Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

VOLUME

38,

NUMBER 8

LPA votes 6-1 to approve dune, lagoon walkover

Town council still must vote on special exception permit

B y N AT H A N M AY B E R G n m a y b e r g @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m

In a 6-1 vote Tuesday, the Town of F o r t M y e r s B e a c h L o c a l P l a n n i n g Agency gave its approval for a special exception permit and variance for the controversial proposed dune and lagoon walkover adjacent to the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area

Town council still needs to approve the permit before the walkover could be allowed

P r i o r c o u n c i l s h a v e o p p o s e d t h e walkover for its impact to vegetation and a lagoon where endangered birds congregate The 298-feet long and fivefeet wide boardwalk would cut through the vegetation The variance allows for

R e d S o x w e l c o m e

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

In a bid to reach out to Fort Myers Beach families affected by Hurricane Ian, the Boston Red Sox invited several families from Fort Myers Beach to JetBlue Park at Fenway South on Monday during the first day of full-squad workouts at spring training

Children were able to meet with players such as pitchers Chris Sale and Kenley Jansen, take photos, walk on the field and taking batting practice swings from home plate Red Sox spokesperson Devin Benson said Red Sox owner John Henry and Red Sox Foundation Board member Linda Pizzuti Henry “invited four families impacted by Hurricane Ian to come to JetBlue Park today to meet players and take batting practice on the main field ”

Among them was Monica Schmucker, who was joined by

t h e b o a r d w a l k t o b e f i v e - f e e t w i d e

i n s t e a d o f f o u r f e e t T h e l o n e v o t e

husband Dustin and their children Tessa and Silas Schmucker said she received an invitation from Mayor Dan Allers to attend

“We got to tour Jet Blue Park, meet the owners and some players, watch the players doing their spring training drills (and practices), have a little batting practice fun ourselves, and have lunch,” Schmucker stated

See BEACH FAMILIES, page 10

Red Sox ace pitcher Chris Sale joined Fort Myers Beach children on the field at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers Monday after Red Sox principal owner John Henry invited several Fort Myers Beach families to the park on the first day of full-squad workouts

BILLIE WEISS/BOSTON RED SOX/GETTY IMAGES

PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE BOSTON RED SOX

S TA F F R E P O RT C o n s t r u c t i o n i s e x p e c t e d t o b e g i n i n l a t e s p r i n g o n t h e r e p l a c e m e n t o f t h e B i g C a r l o s P a s s B r i d g e , a f t e r t h e L e e C o u n t y B o a r d o f C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r s a p p r o v e d a $ 9 0 8 m i ll i o n c o n s t r u c t i o n c o n t r a c t f o r t h e n e w f i x e d - s p a n b r i d g e w h i c h c o n n e c t s t h e s o u t h o f F o r t M y e r s B e a c h t o L o v e r ' s K e y S t a t e P a r k a n d B o n i t a S p r i n g s T h e c o n t r a c t w a s a w a r d e d t o S u p e r i o r C o n s t r u c t i o n C o S o u t h e a s t

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7 5 y e a r s M o t o r i s t s w i l l c o n t i n u e t o h a v e

a c c e s s t o t h e o l d b r i d g e t h r o u g h o u t c o ns t r u c t i o n , L e e C o u n t y s p o k e s p e r s o n T i m E n g s t r o m s t a t e d F o r m e r F o r t M y e r s B e a c h M a y o r R a y M u r p h y a n d l a t e L e e C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r L a r r y K i k e r h a d o p p o s e d t h e f i x e d - s p a n b r i d g e , w h i c h w i l l b e h i g h e r t h a n t h e c u r r e n t d r a w b r i d g e T h e t o w n r e q u e s t e d t h a t a f i s h i n g p i e r b e i n c l u d e d w i t h t h e n e w b r i d g e , f o r w h i c h t h e n e w c o n t r a c t w i l l a l l o w T h e c u r r e n t d r a w b r i d g e , w h i c h w a s b u i l t 5 7 y e a r s a g o , w a s b e l i e v e d t o b e a p p r o a c h i n g t h e e n d o f i t s l i f e c y c l e a n d h a d r e q u i r e d r e g u l a r m a i n t e n a n c e T h e n e w b r i d g e w i l l b e c o n s t r u c t e d o n t h e G u l f o f M e x i c o s i d e o f t h e e x i s ti n g b r i d g e “ I t w i l l i n c l u d e o n e t r a v e l l a n e i n e a c h d i r e c t i o n , b i c y c l e l a n e s , a s i x - f o o tw i d e s i d e w a l k a l o n g t h e n o r t h s i d e o f E s t e r o B o u l e v a r d a n d a 1 0 - f o o t s h a r e d u s e p a t h a l o n g t h e s o u t h s i d e o f E s t e r o B o u l e v a r d , ” E n g s t r o m s t a t e d “ T h e p r o j e c t a l s o i n c l u d e s i n s t a l l a t i o n o f n e w i n f r a s t r u c t u r e f o r L e e C o u n t y U t i l i t i e s a n d B o n i t a S p r i n g s U t i l i t i e s ” T h e c o n s t r u c t i o n c o n t r a c t a l s o i n c l u d e s c r e a t i o n o f a n o f f s h o r e a r t i f ic i a l r e e f u s i n g t h e o l d b r i d g e

Donalds introduces Combat Harmful Algal Blooms Act

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Congressman Byron Donalds (R-19), whose district includes Fort Myers Beach, most of Lee County and Collier County, reintroduced the Combar Harmful Agal Blooms Act (House Resolution 1008), which allows for the inclusion of algal blooms to the applicability of major disaster declarations.

The office of Donalds stated that the legislation is meant to “preserve vital marine ecosystems ”

The resolution states that harmful algal blooms, depending on the severity, may result in widespread mortality of marine life and aquatic specimens among other impacts “Water is Florida’s most important natural resource and serves as the heart and

Lee County Republican Executive Committee takes up covid ban

By VALARIE HARRING vharring@breezenewspapers com

T h e L e e C o u n t y R e p u b l i c a n Executive Committee was set to vote Tuesday on a resolution asking the Florida Legislature to ban the COVID vaccine and confiscate all doses pending forensic analysis.

The resolution, which states that “strong and credible evidence exists that Covid 19 and Covid 19 injections are biological and technological weapons,” is part of the executive committee’s first meeting since its election of new officers in December

It cites various sources to substantiate its position that “government agencies, media and tech companies, and o t h e r c o r p o r a t i o n s , h a v e c o m m i t t e d e n o r m o u s f r a u d b y c l a i m i n g C o v i d injections are safe and effective ”

Such “continued experimentation on humans and denial of informed consent are violations of the Nuremberg Code and therefore constitute crimes against humanity,” the resolution states, calling upon “Governor DeSantis and the state legislature to prohibit the sale and distribution of Covid injections and all mRNA injections in the state of Florida, and for the state Attorney General to immediately seize all Covid injections and mRNA injections in the state of Florida and have a forensic analysis conducted ”

The resolution, sent to members of the Republican Party of Lee County in advance of the meeting, reads:

Ban the Jab Resolution:

Whereas strong and credible evidence exists that Covid 19 and Covid 19 injections are biological and technological weapons, 1

W h e r e a s P f i z e r ’ s c l i n i c a l d a t a revealed 1223 deaths, 42,000 adverse cases, 158,000 adverse incidents, and approximately 1,000 side effects, 2

Whereas an enormous number of humans have died and or have been permanently disabled, 3

Whereas strong and credible evidence exists that Covid mRNA shots alter human DNA, 4

W h e r e a s g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c i e s , media and tech companies, and other corporations, have committed enormous

fraud by claiming Covid injections are safe and effective, 5

Whereas a statewide grand jury is investigating Covid vaccine crimes, 6

Whereas continued experimentation on humans and denial of informed consent are violations of the Nuremberg Code and therefore constitute crimes against humanity, 7

Be it Further Resolved:

On behalf of the preservation of the human race, the Lee County Republican Party calls upon Governor DeSantis and the state legislature to prohibit the sale and distribution of Covid injections and all mRNA injections in the state of F l o r i d a , a n d f o r t h e s t a t e A t t o r n e y General to immediately seize all Covid injections and mRNA injections in the state of Florida and have a forensic analysis conducted 8

The resolution then attaches footnoted links to “Small Sample of Supporting Data” for each numbered paragraph

It was accepted for vote after receiving the required 2/3 majority from the six-member REC leadership and was set to be voted on Tuesday by the entire committee provided a quorum attends the meeting, according to Vice Chair Tara Jenner If approved by 2/3 of those attending, it will be sent to the governor and State Legislature as a formal position of the LeeGOP

The Republic Party of Lee County will host former president Donald J. Trump at its annual Lincoln Reagan dinner on April 21 at the Caloosa Sound and Convention Center Trump will be the keynote speaker at the fundraiser

Other speakers at the 2023 Lincoln Reagan Dinner will include long-time Trump ally Roger Stone, Congressman Greg Steube and Congressman Byron Donalds, according to a LeeGOP press release Ret Lt Gen Michael Lynn will provide a pre-recorded message

The Republican Party of Lee County also is working on an open-to-the-public outdoor event to also coincide with the dinner It also would feature the former president, Jenner said

Stormwater cleaning to begin

through the Fort Myers Beach bid and selection committee process, is

Communications Director Jennifer Dexter announced

The repairs are for the systems on the town’s side streets

The work will cover approximately

9 12 miles of drainpipe including culverts, 59 curb inlets, 504 catch basins, seven junction boxes, six skimmer boxes, and 95 major outfalls, Dexter stated Stormwater cleaning will be performed with hydraulically propelled or mechanically operated equipment Stormwater pipe joint sealing will be accomplished by the injection of chemical sealing materials into and/or through the joints from within the pipe All storm drains will inspected

soul of Southwest Florida,” Donalds stated. “I’m committed to advancing bipartisan policies that promote t h e p r e s e r v a t i o n o f o u r waterways against potential long-term damage resulting from harmful algal blooms This bill gives state and local leaders the opportunity to request federal funding to protect their waterways f o r f u t u r e g e n e r a t i o n s t o come. I’m thankful for my colleagues’ support in this effort to protect our nation’s marine ecosystems ”

Byron Donalds

The resolution states that harmful algal blooms “can force the closure of beaches, impose fishing and shellfish harvesting restrictions, and could even result in ban-

ning the sale of seafood at restaurants.”

The resolution states that “tourism numbers can drop dramatically during harmf u l a l g a l b l o o m s , w h i c h may result in a significant economic impact to certain e c o n o m i e s t h a t h e a v i l y depend on bringing in visitors Property values near water sources that experience harmful algal blooms may decrease substantially ”

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has been d o c u m e n t i n g n u m e r o u s a l g a l b l o o m s throughout Florida and Southwest Florida which it documents on its website at https:fdep maps arcgis com

Keep Lee County Beautiful Art Contest winners announced

Keep Lee County Beautiful, Inc has announced the winners in its 34th annual Leave The Scene Clean Art Contest The contest drew hundreds of entries from local students, representing public, private, and home schools in Lee County Students were asked to visualize a correct environmental action and transfer that m e n t a l p i c t u r e i n t o a w o r k o f a r t .

Submitted work was judged on artistic execution and originality as well as environmental theme, such as litter prevention, recycling, community cleanup and protecting the environment

The four overall winning illustrations will be enlarged and appear on the side of a Lee County Waste Pro truck and printed on reusable tote bags The overall winning and honorable mention artwork will be on display at the Edison & Ford Winter’s Estates during April in honor of Earth month

Keep Lee County Beautiful will host an award reception on April 3 from 5 p m -7 p m at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Caretaker’s House at which time the artwork will be exhibited, and the winners will receive their awards.

The reusable tote bags will be released in the fall and can be had for a $5 donation each and will be available through participating Lee County Schools, who retain all proceeds collected with the funds being used to support on campus environmental projects

The “Leave the Scene Clean” project is made possible through corporate sponsorships Sponsors for the 2023 art contest include Lee County Solid Waste, Covanta Energy, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Greenfield Marketing & Media, Ron Jon’s Surf Shop and Waste Pro Sponsorship spaces are still available Those interested in sponsorship can contact Tisha at 239334-3488 or email Tisha@klcb org for

by television and video recording

Dexter also issued a reminder that the town has been notified by debris contractors with Florida’s Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) that the free curbside debris removal service operating since Hurricane Ian will end on March 29

"What this means for property owners is that March 1 is the last day that they can push debris off their property curbside to be picked up for free The debris that is

more details

Keep Lee County Beautiful is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to educat i o n a l l i t t e r p r e v e n t i o n p r o g r a m s a n d r e s p o n s i b l e s o l i d w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t Proceeds from the sale of the environmental reusable tote bags benefit Keep Lee County Beautiful programs and participating schools. For more information about this and other educational programs contact 239-334-3488

The four overall First Place Winners and their schools are:

Grade K-3 – Sofia Garcia – Veterans Park Academy for the Arts

Grade 4 -6 – Dianna Davis – Oasis Middle School

Grade 7 -9 – Mia De La Cruz Matos –Caloosa Middle School

Grade 1 0 -1 2 – Ace Sotelo - Cypress Lake High School

The Honorable Mention winners and their schools are:

Grade K-3 – Cecelia Spanberger – St Francis Xavier

G i a n n a P a s s o m o n d i – S t F r a n c i s Xavier

Agnes Joseph – St. Francis Xavier

Grade 4 -6 – Sofia Brasil-MedeirosThree Oaks Middle School

Dihia Benazis - Oasis Middle School

Sara Aristizabal – St Francis Xavier

Grade 7 -9 – Elana Gorny - Cypress Lake High School

M i c h a e l a M u r p h y – O a s i s M i d d l e School

Paige Keller – Bonita Springs Middle School

Grade 1 0 -1 2 – Veronica Parker –Cypress Lake High School

Lesley Montalban – Cypress Lake High School

J e n n i f e r W e a t h e r b e e – S o u t h F o r t Myers High School

curbside by March 1 will be picked up sometime before March 29," Dexter stated This deadline does not apply for private property owners who have signed up f o r p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y d e b r i s r e m o v a l through www.iandebriscleanup.com. Sign ups are still being accepted for this service A deadline has not yet been set but will be considered if the need arises Watch the Town’s website and social media outlets for updates

story will be updated on our website fortmyersbeachtalk.com

■ W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 2 2 , 2 0 2 3 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

OPINIONS

,

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

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

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

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

Advertising Sales

Lyn McElhaney

O b i t u a r i e s D e b b i e C a r l e t t i o b i t s @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m P ro d u c t i o n m a n a g e r R o b B r a i t l i n g r b ra i t l i n g @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m S u b s c r i p t i o n

Results

∫ Insurance,

Critical Wildlife Area?

∫ Yes

∫ No

∫ Unsure/no opinion

opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Gov Ron DeSantis puffed up a lead balloon last week, saying that perhaps the state s h o u l d c o n s i d e r r e p l a c i n g A d v a n c e d Placement courses with, well, something else

Maybe the International Baccalaureate program Maybe the Cambridge Assessment program Maybe some other vendor And there’s always dual enrollment, which allows qualifying students to take college courses w h i l e s t i l l i n h i g h s c h o o l , h e s a i d l a s t T u e s d a y i n a p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e i n Jacksonville

The comments concerning the nationwide

A P p r o g r a m o f f e r e d a n d a d m i n i s t e r e d through the AP College Board come in the wake of a couple of actions, one blocking an AP course on African American Studies, the other upending the direction of the state’s honor college, New College of Florida in Sarasota

Any bid to opt Florida out of the College Board’s AP program or reallocate its funding elsewhere is more than concerning: It is frightening

The program is a national one, recognized b y n e a r l y a l l c o l l e g e s a n d u n i v e r s i t i e s throughout the U S

In 2021, 1,178,256 public high school graduates 34 9% took at least one AP exam, up from 898,134, or 28 6%, as compared to the class of 2011, according to the College Board website, collegeboard org

Of that Class of 2021 total, 758,842, or 22 5%, scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, meaning they not only took what is essentially a college-level class but mastered

the subject matter

According to that same report, “students from all backgrounds, including those with average scores of 1 or 2, are more likely to enroll in a four-year college compared to academically similar students who did not take AP ”

An AP score of 2 means the student is “well prepared to succeed in introductory college courses” and will “perform as well or better in introductory college courses, compared to academically similar college peers” who did not take the AP course, the site states

Not only do the courses prepare students for college at top institutions across the country, they actually can provide them with college credits, depending on the course taken and a particular college’s AP policy.

What types of classes?

More than three dozen AP classes are o f f e r e d t o s t u d e n t s n a t i o n w i d e C o u r s e s include classes in the arts, English, history and the social sciences, math and computer sciences, science, and world language and cultures

Everything from art history and music theory to calculus and Latin.

Key here is that this is a nationally recognized and universally accepted offering with 31 states including Florida supporting the program financially to the benefit of the public school students the state educates

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

Hurricane Ian was the most financially devastating hurricane to ever hit Florida and it has caused over $100 billion of damages to homes and businesses Many of us have not received insurance reimbursements, and others have only received a fractional portion of l o s s e s T a x p a y e r s h a v e t h e potential to receive significant income tax relief by claiming a casualty loss on their 2022 income tax returns (or their 2021 returns if a special election is made.)

The rules involving deductions relating to unreimbursed property damage caused by a casualty loss hinge on what type of casualty is incurred The last major hurricane to impact our area was Hurricane Irma, which was given special designation by Congress as a “Qualified Casualty Loss ” As a result, taxpayers adversely impacted by

Mary Feichthaler Guest Commentary

Hurricane Irma were able to maximize their loss deductions

U n f o r t u n a t e l y , H u r r i c a n e Ian has NOT yet been designated as a qualified disaster by Congress I urge all Florida homeowners to contact their Senator Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio, Congressman Byron Donalds to advise them that we need our elected representatives’ help in order to recoup losses from this major disaster A form should be submitted through their websites

Casualty losses are determined based on the damaged property’s fair value immediately before and immediately after a disaster such as a hurricane Hurricane Ian is the most s e r i o u s s t o r m t o i m p a c t o u r a r e a s i n c e Hurricane Irma and the most damaging in Florida history Unfortunately, the tax deduc-

We want your opinion

It allows participating students to demonstrate a commitment to their education, earn college credits, skip introductory courses or graduate earlier than they might have had the opportunity not been available to them at the high school level

Let us be clear: There is no comparable, nationwide, academically accepted replacement

Our students should not be left out especially in the “Free State of Florida” where the governor himself has said parents should be in control of their children’s education, not bureaucrats and certainly not politicians with an agenda

We know of no public outcry, not even a whisper, for a statewide opt out of the AP program

We know of no public outcry, not even a whisper, to legislatively shop for some other alternative which, we point out, any parent can do now as there are schools that offer the International Baccalaureate program and the Cambridge AICE program here in Lee County

This trial balloon needs to be shot down now

We urge parents who are invested in the education of their children, college bound or not, to provide the needed ammunition with loud and vigorous protestation

Observer editorial

Shoot this trial balloon down before it makes any headway Editorial Congressional action needed on Ian losses

tions currently available relating to Hurricane Ian expenses are much less ad-vantag e o u s t h a n t h o s e m a d e a v a i l a b l e a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I r m a . C o n g r e s s d e s i g n a t e d Hurricane Irma a qualified disaster, which meant that casualty losses would be subjected to only a $500 expense recapture Since Hurricane Ian has not been designated as a qualified disaster, taxpayers must deduct 10 p e r c e n t o f t h e i r a d j u s t e d g r o s s i n c o m e (“AGI”) plus an additional $100 from the amount that would have been their casualty loss

My clients have been seeing an average r e d u c t i o n o f v a l u e o f o v e r $ 3 0 , 0 0 0 Depending on the taxpayers’ adjusted gross income, this casualty deduction can result in a tax savings of thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of dollars Please keep in mind that deductions are also reduced by insurance reimbursements, but losses are not impacted by actual out-of-pocket repair estimates or payments

See ACTION NEEDED, page 12

are due no later than

letters

also can

lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers com

The town has battled two property o w n e r s , T e x a s - b a s e d T e x a s H o l d e m

L L C ( E d R o o d ) a n d I n d i a n a - b a s e d

Squeeze Me Inn LLC (Kurt Kroemer) s i n c e 2 0 1 4 t o b l o c k t h e b o a r d w a l k which previous councils have contended would disrupt birds in the adjacent Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area The Florida Audubon Society has opposed the project

J a s o n G r e e n , t h e t o w n ’ s p l a n n i n g consultant, recommended denial of the special exception permit Green said the 298-feet boardwalk was not compatible with the town’s comprehensive plan.

Rood and Kroemer have sued the state, challenging the legality of the formation of the state’s critical wildlife area The state has sought to dismiss the suit

O p p o n e n t s o f t h e w a l k o v e r h a v e e x p r e s s e d c o n c e r n t h a t i t w i l l s e t a precedent for greater encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas of the beach, more walkovers on the beach and that the long boardwalk crosses two lagoons plus vegetation and is more than just a dune walkover

Vanasse, who is a local planner, said “when it comes to precedent that I have heard from the public, we are here to look at every case individually based on the special circumstances To say that this will proliferate across the island, there are not too many places where people become landlocked, for lack of a better word, because of a lagoon and the accretion That is a special circumstance that we are not going to see up and down on this island ” Vanasse also cited a “disability issue” as a reason to approve the project Rood has sued the town under the Americans with Disabilities Act, claiming that he has a disability that will one day make it unable for him to walk The lawsuit was rejected outright by a U S District Court judge last year

At the LPA hearing, Rood said the reason for the variance request to extend the width of the boardwalk, was to allow him to use a walker. “At this time my physical condition is deteriorating fairly rapidly I use a cane at times now There have been occasions where I have had to use a walker occasionally That being said, it appears that I am moving in that d i r e c t i o n p h y s i c a l l y b e y o n d m y c o ntrol ”

Despite their approval of the special exception permit and variance, several committee members expressed frustration with the application being incomplete.

Plummer, while voting in favor of the permit, said she was “very frustrated with this package I didn’t think I had enough information to consider it ”

The committee also asked that Rood and Kroemer develop an easement with nine of their neighbors to allow for access to the boardwalk to avoid the

This area is one of the few remaining beaches left in Southwest Florida where snowy plovers, Wilson's plovers, least terns and black skimmers can successfully nest,”

PENNY JARRETT

If you put a permanent structure like this with the kind of winds that we got and the storm surge we got, this is going to be a public hazard to people who live on the beach and nearby.”

BRAD CORNELL Florida Audubon Society policy associate

At this time my physical condition is deteriorating fairly rapidly. I use a cane at times now. There have been occasions where I have had to use a walker occasionally That being said, it appears that I am moving in that direction physically beyond my control ”

ED ROOD

the boardwalk would cross Cornell said there is also nesting by endangered sea turtles.

Cornell said the permit for the boardwalk was “contrary to the public interest ” Cornell said the permit conflicted with the town’s own local development code with respect to “growth management plan consistency, conservation and protection of natural resources, compatibility and not causing public hazards ” He said the permit for the boardwalk would also conflict with the town’s own “listed species protection policies that are in the growth management plan.”

Cornell said Hurricane Ian demonstrated that “if you put a permanent structure like this with the kind of winds that we got and the storm surge we got, this is going to be a public hazard to people who live on the beach and nearby ”

n e e d f o r f u r t h e r a p p l i c a t i o n s f r o m neighbors for walkovers Town Attorney John Herin Jr said the committee could request the applicants provide the easement but that it would not be enforceable by the town

“The neighbors should be included in this so there aren’t others asking for the same thing to get over their little property That is a special area on this island and we don’t have anything like it,” Plummer said. “I agree with Patrick that it’s not going to be one permit after a n o t h e r u n l e s s t h e n e i g h b o r s a r e n ’ t invited ”

Eckmann suggested another stipulation be that the applicants drop their lawsuit against the state challenging the l e g a l i t y o f t h e L i t t l e E s t e r o I s l a n d Critical Wildlife Area Herin said the town wasn’t a party to that lawsuit The state has moved for summary judgement to dismiss that suit

Cereceda, the lone vote against the permit, said “I feel as passionately today about this as when I first heard this case I think it is a mistake for this town to allow this special exception ”

Penny Jarrett, an opponent of the project, said “the application packet for the special exception was incomplete and Jason Green pointed out many times where the applicants did not have adequate detail and/or completely missing i n f o r m a t i o n T h i s a l o n e s h o u l d h a v e postponed such an important vote for a special exception that has had considerable opposition by many Town residents

a n d F l o r i d a A u d u b o n , a n d h a s b e e n v o t e d d o w n t w i c e b y p r i o r T o w n Councils

“Rood and Kroemer’s lawyer handed the LPA Members packets and gave a presentation, but since there wasn’t time for LPA Members, especially the new members, to thoroughly go through the packet, proceeding with a vote on granting the special exception was wrong ”

J a r r e t t s a i d “ t h e p r o p o s e d l a g o o n walkover will fragment foraging habitat, impact the lagoons with the installation of pilings and make the area less desirable for threatened shorebird species This area is one of the few remaining beaches left in Southwest Florida where snowy plovers, Wilson’s plovers, least terns and black skimmers can successfully nest ”

The Florida Audubon Society conside r s t h e a d j a c e n t L i t t l e E s t e r o I s l a n d Critical Wildlife Area to be one of the largest colonies of nesting shorebirds in Southwest Florida and home to a numb e r o f e n d a n g e r e d a n d t h r e a t e n e d species

Brad Cornell, a policy associate for t h e F l o r i d a A u d u b o n S o c i e t y , q u e stioned the validity of statements from the applicants that they had all necessary state permits already

C o r n e l l s a i d t h e F l o r i d a A u d u b o n Society has documented habitat for the threatened snowy plover and Wilson’s plover in the terminus of the proposed b o a r d w a l k L a r g e f l o c k s o f R o s e a t e spoonbills also utilize the lagoon where

“None of the LPA Members, other than Anita, showed any concern at all about preserving natural coastal areas or b e i n g a n a d v o c a t e f o r p r o t e c t i n g Florida’s state protected species,” Jarrett said “The decisions regarding the redevelopment of Fort Myers Beach post-Ian will in large part be guided/influenced by the recommendations of the LPA At this point, I hold little hope that the needs of shorebirds and the benefits of coastal habitat preservation will be considered ”

J a r r e t t e x p r e s s e d c o n c e r n t h a t t h e decision by the LPA and potentially the town council could have far-reaching consequences. “Will the shorebirds that have graced our skies and sandy beaches perish from lack of suitable habitat or be so reduced in numbers on Fort Myers Beach that we rarely get a glimpse of them? With each encroachment, we risk losing what was a vibrant shorebird population to the ever-growing demands of development and habitat destruction,” Jarrett said

Gayle Pergoli, a town resident who has given guided tours of the beach for the town for years, asked whether such a b o a r d w a l k w o u l d m e e t F e d e r a l Emergency Management Agency regulations

The project will still need approval from a town council in which Mayor Dan Allers has previously been supporti v e o f t h e s p e c i a l e x c e p t i o n p e r m i t N e w l y - e l e c t e d C o u n c i l m e m b e r K a r e n Woodson has expressed support for the special exception permit

The special exception permit has previously been opposed by Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt and Councilmember Bill Veach

The Local Planning Agency, under a d i f f e r e n t c o n f i g u r a t i o n , h a d a p p r o v e d the special exception permit request in 2 0 1 9 T h e t o w n c o u n c i l u l t i m a t e l y rejected the request

Carousel Inn makes way for Gulfside Twelve

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Carousel Inn, one year away from a 60th anniversary and one of the last of the old-time motels on Fort Myers Beach, is now one with the sand and pebbles of the beach

I t s d e m o l i s h m e n t w a s declared complete Monday by Gulfside Twelve developer Tim O’Neill O’Neill is in the midst of constructing two buildings of luxury homes on two parcels he and his Illinois company D u b l i n R e a l E s t a t e I n v e s t m e n t G r o u p L L C p u r c h a s e d . “ I t ’ s t o t a l l y d o w n , ” O ’ N e i l l s a i d Monday “Everything has been scraped We are putting backfill in ”

“We’re really still very bullish on Fort Myers Beach. The cleanup is going as quickly as it can. We didn’t waive when it came to what was going to happen post-Ian ”

TIM O'NEILL Dublin Real Estate Investment Group CEO

T h e g r o u p f i r s t p u rc h a s e d a n e i g h b o r i n g vacant parcel for $4 5 million in 2021 before closing on the Carousel Inn in November for $7 million O’Neill and his investment group had an option on the Carousel Inn which they closed on, unafraid of the future for Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian. “We could have walked away and not bought it,” he said

“We’re really still very bullish on Fort Myers Beach The cleanup is going as quickly as it can,” O’Neill said “We didn’t waver when it came to what was going to happen post-Ian ”

They will construct eight units on the Carousel Inn parcel There will be a swimming pool in between the first phase building and Carousel Inn property

All four homes for the first phase of Gulfside Twelve have been sold on the parcel adjacent to the Carousel Inn Those homes are expected to be ready by the fall, O’Neill said. The top floor rooftop penthouse sold for $5 million and the other three homes sold for $4 million each Each home is about 4,000 square feet and represents one floor of a five-story building with a rooftop The first floor is for parking

O’Neill said they have just completed final drawings for the eight phase two units There will be five floors as well on the second building, with the first floor for parking There will be two units on each floor with approximately 4,000 square feet of space O’Neill said there has been strong interest

The starting price for the phase two units is $4 1 million with the two rooftop penthouses listed for $5.1 million O’Neill said there has been interest from those looking to buy second and third homes as well as Fort Myers Beach residents and others in the area

“We’re a little bit further down the road than a lot of new developments that are going to go up on the beach,” O’Neill said

He was encouraged that the phase one construction of Gulfside Twelve withstood Hurricane Ian The construction was about six months along at the time, he said “It did exactly what it was supposed to do ” They are also working with a consultant on the town’s emergency berm project which will replenish the beach with sand as well as construct dunes

He is optimistic for the future of the island

“There will be a lot of new buildings Everything is going to be up to code The change will be difficult for some people We’re really excited to be a part of the rebuilding process,” O’Neill said He believes the new homes that will be constructed on the island will be able to handle future hurricanes, the same way that his development did

“We’re ready to rock and roll,” O’Neill said

FILE PHOTOS

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 2 2 , 2 0 2 3 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

Twins have Maeda back

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The start of a new season for the Minnesota Twins begins in Fort Myers with the rebirth of Kenta Maeda Sidelined since 2021 from Tommy John surgery, the 2020 runner-up in the American League Cy Young Award voting has been back throwing off the mound at Hammond Stadium and giving the team confidence in its once unhittable pitcher

“That’s the slider and the splitter we remember,” Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli said after watching Maeda throw batting practice Sunday

M a e d a w a s t h r o w i n g t o n e w c a t c h e r C h r i s t i a n Vazquez, a two-time World Series champion with the Red Sox “Woah,” Vazquez yelled out, elated with Maeda’s stuff

Pitch clocks were up in the bullpen and around batting practice, a sign of the changing times as new rules will limit the amount of time pitchers have to throw

Maeda has been showing good life on his fastball along with his sharp, off-speed arsenal that enabled him to post the second-lowest WHIP (walks and hits allowed per inning) mark for qualified starters in the covid-shortened 2020 season

“We’re very excited to see him coming back,”

Vazquez said Vazquez had Tommy John surgery himself in 2015 so knows what it’s like “It’s a long process to come back from,” Vazquez said Vazquez said Maeda is a tough pitcher to face because “he throws a lot of strikes All his pitches are good He throws a lot of sliders, a sinker, a four-seam fastball ”

Baldelli said Vazquez is a leader and “gives me a lot of confidence,” calling him “hands-down, one of the best catchers in the game ”

Maeda said he felt much better than he did last year while working on his recovery Maeda had Tommy John surgery in 2021 Maeda said he worked on his pitching in the offseason in Japan and Los Angeles Maeda said he threw every other day in December and every day in January

“The body feels good, the body movement’s good, the ball had some carry to it,” Maeda said through a translator “There needs to be some work for the splitter ”

Maeda said the new pitch clock that has been implemented this season for pitchers was going faster than he expected “I was definitely aware of it and being conscious of the time,” Maeda said threw the translator “I don't think the adjustments are going to be too tough as long as I have good communication with the catchers ”

Maeda said it will be important for him and his catcher to be on the same page so he doesn't have to shake off too many pitches The Twins will have a new catcher this season in two-time World Series champion Christian Vazquez, who joins the team from the Boston Red Sox Pitchers and catchers reported to spring training on Thursday in Fort Myers at Hammond Stadium at the Lee

Tw i n s p i t c h e r K e n t a M a e d a threw a bullpen session on the f i r s t d a y o f s p r i n g t r a i n i n g camp to new Twins catcher Christian Vazquez

C o u n t y S p o r t s C o m p l e x i n F o r t Myers for the first time in February since 2020 before covid delayed the start of the season Full-squad workouts began Monday. Also back is shortstop Carlos Correa, who almost left the team for the Giants and Mets before returning after those teams didn’t like his physical

The team lost American League b a t t i n g c h a m p i o n L u i s A r r a e z , whom they traded to the Miami Marlins for pitcher Pablo Lopez

The team now has an overload of p i t c h e r s w i t h L o p e z a n d M a e d a joined by Sonny Gray, Tyler Mahle, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack and Joe Ryan

Ober, the towering 6’9 right-hander, will be fighting for a rotation spot this spring He finished last season strong after returning from a groin injury that sidelined him in the summer Ober posted a 3 21 ERA last year overall including a 2 01 ERA and microscopic 0 716 WHIP in his last four games in September and October In his final four games, hitters batted just 152 off Ober Ober said he is working on getting his velocity up and working on the shapes of his pitches this spring While he typically registers 92 mph on his fastball, his height and reach make that fastball play even sharper. Ober said his last four starts “I just attacked guys and got ahead and I was able to execute a two-strike pitch and put them away and not tinker with them and have long at-bats ”

Ober said he isn’t too worried about the pitch clock as he works fast

Pitchers will have to deal with other rules changes this season, including limits on how many times they can throw to first base for pickoffs New regulations on how infielders can shift will also benefit hitters as will larger bases

Baldelli said the rules changes will be of benefit to a lot of hitters.

Baldelli said the pitch clock will probably affect the game the most “It’s hard not to acknowledge that as what is going to probably change the game the as we know it the most or what we perceive as the most I think the feel of the game will change because of the pitch clock,” Baldelli said “It will feel different because of that ”

NATHAN MAYBERG

Red Sox turn page with new look

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Boston Red Sox Manager Alex Cora knows he has his work cut out for him this season After finishing last in the American League East last year, his club lost All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts, five-time All-Star J D Martinez, veteran catcher Christian Vazquez and frontline starter Nathan Eovaldi to free agency Shortstop Trevor Story is expected to be out most of the year after undergoing elbow surgery

There is hope though The team’s ace Chris Sale is expected to be ready to start on Opening Day after being limited to 11 games over the past three seasons due to Tommy John surgery and other injures The team signed Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida to a five-year, $90 million deal and is hoping a group of young players can step up They also signed from the Dodgers one of the toughest relievers in the game in Kenley Jansen They also signed catcher Jorge Alfaro

On Sunday, Cora spoke about the optimism he has for the team while stating he isn’t promising any World Series parades this season “I’m not here to say I will be in Boston celebrating until Nov 15,” he said Sunday

Among the young players the Red Sox will be looking for to step up are first baseman Triston Casas, who will get a shot to start Opening Day after hitting five home runs in a September call-up and walking 19 times in 27 games While his batting average was only 197, his on-base percentage was 358

“He didn’t hit for average but he got on base at a stupid clip. He will get better,” Cora said

Cora pointed to a former Red Sox player who once started out slow as a comparison Cora noted that former All-Star second baseman Dustrin Pedroia, who has been serving as an instructor at camp, batted 191 in his late-season call-up before returning the next season to be named Rookie of the Year

Cora was asked about how the World Baseball Classic was affecting the team by taking away players from spring training camp such as Rafael Devers and Yoshida “It’s part of the business,” he said Cora was concerned about the extensive traveling as in the case of Yoshida heading back to Japan.

Cora said Hall of Famer Jim Rice spoke to the team this past week Rice, who spent his entire career with the club, said “he was very honest about where we play and the environment There is a conception out there that playing in Boston is tough but it’s the other way around it’s a joy It all depends on how you take it I have been saying that all along If you are

accountable, genuine and transparent You are going to be fine in this city ”

Cora said having Rice and Pedroia at camp, “makes us better ”

Red Sox General Manager Chaim Bloom spent Sunday watching players in the batting cages and workouts while also mingling with fans, signing autographs and taking photos One fan apologized to Bloom for having been critical of him

“We’re excited. I love the vibe around this camp,” Bloom said “It’s a great mix of veterans who have won In some cases have won in multiple places ”

Bloom is high on the prospects of Yoshida, who he said can drive the ball to all fields “This guy has the chance to put together a really special at-bat in the big leagues The strike-zone judgment, the contact skills are off the charts. He hits the ball hard. One of the cool things you see here in the camp is how he is interacting I don’t want to sell short how difficult it is to navigate the language barrier and cultural differences ”

Cora said Yoshida “has been good about his routine” and has been good about learning the team’s “structure ”

Bloom said Sale “looks great He is in a great frame of mind He has been through so much so it’s really good to see him not just healthy but feeling great, seeing a smile on his face every day ” Bloom said Sale brings “locker room energy” to the team

Bloom is looking forward to some of the team’s young pitchers progressing this spring, including Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock He is also high on minor league pitcher Bryan Mata

Bloom is also a fan of Casas He said Casas “put together great at-bats. The results weren’t always there but the at-bats were fantastic He has looked great He came into camp in tremendous shape He knows he’s got a real good opportunity in front of him He’s taking it seriously ”

At a press conference Monday, Cora was asked how Jensen was adapting to the pitch clock Jensen, who is known to take time between pitches, “was on time,” Cora said “At one point, he used the whole (15 seconds) He had to make some adjustments to his delivery ”

Cora said there were a lot of complaints in the offseason when the new rules were announced but said “we have to turn the page.”

Cora said he is most concerned about the rule changes which bans the shift of the second baseman into the outfield between first base and second base “For me personally, the shift with men at first because now as a right fielder there is going to be a lot of singles that way and you have to charge the ball and throw people out at first base.”

As for shortstop, Bloom said Kike Hernandez will get the first chance to take Bogaerts' place Cora said Bobby Dalbec will also play a little shortstop Bloom said Bogaerts, who signed an 11-year, $280 million deal with the Padres in the offseason at the age of 30, won’t be replaceable “What Xander did, stands for itself,” he said

NATHAN MAYBERG

Red Sox General Manager Chaim Bloom (center) was watching batting practice Sunday and mingling with players and fans.

Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford threw batting practice Sunday

Justin Turner, the former Dodgers infielder, was acquired by the Red Sox in the offseason as a free agent

BILLIE WEISS/BOSTON RED SOX/GETTY IMAGES

PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE BOSTON RED SOX

ABOVE: Red Sox principal owner John Henry greets Fort Myers Beach youth who were invited with their families to JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers on Monday, the first day of full-squad workouts. LEFT: Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale interacts with Fort Myers Beach children and their families at the scoreboard in the outfield of JetBlue park at Fenway South in Fort Myers Monday The families were invited by Red Sox principal owner John Henry to the park on the first day of full-squad workouts in spring training

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School student takes a swing at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers on Monday, the first day of full-squad workouts Schmucker and other Fort Myers Beach children and their families were invited to the part by Red Sox principal owner John Henry

Beach families

“It really was a special day for all of us, and we are so grateful to everyone who thought of doing this and who helped put

Red Sox principal owner John Henry greets the Schmucker family, one of several Fort Myers Beach families who were invited with their families to JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers on Monday, the first day of full-squad workouts

From page 1

it together,” Schmucker stated “These kids really do need some sunshine in their lives, and it’s nice to have moments like

this away from the devastation and just enjoying life in the moment ”

Manager Keith Wilkins along with the Vanasse, Koss and Field families

New Boston Red Sox reliever Kenley Jansen s i g n s a u t o g r a p h s f o r Te s s a a n d S i l a s Schmucker.

Red tide found at high level at Lynn Hall Memorial Park

STAFF REPORT

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued health alerts for the presence of a red tide bloom

Water samples taken at Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach found red tide at a high level

Alert levels of red tide were also recorded at Island State Park (Boca Grande Pass), Turner Beach (Captiva), Blind Pass Beach (Sanibel) and Lighthouse Beach (Sanibel) in water samples taken on Feb. 13, 14, and 15.

Low levels of red tide were found at Bonita Beach Park and Tarpon Bay Road Beach

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued the following advice for residents and visitors to

Action needed

However, if Hurricane Ian is designated by Congress as a qualified disaster, the taxpayer’s casualty loss deduction would not be impacted by adjusted gross income and would result in even greater tax savings

The casualty loss rules are complicated and require that several steps be followed correctly prior to the deduction of losses caused by Hurricane Ian Damage to business property is also eligible for the deduction

The services of an experienced CPA should be sought to help correctly navi-

take the following precautions where red tide is found:

∫ Look for informational signage posted at most beaches

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

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

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

From page 4

gate the Internal Revenue Service casualty loss rules I also encourage all Lee C o u n t y h o m e o w n e r s t o c o n t a c t t h e i r elected officials to encourage them to help us recover from the damage suffered by designating Hurricane Ian a Qualified Disaster. Below is the telephone contact information for our Florida senators and congresspeople Each of these officials has a form on their official websites t h r o u g h w h i c h c o n s t i t u e n t s c a n s e n d emails

Senator Rick Scott: (202) 224-5274

Senator Marco Rubio: (202) 224-

3041

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

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

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

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

Congressman Byron Donalds: (202) 225-2536

Mary Feichthaler is a licensed CPA and has 26 years of experience assisting i n d i v i d u a l , c o r p o r a t e , a n d n o n p r o f i t clients in all areas of taxation including income tax compliance and audits, sales tax, FIRPTA, and offers in compromise She has lived in Cape Coral since 2002 She graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University with a degree in accounting and graduated magna cum

l a u d e f r o m P a c e U n i v e r s i t y w i t h a Masters in Taxation She is a Gulfshore Business 40 under 40 Award Winner and was a 2021 FICPA Women to Watch Award Nominee Mary Feichthaler can be reached at mary@feichthalertax com or at (239) 898-8522. The information in this article is general in nature and not i n t e n d e d a s t a x a d v i c e t o a n y o n e Individuals should consult with a licensed CPA before making any tax or investment decisions

Community Cooperative seeks volunteers for Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit Page 15

New York’s chamber or chestra to fill in for English Chamber Orchestr a

March 9 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

STAFF REPORT

The New York Classical Players are stepping up to the plate this spring to pick up for their friends across the pond in a performance slated for March 9 at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall

The 25-member New York Classical Players, a chamber orchestra, will be filling in for the English Chamber Orchestra due to an unforeseen visa issue with the English Chamber Orchestra

The concert is being presented by the Fort Myers C o m m u n i t y C o n c e r t A s s o c i a t i o n F o r t M y e r s Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann was able to book the New York Classical Players just in time

“We are disappointed that the English Chamber

Orchestra won’t be joining us due to travel difficulties, but we’re happy that The New York Classical Players can perform on the same date instead,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.

Ticket holders can use the same tickets for the March 9 performance at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall Additional tickets can be purchased at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall box office at 239-4814849 or online at www bbmannpah com

The New York Classical Players is a 25-piece chamber orchestra founded in New York in 2010 The chamber orchestra is comprised of dynamic young musicians who are launching their professional careers Graduates of some of the world’s leading conservatories come together as the New York Classical Players to share per-

formances of familiar masterpieces, bold new commissions and unexpected musical treasures with the public The orchestra is under the direction of founder and music director Dongmin Kim and a committed board of directors guides and supports the non-profit organization

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 73rd concert season, is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization founded by Barbara B Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices

Lee County Parks & Recreation summer camp registration to begin - page 14

Sponsors sought for Lee BIA Builders Care’s fundraiser - page 15

What’s Happening - page 16

Sports & Recreation - page 18

WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE insidetoday

Deadline approaching for annual photo contest - page 21

The New York Classical Players will be performing at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers March 9 at 7:30 p.m.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Lee County Parks & Recreation summer camp registration to begin

Lee County Parks & Recreation Summer Camp registration opens at 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27. 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 that have completed kindergarten through fifth grade Middle school camps are for sixth through eighth grade Specialty and special needs camps ages vary; check locations for specific ages

Summer camp runs for six weeks from June 19 through July 28 The cost for traditional and middle school camps are $75 per week per child Specialty camps vary; check location for price. For locations visit www leeparks org

Parents are encouraged to sign up early Each year, the allotted spaces at Lakes Park, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and Estero Recreation Center fill up well before school ends Camp registration is ongoing as long as

Mound House grounds open, museum still closed

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

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

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

The Town of Fort Myers Beach operates the Mound House

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

Communications Director Jennifer Dexter

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

space is available

Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center and Matlacha Community Center are closed from Hurricane Ian dam-

ages and will not operate a summer program this year E s t e r o R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r a n d N o r t h F o r t M y e r s Recreation Center will increase their attendance numbers to accommodate patrons who typically attend those sites

To register for camp at one of the three large recreation centers

Estero, North Fort Myers or Veterans Park in Lehigh Acres – 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 visiti

leegov com is needed to register online Registration for swimming lessons and other aquatics programs begins Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Recreation locations, camps, amenities, and other special events, visit www leeparks org, call 239-533-7275 or email leeparks@leegov com

Alliance for the Arts to host popular Spring Break Arts Camp March 20-24

Alliance for the Arts will be hosting its popular Spring Break Arts Camp again this y e a r M a r c h 2 0 - 2 4

Registration opened Jan 27, and is limited to 45 participants This camp is open to a n y s t u d e n t c u r r e n t l y e n r o l l e d i n F i r s t g r a d e through Sixth grade

This session of camp will focus on visual arts, with s t u d e n t s l e a r n i n g a n e w medium each day. This will be a part of the new concept for the Summer Arts Camp that will be unveiled later this spring

Adults are able to register students for single days or the full week. Prices for Spring Break Arts Camp start at $175 for Alliance members, with a daily rate of $50 Non-member weekly price starts at $225, and $60 per day Discounts per sibling are available as well as

scholarship options

Regular camp hours are 9 a m -4 p m Before and after-care are available 8-9 a m and 4-5 p m for an extra $10 per child

Individuals aged 17 and up who are interested in a paid counselor

position should visit our website, ArtInLee org for more information and to apply F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t ArtInLee org or call 239-939-2787

To register, visit our website or Activ page

Sponsors sought for Lee BIA Builders Care’s BBQ, Bands & Brew fundraiser

Event returns to new venue April 15; ticket sales under way

L e e B I A B u i l d e r s C a r e ’ s p o p u l a r BBQ, Bands & Brew fundraising event is returning on April 15 to a new venue, Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers

T h e 1 2 t h a n n u a l e v e n t f e a t u r e s

Southwest Florida’s top pit masters competing for the title of “Best BBQ in Town,” as well as live music from local headlining bands, numerous vendors and fun-filled activities for all ages including

a lively cornhole tournament and a child r e n ’ s p l a y a r e a w i t h f a c e - p a i n t i n g , games and more Jonesez BBQ, which was named “Best BBQ in Town” at the last BBQ, Bands & Brew event, is returning in 2023 to defend its title

P r o c e e d s f r o m t h e e v e n t s u p p o r t

Builders Care’s mission to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families,

Community Cooperative seeks volunteers for the 20th Annual Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit

Community Cooperative is seeking volunteers for the 20th Annual Sam Galloway, Jr & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit on March 9 The event raises m o n e y t o h e l p t h o u s a n d s o f m e n , w o m e n a n d c h i l d r e n i n s o u t h w e s t Florida who struggle with food insecurity and homelessness

The event is held in the service garage of Sam Galloway Ford in Fort Myers The fundraiser draws over 700 attendees and community leaders and 150 volunteers along with nearly 20 local restaurants who donate southern style dinner Volunteer shifts on March 9 start at 9 a m and run as late as 10 p m

“With vehicle service happening in the garages the morning of the event, it takes an army of volunteers to transform the space to host the event there that evening,” said Stefanie Edwards, CEO

of Community Cooperative “The next morning, vehicle service resumes and wrenches are turning by 7 a.m. as if hundreds of people weren’t there eating and raising money the night before Volunteering for the event is a wonderf u l w a y f o r p e o p l e t o l e a r n a b o u t

Community Cooperative and our passion for our mission ”

For more information on volunteering at the Sam Galloway, Jr & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit or other prog r a m s , v i s i t C o m m u n i t y C o o p e r a t i v e c o m , e m a i l

Volunteer@CommunityCooperative.co m or call 239-332-0441

who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means To date, Lee BIA Builders

Care has helped more than 500 Lee County households and provided over $5 million in emergency construction services and materials at no cost to families and local homeowners in need Since its i n c e p t i o n , t h e e v e n t h a s r a i s e d o v e r

$675,000 in support of Lee BIA Builders Care

The 2023 BBQ, Bands & Brew will be held from 11 a m to 6 p m on Saturday, April 15 at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Drive in Fort Myers Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under

Tickets are available for purchase in advance or at the gate

All Star Equipment Rentals & Sales is returning as presenting sponsor for BBQ, Bands & Brew Additional sponsorship opportunities range from $525 to $6,500 and include a variety of benefits

A c o m p l e t e l i n e u p o f p e r f o r m i n g artists and vendors will be released in the coming weeks

To learn more about ticket and spons o r s h i p o p p o r t u n i t i e s , v i s i t www.BBQBandsAndBrew.com or call 239-938-0056

Florida Junior Duck Stamp Contest accepting submissions

WHAT’S HAPPENING

'Purple Tea' to unite and educate women about breast cancer

Purple Tea, a symposium outlining developments in the fight against breast cancer, will be held on Feb 23 from noon to 2 p m at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, at 1380 Colonial Blvd , Fort Myers

It will feature a panel of distinguished breast health experts who will discuss advancements in prevention, screening and treatment of breast cancer in a supportive, inspiring environment

The keynote speaker will be Dr Alan Brown, a boardcertified radiation oncologist at Advocate Radiation Oncology Former chairman of the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic, he is nationally recognized for his community involvement and research efforts

The additional speakers will include:

∫ Dr Magali Van de Bergh, a medical oncologist and principal investigator with Florida Cancer Specialists who has led multiple clinical research studies with a focus on lymphomas, chronic leukemias and lymphoproliferative disorders

∫ Dr Natalia Spinelli, a board-certified breast surgical oncologist who specializes in benign and malignant diseases of the breast and is trained in the latest surgical approaches in breast cancer care.

∫ Debra Wilson, who serves as the vice president of oncology services at Lee Health

Attendees are encouraged to dress in purple

The event is free, but advance registration is required

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o r e g i s t e r , v i s i t eventbrite com/e/purple-tea-tickets-503552447927 or call Sherri Kubesh at 239-839-6015

Lee Health to offer self-management programs

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

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

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

The program will be offered on Thursdays starting on Feb 23 from 1 to 3:30 p m at the Providence Family Life Center, at 3592 Broadway, Suite 100, Fort Myers. Participants will receive a copy of the book “Living a Healthier Life with Chronic Conditions ”

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

'The Last Show'

to open at Alliance theater

T h e T h e a t r e C o n s p i r a c y a t t h e A l l i a n c e f o r t h e A r t s w i l l p r e s e n t “ T h e L a s t S h o w ” F e b 2 6 a t 2 p m a t t h e a l l i a n c e , a t 1 0 0 9 1 M c G r e g o r B l v d , F o r t M y e r s

Written and performed by Derek Lively, it is a new work developed locally and directed by the Alliance's producing artistic director, Bill Taylor “The Last Show” is set in an illegal underground nightclub, in a city where all public social gatherings and all forms of art have been banned

Lively portrays a performance artist who risks arrest and possibly his life to perform for the first (and last time) in front of his dying mother With nothing but a few props and a bottle of cognac, the performance artist holds nothing back because the show is unlike any other that he has ever performed

Lively will host a special Talkback following the matinee performance on Feb 26

Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members

The show contains adult language and content; please use discretion

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

'Fanciful' exhibit

opens at Shell Point

The exhibition “Fanciful: Art That Makes You Smile”

will be on display now through March 18 in the Tribby Arts Center at the Shell Point Retirement Community, at 17281 On Par Blvd , Fort Myers

The light-hearted exhibit seeks to uplift spirits still coping with the effects of a hurricane

The artists on display are paper sculptor Maxine Brooks, painters Nancy Dimick and Helen Ketteman, and textile artists Barbara Heatherly and Carol Mann, all Shell Point residents It also includes fiber sculptor by Katie Gardenia, who is formerly of Sanibel and Captiva and now from San Antonio, Texas

The exhibition is free of charge and open to the public.

For more information, call 239-415-5667

Last call for Florida Fish Ar t Contest entries

The deadline is approaching for this year's Art of Conservation Florida Fish Art Contest, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission It is open to kindergarten through 12th grade

Students from Florida can win top honors, international recognition and prizes

Two first-place winners will be selected for each grade bracket (kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and 10th through 12th grade) one for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for the best saltwater fish species All first-place winners will advance to the national competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show

The deadline to enter is Feb 28

To enter, Florida students should submit their entry at Wildlife Forever Florida Art at https://www wildlifeforever org/home/fish-art/fish-entry-forms/florida-entryforms/

It should consist of the following:

∫ An original piece of artwork featuring any fish including one or more of the following Florida native species from the same category: Category 1 (freshwater): Largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, channel catfish, Forida gar, chain pickerel, bowfin Category 2 (saltwater): snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, tarpon, mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel, hogfish, queen snapper, black grouper

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

∫ A Florida State-Fish Art Contest entry form

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

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

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

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

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

Photography and videography of this production are strictly prohibited

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

Performance dates:

∫ Feb 23, 24, and 25 at 8 p m

∫ Feb 26 at 2 p m

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

∫ March 5 at 2 p m

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

Edison, Ford estates to offer ar t classes for adults

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

Classes scheduled for the month of February include the following:

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

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

Seating is limited and registration is required

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

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

‘Natural Woman: A Tribute to Carole King’ celebrates her music at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center Feb. 27

If you are a fan of Carole King, you can revisit her amazing music at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on Monday, Feb 27, as Charlotte Players presents “Natural Woman: A Tribute to Carole King” featuring Katie Pinder Brown As an accomplished musician and vocalist, Katie takes her inspiration from Carole King’s music catalog and will take you back to that special time in her show She will include a wide range of Carole’s music, from songs you never knew she composed to chart-topping hits that defined Carole King as a superstar songwriter Four talented musicians will be accompanying Katie onstage while she plays the grand piano

This single performance starts at 7:30 p m at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda Tickets are available by calling the box office at 941-255-1022 Tickets and show information can also be obtained through the Charlotte Players website at https://www.charlotteplayers.org. Tickets range from $20 for regular student tickets to $46 for adult preferred

Tickets on sale for ‘An Evening with the Authors’

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

“This really is an unforgettable opportunity for fans to meet the authors before our big festival,” Melissa Baker, festival coordinator and programming/community outreach manager for the system, said “The dinner is a personal gathering with the writers and without the crowds that festival day will bring Our guests have a chance to interact with the authors and quite likely learn fun facts, too ”

Proceeds will benefit the 24th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival on March 4 in Fort Myers It is a free, allages outdoor event where fans may listen to and meet a lineup of bestselling authors, explore the latest in books and technology and participate in crafts and activities In addition, there will be a free book for every child and teen, storytelling programs, youth writing contest awards and food truck vendors Several author presentations will also be livestreamed through the festival’s mobile app

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

For more information or tickets, visit www ReadFest org

The Edison Restaurant & Event Center is at 3583 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

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

WHAT’S HAPPENING

From page 16

C l u b s o f L e e C o u n t y E t i e n n e , w h o h a s p e r f o r m e d o n A m e r i c a ’ s G o t

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

B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l M u s e u m t o h o s t i n t e r a c t i v e w a l k s t o s u p p o r t n e w p ro j e c t

With the launch of Snail Search of Lee County its new citizen science project the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is hosting guided Snail Search and Biodiversity Walks

On a walk, an educator will take participants out into the field in Lee County and walk them through the steps of creating a free iNaturalist account a free citizen science app and how to use it

Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna within the natural area

The purpose of Snail Search of Lee County is to help the Sanibel museum learn more about the availability and location of native and invasive land and tree snails in the area Research conducted on land and tree snails in the area is limited and outdated, and most studies contain no photographs

During the free interactive walks, participants will be given the tools to go out on their own and contribute to the project Walks are expected to last 45 minutes to 1 hour, weather depending

The following walks are scheduled:

∫ March 13 at 1 p m at the Koreshan State Park, at 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero ($5 per vehicle parking fee)

∫ April 26 at 10 a m at the Estero Bay Preserve State Park, at 4940 Broadway West, Estero ($2 per vehicle parking fee)

∫ May 24 at 2 p m at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, at 7751 Penzance Blvd , Fort Myers ($1 per vehicle parking fee)

To register, contact Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum org or 239-347-5119

For more information, visit https://www shellmuseum org/snail-search

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

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings

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

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

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

Playhouse per for ms ‘Camelot’

The Gulfshore Playhouse presents Lerner and Loewe’s “Camelot” thru March 12 at the Norris Center, at 755 8th Ave S , Naples The classic Broadway musical is directed by Jeffrey Binder The original 1960 musical, based on the legend of King Arthur and his knights of the round table and adapted from the T H White novel “The Once and Future King,” is a sparkling and winningly fast-paced rendition With original book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, this adaptation by David Lee features new orchestrations by Steve Orich Tickets start at $38 For more information or tickets, call 239-261-PLAY (7529) or visit gulfshoreplayhouse org

SPORTS & RECREATION

Armed Forces Charity Golf Tournament set for March 4

The public is invited to participate in the annual Armed Forces Charity Golf Tournament Saturday, March 4 The tournament, sponsored by the Cape Coral Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, will be held at the Cape Royal Golf Club, 11360 Royal Tee Circle, Cape Coral.

The shotgun event begins at 8:30 a m The event fee of $125 per person includes golf, cart, range balls, barbecue lunch and prizes Proceeds will benefit JROTC student scholarships for graduating seniors in pursuit of a college degree

Reservations are required and may be made by contacting Gary Nolan, 618-407-6945, or capecoralmoaa@gmail com

T h e C a p e c h a p t e r o f t h e M i l i t a r y O f f i c e r s Association is an approved 501(c)3 charity, EIN 900169184

MOAA is a national organization of military officers that supports the interests of military members of all ranks -- past, present and future Information about the Cape Coral Chapter of MOAA may be o b t a i n e d b y c o n t a c t i n g t h e N o l a n a t gnolan0219@gmail com

Tarpon Bay Explorers resumes kayak tours

The J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge reported that Feb 1 marked the post-hurricane reopening of the Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE), its concession at the Tarpon Bay Recreation Area on Sanibel

On Feb 13, staff naturalists resumed o f f e r i n g t h e k a y a k t o u r s o f t h e Commodore Trail Creek every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 a m Kayaks and paddleboards are also available for rent.

The ramp is again open for non-motorized vessel launching

Monthly ‘Peter Ordway’ Paddling Tour outing scheduled for Feb. 24 on Pine Island

The “Peter Ordway” Paddling Tour season has recommenced and this month’s outing will be held Friday, Feb 24, at the Calusa Land Trust’s first preserve (1976), Calusa Island All interested paddlers are invited

Participants will meet at Lee County’s L a v e n d e r ’ s L a n d i n g b o a t r a m p ( o n Barrancas Avenue in Bokeelia) at 9 a m

Parking is free at the facility and paddlers are encouraged to bring their own water and lifejackets

The guided tour will meander around C a l u s a I s l a n d o b s e r v i n g t h e a n c i e n t Calusa Indian midden (mound) and the resident birds, tortoises, dolphin and fish species

A post-paddle recommendation is the mullet sandwich at the Jug Creek Marina

The Calusa Land Trust is Pine Island’s all volunteer land conservancy, which sponsors events for public education and enjoyment The paddling tours are held on a monthly basis in season Kayaks are available for rental at Carmen’s Kayaks, at the end of Porto Bello on Jug Creek, 239-333-7332

Since it is also a fundraising effort, a donation of $20 per person/$10 for CLT member is requested

Please contact Jim Friedlander at 860608-1158, jimfri29@gmail com for your reservation and further information.

In addition, the gift store is back up and running

The refuge reported that TBE is opening in gradual phases after suffering extensive damage from the hurricane, including the loss of most of its paddlecraft and all its pontoon boats, rental bikes and trams

H o u r s o f o p e r a t i o n a r e M o n d a y , Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a m to 5 p m

For more information or booking, visit https://tarponbayexplorers com/ or call 239-472-8900

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve hosting classes

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is offering Tiny Tots Yoga and Guided Meditation classes for the spring season at the preserve's Interpretive Center, at 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers

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

Guardians and toddlers up to age 5 can enjoy meditation, movement and songs in an active, family-friendly yoga class Taught by certified yoga instructor Mariela Gómez, the class uses music, yoga play props and stories to help children establish a connection with their caretakers while benefiting from active movement. Participants must bring their own gear, including yoga mat, blanket or towel, and water bottle Provided props will be disinfected thoroughly both before and following the class

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

a.m.

Direct your attention and intentions inward during guided meditation and qigong in the stillness of the slough Each week will focus on a different technique: reducing stress, promoting focus, mindfulness, visualization and kindness Classes begin with simple stretches and qigong movements to shake off any stale energy before beginning meditation Wear comfortable clothing and bring water, a yoga mat and blanket or pillow to sit upon Open to ages 18 and older

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

A paid parking fee of $1 per hour per vehicle is required.

Preregister at www leeparks org; walk-ins welcome if there are open spaces

For more information, visit www leeparks org/sixmilecypress or call 239-533-7555

■ W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 2 2 , 2 0 2 3 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

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

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

Deadline approaching for annual photo contest for high schoolers

T h e 1 0 t h a n n u a l “ D i n g ” D a r l i n gTheodore Cross High School Photography Contest has kicked off with a deadline of March 1. It invites high school students in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties to compete for prizes that include a Canon digital SLR camera package, one-year subscription to Adobe photography software, and one-year family pass to all Florida state parks

Cross, who lived part-time on Sanibel, marched with Dr Martin Luther King Jr ; advised the Johnson and Nixon administrations on anti-poverty programs; wrote the influential book “Black Capitalism,” among others; played a prominent role in President B a r a c k O b a m a ’ s e l e c t i o n ; a n d c r e a t e d Birders United a birding website that ranked legislators according to their record of bird protection support

Late in life, Cross decided to indulge his love for birds and photography and traveled the world to collect stunning portraits and stories to chronicle his adventures He shot often at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, and a number of the images in his book reflect his love for it Cross published “Waterbirds” in 2009 at age 85; he passed away shortly after that in 2010

“The Theodore Cross Family Charitable Foundation has made possible this contest with a generous grant to the 'Ding' Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge,” DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller said “We couldn’t be more thrilled that they wanted their donation used in this way for a 10th year ”

“We are so happy to be supporting a contest in my father’s name, a contest that will get our youth involved with nature by looking at it as my father so loved doing through a camera lens,” daughter Amanda Cross said

Digital image entries can be shot from any outdoor venue in Florida A writing component to the contest requires entrants grades 9-12 to submit a 100-word

description of the “moment” captured and how it reflects what nature and wildlife mean to the photographer

The entry rules and guidelines are as follows: Entries and information must be submitted in digital format to ddhsphotocontest@gmail com Submit your full name, high school, grade and an original photograph that you took of nature and/or wildlife in the open outdoors Include a title for the photograph and a written

description (minimum 100 words) of the “moment” captured and how it reflects what nature and wildlife mean to you You and your entry must comply with the following requirements:

∫ Students attending schools in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte (Florida) counties in grades 9 through 12 may enter the contest.

∫ Only digital images are accepted and may be taken with any camera, including smartphones

∫ Images must be submitted in JPEG format and must have a size of at least 2000-by1500 pixels or resolution of 2 megabytes

∫ The photograph must be taken of nature and/or wildlife in the open outdoors in the state of Florida, which may include parks, refuges, backyards, and other open spaces

∫ Panoramic photos are not allowed

∫ Filters, cropping, enhancements and boarders are permitted. However, adding any elements not existing in the original scene will not be allowed Judges, at their discretion, will disqualify any photos that a p p e a r t o b e m a n i p u l a t e d b e y o n d t h e s e guidelines

∫ Each participant may enter up to two photos but is eligible to win only one award.

∫ Judging will be anonymous Please do not put your name or anything that will identify you on your photograph

∫ There are three judges: a refuge staff person, professional photographer and resident of the five-county region

∫ Judging criteria: technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure); creativity; and explanation of photograph (minimum of 100 words)

∫ All photos will become the property of the DDWS. Photos may be used by the society in any way with appropriate credit

Find guidelines and prize information at www dingdarlingsociety org/articles/photocontests

For more information, contact the DDWS at 239-292-0566

RYAN MITCHINSON

“Frog in the Shade” by Ryan Mitchinson took second place in last year's contest.

CLAIRE HENRY

In third place for last year's contest was Claire Henry’s “Peeking Lizard.”

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