Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

VOLUME 38, NUMBER 6

Beach Elementary talks go private

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Talks between the Fort Myers Beach c o m m u n i t y a n d L e e C o u n t y S c h o o l District have moved behind closed doors via an ad-hoc committee into the district’s offices

T h e d i s c u s s i o n s , w h i c h s t a r t e d i n December at the former Skip One Seafood Restaurant on San Carlos Boulevard in

Fort Myers Beach with a few dozen community members seated at tables with district Superintendent Dr Chris Bernier and school board trustee Chris Patricca, are now being held privately with a small group of community members and district officials

A Z o o m c a l l w a s h e l d l a s t w e e k according to several people involved The committee was set to meet again today in

the district offices in a meeting closed to the public and media The committee i n c l u d e s p a r e n t s J o h n K o s s , M o n i c a Schmucker, Jenny Tardiff and Patrick Vanasse, Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt and Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak Meeting with the committee on the Zoom call last week were school district’s Chief of Staff Michael Ramirez,

Going to the White House

L i s z a k , c o n t a c t e d T u e s d a y b e f o r e t h e b i g e v e n t , d i d n ’ t b e l i e v e i t a t f i r s t

President Jacki Liszak

the message in a text late Friday night She was wanted at the White House to be a guest of First Lady Jill Biden for dinner and as her guest at her husband President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech to the Congress and American people at the House chamber

Tuesday night

“ I t ’ s n o t f u n n y t o m a k e a j o k e l i k e t h a t , ” s h e s a i d

T h o u g h i n i t i a l l y s k e p t i c a l t h e t e x t m i g h t b e a s p a m m e s s a g e , s h e s o o n r e c e i v e d a n o f f i c i a l f o l l o w - u p e m a i l f r o m F i r s t L a d y B i d e n ’ s a s s i s t a n t i n d ic a t i n g t h e m e s s a g e w a s v e r y r e a l S h e w a s s o o n o n t h e p h o n e c o n f i r m i n g d e t a i l s “ I d o n ’ t k n o w w h y t h e y c h o s e m e , ”

L i s z a k s a i d L i s z a k h a d m e t P r e s i d e n t B i d e n a n d t h e f i r s t l a d y w h e n t h e y v i s i t e d F o r t M y e r s B e a c h s h o r t l y a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n h i t S h e e v i d e n t l y l e f t a n i m p r e s s i o n “ I a m s u p e r e x c i t e d I ’ m a l i t t l e b i t i n a w e a n d I ’ m c o g n i z a n t o f t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y I h a v e t o r e p r e s e n t F o r t M y e r s B e a c h , ” L i s z a k s a i d L i s z a k m e t t h e B i d e n s a m o n g a l a r g e g r o u p o f p e o p l e o n F o r t M y e r s B e a c h d a y s a f t e r See LISZAK, page 2

Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wagner and Superintendent’s Office Coordinator Dr Adam Molloy The same working group was scheduled to meet again Wednesday

Atterholt said the decision to take the talks private through the committee came about after “the parents agreed, along with the superintendent’s team, to put together a s m a l l e r m o r e m a n a g e a b l e w o r k i n g

See TALKS, page 2

Fatal crash at Summerlin Road intersection

B y N AT H A N M AY B E R G n m a y b e r g @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m A C a n a d i a n m a n d r i v i n g a s p o r t u t i li t y v e h i c l e w a s k i l l e d t u r n i n g o f f t h e S u m m e r l i n R o a d i n t e r s e c t i o n t o w a r d F o r t M y e r s B e a c h o n S a n C a r l o s B o u l e v a r d w h e n h i s v e h i c l e c o l l i d e d w i t h a L e e C o u n t y t r a n s i t b u s F r i d a y a f t e r n o o n T w o o t h e r s w e r e l e f t i n c r i t ic a l c o n d i t i o n b y t h e w r e c k , a c c o r d i n g t o a s t a t e m e n t i s s u e d b y t h e F l o r i d a H i g h w a y P a t r o l T h e d r i v e r o f t h e S U V , a 7 7 - y e a r - o l d m a l e f r o m A m h e r s t b u r g i n O n t a r i o , w a s p r o n o u n c e d d e c e a s e d a f t e r b e i n g t r a n sp o r t e d t o a n a r e a h o s p i t a l O n e o f t h e p a s s e n g e r s o f t h e S U V , a 7 6 - y e a r - o l d f e m a l e f r o m A m h e r s t b u r g , w a s t r a n sp o r t e d t o G u l f C o a s t M e d i c a l C e n t e r i n c r i t i c a l c o n d i t i o n A n o t h e r p a s s e n g e r , a 7 1 - y e a r - o l d f e m a l e f r o m N e w J e r s e y , w a s a l s o l i s t e d i n c r i t i c a l c o n d i t i o n T h e d r i v e r o f t h e b u s , a 5 2 - y e a r - o l d m a l e , e s c a p e d w i t h m i n o r i n j u r i e s T h e r e w e r e n o p a s s e n g e r s o n t h e b u s a t t h e t i m e o f t h e c r a s h , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e F l o r i d a H i g h w a y P a t r o l T h e c o l l i s i o n o c c u r r e d a t a p p r o x im a t e l y 4 p m T h e S U V w a s a t t e m p t i n g t o m a k e a l e f t t u r n o n t o S a n C a r l o s

B o u l e v a r d f r o m S u m m e r l i n R o a d w h e n i t c o l l i d e d h e a d - o n w i t h t h e b u s

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h F i r e D i s t r i c t c r e w s r e s p o n d e d w i t h L e e C o u n t y E M S a n d I o n a M c G r e g o r F i r e D i s t r i c t t o t h e a c c id e n t , s a i d C h r i s t o p h e r A r m i g e r , F o r t M y e r s B e a c h F i r e D i s t r i c t A s s i s t a n t C h i e f o f S u p p o r t S e r v i c e s “ F o r t M y e r s B e a c h E n g i n e 3 2 a n d R e s c u e 3 2 p e rf o r m e d e x t r i c a t i o n o n s c e n e a n d t r a n sp o r t e d o n e p a t i e n t f r o m t h e s c e n e , ” A r m i g e r s t a t e d L e e C o u n t y C o m m u n i c a t i o n s D i r e c t o r B e t s y C l a y t o n s a i d t h e r e w o u l d b e n o c o m m e n t o n t h e c o u n t y ’ s t r a n s i t b u s b e i n g i n v o l v e d i n t h e a c c i d e n t s i n c e t h e m a t t e r w a s s t i l l u n d e r i n v e s t i g a t i o n b y t h e F l o r i d a H i g h w a y P a t r o l

Estero Island Historic Society looks back on lost treasures

Submitted by Janet Sailian

The Estero Island Historic Society will take a look back at old Fort Myers Beach treasures when the organization meets Monday, Feb 13, at the DiamondHead Beach Resort The public is invited to attend the presentation by Estero Island Historic Society President Ellite Bunting The meeting begins at 2 p m There is no charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Diamondhead Beach Resort is sponsoring the presentation by providing their ballroom space on the first floor at no cost DiamondHead Beach Resort has limited parking available and working elevators

Bunting's presentation will include a historical tour of Fort Myers Beach before and after Hurricane Ian, starting where the arches used to be and continuing down Old San Carlos Blvd to Times Square and the pier The presentation will cover structures that have been destroyed or damaged including Bigelow Center, Cotton Shop, Silver Sands Motel, Mermaid Club, Surf Club, Gulf Shore Inn, library and more.

Bunting will also review the work that has been done, and that still needs to be done on the two Estero Island Historic Society historic cottages

Bunting grew up primarily on Fort Myers Beach and has lived here since graduating from the University of South Florida She has taught English at Florida SouthWestern State College since 1980 and has been on the Board of Directors of EIHS for the past 21 years

Attendees can order lunch or a refreshment after the presentations at Cabañas on the ground floor of the resort

Talks

From page 1

group to help resolve a number of outstanding questions and concerns The smaller group is meeting with the superintendent’s senior team to see where we can find common ground as the superintendent works to prepare various proposals for the School Board to consider I am told that all the parents are kept abreast of the discussions There have already been a number of open meetings where the public has had an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns ”

Atterholt said last week’s Zoom meeting involved talks about proposed workforce hous ing on Fort Myers Beach, which could lead to increased enrollment on Fort Myers Beach The committee met with the demographer for the Lee County School District and the senior staff of the Superintendent. “We discussed projected

Liszak From page 1

H u r r i c a n e I a n s t r u c k " T h e y s t o o d a n d t a l k e d a n d l i s t e n e d Y o u d i d n ' t f e e l r u s h e d . T h e y s p e n t t i m e w i t h e a c h p e rs o n " A t t h e t i m e , L i s z a k c o m m u n i c a t e d h o w m u c h h e l p w a s n e e d e d a n d t h a n k e d t h e p r e s i d e n t a n d f i r s t l a d y f o r " t a k i n g a p e r s o n a l i n t e r e s t . " S h e s a i d t h e p r e s id e n t w a s " v e r y c a r i n g a n d l i s t e n e d a n d h e a r d w h a t w e h a d t o s a y Y o u c a n s e e i n h i s f a c e t h a t h e r e a l l y d i d c a r e " L i s z a k s a i d s h e i n t e n d s t o c o m m u n ic a t e t h a t F o r t M y e r s B e a c h i s t h a n k f u l

New resources available for permit applications

Town of Fort Myers Beach Communications Director Jennifer Dexter has announced additional resources for the town permit application process, along with the announcement that the special permit application process has resumed in a series of announcements Friday Dexter announced the following:

1) The Permitting Desk has added a public computer and scanner to the receptionist’s area at the Town Hall complex at 2545 Estero Boulevard Members of the public are welcome to use these to complete applications for permits or other Town business Assistance is provided if needed A wealth of updated information about permitting can be found on the Town’s website at www fmbgov com Click on the dark blue sand dollar on the homepage An extensive document of frequently asked questions is regularly updated on the website

2) The permitting process for special events has reopened Permits are now required for any public event that an organization would like to hold in the Town, including parades, concerts, festivals, fairs, markets, etc For information and the application, visit the Town’s website at www fmbgov com > Doing Town Business > Community

Development > Community Development Applications & Forms > Special Events Email specialevents@fmbgov com with questions

3) Although Matanzas Pass Mooring Field remains closed, the Town completed the construction of 19 additional moorings west of Matanzas Pass Bridge which will accommodate vessels up to 85 feet in length These moorings added to the Town’s current 70 bring the total for the entire Mooring Field to 89 This project was in process before Hurricane Ian The closure of the field due to the storm provided the opportunity for it to be completed Watch the Town’s social media outlets and website for information about when Mooring Field will re-open

4) Residents, visitors and business owners are reminded that open containers of alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be carried or consumed in any public area of the Town, including the Beach, Times Square, sidewalks, parking lots, etc

5) Portable public restrooms, 10 total, have been placed in Times Square and at the Palm Avenue Beach Access One accessible bathroom is at each of those locations

Florida Fish Art Contest deadline approaches

The deadline is approaching for t h i s y e a r ’ s A r t o f C o n s e r v a t i o n Florida Fish Art Contest, hosted by t h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e Conservation Commission (FWC) This contest is open to youth in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade from across the state The deadline to enter is Feb 28

Students from Florida can win top honors, international recognition and prizes while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation The Art of Conservation inspires young people to get involved in the great outdoors and ignites a passion to become lifelong activists for the natural world

Two first-place winners will be

enrollment numbers for the Beach School and various ways we could all work to enhance these numbers The discussions have been both serious and constructive All involved desire a successful outcome for the children on Fort Myers Beach,” Atterholt stated There were talks about working with t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h C h a m b e r o f Commerce to “promote the Beach School to employees who work on the island and have children but don’t live on the island and lastly ways to expand the boundaries of the Beach School as well as magnet s c h o o l o r s c h o o l c h o i c e o p t i o n s , ”

Atterholt said “There has also been discussions about using the Fort Myers Beach Library on a temporary basis this fall along with some portable units to accommodate the children until the school

f o r “ t h e a s s i s t a n c e t h a t w e h a v e b e e n g i v e n s o f a r M o s t l y t h a t w e a r e r e s i l i e n t b u t w e a r e n o t o u t o f t h e w o o d s y e t . W e a r e g o i n g t o n e e d h e l p ” L i s z a k s a i d s h e w i l l s h a r e s t o r i e s a n d p h o t o s o f f r i e n d s , b u s i n e s s o w n e r s a n d c o l l e a g u e s “ s o I c a n p u t n a m e s a n d f a c e s o n t h e d e v a s t a t i o n s o w e a r e n o t j u s t n u m b e r s ” L i s z a k w a s a t t h e a i r p o r t T u e s d a y m o r n i n g , p r e p a r i n g t o h e a d t o W a s h i n g t o n D C w i t h h e r h u s b a n d S c o t t S a f f o r d a n d h i s s i s t e r J o n I n g l e

s e l e c t e d f o r e a c h g r a d e b r a c k e t (kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh t h r o u g h n i n t h g r a d e , a n d t e n t h through twelfth grade), one for illust r a t i n g t h e b e s t f r e s h w a t e r f i s h species and one for the best saltwater fish species All first-place winners will advance to the national competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show. The deadline to enter is Feb 28

To enter, students from Florida should submit their entry at Wildlife Forever – Florida Art, consisting of the following:

∫ An original piece of artwork featuring any fish including one or more of the following Florida native

is rebuilt ”

Lee County School District spokesperson Robert Spicker said the Zoom meeting’s main topic of discussion “was a presentation from our consultant, Davis Demographics, on residential growth and e n r o l l m e n t p r o j e c t i o n s f o r t h e B e a c h School student assignment area.”

Schmucker said the committee heard from the demographer who “spoke about factors he takes into consideration when making predictions about growth Just so we can explore options about enrollment ”

Previous talks have included discussions of moving the school's boundaries past Summerlin Road, creating a magnet program and adding grades 6-8

A n y f i n a l d e c i s i o n o n t h e B e a c h Elementary School will require board action though the options and parameters

L i s z a k s a i d I n g l e w a s a m a j o r D e m o c r a t i c P a r t y s u p p o r t e r i n

W i s c o n s i n . “ I a m t h a n k f u l f o r t h i s o p p o r t u n i t y t o d r a w a t t e n t i o n t o t h e n e e d f o r c o n t i n u e d a s s i s t a n c e f o r F o r t M y e r s B e a c h a t b o t h t h e f e d e r a l a n d s t a t e l e v e l , ” L i s z a k s a i d “ E v e n t h o u g h p r o g r e s s h a s b e e n m a d e , a n d w e a r e s o v e r y t h a n k f u l f o r t h e s u pp o r t w e h a v e r e c e i v e d , w e s t i l l n e e d s i g -

n i f i c a n t h e l p t o r e b u i l d o u r i s l a n d ”

L i s z a k s a i d t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h c o m m u n i t y s t i l l n e e d s h e l p f r o m t h e

species from the same category:

∫ C a t e g o r y 1 – F r e s h w a t e r : largemouth bass, striped bass, black c r a p p i e , b l u e g i l l , r e d e a r s u n f i s h , s p o t t e d s u n f i s h , c h a n n e l c a t f i s h , Florida gar, chain pickerel, bowfin Category 2 – Saltwater: snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, tarpon, mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel, hogfish, queen snapper, black grouper

∫ A piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about the chosen species (required for grades 412)

∫ A F l o r i d a S t a t e - F i s h A r t Contest entry form

are being set by school district officials with the input of the ad-hoc committee

T h e S c h o o l b o a r d v o i c e d s u p p o r t i n December for rebuilding the school in some fashioned though board members have stated the school needs to increase its enrollment numbers In December, there were an estimated 50 Beach Elementary School students attending the San Carlos Park Elementary School

“The Lee County School Board will ultimately have the necessary discussion and make the decision in a public setting,” Atterholt said “This is just a working group to provide additional information to the process ”

The school board is scheduled to meet Feb 22 to discuss the final options for the Beach Elementary School

F e d e r a l E m e r g e n c y M a n a g e m e n t

A g e n c y " t o g e t s q u a r e d a w a y " a n d a s s i s t a n c e w i t h S m a l l B u s i n e s s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n l o a n s " T h e t o w n n e e d s c o n t i n u e d f u n d i n g , " s h e s a i d " I t ' s g o i n g t o b e a l o n g r o a d " L i s z a k s a i d s h e d o e s n ' t w a n t " t h e n a t i o n t o f o r g e t t h a t w e a r e s t i l l r e c o ve r i n g a n d t h a t w e n e e d t h e i r s u p p o r t n o w a n d i n t o t h e f u t u r e a s w e w o r k t o b u i l d b a c k o u r i s l a n d p a r a d i s e ”

Semmer appeals governor ’s decision on Bay Harbour project

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Joanne Semmer has appealed the decision by Gov Ron DeSantis and his cabinet to overrule an administrative law judge’s reversal of a vote by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners to grant a planned amendment for the Bay Harbour project The proposed development, which includes a 100-feet high apartment tower, marina and townhouses, would be situated on Main Street on San Carlos Island at the site of the former Southern Comfort Storage

The Administration Commission for DeSantis issued the final order in January, signed by Administration Commission Secretary Chris Spencer A hearing was held in August during which the commission voted to reverse the administrative law judge’s decision

The commission found that Bay Harbour was “in compliance” with state statute. The marina and residential project could total up to 113 of mixed residential units, including a 100-feet high apartment tower with 75 units as well as townhouses to go with a marina with approval for 286 dry slips and 29 wet slips

The commission’s voted occurred more than a year and a half after an administrative law judge ruled against Lee County's comprehensive plan amendment to allow the development in a coastal high hazard area of unincorporated Fort Myers Beach The judge, Suzanne Van Wyk, found that the development was inconsistent with state statute for hurricane evacuation time sand did not properly mitigate for the delay the project would add to out-of-county hurricane evacuations

Based on the 2017 Update to the Southwest Florida

Application portal opens for storm restoration reimbursement program

T h e c i t y o f S a n i b e l r e p o r t e d t h a t S e n a t e B i l l 4 A a w a r d e d $ 5 0 m i l l i o n t o t h e F l o r i d a H u r r i c a n e R e s t o r a t i o n R e i m b u r s e m e n t G r a n t P r o g r a m t o a s s i s t p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y o w n e r s i n a d d r e s s i n g c o a s t a l b e a c h e r o s i o n i n c u r r e d a s a r e s u l t o f p r e p a r a t i o n f o r o r d a m a g e s u s t a i n e d f r o m H u r r i c a n e s I a n o r H u r r i c a n e N i c o l e T h e F l o r i d a D E P p o r t a l w e n t l i v e o n F e b 1 f o r p e o p l e t o a p p l y f o r t h e p r o g r a m I t p r o v i d e s r e i m b u r s e m e n t g r a n t s u p t o

$ 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 p e r p a r c e l w i t h a 5 0 / 5 0 h o m e o w n e r m a t c h r e q u i r e d T h e g r a n t c o v e r s r e i m b u r s e m e n t o f c o n s t r u c t i o n c o s t s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h s a n d p l a c e m e n t ( r e n o u r i s h m e n t ) T h e c i t y r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e F l o r i d a H u r r i c a n e R e s t o r a t i o n R e i m b u r s e m e n t G r a n t P r o g r a m p r ov i d e s a n o p p o r t u n i t y f o r o w n e r s t o a d d r e s s b e a c h e r o s i o n o n t h e i r p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y , s p e c i f i c a l l y s t o r m - s u r g e w a s h o u t s a n d g u l l i e s , i n a t i m e l y m a nn e r t o r e s t o r e t h e b e a c h d u n e a n d p r o v i d e f o r s a f e b e a c h a c c e s s T o a c c e s s t h e a p p l i c a t i o n p o r t a l , v i s i t h t t p s : / / f l o r i d a d e p g o v / h u r r i c a n e T o s u b m i t a n a p p l i c a t i o n , p r o p e r t y o w n e r s m u s t f i r s t c r e a t e a D E P G r a n t s U s e r a c c o u n t a n d l o g i n t o v i e w t h e a p p l i c a t i o n F o r q u e s t i o n s , c o n t a c t t h e D E P a t 8 5 0 - 2 4 5 - 8 5 5 8 o r H R R G P @ F l o r i d a D E P g o v P r i o r t o a n y w o r k , p r o j e c t s m u s t b e p e r m i t t e d b y b o t h t h e F l o r i d a D E P a n d c i t y P e r m i t a p p l i c a t i o n s w i l l i n c l u d e t h e v o l u m e o f s a n d p r o p o s e d , t h e s o u r c e o f t h e s a n d , d o c u m e n t a t i o n t h a t t h e s a n d i s b e a c h c o m p a t i b l e , a s i t e p l a n o r a e r i a l s h o w i n g l o c a t i o n o f s a n d t o b e p l a c e d , e q u i p m e n t t o b e u s e d , a p l a n t o a c c e s s t h e w o r k a r e a , a n d o t h e r d e t a i l s a s m a y b e n e c e s s a r y t o e v a l u a t e t h e w o r k p r o p o s e d T o a p p l y f o r a c i t y p e r m i t , a c c e s s t h e p e r m i t t i n g p o r t a l a t h t t p s : / / w w w m y s a n i b e l c o m / s a n i b e lo n l i n e / o n l i n e - p e r m i t t i n g - l i c e n s i n g - b u s i n e s s - t a x e s

C l i c k “ A p p l y , ” t h e n u s e t h e A p p l i c a t i o n A s s i s t a n t t o s e a r c h f o r “ E m e r g e n c y B e a c h E r o s i o n C o n t r o l ” T o i n q u i r e a b o u t s t a t e p e r m i t t i n g , c o n t a c t D E P F i e l d P e r m i t t i n g a n d C o m p l i a n c e A g e n t K e l l y

C r a m e r a t 2 3 9 - 7 7 0 - 7 5 0 2 o r k e l l y c r a m e r @ f l o r id a d e p g o v

Regional Evacuation Study, the base scenario for out-ofcounty clearance time for Lee County is 84 5 hours for a category 5 storm. Because the County’s adopted level of service for out-of-county evacuation in a Level 5 hurricane has not been attained, Van Wyck found it would not be maintained under a scenario which includes development allowed by the plan amendment The Regional Evacuation Study projects Lee County’s 2020 evacuation time-to-shelter for a Category 5 storm (Level E storm surge) as 96 hours, an increase of 11 5 hours from the 2017 projection

The Lee County Attorney’s Office made arguments in front of the commission to support the project Assistant County Attorney Amanda Swindle represented Lee County at the hearing in Tallahassee Tuesday. Swindle made an economic argument, saying the economics of the area on Main Street in San Carlos Island had changed and stated that the county wanted to foster the marina, retail and residential project known as Bay Harbour

Calling the arguments by the county attorney's office to be “reasonable,” DeSantis approved the reversal of the decision along with the rest of the cabinet “We're supposed to side with that,” he said DeSantis said he supported having staff issuing a final order which will reverse the judge's order and find the county's comprehensive plan amendment which changed the county's zoning to allow the project's density to go forward. The comprehensive plan amendment will require mitigation by the developer due to increased density the county allowed for the project The developers were awarded increased density from county code for the development, which will have to be mitigated due to the project site's

location in a high hazard coastal area The administrative law judge had ruled against the amendment, finding that the county is currently out of compliance with state statute which mandates 16 hours of evacuation times in category 5 hurricanes It is estimated that it would take 96 hours to evacuate Lee County in a Category 5 hurricane Those calculations were made before Hurricane Ian Swindle said 80% of the counties in high coastal areas can't meet the state's hurricane evacuation times for a category 5 storm

The Southern Comfort Storage property was purchased in May for $18 million by Bay Harbour Marina Village LLC The limited liability company has a Cape Coral address owned by Corona Property Holdings, LLC. According to their website, Corona Property Holdings LLC is a property ownership and management organization which owns more than 300 homes in Cape Coral and focuses on rentals The director of Bay Harbour Marina Village LLC is listed under state records as Marco Brummund, who also runs Corona Property Holdings LLC with Kristina Brummund

A limited liability company connected though the old owners, known as Southern Comfort Storage, retained a percentage of the property according to the developer's attorney Russell Schropp, of Henderson, Franklin Starnes and Holt. The project had been originally shepherded by Chicago-based developer Jack Mayher and had the backing of Fort Myers Beach businessman Nick Ruland Schropp offered that the developers would mitigate for the impact on the hurricane evacuation route by donating on-site shelter space or by paying a fee

FEMA 2.0 meeting provides info on flood insurance

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

Representatives of FEMA had lots of information for residents of Cape Coral last week

The agency came to the Kiwanis Club on Jan 31 for a n i n f o r m a t i o n a l m e e t i n g regarding FEMA 2 0 and its revamped flood insurance program. The idea was to clear up any confusion about the new flood maps, which were drawn up in November, and what the zones mean for you and what it will cost

Donna Germain, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, said the meeting was to provide an opportunity to give residents more information about the Risk Rating 2 0, which has residents confused and concerned about whether they will be able to afford flood insurance

“There were significant changes to the flood maps and zones, so we’re hoping that having someone here who understands it and can explain it will help,” she said “Hopefully, he can shed some light on some of the concerns the residents have ”

FEMA Hazard Mitigation and Crew Lead Jeffery Parker explained that the idea is to have more equity, where individuals would no longer have to pay more than their share in flood insurance premiums based on the value of their home His presentation stated that roughly two-thirds of policyholders with older homes would see their rates go down

What local residents have seen is a different picture.

Only 20 percent of Florida homeowners are predicted to see a total rate decrease, while 76 percent are expected to see an increase of up to $240 per year, and 4 percent seeing increases of $240 or more per year

The new methodology would use FEMA-sourced data and other-sourced data, rating variables, such as distance from flooding source, occupancy, type of construction, elevation, prior claims, and much more, chance of the 100-year flood in an area and fees and surcharges

The meeting took the full two hours and could have taken much longer as the meeting produced two questions for every answer.

Attendees had a chance to look at the flood map in the area of the meeting and what the new data meant Some of the areas away from the canals, in tan colored, had a much lesser chance of the big flood than those on or near the canals

Germain said the city is still going through the challenges after Hurricane Ian and that FEMA 2 0 has created another layer of concern over what they can do to their homes

“I’ve heard from businesses and residents they have seen an increase in premiums. As we get further into the process, we will see how it’s really impacted us It may take another year to see the true impact,” she said

Those who saw huge spikes in their flood premiums are capped to an only 18 percent increase annually State and federal legislators attempted to get that increase cut in half, but that went nowhere

Parker said he was not too disappointed by a lowerthan-expected turnout as those who came who pass what they learned on to others Also, the meeting was shown live and recorded for use on the chamber’s Facebook Page

“The audience is far greater than it appeared in this room Meetings were attended by hundreds of people, but it was archived and seen by many more,” Parker said “I think people understand there are no flood zones and that there is now a risk of low, medium and high They know the way you build a home or how a home was built can affect the likelihood of a flood or the cost of flood insurance ”

For more information on the new FEMA Risk Rating 2 0, visit FEMA gov

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 8 ,

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

By FLORIDA DEPARTMENT

OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

During data privacy week, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shares tips for citizens and businesses to keep data secure from criminal actors

Guest Commentary

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

E d i t o r N a t h a n M a y b e rg n m a y b e rg @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

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

Advertising Sales

lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers com

Whether you are shopping or banking online, gaming, using social media or working from a smartphone or computer, using best data privacy practices will help keep your information secure

∫ Have a strong password and keep it safe:

Create a password that is at least 15 characters long, and includes a combination of letters, numbers, and punctuation Keep your passwords private; never share them with others

∫ Use antivirus software and keep it updated:

Set up your antivirus software to monitor your system in “real time” and keep it updated to protect your devices from the latest malicious software

∫ Make sure your firewall is turned on:

Firewalls protect your computer from hackers and other unwanted traffic Current operating systems (for Mac and PC) come with a firewall already installed; keep it turned on

∫ Apply your software security patches and updates:

Carefully review and install software patches as soon as they become available,

Help

someone

especially for your operating system. This reduces the amount of time that you are vulnerable to an attack

∫ Carefully review your privacy settings on all social networking sites:

I f y o u a r e n ’ t c a r e f u l o n s i t e s l i k e Facebook and Twitter, you can accidentally share information with everyone, not just your friends Check the settings frequently to ensure your information stays protected

∫ Research any file before you download it:

Malware and spyware often hide within downloads, especially the free ones Before you download anything verify that the source is legitimate Scan email attachments with your antivirus program before you open them

a y s t o g e t y o u r p e r s o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n

Before you fill out any form in a website, or respond to any email, make sure you know where that information is going. If necessary, make a phone call to double check

∫ Watch out for frauds and scams: Fraudsters and scam artists have become very sophisticated Watch out for deals that are too good to be true, especially on auction

sites or online classified ads. Do some research on any person or company before you do business with them And never wire money to a stranger

∫ Secure your home wireless network: Keep broadband thieves and hackers out of your wireless network at home Create a good strong network password, and share it only with people you trust

∫ Secure your mobile devices with the same degree of protection you give your computer:

Smartphones, tablets and laptops are full of personal and confidential information Be sure to protect them with passwords, and consider full-disk encryption for your laptop

Visit the FDLE’s Secure Florida website for more information and tips to keep yourself, your family and your business safe at SecureFlorida org

T h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f L a w

Enforcement's mission is to promote public safety and strengthen domestic security by providing services in partnership with local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies to prevent, investigate, and solve crimes while protecting Florida’s citizens and visitors For more information, visit https://www fdle state fl us/

you love apply for Social Security, more

By SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

This Valentine’s Day, take time to remind your loved ones that Social Security helps people in all stages of life We provide easy and convenient ways to learn about and apply for benefits

Using our online services, you can assist friends and family members to:

∫ A p p l y f o r S u p p l e m e n t a l S e c u r i t y Income (SSI) Check if the person you are helping qualifies for SSI and also apply at www ssa gov/ssi

∫ Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits When the unexpected happens and a loved one can no longer work due to a serious medical condition, our disability benefits can be a lifeline Find out

Your

Guest Commentary

more at www ssa gov/benefits/disability

∫ Create a personal my Social Security account If your loved one is planning for retirement or interested in estimating their future benefits, they can create a free and s e c u r e m y S o c i a l S e c u r i t y a c c o u n t a t w w w s s a g o v / m y a c c o u n t a n d v i e w t h e i r Social Security Statement.

∫ Check the status of a pending application for benefits Checking the status of an application is quick and easy with a personal

my Social Security account If you don’t have an account, you can create one at www ssa gov/myaccount

∫ Appeal a decision for benefits If someone you know was denied Social Security benefits or SSI, they can request an appeal We provide information on how to appeal decisions for both medical and non-medical reasons at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability /appeal html

To discover more ways you can assist others, visit www ssa gov/thirdparty/

For more information, visit the Social S e c u r i t y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n a t w w w s s a g o v People can also contact the area office in Fort Myers at 888-318-9114 or the national number at 800-772-1213 for assistance

Fort Myers

Beach

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 oPinions We want your opinion Web Poll Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com Previous Web Poll Results Have you applied/will you apply for a trailer while your home is repaired? ∫ Yes 14 3% ∫ No, I am able to live at my house while repairing it 19% ∫ No, I am renting or living at another location 57% ∫ No, my home was destroyed; I will not be rebuild 9 5% Current Web Poll Question What are you most concerned about in regards to rebuilding from Hurricane Ian? ∫ Debris removal ∫ Insurance ∫ 50% rule and whether I can afford to rebuild ∫ Permits for repairs/rebuilding ∫ Government leadership

Lyn McElhaney

School district raises benefits for employees

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

School District of Lee County emplo ees will have more money in their pay check, thanks to the Lee County School Board paying the employee’s base plan entire cost, while adding an additional $4,000 for dependent care

I n s u r a n c e a n d B e n e f i t s M a n a g e m e n t D i r e c t o r B o n n i e M c F a r l a n d s a i d i n p r e s e n t a t i o n d a t e d o n J u l y 2 5 t h e b o t t o l i n e s h o w e d t h a t t h e d i s t r i c t h a d t h e l o t o t a l p r e m i u m f o r i n s u r a n c e o u t o f g m e n t a l i n s u r a n c e s , a s w e l l a s t h e l o w e s t e m p l o y e r c o n t r i b u t i o n a n d t h e h i g h e s t e m p l o y e e c o s t f o r i n s u ra n c e

“Changes have begun,” she said, adding that the board contribution has increased

That increase went from $8,104 80 to $9,213 60, p l u s $ 4 , 0 0 0 8 0 f o r d e p e n d e n t s u b s i d y , e q u a l i n g $13,214 40 for those who have dependent coverage McFarland said that more than $13,000 goes towards the entire coverage on an annual basis

According to a press release, employees pay just $26 a month for a higher plan That increases to $41 21 when adding children to a plan a month for the base plan, or $83.76 a month for a higher plan.

The presentation broke down the employee savings based on the three different plans The employee savings per paycheck ranged from $114 50 to $318 05

“We are making significant progress in the realm where other employees are,” McFarland said Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier said the board did a fabulous job in not only raising the amount of

for employer contributions, but took care dditional costs associated with medical flation

“Compensation package, it doesn’t always come in a straight raise This is a legitimate money in a person’s pocket they can utilize,” he said.

With the new employer contribution, the district surpasses Broward County with employee only and family funding at ,919 60 The district comes closer to County with employee only and family g at $9,288; Collier County with an employee only and family funding at $9,681; and Orange County with employee only and family funding at $9,288 60

Although Hillsborough County and Pinellas County have lower employee only funding at $7,934

and $

As far as other Lee governmental entities, the district s t

McFarland said

She said through PeopleSoft, employees have the option to purchase different insurances, which will be calculated on the fly to show how much they would spend out of pocket based on a selected plan

“You can do that as often as you would like in the open enrollment period,” McFarland said.

The district is entering the Invitation to Negotiate for the 2024 open enrollment for medical, dental, vision and disability short-term and long-term insurance; group legal plan and employee assistance program

McFarland said when they go to the market there will be a request to match current plan designs; proposed enhancements to current plan designs and to propose alternative plan designs There will also be a medical insurance request for self-insured, fully-insured, prescription carve-in and carve-out options

The carve-in and carve-out plans provide an option to mix and match a medical plan with a prescription plan. McFarland said they can take those two and make a plan for the district

32 employee only funding and $13,823

for family funding; Florida Gulf Coast University has a $9,161 98 for employee only funding and $20,252 40 for family funding; Lee Government has $13,908 for employee only funding and $21,960 for family funding; and the Lee County’s Sheriff Office has $10,064 04 for employee only funding and $20,707 92 for family funding

McFarland said open enrollment for 2023 ends on Feb 10 She said only 25 percent of the district’s employees have completed their selections

The Invitation to Negotiate process will ultimately end with open enrollment 2024 She said the options will be brought before the board to vote upon in September or October

“This is sort of a promise made and a promise kept,” Bernier said “This is a complicated issue, the market in which we shop our insurance ”

Board Member Chris Patricca said the district has difficulty in how it shops its insurance because the market is so limited due to the structure of Lee Health.

“It does make it tremendously difficult to get real competition in Lee County because of the structure of Lee Health,” she said

DOH-Lee issues red tide alerts for islands, more

On Jan 30, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County issued health alerts for the presence of a red tide bloom An alert level of red tide was found near Buck Key at Blind Pass and Gasparilla Island State Park at the Boca Grande Pass This was in response to water samples taken on Jan. 25.

In addition, a caution level was found near Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel and Lynn Hall Park on Fort Myers Beach A cautionary notice indicates low levels (less than 10,000-100,000 Karenia brevis cells per liter) of red tide detected in sampling This was in response to water samples taken on Jan 25

The public is advised to take the following precautions:

∫ Look for informational signage posted at most beaches

∫ Stay away from the water, and do not swim in waters with dead fish.

∫ Those with chronic respiratory problems should be especially cautious and stay away from the locations as red tide can affect your breathing

∫ Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish, or distressed or dead fish from the locations If caught live and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted and the guts are discarded Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water

∫ Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide

∫ Keep pets and livestock away and out of the water, sea foam and dead sea life. If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash it as soon as possible

∫ Those living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications

∫ If outdoors near an affected location, people may choose to wear masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing

The DOH-Lee encourages the public to review the following tips to stay safe on the beach:

∫ In Florida, red tide is caused by a naturally occurring microscopic alga called Karenia brevis. Red tide algal blooms can change rapidly, staying in one place for months or just a few days or weeks

∫ Symptoms from breathing red tide usually include

coughing, sneezing and watery eyes For most people, symptoms are temporary and typically go away when the person leaves the area Wearing a particle filter mask may lessen the effects, and over-the-counter antihistamines decrease symptoms

∫ Those with chronic respiratory problems, like asthma, should avoid areas with active red tides People with symptoms that persist should seek medical attention

∫ Pet owners are advised that red tide poses a risk to animals brought to the beach Red tide can affect animals if they drink affected water, lick their wet paws or fur, or breath marine aerosols

∫ Those sensitive to red tide and living in beach areas affected by blooms are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the AC filter is maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications

∫ Seafood, including shellfish, in restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and markets is safe to eat Cooked shellfish oysters, clams, mussels thoroughly to prevent exposure to Vibrio vulnificus Shellfish should not be harvested or eaten from areas with active red tide Beach-goers are encouraged to check conditions before going to the beach as they can change daily

What is red tide?

Red tide is one type of harmful algal bloom caused by high concentrations of the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (K brevis), a type of microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico It typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents Once inshore, these organisms can use nearshore nutrient sources to fuel their growth Blooms typically last into winter or spring, but in some cases, can endure for more than one year

Is it har mful?

K brevis produces potent neurotoxins (brevetoxins) that can be harmful to the health of wildlife and people Wind and wave action can break open K brevis cells and release toxins into the air This is why you should monitor conditions and use caution when visiting affected water bodies People in coastal areas can experience varying degrees of eye, nose and throat irritation during

a red tide bloom Some individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma or chronic lung disease, might experience more severe symptoms Red tide toxins can also affect the central nervous system of fish and other marine life, which can lead to fish kills and increased wildlife strandings or mortalities. Eating contaminated seafood can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans Symptoms include nausea and vomiting; tingling of the mouth, lips and tongue; and slurred speech and dizziness

To find current information about Florida's water quality status and public health notifications for harmful a l g a l b l o o m s a n d b e a c h c o n d i t i o n s , v i s i t P r o t e c t i n g F l o r i d a T o g e t h e r g o v a n d floridahealth gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins For local shellfish harvesting status, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at h t t p s : / / w w w . f d a c s . g o v / A g r i c u l t u r eI n d u s t r y / A q u a c u l t u r e / S h e l l f i s h - H a r v e s t i n g - A r e a -

Classification

Where to repor t issues related to red tide?

T h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n Commission collects and analyzes red tide samples and r e s u l t s a r e u p d a t e d m u l t i p l e t i m e s d a i l y a t MyFWC com/redtidemap/ Status updates are issued t w i c e w e e k l y d u r i n g b l o o m s a t https://myfwc com/research/redtide/statewide/ To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state, call the toll-free hotline at 866-300-9399

To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute via the FWC Reporter App, c a l l 8 0 0 - 6 3 6 - 0 5 1 1 o r r e p o r t o n l i n e a t https://myfwc com/research/saltwater/health/fish-killshotline/

Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center Call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately

Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with red tide-affected water or contaminated marine life

For other health questions or concerns about red tide blooms, call the DOH-Lee at 239-690-2100

BUsiness

Loffreno Real Estate is back

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Loffreno Real Estate is back up and running with a new location at 7317 Estero Boulevard on the south end of Fort Myers Beach

The company, which has been serving Fort Myers Beach for more than 40 years, has a new office at the Santa Maria Resort Condominiums past Santini Plaza while they work on their old building located in midtown

“It’s going great We officially opened a b o u t a w e e k a g o , ” o w n e r C h r i s t i a n Loffreno said

The new real estate office, one of the few on the island with a working office in a building, has workstations, high-speed wi-fi, a gourmet coffee bar and employs 10 real estate agents The office is located on the first level above the lobby at the Santa Maria Resort Condominiums with approximately 1,400 square feet of space, accommodating both Realtors and clients with a

Santos named Busey Bank’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year

Busey Bank recently announced Jay Santos, assistant vice president - private client associate, as its 2022 Volunteer of the Year Living the Busey Promise in his community, Santos completed over 276 hours of service in 2022.

Santos’s extensive involvement in his Florida community includes volunteer service and various leadership roles within several organizations, including the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, the city of Cape Coral and the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida, to name a few

coastal-inspired reception area and private conference room

“We really wanted to have a building with our own facilities,” Mr Loffreno said “It’s safe from flooding ” Loffreno said he was still working on the own building to see if can be restored “Our intent is to return if we can,” he said

“Real estate is really brisk,” Loffreno said “We have picked up quite a bit of inventory ” Loffreno said the majority of the properties going on the market are homes that were damaged by Hurricane Ian or vacant lots Condos are not coming online as quick since many of the condo buildings have not been able to reopen to residents due to damage to elevators The homes that were not damaged by Hurricane are newer buildings, of which there are “only a handful” on the market, he said

“People will pay a premium for a home in really good condition that you can move into,” Loffreno said.

Loffreno said the company recently sold a 1,200

Business Briefs

By serving on committees, mentoring youth and acting as an advocate and ally for underrepresented populations, Santos has consistently proven his dedication to service by exemplifying what it means to be an agent of change, both at Busey and i n h i s c o m m u n i t y H e i n s p i r e s t h o s e around him by continuously devoting his time, talent and passion to the organizations he is involved with S p e c i f i c a l l y , S a n t o s h a s m a d e a tremendous impact with the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, where he has served as a ReadingPals m e n t o r a t V i l l a s E l e m e n t a r y i n F o r t Myers, FL, since 2019 ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative with a one-on-one approach that provides mentors for students who may need extra help

square-feet home on Delmar Ave for $1 525 million with three bedrooms, two bathrooms on the water with a pool The home was constructed in 2021 up to the new code and sustained minor damage to the yard Loffreno said the sale was one of the highest for a home of that size off the water The property was purchased by a client intending to use it as a vacation rental

Some of the listings they are getting are from older homeowners who “don’t want to redo their homes” and “don’t want to wait for the renovations,” Loffreno said “They want to get a place they can live in without stress ” Some are moving off island to Fort Myers

“It’s bittersweet,” Loffreno said “They don’t want to deal with the aggravation ”

Loffreno said Fort Myers Beach “will come back strong It’s going to take a few years ” He said there is still “so much work that needs to be done ”

Fort Myers Beach, Loffreno said, “is going to be a different island ”

Loffreno Real Estate is back to regular business hours, open Monday through Friday with availability on weekends by appointment

As the Volunteer of the Year, Santos will receive $1,000 to present to an organization of his choosing

For more information about Busey Bank, please visit busey com

Priority Marketing hires Collins as digital marketing coordinator

N a t e C o l l i n s h a s j o i n e d P r i o r i t y

Marketing as a digital marketing coordinator to help clients achieve their goals

t h r o u g h e f f e c t i v e c a m p a i g n s , s t r a t e g y implementation and evaluation

In this role, Collins is responsible for managing email marketing campaigns, building Eblasts and e-newsletters, maintaining email databases, overseeing quality

assurance and producing analytical reports, as well as meeting with clients to evaluate and recommend digital marketing strategies

In addition to email marketing, Priority Marketing’s digital marketing services include online advertising, content development, search engine optimization, payper-click advertising and website development, design, hosting and maintenance

Collins earned a master of business administration degree in business administration and management, as well as a bachelor of arts degree in sports management, from Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina, where he was a studentathlete on the baseball team

For more information, please call 2392 6 7 - 2 6 3 8 o r v i s i t P r i o r i t y M a r k e t i n g com

Christian Loffreno

FHP urges: ‘Stay at the Scene’ of a traffic crash

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Accidents on the roads are no stranger t o F l o r i d a r e s i d e n t s , a n d l o c a l l a w enforcement is reminding drivers to do the right thing if they should find themselves in an incident

February is Hit-and-Run Awareness

M o n t h i n F l o r i d a , a n d t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f H i g h w a y S a f e t y a n d Motor Vehicles and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol are leading the state’s “Stay at the Scene” campaign to help prevent crashes, reduce fatalities and injuries, and bring justice to families impacted by these crimes

Officials said while data shows a positive improvement from such circumstances from last year, yearly hit-and-run totals in Florida “underscore a disturbing trend ”

In 2022, the total number of hit-andrun crashes across the state decreased by 5% compared to 2021, according to officials In that same comparison, fatalities from hit-and-runs were down by 13%, and serious bodily injuries from hit-andruns were down 15%

Though over the past five years, there were 515,957 hit-and-run crashes that resulted in 1,251 fatalities On average, t h a t i s 1 0 3 , 1 9 1 h i t - a n d - r u n c r a s h e s r e s u l t i n g i n 2 5 0 d e a t h s p e r y e a r i n

Florida The state recorded a total of 104,895 hit-and-run crashes and 266

“Florida has been experiencing far too many hit-and-run tragedies for far too long, and this needs to change. Drivers who flee the scene of a crash are law breakers and displaying disregard towards other people’s lives and property. Fleeing the scene of a crash will cause severe, lifelong penalties, and law enforcement including our State Troopers will track down those offenders to make sure they are held accountable under the law.”

FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner

fatalities last year

“Florida has been experiencing far too many hit-and-run tragedies for far too long, and this needs to change,” stated

F L H S M V E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r D a v e Kerner in a release “Drivers who flee the scene of a crash are law breakers and displaying disregard towards other people’s lives and property Fleeing the scene of a crash will cause severe, lifelong penalties, and law enforcement – including our State Troopers – will track down those offenders to make sure they are held accountable under the law ”

Hit-and-run crashes primarily occur at night, or during dimly lit time periods, accounting for 80% of all such crashes Stats show 84% of hit-and-runs in lowlight conditions involve a fatality

In 2022, 144 fatalities were pedestrians and 50 were bicyclists, totaling 73% of hit-and-run fatalities last year While overall hit-and-run fatalities decreased compared to 2021, the percentage of

bicyclists and pedestrians who died in hitand-run crashes rose by 3%, officials stated

Under Florida law, a driver must stop immediately at the scene of a crash on public or private property that results in property damage, injury, or death:

∫ If the crash involves property damage, leaving the scene is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor, with penalties up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine

∫ Leaving the scene of a crash with i n j u r i e s i s a s e c o n d - o r t h i r d - d e g r e e felony and a driver, when convicted, will have their driver license revoked for at least three years and can be sentenced up to five years in prison and incur a $5,000 fine

∫ Drivers who leave the scene of a crash with a fatality face a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum of four years in prison, and they could be sentenced up to 30 years and incur a $10,000 fine

“Leaving the scene of a traffic crash is a crime, even when you are scared You must stop immediately at the scene of a crash which results in property damage, injury, or death,” stated Florida Highway P a t r o l D i r e c t o r , C o l o n e l G e n e S . Spaulding “If you happen to witness a hit-and-run crash, I urge you to dial *FHP (*347) or contact your local law enforcem e n t t o r e p o r t w h a t y o u w i t n e s s e d Together, we can make a difference in solving hit-and-run crashes ”

Even if an individual is involved in a crash pertaining to property damage, they must stay at the scene and attempt to locate or contact the property owner If they cannot locate the property owner, the driver responsible for the crash should leave contact and insurance information in an identifiable location, officials said In the case of property damage only, the driver and crash victim once contact has been made between them can self-file a crash report with FLHSMV, and then do not need law enforcement to file a crash report

Officials said even a small tip can help solve a hit-and-run case If you have information on a hit-and-run crash, you can report it by calling *FHP (*347) or report it anonymously to Florida Crime Stoppers by calling **TIPS (**8477) or t h r o u g h t h e F l o r i d a C r i m e S t o p p e r s smartphone phone app, available free in the Apple and Google Play stores.

County school, district grades will differ this year

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The implementation of the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking testing this year means how schools and the School District of Lee County will be graded has changed the number of components on which they are measured has decreased

S u p e r i n t e n d e n t D r . C h r i s t o p h e r

Bernier said there will be fewer opportunities for schools to gather necessary points

“The biggest impact going into this year is the lack of learning gains,” he said “Principals talk a lot about learning gains

They have students that are in level one and two already and really want to move that student along Some are going to move a few feet, some move a mile The good news is the denominator is changing.”

In a typical year, the district and the schools within it receive an annual grade based on student achievement, growth and other academic measures To receive an A grade, they need to receive 62 percent of points or greater; 54 percent to 61 percent for a B; 41 percent to 53 percent for a C; 32 percent to 40 percent for a D; and 31 percent or less for an F

Again, in a typical year, elementary schools are graded on three components in English Language Arts and mathematics achievement, learning gains and

learning gains of the lowest 25 percent; and science achievement. With middle school, it is the same seven components w i t h s c h o o l a c c e l e r a t i o n s u c c e s s , o r Industry Certifications High school social studies achievement, four-year graduation rate and high school acceleration success is added to English Language Arts, mathematics and science components

E l e m e n t a r y s c h o o l s a r e g r a d e d o n seven components, middle schools and K8 schools have nine components, high schools have 10 components and the district has 11 components. Each component is worth 100 points

A c c o u n t a b i l i t y , A s s e s s m e n t a n d Research Director Dr Matthew Kaye said achievement is recognized as scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on statewide assessments

He said this school year for 2022-23 is a transitional year, as students are being tested on Florida Assessment of Student Thinking The first progress monitoring was done in August, the second in January and the third one will be in May for grades third through 10th.

Kaye said since this is the first year of new testing there is no prior year score, which impacts the components

“Other key considerations, while you hear the term ‘hold harmless,’ this is a very significant year for our students They still have to pass statewide assessments for graduation and promotion reasons While it may be hold harmless, our

students in the building have the same expectations as years before,” he said.

The changes to the 2022-23 model includes no learning gains, resulting in fewer components; school and district grades may be reset; and the school and district grades will be released later, in either the late fall or winter

The changes include seven components for the district, three components for elementary, five components for middle s c h o o l a n d s i x c o m p o n e n t s f o r h i g h school

“For the district, instead of having 11, you now have seven, 700 points available,” Kaye said

The graduation and college and career a c c e l e r a t i o n r a t e s a r e b o t h l a g d a t a reports, as the prior year data is finalized over the summer, into the following year He said the graduation rates are finalized at the end of the summer, while acceleration success exams are released in August and September

The graduation rate is measured on students graduating within four years of starting high school For instance, a ninthgrader who began school in 2018-19 is expected to graduate in the 2021-22 school year

The graduation rate for the 2021-22 school year was 82 5 percent for the district and 87 3 percent for the statewide graduation rate, compared to 85 1 percent for the district the year prior and 90 1 per-

cent for the statewide graduation College and career acceleration represents the percentage of graduates who earned a qualifying CCA credit by earning at least a passing score on an Advanced Placement exam; a passing score on an International Baccalaureate exam; a passing score on an Advanced International Certificate of Education exam; A, C or better in a dual enrollment course; a CAPE Industry Certification credit, 300 or more clock hours in the same Dual Enrollment course program or a 65 or higher on the ASVAB and two JROTC credits from the same branch of the military

The college and career acceleration rate was 63 percent statewide and 68 percent for the district

The presentation also focused on CSI ( C o m p r e h e n s i v e S u p p o r t a n d Improvement) schools those schools that received a D or F, have a graduation rate of 67 percent or less, and have an overall federal index below 41 percent

Kaye said there are three schools in C S I t i e r o n e : G W e a v e r H i p p s Elementary School, Manatee Elementary School and Fort Myers Middle Academy He said all of the schools earned a D last year The first tier has intensive interventions and supports, such as a school improvement plan, instructional reviews, district and school requirements, and progress monitoring data reviews

Beach Living

County says Lynn Hall Memorial Park remains closed; Lack of barriers for beach entry causing confusion

LEFT

A makeshift memorial for those lost to Hurricane Ian has gone up at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, near Times Square on Fort Myers Beach

BELOW:

Passersby look at a makeshift memorial at Lynn Hall Memorial Park for those lost to Hurricane Ian on Fort Myers Beach

There have been portable restrooms placed at the park though Lee County says the park is closed. There were a couple dozen people on the beach late Monday afternoon at the park

Lynn Hall Park

From page 8

There are no signs on the beach at Lynn Hall Memorial Park prohibiting entry, sunbathing or enjoying the water though there is a red tide warning sign According to the latest daily sample map, there has been no red tide reported at Lynn Hall Memorial Park though it has been reported to be high off the waters of nearby Sanibel and at medium levels in nearby Lovers Key State Park.

Times Square on Fort Myers Beach this past Monday

NATHAN MAYBERG

The area around Lynn Hall Memorial Park still resembles a disaster. See LYNN HALL PARK, page 10

There were a scattering of beachgoers at Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Monday though little compared to what a normal February day would have looked like in the past

Lynn Hall Park

ABOVE: With a sparse crowd at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, some got in some fishing Monday on Fort Myers Beach. BELOW: A family walks through Times Square to the beach at Lynn Hall Memorial Park.

WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE

Chapel by the Sea to hold farewell ceremony, healing and hope service

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church took a terrible hit from Hurricane Ian, its building utterly destroyed The church hopes to rebuild but before it says goodbye to the old building the congregation has scheduled a healing and hope service on Sunday, Feb 19

“Since we were the first church on the island, we want to give the community and our members a chance to say goodbye to what Chapel was and give hope to what it will be in the future,” Chapel by the Sea Administrator Denise Armstrong said.

“We have invited the island churches and Peace River Presbytery leadership We were able to recover a few items from the debris,” Armstrong said The original church bell which was hung in late April 1942 by the 13th fighter squadron of the 53rd fighter

insidetoday

group from Page Field, Fort Myers was saved The bell came by way of a Pennsylvania Bell Foundry It was saved from being melted down for bullets, as this was during Worls War II.

“We also were able to save the center-stained glass window piece from the original Dolphin window that was destroyed in Hurricane Charlie,” Armstrong said Nearly everything else inside the church was lost –bibles, pianos, an organ, chairs, computers, furniture, files, the pulpit

The congregation is currently worshipping with Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers and have a temporary office there

“We have about 30 to 40 members worshipping” there, Armstrong said “Some members are starting to come back (for the winter).”

Before Hurricane Ian, the congregation numbered

about 160, she said The church is still working out financials with its insurance company and adjuster, along with the town, before it makes a final decision on its future.

“We don't have any final plans yet but our plan is to rebuild at the island property It may be a smaller footprint but we will have a presence on the beach We want to continue our mission work with AA/ALANON and our other outreach programs,” Armstrong said

“We are probably six to eight weeks out before we know what direction we are going to take We will either rebuild, tear down or merge with another church We want to keep a presence on the island Our focus is on the Beach,” Armstrong said

The service on Sunday, Feb 19, will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Fundraiser to benefit Gulf Coast Humane Society - page 14

Tickets on sale for ‘An Evening with the Authors’ - page 14

Exhibits on display at BIG ARTS - page 15

Master Singers to join chamber orchestra - page 15

What’s Happening - page 16

Sports & Recreation - page 18

Celebrate Thomas Edison’s birthday at the estates

The public is invited to celebrate Thomas Edison's 176th birthday on Feb. 10 beginning at 10 a m at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

The annual tradition will continue w i t h s t u d e n t s f r o m t h e E d i s o n P a r k

Creative and Expressive Arts School singing, dancing and playing stringed instruments Cake will be served during the event, which is sponsored in part by the Edison Pageant of Light, the organization founded in 1938 to memorialize Edison.

T h e s c h e d u l e f o r t h e e v e n t w i l l include:

∫ Estates Chief Executive Officer Mike Flanders will give a brief welcome and thank the Edison Pageant of Light organizers for providing the cake

∫ Edison Ford Board Chair Cole Peacock and Edison Pageant of Light

Historian Sue Grimes will each say a few words

∫ Students from the Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School will perform stringed instruments and then the “Boys in Black” will sing and dance Students will also sing happy birthday to history character, Mr Edison

∫ Birthday cake will be served

∫ Music will be played on the antique Calliope, a circus car

Historically, local school children performed for Edison on his birthday The school's dance program features music and dance from the Edison Era as well as contemporary favorites. The event is an opportunity for the school children to demonstrate their talents

Admission is free with limited seating

For more information about the event, visit EdisonFord org

Fundraiser to benefit Gulf Coast Humane Society

T h e G u l f C o a s t H u m a n e Society and Stu’s Motorcycles will host a “Barking Lot Party” on Feb 11

It will kick off with a motorcycle ride at 10 a m from the shelter, at 2010 Arcadia St , F o r t M y e r s , t o S t u ’ s Motorcycles, at 14607 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. Registration open from 9 to 10 a m

The event will continue at Stu’s from 11 a m to 3 p m

T h e r e w i l l b e v e n d o r s , l i v e music, free food, a bike wash, dessert truck, Valentine’s Day dog costume contest, dog pools and dog agility training

The fundraiser aims to raise funds and awareness for the shelter and its shelter

animals Registration for the ride is $20 per bike and $10 per passenger.

For more information or to register, visit https://gulfcoasthumanesociety org/

Playhouse to per for m ‘Camelot’

T h e G u l f s h o r e

P l a y h o u s e w i l l p r e s e n t

L e r n e r a n d L o e w e ’ s

“Camelot” from Feb 9 to March 12 at the Norris Center, at 755 8th Ave S., Naples. The classic

B r o a d w a y m u s i c a l i s

d i r e c t e d b y J e f f r e y

B i n d e r T h e o r i g i n a l 1960 musical, based on the legend of King Arthur and his knights of the round table and adapted f r o m t h e T H W h i t e n o v e l “ T h e O n c e a n d

F u t u r e K i n g , ” i s a sparkling and winningly

f a s t - p a c e d r e n d i t i o n .

With original book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, this adaptation by David Lee features new orchestrations by Steve Orich Tickets start at $38 For more information or tickets, call 239-261-PLAY (7529) or visit gulfshoreplayhouse org

Tickets on sale for ‘An Evening with the Authors’

The Lee County Library System will offer book-loving fans a chance to meet and mingle with more than 20 Southwest Florida Reading Festival authors at the “An Evening with the Authors” fundraiser, planned for March 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p m at the Edison Restaurant & Event Center in Fort Myers

“This really is an unforgettable opportunity for fans to meet the authors before

our big festival,” Melissa Baker, festival coordinator and programming/community outreach manager for the system, said.

“The dinner is a personal gathering with the writers and without the crowds that festival day will bring Our guests have a chance to interact with the authors and quite likely learn fun facts, too ”

Proceeds will benefit the 24th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival on

March 4 in Fort Myers It is a free, allages outdoor event where fans may listen to and meet a line-up of bestselling authors, explore the latest in books and technology and participate in crafts and activities In addition, there will be a free book for every child and teen, storytelling programs, youth writing contest awards and food truck vendors Several a u t h o r p r e s e n t a t i o n s w i l l a l s o b e

Fundraiser tickets are $75 per person and are available through Feb 15

For more information or tickets, visit www ReadFest org

is at 3583 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

Students perform for Thomas Edison's birthday in 1928 at the Pleasure Pier in Fort Myers.

BIG ARTS on Sanibel is hosting two exhibitions in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian In the Dunham Family Gallery, “shhh quiet” by Ran Adler is described as a

Collective to per for m Jazz at the MACC

T h e G u l f C o a s t

J a z z C o l l e c t i v e w i l l p r es en t “J azz at th e

M A C C ” w i t h L a i l a Biali on Feb 9 at 7 p m at the Music & A r t s C o m m u n i t y

C e n t e r , a t 1 3 4 1 1

S h i r e L a n e , F o r t

Myers Biali is a multi a w a r d - w i n n i n g

Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist and CBC Music national

r a d i o h o s t J a m e s

S u g g s w i l l j o i n o n

t r u m p e t T i c k e t s a r e

$ 3 8 - 4 4 F o r m o r e information and tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/

Exhibits on display at BIG ARTS

b e a u t i f u l , c o m f o r t i n g a n d c o n t e m p l a t i v e e x h i b i t

“Finding Perfection,” from abstract artist and photographer Lynda Fay Braun, is called a stunning exhibit and

located in the Mezzanine Gallery For more information, visit https://bigarts org/ or call 239-395-0900 BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

Master Singers to join chamber orchestra

The Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra and Fort Myers Master Singers will present “Vivaldi Gloria” on Feb 11 at 7:30 p m at the Music & Arts Community Center, at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers Vivaldi's “Gloria” is one of sacred music's most uplifting choral works a piece of high drama and hidden joy Also on the program is Mozart’s final “Symphony No 41 in C Major ” Tickets range from $35-41. For more information and tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/

RAN ADLER

LYNDA FAY BRAUN

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/

Hodges Connect and Investment Concepts to present Successful

Retirement Seminars in Februar y Hodges Connect Professional Education and Training, and Investment Concepts present a series of three seminars about the many aspects of planning for a successful retirement The February seminars will be held from 6-8 p m at Hodges Universityin Building H

Attendees will learn about strategies to manage dayto-day finances, tax reduction, and investment management Additionally, attendees will learn about proper planning to be prepared for a comfortable financial future Some of the seminar topics include financial basics, retirement income, risk management, investments, and estate planning

The instructor for the seminars is Esai Ferguson, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional. He operates Investment Concepts, a private practice

The seminar dates are on Thursday, Feb 9, 16, and 23 The cost is $75 and includes one Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement workbook Each attendee may bring a spouse or friend for free Hodges University is at 4501 Colonial Blvd , Fort Myers

T o r e g i s t e r a n d g e t m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www hodges edu/retirement-seminar

The Laborator y Theater of Florida to present ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’

T h e L a b o r a t o r y T h e a t e r o f F l o r i d a t o p r e s e n t

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” Feb 10 through March 11

Sweeney Todd, an unjustly-exiled barber, returns to 19th-century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice Mrs Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up and the carnage has only just begun!

Book by Hugh Wheeler, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Based on the 1973 play of the same name by Christopher Bond

Photography and videography of this production are

strictly prohibited.

Don't wait! Reserve your seats early for this thrilling musical!

Performance dates:

∫ Feb 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25 at 8 p m

∫ Feb 12, 19, and 26 at 2 p m

∫ March 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 at 8 p m

∫ March 5 at 2 p m

For more information visit https://laboratorytheaterflorida com/2022-23-season/ or call 239-218-0481

T

Woodford Avenue, Fort Myers

Edison, Ford estates to host Spring Garden Festival

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host its annual Spring Garden Festival on Feb. 11-12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p m outdoors under large shade trees at the estates, at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

Over 60 vendors from around the state will have exotic and native plants and trees for sale

The festival will also feature food trucks and live music

“This event has grown over the last 10 years,” Horticulture Director Debbie Hughes said “Each year, we have more vendors participating, which gives our members and visitors a larger selection of plants to choose from ”

Vendors will have many types of plants and trees, including air plants, bromeliads, butterfly plants, cacti, fruit trees, herbs, hibiscus, orchids, palms, succulents and hard-to-find species They will also offer garden supplies, such as flowerpots, fertilizer and worm castings

The Garden Shoppe will also be open and offer a large selection of unusual tropical and Florida native plants that thrive in Southwest Florida Ceramic flowerpots, vegetable and flower seeds, garden art, and gardening gift items will be available for purchase Members receive a discount on all their purchases

A limited number of garden carts will be available, so attendees are encouraged to bring a cart or wagon for transporting their plants A designated plant holding tent and loading spot will be offered

Parking and admission to the festival is free

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e e v e n t , v i s i t EdisonFord org

Share the Love: Dueling Pianos 2023

This Valentine’s Day, share the love and enjoy an interactive outdoor dueling piano concert with a catered buffet dinner benefiting two great organizations: the Alliance for the Arts and Our Mother’s Home

Feel good about doing good, eating good and drinking good, as proceeds from this event will benefit both the Alliance for the Arts and Our Mother’s Home Tickets are $100 per person and include dinner, dessert, entertainment and a champagne toast Gates open at 5 p m and the show takes place from 6 – 10 p m on the Alliance for the Arts festival grounds under our new café lights

Alliance for the Arts to host concert series

In partnership with the family-friendly Grand Piano Series, the Alliance for the Arts will present Boyd Meets Girl Duo on Feb 11 from 11 to 11:30 a m at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

Boyd Meets Girl pairs Australian classical guitarist Rupert Boyd with American cellist Laura Metcalf The duo has toured the world sharing their eclectic mix of music from Debussy and Bach to Radiohead and Beyoncé, and t h e i r t w o s t u d i o a l b u m s h

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

W Strake Hall of Malacology, From Bottom to Top” with Tina Petway, associate curator of malacology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Petway led the 2019 redesign and installation of one of the largest permanent public exhibitions of shells in the world at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Attendees will learn about the collection housed at the museum and the challenges met by Petway and her team for the major endeavor She will explore newly implemented ideas of the uses of space and visual presentation of the shell collection The Houston and Sanibel museums house the two largest public exhibitions of shells in the United States and are among a relatively small number of natural history museums with permanent displays

Petway has been collecting and studying mollusks for over 60 years, spending thousands of hours walking the beaches of Texas looking for mollusks She has done research and collecting in many of the South Pacific Island nations, including the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippine Islands and Singapore The coastal areas of the Baja-West Mexico have been a favorite of hers Petway began volunteering at the museum in 1999 and she became the associate curator in 2005

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum Executive Director Sam Ankerson will provide the introduction for the lecture, along with an update on the museum postHurricane Ian

s t r e a m e d o v e r 2 m i l l i o n t i m e s o n Spotify alone

Each concert in the series is limited to 30 minutes to ensure the best experience for all ages Young attendees are free to crawl, walk, play, and otherwise enjoy themselves during the performance

Tickets are free, but reservations are encouraged at the Alliance for the Arts on Eventbrite

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

For more information or t o p u r c h a s e t i c k e t s v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w a r t i n l e e o r g / e v e n t / s h a r e - t h e - l o v e2023/

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum announces next lecture in series

T h e B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s

National Shell Museum on Sanibel is continuing with its annual lecture series, which is offered virtually v i a Z o o m a n d f r e e o f charge The next lecture in the series will be:

∫ Feb 15 at 5:30 p m :

Advance registration is required

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o r e g i s t e r , v i s i t https://www.shellmuseum.org/online-lectures.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel

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

WHAT’S HAPPENING

From page 16

This year’s mission moment will support the newly created 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

Edison, Ford estates to offer ar t classes for adults

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers offers opportunities throughout the year to learn painting techniques, create floral arrangements or other pieces of artwork taught by local artists

Classes scheduled for the month of February include the following:

∫ Feb 18: Acrylic Landscape Painting with Marie Dyer at 9 a m

Impressionistic local artist Marie Dyer will guide participants in a plein air acrylic landscape painting workshop She will cover the fundamentals of composition and structure, color creating, mood and mixing paints and will assist in developing a pallet that speaks to each participant The workshop is for artists of all skill levels Cost is $90 for members or $100 for non-members; all materials are included

∫ Feb 25: Silk Scarf Painting with Marie Dyer at 10 a m

Marie Dyer has been teaching at the estates for years Participants will paint a scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork. Participants of all experience levels are welcome Cost is $90 for members or $100 for nonmembers; all materials are included

Seating is limited and registration is required

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o r e g i s t e r , v i s i t

EdisonFord org

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

DDWS refuge programming and more

T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e S o c i e t y - F r i e n d s o f t h e

R e f u g e r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e R e f u g e ' s V i s i t o r & E d u c a t i o n C e n t e r a n d W i l d l i f e D r i v e r e m a i n c l o s e d t o t h e p u b l i c d u e t o t h e h u r r i c a n e d a m a g e C o n s e q u e n t l y , m a n y p r o g r a m s a n d e v e n t s a r e c a n c e l e d I n a d d i t i o n , t h e D D W S p r o v i d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g u p d a t e s : ∫ R e f u g e C l e a n u p w i t h a R a n g e r t a k e s p l a c e o n W e d n e s d a y s a t 9 a m M e e t a t t h e V i s i t o r & E d u c a t i o n C e n t e r p a r k i n g l o t f o r a s a f e t y b r i e f b e f o r e t r a v e l i n g t o t h e c l e a n u p s i t e o f t h e w e e k P a r t i c i p a t i o n i s l i m i t e d ; p r e r e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d a t D i n g D a r l i n g E v e n t b r i t e c o m ∫ “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t u r e W e l l n e s s i s p a r t n e r i n g w i t h t h e S a n i b e l R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r f o r a f r e e M i n d f u l n e s s M e d i t a t i o n C l a s s o n W e d n e s d a y s a t 8 : 3 0 a m a n d a f r e e G u i d e d M i n d f u l n e s s W a l k o n S a t u r d a y s a t 1 0 a m P r e r e g i s t e r a t D i n g D a r l i n g E v e n t b r i t e c o m ∫ M o s t M o n d a y s , W e d n e s d a y s a n d F r i d a y s , t h e N a t u r e S t o r e w i l l p o p u p a t t h e O u t d o o r G a l l e r y a n d I s l a n d M a r k e t f r o m 1 0 a m t o 2 p m a t t h e R a c h e l P i e r c e A r t G a l l e r y , a t 1 5 7 1 P e r i w i n k l e W a y , S a n i b e l

∫ T h e 1 0 t h a n n u a l “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g - T h e o d o r e C r o s s H i g h S c h o o l P h o t o g r a p h y C o n t e s t i s o p e n T h e d e a dl i n e f o r e n t r i e s i s M a r c h 1 F o r i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t

A l i R e e c e a t a l i s o n @ d i n g d a r l i n g s o c i e t y o r g

∫ T h e D D W S ' m a j o r a n n u a l f u n d r a i s e r , “ G o B u l l y f o r “ D i n g ” A n E v e n i n g w i t h T e d d y R o o s e v e l t , ”

SWFL Symphony to present ‘Bowie & Glass’

T

And Glass: A Symphonic Tribute” on Feb 11 at 7:30 p m at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, at 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, and on Feb 12 at 4 p m at t h e C h a r

m i n g A r t s

Center, at 701 Carmalita St , Punta Gorda Presented as a collaboration b e t w e e n t h e s y m p h o n y , O c a l a Symphony and Reilly Arts Center, the Brave New Pops performance blends the works of classical composer Philip Glass and rock icon David Bowie for an unparalleled

w i l l t a k e p l a c e o n M a r c h 6 a t t h e B r o a d w a y P a l m i n F o r t M y e r s R e s e r v a t i o n s a r e o p e n

∫ T h e d e a d l i n e f o r t h e a n n u a l F l o r i d a J u n i o r D u c k S t a m p C o n t e s t i s M a r c h 1 5 . 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 S u p e r v i s o r y R e f u g e R a n g e r T o n i W e s t l a n d a t

T o n i W e s t l a n d @ f w s g o v o r 2 3 9 - 9 4 0 - 0 1 6 9

∫ T h e a n n u a l “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g & D o c F o r d ’ s

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

1 9 R e g i s t r a t i o n i s o p e n A s o f F e b 3 , t h e r e w e r e f i v e s p o t s l e f t T h e D D W S t h a n k e d t h e 2 0 2 3 s p o n s o r s T o b e c o m e a n e v e n t s p o n s o r , c o n t a c t A p r i l B o e h n e n a t a p r i l b @ d i n g d a r l i n g s o c i e t y o r g

∫ I n c o n c e r t w i t h E a r t h D a y , t h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g D a y C o n s e r v a t i o n C a r n i v a l w i l l t a k e p l a c e o n A p r i l

1 1 a t t h e L a k e s P a r k i n F o r t M y e r s

∫ “ D i n g ” W e l l n e s s W e e k w i l l p r e c e d e N a t i o n a l M e n t a l H e a l t h A w a r e n e s s W e e k , M a y 3 - 1 0

Illusionist Leon Etienne to per for m two shows at Boys & Girls Clubs in For t Myers

I n t e r n a t i o n a l l y a c c l a i m e d i l l u s i o n i s t L e o n E t i e n n e i s b r i n g i n g h i s M a g i c R o c k s t o u r i n e a r l y M a r c h t o

F o r t M y e r s t h r o u g h a p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h B o y s & G i r l s

C l u b s o f L e e C o u n t y

E t i e n n e , w h o h a s p e r f o r m e d o n A m e r i c a ’ s G o t T a l e n t , L a t e N i g h t w i t h J i m m y F a l l o n a n d o t h e r s h o w s , i s r e c o g n i z e d f o r h i s o n - s t a g e c h a r i s m a a n d f a s t - p a c e d , h i g h - e n e r g y p e r f o r m a n c e s t y l e . H e w i l l b e p e r f o r m i n g t w o s h o w s a t B o y s & G i r l s C l u b s ’ f l a g s h i p P a r k M e a d o w s C o m m u n i t y C l u b T i c k e t s a r e $ 4 5 f o r a d u l t s a n d $ 2 5 f o r c h i l d r e n 1 2 a n d u n d e r P r o c e e d s w i l l h e l p B o y s & G i r l s C l u b s f u l f i l l i t s m i s s i o n t o e n a b l e a l l y o u n g p e o p l e , e s p e c i a l l y t h o s e w h o n e e d u s m o s t , t o r e a c h t h e i r f u l l p o t e n t i a l a s p r o d u c t i v e , c a r i n g a n d r e s p o n s i b l e c i t i z e n s S h o w s b e g i n a t 7 : 3 0 p m o n T u e s d a y , M a r c h 7 a n d W e d n e s d a y , M a r c h 8 a t P a r k M e a d o w s C o m m u n i t y C l u b , 1 9 0 0 P a r k M e a d o w s D r i v e i n F o r t M y e r s F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o r e g i s t e r , p l e a s e v i s i t b g c l e e . o r g / e v e n t s / m a g i c - r o c k s - e v e n t .

I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e t w o s h o w s o p e n t o t h e p u b l i c ,

concert experience The program was originally created by Ocala Symphony Music Director Matt Wardell Tickets for Feb 11 range from $20-115 Tickets for Feb 12 r a n g e f r o m $ 3 9 - 5 2 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t i c k e t s , v i s i t https://www swflso org/tickets/

B o y s & G i r l s C l u b s o f L e e C o u n t y a n d E t i e n n e w i l l b e h o s t i n g f i v e f r e e M a g i c W o r k s h o p s f o r c l u b m e m b e r s i n F o r t M y e r s , L e h i g h A c r e s a n d B o n i t a S p r i n g s “ T h e m a g i c w o r k s h o p s w e w i l l b e d o i n g w i t h s t ud e n t s e m p o w e r t h e m a n d b u i l d t r e m e n d o u s c o n f i d e n c e a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s k i l l s , ” E t i e n n e s a i d “ I t a l s o s h o w s t h e m t h e r e a r e e x c i t i n g t h i n g s t o l e a r n t h a t h a v e n o t h i n g t o d o w i t h p h o n e s , T V o r t h e i n t e r n e t ”

A l l y n I n t e r n a t i o n a l S e r v i c e s i s s p o n s o r i n g t h e s h o w s a n d w o r k s h o p s

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

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY

SPORTS & RECREATION

Red Sox to begin Spring Training season at JetBlue Park

The Red Sox recently announced that the 2023 Spring Training exhibition season will begin on Feb 24 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, where the team will launch the season with a game against the Northeastern University Huskies

The club will play 18 home games and 16 away games, including 32 Grapefruit League games against seven American League teams and four National League teams For the first time since 2017, a World Baseball Classic exhibition game will be played at JetBlue Park on March 8

The Red Sox will play 11 games against divisional opponents, including two against their American League East rival New York Yankees The club will face the Yankees on March 9 at George M Steinbrenner Field in Tampa and will host the Yankees at JetBlue Park on March 12

Other divisional match ups include four games against the Tampa Bay Rays, three games against the Baltimore Orioles, and two against the Toronto Blue Jays The team will also square off against the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Miami Marlins, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, and Pittsburgh Pirates

The Red Sox will look to defend their Lee County Commissioners Cup title against their cross-town foes the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park on Feb 27, March 22 and 26 A total of five match ups will take place between the Lee County rivals with the Red Sox heading to Hammond Stadium at Lee County Sports Complex on March 3 and 11

The Red Sox will play six games against the Atlanta Braves, the most of any opponent The final two exhibition match ups of the season will be against the Braves, with the Red Sox set to travel to CoolToday Park on March 27, and host the Braves at JetBlue Park the following day, March 28, to close out the Spring Training season.

For more information including game times and tickets, visit https://www mlb com/redsox

JetBlue Park is at 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers

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

Visitors asked to participate in community blood and food drive

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

Minnesota Twins Celebrity Golf Classic set for February

R e g i s t r a t i o n i s o p e n a n d s p o n s o r s 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 C e l e b r i t y G o l f C l a s s i c s e t f o r F e b 1 7 f r o m 1 : 3 0 t o 4 : 3 0 p m a t T o p g o l f , a t 2 0 2 1 T o p g o l f W a y , F o r t M y e r s . T h i s y e a r , s u p p o r t f o r t h e e v e n t s e r i e s w i l l b e n e f i t t h e L e e H e a l t h 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 f a m i l i e s c a n s t a y c l o s e t o h o m e f o r l i f e s a v i n g c a n c e r c a r e R e g i s t r a t i o n f o r i n d i v i d u a l t i c k e t s a n d s p o n s o rs h i p s w i l l c l o s e o n F e b 1 I n d i v i d u a l t i c k e t s a r e $ 3 5 0 . T e a m r e g i s t r a t i o n s a r e $ 1 , 5 0 0 a n d i n c l u d e t i c k e t s f o r f i v e p a r t i c i p a n t s S p o n s o r s h i p s l e v e l s r a n g e f r o m p r e s e n t i n g s p o ns o r t o s i l e n t a u c t i o n a n d h o l e s p o n s o r s h i p s F o r i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o r e g i s t e r , v i s i t L e e H e a l t h F o u n d a t i o n . o r g / t w i n s .

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve hosting classes

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is offering Tiny Tots Yoga and Guided Meditation 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 age 5 can enjoy meditation, movement and songs in an active, family-friendly yoga class Taught by certified yoga instructor Mariela Gémez, the class uses music, yoga play props and stories to help children establish a connection with their caretakers while benefiting from active movement Participants must bring their own gear, including yoga mat, blanket or towel, and water bottle 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 different technique: reducing stress, promoting focus, mindfulness, visualization and kindness Classes begin with simple stretches and qigong movements to shake off any stale energy before beginning meditation 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 239-5337555

Getyour MedicalMarijuanaCard

Fast Easy Appro-val callfora FREEEVALUATIONBY PHONE 239-236-5311

C MMDR.COM

PRESSMAN: experiencepreferred butnotrequired.F/T

PRESSASSISTANT: willtrain,F/T PaidVacation, Benefits,401K,great workenvironment!

ApplyinPersonor emailyourresume BreezeNewspapers 14051JetportLoop FtMyersFL33913

rbrown@breezenewspapers.com

TruckDriver

DELIVERYDRIVER (BoxTruck)

TheBreeze Newspapershas animmediate needfora FullTimeDelivery driver.

NoCDLrequired 401(k), medical/dental benefits, Greatwork environment.

ApplyinPersonor emailyourresume

BreezeNewspapers

14051JetportLoop FtMyersFL33913

rbrown@breezenewspapers.com

I BUY ALL RV’s

I PAY CASH

I will Come To You To See It Quick & Easy Sale.

CASH ON THE SPOT!

Vince ~ 941-301-9946 ~ Local

I BUY ALL BOATS

I PAY CASH

I will Come To You To See It Quick & Easy Sale.

CASH ON THE SPOT!

Vince ~ 941-301-9946 ~ Local

CaptainsCove

AnnualGarageSale

Saturday2/18,8am-1pm

Over30Families

Household,Fishing ArtandMore OnPineIslandtake StringfellownorthtoBoyceDr

CornwallisNeighborhood GarageSale

CornerofCornwallis &DelPradoBlvdS

Friday&Saturday 2/10&2/11,8AM-2PM

Boating/FishingEquipment, Furniture,Tools,Household Items,Clothes,Toys, Knick-Knackás&MuchMore

2016BMWX5xDrive35i

SportUtility4D.NoHurricaneDamage!Wasstored on4thfloorparkinggarage duringHurricane!Very clean,completelyloaded! Panoramicsunroof,thirdrow seating,4wd/Awd,leather seats.Everyoptionavailablethisvehiclehasit. $24,900.Call239-834-8784.

for

LARGE TO SMALL TREE WORK

STUMP REMOVAL

BUCKET TRUCK SERVICE

WOOD CHIPPER SERVICE

I WANT TO BE YOUR TREE GUY!! CALL ME FOR WHATEVER YOU NEED!!

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 8 , 2 0

3 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

■ W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 8 , 2 0 2 3 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

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 , F e b r u a r y