

If we can work that, that would be something I would be interested in,” he said.

The second day of the budget workshop on Friday touched up the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, the city comprehensive plan for beautification, Pine Island Road Corridor Vision Plan, bridge rehab and impact fees.

The beautification and impact fees were among some of the largest discussion points.

The second day of the budget workshop on Friday touched up the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, the city comprehensive plan for beautification, Pine Island Road Corridor Vision Plan, bridge rehab and impact fees.

Impact fees Financial Services Director Mark Mason said when talking about the fire rescue, nontransport life support services, police services and recreation and facilities services impact fees — a levy imposed on new construction — have not been adjusted since the early 2000s.

“The one thing you can be rest assured on, the current impact fees growth does not pay for growth,” he said.

When the public safety impact fee, and fire and rescue services were originally developed in 2006 it was before plans for training centers materialized.

“In general, when you develop impact fees, you develop it on a five-year basis – five years forward of what the cost is going to be,” Mason said.

When the impact fee was developed in 2006, the city was looking at three additional fire stations. Since, he said they have built three more fire stations that well exceeded the cost of what a fire station was built in 2005.

Station 4 was built for $2.5 million, compared to a fire station today ranging from $5 to $6 million. Three additional fire stations into the future will approximately have a price tag of $16 million over the next five years.

Mason said the commercial rate is so low in regard to the response and cost of the service being provided, if nothing else that impact fee needs to be adjusted.

The non-transport advance life support

service impact fee was established in 2006 where there was a growth in the desire to have training and equipment necessary, so when firefighters were on the scene before they ambulance they could have the capacity to provide care. With the estimated three additional fire stations, it would cost approximately $960,000.

“The rate would be able to collect about $430,900 vs $1.3 million. Growth is not paying for growth,” Mason said.

When the police services impact fee was developed it was primarily associated with the facility on Cultural Park Boulevard. Now the city is in the process of building a training facility, which was not in the impact fee study.

Mason said they are also discussion substations in the four corners of the city to create localized police presence.

With 5,000-square-foot facilities at four quadrants throughout the city at $500 square feet it would cost $10 million verse the impact fee collection of $7.3 million.

“The public impact fees growth is not paying for growth,” Mason said.

The last time the recreation facilities impact fee was updated was in 2002.

The council was in favor of looking at an impact fee study, which would take four to six months.

“I make decisions on data. Having that data is crucial in making a good, informed decision. I would like to see the study,” Mayor John Gunter said.

Beautification Another area that received a great deal of discussion was the City Comprehensive Plan for Beautification.

“The purpose of this presentation is to get you to think about a different way to change the way we are currently moving forward with beautifying the city,” City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said.

Typically, what the city does is identify $1-$2 million to allocate towards a median.

With the price escalation it’s almost a million a mile once the curbing is done.

“That kind of budget allocation and all of the lane mile medians that we have in the Cape, it is going to take us forever,” he said, adding that the population will be built out before the medians are completed. “I challenged staff to come up with a way to think about how this council, or in the community, can complete beautifying everything that has irrigation available within five years.”

With 100 miles at $2 million a year, Ilczyszyn said they are looking at 50 years to complete the medians under the current funding.

Mason provided an option to the Council to fund the project through an assessment format.

For the 99 miles of unimproved medians at $1.5 million per mile it would cost $148.5 million. For the 35 miles of unimproved medians south of Pine Island Road it would be $52.5 million.

The assessment would be for the 67,812 parcels south of Pine Island Road. The approximate $90 per year would be for construction and maintenance for a minimum of 10 years, which would then decrease for

See BUDGET, page 26

Page 21 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 22

Page 23 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 24

Page 25 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 26 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Cape’s ‘Ground Owl Day’ set for Feb. 2

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A fun and quirky Cape Coral tradition takes place next week, as the city’s official bird will again serve as the prognosticator of weather to come.

The burrowing owl takes center stage as the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department host the sixth annual “Ground Owl Day” on Friday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m. at Pelican Baseball Complex, in what is the city’s take on Groundhog Day. Will the city’s official bird see its shadow? Only time will tell if the protected species will signal six more weeks of “winter” in Southwest Florida.

“This is really a great event for the community to get together and celebrate the burrowing owls,” said CCFW spokesperson Janet Windisch. “We really always want to raise awareness in the community

of how important the burrowing owls are to us and our residents.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to take a photo with “Athene,” the Burrowing Owl Festival mascot. There will be a reading of the official proclamation and CCFW officials will have information about conservation efforts. NBC2 meteorologist Rob Duns will also attend as a way to pay homage to the classic film, “Groundhog Day.” “A fun twist for our event is that it’s warm out, as opposed to up north,” Windisch said. “When Punxsutawney Phil comes out, people are hoping winter is going to be over. But down here, it’s warm, so it’s amusing that we’re not in our winter coats.”

Other than being a fun way to celebrate the burrowing owl and be an event precursor to the annual Burrowing Owl Festival (Feb. 24), Ground Owl Day is a way to become educated on the importance of the

Burrowing owl.

Cape Coral’s official bird

burrowing owl, how to preserve their population and the ecotourism dollars they bring to the city.

“CCFW, we’re really dedicated, but we can’t do it our ourselves, Windisch said.

“There’s so much the community can do to really enhance the efforts to conserve habitat for the owls.

“We need people to build starter burrows in their yards. We need people to support our fundraising events so we can preserve land. Building is going on at an accelerated pace. It’s changing, and we all need to work together to save the wildlife.”

Special “Ground Owl Day” shirts will be available to purchase at the event. For more information on CCFW, starter burrows, and the upcoming Burrowing Owl Festival, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org.

Pelican Baseball Complex is at 4128 Pelican Blvd.

Budget: Cape Council looks at spending priorities, where to get funds From page 20 annual maintenance. Mason said that number is not an absolute as he has not looked at an assessment methodology.

“This is a basic calculation to give you an idea of the potential if we do an assessment south of Pine Island Road,” Mason said.

The properties north of Pine Island Road would not be a part of this assessment, as UEP work is still going on and the city is looking to do many of the median improvements during the UEP process.

The assessment received some traction from the council as some wanted to explore

the option further. One council member suggested a referendum, while others agreed that a survey to get an indication of what the public wants was warranted.

Councilmember Keith Long said they should put money towards the foundation of the roads before medians — a classic example of putting the cart before the horse.

“I would love to see something like this for sidewalks. That is more important to me than the beautification,” Councilmember Jessica Cosden said.

Ilczyszyn said by moving funding sources

to a dedicated assessment it provides the level of service to the people who are benefiting and paying for it.

“Right now, we are funding this through property taxes. For the people that live in the south it provides a mechanism that speeds it up, so everyone that drives on the roadways has safe roadways. It frees up revenue that has other needs,” he said.

Another assessment, $24 a year per parcel, that was discussed was for lighting, which the council shot down because it is a core service.

Cosden said it’s really just a tax increase because the city is spending that money somewhere else.

“A lot of what we have done here throughout the last two days is increases in assessments and impact fees. How can we get more out of what we got,” Long said. “All we have seen for the most part is additional assessments, impacts, instead of other ways to increase funding through the general fund.”

Why drag the town through this? Read the room and move on,” he said.

Former Cape Coral City Council member Richard Leon also addressed the council during Citizens Input. He said the problem lies in how the stipend was done.

“I am sure there will be a lot of people that would have voted for a raise for council. What is also concerning is the conversation that was not had. The public hearing that was not had. That is the issue. Forget the money. It’s the issue of what you are doing behind the backs of citizens. Where did this come from? No debate, no conversation. No idea what this is for, how it was for,” he said.

Leon said they talk to courage, courage to have the integrity to do what is right.

“You can rescind, amend, and outright cancel the stipend today going further. I hope today is the last day we do this. I really hope we come together because the state is ready to step in and they will not be easy to deal with,” he said.

Denise McCleary, who has announced her candidacy for the Florida House, also spoke about coming to the meetings since day one about Jaycee Park.

“As a Democratic nominee candidate, we are trying to help Jaycee Park. This is about Cape Coral, not about a political party,” she said about teaming together to the mission done.

McCleary said a political action committee has been formed, the Cape Coral Preservation PAC, because Council has shown they will not listen to the citizens.

She said it is an initiative, a tool, to get issues on the ballot.

They will hold a gathering at Jaycee Park at noon, also on Saturday, to start peti-

tion drives to “save Jaycee Park,” and to require the mayor and city council to rescind and repay the stipends. She said CCPPac, the new bipartisan volunteer political action committee, will work to get 28,000 petitions signed in less than 90 days, so they can get the two citizen initiatives on the August ballot.

Following Citizens Input, Councilmember Robert Welsh spoke about the stipend, saying he was the only one that voted against the consent agenda on which it was placed. He said with that being said, the motion for reconsideration would be inappropriate for him to bring forward because he had a “no” vote.

Welsh asked for support from the council to draft language to amend the city’s charter involving a total compensation for city council members.

“Get this process started the right way now — come forward as a vote and be done the proper way,” he said.

Councilmember Jessica Cosden gave him a second, so he could start working with City Attorney Aleksandr Boksner.

“Welsh asked for a second to work with the city attorney’s office to address proposed language for compensation under the charter,” Boksner said. “It would go ultimately to a referendum provided whatever it is proposed has to be approved by the council as a whole.”

The deadline would be July 8 to get it on the ballot for the November election.

Sheppard said the stipend was deposited automatically into his account after the vote, and his portion has been returned.

Councilmember Richard Carr, who was not appointed to Council until after the stipend vote, declined the stipend.

Cape Coral Breeze

to come to the Lee GOP office or go to their events page and see what they have going down this Saturday concerning Cape Coral politics.

“People step up and step out to run against you. I encourage people to step up and step out of their comfort zone. Let’s see what we have out there. Iron sharpens iron. It’s helpful to have a variety of individuals of who we can select. Consider the fact that your individuals in this room are frequent flyers. They heard the last call to action that I have done.”

According to the website, leegop.org, the organization has scheduled a “Cape Coral Residents Only Seminar” to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Lee GOP headquarters at 12995 S. Cleavland Ave., Suite 239 with room for 50 with reservations available on the website. For Cape Republicans who RSVP’d, doors will open for sign-in at 10 a.m.

“Now is the TIME to take ACTION,” the post states.

“Learn what it takes to run for office “How to evaluate candidates “Get involved as a volunteer in your community and Lee County” Many others also spoke of their disapproval of the council and mayor receiving a stipend and asked where the funds were coming from, how they can justify the “raise,” and the importance of bringing back all advisory communities as it is a great liaison between the council and citizens.

A resident who identified himself as Smokin’ Joe said by accepting the stipends the council stole from the citizens.

“You lost the trust of the people. (There is a) massive effort to have you recalled.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

From page 1 “If this is really the battle you guys are going to die on, your hill, whatever, God bless you. We are Republicans. We are not going to put up with this stuff,” Thompson said. “If you want to eliminate the voice of these people and create more jobs for you and then name yourselves to it and then say oh wow look at all this work we got all of a sudden we need more money to justify this. You knew what the pay was when you got here.”

To unilaterally take duties away from volunteers “to give yourself a raise because you think you need more money, well good luck.”

“We are not going to put up with that.

The people here in Cape Coral may put up with it, but the party is not,” Thompson said. “I am here to deliver a message to you today. On Saturday, we are going to start the process of recalling you guys. And we are definitely not going to be supporting you with re-election.”

The stipend adds $5,000 per month for the mayor and $3,333 per month for city council members in addition to their salaries of approximately $48,095 and $41,920 per year respectively.

Lee GOP Vice Chair Tara Jenner said she has attended a number of the Cape Coral meetings and has heard the citizens but does not think Council has been absorbing that information.

“I’m not seeing a lot of action on your part,” she said. “Anyone who has voted in favor of the stipend — you have the authority to ask for the reconsideration of the vote. Do it tonight.”

Jenner encouraged everyone who attended the meeting who is a Republican

Page 27 ■ January 26, 2024

Stipend: Lee GOP, new Cape Coral Preservation PAC, set events Saturday

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 28 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

February programs at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library Next month’s roster of activities at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:

Adult Programs Download Drop-In 11 a.m., Thursdays, Feb. 1, 15, 29 Receive personalized help downloading ebooks, movies, music and more from Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers. Bring your fully charged digital device for this hands-on help session.

Note: Please bring any passwords you may need for downloading apps. Kindle users will also need an Amazon account and their password for accessing it.

English Café 10 a.m., Fridays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 6 p.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.

Great Decisions Discussion Group 2 p.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 This series was created by the Foreign Policy Association to develop awareness, understanding and informed opinions on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. Led by longtime facilitator, Klaus-Peter Voss, participants will receive a briefing book on relevant topics and view a corresponding video to support engaging and thoughtful discussions.

Registration is limited to 22.

Book Discussion: “The Hundred Loves of Juliet” by Evelyn Skye 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7 A woman discovers that she is part of a legendary love story that spans lives, years and continents in this modern-day reimagining of Romeo and Juliet.

Crafts at Cape: Book Folding 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 8

10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 24 Explore the art of book folding - artistically folding pages down to create pictures and patterns. Space is limited to 20. Registration is required and is guaranteed until the start of the program. Participants may only register for one class.

Introduction to Wine 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9 Join author and wine enthusiast Jerry Greenfield for this introductory course to wine. Topics include the various types of wine, where they are from, how to read a wine label and bargain bottles. Mr. Greenfield is a regular wine columnist to several newspapers and magazines, hosts wine dinners at several restaurants and is former Wine Director of the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Festival. Registration is required.

Meet the Author: Shelley Shepard Gray 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10 Bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray will speak about her latest series set in Pinecrest, Florida. Books from the series will be available for purchase via credit card only.

Registration is required.

This event is part of the 25th anniversary Southwest Florida Reading Festival, to be held Saturday, March 2. For more information about the festival and its featured authors, visit www.ReadFest.org.

Duffy Hudson Presents: Nikola Tesla 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14 Actor Duffy Hudson will portray Nikola Tesla, who contributed to the development of the modern alternating current electric power system. Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor and engineer and rival to Thomas Edison.

Registration is required.

Spanish Conversation Club 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14

Improve your Spanish fluency by chatting with other adults. Join us as we practice speaking with others on a variety of topics, including current events and everyday situations. Intermediate to advanced Spanishspeaking skills are recommended in order to get the most out of the session.

Children’s Programs Family Build It 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1 For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. No registration required. All materials are provided.

Family Storytime 10:30 a.m., Thursdays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 For children through age 5 and caregivers.

Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement.

Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Services desk.

Kids Read Down Fines 1-2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21 Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card. Please check in at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

Saturday Storytime 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 For children through age 5 and caregivers.

Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement.

Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Services desk.

Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 For ages 3-5. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby. Space is limited. Please arrive

early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Services desk.

Baby Rhyme Time 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 For babies up to 18 months and caregivers. Bond with your baby and meet new friends during this special storytime that promotes social skills, motor skills and early literacy skills. Parents and caregivers wiggle and giggle with their babies to stories, music, activities and rhymes. Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Services desk.

STEAM Club 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15 For ages 5-11. Be ready for fun experiments and projects as we explore the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Dress for mess. Registration is required and is guaranteed until the start of the program. All materials provided.

Tales & Tails: Read to a Dog 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 19 This is a drop-in program for kids to practice reading to a furry friend in an encouraging environment. No registration, but space is limited.

Family Movie Afternoon 3:45 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 29 Families are invited to join us for a movie and a themed craft. Snacks will be provided.

Please call the library for the movie title.

Rated PG.

Teen Programs Family Build It 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1 For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. No registration required. All materials are provided.

See FEBRUARY, page 30

Page 29 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 30 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

February: Programs at Cape Coral Lee County Library From page 28 Kids Read Down Fines 1-2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21 Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card. Please check in at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

Teen Thursdays 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8 Teens are invited to hangout, tinker around, and geek out with something new each month. This month will be game cen-

tered: Wii and Super Nintendo bouts, cubelets and of course button making. No registration required. Snacks provided. This program is intended for attendees ages 11-18 to attend independently. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.

Teens Create 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22 This month, we will be testing out Cricut Joys and making vinyl stickers. No registration required. All supplies are provided while they last. Snacks provided. This program is intended for attendees ages 11-18 to attend independently. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.

Family Movie Afternoon 3:45 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 29 Families are invited to join us for a movie and a themed craft. Snacks will be provided.

Please call the library for the movie title.

Rated PG. The Cape Coral Lee County Public Library is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace in Cape Coral. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4500. Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239-479-INFO (4636), for

more information about a specific program.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities.

To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Joan LaGuardia, 239-533-2314, Florida Relay Service 711, or jlaguardia@leegov.com.

Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requestor. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.

Page 31 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 32

JANUARY 26, 2024

now open for Haitian-American B.R.A.K.E.S. free Applications Community Coalition scholarships national teen pro-active driving school Feb. 3-4

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

Page 33 ■ January 26, 2024

EDUCATION

THE BREEZE

news@breezenewspapers.com

Torres named to Dean's Honor Roll at Southwestern College for Fall 2023 Top scholars at Southwestern College in Winfield and at Southwestern College Professional Studies have been announced with the release of the Dean's Honor Roll for the fall 2023 semester. Full-time students who earned grade point averages of at least 3.70 (4.0 equals an A) were eligible for the honor.

Students on the list included Lazaro Torres of Cape Coral.

Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college, founded in 1885 by Methodists in south central Kansas.

Southwestern College Professional Studies provides options for online students in any location and has been named a top provider for persons serving in the military.

The college continues to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Golden Apple finalists announced The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has announced its 30 Golden Apple Finalists.

Among them are finalists from six West Zone schools with attendance from Cape Coral, including Patriot Elementary, North Fort Myers High School, Caloosa Elementary, Ida S. Baker High, Gulf Elementary and Skyline Elementary.

The recognition is in its 37th year.

“All of these exemplary professionals represent the outstanding teachers who work, day in and day out, to make sure our community’s greatest asset, our students, achieve at their highest potential.

Our community is indebted to them,” said Marshall T. Bower, president & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.

The formal announcement will be made Friday at The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools office.

The 30 Golden Apple Finalists are: ■ Melissa Bailey – Bonita Springs High ■ Christine Bartz – Pine Island Elementary ■ Janet Bernard – Harns Marsh Middle ■ Dr. Katherine Callard – Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary ■ Alexis Camputaro – The Sanibel School ■ Chelsea Chase – Bayshore Elementary ■ Paul Chilson – Pinewoods Elementary ■ Suzanne Garrett – Veterans Park Academy for the Arts

■ John Gibson – Bonita Springs Elementary ■ Valerie Goyette – G. Weaver Hipps Elementary ■ Jaime Hill – Oak Hammock Middle ■ Elizabeth Jimerson – Patriot Elementary ■ Allison Kerner – Harns Marsh Middle ■ Sara Kizzire – Lehigh Senior High ■ Jill Klausing – Dunbar High ■ Janelle Laux – North Fort Myers High ■ Jessica Lisi – Tanglewood Elementary ■ Bianca McGinley – Harns Marsh Middle ■ Jamie Miller – Harns Marsh Middle ■ Barry Miller – Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle ■ Meredith Molseed – Harns Marsh Middle ■ Tiffany Moore – Caloosa Elementary ■ Christopher Morales – Fort Myers High ■ Leanne Olmstead – Ida S. Baker High ■ Jennie Rimes – Gateway High ■ Krista Rivera – Gulf Elementary ■ Michelle Smith – Lehigh Senior High ■ Maria Stone – Harns Marsh Elementary ■ Sarah Thornburg – Cypress Lake High ■ Christine Zwaan – Skyline Elementary Source: Foundation for Lee County Public Schools

Cape Coral Breeze

EDUCATION BRIEF

ences?

The deadline for submission is April 3, 2024. The application must be mailed by April 1 to Haitian-American Community Coalition of Southwest Florida, 3949 Evans Avenue, Suite 304, Fort Myers, Florida 33901.

The announcement of the scholarship recipients will be made on or before May 1, 2024.

Questions can be emailed to esv460@gmail.com.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Looking to save lives and make Florida roadways safer, the free national teen pro-active driving school B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) will make its first-ever appearance in the Naples-Fort Myers area, with training sessions on Feb. 3 and 4 at Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita Springs.

Training sessions will be held: ■ Saturday, Feb. 3, classes start at 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

■ Sunday, Feb. 4, classes start at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Registration is accessible at www.putonthebrakes.org.

Car crashes are among the leading causes of death among teens. Through their participation in the pro-active defensive driving program, B.R.A.K.E.S. graduates are 64% less likely to get in a crash within their first three years of driving, according to an independent study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

The 501(c)(3) charity was founded by multi-time Top Fuel drag racing champion Doug Herbert in honor of his two sons, Jon and James, who lost their lives in a tragic car crash in 2008. Herbert turned that personal tragedy into a lifesaving mission that has trained more than 130,000 teens and their parents to date.

The visit to the Naples-Fort Worth region marks the latest expansion of the program, which established records for weekend visits and total teens and parents trained in 2023. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring our life-saving program to the region, as we further our efforts to being B.R.A.K.E.S. training to new locations across the country,” said Herbert.

Utilizing vehicles provided by Kia Motors, B.R.A.K.E.S. offers teens extensive behind-the-wheel instruction from professional trainers including current and former law enforcement officers and professional racing drivers, teaching the teens and their parents how to be safer on the road. Exercises include Distracted Driving Awareness, Panic Braking, Crash Avoidance, Dropwheel/Off-road Recovery and Car Control/Skid Recovery.

B.R.A.K.E.S. is NOT Driver’s Ed. It is a FREE, handson, advanced driver training program taught by professional instructors, including current and former members of law enforcement, professional racers and stunt drivers.

B.R.A.K.E.S. maintains a low two -to-one student-toinstructor ratio to maximize educational effectiveness.

Applications are now being accepted for graduating seniors of Haitian heritage who are enrolled in a Lee County School.

The Haitian-American Community Coalition of Southwest Florida will provide four $1,500 scholarships.

The Haitian-American Community Coalition of Southwest Florida, formerly the Haitian-American Democratic Club, was founded in August 2015.

“The mission of the organization is to improve the quality of life of the local Haitian-American community by promoting social justice and human rights. HACC cares deeply about education as a steppingstone to success. In 2017 the group awarded three $500 scholarships to Lee County graduating seniors of Haitian heritage,” Scholarship Chair Betsy Vaughn said.

The first fundraising gala to fund scholarships was in 2018, which raised the amount provided to students to $1,000 followed by $1,500 each in 2022. So far HACC has provided more than $24,000 in scholarships.

This year, four $1,500 scholarships will be provided.

“Over the years we have received many amazing stories of ambition/hard work,”Vaughn said. “Especially impressive are the students who came to the U.S. as middle school students speaking no English and wound up at the top of their high school class.”

Students who are of Haitian-American heritage can submit an application. They must be a graduating senior at a Lee County high school, who is enrolled in or will be enrolled in a degree or certification program at a technical college, state college or university by Sept. 1.

Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, coach, administrator, or school counselor must also be included, as well as a school transcript with grades through the fall 2023 semester.

The student must also write a 300–500-word personal essay as a response to the questions what are your shortand long-term educational and career goals and how have your goals for your future been shaped by your life experi-

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 34 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

School district: Making progress but looking to do better yet School grades, student progress, graduation numbers, among benchmarks discussed

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The School District of Lee County discussed school grades, graduation rates and student progress Tuesday with one overall message: Lee schools still has a long way to go to get to where district officials want it to be.

“I am happy with the progress, but not content. We have a long way to go,” School Board Chair Sam Fisher said.

“We are still not there. I know we are making progress, and we have a ways to go. It doesn’t take away from any of the hard work. This is our No. 1 job up here.

I want to make sure we are really looking at things.”

School Grades Accountability, Research, and Assessment Director Joy Marks began the presentation by sharing information about the Florida Department of Education Accountability Model — school grades, which includes areas of English Language Arts, math, science, social studies, graduation rate, middle school acceleration and college and career acceleration.

“Each category allows schools to earn up to 100 percent of points. Final grades are calculated by dividing the total number of earned percentage of points by the number of categories the schools had sufficient results in,” she said.

For example, K-5 school achievement percentage of points falls with ELA, math and science for a total possible points of 300.

“I am happy with the progress, but not content. We have a long way to go. We are still not there. I know we are making progress, and we have a ways to go. It doesn’t take away from any of the hard work. This is our No. 1 job up here. I want to make sure we are really looking at things.”

—Sam Fisher, School Board chair Sixteen elementary schools earned an A with four for middle school, three for high school and one for a combination school, or a K-8 school.

Marks said 49.9% of schools received an A or B based on the new threshold and 46.3% received a C, or D. Four schools received an incomplete, which signifies a school grade was withheld or revoked and designated as incomplete.

There was 78%, or 68 schools, that maintained their same school grade.

Eighteen schools increased by one letter grade, and one school by two letter grades.

“Five schools decreased by one and one school by two letter grades,” Marks said.

These grades did not include learning gains, as did the 2021-2022 school year.

There were three improved schools that went from a D to a C — Weaver Hipps Elementary School, Manatee Elementary School, and Fort Myers Middle Academy.

Progress Monitoring The progress monitoring 1 and 2 data also showed more improvements need to be made in some areas, including English Language Arts and mathematics.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Cupid-McCoy said responding to the data is a critical step.

“How a teacher changes instructional approach, adjustments for each student within small group instruction, fidelity to teaching the benchmarks,” she said is that critical step.

Marks said the target is determined through some data analysis of students who took the assessment the prior year.

They looked at how much scored in each achievement level, what was the district average, top average, lowest average and state average.

“We can look and see what should be an expectation of a student that took the assessment last year,” Marks said.

“Based on these multiple data points, we understand the higher quartile and lowest quartile and average of level three.”

An example was given for sixth grade

ELA with a target of 47%. The first progress monitoring showed 39% against the PM objectives and the second showed 43%.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said the assessment given is for what the students should know for the entire year. He said as more instruction and curriculum is given, those numbers will improve.

“We have a long way to go to reach proficiency. (When we) shoot for proficiency will find learning gains in the process,” he said.

For sixth grade math, the target was 55% with the first progress monitoring at 14% and the second at 34%.

Cupid-McCoy said they have to engage in deep conversations of what that means as a whole and individual child.

“When we take a look at PM 2 data in exemplars we cannot be satisfied with progress to date, we must continue to determine what steps and those next steps must be viable,” she said.

Graduation rate “In one year, we matched the highest graduation rate ever post pandemic and ever pre-pandemic. The only graduation rate that was higher in the history of Lee County was the graduation rate where all of the state requirements for graduation were eliminated,” Bernier said. “We are back to the highest point this district has ever been and while 85.1 is no cause to See PROGRESS, 35

From page 34

Cape Coral Breeze

instruction, which will then go to the consulting group which will rewrite the first unit, which then will come back again for more feedback.

Another way the district is helping the graduation rate is through the Science of Reading, training that is taken place for all K-2 teachers. The focus is with proficiency and reading by third grade, Spiro said.

“Some of the early stages that we are hopeful will continue to contribute to the increase in graduation rate,” he said.

Focus also stems around ninth grade students with interventions in place at the interim and quarters. Spiro said those interventions fall within Connect with Lee, expansion of ACT/SAT prep and Back on Track.

“Ninth grade intervention is a work in progress. We will fine tune those systems as we continue to deepen our knowledge in area of resources around ninth grade interventions,” Spiro said. “This team is working on the creation of ninth grade intervention team.”

The district is also doing graduation data chats — looking at every student as a senior and if they met graduation requirements, those that didn’t and what is taking place for intervention. Those chats began during the summer with the third chat taking place next week.

“We have a district graduation team that is hyper focused on data. Daily they will go into graduation data tracker,” Spiro said.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

rain down the balloons and confetti, it is a reason to celebrate the hard work of our individuals that got us there and know that is not our end goal, but it’s the launching pad to all children graduating both college and career ready.”

Cupid-McCoy said they pushed, they supported, they held hands and they pushed more and they will continue to do that for the students.

“Our graduation rate for ’22-’23 school year grew to 85.1%. Now I would like to thank elementary, and middle school principals that over the years contribute to the growth of our students,” she said. “We must keep in mind it actually begins in pre-K. We are pleased with the movement; however, we do expect it to continue to grow. Ideally, we want 100% of our students to be prepared to go into the workforce.”

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jeff Spiro said graduation does not start in a student’s senior year, but rather in Pre-K. Part of that preparation has come through working with a consulting group that has been auditing K-2 curriculum and assessments through a heavy teacher voice, as well as feedback from administrators and surveys to all the K-2 teachers.

“Based on feedback, we began to rewrite some of our curriculum — the first unit, 20 days of daily instruction,” Spiro said. “The rewrite will now include teacher voice.”

A representative from each school will provide feedback on the first unit of

Page 35 ■ January 26, 2024

Progress: Graduation rate sees bump

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 36 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Death Notices $0,(. ,3-174-: 1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: #('0(4'$: $06$3: 6..,04 (/13,$. 60(3$.

1/( 3(/$5,10 (37,&( $2( 13$. ,4 (053645(' 8,5+ ),0$. &$3( 100$ :00( 633(..

1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: #('0(4'$: $06$3: 6..,04 (/13,$.

60(3$. 1/( 3(/$5,10 (37,&( $2( 13$. ,4 (053645(' 8,5+ ),0$. &$3( (3$3'1 1'3,*6(; 1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: $33$0*(/(054 %: (( 1605: 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 1+0 ,410 1) $2( 13$.

2$44(' $8$: 10 $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 (053645(' 51 6..(3 (5; 60(3$. $0' 3(/$5,10 (37,&( 888 )6..(3/(5; &1/ 1%(35 ..(0 1.'

1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: $33$0*(/(054 %: (( 1605: 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 30(451 1'3,*6(; 3 1) $2( 13$.

2$44(' $8$: 10 $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 (053645(' 51 6..(3 (5; 3(/$5,10 $0' 60(3$. (37,&( 888 )6..(3 /(5; &1/ $3,.:0 ($0 ,345( 1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: !6(4'$: $06$3: 6..,04 (/13,$. 60(3$.

1/( 3(/$5,10 (37,&( $2( 13$. ,4 (053645(' 8,5+ ),0$. &$3(

3('(3,&6.&$+(: 3 1) $2( 13$. .13,'$ 2$44(' $8$: $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 (053645(' 51 6..(3 (5; 3(/$5,10 $0' 60(3$. (37,&(4 10$.' $ 105,$ 1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: !6(4'$: (&(/%(3 6..,04 (/13,$. 60(3$.

1/( 3(/$5,10 (37,&( $2( 13$. ,4 (053645(' 8,5+ ),0$. &$3( .(9$0'(3 14(2+ ,&1.

1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: 10 $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 $3( %: 13$. ,'*( 60(3$. 1/( (/(5(3: $0' 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 $2( 13$. .($4( 7,4,5 888 &13$.3,'*()60(3$.+1/( &1/ )13 $'',5,10$. ,0)13/$5,10 ..(0 16,4( 311-4 1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: 10 $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 $3( %: 13$. ,'*( 60(3$. 1/( (/(5(3: $0' 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 $2( 13$. .($4( 7,4,5 888 &13$.3,'*()60(3$.+1/( &1/ )13 $'',5,10$. ,0)13/$5,10

$31.:0 1$0 $354+130( 1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: 10 $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 $3( %: 13$. ,'*( 60(3$. 1/( (/(5(3: $0' 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 $2( 13$. .($4( 7,4,5 888 &13$.3,'*()60(3$.+1/( &1/ )13 $'',5,10$. ,0)13/$5,10

",3*,0,$ 00 ,&+(.(55, 1) 135 :(34 .13,'$ 2$44(' $8$: $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 (053645(' 51 6..(3 (5; 3(/$5,10 $0' 60(3$. (37,&(4 3(' $6. $34104 1) 135 :(34 .13,'$ 2$44(' $8$: $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 (053645(' 51 (( 1605: 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 $2( 13$.

!+1/$4 $: 0*3$/ 1) 135 :(34 .13,'$ 2$44(' 33$0*(/(054 (053645(' 51 (( ($00( ((5 1) $2( 13$.

2$44(' $8$: 10 $8$: $06$3: 1605: 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 135 :(34 $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 (053645(' 51 6..(3 (5; 3(/$5,10 $0' 60(3$. (37,&( 888 )6..(3/(5; &1/ $/(4 13510 1) 135 :(34 2$44(' $8$: 33$0*(/(054 (053645(' 51 $37(: 0*(.+$3'5 $0&: %$33$ 1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: 10 888 +$37(: (0*(. $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 $3( %: 13$. ,'*( 60(3$. $0' 3(/$5,10 (37,&( 60(3$. 1/( (/(5(3: $0' 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 $2( +$3'5 &1/ $83(0&( (7,0 3$: 3 1) 135 :(34 2$44(' 13$. .($4( 7,4,5 888 &13$.3,'*()60(3$.+1/( &1/ )13 $8$: #('0(4'$: $06$3: 6..,04 (/13,$. $'',5,10$. ,0)13/$5,10 60(3$. 1/( 3(/$5,10 (37,&( $2( 13$. ,4 ())3(: (5(3410 1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: 10 (053645(' 8,5+ ),0$. &$3( $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 $3( %: 13$. ,'*( 60(3$. 1/( (/(5(3: $0' 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 $2( 13$. .($4( 7,4,5 888 &13$.3,'*()60(3$.+1/( &1/ )13 $'',5,10$. ,0)13/$5,10

6%: (45 1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: 10 $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 $3( %: 13$. ,'*( 60(3$. 1/( (/(5(3: $0' 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 $2( 13$. .($4( 7,4,5 888 &13$.3,'*()60(3$.+1/( &1/ )13 $'',5,10$. ,0)13/$5,10 30(45$ (30$0'(; (30$0'(; 1) $2( 13$. $.2+ ,&&$3(.., 1) $2( 13$. 2$44(' $8$: 10 33$0*(/(054 $3( %: $06$3: 33$0*(/(054 $3( %: 13$. ,'*( 2$44(' $8$: 10 $06$3: 60(3$. 1/( (/(5(3: $0' 3(/$5,10 (37,&(4 $2( 13$. ,'*( 60(3$. 1/( (/(5(3: $0' 3(/$5,10 13$. .($4( 7,4,5 888 &13$.3,'*()60(3$.+1/( &1/ )13 (37,&(4 $2( 13$. .($4( 7,4,5 888 &13$.3,'*()60(3$. +1/( &1/ )13 $'',5,10$. ,0)13/$5,10 $'',5,10$. ,0)13/$5,10

From page 1

The birthday bash will also serve as a fundraiser to continue Future Forestry’s work throughout the city. A minimum $25 donation the night of the event is encouraged (cash or check only).

For more information on Future Forestry and to register for the 20th Anniversary Birthday Bash, visit www.futureforestry.org.

Barbara Boulevard and Veterans Parkway, Skyline Boulevard and Veterans Parkway, and other locations.

Ringland said it’s a nice feeling to see the trees he planted years ago now in-full as he drives throughout the city. He also enjoys seeing wildlife call these trees home.

“We got a great picture of a Pileated woodpecker at the northwest corner of Chiquita and Veterans when we did our tree giveaway. I mean, we planted that,” Ringland said. “To see wildlife in there

is really cool. It’s more than just the trees.

“And from the point of view of the residents of Cape Coral... now, when you drive from Fort Myers into Cape Coral, you see something different. You see a roadway with trees and lots of landscaping.”

With Cape Coral constantly seeing development, keeping green space and an urban forest is important for quality of life, for both human species and beyond.

“It shows the community is involved

in how the city looks, rather than just having developers decide,” Ringland said. “It also creates a corridor. A Pileated woodpecker is normally seen in pine flattops. Where there are big old pines far apart. So when you put in pines in Cape Coral in this area and they grow, it’s a hopping-on point for the woodpeckers to go between say, Pine Island and Fort Myers.

“There’s a web of environmental features that you can see. We tend to get really self-centered on humans and our built environment. But there’s a lot more to life than just the human-built.”

The birthday bash will also serve as a fundraiser to continue Future Forestry’s work throughout the city. A minimum $25 donation the night of the event is encouraged (cash or check only).

For more information on Future Forestry and to register for the 20th Anniversary Birthday Bash, visit www.futureforestry.org.

Wicked Dolphin Tiki Hut is at 131 Southwest 3rd Place.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

event is a “thank you” to all of the volunteers and contributors who play a vital role in up keeping Cape Coral’s urban forest.

Ringland started his journey of plantings throughout the Cape decades ago, in locations such as Eco Park and Rotary Park, as a member of the Jaycees doing volunteer projects for the city forester.

“Those trees along the gravel path toward the water, they were planted around 1994, ’95,” Ringland said. “It seems like a full forest now.”

When Ringland was a part of Rotary, he started working on areas of Veterans Parkway by Cultural Parkway.

“We put in 100 trees at Cultural and Veterans on the northwest corner, and those are pretty big now,” Ringland said.

As the years went on, the more trees Ringland and other volunteers would plant.

Future Forestry has laid roots at the corners of Chiquita Boulevard and Veterans Parkway, Country Club Boulevard and Veterans Parkway, Santa

Page 37 ■ January 26, 2024

Future Forestry: Two decades of efforts to make the Cape greener

Concert in the Park: Attendees invited to bring lawn chairs & blankets songs with an island twist. Our Special Events Team seeks to vary genres at each concert, so there’s something for every musical preference.”

Food trucks will be on-site from 5 to 8 p.m. with offerings from Philly Junction, Horse Eyed Jake’s American Sliders, and Sunny Days Ice Cream.

“Cape Coral has many parks across the City, so we encourage residents to come out to beautiful Cultural Park,” Mullen said. “This park is a great choice because of its central location in Cape Coral and the open lawn where families can spread out and enjoy the green space.”

The final concert of this year’s series will be held at Four Freedoms Park in South Cape Coral. Sheena Brook, a featured artist on

Like THE BREEZE? Read online!

Follow us on Facebook!

season 12 of NBC’s “The Voice,” will perform.

“Sheena is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has entertained audiences for decades throughout the United States,” Mullen said.

For more information, visit www.capeconcerts.com.

Cultural Park is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd.

“The Freecoasters are a unique and funky blend of reggae, soul, and ska. They play current, popular songs with an island twist. Our Special Events Team seeks to vary genres at each concert, so there’s something for every musical preference.”

— Kaitlyn Mullen, city spokesperson

Cape Coral Breeze

From page 1

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 38 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

SPORTS

THE BREEZE JANUARY 26, 2024

Ready to float your new boat?

(Editor’s note: The following column was published previously in The Breeze.)

Finally got that new dreamboat in the water but so far you’ve been staying inshore and even ventured out to fish the local passes. You listen as your buddies brag about all the snapper, grouper and sheepshead they’re catching offshore but won’t share GPS numbers with you. Simply go to the excellent FWC website which gives you all the Florida reef info you’ll ever need using interactive map viewers, PDF and Excel files with GPS numbers and other info about each of the numerous locations.

Before you head out into the Gulf to collect your first fresh snapper dinner, make sure you first consult the weather gurus so you don’t get a dangerous or worse surprise on your offshore maiden voyage. Have all safety and first aid equipment in good Capt. George order in easily accessed Tunison locations and communication devices charged and ready. Have proper reef fishing permits, a working descending device, appropriate tackle, approved hooks and a knowledge of seasons and size limits. Have a basic tool box aboard.

Once out there you’ll typically drift fish, sometimes troll or anchor. If you have little experience with anchors, then do yourself and your crew a big favor and first research and investigate the proper type of anchor to deploy, the proper length of rope and chain to have aboard, and how best to use it.

Learning how to anchor properly so the boat is somewhat staying over the intended target area can be a terribly frustrating and time wasting experience for the new offshore boater and those anchored around them, and can also destroy a lot of valuable bottom habitat during the learning process. Taking an experienced friend or captain along the first time will help shorten your learning and frustration curve.

Here again, YouTube videos or Google can be a valuable teaching tool, answering questions like: How much chain do I need for my rope and anchor set-up? The general answer is yes; you’ll need a length of chain to attach to the anchor, and one foot of chain for every foot of boat (which can vary with anchor type, bottom content, length of time at anchor, wind, tides and current, even hull design). Practice deploying and setting the anchor alone or with your crew to get the feel of it before heading out to the 100-foot-deep zone the very first time.

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

TIDES CHART Sa 27 27

at Cape Coral Bridge High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon /Low Time Feet Sunset Visible Low 11:14 AM -0.2 6:07 AM Set 2:53 AM 67 High 5:39 PM 0.9 7:13 PM Rise 1:38 PM

Su 28 28

Low High

11:35 AM 5:56 PM

-0.3 0.9

Sa 27 27

Low 10:57 AM High 4:54 PM

-0.4 1.7

Su 28 28

Low 11:20 AM High 5:03 PM

-0.6 1.7

Day

6:08 AM 7:13 PM

Set 3:56 AM Rise 2:42 PM

76

7:14 AM 6:07 PM

Set 2:53 AM Rise 1:38 PM

67

7:13 AM 6:08 PM

Set 3:56 AM Rise 2:24 PM

76

at Matlacha Pass (Bascule bridge)

PHOTO PROVIDED

Mariner’s Marksmanship team.

Mariner repeats as State Air Rifle Champion The sport of shooting was showcased at Island Coast High School in Cape Coral for the 2024 Army JROTC State Championship. The state’s top 100 air rifle cadet athletes from all across Florida competed for the opportunity to take home a collection of prestigious medallions and trophies.

While a shooting sport may raise eyebrows of some, Marksmanship has proven to be an activity providing young people with essential life skills such as concentration, selfcontrol, discipline, teamwork, critical thinking and decision making.

The competition was fierce with high performing athletes from numerous teams receiving accolades. However, the day belong to Mariner High School, the defending state champions.

“We are very proud of the results and accomplishments of our marksmanship family,” said Major Bryan Williams. “And the results have definitely come for Mariner. However, results will never be more important than the character of our Cadets.

Billy Graham once said ‘When money is lost, nothing is lost.

When health is lost...s omething is lost. However, when character is lost, all is lost.’ This is our mantra. This is the secret ingredient to any formula for success. Then, the results come.”

This year’s match provided a number of special opportunities for Cadet athletes. Several agencies set up information booths to engage Cadets about opportunities for life after high school. On hand included university scholarship officers and ROTC representatives, military recruiters from the Army

National Guard, Coast Guard (to include recent boot camp graduates), and Marines as well as several Veteran organizations (VFW, American Legion, Blue Star Mothers and Military Officers Association of America).

The highlight events were several virtual seminars with the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), arguably the United States premier shooting organization. In between shooting relays, Cadet athletes were invited to attend a special seminar.

Sergeant First Class George Norton, an American record holder and international shooting champion spoke to Cadet athletes about mental preparation, critical life skills learned in shooting sports and opportunities after high school (scholarships, Olympics and joining AMU).

Mariner’s Marksmanship team is coached by husband and wife dynamic duo Marybeth and Major Bryan Williams.

Major Williams is the Senior Army JROTC Instructor and Coach Williams is a volunteer coach, logging over 2,500 volunteer hours at Mariner. The Williams offered “A quote we frequently share with our Cadets is 'If you want to know your God-given gift, think of the thing you do best with the least amount of effort.’ We have been mentoring and coaching young people our entire marriage. Coaching this team allows us to share our gifts.”

“Major” and “Coach” (as the Cadets affectionately refer to their coaches) began their Marksmanship journey towards

See MARINER, page 39

Voting now open for January Athlete of the Month Voting for the Cape Coral Breeze Athlete of the Month for January is now open.

We had countless top performances from studentathletes in our coverage area to start the new year and now it’s up to readers to decide who will earn top honors for the month.

Nominees for January include: ■ Cameron O'Halloran, Junior, Bishop Verot Vikings: The stand-out guard continued her impressive offensive output for the Vikings during her nomination week as they took part in a Suncoast Classic. Finishing third overall in the tournament as a team, O’Halloran netted 20 points versus St. Petersburg, and added 33 more in a win over Clearwater Central Catholic, knocking down eight 3-pointers.

■ Javarius Jackson, Senior, Oasis Sharks: The senior helped lead his team to a 2-0 record (12-3 overall) coming out of the holiday break during his nomination week with a pair of solid performances. Jackson dropped 20 points vs Ida Baker (8-of-12 shooting), adding seven rebounds and two assists, and followed up with a double-double versus Riverdale, scoring 18, collecting 19 boards, and dishing two dimes.

■ Maia Berdebes, Junior, Ida Baker Bulldogs: The Bulldogs leading scorer turned in three solid performances during her nomination week for a team that sits

atop 6A-11. The junior averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3.3 steals, and shot 100% from the free throw line last week.

■ D'Angelo Gil, Senior, North Fort Myers Red Knights: Gil had a strong showing at the Ray Worsham meet, taking home first place in the 120-lb division, pinning two opponents and taking down a tough adversary 7-4 in the final. Gil boasted a 20-2 record when he was nominated.

■ Camren French, Junior, Mariner Tritons: The wrestler was tops in the 126-lb division at the John Joyce Memorial in North Port. He was named one of two “outstanding wrestlers” at the tournament, and took down a previously undefeated opponent to pick up the win.

■ Jose Bido, Junior, Island Coast Gators: The guard helped the Gators to a 2-1 record during his nomination week, including a big 31-point game versus Naples Classical. Over three games, Bido averaged 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, and five steals.

Athlete of the Month nominees are comprised of the Breeze’s staff-selected Athletes of the Week for that respective month.

To vote, visit www.capecoralbreeze.com and click the “Vote Now” icon on the homepage.

Editor's note: Due to a spelling error, Maia Berdebes AOW card from the Friday, Jan. 19, issue of The Breeze is being republished. The Breeze regrets the error.

Championship, Mariner swept the top four individual awards: 1st - Eryka Vazquez (Team Commander) 2nd - Nathan Krokstrom (who has won three other State Championships) 3rd - Elyssa Vazquez (the youngest on the

squad) 4th - Tyler Dennard (Junior Olympic State Champion and a goal to compete at an international level)

CAPE CORAL ANIMAL SHELTER

2023: Home sales, prices lower From page 17 was virtually flat with the $375,495 posted in December of 2022, and up 1.4 percent from $370,000 in November of 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the median sales price in this segment averaged $372,330 per month, or 1.3 percent below the average of $377,330 per month in the fourth quarter of 2022, and 0.3 percent lower than the average of $373,333 per month in the third quarter of 2023. For the year, the median sales price in this segment averaged $373,980 per month in 2023, which was 1.5 percent lower than the average of $379,820 per month for the full year in 2022.

(The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors® Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, FL, as of January 21, 2024, unless

otherwise noted. It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral single family homes, and does not include condominiums, short sales, or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice.

The Quinn’s are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 44-years. Geri has been a fulltime REALTOR® since 2005, and Bob joined with Geri as a full-time REALTOR® in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.)

Annabelle

Canoli

Looking for a loving home Annabelle is a 3- to 5-year-old female.

She has mastered the art of tail-wagging and charming smiles, and her devotion to her human friends knows no bounds. Now, here’s the scoop: Annabelle would prefer to have the spotlight to herself. No other furry friends, please — be it dogs or cats or any small critters. She is the solo star in this show! But don’t worry, with her around, you won’t need anyone else to steal your heart!

Canoli is a 6- months to 1-year-old female. Miss Canoli LOVES her people

and will make “biscuits” at the mere sight of her people. If you’re looking for a sweet kitty who makes “biscuits” all day and purrs non-stop, then look no further than Canoli!

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

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

Cape Coral Breeze

selves. Coach always tells us that life is not about how you act when things are going well, but how you react when things are not.

It’s all about a positive mindset.

Marksmanship has taught me that sometimes we make a bad shot. While it is important that we acknowledge what caused the bad shot, we cannot dwell on it. We need to regroup, remain in a positive mindset and mentally plan and prepare for the next great shot. This is a life approach.”

The Williams also focus an inordinate amount of time connecting individually to each athlete, spending time after practice each day to talk to both Cadets and their parents about life issues. "We talk about school work and study strategies, how to communicate with others about their problems, self-image issues, dating, stress and anger management, and about anything you can imagine a teenager is going through. If you ask a Cadet what means the most to them about this team, they will say ‘this is my second family.’ We want our Cadet athletes to feel this is a safe environment to express themselves and make deep, lasting friendships.”

This also means prioritizing academics with a weekly grade check. Cadets are required to take a screenshot of their weekly grades and turn it in for the coaches' review.

Any grade below a C requires an explanation of why, what their plan is to bring the grade up and an email to their teacher with the plan.

“If an athlete is not disciplined or responsible enough to take care of their top priority, they definitely are not disciplined enough to compete at a high level. We place Cadets on academic suspension if they do not maintain Cs or better. The recipe once again works as evidenced by the team’s cumulative grade point average of 3.6, which includes a 97% school attendance rate! The majority of the Varsity members are also in National Honor Societies.

One final key ingredient to the Mariner success recipe is mentorship. “In JROTC, we teach a Steps to Success process,” Williams said. “The fourth step is to have mentor. Each Varsity member is assigned a JV Cadet to mentor. Varsity members have mentors from NCAA shooting camps they attended. Coach and I have many mentors that we frequently talk to our kids about to include: several National Champion coaches and athletes, we have marriage mentors, spiritual mentors, wellness mentors. Our intent is to role model the ‘It takes a village’ concept - teamwork!”

This year, the recipe for the Steps to Success continues as Mariner won it's second consecutive JROTC and American Legion State Championships and is the #1 qualifier in the U.S. for two National Championship matches - Army JROTC Nationals in Alabama and Junior Air Rifle Nationals in Ohio. While winning the JROTC State

www.capecoralbreeze.com

From page 38 success in 2019, immediately setting goals of attaining State and National recognition. The Williams are no stranger to success. Major Williams is a 2021 Golden Apple recipient and both VFW and American Legion Teacher of the Year, and Coach Williams has won multiple Volunteer of the Year awards.

Major Williams said “Our first two years (which included a one year hiatus with out Coach Williams due to COVID restrictions of volunteers on campus) were spent putting building blocks in place — new equipment, expanded shooting range capacity and a disciplined training regimen. However, our real secrets to success extend way beyond the actual shooting process. Our No. 1 focus is on developing young people of character and honing life skills and values, such as discipline, self-control, respect, teamwork, leadership and communication skills. The other key ingredient is our parent support. Every parent on the team is involved: refilling air tanks, donating healthy snacks, transporting Cadets and equipment, helping with fundraisers and more. It takes a village.”

Mariner's Cadet athletes take their teamwork well beyond the boundaries of the shooting range. Cadets frequently volunteer and serve their community, particularly in support of Veteran organizations. Team Commander and recently crowned JROTC State Champion Eryka Vazquez added “We have a partnership with the American Legion Post 90, the Pine Island Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Military Officers Association and Lee Health Military Support Group. Our team performs Color Guards, Wreath Laying ceremonies, placing flags and wreaths for Veterans at cemeteries and making care packages and cards for troops deployed overseas.

In return, the Veterans often come to our practices and matches to share advice and support us. This team has taught me the best way to show teamwork is to serve others.”

Kim Gaide, the director of Lee Health Military Support Group agrees. “When Mariner JROTC says they are going to help, they mean it! I can't tell you how grateful I am for the hearts of these amazing young people.

They are constantly visible and following through with their commitments serving our community.”

The building blocks placed in the early years have produced incredible results in the past 18 months. In 2022-23, the Fighting Tritons won three State Championships (JROTC, American Legion and the Civilian Marksmanship Program Junior Olympics) and qualified for three National Championship matches, placing 9th twice and 11th. When asked about what contributed to their success, Cadet Vazquez replied "One thing is never giving up on our-

Page 39 ■ January 26, 2024

Mariner: ‘It takes a village’

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 40

Breeze Athletes of theWeek (Selected by the Breeze Sports staff)

Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Page 47 ■ January 19, 2024

Cape Coral

Page 41 ■ January 26, 2024

Religious

Wanted To Buy

www.capecoralbreeze.com

",%1.6+-9-1+ 29)1% 72 !7 8() 3267/) %1( %57;5 +5)%7 -1 9-578) %1( 5-', -1 0-5%'/)6 1)%5 .-160%1 2* )686 ,5-67 *%-7,*8/ -17)5')6625 2* %// :,2 -192.) ;285 63)'-%/ 3%5721 %+) -1 7-0) 2* 1))( "2 ;28 ,%9) 5)'2856) *520 7,) ()37, 2* 0; ,)%57 %1( ,80&/; &)+ 72 :,20 2( ,%6 +-9)1 68', +5)%7 32:)5 72 '20) 72 0; %66-67%1') )/3 0) -1 0; 35)6 )17 %1( 85+)17 3)7-7-21 1 5)7851 3520-6) 72 0%.) ;285 1%0) .12:1 %1( '%86) ;28 72 &) -192.)( !7 8() 35%; *25 86 %1( %// :,2 -192.) ;285 %-( 0)1 !%; 7,5)) 85 %7,)56 7,5)) %-/ %5;6 %1( /25-%6 8&/-'%7-21 0867 &) 3520 -6)( ",-6 29)1% ,%6 1)9)5 &))1 .12:1 72 *%-/ ,%9) ,%( 0; 5)48)67 +5%17)( 8&/-'%7-21 3520-6)(

Church of The Nazarene 6781 Bayshore Rd, NFM Thurs 1/25 - Sat 1/27. 8am-2pm

Old & New - Big & Small Artwork, Home Decor, Jewelry Purses, Appliances

Something for Every Home

Six Lakes Country Club Annual Trash to Treasure Sale Upscale 55+Community Sale of GREAT Merchandise.

Something For Everyone

&

Cape Coral Breeze

(+ 9><0< %0,6 <=,=0

6<9

Sat, Jan 27th, 8AM-Noon 9151 Littleton Rd. NFM No Pets Please

$

Power Boats

>B

08

08 >B< ?0;B=3482 .97

21

75%-/)5

%52/-1% !.-** 12 02725 %//

Auctions & Bazaars

Absolute Estate

Saturday, Jan. 27th @ 10:00 am

Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest).

15401 Thornton Rd Fort Myers 33908

Household, Appliances, Collectibles, Foreign Coins, Furniture and more Allcoast Auction & Realty

239-242-7661 www.allcoastauction.com au415/ab3589

Cryptoquip Solution:

Garage Sales

S U

%3)

25%/ !# 7, 7 5!%7 %0 30 *%0-/; 851-785) 286),2/( %5/; <6 %,2+%1; 835-+,7 )/)'75-*-)( 3/%;)5 3-%12 : 52//6 9-17%+) <6 9%1-7; (5)66)5 )/)'7521-'6 25)

S O L

D

U

O

T

K U

I O N

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 42

Air Conditioning

Contractors

Fill & Dirt Grading

Painting

%0<.;008 ,8/ %0:,4; 19; ,8 119;/,-60 $;4.0 ,66 9; +9>; ;00 <=47,=0

www.capecoralbreeze.com

-<96>=06B

% (239) 573-2086

INSTANT REBATES AVAILABLE óAir Purification Systems óHigh Efficiency Systems óDuct Cleani ng Free Estimates on Replacement Systems

âNo Bull - Just Quality Work You Can Trustã Residential Commercial Build Out Remodels ¯ Repairs Room Additions Tractor Service

Free Estimates

E'9: &946 E 466 4;= E ;,/482 E&3066 &=980 E ;9<498 98=;96 E 9= .;0,20 !9@482 E ;4?0@,B< %9,/< E <:3,6= $,=.3 &0,6 E >6?0;= $4:0< E ,8/ 60,;482

E 8?,<4?0 A9=4. %079?,6

E 960< ,6982 &0,@,66<

E&96>=498< =9 :996482 @,=0;

239-707-0654

4.08<0/ 8<>;0/ @@@ .,7:4986,8/<.,:0 .97

Bonded - Lic CBC058576 - Insured

BulldogBuildersInc.com

q q AFFORDABLEq qq

Cape Coral Breeze

4.08<0/ ,8/ 8<>;0/

<=47,=0<

24óHOUR SERVICE NO OVERTIME CHARGES FAMILY OWNED/OPERATED Lic#CAC1817070

Boat Lifts & Docks

>==0;<

CUSTOM DOCKS & BOAT LIFTS

'4: '9: >==0;< q q FREE ESTIMATESq

WE BUILD QUALITY DOCKS HAWLEY CONSTRUCTION OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ALL IN LEE COUNTY. FREE ESTIMATES www.marinedocks.net

Call (239) 561-8074

New Installation Includes Permit 2 Year Warranty Rain Bird Contractor

Specializing in Concrete Slabs Drives Patios Sidewalks Stucco - Landscape Curbing Spray Crete - Keystone

âNo Job Too Smallã BackHoe - Grading - Fill Top Soil - Rock - Bush Hogging Pond Digging - Land Clearing We fix Drainage Problems

Laborers Wanted

239-543-3700 Cell 239-849-5375

CLASSIFIED 574-1110

And Always Free Estimates References Furnished

Licensed and insured Call for a Free Estimate

239-240-3216

-'08<0/ ,8/ 8<>;0/ Handyman

% &' ! ' &

"9@ 4;482 A:0;408.0/ &.;008 8<=,660;<

Steve

Pavers

+0,;< A:0;408.0

Republican Remodeling & Home Repair

Plants & Trees qq q q AFFORDABLEq

Licensed and insured Call for a Free Estimate

*4664,7 %4803,;= ,8/B7,8

0= 70 :>= 7B B;< 91 0A:0;408.0 =9 @9;5 19; B9>

&9114=< >==0;< 9@8<:9>=< E$;0<<>;0 *,<3482 E$,48=482 E ,;:0= E ,748,=0 699;482 E'460 "0@ %0:,4; %02;9>=482 E 97:60=0 *99/@9;5482 E 99; *48/9@ %0:,4; E)48B6 08.482 ;00 <=47,=0<

-')16)( %1( 1685)( $ $

"& "&(% *#% %& #!$ #) % #!! % % & "'

% '# &! '% *#% &'(!$ % !#)

* "' '# +#(% '% (+

! #% * ' ) % +#( "

Repairs/Complete Re-Screens

New or Replace Soffit & Fascia

Custom Built Railings and Entryways

Call For Our Specials On: Pet Screen Solar Screen Super Screen 3 Year Warranty On All Work 6 Months Interest Free (W.A.C.)

% &' ! ' &

Tony’s Tree Service

';00 %079?,6 ';00 ';477482 &=>7: ;48/482

239-772-2242 www.dr-screen.com License & Insured with Workmanás Comp

q q FREE ESTIMATESq

New Installation Includes Permit 2 Year Warranty Rain Bird Contractor A+ RATED - ANGIES LIST

Installation & Repair Licensed & Insured FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1981 LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938 Sanibel #S11-000923

8<>;0/

"9@ #110;482 $,?0; 8<=,66,=498

Voted Best of Cape Coral in 2022 & 2023!

15% OFF

"5-0 "5))6 !7803 )029%/ 27 /)%5-1+ %1(6'%3-1+ )6-()17-%/ 200)5'-%/

*## $$ % & %)

This Month Only

99<0 (80?08 9; !4<<482 $,?0;<

;7,8/9D< ';00 &0;?4.0

The Highest Rated Screen

COMPLETE RESCREENS

$ ) % % $ %

Tree Service

( ' '%( & %)

(239) 339-7361

,66 &=>,;=

4.

$%#!$' $%# && #" & %)

Thank You In Advance

239-240-3216

Custom Shower Design Flooring Installation Tile Kitchen Remodeling

"D& & % " % $ %

4.08<0/ 8<>;0/

No Job to Large or Small

Custom Shower Design Flooring Installation Tile Kitchen Remodeling

Republican Remodeling & Home Repair

àn Tractor Service

%// 25 $285 5)) 67-0%7)

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1981

C o n c r e t e Contractors

TOMáS CONCRETE, INC

Interior & Exterior Detail Oriented Tidy and Personal

C C &0,760<< >==0;<

Installation & Repair Licensed & Insured

CBC026058

One-Man Painting Company

Company in Southwest Florida!

A+ RATED - ANGIES LIST

LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938 Sanibel #S11-000923

'4: '9: %0<.;008 $996 &.;008 %0:,4;

Screening

Sprinkler Systems & Irrigation q q AFFORDABLEq qq

Your Tree Guy g Trimming g Removals g Sidewalls g Hedges Serving all your outdoor needs

239-244-7271 q FREE ESTIMATESq q

New Installation Includes Permit 2 Year Warranty Rain Bird Contractor A+ RATED - ANGIES LIST

Installation & Repair Licensed & Insured FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1981 LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938 Sanibel #S11-000923

Show this ad for a 10% discount!

Page 43 ■ January 26, 2024 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

January 26, 2024 ■ Page 44

CC BREEZE 01/26/24

CC BREEZE 01/26/24