Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

VOLUME 38, NUMBER 6

The cost of turning on the lights

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

For years, the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council has been struggling with how it can revamp the lighting on Estero

Boulevard, a road owned by Le County From hiring consultants t o e n g a g i n g i n b a c k - a n d - f o r t h with Lee County government for aid in improving the lighting, the town has come up short.

There may be light soon

N e w t u r t l e - f r i e n d l y a m b e r could go up on Estero Boulevard as June, a representative from

er & Light recently informed the ncil though the town’s rental costs uld more than double along with an tallation cost of $1 56 million

While the town council has previusly sought the county’s help in improving the lighting on the road, the county has thus far only committed to providing new lights for the crosswalks on the road

The town council recently heard from FPL and what its options may look like for the future, and what the cost could be for the town

Eric Culling, a senior representative for FPL, appeared in front of the council in January to explain how the company intends to replace 131 lighting fixtures on Estero Boulevard at no cost with new

See LIGHTS, page 2

FEMA tips to appeal a determination letter

By FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Weeks ago, you applied for federal disaster assistance FEMA responded with a letter outlining the types of assistance you are eligible or ineligible to receive Read the letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision and learn how to appeal if you disagree Many times, FEMA just needs a document or other information to push your case forward

Some advice to help write a successful appeal letter:

∫ Tip 1 : Know your deadline.

You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to submit your appeal Circle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note and put it on your refrigerator or console of your car Once FEMA reviews your appeal, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more information

∫ Tip 2 : Understand why FEMA determined you are ineligible before writing your appeal.

You may not agree with it, but analyze why FEMA determined you are ineligible Frequently, it’s something as simple as missing documentation or information Read FEMA’s letter from beginning to end and see what the agency needs from you

∫ Tip 3 : Include documents to support your appeal

An appeals letter on its own may not be enough to get FEMA to reevaluate its decision. Consider including documentation to support your reason for appeal It is i m p o r t a n t t o p r o v i d e a n y d o c u m e n t s

F E M A h a s r e q u e s t e d E x a m p l e s m a y include:

Documents from your insurance company which show your policy coverage and/or settlement is not enough to

See FEMA TIPS, page 2

Discussions continue on Beach Elementary School’s future

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Discussions about the future of Fort Myers Beach Elementary School continue Parents and town representatives have formed an ad-hoc committee to work on items with the district related to the school’s future, Lee County School District spokesperson Robert Spicker said

“This will help narrow the scope of the options Selling the school site is no longer under consideration,” Spicker said

The committee and district personnel recently met again to discuss the Beach Elementary School

“We expect a board presentation on Feb 22 with the final options for the board to consider,” Spicker said

The school board has previously expressed support for rebuilding the school though it hasn’t yet determined if it will be fully rebuilt or partially rebuilt The school is currently undergoing remediation work

Beach School parent Monica Schmucker said parents and community members recently met with the school district’s Superintendent Dr. Chris Bernier, Chief of Staff Mike Ramirez; facilities and FEMA consultant Jeff Wagner and Coordinator of Community Engagement Dr

Lights

From page 1

amber lights “That would be a direct swap-out,” Culling said

The town has been waiting for FPL to provide new amber lighting under its tariff program.

“ T h a t f i x t u r e i s w o r k i n g t h r o u g h o u r f i n a l a p p r o v a l process,” Culling said He expects the new fixture to be approved in March and potentially installed by June

Many of the town’s lighting fixt u r e s w e r e d a m a g e d d u r i n g Hurricane Ian

There will be a cost though for an additional 249 new lighting fixtures in the town, with the town’s m o n t h l y r e n t p a y m e n t t o F P L going up In addition, there would be up-front cost of $1 56 million to the town to cover 78 of the new distribution poles

Culling said the current rental, maintenance and energy costs for the town’s lighting is approximately $2,600 a month to FPL The new cost would more than d o u b l e t o $ 5 , 4 5 0 a m o n t h Culling later said in his presentation to the council that the monthly cost for the fixture, mainten a n c e a n d e n e r g y w o u l d b e

$16,000 a month

C u l l i n g s a i d i t w o u l d c o s t another $118,000 to remove 271 lighting fixtures on side streets and r e p l a c e t h e m w i t h n e w a m b e r lights with an estimated $20,000 credit to the town The town’s m o n t h l y c o s t s w o u l d g o f r o m $1,750 to $9,650.

Culling estimated the total new monthly costs for the town would g o f r o m $ 4 , 5 0 0 p e r m o n t h t o $32,500 per month in addition to the $1 56 million

Mayor Dan Allers said he hopes there will be talks with the county, FPL or state about contributing to covering that cost

Interim Town Manager Chris Holley said he didn't think the town could afford the increase in costs and will need aid from the state

Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt questioned Culling and FPL area repre-

Adam Malloy School Board Chair Armor Persons, Vice Chair Sam Fisher and school board members Jada Langford Fleming, Chris Patricca, Debbie Jordan, and Cathleen Morgan also attended

Schmucker said the district confirmed that 100% of the costs of rebuilding the school are 100% recoverable through insurance and FEMA

Schmucker said the school board remains concerned about the “long-term operational cost of the school based on enrollment numbers But they acknowledged that the school district has had control over those numbers, since the beach is not part of the school choice and they dictate where our boundaries are They are looking into restructuring the proximity plan in other words moving the boundaries to include a broader area ”

Some students with Fort Myers Beach addresses off island in unincorporated Lee County, for example, attend Harlem Heights Elementary School

“By moving the district’s boundary line to Summerlin Road, we would be including all those students with Fort Myers Beach addresses in our school’s enrollment,” Schmucker said

T h e r e w e r e a l s o t a l k s a b o u t w h e t h e r B e a c h Elementary School could take in more students from

sentative Charlotte Miller about whether the agency could go to the state for funding or to ask for a rate increase to cover the state due to the hurricane’s impact and why the town was being asked to bear the cost

“It sounds like you are passing a l l t h o s e c o s t s t o F o r t M y e r s Beach,” Atterholt said to Miller

“Those fixtures that were damaged, that you are now going to fix a n d r e p l a c e w i t h a m b e r l i g h t s a c c o r d i n g t o s t a t e r e g u l a t i o n s , those costs are not being passed on to Fort Myers Beach?”

Atterholt pressed Miller on why the costs for the new fixtures were b e i n g p a s s e d o n t o t h e t o w n instead of being spread around the state’s rate base Miller said the costs to replace the damaged fixtures can be recovered but not the newer lights

A t t e r h o l t s a i d “ t h e s t o r m occurred, the fixtures were damaged, they need to be replaced, according to the state of Florida you can only replace them with a certain type of fixture because of our unique turtle situation now so you have to replace them with the amber lights It’s not like you are doing us any favors ” Atterholt asked if FPL would pick up the costs instead of the town as a result of the storm damage Miller said “that is something that is under discussion ”

A t t e r h o l t s a i d t h e t o w n “ i s under tremendous financial duress and we need help ”

Allers said the discussion with FPL was to get the town council “up to speed” on the costs “We’ll have to fight that (the costs) down the road,” Allers said “This is to get everybody on the same page ”

C o u n c i l m e m b e r K a r e n

W o o d s o n a s k e d “ L e e C o u n t y , where do they come in?”

Allers said the county is currently offering funding for crosswalk lighting though he said there w o u l d b e d i s c u s s i o n s w i t h t h e county

Harlem Heights Elementary School, including those from Iona.

“Heights has way too many kids as it is, so we could even help alleviate that burden,” Schmucker said

Another suggestion was to create a bus hub at Walmart for students north of Summerlin Road to be transported to Beach Elementary

Another option being explored is whether to create a magnet school for Beach Elementary, including the poss i b i l i t y o f p a r t n e r i n g w i t h F l o r i d a G u l f C o a s t University’s water school Schmucker said

“The district will come up with a few more options to present to the board for the resolution of what to do with our school. That will include some hybrid options of having both a permanent structure rebuilt and temporary portables on the island to get the kids back on Fort Myers Beach as soon as possible,” Schmucker said

Schmucker said there were also talks of putting together an organized committee of stakeholders “to see if we can raise money to make up for the gap on the costper-student being so high until we are able to bring up enrollment We are also committed to educating the local service workers about the ability to put their kids in our school ”

Florida Secretary of State issues emergency order for elections

The Florida Department of State announced that Secretary of State Cord Byrd issued an emergency order on Jan 25 to ensure voters impacted by Hurricane Ian have the ability to participate in elections in March for the city of Sanibel and village of Estero

It waives certain provisions of the Florida Election Code, including:

∫ Allowing vote-by-mail ballots to be sent by forwardable mail to ensure voters who have relocated will receive their ballots

∫ Allowing the Lee County Supervisor of Elections to accept a request for a vote-bymail-ballot to be mailed to an address other than the elector’s address on file

The provisions will remain in effect until

FEMA tips

From page 1

make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents FEMA cannot provide benefits to homeowners or renters who already received the same benefits from an insurance carrier

Proof of occupancy: A copy of utility bills, a driver's license or lease that shows the damaged home or rental property was your prim a r y r e s i d e n c e b e f o r e H u r r i c a n e s I a n o r

Nicole

Proof of ownership: Mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed. If your d o c u m e n t s w e r e l o s t o r d e s t r o y e d , v i s i t usa gov/replace-vital-documents for information on how to replace them

∫ Tip 4 : Include your FEMA disaster assistance application number on each page of the documents sent with your appeal.

Please write the disaster number and your FEMA application number, and page number on each page of your appeal letter to FEMA and any documents that are submitted FEMA r e c e i v e s n u m e r o u s d o c u m e n t s w i t h e v e r y appeal; writing your application number on each page submitted helps to organize your case

∫ Tip 5 : Can't write the appeal yourself?

Authorize someone to write it for you

If you are unable to write an appeal letter yourself, ask someone to write it for you It could be someone in your household, a friend or an attorney You will need to provide FEMA with a signed statement that the writer is authorized to appeal on your behalf

For additional information about FEMA’s

March 20

“

D i s p l a c e d r e s i d e n t s o f L e e C o u n t y , Florida, have experienced long-term effects as a result of Hurricane Ian,” Byrd said “In an effort to help the voters in Lee County, the Department of State wants to ensure that we make the necessary accommodations to give voters who have been displaced an adequate opportunity to cast their ballot.”

The Florida Department of State reported t h a t L e e C o u n t y S u p e r v i s o r o f E l e c t i o n s Tommy Doyle anticipates continuing challenges and hardships on behalf of the area's displaced electors The executive order gives Lee County Elections a waiver from certain provisions of the Election Code

appeal process or about authorizing a third party to act on your behalf, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 The line is open daily from 7 a m to 11 p m Assistance is available in most languages If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

∫ Tip 6 : Mail or fax your signed appeal letter.

Mail or fax your appeal within 60 days from the date on your FEMA determination letter:

Mailing address: FEMA, P O Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Fax number: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA

∫ Tip 7 : Upload your appeal letter and supporting documents to your online FEMA personal account.

To set up a FEMA online account or to u p l o a d d o c u m e n t s o n l i n e , v i s i t DisasterAssistance gov and click “Check Your Status.” Follow the computer prompts.

∫ Tip 8 : Expect a decision within 9 0 days.

You've submitted a signed appeal letter and included your unique application number on every document sent What’s next? Possibly a call or letter from FEMA asking for more information There’s also a chance FEMA may decide you qualify for another home inspection Or you may simply receive FEMA’s decision within 90 days of the FEMA’s receipt of your appeal

Bill Van Duzer, former Beach mayor, remembered

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Fort Myers Beach lost a significant figure in its young history as an incorporated town last week when former mayor Bill Van Duzer died Jan 22 at the age of 85 Van Duzer, who was given the key to the town when he moved to Marathon in 2011, was on the town council from 2001 to 2005. He served as mayor in his final year on the council, in the wake of Hurricane Charley He was a longtime member of the town's Local Planning Agency, serving before his time on the council and after his term on the council

Van Duzer was a contractor who is credited with building many of the homes on Fort Myers Beach On the Local Planning Agency and town council, he was a major contributor to dealing with planning matters

According to an obituary provided by the family, Van Duzer was with his daughter Beth and son Stewart at the time of his death He had been living in an assisted living facility in Naples.

Van Duzer's wife Carolyn predeceased him in 2020

Longtime friend Fran Myers called Van Duzer an “icon” of Fort Myers Beach “He was a giant of a man He spent many, many years on Fort Myers Beach as a contractor and built our cottages on the island He built many of our homes He believed in the island,” Myers said

His daughter Beth Coon, who now resides in Lehigh Acres, said Van Duzer “died peacefully ” He had been diagnosed with dementia

“He either built or remodeled most of the homes that are down there,” Coon said. Coon, who grew up on Fort Myers Beach, said “he was a wonderful man He loved Fort Myers Beach We're going to miss him ”

Joellyn Reckwerdt, who was a close friend of Van Duzer along with her husband Ted, said Van Duzer was instrumental in elevating the Fort Myers Beach Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival Carolyn was a former Shrimp

Festival Queen

“He liked the people and the atmosphere of Fort Myers Beach,” Ms Reckwerdt said “He certainly enjoyed going down to the Keys and going diving and fishing ”

Born in the upstate New York city of Elmira, he m o v e d t o F o r t M y e r s a s a c h i l d H e m o v e d t o Jacksonville with his first wife Marilena before relocating to Fort Myers Beach in 1962 After working in the roofing business for a number of years, he went to work for Midgley Inc and secured his Class A General Contractors license He bought the construction business from Midgley and renamed it Van Care Construction

He married Carolyn in 1979. She had two daughters from a previous marriage whom Bill adopted He was active with the Fort Myers Little League and Babe Ruth

League He was a coach, umpire, concession stand volunteer and batting cage builder He was an avid photographer, capturing his children’s sporting events and band performances

Bill was active with the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club and Lions International He was always very involved in the annual Shrimp Festival He was a District Governor w i t h t h e L i o n s a n d a n I n t e r n a t i o n a l D i r e c t o r H e belonged to the Estero Island Historical Society and St Raphael’s Episcopal Church

Bill and Carolyn retired in Marathon for a short time before health issues forced them to move back to the mainland where they bought a place in North Fort Myers

Upon stepping down from the Town of Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency in 2011, the committee issued the following proclamation:

“Bill Van Duzer is recognized for his hard work and dedicated service to the Town of Fort Myers Beach He contributed his expertise in land planning to benefit the Local Planning Agency of the Town, providing insight and recommendations to address issues of concern to the welfare of the residents and visitors, and to support the local commercial interests He created a positive environment for the Local Planning Agency while maintaining an attitude of courtesy toward colleagues, citizens and staff during discussions and deliberations He discharged his duties without favor or prejudice while respecting all laws, rules and regulations His contributions worked to insure that the unique and natural characteristics of the Town of Fort Myers Beach will be preserved ”

Bill is survived by his son Stewart and three daughters Beth, Shelley, and Suzie He has 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren to date

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:30 p m on Feb. 11 at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home in Fort Myers

County school, district grades will differ this year

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s c h o o l y e a r w a s 8 2 5 p e r c e n t f o r t h e d i s t r i c t a n d 8 7 3 p e r c e n t f o r t h e s t a t e w i d e g r a d u a t i o n r a t e , c o m p a r e d t o 8 5 1 p e r c e n t f o r t h e d i s t r i c t t h e y e a r p r i o r a n d 9 0 1 p e r c e n t f o r t h e s t a t e w i d e g r a d u a t i o n C o l l e g e a n d c a r e e r a c c e l e r a t i o n r e pr e s e n t s t h e p e r c e n t a g e o f g r a d u a t e s w h o e a r n e d a q u a l i f y i n g C C A c r e d i t b y e a r ni n g a t l e a s t a p a s s i n g s c o r e o n a n A d v a n c e d P l a c e m e n t e x a m ; a p a s s i n g s c o r e o n a n I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a c c a l a u r e a t e e x a m ; a p a s s i n g s c o r e o n a n A d v a n c e d I n t e r n a t i o n a l C e r t i f i c a t e o f E d u c a t i o n e x a m ; A , C o r b e t t e r i n a d u a l e n r o l lm e n t c o u r s e ; a C A P E I n d u s t r y C e r t i f i c a t i o n c r e d i t , 3 0 0 o r m o r e c l o c k h o u r s i n t h e s a m e D u a l E n r o l l m e n t c o u r s e p r o g r a m o r a 6 5 o r h i g h e r o n t h e A S V A B a n d t w o J R O T C c r e d i t s f r o m t h e s a m e b r a n c h o f t h e m i l i t a r y T h e c o l l e g e a n d c a r e e r a c c e l e r a t i o n r a t e w a s 6 3 p e r c e n t s t a t e w i d e a n d 6 8 p e r c e n t f o r t h e d i s t r i c t . T h e p r e s e n t a t i o n a l s o f o c u s e d o n C S I ( C o m p r e h e n s i v e S u p p o r t a n d I m p r o v e m e n t ) s c h o o l s t h o s e s c h o o l s t h a t r e c e i v e d a D o r F , h a v e a g r a d u at i o n r a t e o f 6 7 p e r c e n t o r l e s s , a n d h a v e a n o v e r a l l f e d e r a l i n d e x b e l o w 4 1 p e rc e n t K a y e s a i d t h e r e a r e t h r e e s c h o o l s i n C S I t i e r o n e : G W e a v e r H i p p s E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l , M a n a t e e E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l a n d F o r t M y e r s M i d d l e A c a d e m y . H e s a i d a l l o f t h e s c h o o l s e a r n e d a D l a s t y e a r T h e f i r s t t i e r h a s i n t e n s i v e i n t e r v e n t i o n s a n d s u pp o r t s , s u c h a s a s c h o o l i m p r o v e m e n t p l a n , i n s t r u c t i o n a l r e v i e w s , d i s t r i c t a n d s c h o o l r e q u i r e m e n t s , a n d p r o g r e s s m o ni t o r i n g d a t a r e v i e w s

FILE PHOTO

Former Fort Myers Beach Mayor Bill Van Duzer (second from left), who died Jan. 22, with his late wife Carolyn (far left) and close friends Ted and Joellyn Reckwerdt

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 1 ,

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m 2 0 2 3 ■ P a g e 4

P u b l i s h e r

R a y m o n d M E c ke n r o d e re cke n ro d e @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

E x e c u t ive E d i t o r Va l a r i e H a r r i n g v h a r r i n g @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

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A d ve r t i s i n g D i re c t o r L a u r i e R a g l e l rag l e @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

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Results Have you applied/will you apply

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∫ 50% rule and whether I can afford to rebuild

∫ Permits for repairs/rebuilding

∫ Government leadership

Year-end donations fuel programs & services

N o n p r o f i t s a c r o s s

Southwest Florida rely on the generosity of supporters and philanthropic organizations to fund vital programs and services, and ultimately their missions

At the end of each year, many organizations make a s t r o n g a p p e a l f o r f i n a n c i a l support This funding is critical to give nonprofits a running start heading into the new year For supporters, year-end donations offer a much-appreciated tax break

T h e G u a r d i a n a d L i t e m F o u n d a t i o n , 2 0 t h J u d i c i a l C i r c u i t , w a s a m o n g t h o s e Southwest Florida nonprofits making yearend appeals in 2022 The community’s swift response to that appeal evoked many emotions appreciation, joy, gratitude and even a few tears.

Jessica Stanfield Guest Commentary

“I didn’t know metal could shred,” she said “The home I worked so hard to bring to life is just gone ” T h e f a m i l y ’ s b e l o n g i n g s w e r e s c a t t e r e d t h r o u g h t h e neighborhood Her children only had the clothing on their backs, and days turned into w e e k s T h a t ’ s w h e n t h e Foundation stepped in, providing gift cards so the family could purchase clean clothing a n d o t h e r e s s e n t i a l s T h e Foundation also helped provide something else hope W i t h t h e f u t u r e b l e a k a n d s t r e s s l e v e l s p e a k i n g , t h e mother didn’t turn to alcohol a n d d r u g s I n s t e a d , s h e t u r n e d t o t h e F o u n d a t i o n a n d a s u p p o r t n e t w o r k t h a t i n c l u d e s v o l u n t e e r c h i l d a d v o c a t e s a n d donors

The focus of the Foundation’s year-end appeal was the story of a young woman in Fort Myers The court had taken away her children because of her poor decisions She had been working hard to regain custody of her children, though, maintaining her sobriety and demonstrating personal accountability She moved into a new home and the court awarded her custody of the children in September

Then Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida, obliterating her family’s home and everything in it

Roughly 100 million Americans live in areas without enough primary care doctors Nationwide, we’re short about 17,000 of them right now By 2034, that number could j u m p t o 4 8 , 0 0 0 , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e Association of American Medical Colleges

To meet our country’s growing demand for care, we need to increase the supply of clinicians who can provide it But that doesn’t mean just training more doctors In fact, nurse practitioners and physician assistants could be delivering much more primary care but are prevented from doing so by government rules We need to strip away this red tape

Nurse practitioners are highly trained They typically hold master’s degrees and sometimes doctorates, as well as specialist training. They’re qualified to diagnose and treat patients, including prescribing medication

P h y s i c i a n a s s i s t a n t s , m e a n w h i l e , h o l d master’s degrees and are trained in general medicine They likewise can diagnose and treat

Response to that story was immediate and impactful People wanted to help her and families like hers, and they wanted to help a local organization with its boots on the g r o u n d p r o v i d i n g h o p e , c o m f o r t a n d resources during a period of incredible need

First Horizon Bank offered a $20,000 donation Members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, which so graciously donate their time and expertise in advisory roles, offered a collective $20,000 match to inspire other c o m m u n i t y m e m b e r s a n d b u s i n e s s e s t o donate. And they did, providing another $41,214 in monetary contributions

1 y e a r, $ 6 2 C i rc u l a t i o n ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 9 3 6 C l a s s i fi e d / D i s p l a y A d ve r t i s i n g ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 1 1 0 Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a m to 5 p m , except major holidays Letters to the editor must be typed or hand printed Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication Postal Information: Third class postage paid at Fort Myers Beach, FL Permit 521 Postmaster: Send address changes to the Beach Observer 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach FL 33931 The Observer and Bulletin is published every Wednesday 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Phone: (239) 765-0400 Fax: (239) 765-0846 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk com Report your news to FORTMYERSBEACHTALK COM

A l l t o l d , t h e y e a r - e n d a p p e a l r a i s e d

$81,214 To a small nonprofit, that’s a difference-maker Because Hurricane Ian hit right before the start of high season, the F o u n d a t i o n d e c i d e d t o c a n c e l s e v e r a l fundraising events, including the signature Voices of Hope Gala Proceeds from these events help the Foundation accomplish its mission of ensuring that every abused, neglected or abandoned youth in Southwest Florida has a voice as they navigate the judicial, education and child welfare systems. The nonprofit also raises funds that help meet a child’s health, educational and social needs

Now, with another year underway, we need to continue rallying around vulnerable children who simply need people in their lives who care about them Things like an afternoon of mini-golf and ice cream with a volunteer child advocate might not seem like much, but it is to these children A pair of clean socks, shorts and a T-shirt are often taken for granted, but not for the mother and children whose home and livelihood were destroyed Donations at any time of the year, for any charitable cause, make a huge impact in Southwest Florida We are blessed to live in a community that doesn’t just respond to challenges; we overcome them

Jessica Stanfield is Executive Director of the Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit For more information, visit VoicesForKids.org or call 239-533-1435.

But in many cases, stateb a s e d “ s c o p e - o f - p r a c t i c e ” laws tie these professionals’ hands Over 20 states limit or restrict the ability of nurse practitioners to engage in at least one aspect of practice for w h i c h t h e y ’ r e q u a l i f i e d Similar restrictions exist for physician assistants

And yet, there appears to be little to no medical basis for these rules A study by researchers at Brandeis found that state regulations restricting nurse practitioners’ scope of practice did not improve quality of care Numerous studies show that physician assistants deliver the same or better patient outcomes as physicians Patients don’t benefit from scope-of-practice laws, nor do they seem to like them More than three-quarters of Americans sup-

oPinions We want your opinion Web Poll Share

Sally C Pipes

Guest Commentary

port “expanded capabilities” for nurse practitioners

In short, these laws squeeze the supply of care for no reason. Allowing nurse practit i o n e r s t o w o r k w i t h o u t restriction would reduce the number of Americans living in c o u n t i e s w i t h p r i m a r y - c a r e shortages from 44 million to fewer than 13 million, accordi n g t o a r e p o r t b y UnitedHealth Group F o r t u n a t e l y , C o n g r e s s i s considering bipartisan legislation that would remove barrie r s i n t h e M e d i c a r e a n d Medicaid systems that prevent nurse practitioners and other advanced practice registered nurses from practicing to the full extent of their training

See DOCTOR SUPPLY CRUNCH, page 5

are due no later than

noon

Lyn McElhaney

How to fix the nationwide doctor supply crunch

Town requests easements to be signed by beachfront property owners for sand replacement

Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island is a seven-mile stretch of white sand on the Gulf of Mexico that took a direct hit during Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022, along with the rest of the Town

During the storm, large amounts of sand were displaced from the Beach and re-distributed over the entire Island The sand that was displaced has been recovered and sifted (cleared of debris) so that it is safe to return to the beach. This will help repair the many scours and gouges that the storm created

To accomplish this renourishment of the Beach, the Town needs beachfront property owners to sign an easement to place sand on the beach areas that are private property Signing this easement only gives the Town permission to place sand on your property It does not give the Town rights to your property The easement document along with construction plans and other information can be found at www fmbgov com/beach

The first step in this process will be to build an emergency berm It will be six and a half feet above sea level (0 3 NAVD88) The berm will be placed near a structure or seawall but can be configured in accordance with the Town’s Dune Management Plan to accommodate the property owner’s preferences

P r o p e r t y o w n e r s n e e d t o u n d e r s t a n d t h a t t h i s W I L L N O T b e a s i x a n d a h a l f f o o t d u n e i n f r o n t o f t h e i r p r o p e r t y . T y p i c a l l y , w a l k i n g u p t h e b e a c h t o a p r o pe r t y i s a l r e a d y f o u r t o f i v e f e e t a b o v e s e a l e v e l , T h e b e r m w i l l o n l y a d d o n e t o t w o f e e t d e p e n d i n g o n t h e l o s t e l e v a t i o n S e e t h e c r o s s s e c t i o n i n t h e c o n s t r u ct i o n p l a n s f o r t h e R m o n u m e n t n e a r y o u r p r o p e r t y f o r d e t a i l s

The Estero Island Nourishment Project is also still moving forward, scheduled to start in the Fall of 2023 This project will add approximately one million cubic yards of sand to the beach creating recreational space and

protecting against storm surge impacts This will be adding 200 feet of beach in some areas that lost their beach In areas where the beach is wide, the project will be adding elevation

A common question is why does the easement need to be for 15 years? It’s because the State of Florida’s permit lasts for 15 years and authorizes the Town to oversee beach management activities These activities include reducing dune heights and maintaining a positive slope to allow the beach to drain and prevent pooling in the middle of the beach

Town staff are working hard to rebuild the Town and the beach and are here to cooperate with beachfront property owners in the management of the Town’s most precious natural resource - the beach Questions and concerns can be directed to Chadd Chustz, Environmental Projects Manager, at chadd@fmbgov com

Corps adjusts Lake Okeechobee releases to Caloosahatchee

On Jan 20, the U S Army Corps of Engineers' Jacksonville District reported that it will begin to increase releases from Lake Okeechobee due to the continued high water level in the lake. It will sustain its releases from the lake at a seven-day average pulse release of 2,000 cubic feet per second to the Caloosahatchee Estuary from the W P Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79) and add a seven-day average steady release of 500 cubic feet per second to the St Lucie Estuary at the St Lucie Lock and Dam (S-80) It also will send a seven-day steady release of 100 cubic feet per second to the Lake Worth Lagoon from Lake Okeechobee. Releases south from the lake into the EAA have increased because of drier conditions and will cont i n u e t o b e m a x i m i z e d a s c a p a c i t y allows

The Corps reported that the adjustment is necessary due to several factors, principally the lack of lake recession Reducing lake levels will improve ecological conditions on the lake and reduce the risk of high-volume releases in the wet season when the risk of algal blooms will be high Additionally, there has been a c h a n g e t o t h e E l N i ñ o S o u t h e r n Oscillation forecast for the dry season from a La Niña to a neutral condition The time window to lower the lake level in preparation for wet season is shortening

These flow targets are still in the R E s t o r a t i o n C O o r d i n a t i o n & VERification (RECOVER) optimal flow envelope for the Caloosahatchee and for the St Lucie Estuary and are consistent with the last week's position statement f r o m t h e S o u t h F l o r i d a W a t e r

Management District

“Lake Okeechobee has not receded as m u c h a s w e w o u l d l i k e s i n c e N o v e m b e r , ” J a c k s o n v i l l e D i s t r i c t Commander Col. James Booth said. “We must prepare for the next wet season, and the latest forecasts indicate we may not have as much help from mother nature as o r i g i n a l l y t h o u g h t O u r p a r t n e r s a n d s t a k e h o l d e r s h a v e e x p r e s s e d t h a t i f releasing water is required, now is better than later for a variety of reasons ”

The Corps will continue to use makeup releases as a water management tool within the Lake Okeechobee Regulation

S c h e d u l e 2 0 0 8 ( L O R S 0 8 ) t o b a n k releases not made in order to release them later when the schedule calls for lower releases LORS08 Part D guidance currently recommends up to 4,000 cfs at S-77 and up to 1,800 cfs at S-80 The

v o l u m e t r i c d i f f e r e n c e b e t w e e n a c t u a l releases and the guidance will be put into a water bank As it moves further into the d r y s e a s o n , i t w i l l c o n t i n u e r e l e a s e s using the available volume of banked water at beneficial levels It is committed to transparency throughout the implementation of make-up releases

With the lake level still more than 16 feet as of Jan 20, the Corps continues to inspect the south side of the lake from Moore Haven to Belle Glade every two weeks The Herbert Hoover Dike (HHD) w a s i n s p e c t e d t h o r o u g h l y b e f o r e a n d after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, and no problems were identified

As of Jan. 20, Lake Okeechobee was 16 10 feet That is 0 75 feet lower than the prior week, 0 35 feet lower than 30 days ago, and 0 98 feet higher than it was on the same day last year

DOH-Lee reissues precautionary swim advisory

On Jan 20, the Florida D e p a r t m e n t o f H e a l t h i n L e e C o u n t y r e i s s u e d i t s c o u n t y w i d e p r e c a u t i o n a r y swim advisory for all public b e a c h e s A s a r e s u l t o f H u r r i c a n e I a n , d e b r i s remains in beaches, includi n g d e b r i s b u r i e d u n d e r shallow sand and not immed i a t e l y v i s i b l e . Additionally, water quality has been affected and at this

time, swimming is not recommended

The DOH-Lee reported that tests will be conducted, when possible, to determine the water quality at public beach locations Until test r e s u l t s a r e a v a i l a b l e , t h e public should assume that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease or illness, particularly for susceptible individuals

Doctor supply crunch

We need similar rollbacks that apply to the private market and at the state level

There are other ways legislators can increase the supply of care During the pandemic, Congress lifted restrictions on telehealth, allowing many more patients to see providers by phone or video chat More than eight in 10 voters with employer-provided coverage would now like to see those flexibilities extended, according

From page 4

to another survey by Morning Consult.

Lawmakers should also consider relaxing restrictions on physicians educated abroad Doctors with degrees from international medical schools provide excellent care, the data show In fact, according to a recent BMJ study, Medicare patients treated by international medical graduates had lower mortality rates than patients treated by U S medical school graduates

The DOH-Lee recommends the following precautions:

∫ Follow basic hygiene Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after toilet use

∫ If you have open cuts or sores exposed to sea water or brackish water, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and disinfected or boiled then cooled water or commercially bottled water. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce the risk of infection If a wound or sore develops redness, swelling or drainage,

Yet too often, physicians trained in other countries must jump through hoops to practice in the United States

With our growing and aging population, there’s no way demand for healthcare services is going to shrink That means we have to find ways to increase s u p p l y M e a s u r e s t h a t d e r e g u l a t e t h e healthcare labor market would be a step in the right direction

see a physician

∫ After helping in cleanup activities and after handling items contaminated by sewage, wash hands with soap and water

For the latest testing information on saltwater beaches, visit the Florida DOH’s F l o r i d a H e a l t h y B e a c h e s w e b p a g e a t h t t p s : / / w w w f l o r i d a h e a l t h g o v / e n v i r o nm e n t a l - h e a l t h / b e a c h - w a t e r - q u a l i t y /index html For freshwater beaches in L e e C o u n t y , c o n t a c t E n v i r o n m e n t a l Health at DOH-Lee at leeeh@FLhealth gov

Sally C. Pipes is President, CEO, and Thomas W Smith Fellow in Health C a r e P o l i c y a t t h e P a c i f i c R e s e a r c h I n s t i t u t e H e r l a t e s t b o o k i s F a l s e

Premise, False Promise: The Disastrous Reality of Medicare for All (Encounter 2020) Follow her on Twitter @sallypipes This piece originally ran in the Richmond Times-Dispatch

BUsiness

New home for Fresh Catch Bistro and Junkanoo at Bayfront Bistro

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Fresh Catch Bistro and Junkanoo owner Franco Russo has announced he has acquired the Bayfront Bistro business at Snook Bright Marina on Fort Myers Beach and will be operating Fresh Catch Bistro on the top floor and Junkanoo Below Deck on the first floor

Russo said Junkanoo could be open by next week and Fresh Catch Bistro could open within a few weeks

“After over 30 years at our old location, it is certainly not easy to say goodbye but we are excited to be able to continue to call Fort Myers Beach our home,” Franco stated in an email “This is the perfect fit for us as we will be able to have Junkanoo Below Deck on the ground floor and Fresh Catch Bistro on the top floor We are thrilled to be able to employ our old staff and most of the Bayfront Bistro staff as well and can’t wait to see all of our amazing customers again.”

Russo will be renting the former Bayfron Bistro space from Snook Bight/Suntex Marina “They have been great to work with so far,” Russo stated in an email

“Obviously the hurricane was difficult for everyone We lost two buildings and ultimately we made the deci-

Crescent Street home sells for $4.15 million

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

In an indication of where the real estate market may be at on Fort Myers Beach in the wake of Hurricane Ian, a home on Crescent Street near the Margaritaville resort site has sold for $4 15 million The deal closed on Wednesday, Premier Plus Realty agent Angie Deters said

Deters, an agent based in Bonita Springs for the seller De Beer Property Management LLC, said the property was a single-family home that closed within 17 days of being listed. The home suffered lowerlevel damage during Hurricane Ian, but was in otherwise good shape, Deters said

“Other than the lower level, it is pretty much perfect,” Deters said The property had previously been registered with the town as a short-term vacation rental

The buyer is listed under real estate transaction records as 250 FMB LLC, which just incorporated this month under Candace Nanke of Naples Nanke's 4148 LLC group acquired the Beach Theater and Gulfview Manor last year

“We have a thrilled seller and a thrilled buyer,” Deters said Deters said the transaction was “very reflective of where the Fort Myers Beach real estate market is going ” Deters said she is working with five buyers currently seeking to make cash deals on Fort Myers Beach “They see what’s coming,” Deters said “I think they believe in the future It’s here ”

sion to terminate our lease because it was just too much to rebuild, not just financially,” Russo said Russo said “I am optimistic because I believe this Island will rebuild bigger and better It saddens me to think that it may not be the quaint Island we all know and love but as a restaurant owner I am excited about the potential of what the Island will look like and attract ”

Shawn Lemarie, of Bayfront Bistro, confirmed the sale of Bayfront Bistro The business was co-owned by Florida Rep Bob Rommel Rommel couldn’t be reached for comment

Junkanoo was destroyed by Hurricane Ian on property it shared at 3040 Estero Boulevard with Fresh Catch Bistro Fresh Catch Bistro was also badly damaged “We have some work to do,” Russo said of moving to the new location

Bayfront Bistro is located on Estero Boulevard behind Publix The restaurant was one of the first businesses on

Fort Myers Beach to reopen after Hurricane Ian The Publix supermarket has remained closed

On the Facebook page of Fresh Catch Bistro, where the announcement of the business deal was first announced, “obstacles” were cited to rebuilding the businesses

“We believe there is a lot of work that needs to be done but we believe in the future of Fort Myers Beach Being staples of the island for so long, we felt we should do everything we could to remain a part of our beach community,” the Facebook announcement said

Fresh Catch Bistro and Junkanoo have been multiple winners of the Best of the Beach awards given out by the Fort Myers Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin as voted on by Fort Myers Beach readers and businesses over the years

The property on which Fresh Catch Bistro and Junkanoo sat was on land owned by Persaud Properties FL Investments LLC

FILE PHOTO

Junkanoo was destroyed by Hurricane Ian and Fresh Catch Bistro was also badly damaged. Owner Franco Russo announced he has acquired Bayfront Bistro at Snook Bright Marina and will be relocating Junkanoo and Fresh Catch Bistro there

Hurricane Ian hammers bee population

More than 400,000 hives lost; donation effort hopes to mitigate the impact on some Lee bee keepers

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

In addition to devastation to infrastructure and property, Hurricane Ian also greatly impacted wildlife

That includes bees

According to the University of Florida Entomology Department, up to 400,000 bee hives were lost during Hurricane Ian -- a substantial number that will have impacts on crop pollination nationwide

Mountain Sweet Honey Company, LLC, out of northern Georgia, recently traveled to Southwest Florida to visit beekeepers that were affected, many of which lost all of their hives due to either flooding or wind They also brought with them supplies, raised by generous customers, to assist these beekeepers

Mountain Sweet Honey specializes in beekeeping supplies throughout the East Coast and Midwest, and hosts a livestream show titled “Buzz TV ” One local beekeeper from the area tuning in commented they had lost all of their bees, and CEO Ray Civitts thought they could do something to help

“We didn’t know how big of an operation each of these beekeepers had,” Civitts said “We wanted to see what we could do We went on the air and asked our customers to join us in helping support these beekeepers ”

Between donations and their own contributions, Civitts and partner Bryan Race loaded up a truck and brought roughly $12,000 in beekeeping supplies to Southwest Florida They surprised four local beekeepers with not one, but five new hives each to start the healing process.

“Beekeepers tend to think of their honeybees as part of their family,” Civitts said “So when they lose family, there’s a lot of heartache there because they went through thick-and-thin times with their honeybees only to see them swept away by the hurricane ”

One of the recipients of new hives was Pine Island resident Uriia Underhill, who lost all 22 of her hives due to Ian She started her journey in as a beekeeper in 2020 with one hive and it rapidly grew The bees helped to pollinate plants on her and her husband’s farm Her first trip back to Pine Island had to be taken three days after the storm via kayak as the bridge was in tatters.

“It was devastation,” Underhill said “Some of the bee hives were mangled and thrown places -- ones that we did find It was just wiped clean ”

Underhill, who worked to strap down her hives before the storm, said she did find one hive on higher ground she found tipped over when she came back for the first time

“I had my veil and I was trying to sit them up, but I didn’t have smoke (to calm them) or anything and they were just going crazy,” she recalled “I remember saying, ‘I’m trying to help you I’m sorry I’m sorry ’ And they either moved on or didn’t make it ”

Underhill said she plans on coming up with an improved emergency response plan for her bees if (and when) another storm presents itself It can be tough in a storm to find a perfect spot to protect from water and wind

When Underhill was presented and surprised with five new hives, she broke down into tears

“It’s just so incredible,” she said of Mountain Sweet Honey’s donation “The bees are a mission to the world It’s such a bigger calling than just what is here For all the farmers, for the ecosystem on Pine Island -- the bees are a big part of that, and I’m glad to help out in any way I can and be of service.

“We hope it gives back to everyone as much as it has to us ”

Civitts said Hurricane Ian was detrimental to the bee population in Florida due to flooding, wind, and how they are programed

"Honeybees have GPS in their brain, and if you move them 100 feet away, they're still going to go back to where they were originally," he said "If there's nothing there, they will still stay there until there's no hope and practically die there "

He said in a case of a hurricane, when water levels rise to the hive, the bees just move to the top of the hive until they are consumed Or, with moving water, the hive gets knocked over and they also drown

Civitts said bees need to be moved at least 2 miles in a sealed hive to “reset” their inner-GPS

“These beekeepers had nothing after the storm,” Civitts said. “Who knows what was in the water, and if that gets into the hive, the bees will not go into it They’ve had to start over ”

Mountain Sweet Honey, along with the hives, will send 10,000 bees and a queen for each hive He said in three months as the hives develop, they could be up to 200,000 bees in each hive

Another Southwest Florida resident Mountain Sweet Honey treated was Brad MacKenzie on Sanibel

MacKenzie, operator of Sanibel Honey, lost all 50 of his hives across the island that were part of the community He, with the help of Mountain Sweet Honey, is determined to bring a flourishing bee population back to Sanibel

“People are excited to have their hives back and to have the cross-pollination,” MacKenzie said “You have to have bees to have things flower, and you have to have flowers to have bees survive That symbiotic relationship will be helped out by bees being here ”

MacKenzie himself was nearly washed away by Ian, as he chose to hunker down His home on 8-foot stilts was taking on 15-feet of storm surge His situation got to a point where he wrote to his family on his wall in Sharpie

To his girlfriend who evacuated: “Andrea, I was wrong I love you ”

He also wrote, “Grayson I love you Mom, Dad, Larry, Alice and Doug, I love you Can’t wait to see you all again ”

MacKenzie recalled, “Here I was realizing my house isn’t going to float And there was no help on the way If I went out to sea, I wasn’t going to be rescued ”

Once his own safety was taken care of, he immediately began to think about the bees and wildlife locally MacKenzie said nearly all of the bees on Sanibel have been decimated as their homes were destroyed

“I was concerned about my home and my community, and the community here includes the bees and wildlife

that we enjoy and makes Sanibel so special,” he said “And it was sad and frightening to know that I was not in the worst place ”

MacKenzie added it would be nearly impossible to relocate 50 beehives before the storm, and even if he did get them all loaded up to go, there would be very minimal ideal places to take them

All in all, Hurricane Ian’s impact on the bee population locally will be felt This could mean a lack of “local” honey sales at places such as farmers markets and community stores

“Florida took a huge hit for future pollination,” Civitts said “It comes out to about 15% of the total hives in the U.S. that were lost due to Ian.”

He added flooding out in California recently took a toll on beekeepers out west Canada has lost honeybees at an alarming rate due to spreading virus

“There’s going to be a pollination issue this coming spring There are not enough bees to pollinate,” Civitts said

So, how to get things back on track? Patience and good practice

Civitts said by the spring, hives should be able to be split and grow, and again the next year The sad fact is, there’s just not enough bees to get everything restarted right away.

“When you lost 18 to 19 percent of your bees nationwide, it’s not going to happen overnight,” Civitts said

His concern in that crops need anywhere from 5 to 30% pollination to grow

“I see food scarcity, which means elevated pricing at the grocery store,” Civitts said “We think we’re paying high prices now, wait until the end of the summer ”

For more information on Mountain Sweet Honey, beekeeping supplies and education, visit www mountainsweethoney com

Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad cj

PHOTO PROVIDED

Pine Island resident Uriia Underhill, who lost all 22 of her hives due to Hurricane Ian, smiles with Mountain Sweet Honey Company CEO Ray Civitts. The northern Georgia- based supplier traveled to Southwest Florida to visit beekeepers who lost hives due to either flooding or wind, bringing with him roughly $12,000 in beekeeping supplies.

with

A passerby observes the remnants of Mango Bay at the corner of Old San Carlos Boulevard on

e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y

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

ALL PHOTOS BY NATHAN MAYBERG

Red Coconut

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m 1 , 2 0 2 3 ■ P a g e 1 2

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y

WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE

Annual SCCF lecture to feature popular scientist, conservationist

The Story of Annie

Author Robert Macomber to speak about mystery of U.S. Navy ship from Civil War

Staf f Repor t

Author Robert N Macomber will headline the annual Cracker Dinner Monday, Feb 20, at the Broadway Palm

Historical Society

Macomber will speak on the topic “The Adventurous Life and Strange Death of the U S Navy Schooner Annie on Our Coast ” Annie was a U S Navy blockade ship

during the Civil War that captured five ships “Her life was impressively successful, her skipper wildly unpredictable, and her strange demise is still a mystery to this day,” Macomber said

The USS Annie was a schooner captured by the U S Navy in 1863 and used as part of the U S Navy's blockage of the eastern Gulf Coast of Mexico Based in Key West, it was found in January, 1865 after departing for

Charlotte Harbor at the bottom of the sea - the victim of an apparent explosion with its crew missing Macomber is a multi-award-winning author best known for his Honor Series of naval thrillers describing the life of a fictional American naval officer Peter Wake His 16th novel in the series, “Code of Honor,” was released last April and has received the Editor’s Choice

See ANNIE, page 14

Florida Junior Duck Stamp Contest accepting submissions - page 15

Two performances set for Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing - page 15

Mound House grounds open, museum still closed - page 16

What’s Happening - page 16

What a Catch - page 17

Sports & Recreation - page 18

Annual SCCF lecture to feature popular scientist, conservationist

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will host its 5th annual Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture Series on Feb 6 at 6 p m in the Everglades Ballroom at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, with a virtual option It will feature scientist and conservationist Jeff Corwin

For nearly three decades, Corwin has been sharing stories of wildlife and nature with a global audience through his many television series on ABC, NBC, the Travel Channel, Food Network, Disney Channel and Discovery Networks Currently, he is the creator, executive producer and host of ABC’s television series “Wildlife Nation,” which explores the story of North

From page 13

Award by Historical Novels Review He also has been honored as the Florida Writer of the Year by the Florida Writers A s s o c i a t i o n , a m o n g d o z e n s o f o t h e r awards

In addition to his writing, Macomber is an internationally-recognized lecturer on 58 maritime topics and has been a consultant to the U.S. Department of Defense, specializing in strategic vision and planning by utilizing historical analogies

W h e n n o t t r a v e l i n g t h e w o r l d o n research treks, lecture tours or book signings, he lives on Pine Island, the same coast where he grew up

The presentation will be accompanied

American conservation, highlighting heroes working to save endangered species and wilderness

The lecture series was conceived by the Boler Family Foundation, which underwrites the series to honor its dear family friend McCarthy was the founder of Captiva Cruises, an SCCF Trustee and an active presence on the islands for many years

The doors will open at 5 p m

A single complimentary drink and light snacks will be provided.

There will be a cash bar with wine, beer and soft drinks

In-person tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for stu-

by music performed by local singer John Goulet

Buffet dinner starts at 5:30 p m and the program begins at 7 p m Tickets cost $40 and are available at the Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd in Fort Myers There also will be door prizes, a silent auction and a book signing by Macomber

The annual Cracker Dinner is spons o r e d b y G e o r g e T M a n n G e n e r a l Contractor and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L C , among others

Funds raised at the annual dinner will be used to support the mission of the S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y which is dedicated to preserving the histo-

dents; children are free, but a ticket must still be reserved through Eventbrite For tickets or more information, visit h t t p s : / / w w w e v e n t b r i t e c o m / e / s c c f - m c c a r t h y - l e c t u r ewith-jeff-corwin-in-person-tickets-513184307077

Valet parking is available for $10, or follow the signage to the free self-parking

Virtual tickets are $10 per device For tickets or more information, visit https://www eventbrite com/e/sccfm c c a r t h y - l e c t u r e - w i t h - j e f f - c o r w i n - v i r t u a l - t i c k e t s513213554557.

The Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa is at 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers

ry of our area by archiving donated historical documents, photos and maps and stimulating public interest and appreciation for local history

About the Southwest Florida Historical Society T h e S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a H i s t o r i c a l Society (SWFLHS) was established in 1960 by a group of citizens to “preserve the history of our area ” In 1983 the SWFLHS received as a gift a building that was destined to be demolished for a new parking lot Harper Brothers Construction donated the building and Flint and Doyle was contracted to move the building to the

campus of the Lee County Alliance of the Arts In 1984 the SWFLHS received its Articles of Incorporation with the following purpose: “The mission of the society is to discover, collect and preserve original and source documents, maps and photographs pertaining to the history of SW Florida; to bring together those interested in the history of this area; to promote and stimulate public interest and appreciation of the history of this area; and to further t h e p r e s e r v a t i o n a n d k n o w l e d g e o f Southwest Florida's past ” For more i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www facebook com/SWFLHS/ or call 239-939-4044

PHOTO PROVIDED

Scientist and conservationist Jeff Corwin is the guest speaker for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's fifth annual Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture Series set for Feb 6

Florida Junior Duck Stamp Contest accepting submissions

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

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

Art submissions must be postmarked by March 15

Mail submissions to Ranger Toni Westland, Florida Panther NWR, 12085 SR 29 South, Immokalee, Florida 34142

To learn more about the contest from refuge staff and how to draw a duck, visit https://www youtube com /watch?v=jvs41r4s-Xs

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t W e s t l a n d a t Toni Westland@fws gov or 239-940-0169

Symphony to present ‘The Thing About Men’

The Gulf Coast Symphony will perform “The Thing About Men” now through Feb 4 at the Music & Arts Community Center, at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers It is a musical comedy based on the 1985 German farcical film “Men,” by Doris Dñrrie. With music by Jimmy Roberts and lyrics and book by Joe DiPietro, it was written as a follow-up to their long-running musical “I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change ” The plot revolves around a love triangle and shows what men will do to keep their pride and love affairs intact The show is a comic exploration of men, modern marriage, and friendship Tickets range from $39-50 For more information or tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/

ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS

‘Unearthed’ exhibit to open at Alliance

The exhibition

“Unearthed: Camyljah Rose and Khaysie Tiburcio” will be on display from Feb 3-25 at the Alliance for the Arts, at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

A free opening reception will be held on Feb 3 from 5 to 7 p m

Through their individual practices, Rose and Tiburcio create art meditating on the idea of discovery Both artists approach their work with a sense of playfulness Through experimentation, they allow their practice to evolve and change organically, letting one piece grow into the

next The exhibit presents a series of paintings made on the artists’ road to self-discovery Each piece represents an idea or emotion the artist has unearthed from the tangled roots of her mind Both artists paint in an effort to understand themselves, with the hope of being understood by the viewer Gallery admission is free, but a $5 donation keeps programming affordable and accessible

For more information, visit https://www artinlee org/event/unearthed/

Two performances set for Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing

Celebrate the Edison Festival of Light and help feed the hungry by attending the 33rd annual Mrs Edison’s Hymn Sing on Feb 7 at 1 and 4 p m at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers

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

D o o r s w i l l o p e n 3 0 m i n u t e s i n a d v a n c e

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

“We need to help The Soup Kitchen by donating as much canned goods and cash as we can to help families who most need it in our community, especially after Hurricane Ian,” the Rev Dr Paul deJong said “The need has never been greater with so many people struggling after the devastation caused by Ian. The food that is donated will go immediately to those in our community

who desperately need it ”

C a s h d o n a t i o n s a r e e s p e c i a l l y n e e d e d b e c a u s e Community Cooperative can buy five times as much food for the same amount of money that residents spend at local grocery stores

For more information, call 239-334-2261 or visit www fpcfortmyers org

The First Presbyterian Church is at 2438 Second St , Fort Myers.

REFUGE/DDWS

The judging at last year's Florida Junior Duck Stamp Contest

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Theater to present ‘Little Women’

The Fort Myers Theatre is performing “Little Women: The Broadway Musical” on Feb 3-12 at 16120 San Carlos Blvd , Fort Myers Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, it follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America Tickets are $ 2 5 - 3 5 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a n d t i c k e t s , v i s i t https://ftmyerstheatre com/

Free

autism screening for young children

I n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h R o n a l d M c D o n a l d H o u s e Charities of Southwest Florida, the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to 5 years of age.

The next screening will be held on Feb 3 from 9 a m to 2 p m at the Pediatric Specialist Office, at 15901 Bass Road, Suite 102, Fort Myers

The ASD screening is conducted by the children’s h o s p i t a l T h e s c r e e n i n g s a r e a d m i n i s t e r e d b y a n Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders

A physician referral is not required

To schedule a screening or for more information, call 239-343-6838

Alliance to present

‘The Landscape of Guitar’

The Alliance for the Arts will present “The Landscape of Guitar,” featuring award-winning folk festival headliner and Public Radio favorite Patchouli, on Feb. 4 at 7 p m at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers Gates will open at 6 p m “The Landscape of Guitar” is a groundbreaking art and music production Animated paintings are sung to life as guitar birds fly over rolling guitar rivers and vivid guitar worlds in stunning HD Multi-disciplinary multi-instrumentalists, Patchouli is known for its transcendent vocal chemistry Tickets are $18 for members and $20 for non-members Pre-sale seating is limited to 132 and is first come, first serve In the case of bad weather, the concert will be moved indoors to its Foulds Theatre For more information or tickets, visit ArtInLee.org or call 239-939-2787.

Annual Antique Ford Car Show

at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Feb. 4

E d i s o n a n d F o r d W i n t e r E s t a t e s w i l l h o s t i t s a n n ua l A n t i q u e F o r d C a r S h o w , S a t u r d a y , F e b 4 , f r o m 9 a m t o 2 p m , E a c h y e a r , c l a s s i c c a r o w n e r s e x h i b i t t h e i r c a r s o n t h e F o r d e s t a t e l a w n a s a t r i b u t e t o H e n r y F o r d , t h e p i o n e e r o f t h e a u t o m o b i l e i n d u s t r y M o d e l T s , M u s t a n g s , T h u n d e r b i r d s a n d o t h e r m o d e l s w i l l b e o n d i s p l a y A l o n g w i t h t h e c a r s h o w , t h e r e w i l l b e a D J o n s i t e p l a y i n g m u s i c , a n d f o o d t r u c k s w i t h r e f r e s h m e n t s a v a i l a b l e f o r p u r c h a s e P a r t i c i p a t i n g f o o d v e n d o r s i n c l u d e E a s y C h e e s y , t h e H u n g r y P o n y F o o d C a r t , a n d M i l l e n n i a l B r e w i n g C o m p a n y

T h i s f a m i l y e v e n t i s f r e e f o r E d i s o n F o r d m e m b e r s o r $ 2 5 f o r n o n - m e m b e r s , w h i c h i n c l u d e s a s e l f - g u i d e d t o u r o f t h e e n t i r e s i t e V i s i t o r s c a n t o u r t h e g a r d e n s , m u s e u m , l a b o r a t o r y a n d s e e t h e h i s t o r i c h o m e s T h e s i t e i n c l u d e s m o r e t h a n 2 0 a c r e s o f b o t a n i c a l g a r d e n s a l o n g t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e R i v e r w i t h p l a n t s a n d t r e e s f r o m a l l a r o u n d t h e w o r l d G e n e r a l a d m i s s i o n t i c k e t s m a y b e p u r c h a s e d o n t h e w e b s i t e a t E d i s o n F o r d o r g o r a t t h e t i c k e t c o u n t e r

A n t i q u e c a r o w n e r s w a n t i n g t o p a r t i c i p a t e c a n r e gi s t e r t h e i r c a r ( a n y F o r d m o d e l , 1 9 8 0 o r o l d e r ) f o r d i sp l a y i n t h e s h o w a t E d i s o n F o r d o r g b e f o r e J a n u a r y 2 7 C a r r e g i s t r a t i o n i s $ 3 0 f o r t h e f i r s t c a r , a n d $ 1 5 f o r e a c h a d d i t i o n a l c a r a n d i n c l u d e s g e n e r a l a d m i s s i o n E d i s o n a n d F o r d W i n t e r E s t a t e s i s a t 2 3 5 0 M c G r e g o r B l v d , F o r t M y e r s

Alliance for the Ar ts to continue concer t series

As part of its season series, the Alliance for the Arts will host an Outdoor Bluegrass concert on Feb 5 on its Green Market Stage at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers Doors will open at 2 p m

Bill Metts will play at 3 p m , with Bear Hill Bluegrass to take the stage at 4 p m

Chairs and coolers are permitted

Tickets are $15 for members and $16 for non-members

Pre-sale seating is limited to 132 and is first come, first serve.

In the case of bad weather, the concert will be moved indoors to its Foulds Theatre

For more information or tickets, visit ArtInLee org or call 239-939-2787

Association to present ‘A Celebration of Song’

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association will present “A Celebration of Song the Classics to Broadway with the Concerto Soloists Internationale” on Feb 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, at 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers It will include popular highlights from grand opera and Broadway, to pop performed by soloists from Europe, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico and the United States They will be accompanied by a live, on stage orchestra and an emcee Tickets range from $25-55 For more information or tickets, visit www bbmannpah com or call 239-481-4849.

American Cancer Society announces 2023 Bucket List Bash to be held on Feb. 18

The American Cancer Society is pleased to announce the 2023 Bucket List Bash will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort on Saturday, February 18th, chaired by Darlene and Don DeMichele and Beverly Fanning This year, we celebrate 13 years of amazing support in Collier County Since its inception, the event has raised $10 8 million to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer

This year’s mission moment will support the newly cre-

Reser vations open for DDWS fundraiser

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that reservations are selling quickly for its annual fundraiser, “Go Bully for “Ding” An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt ” Only 100 tickets remained as of Jan 26 The event will take place on March 6 at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers In consideration of the hardships island residents and business owners have suffered since Hurricane Ian, the DDWS has lowered the price of tickets to $75 per person this year New event supporters include: Sue and Bob Thoreson as Guardian sponsors For tickets or sponsorship information, visit https://www.dingdarlingsociety org/articles/go-wild-for-ding

Mound House grounds open, museum still closed

The Mound House grounds and public restrooms are now open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a m to 4:30 p.m. and the museum store is open Monday through Friday 9 a m to 4 p m The museum and exhibits are temporarily closed and the main museum is tentatively scheduled to reopen in early April

The Mound House, located at 451 Connecticut Street, is the town's oldest home, sitting atop a shell mound constructed by the ancient Calusa tribe

The three acres of grounds, which overlook Estero Bay, is now open to the public Visitors can enjoy the scenic view from the property, which includes native plants, a walking path, picnic tables and an observation pier

The Town of Fort Myers Beach operates the Mound House

"Upon full recovery of the amenities at Mound House, visitors will also be able to enjoy kayak tours and educational events," said Fort Myers Beach Communications Director Jennifer Dexter

Dexter stated that the timetable on the museum opening is April "The museum took on a few inches of water and had some window and roof damage that is requiring repairs," Dexter said

ated Collier and Lee County Health Equity Fund Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but it does not affect everyone equally Many barriers can impact a person’s ability to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer and the American Cancer Society is committed to actively working towards ending cancer disparities This fund will support programs related to transportation and lodging grants, as well as increasing screening efforts with partners in our community

The Bucket List Bash will celebrate hope and courage and will feature dancing from Powerhouse The Next Generation, a live auction of bucket list worthy items, and a custom designed menu from the Ritz-Carlton Black and white attire is encouraged For more information on sponsorship opportunities, volunteer opportunities, or to purchase tickets, please visit www acsbucketlistbash com or contact Chanel McGregor, Senior Development Manager, at 239-259-4242 or chanel mcgregor@cancer org

Lee Health to offer self-management programs

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

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is designed for people ages 18 and older with chronic health conditions to help them learn ways to better manage the chronic conditions and symptoms that often accompany chronic health conditions The workshops are held once a week for six weeks

The program will be offered on Thursdays from 1 to 3:30 p m at the Providence Family Life Center, at 3592 Broadway, Suite 100, Fort Myers

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

For more information or to register for one of the programs, call 239-424-3121

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings

Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help

Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-564-5098 or visit www SouthFloridaAl-Anon org Meetings are held every day in Lee County

Al-Ateen meetings are also offered for ages 10-18

WHAT A CATCH!

Capt. Dave’s Fishing Tips

Fishing tip #1 : Fish not dramatically affected by the cold in the backwaters are sheepshead, snapper, and trout Big redfish and black drum move into near-shore ledges and reefs, along with gag grouper as the water cools By far, the best catches of mangrove snapper and gag grouper accrue this time of the year For the snapper, light tackle, a small hook, and fresh natural baits are a must-have, in order to fool the big ones Grouper will eat pretty much anything that doesn’t eat them first B u t t e r f l i e d p i n f i s h , s q u i r r e l - f i s h a n d grunts are top natural baits. They can be used on standard grouper rigs or on a big bucktail jig A medium-to-heavy action rod and 50 lb line will get the job done

Fishing tip #2 : With winter’s seasonal low tides starting to take effect, foragefeeders such as reds and sheepshead tend

to move around more The highest tides being late in the day or very early in the morning, falling water conditions occur during peak daytime hours During these times, fishing the deeper holes and other drop-off points will be most productive Hard shell and oyster bottom is the key to success because small crabs and shrimp call these places home Fish further up in the bay and follow the tide out, fishing key areas As the tide changes, reverse the pattern Fish a nose-hooked shrimp or pinfish under a small float for big trout and the same baits, with a small weight, on the bottom for sheepshead, reds and pompano Artificials will attract all but the sheepshead, if worked slowly, but shrimp, crab- halves, and other natural baits attract more fish –

Capt. Dave Hanson

Angler A J Smith with a 17-inch pompano, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on an inshore Fishbuster Charter

Angler Mike Pease with a 16-inch sheepshead, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on an inshore Fishbuster Charter

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Angler Corey Pease with a 16-inch sheepshead, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on an inshore Fishbuster Charter.

Angler Tommy Ray with a 25-inch redfish, caught on shrimp and released in southern Estero Bay on an inshore Fishbuster Charter.

r

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y ,

first-ever 5K run on March 4

N A M I S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a w i l l h o l d i t s f i r s t - e v e r 5 K r u n , M i n d o n t h e R u n , S a t u r d a y , M a r c h 4 , f r o m 2 - 5 : 1 5 p m , s t a r t i n g a t t h e C e n t e n n i a l P a r k P a v i l i o n i n d o w n t o w n F o r t M y e r s M i n d o n t h e R u n i s a c h i p p e d a n d t i m e d 5 K f a m i l y r u n o v e r t h e E d i s o n B r i d g e T h e r a c e w i l l t a k e p l a c e b e f o r e t h e a n n u a l N A M I W a l k s a n d a l s o f e a t u r e s a n e v e n t f e s t i v a l a t C e n t e n n i a l P a r k w i t h l i v e m u s i c , f o o d t r u c k s , r a f f l e s a n d m o r e P r o c e e d s f r o m t h e e v e n t s u p p o r t N A M I L C H ’ s m i s s i o n “ t o i m p r o v e t h e q u a l i t y o f l i f e f o r p e o p l e w i t h m e n t a l i l l n e s s a n d t h e i r f a m i l i e s t h r o u g h s u pp o r t , e d u c a t i o n , a n d a d v o c a c y ” T h e r a c e w e b s i t e i s h t t p s : / / r u n s i g n u p c o m / R a c e / F L / F o r t M y e r s / M i n d o n t h e R u n N A M I S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a 5 K R e g i s t r a t i o n f e e i s $ 5 0 ( i n c l u d e s a r u n n i n g b i b w i t h t i m i n g c h i p , a n d a c u s t o m u n i s e x t a n k t o p ) T h e r e w i l l b e p r i z e s f o r f e m a l e a n d m a l e r u n n e r s f o r f i r s t , s e c o n d a n d t h i r d p l a c e P a c k e t P i c k u p i s T h u r s d a y , M a r c h 2 , a n d F r i d a y , M a r c h 3 , f r o m 1 1 a m t o 4 p m , a t T h e N a t i o n a l A l l i a n c e o n M e n t a l I l l n e s s , 8 1 9 1 C o l l e g e P a r k w a y S u i t e 2 0 1 , F o r t M y e r s F L 3 3 9 1 9

Red Sox to host open house at JetBlue Park on Feb. 18

The Boston Red Sox will host a family-friendly open house at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers Saturday, Feb 18, from 11 a m to 3 p m The free event with free parking will include activities for kids such as face painting, inflatables, a magician, scavenger hunt and discounted concessions

In addition to the activities taking place for families, the open house will continue a long-held tradition of hosting a blood drive, in partnership with One Blood, to help with the ongoing blood shortage in Southwest Florida

Through a partnership with Community Cooperative, the open house will also serve as a canned food drive Visitors are asked to bring non-perishable food items including meat-based canned soups/stews, nut butters, bags or cans of dried beans and peas, whole-grain cereals, bags of plain rice and pasta, barley and quinoa, canned fruits, canned vegetables and more

Anyone that brings a donation will have the chance to gains tickets to the Red Sox Feb 24 game vs Northeastern University The mission of Community Cooperative is to eliminate hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education and social service programs

There will also be Red Sox players onsite for autographs and photos

JetBlue Park at Fenway South is located at 11500 Fenway South Drive in Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-226-4783

Minnesota Twins Celebrity Golf Classic set for February

Registration is open and sponsors h i p a r e a v a i l a b l e f o r t h e 2 5 t h a n n i v e r s a r y M i n n e s o t a T w i n s

This year, support for the event series will benefit the Lee Health R e g i o n a l C a n c e r C e n t e r , e n s u r i n g families can stay close to home for lifesaving cancer care.

Registration for individual tickets and sponsorships will close on Feb 1

Individual tickets are $350 Team registrations are $1,500 and include tickets for five participants Sponsorships levels range from presenting sponsor to silent auction and hole sponsorships

For information or to register, visit LeeHealthFoundation org /twins

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve hosting classes

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is offering Tiny Tots Y o g a a n d G u i d e d M e d i t a t i o n classes for the spring season at the preserve's Interpretive Center, at 7751 Penzance Blvd , Fort Myers

∫ Now through May 3 1 : Tiny Tots Yoga on Wednesdays from 1 0 to 1 1 a.m.

Guardians and toddlers up to a g e 5 c a n e n j o y m e d i t a t i o n , movement and songs in an active, family-friendly yoga class Taught by certified yoga instructor Mariela Gñmez, the class uses music, yoga play props and stories to help children establish a connection with their c a r e t a k e r s w h i l e b e n e f i t i n g f r o m active movement Participants must bring their own gear, including yoga mat, blanket or towel, and water bot-

tle Provided props will be disinfected thoroughly both before and following the class.

∫ Now through April 2 7 : Guided Meditation on Thursdays from 9 to 1 0 a.m.

Direct your attention and intentions inward during guided meditation and qigong in the stillness of the slough Each week will focus on a

d i f f e r e n t t e c h n i q u e : r e d u c i n g stress, promoting focus, mindfulness, visualization and kindness

C l a s s e s b e g i n w i t h s i m p l e stretches and qigong movements to shake off any stale energy b e f o r e b e g i n n i n g m e d i t a t i o n Wear comfortable clothing and bring water, a yoga mat and blanket or pillow to sit upon Open to ages 18 and older

The cost for a full session of four classes is $40 or $10 for a single class

A paid parking fee of $1 per hour per vehicle is required Preregister at www.leeparks.org; walk-ins welcome if there are open spaces

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www leeparks org/sixmilecypress or call 239-533-7555

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