022125 Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

Februrary 21, 2025

Oasis Sports Complex gets nod

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council gave the nod Wednesday to spending more than $12 million for the Oasis Sports Complex.

“The growth of the school is what is driving the need for the multi-sport field.”

Via consensus at a joint workshop with the Cape Coral Charter School Authority Governing Board, Council approved moving forward with the base plan, plus two alternatives, for the complex with exclusive use to schools

Schools system.

— Brandon Sloan, Avalon Engineering vice president

House Of Omelets, Oda Pizzeria Bistro, and Grado’s Pizza — Pages 8 & 9

Long-time Cape Coral tradition to take place this Saturday

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Along-time tradition in the Cape paying homage and educating the public on Cape Coral’s official city bird returns this weekend.

The 23rd annual Burrowing Owl Festival — Wildlife & Environmental Expo, put on by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and the city Parks and Recreation Department, takes place this Saturday at Rotary Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attendees can expect fan favorites like Adam’s

Animal Encounters, Children’s Corner, Tom Allen Butterfly House tours, silent auction, bus tours, vendors, crafts, and much more. CCFW is also pleased to introduce some new experiences this year.

“Every year we bring the community our favorites,” said CCFW spokesperson Janet Windisch. “And this year, we’re really excited to have a few new exhibits in the environmental expo. We’re really happy to be able to bring new editions to this tradition.”

The day offers educational programs, live animal exhibits, food, access to the butterfly house, silent auctions, and bus tours to nearby owl burrows.

“We bring in about 40 conservation partners and organizations throughout the community to participate in our wildlife expo,” Windisch said.

Admission is a $5 donation and free for children 12 and under.

New experiences this year include:

n The Conservancy of Southwest Florida will bring its Learning Adventures Bus.

n J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will feature its Roving Ranger mobile visitor center.

n Lee County’s Pop-Up Mobile Library will be making an appearance.

n A first-time vendor will showcase an active beehive.

“We haven’t had an active beehive at the festival in many years, so that will be really interesting,” Windisch said.

See BURROWING OWL, page 12

sharing that the municipal charter school, which opened in 2005 now has 3,453 students among its two elementary schools, and one middle and high school.

There are 23 competitive athletic teams for boys and girls.

“The growth of the school is what is driving the need for the multi-sport field,” he said.

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral’s new state-of-the-art tennis and pickleball facility will officially rebrand this weekend.

Having opened last August, the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center will now be named “The Courts, Cape Coral,” with a grand reopening set for this Saturday.

The unveiling for the rebrand is open to the public, taking place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. No reservation is required to attend. The event will feature an open house, programming activities, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon.

“To date, we have sold over 2,600 memberships in the venue’s pre-opening phase,” said Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Director Joe Petrella in a release. “The overwhelming interest demonstrates the excitement and demand for a facility of this caliber.”

Cape Coral City Council approved the name change in January, with final approval on imaging earlier this month. By consensus, Council gave a nod to the logo option that showcases “the high energy, youthful side” of being in Florida.

“The Courts, Cape Coral, represents progress, innovation, and community spirit,” said Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter in a release. “This facility reflects our commitment to offering exceptional recreational opportunities while driving economic growth and strengthening our identity as a vibrant destination for sports tourism.”

The facility includes 32 pickleball courts and 12 tennis courts, designed to host largescale tournaments. The venue is expected to become a key destination for local and national sports enthusiasts, according to city staff.

The venue has already hosted one pickleball tournament during the week it opened, and will play host to its first professional

within the Oasis Charter

Avalon Engineering Vice President Brandon Sloan began the presentation by

North Cape’s UEP 6 put on advance timeline

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

UEP 6, a component of the city of Cape Coral’s Utilities Expansion Project in the north Cape, has been moved ahead of schedule with its affected area expanded to include more properties.

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said UEP scheduling is important to the investment community, real estate community and residents who are possibly preparing funds for their share of the project that will bring city utilities service to areas still on well and septic.

He also said residents of the North 4 UEP will receive some relief, while North 6 property owners, who thought they had an upwards of 10 years before being hit with UEP assessments, will have to adjust their timeline.

“It’s important Council takes this action, so we can publish a new map and allow them to be able to get the word out and start making adjustments in their home,” Ilczyszyn said at Wednesday’s Cape Coral City Council meeting.

“It’s important Council takes this action, so we can publish a new map and allow them to be able to get the word out and start making adjustments in their home.”

—

Councilmember Joe Kilraine, who pulled Resolution 65-25 from the consent agenda for discussion, said North 6 is up and has already begun work.

“In addition to that, we have expanded the area of six — it encompasses the rest of the restricted area the district placed under restriction,” he said of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which has imposed water-use

limitations for irrigation as water levels in the

are critically low.

The aquifer is the source for well water in the

Lehmann continues Jaycee Park dialog

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council continues to wrangle with Jaycee Park with one council member asking Wednesday about penalties and interest she maintains may be due the city.

“What I don’t understand — that money was due by Nov. 10,” Councilmember Laurie Lehmann said of payment to the city from a public-private partnership for a commercial component of the park’s re-development. “Where in writing? Where is this 90-day extension? It is not listed. We have given them a 90-day extension on getting the money in to us. We are fining them daily.”

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said he was not aware of any prescribed day extension.

“I have said this before. I will say it again. I respect the opinion of the people reading the contract saying they are in breach, or default. The administration has not declared them in breach of the contract,” he said of the private-sector partner.

Ilczyszyn said what staff continues to do is understand the partner position that the contract looked as if it might be in jeopardy due to a change in Council and acknowledge the letter from the partner’s attorney.

As of Wednesday on the $1.37 million contract, the possible penalty is about $48,000 with interest, he said.

The playground and band shell, components to the developed by the city, were also addressed by Lehmann.

Lehmann said if the playground receives enhancements for an inclusive playground, why could the city not have sound dampening for the band shell as an enhancement.

“It was an enhancement — doing an enhancement of inclusive equipment. Why not sound dampen to protect the homeowners that live behind it?” she said of the band shell. “If we are doing one enhancement, why can’t we add another one?”

Assistant City Manager Connie Barron said the playground was designed to be inclusive even before it reached the 60% design phase. She said it was not an enhancement, but rather part of the original design. The playground has more than 40 inclusive elements.

“Our plan with our band shell is to have a sound engineer take a look at it when we get a little farther into the process and come up with a speaker system that works to provide directional sound,” Barron said.

So far, the city has paid about $634,000 to the contractor doing work at Jaycee Park and just gave a notice to proceed on $7.5 million in additional work. Barron said that does not include the cost associated with the Pennoni Team, which is redesigning the park space, of a half a million dollars.

“It hurts, change sucks. It is what it is, and it is already happening,” Councilmember Rachel Kaduk said, adding that the Jaycee Park redevelopment project will be great when it is done.

Save Our Water: Protect our Health, Economy & Future luncheon set for March 27

Calusa Waterkeeper will host the Save Our Water: Protect our Health, Economy & Future luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 27 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater.

“Speakers and panelists will raise awareness about the critical state of our local waters and provide a platform that will arm the community with actionable steps to make a difference. With the critical need to protect and restore our water resources, as well as safeguard the health of our community and the economy, this is a must-attend event,” organizers said in a release announcing the event.

Keynote speaker, Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus John Cassani, will talk about the past and present water quality in the Caloosahatchee and Charlotte Harbor watersheds and how these changes affect our ecosystems, economy and even our health.

Leading experts will take part in a panel discussion to discuss policy, pollution, and solutions.

Panelists include South Florida Water Management Board Chairman Chauncey Goss, FGCU Water School Professor Michael Parsons (Ph.D.), Kissimmee Waterkeeper John Capece (Ph.D.), and Environmental Attorney Ralf Brookes. Fox 4 Meteorologist Andrew Shipley will serve as emcee and The Fort Myers NewsPress journalist Amy Bennett Williams will serve as panel moderator.

“Polluted water is directly linked to a range of seri-

ous health issues, including waterborne diseases, higher healthcare costs, and long-term public health challenges. From our drinking water to the safety of the seafood we consume, the health risks associated with poor water quality affect every part of our daily lives, including our economy. To address these challenges, stronger policies and actions are required. Calusa Waterkeeper is committed to advocating for sustainable water management practices and ensuring clean, accessible water for all. We believe that effective change can only occur when we come together as a community and advocate for stronger protections for our waters.” the release states.

All funds raised will be put to work to restore and protect our waters, “ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and natural resources that make Southwest Florida so special.”

Save Our Water: Protect our Health, Economy & Future is sponsored in part by The Community Foundation, Above Board Chamber of Florida, Southwest Florida Christain Chamber, Fort Myers Beach Chamber, and The News-Press.

Admission is $50 includes lunch, networking, keynote speaker, and panel discussion

Broadway Palm Dinner Theater is at 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers.

To RSVP or become a sponsor visit calusawaterkeeper. org/ourwater.

Mid Hawthorne Aquifer

north Cape.

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn

The breeze OpiniOns

Cape COral breeze

RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher

VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor

CHRIS STRINE, Editor

2510 Del Prado Blvd. • Cape Coral, FL, 33904

• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693

Member Florida Press Association

Another look at property taxes

Property owners who have seen their tax bills spike year-over-year may have some interest in a bill proposed by a member of the Lee County Legislative Delegation.

Sen. Jonathan Martin has introduced a bill that would require the state’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research to conduct a study on the elimination of property taxes and replacing that tax revenue through “budget reductions, sales-based consumption taxes, and locally determined consumption taxes authorized by the Legislature.”

SB 852 states that “The study must include, at a minimum, all of the following: (a) An analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property taxes on public services, including education, infrastructure, and emergency services. (b) An assessment of potential housing market fluctuations, including changes in homeownership rates and property values. (c) An evaluation of whether a shift to consumption-based taxes would make Florida more attractive to businesses compared to other states. (d) An analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property taxes on overall economic stability, consumer behavior, and long-term economic growth.”

Fair enough. The elimination/replacement of property taxes with other “revenue sources” is a proposal that is generating a lot of chatter. Gov. Ron DeSantis has already weighed in with support for the concept.

Count us among those who do not think that change is a bad thing, particularly change that begins with fact-finding and detailed analysis as to the impact on those directly affected.

Sen. Martin’s bill appears to take this into account. But also count us among the cynical because, with all

See EDITORIAL, page 28

This week’s poll question:

Should Florida replace property taxes with an increase in sales tax or other consumption-based levy?

∫ Yes.

∫ Maybe. I’m interested in seeing the proposal explored.

∫ No. Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

Previous poll question

Should Cape Coral City Council re-establish old or create new appointed advisory boards?

∫ Yes. 76.25%

∫ Maybe. The matter should be explored. 11.25%

∫ No. 4.5%

∫ Don’t care. The issue is not important to me. 6.75%

* Total votes at press time: 44 votes. Percentages are “rounded.”Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.

February 21, 2025

Redfish Pointe: Now is the time to voice opposition

The proposed Redfish Pointe development among wetands south of Rotary Park is a great concern for hundreds of families. We have been advocating against this development since 2021 when it first came to our attention.

Hurricane Ian, in 2022, of course, heightened our alarm about Redfish Pointe because it revealed what the future looks like for Cape Coral. Our city is one of the nine in the nation most at risk from future storms.

To highlight awareness of what’s at stake, we urge residents to join us on Saturday, March 1, at 8:30 a.m, to march along Rose Garden Road from Rotary Park to Southwest 6th Place where a 100foot wide entrance road is planned to cut through mangroves.

Indisputably, coastal wetlands provide significant storm protection and flood control. The city’s own website says so. This development would compromise the storm protection these wetlands provide and put our hundreds of families at greater risk of harm and hardship. As one city staff noted in an early review of the project: “Placing infrastructure, residences, businesses, and people in a wetland that has very poor drainage and in the coastal flood zone has potentially extensive impacts financially, for livelihood or life in general.”

What do Democrats want?

To the editor:

Objective 4.5 of the City Comprehensive plan states, “The City shall take extra precautions…to reduce the community’s flood vulnerability in accordance with the State Peril of Flood Act.”

More specifically, Policy 4.5.5 states “Development and redevelopment within Cape Coral shall include principles, strategies, and engineering solutions that reduce flood risk in coastal areas which result from hightide events, storm surge, flash floods, stormwater run-off, and the related impacts of sea-level rise.”

City staff pointedly asked the landowner to address this issue, and in the last public record we have of correspondence between the property owner’s agents and city staff, the agents state, “Redfish Pointe, as part of a future PUD process, will work with the city to address this policy.”

In other words, they will address this most important concern after the city council permits a change in land use and allows for development, after which citizens cannot effectively stop the development, and after the value of the property likely skyrockets and makes purchase through county and state funds for permanent preservation exorbitantly expensive (and thus wasteful of taxpayers’ money).

If they still haven’t adequately addressed the issue of

See GUEST COMMENTARY, page 6

Letters to the editor

Those on the left are screaming as fraudulent gifts and illegal immigrant criminals are being removed. This tells you where the Democrats are.

A good example is the United States Agency for International Development which is being shut down because they are giving American taxpayer money to other countries for terrible reasons.

From a column by Colin Stewart: USAID is giving $47,000 to Columbia for a transgender opera, $2 million to Guatemala for sex change operations and to promote LGBT, and $6 million to Egypt to fund tourism.

In the 2023 fiscal year, USAID provided or gave about $7.1 million worth of male condoms and about $1.1 million worth of female condoms to other countries?

Really?

Maybe the Democrats should have a department for condoms!

When you give bureaucrats money and the authority to use it any way they want, fraud will happen. Good people rue the day at what is happening but not the Democrats. Only because of Trump and Musk are we learning of this incredible waste.

Why did politicians give these bureaucrats this giveaway opportunity? You can believe they had a reason and buying votes is always a good guess. Helping George Soros kill democracy is another.

The Department of Education spent, according to USA facts.org, $268 billion in 2024 to make education worse instead of better. Sixty-five% of America’s fourth graders read below grade level as shown by ReadersPartners.org.

The leader of the teacher’s union charged that removing the DOE damages our children’s lives. What an amazing distortion.

How could anything be worse than what the Department of Education is doing now?

Few know what the acronym USAID does but we know what Medicare, Medicaid, IRS and even the military does and they are all wasting money. I personally have witnessed Medicare fraud in two situations. Overcharging, mischarging. It’s everywhere.

The noise is coming from bureaucrats and the liberal

elements charging that those in power are destroying democracy and killing people. Their reaction is to attack Trump and Musk; submit a bill to impeach Trump; use news media to scream their distorted attacks to their constituencies. Do you suppose children who can’t read and giving condoms will help democracy?

How would I react if I was a Democrat?

I would be as quiet as a mouse and vote for items that are obviously popular in America such as laws that forbid men from competing with women and deporting criminals. Why promote LGBT instead of feeding people, providing health care and producing jobs? Only those who put the party first and America last would support the rhetoric that Democrats are using.

What do Democrats want? Power or a great America? John Benedict Cape Coral

Should a Libertarian replace Byron Donalds?

To the editor:

The political website “Florida Politics” recently noted that President Trump seems to be encouraging U.S. Representative Byron Donalds to run for governor. I posted a response to their article. With all due disclaimers, I hope he runs. As I stated in my posted response, I’d make a donation to his campaign, in an amount equal to the price of a one-way bus ticket from Naples to Tallahassee.

I think the voters of this congressional district are ready to consider a real Libertarian precisely because they want someone who will fearlessly advocate for personal freedom, personal responsibility, and limited government, someone whose Party has been committed to those principles ab initio, not just when it is convenient. Moreover, I think the question should be put on the table by the media. Just who that particular Libertarian might be is a question for another day. (Hector Krakow comes to mind). The big question now is whether this is an idea whose time has come. Live Free or Die.

Larry Gillis Cape Coral

Joseph Bonasia Guest Commentary

School District’s plan to improve academic and social-emotional outcomes

Cell phone use in the classroom has been a topic of interest for Florida state leaders, school district leaders, teachers, and parents alike since Gov. DeSantis signed House Bill 379, limiting cell phone use in schools, in May of 2023. Since then, research continues to confirm the need to set policies for wireless communication devices in support of student academic and social-emotional development. Our district’s staff is examining how we implement wireless communication device policies to ensure all schools within the School District of Lee County have a clear understanding of how we support Florida’s statewide restrictions, barring students from using “wireless communication devices” such as cell phones during instructional time.

As the district moves forward to create a clear and consistent wireless device policy that will support all district schools, we urge our principals, teachers, and families to consider some key thoughts from Jonathan Haidit, Ph.D. and his book The Anxious Generation:

1. The importance of face-to-face conversations and social engagement during

unstructured segments of the instructional day:

“Face-to-face, physical interactions and rituals are a deep, ancient, and underappreciated part of human evolution.”

2. The importance of supporting social-emotional intelligence that advances with students throughout developmental ages and stages:

“For social development they need to learn the art of friendship. Mistakes are low cost and can be rectified in real time. Moreover, there are clearly embodied signals of this rectification, such as an apology with an appropriate facial expression. A smile, a pat on the back, or a handshake shows everyone that it’s OK, both parties are ready to move on and continue playing, both are developing their skills of relationship repair. In contrast, as young people move their social relationships online,

William F. Ribble, Jr. Guest Commentary

those relationships become disembodied, asynchronous, and sometimes disposable. Even small mistakes can bring heavy costs in a viral world where content can live forever, and everyone can see it. Mistakes can be met with intense criticism by multiple individuals with whom one has no underlying bond. Apologies are often mocked, and any signal of re-acceptance can be mixed or vague. Instead of gaining an experience of social mastery, a child is often left with a sense of social incompetence, loss of status, and anxiety about future social interactions.”

3. The importance of a device-free learning environment:

“Even when members of Gen Z are not on their devices and appear to be doing something in the real world, such as sitting in class, eating a meal, or talking with you, a substantial portion of their attention is

monitoring or worrying (being anxious) about events in the social metaverse.”

At a recent School Board of Lee County workshop, the board came to a consensus to adopt the following policy for the district:

“Students may possess personal wireless communication devices (WCDs) while on school grounds during regular school hours. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones and auxiliary/ancillary devices such as watches, ear buds, or smart glasses. At all levels, personal WDCs must be always turned off and in the student’s book bag. WCDs are permitted when the device is used to monitor a health condition documented through medical records and indicated as needed in a health plan.”

The School District of Lee County remains committed to creating an environment for academic excellence for students in all our schools.

— William F. Ribble, Jr. represents District 3 on the School Board of Lee County.

Unfinished business: Inspect septic systems to help prevent harmful algal blooms

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently found red tide blooms lurking off the coast of Southwest Florida from Pinellas to Lee counties, reminding us that we have unfinished business to protect Florida’s waterways.

The reports are of generally low concentrations, though medium concentrations have been reported in Charlotte County and in Lee County around Sanibel Island. Some folks residing closer to the beaches of Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties have reported respiratory discomfort.

Red tide concentrations now usually mean fish kills later. But if these red tide blooms increase in intensity and come closer to our shores, and especially if we see rotting and putrid fish on beaches again, there will be finger pointing about what could and should have been done.

But why wait for another calamity?

Wih the Legislature convening for its annual session in March, policymakers should not lose the opportunity to protect public health and our waterways. They can use what we know about the interplay between blue-green algae in freshwater and red tide in the saltwater of the Gulf – specifically, how the former feeds the growth of the latter.

In 2019, after Florida was hit hard by the outbreak of both harmful blue-green algae and red tide, newly elected Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed a Blue-Green Algae Task Force consisting of the state’s leading environmental scientists who, in October of that year, issued eight recommendations

addressing water quality and public health.

One recommendation addressed the 2.5 million (their estimate) unregulated and uninspected “onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems,” commonly called septic tanks, which are scattered throughout the state.

The governor’s task force noted that although septic systems are “designed to manage human health risks associated with the introduction of pathogens to the environment,” they are “also a well-known and substantial source of nutrients to groundwater and surface waters … (and that) nutrients in the effluent from these systems contributes to the development and maintenance of harmful blue-green algae blooms.”

Howard L. Simon Guest Commentary

They recommended “broader regulatory oversight of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems to ensure that those systems function properly, protect the environment against nutrient pollution and are protective of human health.”

Science led to policy recommendations. The task force called for “the development and implementation of a septic system inspection and monitoring program with the goal of identifying improperly functioning and/or failing systems so that corrective

action can be taken to reduce nutrient pollution, negative environmental impacts and preserve human health.”

Homes relying on septic systems eventually need to be connected to a sewage treatment facility, but until then inspections and repairs will have to suffice.

Some context is necessary: Fifteen years ago, the Legislature recognized the serious threat to water quality and public health by requiring that septic systems be inspected and, if necessary, repaired every five years.

But, in 2012, before the program began, the Legislature repealed the requirement with the approval of then-Gov. Rick Scott. That regrettable decision has left Florida with no requirement that, following their installation, septic systems be inspected. We now have millions of possibly leaking septic tanks along the shores and banks of our lakes, rivers and streams.

So, instead of a seemingly arbitrary timetable for inspections, let’s require inspections of septic systems, as other states do, when a property changes hands.

And so that we don’t let cost stand in the way of protecting the environment and public health, the Legislature should create a grant program to cover the cost of inspections (and if necessary, repairs) for

low-income homeowners — just as was developed 15 years ago.

Inspections of septic systems differ from inspections that are recommended best practice for home buyers — the usual inspections of the roof, electrical system, heating and ventilation, and plumbing done by prospective home buyers.

Inspections of septic systems have wider social consequences beyond the buyer. There is an urgent societal need to retard the growth of harmful algae blooms that cause fish kills with disastrous consequences for our tourism economy, and to reduce the risk of liver cancer, respiratory illnesses and neurological diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s through exposure to the blooms.

Requiring inspections (and repairs if necessary) when a property changes hands should secure broad support. Realtors have as much commitment to clean water in our communities as the most vociferous environmentalist.

The recommendations of the governor’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force deserve the Legislature’s attention.

Let’s start with septic tanks.

—Howard L. Simon, Ph.D., is president of the Clean Okeechobee Waters Foundation and a member of the Calusa Waterkeeper Advisory Committee. He served as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida from 1997-2018.

Guest Commentary: March along the Rose Garden set for March 1

From page 4

flooding, if they haven’t studied the challenges of building in this flood zone and offered viable solutions, how can they say it won’t negatively impact hundreds of families? Are families simply to trust that a developer will address the peril of flood to the community’s satisfaction or that a future city council will ensure it does?

This is unacceptable. With all due respect to our current city council, given recent issues like Jaycee Park, the Three Fishermen, and Yellow Fever Creek, we cannot be confident a future council will protect our best interests and hold a developer’s feet to the fire.

Additionally, storm risk and flood control aren’t the only issues.

Those hundreds of acres provide critical habitat for

wildlife, including protected species, and although the owner says building will occur on 110 acres of uplands, city staff notes that the uplands and wetlands on this property comprise an ecosystem in which uplands and wetlands complement one another. Impacting one, impacts the other.

Rotary Park is hugely popular. The development will significantly and permanently harm its natural character and allure and also violate the intent of a conservation easement meant to preserve these wetlands forever.

Traffic down Pelican Boulevard and the burden upon the city’s infrastructure will also be significant.

All will erode the quality of life that makes living in this area of southwest Cape Coral desirable.

On March 5 in City Council Chambers, the Planning

and Zoning Commission is potentially scheduled to address Redfish Pointe. To develop this property, the current land use designation must be changed from “Preserve” to “Mixed Use.” We urge city residents to attend and to tell the committee that this property is zoned “Preserve” for compelling reasons and that that designation should not be changed.

Join us at this meeting and on March 1 for March along Rose Garden Road.

Now is the time to express your concerns and voice your opposition.

— Joseph Bonasia is a founding organizer of Protect Our Wetlands in Cape Coral.

It’s rural Florida’s turn: Proposed renaissance legislation provides comprehensive approach

I’m a proud son of rural Florida, Florida’s Heartland, six generations deep. Our small, tight-knit, legacy communities are filled with some of the nicest, hardworking people you will ever meet. Rural communities look after one another and would give their last dollar and even the shirt off their own back to help a neighbor in need.

Our rural communities are full of opportunity. When I travel across the Panhandle, the Big Bend, and the Heartland, I see so much of that unrealized opportunity. Opportunity in rural Florida doesn’t just mean development. What I see are opportunities to improve our rural quality of life, while preserving the time-honored way-of-life that has been deeply cherished generation after generation. That’s a why I’m using my two-year term as Senate President to fight for a rural renaissance in Florida.

We need to update our laws to reflect what a rural community can look like in modern Florida. And, we need to diversify our view of what economic development looks like in rural Florida. Gone are the days of setting our sights primarily on large companies, or anchor businesses, with massive capital investments who can deliver on the promise of high wage, high-value jobs, but economically devastate a local community when they close or relocate. We need

to focus on smart community investments and infrastructure improvements that support the growth our rural communities want and that benefit existing businesses to grow and transition based on the needs of our economy. This includes our legacy farm and citrus operations who will be well-served by improvements to farm-tomarket roads essential to keeping fresh food within reach of Florida families.

Expansions to our broadband infrastructure will drastically expand opportunities for education, commerce, and health care in rural Florida. The number of remote workers has nearly doubled since the pandemic. Just like remote work offered people the chance to flee high-tax, lockdown states and head south to the free State of Florida, improvements in broadband capacity and high-speed internet access will allow folks living in rural communities to capitalize on workforce changes, placing big city employment options at the fingertips of our rural residents.

In addition to employment opportunities, currently our rural quality of life can be limited by access to education and

health care. I believe we can combine enhancements to the traditional infrastructure for schools and hospitals, with innovations that expand and strengthen access to these public services. A strong transportation infrastructure and access to robust public services naturally attracts community, maintaining the modest population levels small businesses (restaurants, shops, childcare centers) need to thrive.

Larger businesses are naturally attracted to thriving communities without massive taxpayer-funded economic incentives.

Appealing to mid- and large-scale corporations should be the effect, not the cause of development in our rural areas.

The Senate’s rural renaissance legislation, SB 110 by Sen. Corey Simon, is a bold, comprehensive approach to build on and modernize some of our longstanding economic development programs with a focus on infrastructure, not incentives.

This plan also complements other legislative initiatives and investments from

school choice options for Florida families, to the wildlife corridor connecting legacy trail towns and historic farm and ranch lands, to expanding Live Healthy initiatives in rural communities.

In total, these initiatives provide opportunities for rural communities to grow as they see fit, based on decisions made by local families and businesses who call rural Florida home.

Rural communities are strong and proud. I can tell you the last place they’ll look for guidance is the government, but this legislation outlines some things we can do to help. I believe we can expand education, health care, commerce, transportation, and support agriculture, so Floridians who call our rural communities home, have access to the opportunities the rest of Florida has to offer.

These are critical enhancements and investments to support 31 of our 67 counties and hundreds of rural communities across Florida, as well as our vital statewide agriculture supply chain.

We have seen tremendous economic growth in urban areas of Florida — it’s Rural Florida’s turn.

— Sen. Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, is the President of the Florida Senate.

Ben Albritton Guest Commentary

‘Mouth-watering food’ to be showcased nationally

America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow to visit three Cape Coral restaurants

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A trio of Cape Coral eateries are slated to be featured by a national company that tells the story of unique food and independently owned restaurants.

House Of Omelets, Oda Pizzeria Bistro and Grado’s Pizza will be paid a visit from America’s Best Restaurants this weekend. ABR, a national media and marketing company focusing on bringing attention to local, independently-owned restaurants, will bring its ABR Roadshow to the restaurants on Feb. 21 and Feb. 24. Popular dishes will be highlighted, along with an extensive on-camera interviews with owners and key staff about each restaurants’ special place in the community. The episodes will be aired extensively on social media channels at a later date.

As for what viewers can expect to see, ABR’s Chief Energy Officer Matt Plapp said, “Their story. How they started the restaurants and why. To see their passion and emotion come through the screen and to understand more than ever why it’s important to support these local mom-and-pops over national chains. And of course, their mouth-watering food.”

The owner of House Of Omelets and Oda Pizzeria Bistro is Tony Deda. He arrived in the United States from Albania over a quarter-century ago, and worked his way up from dishwasher positions to being a chef and restaurateur, often learning about the industry from television shows and library books. Deda has owned and operated several restaurants in the United States and in Canada, where he lived for a time.

House Of Omelets has won Best of Cape Coral 11 years in a row, and offers 28 different versions of omelets, as well as skillets and bennies, pancakes, crepes and waffles, soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches and burgers. Deda also serves specialties popular in other parts

“First, all three are independent restaurants doing a lot of things right. That’s what we look for first. On top of that, there are the stories like Mr. Deda coming to America from Albania and working his way up from washing dishes to the American Dream. And then you have Beth Acklin and Antonio Grado, growing up in the pizza business and now thriving in the community.”

— ABR’s Chief Energy Officer

of the country, from pork roll to scrapple. Popular menu items that may be featured on the episode include the biscuits and gravy, crepes, and, of course, the omelets, with a side of potatoes which are cooked, peeled and shredded all in-house.

Deda noted that top-notch customer service and serving a wide assortment of homemade dishes in large portions are what keeps people coming back.

“Great food, great prices,” Deda told ABR. “We do lots of different stuff. Everybody from our restaurant leaves with a box. Sometimes people yell at us ‘why are you giving me so much food?’ And my answer is, ‘I want you to (be reminded) of me in the afternoon when you open that fridge and you see the box from us, and bring you back tomorrow.’”

There are three House of Omelets locations in Southwest Florida, with Cape Coral being the original (opened in 2013). Other locations are in Naples and Fort Myers.

Deda opened Oda Pizzeria Bistro in the same plaza as House of Omelets in January 2024. The name comes from an Albanian word meaning “a space for welcoming and meeting people”.

Oda’s Pizzeria Bistro has a modern, stone-and-wood interior with a focal point of a wood-fired pizza oven. The menu showcases Mediterranean specialties from hearty entrees like lamb chops, steaks, veal, pasta dishes, and paella to unusual appetizers

Matt Plapp

such as saganaki, smoked bone marrow and grilled octopus. A popular dessert is the baklava, made by Deda himself, and the complimentary homemade cotton candy for every diner.

Grado’s Pizza showcases a menu of traditional items. Patrons can enjoy hot and cold subs, appetizers such as meatballs served with house-made marinara and topped with ricotta cheese, and a variety of specialty pizzas named after boroughs or other New York iconic locales. From the Brooklyn Meat (pepperoni, ham, bacon and sausage, Queens White (mozzarella, garlic, ricotta, romano and oil) to the 5th Avenue, topped with mozzarella, mushrooms, garlic, tomato, fresh basil, and balsamic reduction. Build-yourown, by-the-slice, calzones and stromboli are also available, as is catering.

Owners Beth Acklin and Antonio Grado previously owned The Pizza Cutter in North Fort Myers, and Grado grew up working in his family’s restaurants.

Acklin says that people who visit the area from New York and New Jersey tell her that her menu “tastes just like home.” She is hopeful that the restaurant’s showcase on the Roadshow will bring in more business and get them some recognition.

“I (would like to) just to try to let people know, like, where we are; just to kind of get our name out there a little bit, bring in new customers,” she told ABR.

Restaurants featured on the ABR

Roadshow are selected based on their customer reviews, menu items, social media presence, and level of involvement with their community.

“They are community nominated, apply, or are found by our team,” Plapp said. “They must be thoroughly vetted to ensure they fit what we are looking for; we do ask for a nominal fee to cover production expenses and travel.”

As for why each of the restaurants were chosen, Plapp said: “First, all three are independent restaurants doing a lot of things right. That’s what we look for first. On top of that, there are the stories like Mr. Deda coming to America from Albania and working his way up from washing dishes to the American Dream. And then you have Beth Acklin and Antonio Grado, growing up in the pizza business and now thriving in the community.”

Plapp added that ABR tries its best to travel through each region of the U.S. Two to three times each year to highlight independent restaurants.

Episodes air typically eight to 10 weeks after they film at the restaurant. All episodes air on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

House of Omelets is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is at 900 SW Pine Island Rd #122.

For more information, visit www.houseofomelets.com.

Oda Pizzeria Bistro is open daily from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and is at 900 SW Pine Island Rd #102.

For more information, visit www.odapizzeriabistro.com.

Grado’s Pizza is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday 4 to 9 p.m., and is at 1242 SW Pine Island Rd.

For more information, visit www.gradospizza.com.

For more information on ABR, visit www. americasbestrestaurants.com.

Oda Pizzeria Bistro, lemon chicken

House Of Omelets, one of 28 omelet options Grado’s Pizza, a specialty slice

Top left: Oda Pizzeria Bistro at 900 SW Pine Island Rd #102.

Above: Grado’s Pizza at 1242 SW Pine Island Rd.

Left: House

Burrowing owl: Photography Bus Tour also will celebrate city mascot

From page 1

CCFW is excited for the festival’s lineup of expert wildlife speakers this year. CCFW brings together leading wildlife professionals to share their invaluable knowledge on Southwest Florida’s diverse wildlife.

This year’s featured speakers include:

∫ 10:30 a.m. – Adam Brame Recovery Coordinator for the Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish and the Threatened Oceanic Whitetip Shark, NOAA Fisheries, U.S. Department of Commerce

Topic: “Florida’s Other Toothy Sea Creature: The Smalltooth Sawfish and Other Vulnerable Marine Species.” Brame will discuss efforts to conserve the endangered Smalltooth Sawfish and other marine species that are at risk in our waters.

∫ Noon – Joseph Bonasia, chair, Florida Rights of Nature Network & Operations and communications director, FloridaRightToCleanWater.org Topic: “The Fight for Clean Water: Protecting Our Waterways and Ecosystems” Joseph will talk about the decline in local water quality and the critical importance of clean water in safeguarding our community, wildlife, and environment.

∫ 1:30 p.m. – Alligator Adam Pottruck Wildlife Biologist, Adam’s Animal Encounters & Board Member, Adam’s Animal Rescue & Sanctuary.

Topic: “Living with American Alligators: Biology, Behavior, & Avoiding Conflicts with American Alligators” Pottruck will share insights into the biology and behavior of American Alligators, their essential role in healthy ecosystems, and how to coexist with them safely in Southwest Florida.

Cape Coral is home to the largest known population of the Florida burrowing owl, which is a state designated threatened spe-

If You Go:

What: 23rd annual Burrowing Owl Festival — Wildlife & Environmental Expo

When: Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road

cies according to Florida Fish and Wildlife. These pint-sized birds burrow underground where they nest from early February through mid-July. People come from all over the state, country, and globally to photograph the burrowing owl.

Constant development in one of the fastest-growing cities in the country is impacting the habitats of these friendly birds.

“We have thousands of these owls living in Cape Coral,” Windisch said. “They like it here because the environment is good for the species -- they like wide open spaces and sandy soil so they can dig their burrows easily. We’re really lucky here to have this wild animal that likes to live in our neighborhoods. They’re beautiful. They’re cute. And our residents enjoy them. But they need to be protected, and there’s lots of threats to them, from losing habitat to development, to car strikes, to rat poison. We take this opportunity to celebrate them and make spread the message of how we can protect them.”

Residents can get involved by setting up starter burrows in their yard for the small

creatures to inhabit.

CCFW’s online auction is officially live, featuring hundreds of items. Bidders can try and win a variety of offerings, including gift certificates for local restaurants, travel and recreational experiences, artwork, books, and much more. Organizers said this is an excellent opportunity to support CCFW’s mission for those that can’t attend the festival in person. Visit www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org to browse and bid. Auctions end Feb. 23.

Funds raised from the festival and auction will be used to support CCFW’s mission to “preserve and enhance the habitats of protected wildlife species and to educate the community about Cape Coral’s wildlife resources.” A major focus is the acquisition of land for wildlife habitat through CCFW’s sister organization, Cape Coral Wildlife Trust. To date, 81 lots have been acquired in Cape Coral where numerous gopher tortoises and burrowing owls reside.

For more information on the festival, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org or call 239-980-259.

Rotary Park is at 5505 Rose Garden Road.

Photography Bus Tour

Tickets for the photography bus tour, where participants can hope to capture stunning wildlife photos with leading experts guiding photographers to the best spots, must be purchased in advance.

Join Master Birders David and Tammy McQuade, as well as and Eary and Jennifer Warren, for this fascinating four-hour trip.

Participants will have the opportunity to view and photograph local birds including burrowing owls, bald eagles, purple martins, eastern meadowlarks, loggerhead shrikes, great blue herons, and so many more.

The McQuades have observed more than 700 species in the U.S. in each of the last four years, and in 2023, finished No. 1 with 716 birds in the lower 48 states, 811 birds in the ABA area and 1,094 in the AOU area. The Warrens set the Florida “Big Year” record for the most species found in 2019. Tickets can be found by visiting www. ccfriendsofwildlife.org. The tour starts at 7 a.m. at Rotary Park. Space is very limited.

FILE PHOTO

Cape Coral purchases 5 lots for burrowing owl habitat

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council approved the purchase of the first five lots under the Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection Grant Project Wednesday.

The city was awarded the grant, which was established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Foundation, in July 2023

The total funding limit is $900,000 to purchase properties for burrowing owl preservation.

The properties approved include:

n 503 NE 1st Ave. for a purchase price of $60,000, plus approximately $3,000 for closing cost, and $9,561 for the North 2 Utility Expansion Project assessment payoff for a total value of $72,561

n 613 NW 3rd Place for a purchase price of $60,000, plus approximately $3,000 for closing cost for a total value of $63,000

n 601 NW 4th Ave. for a purchase price of $55,000, plus approximately $3,000 for closing cost and $9,210 for the North 2 Utility Expansion Project assessment payoff for a total value of $67,210

n 606 NW 3rd Place for a purchase price of $65,000, plus approximately $3,000 for closing costs and $13,157 for the North 2 Utility Expansion Project assessment for a total value of $81,157

n 605 NW 4th Ave. for a purchase price of $60,000, plus approximately $3,000 for closing cost and $8,771 for the North 2 Utilities Expansion Project assessment project for a total value of $71,771.

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife President Judy Mitchell said the approval was a significant milestone to mark the first agreement of its kind ever.

“A big thank you to you, the Cape Coral City Council,” she said. “The burrowing owls benefit from this grant. This little owl has become a notable tourist attraction.”

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn recognized Carl Veaux who went to FWC on behalf of the community to get money that was leaving the community back.

The funds for the grant derive from mit-

igation fees already paid for incidental burrowing owl take permits.

“I am the one who got the grant from FWC. We have been working on this for three or four years,” said Veaux of the $900,000 grant to buy lots. “We have become a million-dollar club – the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife.”

The burrowing owl, a small member of the species that creates underground burrows for its nests, is the city’s official bird.

FILE PHOTO

Southwest Florida Ag Expo will return for 11 days of “Ag-citing Adventure” beginning Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Lee County Civic Center Complex.

Southwest Florida Ag Expo

runs Feb. 27-March 9

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The Southwest Florida Ag Expo will return for 11 days of “Ag-citing Adventure” beginning Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Lee County Civic Center Complex.

The Lee County-organized event will kick off with a ribbon cutting and $1 admission at 3:30 p.m. on the first day with various promotions to continue through Sunday, March 9,

The expo, which rebranded the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair last year, will again offer all the great food, rides, local entertainment and

the animals featured in its launch.

Fun will also include the Creative Living competition, which features eight divisions – two of which are debuting – STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and the Cottage Food divisions, Southwest Florida Ag Expo spokesperson Miriam Dotson said.

Reithoffer Shows will bring the fun this year with amusement rides and attractions featuring spectacular rides to loved kiddie rides.

At the heart of the festivities is Lee County’s agricultural roots, which still run deep.

“You’ll learn something if you go out. I find that more people are interested in the Ag portion of it – the educational aspect and it is still good fun,” she said, adding that they are keeping up with the people with what they want while keeping it interesting. “The younger generation is really interested in all of this. The environment is an important factor for young people. It adds the loyalty to our community – know that Southwest Florida is beaches and agriculture. It’s important that the young and old are all together in one place.”

See EXPO, page 15

A highlight of the event is the efforts of young participants in 4-H, PeeWees of SWFL, and FFA who exhibit projects months in the making.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for opening day of 2025 Southwest Florida Ag Expo

The public is invited to attend the official ribbon cutting opening this year’s Southwest Florida Ag Expo.

The ribbon-cutting will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Lee County Civic Center Complex, 11831 Bayshore Road .

Gates will open at 4 p.m. following the ceremony.

The ceremony will feature brief remarks by Lee County commissioners and other officials.

Ag Expo entertainers, including One Man Band, The Moogician, Pirate Man Dan and Agricadabra - Grayson Marchett, will be on hand to help celebrate the ribbon cutting.

“The Ag Expo celebrates the work and accomplishments of Southwest Florida youth active in 4-H, FFA and more while offering fun, food and rides for the entire community,” Lee County officials said.

“Commissioners are committed to maintaining the popular experience. Whether you go for the animal exhibitions, the steer auction, the midway thrills or the sweet and savory treats, Lee County invites one and all to the Ag Expo from Feb. 27 through March 9.”

The county invites ribbon-cutting ceremony attendees to plan to stay after the ceremony and celebrate opening day, which features $1 admission and $1 ride tickets as the promotion for Feb. 27.

Throughout the 11-day event, themed promotions are offered, such as Community Night, Senior Day, Sensory Friendly Night and Family Fiesta Day. Learn more about the promotional nights at www.swflagexpo.com. Tickets for promotional nights are only offered at the gate. General Admission tickets can be pre-purchased online.

Also available for online purchase now is the $30 MEGAPASS. It includes gate admission and a wristband for unlimited mechanical rides on one day of your choice. Get your MEGAPASS early; sales end when the Ag Expo begins at 4 p.m. Feb. 27.

General gate admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-11. Children 3 and under are free.

page 16

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UF/IFAS

2025 Southwest Florida Ag Expo entertainment lineup

The highly anticipated 2025 Southwest Florida Ag Expo is just around the corner.

Lee County invites residents and visitors to save their date — or dates — of choice for an exciting lineup of entertainment, exhibits, food and rides for the event that will run from Thursday, Feb. 27, through Sunday, March 9, at the Lee County Civic Center Complex in North Fort Myers.

Enjoy an array of talented performers throughout the event. Here’s the current entertainment lineup:

∫ Deb & the Dynamics – 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27

∫ The Rosada Project – 7-10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28

∫ Thunder Beach – 2-5 p.m., Saturday, March 1

∫ Pure Country of SWFL – 7-10 p.m., Saturday, March 1

∫ The Eric Von Band – 2-5 p.m., Sunday, March 2

∫ Iconic The Band – 6-9 p.m., Sunday, March 2

∫ Billy Rice Band – 7-10 p.m., Monday, March 3

∫ Trop Rock Junkies – 7-10 p.m., Tuesday, March 4

∫ The Holy Rocka Rollaz – 5-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 5

∫ Hairdaze – 7-10 p.m., Friday, March 7

∫ Kettle of Fish – 7-10 p.m., Saturday, March 8

∫ Heat Latin Jazz Band – 2-5 p.m., Sunday March 9

In addition to scheduled stage performances, enjoy daily strolling entertainers and interactive shows, including:

∫ The Moogician

∫ Cowboy Camp with Les McDowell

∫ Michael Felk’s Tinsmithing Show

∫ Kids Foam Zone

∫ Porkchop Revue

∫ Pirate Man Dan

∫ Agricadabra Magic & Hypnosis Show

∫ Roger Abrahamson – The Giant Bowl Turner

∫ East Knoll Pottery

∫ Eudora Farms Petting Zoo

∫ Trinity Heritage Ranch

∫ Marc Dobson – The One-Man Band

The entertainment schedule is subject to change. For complete details of the shows and entertainers visit www. swflagexpo.com; check back often, entertainment is added frequently.

The Lee County Civic Center Complex is at 11831 Bayshore Road.

Expo: ‘An Ag-citing Adventure Awaits’ with exhibits, rides, food and more

From page 14

Those who are interested in attending have the option of purchasing the MEGA PASS for $30 until the expo opens. The pass includes gate admission and a wrist band for unlimited rides for any day of their choice.

General gate admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 4 to 11, and free for children 3 and under. Retired and active military receive free gate admission every day, all day with a military ID.

Months of preparation to culminate at the Southwest Florida Ag Expo.

Putting the “Ag” in the Expo

A highlight of the event is the efforts of young participants in 4-H, PeeWees of SWFL, and FFA who exhibit projects months in the making.

This year’s theme, “An Ag-citing Adventure Awaits,” highlights the excitement and dedication behind the event,

where families can experience the best of agriculture, entertainment, and education in one place.

“For the youth livestock exhibitors, showcasing their animals at the Ag Expo is the culmination of weeks and months of dedication,” organizers said. “The highlight for many youth participants is the Market Animal Auction on the last Saturday of the Ag Expo. Countless hours have been spent feeding, honing their showmanship skills, conditioning and practicing grooming for this event. Raising market steer and swine teaches valuable life skills such as record keeping and animal husbandry, with the ultimate reward being the auction itself, where youth see the results of their hard work.”

Another popular event is the Small Animal Auction on the final Friday of the Ag Expo.

Visitors looking for high-quality poul-

try, rabbits, or cavies (guinea pigs) can bid on animals raised with great care by local youth. It’s also an opportunity for aspiring 4-H, PeeWees of SWFL, or FFA members to find their next project animal.

Beyond livestock exhibitions, the Ag Expo will feature Fun Show Nights, where families can enjoy events such as Goat Agility, the Horse Costume Contest, and the Feathers Costume Contest.

Livestock Show schedule:

∫ Thursday, Feb. 27

• 7 p.m. Goat Agility Contest

∫ Friday, Feb. 28

• 6 p.m. Goat Costume Contest

• 7:30 p.m. Feathers Fun Costume Contest

∫ Saturday, March 1

• 11 a.m. Performance Horse Show

• Noon Goat Showmanship

• 2 p.m. Feather Showmanship

• 6 p.m. Beef Breeding Show and

Showmanship

∫ Sunday, March 2

• 11:30 a.m. Goat Show

∫ Tuesday, March 4

• 6 p.m. Fur Showmanship

∫ Wednesday, March 5

• 6 p.m. Swine Show and Showmanship

• 6 p.m. Fur Fun Costume Contest

∫ Thursday, March 6

• 6 p.m. Steer Show and Showmanship

• 7:30 p.m. Horse Costume Contest

∫ Friday, March 7

• 4:30 p.m. Steer Grooming Show

• 6:30 p.m. Horse Speed Show

• 7 p.m. Small Animal Auction

∫ Saturday, March 8

• 2 p.m. Market Animal Auction

• 6 p.m. Horse Fun Show

The Ag Expo, which will run from Feb. 27 through March 9, will be held at the Lee County Civic Center Complex,11831 Bayshore Road.

Cottage Food competition a tasty addition to Ag Expo

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

A Cottage Food division – the first in the state – has been added to the Southwest Florida Ag Expo this year.

“The Cottage Food competition is the first in the state. That is the really cool piece – Cottage Food is new to the state as far as being part of an agricultural expo,” said Jennifer Hagen, University of Florida/IFAS Extension Lee County Family & Consumer Sciences agent, adding she wants to “introduce people to some of the opportunities to improve their life.’”

Cottage Food was created in 2011 by the state as an agricultural enterprise for small farms to create other products to increase revenue.

“It came around as a way for small farms to be able to create value added products to help sustain them yearround above and beyond the crops they were growing,” Hagen said.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not require a license or permit for Cottage Food operations, as well as not being inspected by any state government entity. The gross sales for cottage food operations cannot exceed $250,000 annually.

Hagen said an exemption was created in state statute that production of certain types can be made in an individual’s home for sale to the general public.

“It’s an exemption to having to follow commercial safety regulations,” she said.

The product for cottage food may not be time or temperature controlled. According to Cottage Food Operations “this means the final product may not be a food product that requires time/temperature control for safety to limit

pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation; an animal food that is raw or heat-treated; a plant food that is heat-treated or consists of raw seed sprouts, cut melons, cut leafy greens, cut tomatoes or mixtures of cut tomatoes that are not modified in a way so that they are unable to support pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation; or garlic-in-oil mixtures that are not modified in a way so that they are unable to support pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation.”

The types of cottage food that can be produced include loaf breads, rolls and biscuits; cakes, pastries and cookies; candies and confections; honey; jams, jellies and preserves made from high acid-fruits only; fruit pies and dried fruits; dry herbs, seasonings and mixtures; homemade pasta; cereals, trail mixes and granola; coated or uncoated nuts; vinegar and flavored vinegars; popcorn and popcorn balls and nut butters including almond, peanut and cashew.

Hagen said it is items that do not have to be refrigerated or baked and has a shelf life.

“Cottage food does not require you to have any food safety education and training,” she said.

In the past, at traditional fairs there were some sorts of bake-off competition, or a section that has pickles, salsa, and canned foods. She said the products were submitted and judges tasted and sampled the products.

“I wanted to change it to be more of a food-related entrepreneurship program,” Hagen said.

Miriam Dotson, Southwest Florida Ag Expo spokesperson, said the Cottage Food division opens the door to learn about where food comes from.

“A lot of people over the years have shown this desire to be healthier and learn about food,” she said.

Dotson is excited about the entrepreneurial element.

“This is going to help you. We want to see people succeed,” Dotson said about food safety and handling.

Hagen said she wanted Cottage Food to be a division providing an outlet for people who are interested in food entrepreneurship – food for sale and learning the ins and outs while receiving food safety training ahead of time.

Those who participate in the new Cottage Food division are required to take one virtual class before they submit a product at the expo.

“I want you to know the basics of food handling, washing your hands — it’s about a 30-minute class to go over the basic state program, Cottage Food,” Hagen said, adding that they will then be released.

She said they can cook such things as sugar cookies and enter them into the expo. From there, Hagen will look at the entry to make sure the cookies are packaged correctly, labeled with the name, address and the statement that shares “made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida’s food safety regulations.”

“I want them to have food safety knowledge. They present their items, I tell them what they have done right, improve on and (provide) assistance. That is part of the judging,” she said. “Did they follow the right procedure to be able to sell the food to the general public and be successful.”

The Southwest Florida Ag Expo will be held from Feb. 27 through March 9 at the Lee County Civic Center complex, 11831 Bayshore Rd., North Fort Myers.

For more information, visit www.swflagexpo.com.

Ribbon-cutting: Festivities begin Feb. 27 with an opening ceremony

From page 14

Permitted bags include:

Retired and active military receive free gate admission all day, every day. Must present Military ID, service members only. Just like in 2024 – and to ensure safety – the Ag Expo will implement security measures, including walk-through metal detectors at entry gates.

Prohibited items include:

∫ Large totes, backpacks and cooler bags

∫ Small purses, clutches, wallets or clear totes with maximum dimensions of 12 x 12 x 8 inches

∫ One-gallon plastic zip-top bags

Medically necessary bags and diaper bags containing only baby supplies will be permitted after inspection by security.

The complete schedule of events, spe-

cial promotions, ticketing and parking information is listed at www.swflagexpo. com, or visit Facebook for SWFL Ag Expo at www.facebook.com/swflagexpo. Please bookmark the website and follow the Facebook page, as event details and information will continue to be added.

Weekly B reeze Recap

Barton, a founder of local Horizon Council, dies at 89

Horizon Council founding member and the organization’s first chairman, David Barton, has died at age 89.

The longtime Southwest Florida developer and business leader, who died Feb. 13, had been battling an illness at his farm in Ocala.

Originally from Meriden, England, Barton worked in manufacturing in his home country.

In 1987, he and his wife Margaret – who met and were engaged onboard the Queen Mary — decided to make Cape Coral their permanent home after several holidays to Florida in the 1980s.

Barton saw the potential for growth in Cape Coral and worked tirelessly to develop the North Cape Industrial Park, a 92-acre manufacturing and service industry site that is home to more than 100 businesses. His wife and his son Simon worked with him for many years building the business.

for Yacht Club rebuild

One down and one to go: City gets state permit

Federal permits still pending

By VALARIE HARRING vharring@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral has received a long-awaited Environmental Resource Permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, granting authorization for the city’s redevelopment of the Yacht Club.

The state agency notified city officials Thursday that the permit needed for various aspects of the rebuild - the relocation of the boat ramp in the Caloosahatchee, replacement and reconfiguration of existing docks in the marina, replacement of nearly 3,000 feet of seawall, repair of the fishing pier and redevelopment of the 16.6-acre park itself — has been granted.

Also required, and still pending, is permit authorization from the Army Corps of Engineers.

“I’m excited to see some progress finally,” said Cape Coral City Councilmember Rachel Kaduk. “One permit down. One permit to go. Let’s get our beautiful Yacht Club rebuilt.”

The riverfront park — the city’s first, built by the Cape’s founding developers — was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian and has since been razed pending a $130-$150 million rebuild as a island-style “destination” with a new two-story community center, resort style pool, four-story parking garage, new piers and a marina with additional boat slips.

Councilmember Bill Steinke, in whose district the Yacht Club is located, said the state permit is an important first step.

“We’re highly appreciative of that being issued. It’s been a labor of love,” he said. “Certainly it’s taken a lot longer than we had hoped that it would.”

The next step will be a city review of any conditions that may be attached to FDEP’s permit authorization.

“I’ve not officially seen what conditions are being requested, if any,” Steinke said.”Most often conditions will come as a part of it, and we’ll just see how we would respond to those and then hopefully we’ll have an expedited process to having the Army Corps’ approval and will be able to be able to get started, finally.”

A release issued by the city’s Communications Office Friday afternoon addresses the process.

“The environmental resource permit will now be sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), with federal approval anticipated in April 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances,” the release states. “Once received, the construction manager at risk will advertise the marine improvement portion of the project for construction bids, marking a significant step forward in the project.”

The 84-page permit response outlines the various changes the city plans to make to the Yacht Club campus, which include both land and waterfront amenities. The changes, particularly those that may impact the river, require specific state and federal authorizations, including lease modifications for submerged lands owned by the state of Florida and specified standards for a range of things from construction and dredging practices to water quality standards and habitat and wildlife protections while the project progresses.

Potential environmental impact issues have been addressed, officials said.

“Since 2021, the City has worked closely with USACE and FDEP to secure necessary approvals for the park’s transformation. This process has included extensive environmental and regulatory reviews, addressing water quality, submerged land leases, and slip transfers.

Following Hurricane Ian’s impact in September 2022, additional coordination with state and federal agencies was required,” the release states.

Design plans for the Yacht Club Community Park renovation are underway, with completion anticipated by November 2025, officials said.

A project timeline and related information be found on the city’s Yacht Club Community Park webpage, https://www.capecoral.gov/department/parks_and_ recreationhome/yacht_club_community_center/index. php

Above is a design proposal for the docks and slips at the new Cape Coral Yacht Club. FILE GRAPHIC

Barton also found time to stay involved with the local community and promote growth and development in the area as chairman and founder of the Horizon Council in Lee County, the founder and executive director of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association and served on the Industrial Development Authority for many years.

Margaret Barton said she wants people to remember her husband of 60 years as a man with strong family values and traditions, high moral character, a strong sense of community and many sizable career achievements.

David Barton was instrumental in furthering economic development efforts in Lee County as a founding member of the Horizon Council in 1991. At the time, the county had several economic development organizations competing for county funds.

Barton and other business leaders developed a cohesive, forward-looking plan for growth in the county that was transparent and allowed all voices to be heard.

Their plan led to the Horizon Council becoming the official advisory board to the Lee County Board of Commissioners on economic development issues, also providing vision, guidance and support to the Lee County Economic Development Office in its mission.

Barton went on to serve as chairman of the council for four years. His efforts were crucial to building the foundation for this critical public-private advisory board. He also served on the board of the Industrial Development Authority for 30 years. In addition, he was a founding member and executive director of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association.

Guido Minaya, Horizon Foundation president and founding member of the Horizon Council, praised Barton for his vision in forming the organization.

“David really laid the groundwork for the Council. It was his meticulous focus on how we could collaborate as business organizations, as municipalities, as the county to really introduce economic development county wide that led to where we’re at today,” Minaya said.

Tom Hoolihan, founding member of the Horizon Council and longtime friend of Barton’s, echoed Minaya’s sentiments.

“David was the bridge. He brought the group together,” Hoolihan said. “David said this is how it’s going to be, and agreement was reached rather quickly, but you have to have boots on the ground and David did that.”

Barton is survived by his wife, three children, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends for viewing from 4-6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21, at Fuller Metz Funeral Home, 3740 Del Prado Blvd. Cape Coral. A Catholic prayer service will be conducted at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Judes. David’s final resting place will be in England.

The breeze CommuniTy

February 21, 2025

For your consideration: vanilla planifolia

By JANETTA FOX news@breezenewspapers.com

Vanilla planifolia, also known as vanilla bean orchid, vanilla orchid or flat leaved vanilla, grows naturally in tropical regions such as the rain forests of Mexico and Central America.

Here in Southwest Florida, the plant can be grown in the ground, in containers or as an air plant. For that reason it is considered semi-epiphytic. I was gifted two cuttings, with a few attached aerial roots on each, a number of years ago. Each had been pruned below a growth node from the mother plant.

Garden Club of Cape Coral

As long as the potting mix allows for excellent drainage, almost any type container and substrate should suffice for propagation. After allowing the base of my cuttings to dry for a couple of days, I placed cut ends in clay pots half-filled with orchid mix. I positioned my plants on a wooden clay pot stand, and waited for the plants to grow terrestrial roots (below the surface) and additional aerial roots.

Vanilla bean is lovely to behold as it slowly climbs and attaches its roots to whatever structure it graces. If you have the space, you could even consider growing the plant horizontally. While the plant prefers a combination of shade and light, I found that some morning sun can work as well. However, full sun is a definite no. Ideal daytime temperatures range in the 80s to mid-90s, night temperatures in the 60s. Protect plants in colder weather, noting that freezing temperatures can kill.

Because the plant thrives in humid conditions, regular misting is advised when growing in containers. Additionally, the soil should be allowed to dry between water applications. You definitely would not want to over-water and cause root rot. When applying orchid fertilizer always follow label directions.

An ideal location outdoors for V. planifolia is under a tree. Although I chose a different route initially by placing clippings in clay pots, you can grow plants at the tree’s base, surrounding cut ends by some combination of soil, leaf litter, peat and mulch.

After gingerly removing one of my plants, aerial roots and all, from its stand, and adding an upright support stake, I recently relocated it under a gumbo limbo tree on my property. The tree provides sufficient shade-light and the plant appears to be quite content.

Bees pollinate V. planifolia in its natural environment, though not just any bee, but, rather, the Melipona bee. Why just one type bee? Because the structure of the plant’s reproductive organs does not allow access by other bees.

We don’t have the luxury of welcoming Melipona bees to our vanilla orchids in Southwest Florida. Therefore, hand-pollination is the route we must go should we want to eventually welcome the vanilla beans. There are various YouTube videos that share step-by-step directions for orchid pollination. I have included the source information below for one that, for me, provides the clearest explanation.

As the video points out, you can expect green pods to form within 2-3 weeks if pollination is successful. And, then, another 6-9 months for the beans to mature, followed by another few months after harvesting for the curing process.

South Cape Community Center offers programs for adults, families

The South Cape Community Center, located on the grounds of Faith Presbyterian Church at 4544 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, is a 17,400-square-foot facility offering diverse recreational programs and facility rentals for Cape Coral residents. The center features a full-size, air-conditioned gymnasium with a basketball court and indoor volleyball, four indoor pickleball courts and an event room for up to 400 guests, with parking available for 240 vehicles.

The center serves as a hub for adult fitness and recreation, with a focus on programs for adults 50+. It also hosts family-friendly and children’s activities throughout the year.

Programs and activities available at the center include: n Events & Classes: The Community Center offers social, recreational, and educational opportunities, including health and fitness classes, dance, music, lunch & learns, and craft workshops.

n Pickleball: Drop-in play is available Monday through Friday, 12-3 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Court rentals are available during select hours.

n Open Gym: Basketball, cardio walking, and fitness exercises are available Monday through Friday from 7:308:30 a.m. and Saturday from 7:30-12 p.m.

n Friendship Center Dining Program: Nutritious meals are provided for adults 60 and older in a friendly environment Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

n Facility Rentals: The event room, a 20-seat theater, kitchen, banquet area, conference room with A/V capabilities, and classrooms are available for meetings, seminars, and special occasions.

For additional information about programs available, please visit the South Cape Community Center website at https://www.capecoral.gov/department/parks_and_recreationhome/southcaperecreationcenter.php or call 239574-0806.

Cape Coral Social Club to host Wearing of the Green Dinner Dance

The Cape Coral Social Club will host a Wearing of the Green Dinner Dance Saturday, March 1, from 5:30-9:30 p.m., at the German American Social Cub, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral.

Music will be provided by Kim Jenkins.

Menu choice of one: stuffed ham with pineapple and raisin sauce, of sauteed lemon pepper chicken breast or vegetarian shepherd’s pie. All will be served with rolls and butter, pasta salad, honey glazed carrots, steamed red bliss potatoes and apple crisp.

Tickets are $35 for members/$40 for guests (cash or

check). Note, the cost is $38 or $43 when using a credit card. Payment is required by Tuesday, Feb. 25. Payments may be taken at the general meeting Tuesday, February. 25, the Lake Kennedy Center, Farmer Joe’s, Family Hardware on South 47th Terrace, on the web at www.capecoralsocialclub.org or contact Judy at 239-699-0123. Indicate entrée choice & table seating preference; singles’ table available. No refunds for cancellations. Checks preferred.

For additional information, please email judyhnoe33@ gmail.com.

Bill Gaither bringing Love Like I’m Leaving Tour to Fort Myers tonight

Multi-Grammy Award winning recording artist, Bill Gaither will kick off the Love Like I’m Leaving Tour this spring, as he brings his multi-award winning group, The Gaither Vocal Band, to 16 cities during February, March, April and May. The first weekend of stops will take place in multiple cities throughout Florida, including the stop at the First Assembly of God in Fort Myers today, Feb. 21.

For nearly half a century, Gaither, a multiple Grammy and Dove award winner, has been a musical trailblazer. Together with his long-time songwriter partner and wife, Gloria, the two have collectively written more than 900 songs and were honored to be named ASCAP Christian Songwriters of the Century. The couple’s reputation as a performers, songwriters and mentors for newly-discovered artists is known world-wide. Their beloved series of Homecoming CDs and DVDs continues to top the sales charts and attract an ever-increasing audience. Honors and accolades have flowed their way in bunches, including the most recent Grammy nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album of the Year for the Gaither Vocal Band Shine recording, which also received the Dove Award nomination for Southern Gospel Album of the Year from the Gospel Music Association.

Taking the stage with Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band during the spring tour, featuring Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Reggie Smith, will be popular female vocalist Ladye Love Smith, male vocalist Gene McDonald and newcomer phenom and The Voice

winner, Chris Blue, as well as Gaither’s musical entourage, comprised of Kevin Williams, Matthew Holt and Michael Rowsey.

The 2025 spring tour affords Gaither the opportunity to continue to share the message he has been proclaiming for nearly seven decades. Considered one of the oldest living musicians who is still actively touring, recording and performing, Gaither, who turns 89 in March, says it’s that desire to spread the message of hope through music that keeps the Indiana native thriving. “The truth is,” Gaither says smiling, “I just love doing what I do, and I believe in the message in the songs. Songs like ‘we have this moment to hold in our hands…’ ‘because He lives I can face tomorrow…’ ‘I just feel like something good is about to happen…’ ‘Jesus only will never fail…’ ‘I’m gonna love like I’m leaving, give more than I’m receiving, laugh until it takes my breath away, say what needs saying, pray what needs praying, I’m gonna love like I’m leaving today…’those are pretty important messages. Each night we try to create moments that will allow our audience to walk away feeling differently than when they came. That’s why we continue to do what we do. I still love it!”

Tickets for the 2025 Love Like I’m Leaving Tour are on sale now. This evening begins at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets or for additional details, visit www.gaither.com.

First Assembly of God is at 4701 Summerlin Roadd, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Contact the church at 239-9366277.

Adopt-A-Road volunteers sought

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Keep Lee County Beautiful, Inc. is seeking volunteers interested in participating in its Adopt-A-Road program.

Residents, community groups and local businesses are invited to take part to help reduce the amount of litter on local roadways.

“Keep Lee County Beautiful is currently running a campaign to recruit new adoption groups,” Executive Director Trish Fancher said. “We are also doing a sign survey to add/ update any Adopt-A-Road signs that are installed in Cape Coral.”

Although the Adopt-A-Road program in Cape Coral has active for more than a decade, Keep Lee County Beautiful only took over the program in 2022.

“Hundreds of roads across Cape Coral have been adopted over the years. The groups come and go as individuals/businesses move in and out of the city. We currently have 35 active Adopt-A-Road groups,” Fancher said.

The roads that have been “adopted” across the city range from the Charlotte/Lee County line by Burnt Store Road to communities around the Cape Coral Yacht Club, as well as from Surfside Boulevard to Del Prado Boulevard and everything in between.

Fancher said it is safe to say there have been multiple tons of trash/debris collected over the last few years since they took over the program.

Volunteers will commit to maintaining a section of a city-maintained road for two years – conducting a cleanup at least four times a year. The cleanups can be done one hour after sunrise, or one hour before sunset any day of the week.

All the supplies, such as safety vests, trash bags, gloves, litter sticks and buckets, are provided by KLCB. A sign may be erected by the City of Cape Coral for their efforts.

The volunteers have to be 12 years and older with those

Get involved

Who: Keep Lee County Beautiful

What: Adopt-A-Road program in Cape Coral

How: Adopt-A-Road groups and organizations volunteer to “adopt” streets and roadways within the city. Volunteers commit to maintaining a section of a city-maintained road for two years – conducting a cleanup at least four times a year. The cleanups can be done one hour after sunrise, or one hour before sunset any day of the week. All the supplies are provided by KLCB.

Where: Applications can be found at https://bit.ly/AAR_CapeCoral.

younger than 18 requiring adult supervision.

Applications can be found at https://bit.ly/AAR_ CapeCoral. Once the application is approved, the group leader can arrange to pick up their supplies from KLCB at 4300 Ford Street, Unit 108, Fort Myers.

“This initiative empowers community members and local businesses to take an active role in preserving the beauty and

CCB0000836.crtr - Page 1 - Composite

cleanliness of our city. By adopting sections of our roads, volunteers will help reduce litter, enhance our environment, and foster a sense of pride and stewardship within our neighborhoods. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener Cape Coral for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

Additional information can be sought by calling (239) 334-3488, or by visiting www.klcb.org.

The Courts, Cape Coral: Residents invited to rebrand opener

From page 1

event, the Carvana PPA Tour Veolia Cape Coral Open from March 5 to 9.

“The Lake Kennedy Racquet Center facility has quickly become a hub for racquet sports in our great city of Cape Coral,” District 5 Councilmember Joseph Kilraine said. “Being rebranded today as ‘The Courts,’ it has grown to 2,671 members with 1,658 memberships with 4,092 individuals having played on the courts to date.”

Kilrane said more than 500 people use the facility daily and revenue has eclipsed $238,500.

“Future growth is inevitable as 12 pickleball and 12 tennis tournaments are now planned, making it a major attraction for the Cape,” he said.

Sports Facilitates Companies operates the rising-in-popularity racquet center, and feels the rebranding will be a positive change.

“The venue is actively involved in promoting tennis and pickleball within the community, organizing events, and encouraging participation from players of all skill levels,” said Jason Smith, The Courts, Cape Coral director of operations.

“This engagement helps to build a positive reputation and draw more interest to The Courts.”

Both the city and Sports Facilities Companies produced the new name. The branding and logo were put together by the SFC Marketing Team. Smith said they designed three different logos, and Council voted for the one they liked best.

The image has horizontal lines with orange at the top, yellow, and then blue with palm trees and a moon in the background.

As for how the image change will benefit the venue, Smith said, “A strong brand identity helps the facility stand out, attracting more members and event organizers.”

New merchandise will be available, such as hats, shirts, and pickleball paddles. New signage will be visible throughout the center.

“The club will undergo a complete rebranding,” Smith

The unveiling for the rebrand of Lake Kennedy Racquet Center to “The Courts, Cape Coral,” is open to the public, taking place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

No reservation is required to attend. The event will feature an open house, programming activities, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon.

The city owned, privately managed, facility is at 420 S.W. 2nd Ave.

said.

As for what residents should know about The Courts, and why those interested in the fastest-growing sport should give it a shot, Smith said, “Becoming a member means joining a club where we foster an ‘everybody knows your name’ atmosphere. Learning and playing tennis or pickleball brings countless health benefits, including cardiovascular fitness, weight management, improved coordination and balance, enhanced reflexes, stress relief, social interaction, and, most importantly, fun and enjoyment.”

Smith said all personnel at “The Courts,” including General Manager Lisa Zuk, extend a heartfelt thanks to the City of Cape Coral for giving Sports Facilities Companies the opportunity to serve the community.

“Through tournaments, leagues, organized open play, and building relationships with local businesses, we are making a positive impact on the local economy,” he said.

Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, now The Courts, Cape Coral, is at 420 S.W. 2nd Ave.

The new image is intended to help develop “A strong brand identity” so the facility can stand out and attract more members and event organizers, said Jason Smith, The Courts, Cape Coral director of operations.

The breeze educaTion

February 21, 2025

Griffin of Cape Coral named to fall 2024 dean’s list at The Citadel

CHARLESTON, S.C.-- Sean Griffin of Cape Coral is among the more than 1,300 cadets and students recognized for their academic achievements during the fall 2024 semester.

The dean’s list is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours and whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher, with no grade of I (Incomplete) and no grade below C for work in a semester.

Education BriEfs Foundation for Lee County Public Schools receives grant to help students explore career in healthcare

Cadets who are named to the dean’s list receive a medal, which is worn on their uniform during the semester following their academic achievement. Non-cadet students on the dean’s list are presented a certificate.

Academics at The Citadel are divided between five schools: the Tommy and Victoria Baker School of Business, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics and the Zucker Family School of Education.

The Citadel offers a classic military college education for young men and women focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction. The approximately 2,300 members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets are not required to serve in the military, but about onethird of each class earn commissions to become officers in every branch of U.S. military service. Citadel alumni have served the nation, their states and their communities as principled leaders since 1842. The Citadel Graduate College offers dozens of graduate degree, graduate certificate and evening undergraduate programs in the evening or online. Learn more about The Citadel at https://www. citadel.edu/

Alonso named to President’s List for fall 2024 semester at Southern Miss HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- The University of Southern Mississippi has released its President’s and Dean’s Lists for the 2024 fall semester. The President’s List includes full-time students who earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Dean’s List scholars are those with at least a 3.5 grade point average, but less than a 4.0.

Camila Maria Alonso of Cape Coral was one of the students named to the President’s List.

Founded in 1910, the University of Southern Mississippi provides programs for more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. One of the nation’s leading research institutions, Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security and bringing language to children with communication disorders. It is also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

For more information about the university, visit https://www.usm.edu/

Reuss achieves the Dean’s List for Fall 2024

DELHI, N.Y. — SUNY Delhi has recognized Alexandra Reuss of Cape Coral for being named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. Reuss is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The Dean’s List is a recognition of academic achievement for students who are enrolled in six or more credits and earn at least a 3.5 grade-point average for the semester.

SUNY Delhi’s hands-on approach to teaching and learning includes over 60 academic programs in specialized areas, including applied technologies, nursing, hospitality, veterinary sciences, applied sciences, business, and liberal arts and sciences. SUNY Delhi offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, as well as master’s degrees in a combination of on-campus and online settings.

Enrolling over 3,000 students, SUNY Delhi is a member of the State University of New York. For more information about SUNY Delhi, call 607-746-4000 or visit delhi.edu.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has announced it has received a grant for $33,750 as part of a three-year $1.2 million grant from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation to the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) aimed at increasing student interest in healthcare careers and successful participation in high school healthcare career academies, particularly among students from underrepresented rural communities.

Through the “Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways” program grant, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools will implement initiatives designed to ignite student interest in pursuing healthcare careers. This program will specifically benefit students from underrepresented communities, including aspiring healthcare professionals from East Lee County High, Gateway High and South Fort Myers High. By providing access to resources, mentorship and hands-on experiences, the foundation aims to empower students to explore and excel in healthcare fields. Over the next three years, the grant will directly impact over 400 students, focusing on expanding and enhancing career pathways in healthcare.

“This funding from the ‘Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways’ program will have a transformative impact on both our students and the broader community by expanding access to healthcare career pathways.” Said Dr. Lisa Wright, Health Occupations coordinator at the School District of Lee County. “For students, it opens doors to hands-on learning, specialized training, and real-world experience in a growing industry. By investing in education and resources that support healthcare careers, we are

empowering students to pursue fulfilling and high-demand roles in healthcare, which not only benefits them but also strengthens our community’s workforce. As these students enter the healthcare field, they will bring fresh talent and innovation, contributing to better care and improved health outcomes for the community.”

The specific initiatives funded by the grant will include career exploration activities, student internships and workbased learning opportunities. Additionally, funding will be allocated for the start-up and expansion of healthcare CTE programs and career academies, covering costs for curriculum, teacher training, and necessary equipment. The grant will also help eliminate barriers for student participation, such as uniforms, equipment, transportation, and competition/conference fees. Furthermore, teacher externships will be funded to deepen understanding of healthcare professions, while summer transition programs and certification test preparation will be provided to ensure students are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields.

For more about the foundation, visit www.leeschoolfoundation.org, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

For more information about the Consortium, please visit educationfoundationsfl.org

Registration starts Monday for Lee County Parks & Rec Summer Camp

Lee County Parks & Recreation Summer Camp registration opens at 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24. Registration is expected to draw thousands of youngsters to programs, outings and activities at the department’s traditional camps, middle school camps and specialty camps.

Traditional camps are for children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle school camps are for sixth through eighth grades. Specialty and special needs camps’ ages vary. Check locations for specific ages.

Summer camp runs for seven weeks from Monday, June 16, through Friday, Aug. 1. The cost for camp is $85 per week per child, an increase from the previous rate of $75. This adjustment allows us to enhance the camp experience by adding more program opportunities, such as an additional field trip at most sites.

For locations, visit www.leeparks.org.

Parents are encouraged to sign up early. Camp registration is ongoing as long as space is available.

Helpful tips from the registration desk:

To register for camp at one of the four large recreation

centers – Estero, North Fort Myers, Veterans Park in Lehigh Acres or Wa-Ke Hatchee – obtain a membership first by visiting the location.

If you currently have a membership at one of these facilities, please make sure it is active by calling or visiting the location selected.

A household account at www.webtrac.leegov.com is needed to register online.

Registration for swimming lessons and other aquatics programs begins Wednesday, March 5.

Camp sites will participate in countywide initiatives, such as service-learning projects, fitness and wellness programs, and National Park and Recreation Month.

For more information about Lee County Parks and Recreation locations, volunteer opportunities, or amenities and special events: visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-5337275, email leeparks@leegov.com or follow Lee County Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www. facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.

Gilliland earns Certificate in Principles of Public Relations

Josephine Gilliland, a recent Florida Gulf Coast University graduate and student member of the Florida Public Relations Association, has earned the prestigious Certificate in Principles of Public Relations. She is the 14th FGCU student to achieve this distinction, underscoring the university’s commitment to preparing future public relations professionals.

Administered by the Universal Accreditation Board, the certificate is awarded to students who pass a comprehensive examination designed to assess their foundational knowledge in public relations. This credential provides an advantage for those entering the profession, demonstrating a strong grasp of industry principles and best practices.

Gilliland graduated summa cum laude from FGCU in

May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in communication, concentrating in public relations and a minor in marketing. She previously earned a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship from Kent State University and plans to further her education by enrolling in a master’s program this summer.

To qualify for the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations examination, students must be within six months of graduation (either before or after) from an accredited college or university with a degree in public relations or a related area of study. Candidates must also be members of the Public Relations Student Society of America or another UABaffiliated organization and complete a designated preparation course.

‘A Night to Shine’ fundraising gala to benefit Oasis Charter Schools

Auction, miniature golf companion event set for Feb. 28

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The Cape Coral Municipal Charter School Foundation will hold its first fund-raising gala next month.

Cape Coral Municipal Charter School Foundation Vice President Jen-Hope Belis said with the school system celebrating its 20th anniversary — Oasis South Elementary School opened in 2005 — it was a good year to kick off the Oasis Gala, a formal/ semi-formal event.

The 2025 Gala Event will be held Saturday, March 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Westin Cape Coral.

The event is sponsored by Key Private Bank. Tickets are $150 per person and include a dinner and one drink ticket. Attendees must be 21 years old to attend.

The gala is a reason to get dressed up, and have a nice sit-down dinner, Belis said.

In addition to the dinner, the event will feature music and a silent and live auctions.

There is an online auction component for the gala giving relatives of students and other supporters another opportunity to bid on items.

Belis said the items include senior parking

spots, and a student being a principal for the day.

“Oasis has no tuition,” she said, adding the event provides an opportunity to support the school financially.

Individuals will have an opportunity to view the online auction at the Par-TEE, miniature golf event, from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at Tropical Breeze Fun Park.

Attendees can play a round of miniature golf starting at $12 per round. There also will be food, a DJ and photo booth.

The event will also feature school performances from Oasis musicals and choirs from 5 to 8 p.m.

A percentage of the sales will go towards the foundation.

Oasis Charter Schools is a four-school charter school system under the auspices of the city of Cape Coral.

“All four schools are ‘A’ schools since their inception and continue to do so despite less funding than the district. The sports team continues to do well despite not having some of the amenities that typical school districts have,” Belis said.

The charter school system continues to be

the “little school that can, and continues to be the gem of the city,” she said.

Funds raised from the gala will directly benefit students, as the board of directors of the foundation all donate their time.

“There is no overhead. One hundred percent goes back to the students at the school, which is something we are very proud of,” she said. “We are a board of nine volunteers. We are doing this in our free time — we are passionate about it and very proud of our school system.”

The gala supports all four schools through mini grants.

If You Go:

What:

Cape Coral Municipal Charter School Foundation fund-raising gala

Where:

Westin Cape Coral, 5961 Silver King Blvd.

When: Saturday, March 29, from 6 to 10 p.m.

A formal written request is submitted and graded through a rubric to determine the score and who is awarded money.

The Westin Cape Coral is at 5961 Silver King Blvd.

Tropical Breeze Fun Park is at 234 Santa Barbara Blvd.

Tickets can be purchased at www. capecharterfoundation.org. There are also sponsorship opportunities listed online, as well. In addition the board is still accepting donations for the auction items.

For more information, email capecharterfoundation@gmail.com.

Oasis: $12 million-plus project gets a green light for base design, options

From page 1

The complex will be located on the east side of Oasis Boulevard, just west of Ida Baker High School.

“The design team worked very hard with the school board team. We took a look at multiple options of the sports field and parking area and buildings with layout.”

The site plan presented included two alternatives, which Council unanimously agreed should be added.

Those two alternatives include an additional parking access point out to the northwest from the school, and another would be connecting to the Joe Coviello Park parking area connecting to Oasis Woods Boulevard.

The overall site plan is for 9.61 acres and includes 7,076 square feet for buildings — including an onsite gym, locker rooms, concession stand and maintenance building.

There is also space for food trucks to be parked for special events with tables and picnic areas.

The multi-sport field will include a 20-foot-wide track with eight lanes for competition, which has an 8-foot sidewalk that goes around the turf field. The field also includes bleachers for the home team of 1,160 and 580 seats for the visitors.

A fence will also go around the facility for security.

Astro Turf Specialist Wes Allen said the track system is a true “sandwich system” –a durable wear layer and a sealed paved-in place base layer. He said it is a certified track at any level – such as holding Junior Olympic meets.

With proper maintenance, he said the track will last 12 to 15 years with restrip-

At a Glance

The complex will be located on the east side of Oasis Boulevard, just west of Ida Baker High School.

The overall site plan is for 9.61 acres and includes 7,076 square feet for buildings — including an onsite gym, locker rooms, concession stand and maintenance building.

There is also space for food trucks to be parked for special events with tables and picnic areas.

The multi-sport field will include a 20-foot-wide track with eight lanes for competition, which has an 8-foot sidewalk that goes around the turf field. The field also includes bleachers for the home team of 1,160 and 580 seats for the visitors.

ing after year seven to 10 due to UV and paint fading.

Council also gave a consensus to move forward with the total estimated cost and contingency for both alternatives of $12,055,066.23.

Interim Assistant City Manager Mark Mason said the goal is to issue debt for the complex and, if it is going to be solely used as a charter school facility, the charter system can use local capital improvement funding to pay back the debt.

“The LCI funds were put into place as a statutory authority,” Mason said. “The Department of Education for the state of Florida set aside funds every year associated with capital outlay for charter schools.”

The LCI funding is issued at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and then 100% by 2028.

Cape Coral Breeze

Martin introduces bill opening door to elimination of property taxes though budget cuts & ‘sales-based consumer taxes’

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewsapers.com

State Sen. Jonathan Martin has introduced a bill that could change the way Floridians pay taxes.

Martin, R-Fort Myers, is shepherding a bill which could potentially eliminate property taxes and replace them with a mixture of budget reductions and by raising sales tax rates through what the bill calls “sales-based consumption taxes, and locally-determined consumption taxes.”

SB 852, which Martin filed Tuesday in the state legislature in Tallahassee, calls for a study to “establish a framework to eliminate property taxes” and to replace property tax revenues through budget reductions, salesbased consumption taxes, and locally determined consumption taxes authorized by the Legislature.”

Martin, whose district includes most of Lee County, stressed that his bill is just a study before such a law could take effect.

Editorial:

The bill’s origins date back to discussions among Republicans at the federal level in years past about “replacing the income tax at the federal level with a consumption tax.”

Martin said the bill’s origins date back to discussions among Republicans at the federal level in years past about “replacing the income tax at the federal level with a consumption tax.”

Martin said he is not supporting increasing sales taxes but a studying its affect.

“My bill is not preparing to raise the sales tax,” he said. “I’m asking economists to do a study.”

A consumption-based tax “shifts payment of government services to those engaged in economic services,” he said. He is looking for ways to keep seniors and retirees in their homes including through cutting back on government spending.

“The budgets just keep going up and up every year and there is no end in sight,” Martin said.

Martin said he wants to see government

“smart, efficient and not wasteful.”

Last week DeSantis went to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his support for a constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes.

“Property taxes are local, not state. So we’d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them,” DeSantis said on X. “We should put the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that 60%,” he said. “I agree that taxing land/property is the more oppressive and ineffective form of taxation.”

DeSantis was responding to an individual on the social media site who called for eliminating property taxes.

Martin’s bill would require the Office of Economic and Demographic Research to conduct a study that would include an “analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property taxes on public services, including education, infrastructure, and emergency ser-

vices. An assessment of potential housing market fluctuations, including changes in homeownership rates and property values, would be part of the study.”

An evaluation of whether a shift to consumption-based taxes (sales taxes) would make Florida more attractive to businesses compared to other states would also be part of the study. An analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property taxes on overall economic stability, consumer behavior, and long-term economic growth are also required in Martin’s bill.

By Oct. 1, the office would be required to submit a report detailing the study’s findings to the President of the Florida Senate and the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

Florida’s sales tax is currently at 6 percent with local options allowed

Martin said a state referendum could be held as early as November of 2026.

Proposed legislation would weigh property tax replacement

From page 4

due respect to Sen. Martin, when any politician promises a “more fair” tax shuffle, the first thing we do is grab our respective wallets.

The second is look for the ace in the hole.

First, property owners currently have protections related to property taxes:

Florida regulates the maximum millage rate which counties, school boards and local governments can impose on properties.

Annual increases are capped with owner-occupied

homes having the greatest protection with a 3% cap.

Florida offers various “homestead” exemptions with $25,000 deducted from assessed valuation for all for owner-occupied residences whose owners get another $25,000 exemption that does not apply to school levies plus various other breaks for veterans, older adults and more.

Second, the state legislature has, over the years, though, allowed various new taxes on properties that aren’t, well “property taxes.” Bluntly put, they are effectively an end run around the state’s 10% cap on millage rates and allow local officials to “keep property taxes low” while raising them.

The “assessments” and “cost-recovery” levies for departments and services previously paid for through property taxes can, in fact, be MORE than property taxes on lower-priced properties —AKA “affordable housing” — and residential

lots.

And, as Cape Coral property owners have learned with the city’s fire “assessment,” tax shuffling may provide no break long-term despite analysis and promises.

Sen. Martin’s study will no doubt run the numbers on how much residents, visitors, business owners and prospective businesses owners will pay in additional sales taxes and possibly other “consumption-based taxes” and how much they will save in property taxes.

But if the rest of the tax bill — the all-inclusive bill on property — is not part of any evaluation, property owners will not really know how much they will save — and how much they will pay.

Any study on the elimination of property taxes with an eye to replacing it with other tax revenue must include all levies on property —every one.

Lest Floridians find themselves paying higher sales tax and the same or greater property taxes under the guise of another name.

Sen. Martin said he is committed to homeowners.

We so urge him then to make sure the “analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property taxes on overall economic stability, consumer behavior, and long-term economic growth” includes one more element.

With Homestead Exemptions possibly gone, address like levies that could result in property owners being taxed out of their homes.

—Breeze editorial

The breeze SporTS

February 21, 2025

Too early for tarpon fever? Nope!

Talking tarpon in February? Yes, and why not? After all, April is right around the corner and early season tarpon hunters are preparing to do battle with these 100 million-year-old powerhouses which in some parts of the world are capable of reaching 300 pounds.

There’s no known cure for tarpon fishing fever. Once you’ve seen and felt the power of this great fish, you may be hooked for life like I was after my first encounter down in the Keys many decades ago. Not long after that first fish, giving up snow and deciding to move to Florida to catch many more was an easy decision.

If you haven’t caught a tarpon yet, it’s time and Southwest Florida is a great place to make it happen. Historically, this is tarpon fishing central. Anglers, both women and men, famous sports figures, presidents and kings from around the world have traveled here to try to catch a fish most believed to be uncatchable on rod and reel.

As the weather continues to warm, so will the tarpon fishing. We’ll have tarpon at the beaches, in and around the passes, the river, backyard canals, bays and Charlotte Harbor, as well as the shallow flats of Matlacha Pass and Pine Island Sound, with the fishing often lasting into the Christmas season.

Nothing special is required to battle a giant tarpon here in Southwest Florida as they can be caught from land or out of your 12-foot Jon boat with that 50-yearold Johnson hanging off the back.

Want to set a speed record in your lightweight kayak? Get hooked up and hang on!

Fly rod purist? Not a problem as 150-pound fish like 2-inch flies.

Lazy sit and waiters? Live bait under a cork? Lure chuckers? Night stalkers? Come one, come all, we’ve got a tarpon for you!

If all this sounds like your cup of tea but you’re new to tarpon fishing, there are several ways to get started. Probably the easiest way is to hire a competent local guide. A half day spent with a good guide or teacher will get you off on the right foot and in the end save you time and money, but if you really want an education on every aspect of this great angling sport, you’ve moved to the right spot. Cape Coral is the home of the largest and most respected tarpon club in the world and on Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunter Fishing Club will be hosting its annual event at 7 p.m. at the Lake Kennedy Center on 400 Santa Barbara Blvd. (www. CapeCoralTarponHunters).

Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples to host ‘historic’ lacrosse match

Army to take on Mercer University on ‘Military Appreciation Day’ Saturday

This Saturday, Feb. 22, there will be “an historic event in college lacrosse in Southwest Florida,” according to organizers, when the Army Black Knights of West Point take on the Mercer University Bears in the fourth annual Southwest Florida Shootout at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples.

Gates open at 10 a.m. with the Men’s Division I battle set to start at noon.

The special “Military Appreciation Day” event will also feature Para-Commandos Parachuters delivering the

game ball to midfield, an Apache helicopter flyover, a Jimi Hendrix-style guitar solo rendition of the national anthem and an interactive military village with over 10 military vehicles.

After the game there will be a mini rock concert from 2-4 p.m. featuring the band “Rock Republic.”

The Paradise Coast Sports Complex Stadium is at 3865 City Gate Blvd., S., in Naples.

For tickets or additional information, visit www. SouthwestFloridaShootout.com.

North girls fall in 5A soccer semifinal

Wednesday Girls Soccer

Class 5A state semifinals

At Auburndale

Ponte Vedra 2, North Fort Myers 1: The Red Knights’ trip to the FHSAA Final Four ended in frustration for the second year in a row. North (21-3) fell in penalty kicks in the 2024 championship match. On Wednesday, Ponte Vedra scored the only goal after intermission to advance to the 2025 title match against Lourdes Academy.

Region 3A-3 final

At Boynton Beach

Somerset Academy Canyons 3, Bishop Verot 0: The Vikings (16-2-1) were eliminated one step away from the FHSAA Class 3A Final Four. The loss came one day after SAC ended Bishop Verot’s girls basketball season.

Baseball

Cape Coral Early Bird Tournament

North Fort Myers 15, Cape Coral 0 (4 innings): North (2-2) handed Cape (3-1) its first defeat of the young season. Karter Long (4-for-4) drove in six Red Knights runs, with Batthew Blasena (3-for-4) plating five more. Blasena had two doubles and scored three times. Jakob Wagner scored four runs and Junior Tome scored three.

Island Coast 6, Ida Baker 0: The Gators won their fifth in a row to open the season. Brandon Tuduri had two RBI, with Jayven Torres, Austin Schoolcraft and Nate Jaquez adding an RBI each. Bobby Wilenius worked five shutout innings, allowing one hit. Ida Baker slipped to 1-3.

Tuesday

Softball

North Fort Myers 16, Cape Coral 2 (5 innings): Abigail Hynes and Audrie Floenzano drove in three runs each, and Kaliyah Williams and Bella Miceli added two apiece as the Red Knights (1-0) downed the Seahawks. Miceli was 3-for-3 with three runs scored, and Williams was 3-for-3 with a double and a triple, scoring twice. Hynes and Miceli also tripled. For Cape Coral (0-1), Emma Brannan scored and had an RBI.

Oasis 16, East Lee County 1 (3 innings): Kaitlyn McGee and Anya Ward had two RBI each as the Sharks opened the season with a dominating performance. McGee and Audrey Doan each scored three runs. Kyra Cavender and Emma Neujahr held East Lee County to one run on one hit.

Estero 19, Ida Baker 9 (5 innings): The Bulldogs opened the season with a road loss despite piling up 16 hits.

Charlotte 8, Mariner 5: Rylie Moore and Gabi Winters each doubled and drove in two runs for the Tritons (0-1). Morgan Tucker also doubled with an RBI.

Baseball

Cape Coral Early Bird Tournament

Cape Coral 16, Dunbar 2 (5 innings): The Seahawks exploded for 12 runs in the fifth inning to blow past the Tigers. Tyler Anson and Carter Heisler scored three runs each, and Moses Castellanos, Derek Hooker, Collin Thess

Invitational champs

Oasis High School’s Emily Feichthaler and Suzanne Greco won the doubles championship in the Lee County Girls High School Invitational last weekend. Feichthaler was the runner-up in the singles competition. Greco made it through to the singles quarterfinals.

and Griffin Bumpus all scored twice. Jonny Rabeiro and Ryan Marks combined on a 5-inning no-hitter, striking out 10 while allowing two unearned runs.

Ida Baker 18, Gateway Charter 4: Michael Valdes doubled and tripled, driving in five runs and scoring two for the Bulldogs (1-2). Austin Field was 3-for-3 with two doubles, three RBI and three runs scored. Abdiel Ortiz had two hits including a double and two RBI Island Coast 11, Fort Myers 1 (5 innings): Both Isaac Lopez and Brandon Tuduri had three RBI and three runs scored for the 4-0 Gators. Grady Schweizer worked five innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits.

See PREP REPORT, page 31

Capt. George Tunison

PHOTO PROVIDED

Registration now open for 13th annual ‘Ding’ Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament scheduled for May 9

The 13th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, a fundraiser for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, is set for Friday, May 9. Pre-registration is now open, and sponsorship opportunities are available for the annual all-day event, which raised $125,000 for vital work at the refuge and awarded over $62,000 in cash prizes in 2024.

“We encourage anglers to register as soon as possible, as last year’s tournament sold out,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. “It’s such a fun time, supports a noble cause and makes a difference in our community.”

Presented by title sponsor Doc Ford’s and the nonprofit “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, the catch-and-release tourney is the first of its kind benefiting conservation and presenting 100% of all entry fee proceeds to winners. The competition has raised nearly $1.3 million from in-kind and cash sponsorships and donations since its inception in 2012, with all proceeds supporting conser-

From page 30

North Fort Myers 18, Riverdale 8 (6 innings): Jakob Wagner went 2-for-2 with a double, knocking five runs and scoring twice to lead the Red Knights (12). Matthew Blasena (3-for-4) drove in three runs and scored three, while Junior Tome (2-for-5) had three RBI and two runs scored. Hayden Sund scored three times.

Other games

ECS 4, Oasis 1: The Sharks are 0-3.

vation, education, wildlife and water quality research at the 6,470-acre national refuge, part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. Known globally for its migratory bird populations and bird-watching opportunities, the refuge is also the first recorded location of a tarpon caught on rod and reel.

Online registration for the “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament is open at dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament and limited to 60 teams. Entry fees are $1,000 per boat for four anglers and $150 per person for two additional anglers, with no more than six per boat. Prize money is awarded to the top five finishers catching the most tarpon with the top female and senior angler and amateur teams receiving non-cash awards.

Nearly $440,000 has been awarded during the 12-year history of the competition.

“The success of the tournament and its many contributions to the refuge wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support of its sponsors,” said Jeff Decker, philanthropic

director for J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. “The tournament not only raises money for ‘Ding’ Darling, but it also raises national and international awareness of the success of a community in protecting and preserving critical wildlife habitat. We thank all our sponsors.”

Sponsorship and donation information is available by contacting Ann-Marie Wildman at wildman@dingdarlingsociety.org.

This year’s champion tournament sponsors are Gretchen Banks and the Szymanczyk family. Presenting sponsors include Bill and Laurie Harkey, the Law Office of Christopher G. Hill, Captiva Divas, Diversified Yacht Services and David and Judy Baum. Captain Shawn Kelly Fishing Charters, Custom Tees Now, Organized Chaos, Whitney’s Bait & Tackle, Cerveza Pacifico Clara, Capt. Matt Mitchell, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and the Historic Bait Box are 2025 platinum sponsors. Gold sponsors include Anisa Ocean-Inspired Jewelry, RS Walsh Landscaping, Trophy Case of Fort Myers, SP Designs, the Law Office of Janet M.

prep report

Girls Basketball Region 3A-3 semifinals At Boynton Beach Somerset Academy Canyons 61, Bishop Verot 44: The region’s top seed ended the Vikings’ season at 20-8. Caroline Ward scored 17 points and Cameron O’Halloran added 13 for Bishop Verot.

Boys Tennis

Oasis 6, Port Charlotte 1: Nate Orozco, Michael Abreu, Luciano deMagalhaes and

Tarpon fever: Fish will be here soon

From page 30

Talk with local experts with hundreds of catches to their credit all willing to share their knowledge and love of the sport. Learn all about tackle, rigging, knots, seasonal strategies, locations, presentations, techniques and, most importantly, how to properly take care of your fish once caught, insuring that it lives to fight another day. Tarpon time is coming up quickly so be sure to not miss out on this awesome event.

If you spent time living up north chasing walleyes, muskies, smallies, pike and trout, you’re probably familiar with In-Fisherman Magazine which, in my opinion, is the best freshwater angling education magazine ever in print and still going strong. Here are a few interesting facts borrowed from this month’s edition. O.G. Smith invented

the electric trolling motor in 1934. Lauri Rapala first carved his classic minnow back in 1936. Motor Guide started up in 1943 and ceased production in 2024. W.L. Gore invented GORE-TEX while working for DuPont in 1969. Hummingbird was founded by Tom Mann in 1971. The Japanese company Kureha Corp. invented fluorocarbon line in 1971. Ron and Al Linder introduced In-Fisherman magazine in 1975. Berkley PowerBaits came on the market in 1988. PowerPole started selling its must-have products in 1998 with (still overpriced) Yeti cooler products introduced in 2006.

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-579-0461 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.

Vanilla planifolia: For home garden

From page 18

Patience is key! V. planifolia is not one to be rushed.

My first attempt at pollinating the oneday blooms that graced one of my plants after 3-4 years of growth proved unsuccessful, unfortunately. Because I am nothing if not persistent, I will try again when the opportunity arises.

If you have an interest in trying your hand at growing vanilla orchids, you can find a plentiful amount of cuttings for sale at the next March in the Park, which will be held Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rotary Park in Cape Coral. This event is sponsored by the Garden Club of

Cape Coral. For additional information about MIP, visit us at www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com.

Janetta Fox is a Lee County Master Gardener volunteer and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.

Sources:

HS1348/HS1348: Vanilla growing in South Florida. (n.d.). Ask IFAS - Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1348 My Green Pets. (2014, April 8). How to pollinate the Vanilla orchid, step by step [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=1RdoTcDD2EU

Brandon Overbaugh won in both singles and doubles in the Sharks’ win of the season.

Bonita Springs 4, Mariner 3 Singles: Jaden Zavala (BS) d. Damien Gleason 6-1, 6-0. Veershwar Gupta (BS) d. Ryan Hunter 6-3,6-1. Mason Burks (BS) d. Carlos Gonzalez 6-4, 6-0. Emanuel Barros (M) d. Juan Carvajalino 6-3, 6-3. Doubles: Jason Berenguer (M) by forfeit. Zavala/Gupta (BS) d. Hunter/Gleason 8-0. Barros/Gonzalez (M) d. Carvajalino/ Burks 8-8 (10-7).

Strickland, Calusa Waterkeeper. YETI, Congress Jewelers, Hightower/Thomas & Swartz Wealth Management, The Structure Pros Coastal Construction and Milestone Auctions. Peter and Barbara Rogers are silver sponsors.

Committed to conservation, community and the environment, HM Restaurant Group supports a number of other Sanibel nonprofit organizations, including F.I.S.H. of SANCAP, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Sanibel CARES. The company also raises money for children’s hospitals in Fort Myers and St. Petersburg and Captains For Clean Water through sales of specialty drinks at Doc Ford’s.

HM Restaurant Group owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. With four locations, including Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and two in St. Petersburg, award-winning Doc Ford’s offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. For additional information Doc Ford’s, online visit docfords.com.

Boys Lacrosse

Bishop Verot 12, Cardinal Mooney 11: Dylan Feeney had three goals and two assists, and Jake Rodriguez had three goals and one assist to lead the Vikings (2-1). Wade Swartz scored twice and had two helpers, and Ricky Swift scored two goals.

Flag Football

Bonita Springs 19, Cape Coral 0: The Seahawks opened the flag football season with a loss.

Cape Coral animal Shelter

Looking for a loving home

Kilo is a 1 to 3-year-old male. He may be a little shy at first, but once he gets to know you, he’ll be your loyal and loving companion. He just needs a little time to warm up, and then you’ll see what a sweet and gentle soul he really is. Kilo is quite the handsome gentleman, if he does say so himself, and he’d love nothing more than a quiet home where he can feel safe and loved.

Wheezy is a under 6-months-old male. He is a very special sweet and playful cat looking for a forever home. He has a medical issue that requires

him to be the only cat in the house, but he gets along great with cat-friendly dogs! Wheezy loves to play – he even throws toys for himself to fetch! He is harness-trained and enjoys outdoor adventures - on leash only - like lounging in the grass, sitting in trees, pouncing on leaves, and bird watching.

The shelter is located at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, and hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Please call 239-5732002 for additional information.

Kilo

Wheezy

The breeze business

February 21, 2025

JP Sports Cape Coral to host Topps Rip Night event Saturday

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A Cape Coral sports memorabilia and trading card superstore is taking part in a global event this Saturday, with countless discounts, specials and free items for lovers of the hobby.

JP Sports Cape Coral on Feb. 22 is participating in Topps Rip Night, sponsored by Topps/Fanatics, with the aim to draw card lovers, kids and families closer to the hobby they love, or have been wanting to explore.

JP Sports has confirmed a Hall of Famer and All-Star will make an appearance at the event. New Red Sox acquisition, Garrett Crochet, and Hall of Fame inductee and Twins legend Bert Blyleven will be at the shop to participate in the event.

The all-day event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. will see 15% discounts off all Topps hobby boxes, and 25% off all Topps single cards. This is the second time JP Sports has taken part in a Topps Hobby Rip Night.

“This is an exciting worldwide event that JP Sports is thrilled to be a part of,” said JP Sports store manager Jonathan Powell. “This year, we’ve decided to keep many of the same sales, but customers will

notice our expanded inventory to accommodate this event. 2025 Topps Series 1 MLB just released which will make this an exciting time to take advantage of sales on hot new releases. The excitement is also already in the air as Spring Training begins this month. If you’re a baseball fan in Southwest Florida you need to come into JP Sports.”

Anyone who purchases a Topps hobby or retail box is eligible for a free Topps Hobby Rip Night pack (one per customer). A raffle is taking place all day (for those who purchase a Topps product) with the prize including a JP Sports $100 gift card.

Perhaps most fun of all, “Pack Wars” will go down from 5-6 p.m., where free packs are given out all hour long.

“This event is a great way to get kids into the hobby and bring back memories for all the old school collectors,” Powell said. “Many customers participated in this event last year, and they’re now JP Sports regulars. It’s getting kids and adults into the hobby so many people love worldwide. It’s also a nostalgia thing. JP Sports has been in business for 31 years in Southwest Florida, so many of our customers now have kids of their own they can share these

Business Briefs

Mercola Market’s ‘Yellowstone’ trivia night set for March 15

Think you know the television series “Yellowstone?” Find out at Mercola Market’s monthly trivia night Saturday, March 15, from 4 -6 p.m., in Cape Coral, located at 125 SW 3rd Place. Whether you’re a fan of John Dutton’s leadership, Beth’s fiery wit or Rip’s loyalty, this trivia night will put your “Yellowstone” expertise to the test.

Monthly trivia is always free to play, offering exciting trivia rounds, themed prizes and a fun, nostalgic atmosphere with seasonal offerings from the Solspring Café. Participants are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite “Yellowstone” character for a chance to win a special prize in our best-dressed contest.

The Mercola Market of Cape Coral is a natural health retail store, exclusively offering Dr. Mercola supplements and other premium products for health, home, pantry and pet. From April through October, The Mercola Market & Solspring Café are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed Sundays.

For more information or a complete list of upcoming events and updates, visit mercolamarketcc.com.

Strategies for growth and economic development in Cape Coral topic of next REIS meeting

The Real Estate Investment Society’s March luncheon will be held Tuesday, March 11, at 11:30 a.m., at Osprey Room in Pelican Preserve Clubhouse on Treeline Avenue at Colonial Blvd., one mile east of I-75 at exit 136.

The featured presentation will be city of Cape Coral — Strategies for Growth & Economic Development with Sharon Woodberry, Economic Development Manager.

Registration and payment required by March 7. All registrations must be made on the website, even if paying by check. Register at www.reis-swfl.org

The cost is $30 for members, $45 for non-members; and $20 for college students.

MasterCard, VISA, and American Express accepted on web site

You may register on the website and mail check, payable to Real Estate Investment Society, to P.O. Box 86, Fort Myers, FL 33902-0086.

LCEC names Bates director of information technology and chief information officer

LCEC has announced Michael Bates as its new information technology director and chief information officer (CIO). Bates brings more than 18 years of executive leadership in technology management, with expertise in technology strategy, cybersecurity and digital transformation.

In his role, Bates will lead the development of a comprehensive digitization strategy to ensure LCEC technology investments align with strategic objectives. He will oversee key areas such as IT infrastructure, data governance, and cybersecurity, helping to enhance operational efficiency, improve member and employee services and uphold the highest standards of security and compliance.

Most recently, in a leadership role at Blue Ridge Power, Bates led enterprise resource planning system implementations, launched cybersecurity programs, and drove operational savings while reducing risks. He has also held leadership positions at Britax Group, Campbell Soup Company & Snyder’s-Lance, and Springfield, LLC, where he spearheaded large-scale IT transformations and aligned technology with organizational goals.

See BUSINESS BRIEFS, page 35

GRAPHIC PROVIDED

The promotional poster for the TOPPS Rip Night this Saturday at JP Sports Cape Coral.

collector card experiences with. It’s something that brings families closer and makes the hobby just that much more fun. Plus, during Packs Wars, who doesn’t like a little fun competition that gives you free cards?”

No matter what sport you collect, heading out to JP Sports for this event is an advantageous way for hobby lovers to experience discounted products, and a good time.

“On the collecting side of things, hobby

boxes don’t go on sale very often, so when they do, customers can find some great deals and save a ton of money,” Powell said. “Especially with Topps Series 1 releasing and being able to get it at a discount.”

Rip Night is very much a social event, and JPs will be active on social media all day along with Topps. They are bringing in extra help all day long, with 4-8 p.m. anticipated to be the busiest time of the day.

“At Topps Rip Night, video, pictures and posting on social media is highly encouraged,” Powell said. “Take photos of the athletes and employees in the shop, open up packs and post what you have online. Tag JP Sports and we can share your content. These events are so much fun to be a part of. Not just for the diehard card collectors, but for the occasional pack ripper, the vintage collector, comic customers or people who don’t know anything about sports. Dive into this fun experience, incredible hobby and make memories at the shop where there is never an offseason.”

For information on Topps Rip Night and JP Sports, visit www.jpsports.net or visit its social media pages.

JP Sports Cape Coral is located at 2323 Del Prado Blvd., S., Suite #10, just north of the Veterans Memorial Parkway overpass.

March programs set at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

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

Adult Programs

English Café

6 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25

10 a.m., Friday, March 7, 14, 21, 28

Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.

Book Discussion: “The Women” by Kristen Hannah

11 a.m., Wednesday, March 5

“The Women” is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on the story of all women who put themselves in harm’s way to help others. Women whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has all too often been forgotten.

Download Drop-In

11 a.m., Thursday, March 6, 20

Receive personalized help downloading eBooks, eAudioBooks, movies, music and more from Libby/OverDrive and hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers.

Support also will be available to registered users of the National Library Service’s Braille and Audio Reading Download service (BARD) which is provided through Home Borrower Services and Lee County Talking Books.

Note: Attendees should bring their preferred, charged device (tablet, phone, e-reader, etc.) along with any passwords needed to download apps. Kindle users also must have an Amazon account and password. Patrons interested in BARD should contact Talking Books at 239-533-4780 before attending to ensure they have an active account

or find out how to set one up.

Beginner Spanish Class

2 p.m., Wednesday, March 12

This course is designed for those new to the Spanish language. Learn fundamental vocabulary, essential phrases and basic grammar in a fun, informal and interactive environment. Join us and learn the basics to start a conversation. Registration is required.

Crafts at Cape: Alcohol Inks

2 p.m., Wednesday, March 12

10 a.m., Saturday, March 29

This month we will explore alcohol inks by applying the inks onto fillable eggs. Each class has a maximum seating of 20. Participants may only register for one class in the series. Registration is guaranteed until the start of the program.

Celtic Music Performance

2 p.m., Tuesday, March 18

Discover Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland and Canada. From fast, high-energy jigs and reels to captivating airs, ballads, upbeat songs and sea shanties, Emily Ann Thompson and her husband Kelly Thompson take the audience on a musical and educational journey through the Celtic lands. Registration is required.

Adult Coloring

2 p.m., Tuesday, March 18

Come and experience the latest trend in relaxation, adult coloring books. Researchers and art therapists alike have touted the calming effects of coloring and adults have found this childhood activity a refreshing way to release their creativity, relieve stress and meet other participants. Coloring pages designed especially for adults, as well as colored pencils, will be provided. Registration is required.

Children’s Programs

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p.m., Saturday, March 8

5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 19

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card. Please check in at the Youth Desk.

Crunch, Munch, Play:

A Very Hungry Caterpillar Party

9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 13

Munch your way into the world of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” with a vibrant adventure full of early literacy stations inspired by Eric Carle’s timeless story. For children through age 5. All supplies provided while they last.

Panem Tweendom

4:15 p.m., Thursday, March 13

For ages 9-12 years. Become a part of our tween fandom by putting your survival skills to the test with a mock trivia survival game, racing to claim supplies for a Cornucopia showdown and demonstrating your archery skills. May the odds be ever in your favor. Registration is required. All supplies are provided while they last. Snacks provided. This program is intended for attendees ages 9-12 years to attend independently while caregivers wait nearby. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed

Family Build It

10 a.m., Saturday, March 15

For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. All materials are provided.

Celtic Music Performance 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 18

Discover Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland and Canada. From fast, high-energy jigs and reels to captivating airs, ballads, upbeat songs and sea shanties, Emily Ann Thompson and her husband Kelly Thompson take the audience on a musical and educational journey through the Celtic lands. Registration is required.

PreK Build It

10 a.m. - noon, Thursday, March 20

Try out fun manipulatives to practice those engineering skills. Let’s get building. For ages 2-5 years.

Cozy Corner Storytime

10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 22

For children through age 5 years with a caregiver. Snuggle up with your favorite blanket and join us for this relaxing storytime. Space is limited. Tickets are available 30 minutes before the start of the program at the Youth Desk.

Preschool Storytime

10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 25

For ages 3-5 years. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby. Space is limited to 15 tickets. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk.

Family Storytime

10 & 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 26

For children through age 5 years and caregivers. Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement. Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk.

See MARCH PROGRAMS, page 35

From page 33

Bates holds an MBA with undergraduate studies in business administration and computer science from Winthrop University, along with an associate’s degree in business administration and computer programming from York Technical College. He is a Certified Information Security Manager.

LQ Commercial’s transactions for January

LQ Commercial has announced the following local real estate transactions for the month of January:

Completed sales

n FREC Old Hwy 41, LLC purchased a 30,000-squarefoot industrial park at 16260-16280 Old US 41, Fort Myers, for $5.050 million from 16260 Old US 41, LLC. Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR of LQ Commercial represented the seller in the transaction.

n BGV Limited, LLLP purchased a 2.07-acre parcel in “Pelican Preserve” at 10580 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, for $2.21 million from CP Pelican Preserve LLC. Jessica

Business Briefs

McEvoy and Bob Pekol of LQ Commercial represented the seller in the transaction.

n Kidney Institute of Florida LLC purchased a 4,100-square-foot office unit at 6150 Diamond Centre Court, Building #1, Fort Myers, for $1.180 million from Grace Management. Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR of LQ Commercial represented the buyer, while Bob O’Connor of LQ Commercial represented the seller in the transaction.

Completed leases

n City Barbershop leased 1,049 square feet of retail space at 583 Pondella Road in North Fort Myers from ENR Jackson LLC. Stephanie Ferreras of LQ Commercial represented the transaction.

n Phone Club SWFL LLC leased 800 square feet of retail space in “Cannon Pointe” at 1621 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers from ENR Jackson LLC. Stephanie Ferreras of LQ Commercial represented the transaction.

LQ Commercial, a Florida-based commercial real estate brokerage organization, provides comprehensive property management, tenant representation, leasing, sales, investments and consulting services. Visit LQCRE.com.

Real Estate Investment Society announces new officers and board members

The Real Estate Investment Society has announced the election of officers and the board of governors to lead the organization during 2025: President Josh Philpott, AICP of Stantec; Vice President Kristine Smale of Christopher Alan Homes; Treasurer Phil Fischler, CCIM of Fischler Property Company; and Secretary Zannon Garza of DeAngelis Diamond.

The board of governors includes Brent Addison of Atwell; Kevin Beauparlant of Bank OZK; Alicia Dixon of Lee County Port Authority; JR Gibbs of UES; Jennifer Fisher of Strayhorn, Persons-Mulicka and Fisher; Donald Schrotenboer of REALVIZORY; and Shelton Weeks, PhD., of FGCU Lutgert College of Business. The immediate past president, Justin Thibaut, CCIM of LSI Companies also joins the Board.

REIS luncheon meetings convene at 11:30 on the second Tuesday of each month, at Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers, to network and discuss current civic and business issues. For more information, visit www.reis-swfl.org.

March programs: Next month’s schedule set at Cape Coral Library

From page 34

Baby Rhyme Time

10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 27

For babies up to 18 months. Babies and caregivers wiggle and giggle in a supportive environment. Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk.

Cape Kids Art Club

4 p.m., Thursday, March 27

Kids ages 5-11 years will explore the works of famous artists through hands-on projects and creative activities. This session will highlight Monet’s Garden, inspiring young minds to unleash their creativity and express themselves through art. Dress for mess. Registration is required and is guaranteed until the start of the program. All materials provided.

Teen Programs

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p.m., Saturday, March 8

5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 19

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card. Please check in at the Youth Desk.

Panem Tweendom

4:15 p.m., Thursday, March 13

For ages 9-12 years. Become a part of our tween fandom by putting your survival skills to the test with a mock trivia survival game, racing to claim supplies for a Cornucopia showdown and demonstrating your archery skills. May the odds be ever in your favor. Registration is required. All supplies are provided while they last. Snacks provided. This program is intended for attendees ages 9-12 years to attend independently while caregivers wait nearby. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed during the program.

Family Build It

10 a.m., Saturday, March 15

For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. All materials are provided.

Celtic Music Performance

2 p.m., Tuesday, March 18

Discover Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland and Canada. From fast, high-energy jigs and reels to captivating airs, ballads, upbeat songs and sea shanties, Emily Ann Thompson and her husband Kelly Thompson take the audience on a musical and educational journey through the Celtic lands.

Teens Create

2 p.m., Thursday, March 20

This month, make and bind your own spiral journal. No registration required. All supplies and snacks are provided while they last. This program is intended for attendees ages 11-18 years to attend independently. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.

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

at 239-479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.

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

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals

with disabilities in its services, programs or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Raphaela Morais-Peroba, 239-533-8782, Florida Relay Service 711, or rperoba@leegov.com. Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requester. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.

SUDOKU SHEFFER CROSSWORD

Death Notices Obituaries

Cape Coral Cape Coral

Richard Allen Van Der Kamp

R i c h a r d A l l e n V a n D e r Kamp, 72, a resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past 21 years, f o r m e r l y o f A d d i s o n , I L , passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 He was born June 24, 1952 in Chicago, IL to Peter and Dorothy Van Der Kamp, now deceased

He was of Lutheran faith He attended Roosevelt High School Richard was in the trucking industry for 32 years He was also an avid Chicago Bears fan, all of his life Loved by his family, friends and neighbors as the “Mayor o

Management Collector ”

He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Marilyn Van Der Kamp of Cape Coral; two brothers, Thomas Van Der Kamp (Eileen) of Elgin, IL, and William Van Der Kamp (Monica) of NM; several nieces and a nephew, including Stephanie (Ron), Sean (Rachel), and Jennifer (Scott); as well as Maxie Mae, the Australian Shepherd Richard was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Kobus (Ben)

Funeral Services were held at Mullins Memorial, 1056 NE 7th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33909 with Pastor Van Garner officiating

Entombment followed at Coral Ridge Cemetery, 950 Chiquita Blvd S , Cape Coral, FL 33991

Memorial Contributions in memory of Richard Allen Van Der Kamp are suggested in his name to The American Heart Association, 300 S Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care

David Norman Taylor

David Norman Taylor, 81, passed away on February 11, 2025, in Holly Springs, North Carolina Born on October 4, 1943, in Washington, D C , he lived a full and vibrant life marked by curiosity, skill, and a deep appreciation for the world around him

David spent his career as a draftsman, applying his intelligence and meticulous nature to his work until his wellearned retirement His keen eye for detail and ability to fix just about anything made him a trusted resource to those who knew him Beyond his professional life, David had an adventurous spirit and a love for the outdoors He was passionate about boating and spent many years enjoying the waters of Cape Coral, Florida, where he lived for 25 years He also had a deep affection for the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where he found peace and joy

An avid reader, David could often be found immersed in books sometimes finishing four or five in a single week He enjoyed challenging himself with Sudoku puzzles and crosswords and never missed an opportunity to take in a breathtaking sunset. His love of motorcycles, cars, and skiing reflected his enthusiasm for life’s thrills and experiences Above all else, he cherished time spent with family and friends

David is survived by his daughter Julie Taylor (and husband Jeff) Davidson; grandchildren Nicole, Noah, and Graham Shindler; great-grandchildren Jaela, Maxx, Leo, Blakely, and Brayden Shindler; niece Laura (and husband Tom) Coates and their children Teddy, Kenny, and Katheryn Coates; as well as his dear friend Sue Morgan He also shared a special bond with his beloved little cat Buddy

He was preceded in death by his son David Norman Taylor Jr.; his wife Jody Ester (Schwandt) Taylor; his parents Boston Lawrence Taylor and Nellie Norman Taylor; and his brother Kenneth Taylor

David was intelligent, organized, and lived life to the fullest He was deeply loved by those who knew him May his memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to share in his journey

Daryl Frederick Strickland, 62, of Cape Coral, FL passed away February 11, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Cape Coral

Manuel Herrero Remon, 76, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away February 17, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Cape Coral

Melvin Herman Briggs, 92, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away February 17, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Cape Coral.

James Francis Eppich, 80, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away February14, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Lee Cunty Cremation Services-Cape Coral

Marilyn Ann Dealing, 86, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away February 14, 2025 Arrangements entrusted

www fullermetz com

Robert Paul Martin, 89, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on February 8, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Fuller M

C

www fullermetz com

Consuelo Montes Alvarez, 85, of Cape Coral, FL passed away February 12, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Cape Coral

Jeremy D Hotz of Cape Coral, Florida passe away January 28, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Fort Myers

Mark Alan Johnson, 66, passed away in Cape Coral, FL Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service www fullermetz com

Susan M Kase-Hitchings, 77, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on February 14, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service www.fullermetz.com

Fort Myers

Timothy Paul Donaldson, 59, of Fort Myers FL passed away February 17, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home

Alfred E Nilsson, 87, of Fort Myers Florida, passed away February 14, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home

Daniel James Corbett, 83, of Fort Myers, FL passed away February 14, 2025 Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services www fullermetz com

Cemetery - Cremation

For Sale: His & Hers crypts, Coral Ridge Cemetary, Memory 2 South inside. Titled, $12000 ea. Call 239-699-4822 Please leave message

Help Wanted

Southeast Floors (Fort Myers, FL) seeking Branch Supervisor (multiple positions available) responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities of production and operating workers, including quality control, warehouse, installation, inventory and customer invoicing to achieve financial targets; collaborate with sales team to increase profitability and branch success. Will oversee approx. 4 subordinates. Requires high school diploma (or foreign equivalent) and 3 years of experience in management/ supervisory role, including 2 years of forklift experience. Must be able to sit, stand, drive or walk for 8+ hour per shift, use stairs on daily basis without assistance; lift, push and pull up to 80 lbs.; and bend squat twist and reach for supplies. Send cover letter and resume to Southeast Floors, Attn: Brooke Lemaire, 1905 Premier Row, Orlando, FL 32809.

Appliances

Whirlpool, side by side stainless steel refrigerator. 25 cu ft. Manufactured 2020, $400 OBO. Call 609-703-6664

Garage Sales

BuccaneerEstates CARPORTSALE

SatFeb22nd 8:00AM-2:00PM 2210NTamiamiTrail

Cape Coral, 1427 SW 38th Ter, Fri 2/21 & Sat 2/22, 8am-2pm. Breakfast set (table w/4 chairs), freestanding mirror, couch & chair, Glasstop endtables, sea turtle lamps, floor lamp, dual recliner loveseat, 54” glass top table, 6 cushion chairs, 36” x 72” book shelf, 2 side tables, 2 table lamps, 12” bath storage, Art & Craft shelving /storage, 2 golf club sets, bath & home products, jewelry, patio table w/ umbrella & more.

CapeCoral.1704SW12thTer Fri.2/21&Sat2/22.8am-3pm. Antiques,vintage,modern,too muchtolist.

Cape, 1409 Everest Pkwy, Fri 2/21 & Sat 2/22. Big Sale - Low Prices. Lamps, tables, medical equip/supplies, ladies pull-ups, clothes, fabric, tools, DVD’s, VHS, & Much More!

REDBARN FabulousEstateSale

SatFeb22nd&SunFeb23rd 8amto3pm 1904SE44thSt (OffDelPradoatOrchid) Hugeestatefullof antiquefurnitureandloads ofcollectiblesincluding Vintagepaintingsand prints,afullsetof Victorianfurniture,white leatherstresslesschairs, china,lanaifurniture, clothes,linens,queenbed &muchmore. Donátmissit! Besuretoseethephotos! Pictures: facebook.com/RedBarnCapeCoral

TrinityLutheranChurch AnnualYard,Plant& BakeSale SatFeb22nd,8am-1pm 706SW6thAve,CapeCoral (OffNicholas) GreatBargains

SomethingForEveryone

Recreation Vehicles

Power Boats

I

Repairs

Soffits,Gutters, Downspouts

Clean&NeatWork/FreeEstimates

ServingCapeCoral&Surrounding Areas 201-390-7698

Givemeashout,IámintheCape

Painting

FredásFinestPainting

ResidentialPainting

Interior/Exterior PowerWashing House-Driveway-Patio

DrywallRepair WoodReplacement

CallFredforaFreeEstimate 239-414-5790

Licensed&Insured

Krueger’s Painting LLC 239-980-0680

Interior/Exterior Exterior Specialist *******************************

MONDAY

Lemon Rosemary Slow Roasted Chicken served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $15.99

TUESDAY

Buttermilk Fried Chicken served with coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy. $15.99

Stuffed Peppers stuffed with rice and Black Angus ground beef. Served with mashed potatoes. $15.99

WEDNESDAY

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs served with french fries and coleslaw. $16.99

Stuffed Cabbage served with mashed potatoes. $15.99

Thursday

USDA Choice Beef Stroganoff served over egg noodles. $15.99

FRIDAY

Fish N’ Chips served with french fries, coleslaw and tarter sauce. $15.99

Fresh catch of the day. Ask your server for today’s special. Market Price

Saturday

Grouper Oscar Florentine grilled Gulf of Mexico Grouper topped with fresh steamed spinach, half crab cake and key lime sauce. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables. $19.99

Sunday

Slow Roasted Homemade Duroc Pork Loin served with Granny Smith apple stuffing, mashed potatoes, red cabbage and applesauce, topped with mushroom gravy. $15.99

Februrary 21, 2025