Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

School district raises benefits for employees

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers

Sanibel fire team wins People’s Choice at chili challenge

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The people have spoken: A fire district crew from the islands serves up the best chili in town

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District joined 11 other groups to battle it out at the 4th Annual Lee County Chili Challenge on Jan. 28 at Stu's Motorcycles in Fort Myers. The four-member island team came in fourth overall in the cook-off, but brought home the trophy for the People’s Choice pick

“We're very happy we won it,” engineer-paramedic Bryan

Clement, who took part in the competition alongside team members and firefighter-paramedics Arian Moore, Rob Bell and Mike Tejeda, said “Honestly, I think that means a little bit more,” he added of the award

See CHILI CHALLENGE, page 10

and

District team prepares

Sanibel school to reopen today in aftermath of storm

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

More than four months after Hurricane Ian struck the area, the island school will reopen today

L a s t w e e k , P r i n c i p a l J a m i e R e i d announced that The Sanibel School would reopen to students and staff on Feb 8 for their first day back Today was set to kick off with a ribbon cutting before the first bell

“Thank you for your ongoing support of our Seahorse family during our post Hurricane Ian recovery,” she shared on Feb 2 “I recognize the sacrifice that all of our families have made as we transitioned to a temporary campus The reopening of the school represents a milestone in the recovery of our island and community ”

Officials with the School District of Lee County reported that the island campus was deemed structurally safe in the fall, so the district had set out to remediate

the damage done by the storm

“We have returned the school to a condition where it is safe,” officials shared

The district explained that the nine criteria it established in October for a school t o r e o p e n h a v e b e e n s a t i s f i e d a t t h e

S a n i b e l s c h o o l , w h i c h e n t a i l r e l i a b l e power, potable water, leaks secure, working HVAC, functioning fire alarm and intercom, safe indoor air quality, debris

cleaned up, and able to serve food

“The Sanibel School has met all nine safety criteria for reopening,” Reid said

She and district officials noted however, that some restoration work is continuing at the school, including tasks like finishing and painting the drywall, installing carpet and replacing ceiling tiles

“ O u r s c h o o l b u i l d i n g w a s h e a v i l y impacted by the storm, and the damage done was severe The work to completely restore our school is not finished,” Reid shared “Contractors will continue to be on campus after hours and on the weekends to return the school to its pre-hurricane status.”

In addition to the planned ribbon cutting, parents were permitted to walk their children to class today and then report to the school's cafeteria for a welcome back, with coffee and doughnuts provided

The Sanibel School is at 3840 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

com

School District of Lee County employees will have more money in their paycheck, thanks to the Lee County Sch Board paying th employee’s base plan entire cost, while adding an a d d i t i o n a l

$ 4 , 0 0 0 f o dependent care

I n s u r a n c e 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 a 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 tt o m 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 w e s t 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 o v e r n 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 “ C h a n g e s h a v e b e g u n , ” s h e s a i d , adding that the board contribution has increased

That increase went from $8,104 80 to $9,213 60, plus $4,000 80 for dependent subsidy, equaling $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

See BENEFITS, page 5

Shell museum announces partial reopening post-storm

On Feb 1, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel re-opened to visitors for a unique limited-time experience of shells, natural history, and perspectives of the events of Hurricane Ian

Officials reported that although the storm caused major damage to the museum and reconstruction lies ahead, the facility has been cleaned out and several exhibit areas are intact and available to enjoy

“Although a reopening of the full museum and aquarium experience is further in the future, we are glad to be able to open now to the public for a period of time,’’ Executive Director Sam Ankerson said “We hope residents, people working through their own hurricane recovery, and visitors to the island will enjoy the museum as a respite and resource ’’

The areas on view and available to visitors include:

∫ The Great Hall of Shells, which features over 30 exhibits of shells, their ecosystems, natural history and cultural significance

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

Commission

∫ A new temporary exhibition, “In the Wake of the Flood: Community Photographs of Hurricane Ian and Its Aftermath ”

∫ A guided “Shell and Tell” experience, whereby collection experts share and explain shell species from around the world

∫ A selection of gift items for sale from the museum store and the opportunity to purchase supporting memberships All proceeds will support recovery and rebuilding efforts at the museum

Currently, there is no admission fee However, a minimum donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children ages under 18 is suggested in support of the museum's recovery and rebuilding

The museum will remain open until reconstruction work begins in the spring.

The hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a m to 3 p m ; hours subject to change

For more information, visit ShellMuseum org

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

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

dismisses

On Jan 27, the Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed two complaints against a Lee County School Board member

The commission found there was no probable cause to believe Board Member Christine Patricca misused her public

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

complaints against school board member

position to prevent another board member from obtaining copies of public records, according to a release issued by the commission

Additionally, no probable cause was found on an allegation Patricca hired a

School District of Lee County employee to repair the air conditioning unit in her home

T h e f i n d i n g s b y t h e n i n e - m e m b e r appointed commission that “serves as the guardian of the standards of conduct for officers and employees of Florida” effec-

tively clears her in each allegation

“A no-probable-cause determination results in the issuance of a public report noting the finding and dismissing the complaint, at which time it becomes public,” the commission website states

BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM

The Great Hall of Shells at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel

The naturethemed gift shop at Tarpon Bay Explorers is open

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a m to 5 p m

TARPON BAY EXPLORERS

Tarpon Bay Explorers reopens post-storm with some offerings

Tarpon Bay Explorers reopened on Feb 1 with limited hours of operation and offerings

The concession to the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, there are kayak and paddleboard rentals They will operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a m to 3 p m , with equipment returned before 5 p m Also, its nature-themed gift shop is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We don't know exactly what the demand will be, but we hope we get a lot of local support,” TBE managing partner Wendy Schnapp said “We have employees who have gotten temporary work and are anxiously awaiting our reopening so we can get to a point to hire them back ”

Hurricane Ian's storm surge flooded the company's ground level and a majority of its equipment The standing water underneath the gift shop was estimated to be 45 feet The 40-passenger tour boat broke free from its slip spot and ended up on the deck The Touch Tanks were destroyed by the surge, but all animals were

released before the hurricane The five pontoons stayed in their slip spots, but sustained significant damage and were declared totaled The three Wildlife Drive trams were housed at a separate l o c a t i o n t h a t e x p e r i e n c e d enough flooding to cause corrosion to the electronics and prevent them from working Also, the company's entire fleet of rental bikes were flooded, corroded and deemed totaled “ S e e i n g t h e d a m a g e I a n caused was shocking and hard to

See TARPON BAY EXPLORERS, page 5

Tarpon Bay Explorers has kayak and paddleboard rentals available Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with equipment returned before 5 p.m.

LEFT: Tarpon Bay Explorers' deck area with its Explorer IV tour boat leaning on the handicap ramp.

RIGHT: The damage from Hurricane Ian's storm surge underneath the gift shop at the Tarpon Bay Explorers.

Tips to keep you safe during data privacy week

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

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,

Guest Commentary

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

∫ Beware of websites and emails that ask for personal information: Identity thieves are creative in finding w a

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/

Help someone 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

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

Officials

The Sanibel School

Choir Festival They had the opportunity to work with world- renowned conductor and composer Dr Rollo D i l

t h r o u g h t h e f e s t i v a l rehearsal and performed during a concert Officials noted that they are very proud of the middle-schoolers

For more information, call 239472-1617 or visit sbl leeschools net

From

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

T h e p r e s e n t a t i o n b r o k e d o w n t h e employee savings based on the three different plans. The employee savings per p a y c h e c k r a n g e d f r o m $ 1 1 4 5 0 t o $318 05

“We are making significant progress in the realm where other employees are,” McFarland said

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 the board did a fabulous job in not only raising the amount of money for employer contributions, but took care of additional costs associated with medical inflation

“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 $8,919 60 The district comes closer to Polk County with employee only and family funding 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 28 and $7,862, their family funding is $18,643 20 for Hillsborough and $23,176 for Pinellas

As far as other Lee governmental entities, the district still lags behind The city of Cape Coral has a $11,806 32 employee only funding and $13,823 40 for family funding; Florida Gulf Coast University has a $9,161 98 for employee only funding and $20,252 40 for family funding;

L e e G o v e r n m e n t h a s $ 1 3 , 9 0 8 f o r employee only funding and $21,960 for family funding; and the Lee County’s S h e r i f f O f f i c e h a s $ 1 0 , 0 6 4 0 4 f o r employee only funding and $20,707 92 for family funding

Tarpon Bay Explorers

describe Everything was trashed,” TBE M a n a g e r A d a m S a u e r l a n d , t h e f i r s t employee to see the initial damage after the storm, said

“There was a dumpster underneath the gift shop We had a big walk-in cooler that floated out of place. There was significant erosion around the launch area, as well as in front of the building,” he added “All of our equipment and the amount of random debris mixed together was insane People have described Ian's aftermath like a bomb

From page 3

went off or a giant washing machine tussled everything around, and those descriptions are extremely accurate ”

About a week after the hurricane, the cleanup began A small group of staff that was still in the area boated over to clean and salvage anything that they could.

“We had to take things day by day We had a couple big cleanup days with lots of help from staff, but eventually we had to let staff go,” Schnapp said “We usually s t a f f b e t w e e n 3 0 t o 3 5 e m p l o y e e s ,

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

“We need to get that number a little higher,” 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 l i k e i n t h e o p e n e n r o l l m e n t p e r i o d , ” McFarland said

The district is entering the Invitation to Negotiate for the 2024 open enrollment for medical, dental, vision and disability s h o r t - t e r m a n d l o n g - t e r m i n s u r a n c e ; 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

depending on the time of year Now, we are down to two.”

“Cleanup continues to be a step-by-step process Insurance is another process for the different types of equipment, creating more hurdles,” she added “We still take things day by day, the good and the bad. But, we are thrilled that our hard work has got to a point where we can reopen ”

The TBE team expressed its thanks to the rangers at the refuge and the staff at the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-

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

The Invitation to Negotiate process will ultimately end with open enrollment 2 0 2 4 S h e s a i d t h e o p t i o n s w i l l b e 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

Friends of the Refuge for helping it get back on its feet following the storm.

“It truly takes a village, especially in crazy times like these,” Schnapp said “We are very appreciative of our partners Without them, our reopening would be significantly delayed.”

For more information, call 239-4728900 or visit www tarponbayexplorers com

Tarpon Bay Explorers is at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

THE SANIBEL SCHOOL

County library system offers virtual programs

T h e L e e C o u n t y L i b r a r y S y s t e m , which includes the Captiva Memorial Library, is offering the following free virtual programming:

Adult programs

∫ Today, Feb 8: Online Author Q&A at 6 p m

A n i n t e r a c t i v e a u t h o r Q & A w i t h mother-daughter duo, Jane Yolen and Heidi E Y Stemple Yolen is the author of over 400 books for children and

a d u l t s , i n c l u d i n g t h e “ H o w D o Dinosaurs Say Goodnight” picture book series and recent title “Bear Outside ” Stemple has written more than 35 books and collaborated on over 20 of them with her mother on titles like “A Kite for Moon,” “I am the Storm” and “Not All Princesses Dress in Pink ” Participants are encouraged to ask questions and share comments throughout the present a t i o n A d v a n c e r e g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d before today, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m.

CIHS to present replay of island war years’ program

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

Reservations are open for an encore event of a historical program about an era on the island.

The Captiva Island Historical Society will present “Sentimental Journey Replay” on Feb 13 at 7 p m at the Captiva Civic Center It will be a video replay of a salute to the World War II years on Captiva through imagery, narrative and song The original program, called “Sentimental Journey, Captiva Island 1941-1945,” was presented on Dec 7, 2021, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Board President Tom Libonate explained that the CIHS assumed it would have to cancel its season following Hurricane Ian's impact on the island, but the board was dedicated to doing something

“Our mission is to preserve and share Captiva's history,” he said, adding that the idea of going quiet until next season did not sit right with them “We just didn't think that was the right thing to do ”

Libonate continued that despite their own personal challenges resulting from the storm, the board worked together to create an abbreviated season featuring three events in a short period of time

For “Sentimental Journey Replay,” attendees will watch the fictional character Vernon, a former WWII veteran played by Austin Church, read the letters he received while overseas from his family and friends on Captiva The content of the let-

What “Sentimental Journey Replay”

When Feb 13 at 7 p m

Where Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva

Details Admission is $12 per person

∫ Today, Feb 8: Online English Cafe at 6 p m

The session will provide adult learners an opportunity to practice speaking Englis h w ith native s peakers Topics will include everyday situations, current events and cultural areas. Program presented in partnership with the School District of Lee County's Adult & Career Education Program Advance registration required before today, Feb 8, at 6 p.m.

For more information or to register, visit leelibrary librarymarket com

Questions can also be directed to 239479-INFO (4636)

Download books, stream video and o t h e r o n l i n e c o n t e n t a t www.leelibrary.net.

The Captiva Memorial Library is currently closed due to Hurricane Ian

T h e C a p t i v a l i b r a r y i s a t 1 1 5 6 0 Chapin Lane, Captiva

Fresh produce available weekly, CCP announces

ters bring to life what historically was happening on the island during the war and the effect the war had on the islands and its inhabitants Singer and pianist Terri Shaffer brings the story to life with musical interludes of 1940s tunes

Written by CIHS archivist Vanessa “Queenie” Viglione, the script for the stage production was based upon the children’s book “Tales of the Rain Barrel, the War Years ” The book was written by Ken Sushil and his sister, Rita Sushil Dilks-Wolfe, who as children lived on Captiva during World War II Libonate explained that it will be a high-quality video replay of the original performance

It also offers an opportunity for the community to gather, like the first CIHS event did on Jan 21

“It was as much about folk's interest in island history as it was about sociability and being with friends,” he said of the turnout last month “We're all in the same situation Some of us way more ”

The event sponsor is Queenie and Dave Jensen

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is the presenting sponsor for the season.

There will be dessert provided after the program

“We will have a donation bar for wine and beer, plus complimentary soft drinks,” Libonate said Proceeds from the donation bar will benefit the mission of the CIHS

Admission is $12 per person; reservations are recommended

The community is encouraged to reserve a seat

“This is an event that was originally presented for the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor While that may not be significant now, it is a wonderful program,” he said “It captures the essence of the island during WWII for those folks who were here ”

For more information or reservations, visit http://www captivaislandhistoricalsociety org/

For questions, contact the CIHS at mail@captivaislandhistoricalsociety org

The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva

The Captiva Community Panel reported that until the Captiva Island Farmers Market is able to resume, there will be fresh produce available for pick up on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a m at McCarthy's Marina

Placing an order will help the vendor, 12 Seasons Farm, secure what is needed and enable it to plan better for harvesting and packing. However, it will have extra produce for people to buy off the tables

Those placing orders are asked to do so before Sunday at 8 p m for pick up on the next Tuesday

For more information or to place an order, visit https://12seasonsfarm com/ McCarthy's Marina is at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

Captiva Public Meetings

1 3 : C a p t i v a E r o s i o n Prevention District monthly meeting at 1 p m via Zoom For more inform a t i o n o r t h e a g e n d a , v i s i t mycepd com

∫ Feb 13: Captiva Island Fire Control District meeting at 4 p m at the fire station, at 14981 Captiva Drive, Captiva For more information or the agenda, visit captivafire com

∫ Feb 14: Captiva Community Panel monthly meeting at 9 a.m. via Zoom For more information or the agenda, visit captivacommunitypanel com

Tom Libonate

CAPTIVA ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BUsIness

City taking applications for multiple committees

The Sanibel City Council is accepting applications for the city's Historical Preservation Committee and Sanibel Vegetation Committee, plus the Lee County M e t r o p o l i t a n P l a n n i n g O r g a n i z a t i o n ' s C i t i z e n Advisory Committee

The deadline for all submissions is Feb 15 at noon.

Historical Preser vation Committee

The committee can have up to 10 members

The terms will begin on March 7 and expire on March 5, 2024

Qualifications include:

∫ Members are appointed by the city council for one-year terms

∫ Appointees must be full-time residents of Sanibel

∫ Appointees must have knowledge, skills or interest in historical preservation

Responsibilities include:

∫ A t t e n d c o m m i t t e e m e e t i n g s o n t h e f i r s t Thursday of each month at 9 a m in MacKenzie Hall at City Hall, at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

∫ Assist in the committee's procedures for acquisition and de-accession of materials and objects acquired by the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

∫ Assist the committee in collecting, procuring, preserving and displaying items relating to the history of the islands of Sanibel, Captiva and their environs

∫ Other duties as outlined in the city's Code of Ordinances

To review the code and legislation relevant to the c o m m i t t e e , v i s i t

https://files constantcontact com/97af97e6001/3bfe

77e8-0834-4c0e-b17a-82726a37c4bf pdf

A n y r e s i d e n t w i s h i n g t o s e r v e m a y v i s i t https://mysanibel granicus com/boards/w/ff750aa11 74c29f2 After opening the hyperlink, click the green “Apply” button and continue to complete the online application At the end of the application process, click the green “Submit” button, which will allow submission of your application to the City Clerk

Sanibel Vegetation Committee

The committee is composed of five or more members

The terms will begin on March 7 and expire on March 5, 2024

Qualifications include:

∫ Members are appointed by the city council for one-year terms

∫ Appointees must be full-time residents of Sanibel

∫ Appointees must have knowledge, skills or interest in vegetation

∫ Appointees must earn a passing score on the city's Vegetation Competency Exam

Responsibilities include:

∫ A t t e n d c o m m i t t e e m e e t i n g s o n t h e f i r s t Thursday of each month at 1:30 p m in MacKenzie

See APPLICATIONS, page 9

KIWANIS CLUB

Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club members Ed Hendricks, Richard Grady and Tom Uhler with Sanibel Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton, second from right, who the guest speaker at the club's recent meeting

Kiwanis holds meeting with speaker

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club welcomed Sanibel Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton as its guest speaker at its recent meeting He gave an impressive talk, outlining the scope of work that has been professionally handled since Hurricane Ian The

club is holding meetings on Tuesdays at 8 a m at the Sunflower Cafe, at 11410 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers For more information, visit www sanibelkiwanis org

Temporary post office opens on Sanibel

The United States Postal Service announced that Sanibel customers can now pick up their mail at a temporary facility in the parking lot of the Sanibel Post Office, at 650 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

It offers retail services and Post Office Boxes, as well as mail, package, and P O Box mail pickup

Customers must show a picture ID when picking up mail and packages

Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p m and Saturday from 10 a m to noon

“The Postal Service is currently in the process of evaluating delivery points on Sanibel Island to determine the

locations where we can safely resume residential and business mail delivery,” the USPS reported “Until then, customers can pick up their mail at the new temporary post office Signage will direct customers to the appropriate location for various services ”

I t n o t e d t h a t S a n i b e l c u s t o m e r s n o l o n g e r n e e d t o t r a v e l t o t h e F o r t M y e r s P r o c e s s i n g & D i s t r i b u t i o n C e n t e r , a t 1 4 0 8 0 J e t p o r t L o o p , F o r t M y e r s , t o o b t a i n s e r v i c e s .

“We appreciate the patience of our customers as we continue to recover from Hurricane Ian and restore service as quickly as possible,” the USPS reported

Open For Business Post-Storm

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

Grocer y

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

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

∫ The Island Store, at 11500 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

∫ Timbers Fish Market, at 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

See OPEN FOR BUSINESS POST-STORM, page 9

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

Blue Giraffe thanks first responders

Applications

From page 8

Hall at City Hall, at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

∫ Assist in the administration of the city's Vegetation Competency class and e x a m f o r l a n d s c a p e p r o f e s s i o n a l s

Historically, the class and test have been offered four times per year January, April, June and October on the first two Friday mornings of the month

∫ Other duties as outlined in the city's Code of Ordinances

To review the code and legislation rele v a n t t o t h e c o m m i t t e e , v i s i t https://files constantcontact com/97af97e

6 0 0 1 / 0 3 2 9 a 4 b 7 - e d 6 0 - 4 c d 1 - 8 7 a ceb25c21f9956 pdf

Any resident wishing to serve may visit h t t p s : / / m y s a n i b e l g r a n i c u s c o m /boards/w/f08c141a1b9ce309 After opening the hyperlink, click the green “Apply” button and continue to complete the online application At the end of the application process, click the green “Submit” button, which will allow submis-

Way, Sanibel

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

∫ Cielo, at 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

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

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

∫ Island Pizza, at 1619 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

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

∫ MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

sion of your application to the City Clerk

MPO Citizen Advisor y Committee

The city council is accepting applications for a citizen to be appointed as the city representative to the Lee County M e t r o p o l i t a n P l a n n i n g O r g a n i z a t i o n ' s

(MPO) Citizen Advisory Committee

The MPO's vision is to have a multij u r i s d i c t i o n a l , i n t e g r a t e d m u l t i - m o d a l transportation system that safely and effic i e n t l y m o v e s p e o p l e a n d g o o d s t o , through and within the area and that enables Lee County and the surrounding areas to flourish in the global marketplace

The purpose of the committee is to assist the MPO in conducting effective public information and participation programs and to act as a representative panel for the purpose of advising the MPO of public opinion on policy issues to be considered by the MPO.

∫ O l d C a p t i v a H o u s e , a t 1 5 9 5 1 Captiva Dr, Captiva

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

∫ The Great White Grill, at 2440 Pine Ridge Road

∫ The Mucky Duck, at 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

∫ The Sanibel Grill, at 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

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

∫ Traders, at 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, at 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Retail

∫ Ace Hardware, at 2025 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Functions of the committee include the following:

∫ Advising the MPO staff on the development, refinement and implementation of the Public Involvement Plan, including the planning of public information and involvement efforts during the development or amendment of the LongR a n g e T r a n s p o r t a t i o n P l a n a n d t h e Transportation Improvement Program and prior to soliciting proposals for funding of transportation enhancement activities.

∫ Assisting the MPO in identifying transportation needs and issues, in formulating goals and objectives for the transportation planning process, and in setting priorities

∫ Providing opportunities for community organizations, special interest groups and the general public to comment on alternatives and proposals under consideration by the MPO

∫ Advising and assisting the MPO staff in maintaining a mailing list of

∫ B a r r a c u d a s , a t 1 4 9 7 0 C a p t i v a Drive, Captiva

∫ Beach Stuff, at 14900 Captiva Drive, Captiva

∫ BIG ARTS gift shop, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

∫ Footloose H2O Outfitters, at 1700

Periwinkle Way, Suite 4, Sanibel

∫ Jungle Drums Gallery, at 11532

Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

∫ N a n n y ' s o f S a n i b e l , a t 1 7 0 0

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Rachel Pierce Art Gallery, at 1571

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ S a n i b e l S u r f S h o p , a

organizations, interest groups, and news media and their spokespersons or contacts

The city council will make the appointment at its March 7 meeting

The first committee meeting to attend will be on May 4 from 3 to 4:30 p m in Conference Room A200 at the City of C a p e C o r a l A n n e x B u i l d i n g , a t 8 1 5 Nicholas Parkway East, Cape Coral For the 2023 meeting schedule, visit https://files.constantcontact.com/97af97e

6 0 0 1 / b a c d f c 4 d - f b d 0 - 4 6 2 8 - 8 b 1 11165523a637e pdf

To view the committee's by-laws, visit LeeMPO com or https://files constantcont a c t c o m / 9 7 a f 9 7 e 6 0 0 1 / 1 f f f 1 1 b 0 - 5 2 d f488b-94a5-52cf37cfbb27 pdf

For city's committee application, visit https://mysanibel granicus com/boards/w/ c80c719f9e2c620b

For more information on the committees, contact the City Clerk's Office at 239-472-3700.

GIRAFFE

Blue Giraffe General Manager Michael Puente, left, with Sanibel Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton.

Chili challenge

From page 1

Event attendees had the opportunity to pay a $10 donation for a chili tasting kit After testing the contestants' dishes, they voted on their top pick and the Sanibel crew came out the winner

“ T h e y p r e f e r r e d o u r s o v e r e v e r y b o d y ' s t h e r e , ” Clement said

This year, the judges selected Lee County EMS as the champion The Fort Myers Fire Department scored second place, while the South Trail Fire Protection and Rescue Service District came in third.

The first year of the challenge in 2019, the Sanibel team kicked off the friendly competition by bringing home the top trophy The Fort Myers crew won the bragging rights the following year, the same year that the organizers introduced the People’s Choice trophy, which went to South Trail

The cook-off was not held in 2021, and the Fort Myers team secured both trophies last year

Clement called not also bringing home this year's overall trophy a “little disappointing” for the team

“But there's always next year,” he added

The other teams this year included the South Trail Fire District Benevolent Association, retired New York Fire Department/New York Police Department representing

the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Combat Veterans M o to r cy cle A s s o ciatio n , P atten b u r g V o lu n teer F ir e Company, 20th Anniversary Operation Iraqi Freedom Marine Veterans, Marine Corps League PFC Paul E Ison Detachment 60, Southwest Florida Gunslingers and I n d i a n M o t o r c y c l e R i d e r s r e p r e s e n t i n g C o l l i e r - L e e Honor Flight

As for the Sanibel crew's chili that won over the taste buds of attendees, Clement explained that he came up with the recipe beginning with a base and then incorporated his knowledge of cooking

“There's some Italian influences and some Asian influences,” he said, declining to provide too much information about the winning dish “So there's some different cultures that I brought together ”

The chili came topped with a cheesy cornball concoction or served over it, depending on how the person wanted it Clement explained that Moore came up with the idea It was basically cornbread bites that were hollowed out, filled with chipotle chili and sour cream, then topped with melted cheese

“That was like a little side we did with it,” he said.

The chili itself cooked and simmered for several hours before the tasting started at 11 a m

“We were the first ones there besides the guy hosting the event,” Clement said

The day also entailed the singing of the national anthem by a local teacher, the Gateway High School JROTC color guard and a performance by the Guns 'n' Hoses Pipes 'n' Drums of Southwest Florida

The proceeds from this year's competition will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Injured Warriors Fund of Florida and Collier-Lee Honor Flight

Clement extended the team's appreciation to Jerry's Foods for sponsoring its ingredients

“I'd also like to thank the people who came out to support us from Sanibel,” he said, explaining that many people came up to them and shared they were islanders and came out for the Sanibel team

Looking ahead to the challenge in 2024, the team already has its goal in mind

“Next year we're planning on bringing both to Sanibel,” Clement said of the overall and People’s Choice trophies that will again be up for grabs “We are fully planning on doing it next year ”

Stu’s Motorcycles

is at 14607 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District won the People’s Choice trophy at the 4th Annual Lee County Chili Challenge held on Jan. 28 at Stu's Motorcycles in Fort Myers. The team was made up of engineer-paramedic Bryan Clement and firefighter-paramedics Arian Moore, Rob Bell and Mike Tejeda.

This year, the judges selected Lee County EMS as the overall champion of the 4th Annual Lee County Chili Challenge held on Jan 28 at Stu's Motorcycles in Fort Myers

The Fort Myers Fire Department scored second place at the 4th Annual Lee County Chili Challenge on Jan 28 at Stu's Motorcycles in Fort Myers

The South Trail Fire Protection and Rescue Service District came in third place at the 4th Annual Lee County Chili Challenge on Jan 28 at Stu's Motorcycles in Fort Myers

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District won the People’s Choice trophy at the 4th Annual Lee County Chili Challenge held on Jan 28 at Stu's Motorcycles in Fort Myers. The team was made up of engineerparamedic Bryan Clement and firefighterparamedics Arian Moore, Rob Bell and Mike Tejeda.

PreserVInG ParadIse

Tina Petway

Shell museum announces next lecture in series

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel is continuing with its annual lecture series, which is offered virtually via Zoom and free of charge The next lecture in the series will be:

∫ Feb 15 at 5:30 p m : “Renovating the George 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

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

SCCF applauds Herbert Hoover Dike improvements

The dike runs around most of Lake Okeechobee, stretching 143 miles It was constructed after a hurricane in 1928 flooded towns south of the lake, killing thousands of people Since its construction, the dike has allowed the U S Army Corps of Engineers to direct water out of the lake through controlled releases to t h

REFUGE/DDWS

Theodore Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand will star at the “Go Bully for “Ding” An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt” on March 6 at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers

DDWS reports on refuge programming and more

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Visitor & Education Center and Wildlife Drive remain closed to the public due to the hurricane damage Consequently, many programs and events are canceled

In addition, the DDWS provided the following updates:

∫ Refuge Cleanup with a Ranger takes place on 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 & Education Center parking lot for a safety brief before traveling to the cleanup site of the week. Participation 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 DingDarling Eventbrite com

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

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

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

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

∫ The deadline for the annual Florida Junior Duck Stamp Contest is March 15 For more information, contact Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland at Toni Westland@fws.gov or 239-940-0169.

∫ The annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament remains on the calendar for May 19 Registration is open As of Feb 3, there were five spots left The DDWS thanked the 2023 sponsors To become an event sponsor, contact April Boehnen at aprilb@dingdarlingsociety org

∫ In concert with Earth Day, the “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival will take place on April 11 at the Lakes Park in Fort Myers

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

BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Conservation Foundation Environmental Policy

Isl and lIVInG

SPD releases weekly blotter

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

Arrest repor ts

∫ Scott Garvin Shankster, 45, of 1494 Centre St , Sanibel, was charged Jan. 27 with one count each of contempt of court violation injunction within 500 feet of petitioner’s residence school or employment and contempt of court violation injunction repeat sexual or dating violence

Other enforcement actions

∫ On Jan 24, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted a sweep of every street on Sanibel Seventy-seven license checks and 38 in-person contacts were performed Zero violations were discovered during the operation

∫ On Jan 27, the manager of a restaurant notified police of a suspected bag of narcotics discovered under a dinner table As ownership of the narcotics was not able to be determined, the group sitting at the table was removed from the restaurant and trespassed The narcotics were submitted for destruction

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

Enforcement operations statistics

Week to date for Jan 24-30:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 2

∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 37

∫ Traffic crashes: 0

∫ Traffic stops: 37

∫ Field interviews: 5

∫ Residential area checks: 569

∫ Business area checks: 531

∫ Reported burglaries: 2

∫ Reported thefts: 3

∫ Total CAD calls: 1,617 January 2023 to date:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 16

∫ Non-emergency calls: 114

∫ Traffic crashes: 8

∫ Traffic stops: 165

∫ Field interviews: 36

∫ Residential area checks: 3,071

∫ Business area checks: 1,596

∫ Reported burglaries: 8

∫ Reported thefts: 12

∫ Total CAD calls: 6,731

Reminders from the SPD

The Sanibel City Council voted to change the city's post-Hurricane Ian curfew to midnight to 6 a m daily Motorists driving on Sanibel should expect to be stopped by police during the curfew hours

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

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

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share a

police@mysanibel.com or use Tip411.

Sanibel library to present next lecture in virtual series

Foundation, the Sanibel Public Library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders

The next lecture will be held on Feb 9 at 7 p m and will feature Lana Harper, New York Times bestselling author of the Witches of Thistle Grove series The author of “Payback’s a Witch” and “From Bad to Cursed,” Harper will discuss the third installment in her popular series, “Back in a Spell ”

Writing as Lana Popović, she has also written four young adult novels about modern-day witches and historical murderesses. Born in Serbia, Harper grew up in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria before moving to the United States She studied psychology and literature at Yale University, law at Boston University, and publishing at Emerson College Harper lives in Chicago, where she spends most of her time plotting witchy stories and equally witchy tattoos

A question-and-answer session with the author will follow

T o r e g i s t e r f o r t h e a u t h o r t a l k , v i s i t https://libraryc org/sanlib/upcoming

In addition, the library is offering some programming post-storm for adults and youths.

On Feb 9, staffer Duane Shaffer will present “WWII 1945: The Divine Wind: Kamikazes in the Pacific” at 10 a m via Zoom In the later half of 1944, the destruction of most of the Japanese fleet and its air arm left the Japanese Home Islands vulnerable to attack by the Allies In desperation, the Japanese navy proposed the use of “ S p e c i a l A t t a c k ” s q u a d r o n s , o t h e r w i s e k n o w n a s Kamikaze or “Divine Wind ” These formations became the scourge of the Allied navies and because of their success, other deadly suicide weapons were developed Shaffer will discuss the Kamikaze and how they were developed and used against the Allies.

A Saturday Storytime for ages 5 and under will be held on Feb 11 at 10 a m Parents and caregivers should plan to be engaged with their child for the program The storytime portion is approximately 20 minutes, then play and craft centers will be available

For the most up-to-date information, visit the library's calendar at www.sanlib.org.

If you have photos taken during Hurricane Ian or of post-storm damage or recovery in Southwest Florida, consider allowing the library to archive the images It is also looking for photos of the islands before the causeway, during the land boom of the early 1920s, and of notable locals Images, videos and stories can be emailed to sanibelpubliclibrary@gmail com

The Sanibel Public Library is open Monday through Friday from 10 a m to 3 p m

For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit www sanlib org

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

IWA rescinds boil water notice

T h e I s l a n d W a t e r A s s o c i a t i o n r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e p r e c a u t i o n a r y boil water notice issued o n S e p t 2 7 f o r t h e C a l o o s a S h o r e s H o m e o w n e r s Association Caloosa E n d L a n e , P u n t a C a l o o s a C o u r t , I n d i a n Court and Caloosa Drive has been rescinded following the installation of a new water main to serve the area and the satisfactory completion of a bacteriological surv e y t h a t s h o w e d t h e water is safe to drink F o r m o r e i n f o r m ation, contact the IWA at 239-472-1502

The Island Water Association has rescinded the precautionary boil water notice for the Caloosa Shores Homeowners Association on Sanibel.

ISLAND WATER ASSOCIATION

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on Feb. 9 with Lana Harper.

ribbon-cutting

for the

Rec center recognizing Healthy Heart Month

The Sanibel Recreation Center is celebrating Healthy Heart Month in February with a variety of activities to promote a healthy lifestyle at the facility, at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel

It will offer themed group exercise classes, such as WEAR RED Zumba, Heartful Flow Yoga, and Pedaling for a Healthier Heart, as well as a variety of health screenings and educational sessions

Effective Feb 1, a center membership is required to use the facility

Free screening

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District will administer blood pressure screenings on Feb 13 between 9 and 11:30 a m at the center High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and even blindness in some cases The complimentary screenings are offered as a first step in determining if further examination by a health care professional is necessary

Free class

A CPR compression only class will be held on Feb 14 from 10:30 to 11:30 a m at the center The purpose of the complimentary class is to teach untrained bystanders how to preform hands-only CPR Having more citizen bystanders trained in the simple skill can help save lives

The Sanibel Recreation Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a m to 5 p m

A Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting on Jan. 31 for island-based Flip

Chamber hosts ribbon-cuttings for campground, charter captain

On Jan. 31, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce celebrated two more businesses that have recovered and opened after Hurricane Ian with ribboncuttings: Periwinkle Trailer Park on Sanibel and islandbased Flip Side Eco Charter

Periwinkle Park suffered considerable damage, with 40 percent of its units destroyed and removed, plus 20 percent of its utilities and 75 percent of its electric service required rebuilding, General Manager David Muench said A family-operated business since 1964, the campground serves as a community for full-time residents and offers 80 spaces for campers who wish to stay at a location convenient to stores, restaurants and the beach.

“Periwinkle Trailer Park is an island fixture that has made happy memories for thousands through the years,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said “We welcome the Muench family and its team back to world of functional on Sanibel Island ”

Capt Jenni Linn Maughan spent much of her youth exploring the waters of Sanibel and Captiva and later worked for a local charter company doing tours geared toward the environment She bought her own boat in 2018 an Andros Tarpon 26 which survived Ian After the storm, Maughan put it into service helping oth-

ers with their recovery and decided to start her own company, Flip Side Eco Charter, when her employer was undecided about the future

“I was blessed I had no damage to the Andros and was back on the water rescuing people from the islands a day after the hurricane,” she said “I am very lucky I have made some wonderful friends who are boat captains and helped me find a launch, and we all pitched in to help whether it was delivering supplies or doing rescues I would love to give my eco tours with a hurricane twist let people know how the area was affected, from the waters to the vegetation and the animals ”

Along with her first mate, rescue dog Aude, Maughan gives her charters a personal touch, tailoring them to the interests of her clients, experiencing everything from shelling Cayo Costa and snorkeling sand bars and grass flats to sighting dolphins, manatee, and other creatures and having lunch on the upper islands

“We welcome Capt Jenni, who knows these waters like the back of her hand and has a big heart for the environment and the people she informs about it,” Lai said “We wish her the best of luck with her latest endeavor ”

Periwinkle Trailer Park is at 1119 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

For more information, call 239-472-0302 or 239395-1860

Registration open for Fun Day, After School Program

The Sanibel Recreation Center is accepting registrations for a Fun Day on Feb 20 from 8 a m to 5 p m at the center, at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

It will offer games, craft projects and swim time Enrollment is available for kindergarteners through eighth-graders Each child will need to bring a lunch, water bottle, swimsuit, towel and sunscreen

The cost is $38 25 for members and $51 for nonmembers

In addition, registration is open for the center's After School Program

Available for those in kindergarten through eighth grade, it runs Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 5 p m It will offer athletic games, arts and crafts, pool time, and other counselor-led activities each day.

Financial assistance is available to qualifying families

The center offers daily, weekly, semi-annual and annual memberships

For more information or to register, call 239-4720302 or 239-395-1860 or visit www mysanibel com

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce

on Jan. 31

Periwinkle Trailer Park on Sanibel celebrated the islands' comeback

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

Volunteer cleanup planned for island community park

T h e c i t y o f S a n i b e l ' s R e c r e a t i o n Department is signing up volunteers for a park cleanup

The volunteers will assist with shoveling and raking mulch on Feb 9 from 9 to 11 a m at the Sanibel Community Park, at 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel There are only 15 open spaces to sign up for

The city is working toward the goal of reopening the playground by the end of the month

Interested volunteers should note that the work will be strenuous and they should wear closed-toe shoes, work gloves and sunscreen, as well as arrive a few minutes early to complete a waiver

To review and fill out the volunteer waiver, visit https://files constantcont a c t c o m / 9 7 a f 9 7 e 6 0 0 1 / 7 b c 2 4 1 2 f197b-4766-a224-d515a405e215 pdf

For more information or to sign up, contact the Sanibel Recreation Center at 239-472-0302 or 239-395-1860

Dike improvements

recently completed rehabilitation projects replaced 56 miles of cutoff wall and 28 water structures called culverts, which will allow the Corps to utilize more storage potential in the lake and help protect the towns south of it, contributing to and building upon other restoration efforts throughout Southwest Florida

“After all the work that has gone into t h e n e w L a k e O k e e c h o b e e S y s t e m s

Blotter

From

Operating Manual (LOSOM), it is great to see some necessary components come online,” DePaolis said “The added storage component in the lake will allow the C o r p s a n d S o u t h F l o r i d a W a t e r Management District to use the operational flexibility built into the plan ”

The SCCF reported that LOSOM, the new set of management guidelines that will structure how the lake's water is used,

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

DDWS accepting scholarship applications

T h e a p p l i c a t i o n d e a d l i n e f o r s c h o l a r -

s h i p s f r o m 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 a n gi n g f r o m $ 1 , 0 0 0 t o $ 5 , 0 0 0 e a c h a n d t o t a l i n g o v e r $ 2 0 , 0 0 0 i s s e t f o r

M a r c h 3 1 . H i g h s c h o o l s e n i o r s , c o l l e g e s t u d e n t s a n d g r a d u a t e s t u d e n t s i n o r f r o m L e e , C o l l i e r , C h a r l o t t e , H e n d r y a n d G l a d e s c o u n t i e s w h o a r e p u r s u i n g d e g r e e s i n e n v i r o n m e n t a l - r e l a t e d s t u d i e s c a n a p p l y T h e D D W S w i l l a w a r d t h e s c h o l a rs h i p s a t a s p e c i a l c e r e m o n y 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 o n S a n i b e l i n J u n e , i f h u r r i c a n e

is set to be released in June and will hopefully result in fewer damaging flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary

“The amount of support for this project from our elected and tribal leaders, busin e s s c o m m u n i t y , a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l groups is truly heartening This is one step forward in one of the largest environmental restoration efforts in the world restoring the Everglades and as more

From page 12

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projects come online, we move closer to the greater goal of sending water south to the Everglades,” DePaolis said “Once we can send clean water south and not dump polluted water into the Caloosahatchee, w e w i l l a l s o b e a b l e t o m a k e g r e a t progress to clean up our northern estuaries ”

Rec center to host free pancake breakfast, activities for all ages

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The community is invited to enjoy a hot breakfast and some island camaraderie this weekend

The Sanibel Recreation Center will host the “Love At First Bite” Community Pancake Breakfast on Feb 11 from 9 to 11 a m at the facility Free and open to the public, the event will feature freshly-made flapjacks with sides, as well as creative crafts for youths, fun games and prizes for adults, and more

“We just wanted to bring the community together and offer something for them to do that's not necessarily a clean up or all the things that have been happening since the hurricane,” Gabby Cooper Angeles, program coordinator with the center and city of Sanibel's Recreation Department, said

An event to give islanders a break from the post-storm devastation and rebuilding

“And enjoy something to do with the community and family,” she said

It is also one of the center's Healthy Heart Month activities scheduled for February

The flapjack breakfasts will come with bacon and sausage, with syrup and butter available

“We'll be making them here with the mix and things that were donated,” Angeles said. “We'll have some recreation staff members making the pancakes on griddles right in front of them ”

Partners Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory, Island Seniors and Publix donated the breakfast items

The Sanibel School Parent Teacher Association and the Children's Education Center of the Islands, also partners for the event, are donating the materials for the chil-

IF YOU GO

What

When

dren's crafts and will volunteer their time

“They're going to be in a room helping the kids do the crafts,” she said

Another room will feature a balloon toss, which the youths can play around in

For the adults, they can partake in a friendly game of cornhole outside on the splash pad

“Then we're going to have a guessing game in the lobby,” Angeles said

There will be a jar full of candy hearts and attendees can try to guess the total

The winner will receive a recreation center swag bag

“You can win a tote bag filled with goodies,” she said

A photo booth with Valentine’s Day-themed props will offer fun for both adults and children

Additional partners include the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Sanibel Fire and Rescue District. The refuge will provide educational activities for youths, plus informational material

“Sanibel fire is going to bring their truck here and do tours,” Angeles said

“There will be no charge for any of the things going on,” she added

The community is encouraged to stop in and take part

“We want families and friends to come together and enjoy some happier times, get their minds off of what's been going on on the islands,” Angeles said “And also come check out the rec center ”

For more information, call 239-472-0302 or 239395-1860 or email gabrielle.cooper-angeles@mysanibel com

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

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

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

BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

RAN ADLER

LYNDA FAY BRAUN

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

Kiwanis Club sets up fund for scholarships and grants

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club has launched a GoFundMe in the hopes of raising $50,000 signifying its 50th anniversary this year as a service organization to benefit local youths

The club reported that it raises about $150,000 every year to support educational scholarships for youths on the islands and grants for social programs that benefit them In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, its traditional fundraising activities community dinners, golf tournaments, restaurant coupon books have been rendered impossible, so the club is looking for new ways to raise the funding

It hopes to announce the scholarships by April and community organization grants by June

P r e s i d e n t - e l e c t J e f f B l a c k m a n i s o r g a n i z i n g t h e GoFundMe for the club

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o d o n a t e , v i s i t https://gofund me/f6ac25d8

For more about the club, visit https://sanibelkiwanis 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

Center 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.

Isl and HOMe islander

F.I.S.H. opens food pantry, launches box program

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva reported that it continues to assist island neighbors with emergency food assistance at its Sanibel site While the food pantry may look different in size and offerings, the intention remains the same to help those living and working on the islands by providing nutritious supplemental grocery items to sustain food needs

“Transition from our food pantry pre-hurricane to an emergency food pantry post-hurricane has been an ongoing process,” Program Coordinator Manuela Martinez said “We’re glad we are now able to store more products since our building has been remediated ”

For those wishing to donate products, F I S H is in need of:

∫ Personal hygiene products

∫ Feminine hygiene products

∫ Diapers

∫ Paper towels, toilet paper and tissues

∫ Pasta and rice

∫ Canned protein (tuna or chicken)

Jatropha is a little red

Jatropha integerrima is a welcome addition for a sunny spot in any size South Florida landscape

Jatropha is a genus of flowering plants in the E u p h o r b i a c e a e f a m i l y

B u t t e r f l i e s l o v e t h e plant, which can be both a f l o w e r i n g s h r u b o r grown as a standard or tree form. Jatropha has dark green leaves and r e g u l a r s p l a s h e s o f a pinkish-red to deep red clusters of blooms all through the foliage

One of the best examples of where to place this beauty is by using a standard jatropha as the focal point in a butterfly garden or small flower garden You might also see these as a small tree form in the roadway medians as they can be especially drought tolerant once established. They also make a good anchor plant on the corner of the house, patio or deck The jatropha will grow full and lush and with regular trimming of the branches you can maintain a nice rounded shape

There are variations of the plant, including one that blooms pink in sun or partial shade However, the red variety seems to do the best for a nice flowering shrub or small tree The plants like well-drained soil and are moderately fast growers Adding organic compost or good soil to the local sandy variety will help the plant get off to an even better start To keep it blooming and healthy, fertilize three times a year at regular intervals with a good basic fertilizer

They like the warmth and will bloom all year round and you can easily keep this plant at 5 feet to 6 feet tall even in a tree form, making it an easy choice for a small area If you like an easy to care for plant that brightens up your home with its little red blossoms, the jatropha is just the plant for you

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www.facebook.com/rswalshinthegarden.

∫ Peanut butter and jelly

∫ Water

In addition, F I S H has launched a Food Box Program to supplement its food pantry The program provides an assortment of fresh produce and pantry items to those unable to visit its Sanibel site

F I S H will provide an option for delivery, once weekly, to those who sign up.

“We are so thankful to Aurora's Produce, Local Roots Farmers Markets and the Sanibel Island Farmers Market for their abundant and delicious contributions to the Food Box and Food Pantry programs,” Martinez said “As we

continue to see more and more islanders return, we hope they will find this opportunity helpful as they continue to recover from Hurricane Ian ” For more information or to sign up for the Food Box

For more about F.I.S.H., visit https://www fishofsancap org/ F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva is at 2430-B Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

FEMA: DRCs are one-stop shop for assistance

At a Disaster Recovery Center, people can speak directly with someone about their unique case and receive guidance DRCs provide survivors with an opportunity to meet face-to-face with staff from the state of Florida, FEMA and specialists from other federal agencies.

Every attempt is being made to locate DRCs in communities most a f f e c t e d b y H u r r i c a n e s I a n a n d

Nicole. While the deadline to submit a FEMA application for damage caused by Ian has passed, people can still visit a DRC to check the status o f t h e i r a p p l i c a t i o n o r r e c e i v e answers to related questions

A DRC is located at the Sanibel C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h , a t 1 7 4 0 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Services include FEMA, federal, state/local and other Hours are 8 a m to 7 p m

Monday through Saturday. No appointments are necessary to visit a DRC Opportunities to meet a mitigation specialist or SBA representative may vary by location

To search for additional DRC l o c a t i o n s , v i s i t https://egateway fema gov/ESF6/DR CLocator or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362

Edison, Ford estates to host Spring Garden Festival

T h e E d i s o n a n d F o r d W i n t e r 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 h a v e m o r e v e n d o r s p a r t i c i p a t i n g , 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 p l a n t s t h a t t h r i v e i n S o u t h w e s t Florida Ceramic flowerpots, vegetable and flower seeds, garden art, and gardening gift items will be a v a i l a b l e f o r p u r c h a s e . M e m b e r s 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

For more information about the event, visit EdisonFord.org.

Sanibel Captiva

PHOTO PROVIDED Jatropha

beauty

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

Attendees shop at the Spring Garden Festival at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

Recipe of the Week: Mushroom Ravioli

Sauce:

A delicious recipe for homemade ravioli that is so easy to make Create a great dinner for your loved ones in no time using simple ingredients Roll out your dough, stuff it, seal it, cut it into squares and boil it until “al dente ” Toss it with butter sage sauce and sprinkle it with parmesan cheese before serving Serves eight (Chef tip: When boiling homemade ravioli, only cook a small batch at a time in the salted water or they will stick together )

Basic dough:

2 cups Italian OO flour (all-purpose unbleached flour may be substituted)

2 large eggs

1/4 cup dry white wine

Pinch of salt

Filling:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cups baby portobello mushrooms, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mascarpone cheese

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

1 egg

Salt to taste

BIG ARTS Calendar

BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

Workshop

Glass Fusing with Petra Kaiser today, Feb 8, from 10 a m to 1 p m Cost is $39

for donors and $48 for non-donors

Pre-registration is required for workshops by contacting 239-395-0900 or info@bigarts.org.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www bigarts org or call 239-395-0900

CROW Calendar

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

∫ Today, Feb. 8

Speaker Series at 1 p m

B a t C o n s e r v a t i o n I n t e r n a t i o n a l

Community Engagement Manager Erin Cord will present “The Wonderful World of Bats” via Zoom She will discuss bats and their uniqueness, as well as how the public can help and protect bats for future

generations Cost is free or by donation To register, visit https://www eventbrite c o m / o / c l i n i c - f o r - t h e - r e h a b i l i t a t i o n - o fwildlife-crow-32068914951.

CROW's campus on Sanibel is currently closed due to Hurricane Ian F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t http://www crowclinic org/ or call 239472-3644

Standing and facing our ‘shadow’

This will be my first F e b r u a r y l i v i n g i n Southwest Florida And I have a question for the many of you who have either lived in this part of the country a long time or spent many of your wint e r s a n d b e y o n d h e r e : W h a t d o y o u d o w i t h

Groundhog Day?

Seriously, I have lived almost my entire life in t h e n o r t h e a s t , s o G r o u n d h o g D a y m a d e sense there In the northeast, the possibility of six more weeks of winter if the groundhog sees its s h a d o w m a t t e r s B u t here? It would mean six more weeks of what exactly? Mostly 7580 degrees and sunny? And besides, are there even groundhogs in Florida? (My research tells me no ) Even if there were though, why bother?

Faces on Faith

While that might make sense for the l i f e o f a h y p o t h e t i c a l g r o u n d h o g i n Southwest Florida, it doesn’t make sense

for our lives, especially our spiritual lives In fact, when i t c o m e s t o o u r s p i r i t u a l lives, it’s the exact opposite of what we are called to do What we need to do

T h e o l o g i a n s , p s y c h o l ogists and spiritual leaders for centuries have referred to it directly or in a related way as “the shadow” a symbol for our less admirable tendencies and characteristics But unlike the groundhog’s choice to retreat back into the ground in the face of seeing its shadow, the Christian spiritual tradition (as well as many other spiritual traditions) call us to instead stand and face ours

To become as emotionally and spiritually healthy as we can, we need to first be willing to acknowledge the existence of our shadow Then we need to be able to s e e i t c l e a r l y , a n d e v e n e m b r a c e i t , because it is that kind of spiritual honesty, humility and courage which creates the opening God needs to give us the strength

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

To make dough, place flour on wooden board and form into a mound Make a deep well in the center and break eggs into it Add wine and salt Use a fork to break up eggs and mix contents of the well Slowly add flour, beginning at the top of the well so that the walls collapse and blend into the mixture When flour is almost totally absorbed, begin kneading, pressing with the palms of your hands Knead dough for about 20 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic (If dough is dry, add a few drops of water If it is sticky, add a sprinkle of flour ) Gather dough into a ball, place in mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 30 minutes (To test for doneness, punch dough with your index finger If it springs back, it is done )

Heat oil in a small saute pan add the mushroom and garlic and cook until soft Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat and cool. In a small bowl mix together the mushroom, ricotta, mascarpone, parmesan cheese, egg and salt

Roll out the dough, brush with egg wash and place one teaspoon of filling over half of dough, cover with other half making sure that the ravioli are sealed With a pasta cutter cut into 2-by-2-inch squares To assemble ravioli, roll out a long thin sheet of striped dough and cut it into 2-by-2-inch squares

Cook the ravioli in boiling water for about four to five minutes and then toss it with butter and sage, parmesan cheese

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/

Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

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

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea

11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea

Rev Larry Marshall

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

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida

www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

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

∫ Sanibel Christian Science Church

2950 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-810-1077

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫ Sanibel Community Church

1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch com/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelchurch/

Pastor Jeramie Rinne

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

∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www sanibelucc org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/

Senior Minister Dr Mark Boyea

Sunday service at 10 a m at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers

∫ St. Isabel Catholic Church

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

Father Ed Martin

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫ St Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www.saintmichaelssanibel org/, https://www facebook com/saintmichaelssanibel/

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

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

and perseverance we need to then tell our shadow, “I see you I understand you and what you want But I choose the 'higher self' that God sees in me ”

It’s not an easy thing to do It’s not a fun thing to do not exactly 75-80 degree, sunny spiritual weather But when

we do embrace the shadow, God will give us what we need to stay “above ground ”

Dr Mark Boyea is the senior minister at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ.

Loretta Paganini

Dr. Mark Boyea

Edison, Ford estates to offer art 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

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 Beyoncć, and t h e i r t w o s t u d i o a l b u m s h a v e b e e n

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

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/.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY

SWFL Symphony to present ‘Bowie & Glass’

The Southwest Florida Symphony will present “Bowie And Glass: A Symphonic Tribute” on Feb 11 at 7:30 p . m . a t t h e B a r b a r a B . M a n n

Performing Arts Hall, at 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, and on Feb 12 at 4 p m at the Charlotte Performing Arts 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 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 range from $39-52 For more informat i o n o r t i c k e t s , v i s i t https://www.swflso.org/tickets/.

Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel PETER REDPATH 5 to 8 p m

DANNY MORGAN AND JOHN McLANE 5 to 8 p m

DANNY MORGAN 5 to 8 p m

PETER REDPATH 5 to 8 p m

JOHN McLANE 5 to 8 p m

DANNY MORGAN 5 to 8 p m

Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel SCOTT McDONALD 4 to 7:30 p m

SCOTT McDONALD 4 to 7:30 p m

SCOTT McDONALD 4 to 7:30 p m SCOTT McDONALD 4 to 7:30 p.m. SCOTT McDONALD 4 to 7:30 p m

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

Megan Kissinger teaches painting techniques at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

Collective to per for m Jazz at the MACC

The Gulf Coast Jazz Collective will present “Jazz at the MACC” with Laila Biali on Feb 9 at 7 p m at the Music & Arts Community Center, at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers Biali is a multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist and CBC Music national radio host James Suggs will join on trumpet Tickets are $38-44 For more information and tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/

Fundraiser to benefit Gulf Coast Humane Society

The Gulf Coast Humane 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

A r c a d i a S t , 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 There will be vendors,

live 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 present Lerner and L o e w e ’ s “ C a m e l o t ” f r o m

Feb 9 to March 12

a t t h e N o r r i s Center, at 755 8th

A v e S , N a p l e s

T h e c l a s s i c Broadway musical i s d i r e c t e d b y Jeffrey Binder The o r i g i n a l 1 9 6 0 musical, based on the legend of King

A r t h u r a n d h i s k n i g h t s o f t h e r o u n d t a b l e a n d adapted from the T H White novel

“The Once and Future King,” is a sparkling and winningly fast-paced rendition 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

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