Pine Island Eagle

Lee County and island officials discuss recovery with Matlacha Civic Association

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

The Matlacha Civic Association met with some Lee County, as well as Pine Island organization officials

Tuesday, Feb 28, at the Pine Island United Methodist Church to discuss the restoration of the islands

Lee County District 1 Commissioner Kevin Ruane was present, along with Deputy County Manager Dave Harner, representatives from the Florida Department of E n

M

infectious qualities of those who have been on Pine Island for generations

“It didn’t take long for us to catch the spirit of resilience, independent stick-to-itiveness, and affection for your neighbor,” Hannon said, explaining that these are among the things he’s seen in his last 10 years as an islander

Ruane, who has been meeting weekly with islanders to work toward recovery from Hurricane Ian, has been elected chair of the Long-Term Recovery Task Force He told islanders his district had received more damage, by far, than two or three districts combined Debris, he said, is an issue no one had contemplated pre-Ian. He shared

CLT 2023 Duck Raffle at Fine

Swine goes off without a hitch

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

What would have been the Calusa Land Trust’s 24th Annual Duck Race, turned into the Duck Raffle, hosted by Fine Swine Restaurant last Saturday on Pine Island Just under $10,000 was brought in from the sale of 2,200 raffle tickets.

According to CLT President Robert Ballard, it would have been impossible to reproduce the usual venue for the race hosted by Ragged Ass Saloon in St James City In

light of hurricane damage, Fine Swine Restaurant owners Brian and Trisha Crowley stepped up to offer the place to the CLT, so the tradition could go on to become the 2023 Great Rubber Duck Rock & Roll Raffle

See DUCK RAFFLE, page 19

that Lee County is in the vicinity of 10 to 20 million cubic yards of debris

He continues to be an advocate for the district, he said, bringing everyone's needs to the state and federal levels There have been two special sessions since Hurricane Ian, he said, explaining that the sessions are an opportunity for the governor to carve out what he feels are major priorities

“So far, through the two special sessions, there has been about $2 billion that have been allocated for Hurricane Ian, so that is a great start,” Ruane said

See RECOVERY, page 15

John R. Wood hosts grand re-opening at St. James City office Funds raised at celebration benefit Matlacha Hookers

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

According to Realtor Mike Faulkner of John R Wood (formerly Pine Island Realty), there was a steady stream of folks at the ribbon-cutting for the company’s grand reopening of its office in St James City on Saturday, March 4

T h e M a t l a c h a H o o k e r s w e r e a l s o t h e r e , a s J o h n R Wood wanted to raise some money, Faulkner said, to go toward the c h a r i t a b l e w o r k p e rformed by the organization

“We provided the food, the location and w e p a i d f o r a l l t h e expenses, but all the money raised went to t h e H o o k e r s , ” Faulkner said

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MIKE FAULKNER

A bean bag toss competitor at the grand re-opening of the John R. Wood office.

In addition to tours o f t h e r e f u r b i s h e d office, Faulkner said there was a bean bag tournament, a 50/50 r a f f l e , f o o d f r o m Publix and CW Fudge, a s w e l l a s a l l - d a y entertainment provided by Frank Ackley

“It was a relaxing good time, and very low-key We had a lot of people and I think everybody had a good time We got a chance to see a lot of our customers and

See GRAND RE-OPENING, page 19

A sign for one of the fundraising games at the CLT Duck Raffle PAULETTE LEBLANC

Matlacha Jewelry and Hammock Company recovering

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Pirganoski said

Jasmina and Artur Pirganoski own

Matlacha

Jewelry a n d H a m m o c k C o m p a n y A f t e r d a m a g e c a u s e d b y Hurricane Ian, they were temporarily closed, she said, reopening just before Christmas.

“We had a few inches of water, and the landlord took

The Matlacha store is just one of the locations owned by the couple, who did not fare as well at the Fort Myers Beach location as they did on Pine Island In fact, Pirganoski described the situation at the beach as devastating

“We thought this place would be gone, too, but we lucked out,” Pirganoski said

The day after the hurricane, the couple came immediately to their store, as they had not left the area for the storm After seeing the destruction to the other local businesses, the couple thought about how they would have to re-invest in their inventory, and repair damage It’s just a matter of time before they can re-stock the store, she said

“The locals have been a great help bringing in all their relatives and people who are visiting, but we don’t see as many snowbirds as before,” Pirganoski said

The big question for now, she said, is how business will go in Matlacha, after the hurricane took away the money-making season Bringing in more merchandise is a solid plan for this couple, as they are hoping it will help them build a bigger clientele They are looking forward to more summer apparel, such as shorts and bathing suits, combined with their custom jewelry and hammocks to carry them through

For now, help from the Greater Pine Island Chamber, in getting the word out about their business, has been very helpful, she said

“We’re hoping, catering more to the locals is going to get us through the summer,” Pirganoski said

Matlacha Jewelry and Hammock Company is located at 4547 Pine Island Road, unit B, Matlacha For additional information, call 239-558-5486.

The

Potters' Guild Show Saturday at Koucky Studios

Spring has come to Pine Island, and the Pine Island Potters’ Guild is going to be relishing Florida’s beautiful weather with its next Potters’ Guild Show Saturday, March 11, in the courtyard of Koucky Studios

Come to the guild show, where there is ample parking and meet local artisans who are pleased to talk with you about their work and medium All pieces will be available for purchase This small, inviting venue provides a welcoming environment to chat with island artists and craftsmen. Be sure to inquire about their craft, and learn about opportunities in our area for classes and workshops

The March show will feature pottery, a diverse selection of jewelry, woodworking, tropical-themed home

decor, paintings, ready-to-wear art, books, notecards, greeting cards, locally made jams, honey, mustards and hot sauces

Freshly baked goods will also be available for a delicious snack or to take home for an exceptional addition to any meal More than 18 artisans are showing this month

At 11 a m , be sure to see the guild’s monthly horsehair raku pottery demonstration by local artisan potter Chuck Koucky and some of his pottery class students. Horsehair pottery, as the name implies, incorporates hair from the tails and manes of horses into its design The random lines and patterns, which are the signature of this style, are created when applying strands of hair to

the surface of a hot raku clay pot that has just been removed from the kiln The horsehair combusts and carbonizes, leaving random patterns on the pot’s surface The use of horsehair is preferred in the technique as it makes beautiful random patterns because of its coarseness and length Other raku technics will be demonstrated as well

Koucky Studios is located at 5971 Bay Point Road in Bokeelia, at the corner of Bay Point and Stringfellow roads, just after Mile Marker 11, on the east side of Stringfellow

For more information about the Potters’ Guild Show, please call Nancy Koucky at 239-233-3003

One of the jewelry counters in the Matlacha Jewelry and Hammock Company in Matlacha

PHOTOS BY PAULETTE LEBLANC

Matlacha Jewelry and Hammock Company in Matlacha, like other nearby island businesses, was damaged by Hurricane Ian, but reopened again just before Christmas

OPINIONS

Imagine a world in which newspapers have been bankrupted and shuttered.

Imagine that Reddit, the Drudge Report and Red Pill are no more and that social media platforms forbid political discussion of any stripe

Publisher Raymond M Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers com

Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers com

Editor Paulette LeBlanc pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Advertising Director Laurie Ragle lragle@ breezenewspapers com

Advertising Sales

Charlene Russ cruss@breezenewspapers com

Design & Layout Chris Strine cstrine@breezenewspapers com

Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers com

Imagine that while some television and radio news show still exist, they only feature endless stories about cats and dogs, and fawning coverage of those in power

Imagine a world in which robust political discussion has been cowed into silence, and all government business takes place behind closed doors, and nobody can talk about what might have transpired in this darkness unless they want to end up broke, unemployed and homeless

This is not the backdrop of some new Netflix drama about a dystopian future in a galaxy, far, far away No This is a possible reality right here in Florida if lawmakers succeed in passing a bill that would lower the threshold for the rich and powerful to sue anybody who says something they don’t like H B 9 9 1 i s o f f i c i a l l y c a l l e d t h e D e f am a t i o n , F a l s e L i g h t , a n d U n a u t h o r i z e d Publication of Name or Likenesses Bill But First Amendment activists like me who have read it call it the “Death to Public Discourse Bill ”

Key supporters of HB991 want you to believe the legislation is about taming the excesses of the “liberal corporate” media by

A sea of dead fish

To the editor: “Promises, Promises,” as Burt Bacharach said in the song that’s what we get from Tallahassee All talk and no action Forever we have been hearing about all that is being done to clean up the water in our area The man at the top promised to clean up the mess in Lake Okeechobee and what do we see? A sea of dead fish

Web Poll

I spent Sunday morning rowing a small boat out of the Pineland kayak launch and could not believe the mess, fish floating belly up everywhere When is this going to end?

I n s t e a d o f d o i n g s o m e t h i n g a b o u t Florida’s real problems, filthy water, bad d e v e l o p m e n t , b a d h e a l t h c a r e , p o v e r t y , underpaid and overworked teachers and nurses, and so much more, they throw us red herrings: the danger of critical race theory, banning books which dare to mention anything about LGBT, floating the idea of a voting police force, banning abortion, fear of illegal immigrants (who’s fixing your roof?) and

g i v i n g t h e “ l i t t l e g u y ” a chance to avenge “bad” coverage But the truth of this bill is all about making it easier for government officials and their rich and powerful allies to use the courts to punish those who criticize them

And despite the belief by s o m e c o n s e r v a t i v e s t h a t HB991 would only affect the New York Times, the Miami Herald and CNN if it were to become law, the reality is no information outlet would be s p a r e d t h e d e p r e d a t i o n s o f p u n i t i v e l a w s u i t s u n d e r i t s p r o v i s i o n s F o x , N e w s m a x , c o n s e r v a t i v e t a l k r a d i o s t ations will all feel the sting of this new law as public figures across the political spectrum look to exact their vengeance against inconvenient news coverage and commentary The fallout would just as likely crush Fox’s Tucker Carlson as it would the NYT’s Paul Krugman.

More than that, this legislation would also subject bloggers, community groups, average users of social media in short everybody who wants their voices heard to the untold financial and emotional burdens of lawsuits

And the way HB991 is currently written, a story doesn’t have to be wrong and damag-

more guns These only detract from the real issues Floridians deal with every day so they can stuff their pockets with money from Super PACS and lobbyists, who really run the show, and win elections

It’s a sad commentary that this is what it takes to win, but until we see through all the BS and look around to what we really need, nothing will change Politicians may say they are in favor of cleaning up the environment, but are they granting the funds to accomplish anything?

That’s why nothing is getting done If you care about this place which is supposed to be so wonderful, look in the water before you vote.

Jim Friedlander Pineland

Who listens to leaders that are consistently wrong?

To the editor:

Way back in 2021, Joe Biden said inflation was “transitory” and that “no serious

The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that opinions These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the

ing to an official to land a reporter, blogger or housewife Facebooker in court It can merely cast the subject of the story in an unfavorable light Gov Ron DeSantis called for a new defamation bill, sayi n g h e w a n t e d t o g i v e t h e Average Joe a chance to clear their name when the press sullies it But the truth is that defamation and libel suits have never been the tools of ordinary people who often don’t have the means to go to court But these lawsuits have all too often been part of the repertoire of powerful figures seeking to bring their critics to heel

This legislation is hardly a novel move Throughout history, tyrants on the left and the right as well as powerful Robber Barons have often moved to crush the press in order to control messaging And the easiest way to crush the press is to weaponize the law against commentators just as HB991 seeks to do

For those who doubt this could be the rationale of HB991’s supporters, look at recent rules by the state forbidding events

- y e a r - o l d Secretary of the Treasury and registered Democrat, who just made a “secret” trip to Ukraine to “bolster their confidence,” was in the same camp That “camp”, which included Jerome Powell, head of our Federal Reserve, was dead wrong and has cost American consumers billions of dollars by their failure to heed the real economists that were not on their payroll.

Larry Summers, chief economist of the W o r l d B a n k a n d p r e s i d e n t o f H a r v a r d University, and Mohammed El Erian, an Arab American economist and president of Queens College, were busy sounding the alarm bells, but the truth was incredibly inconvenient for the Biden Administration, so they just ignored it until inflation hit a 40year high mark and ran right over all of them

I’m not sure what Yellen’s trip to Ukraine was supposed to accomplish other than that it played well to the Biden cheerleading squad but one thing is for sure, the Fed has not even begun to conquer inflation because they are t o o b u s y p r o p p i n g u p B i d e n ’ s g e r i a t r i c a d m i n i s t r a t i o n w i t h a n e m i c r a t e h i k e s designed to avoid a recession that have been as much of a failure as Biden, Powell and Yellen were when they were telling us inflation was only transitory

Who listens to these leaders that are consistently wrong? The voters that put them in office that either don’t understand the consequences of their actions or simply don’t care because “The Big Guy” won Max Christian St. James City

March in Pelican Bay

Pelican Bay is to the north end of Pine Island along the east shore of north Cayo Costa Island If you look at the chart, you can see a tiny keyhole on the eastern shore of Cayo Costa, just south of the state dock This is where the manatees gather for a little socializing in March before the long migration to cooler waters.

A single female, or cow, will attract up to a dozen males, or bulls The reproductive rate for manatees is low and this is why we keep our distance not to dist u r b t h e m a t i n g p r o c e s s O n average, one calf is born every two to five years The manatee gestation period is 13 months

Oh baby!

Our numbers are down in Pelican Bay due to fresh water runoff from Lake Okeechobee and the effects of Hurricane Ian We have lost over 1,000 manatees in the last year and a half

In that regard, please keep your distance The boat propeller is their worst enemy

Capt. Cathy Eagle Dolphin Tales

Once temperatures reach 78 degrees and above, the manatees travel along the Gulf Coast to Texas and up the east coast to the Carolinas for cooler waters They have to hug the coast as this is where the seagrass grows. Sea cows are vegetarians. God bless them on their journey

In May, the migration of sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish and the great silver fish, the tarpon, arrive The tarpon run from May to July Great sport fish Take advantage and book your tarpon fishing charter soon This is a different season of wildlife and very exciting!

We may see resident manatee in our waters in the summer It may be an elderly or injured manatee or a mom with a nursing calf If there are three moms with nursing calves before the migration, one mom may adopt the other two and nurse all three through the summer months, enduring the warm waters of Southwest Florida. Just remember, although it’s tempting, it is illegal to feed or give water to any marine mammal or animal It compromises their ability to survive in the wild

Capt Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating in our local waters As a professional charter captain she specializes in dolphin and nature tours Visit CaptainCathy com or call 239 994-2572

Pine Island Cove holds fundraiser for Men's Club

The Pine Island Cove f u n d r a i s e r f o r t h e c o m m u n i t y M e n ’s Club was a huge success, raising $5,884!

The island communit y t h a n k s a l l o f i t s s p o n s o r s a n d h a s m u c h a p p r e c i a t i o n , gratitude and thankfulness as the comm u n i t y m a k e s t h i s d o n a t i o n t o M e n ’s Club.

Matlacha Hookers’ ‘Hooked on Education’ Scholarships are back

The Matlacha Hookers are continuing their tradition of awarding scholarships to deserving and potential students These scholarships are not only for college, but for trade schools as well as technical schools and for continuing education Since 2003, over $227,000 has been awarded to deserving students by the Matlacha Hookers

The eligibility requirements in order to apply for a scholarship include a high school diploma or equivalent and ONE of the following:

1 Former student of Pine Island Elementary school

2 Current member for at least one year of the Matlacha Hookers

3 Immediate family member for at least one year of

a current member of the Matlacha Hookers

4 Resident of Greater Pine Island for at least one year Applications are available to download on matlachah o o k e r s o r g C l i c k o n s c h o l a r s h i p a p p l i c ation 2023 Print the application, review eligibility requirements, complete and mail to:

Matlacha Hookers Scholarship Committee

2006 N W 11th Court

Cape Coral, FL 33993

The applications must be postmarked no later than April 12 Submission deadline is April 14 Hardcopy applications will also be available at a few Pine Island locations in the near future

Church of God of Prophecy Chicken Dinner Saturday

The Church of God of Prophecy will be having another Chicken Dinner Saturday, March 11 Dinner will be curbside pickup only, no dine in The price is $10 per dinner -- fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn or green beans, dinner roll, and dessert

Chicken is fried in peanut oil Gluten free and baked

chicken available upon request

Call your order in to 239-283-2128 as soon as possible, quantities limited Pick-up will be from 12:30-3 p m

The church is located at 15146 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia

PHOTO PROVIDED

PIE to hold annual Spring Fest March 16

Pine Island Elementary will be hosting its annual Spring Fest on campus at 5360 Ridgewood Drive in Bokeelia, Thursday, March 16, from 5-7 p.m. This event is open to all Pine Island families

This carnival event will include bounce houses, inflatable slide, an obstacle course, games, Hippo Chow Down and a rock climbing wall There will also be food provided by the Outback Steakhouse Food Truck and other food items such as cotton candy, popcorn, water,

soda and Blue Duck Ice Cream Tickets and wristbands will be on sale for all festivities during the event.

■ Yellow Wristbands - Unlimited use of all bounce houses, inflatable slide, the obstacle course, Hippo Chow Down and rock wall - $15

■ Red Wristbands - Unlimited use of all bounce houses, inflatable slide, and the obstacle course $10

■ Tickets - Tickets can be utilized to play games

Local author to speak at Frozen Flip Flop

The Friends of Pine Island Library will be sponsoring an Author Talk Tuesday, March 14, at 1:30 p m Local author and Pine Island resident Jim Friedlander will be speaking about his books and other writings

Friedlander said, “I could tell you all the boring stuff about where I grew up and went to school, but let it suffice to say I should have been born a hundred years earlier ”

Friedlander has published several books including “Shooting Jesse James,” set before and after the Civil War and his latest novel “The Runaway ”

A book sale and signing will follow Friedlander’s program

This event is free, however, please call or text 239454-9196 or email President@friendsofpilibrary org to let us know you will be attending

The program is being held at the Frozen Flip Flop,

CLT work/fun party

Saturday at Taylor/ Willow Lake Preserve

The Calusa Land Trust's monthly work/fun party will be held this Saturday, March 11, at the Taylor/Willow Lake Preserve beginning at 9 a m This property contains mangroves, salt flats and a mature live oak/palmetto forest hosting an active bald eagle nest

In addition, several new looping nature trails have been pioneered and maintenance on these hurricane damaged pathways (and the entrance strip) will be this event's mission The entry walkway to this 36-acre preserve is located off Alcorn Street (just south of the Catholic Church)

The Calusa Land Trust is an all-volunteer land conservancy and, thus, relies upon its members and guests like you to steward its preserved lands It is recommended that participants provide themselves with work g l o v e s / c l o t h i n g , p r u n i n g t o o l s a n d a h a p p y s p i r i t .

Volunteers will be rewarded with cold beverages, a pizza lunch and a warm fuzzy feeling of accomplishment

For additional information, please contact Robert Ballard at 239-770-0070 or Les Smith at lesmana-

Bridge Beat

Bridge is played every Wednesday from 12:30 to 4/4:30 p m at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Road, St James City Everyone is welcome! For further information, call Mary at 239286-5165

Results

Fishers of Men, Wednesday, Feb 22 - 1 Karen

McWright 2 Donna Reynolds 3 Kay Winter

10191 Stringfellow Road, St James City

Why not arrive a few minutes early and purchase a delicious frozen yogurt to enjoy while you listen to Fridlander speak about his books

and/or to purchase food Tickets are $1 per ticket

There will also be a silent auction to support the school’s parent organization (CPTO). All proceeds from this event go directly to the CPTO to further students' education and experience at the school

There will be entertainment during the event provided by Kelly’s Dance Studio

PIE would like to thank the sponsors of this event, which include Gulfside Marine Service, Honc Industries, Baker's Heating & Air Conditioning, Pac Pro and the Byrd Family

Those 18 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult PIE looks forward to seeing everyone there!

For additional information about the Spring Fest, please call the school at 239-283-0505

Cape Coral Breeze Athletes of the Week

Calusa Waterkeeper releases latest water quality update

This month’s map is a marked improvement over last month’s for FIB specifically, despite the incredible red tide that is happening right now. Remember this map is only showing fecal indicator bacteria With the respiratory problems from red tide, the potential long-term neurological effects from red tide exposure, and the incredible amount of dead fish, including tons of catfish with sharp spines, it is recommended that no one go to the beach right now this map showing green/good water quality at the beaches has huge potential to be very confusing in this moment

February 25, 2023

FIB Sample Results Summary:

Four locations have extremely poor water quality for FIB (over 251): Manuel’s Branch at Cortex (9,804), Billy’s Creek at Ortiz (1,296), Imperial River at Old U.S. 41 (591), and Estero River at Sandy Lane (504)

Seven locations have poor water quality (from 71250), Orange River at Manatee Park, Billy’s Creek at Shady Oaks Park, Manuel’s Branch tidal, Imperial River at US41, Spring Creek at Pelican Landing, and Estero River at Koreshan Park

Three locations were moderate quality (36-70), and the remaining 20 locations were good water quality, See WATER QUALITY UPDATE, page 17

Cape Coral Breeze Athletes Week of the

(Selected by the Breeze Sports staff)

Sponsored by:

Next outdoor concert at Fine Swine to benefit Greater Pine Island Alliance set for March 18

Since Hurricane Ian devastated so many of Southwest Florida's live music venues, Fine Swine has partnered w i t h t h e G r e a t e r P i n e I s l a n d A l l i a n c e , B a d D o g z

Production and Lee Hagan Music, as well as many local Pine Island businesses and organizations, to create and provide an outdoor music venue that assists with keeping local musicians employed, and generates a market for local businesses to operate, all while hosting a full day of fun in the sun with barbecue, beer, wine, games, prizes, vendors and giveaways

Live music for the March 18 concert will be provided by Tommy Barr, Strange Acoustics and Brother Love

All proceeds from tickets go directly the performers,

Mariner ’s Emerick February Breeze Athlete of the Month

Breeze Staf f Repor t news@breezenewspapers com

The votes are in for the Cape Coral Breeze’s February Athlete of the Month, and the winner is Mariner High School's Kassidy Emerick

Emerick, a senior, won the 110pound Olympic Weightlifting event i n t h e F H S A A C l a s s 2 A S t a t e Championships, lifting 285 total p o u n d s E m e r i c k a d d e d a t h i r d place in traditional lifting for good measure

“It hasn't set in yet it doesn't feel real. I hold myself to a high standard, so I expect myself to do well in everything I do,” Emerick said during her nomination week

Voting for March's Athlete of the Month will open toward the end of the month Stay up to date on capecoralbreeze com

Cat of the Week

staff and the GPIA to aid in the rebuilding of the Pine Island Community.

General admission online is $12 or $20 at the door VIP online only is $40 Shade tents are available for $00

with VIP shade tents $500 Sponsorships are also available for $500-$5,000 (leehaganmusic@gmail.com) Follow the event page on Facebook for updates and information: fineswineconcertseries

Islanders invited to attend Game/Card Party hosted by St. John Episcopal Church Women

PHOTO PROVIDED

Little Miss

This picture shows a petite, 1-year-old dilute calico kitty It does not show how sweet, gentle and very food motivated Little Miss is It also can't show how she likes being talked to and scratched behind the ears There are a lot of things pictures can't show about our kitties, but they would be happy to tell you. Stop by Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary and meet some of our fur kids. Little Miss will be glad to see you! For more information call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 239-283-9100. If you’d rather just donate, our address is 10060 Mallory Parkway E, Unit D, St James City, FL, 33956, or there’s always our website www helpingpawsanimalsanctuary com

Kassidy Emerick

Some inshore waters and offshore spots are good places to try your luck

Feeling a little weepy and wheezy? Beaches smelling fishy?

Can’t we catch a break?

One look at Thursdays FWC Southwest Florida coastal satellite images shows high concentrations of Karenia brevis or red tide stretching from below Tampa Bay all the way down to Marco Island could explain it Respiratory issues as well as fish kills were reported

The map indicates little to no issues east of Boca Grande, throughout Charlotte Harbor and down into Matlacha Pass which, unless something changes, is where I would concentrate my inshore game this weekend, especially along the east wall of the harbor

Calm winds and currents, unseasonably warm air and water temperatures, no rain, plus still present storm-related chemicals and waste in local waters have obviously created more than favorable conditions for red tide to thrive

Gusty winds are predicted by today, but this past week's light winds and plentiful sunshine have allowed offshore runs to clean water in the 80 to 120-foot range where red grouper, mangrove and Lane snapper, grunts and porgies were waiting and hungry. Kingfish should be showing up in these same areas very soon A little closer to the coast, sheepshead are still on nearshore reefs while tripletail, especially large specimens, are few and far between

Red grouper is open year-round in state waters and closed to harvest in Federal waters seaward of 20 fathoms (1 fathom = 6 feet) between Feb 1 to March 31 Total length minimum for harvest of 20 inches; two allowed per angler within a 4 grouper aggregate Grey trigger opened March 1 to May 31 in state waters One per person - 15-inch minimum

Make sure you have signed up for the State Reef Survey before reef fishing

Spanish macs are on the move and have probably

moved offshore as well to cleaner water but could show up anywhere from the coast out several miles, and once found by running, scouting and watching for feeding birds to tip you off to their location, can provide awesome, fast, lite tackle spin and fly rod action for all aboard, even for the most inexperienced angler

Borrowed from the internet is a great way to rig for Spanish and a fun and exciting technique for beginners to use. Simply put on your workshop tinkering hat and add some wire, some bends and crimps and an ounce sinker to a popping cork, ending up with a swivel on both ends Tie a 3-foot piece of 40-pound fluorocarbon to it then add a small 0 to 1 sized Clark spoon to the other end Cast it far then start a fast, erratic and splashy retrieve with the float which will certainly draw hungry macs to the surface dinner table and your helpless little “injured” spoon dangling below the faked surface feeding commotion

Troll in “birdy” areas to locate them or anchor and chum them to the back of the boat for fast action Tying on lures and flies using light single strand wire insures no bite-offs but 40-pound fluorocarbon gets lots more bites

from these sharp eyed and toothed wolfpack killers

Cast jigs, spoons and even top-water

means, never drive through a surface feeding school as it will put the fish down, ruining it for you and other boat's fishing the feeding frenzy Shut down the big motor and observe, then come in quietly on the electric and pick at the edges of the activity which keeps the school actively feeding. Driving through a school of actively feeding fish is a really bad way to make angling friends

Inshore finds smaller reds and snook along mangrove shorelines where bottomhopped plastic paddle tails cover water and catch fish On continued warm afternoons, break out a slowly retrieved spoon and cover water along bars, points, creek mouths and mangrove edges P l e a s e c h e c k o u t t h e f l o r i d a r i g h t t o c l e a n w a t e r o r g website for current info and FAQs

Capt George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide You an contact him at 239-282-9434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol com

Deadline today for FEMA applications for mitigation funds to elevate homes

Applications to apply for FEMA flood mitigation funds to elevate homes is today, Wedneday, March 8, 2023 The program is administered through Lee County that has hired Hagerty Consulting to assist with applications

Lee County will hold another informational meeting (date to be determined )

For additional information now, please call the prog r a m h o t

Capt George Tunison

Pine Island

Ann Elizabeth Spangler Vogt Bartlett

Ann Elizabeth Spangler Vogt Bartlett, previously of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, Needham, Massachusetts, East Orleans, MA. and most recently of Pine Island Florida, passed away peacefully on January 27th 2023 in East Orleans, at the age of 85, following a valiant struggle against cancer. She was surrounded by her son and daughter.

Ann was born in Reading, Pennsylvania. The daughter of Dr. Clair Grove Spangler, and Frances Parker Spangler. She was a granddaughter of an early 20th century industrialist, James Heber Parker, of the Carpenter Steel Corporation, Reading, PA. Ann was a graduate of the Kent Place School and Wheelock College. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia Elizabeth Vogt Fraser of Needham and Martha’s Vineyard, MA., and son, Peter Alfred Vogt of Brewster, MA, her grandson, Myles Parker Fraser, of Denver, Colorado, her granddaughters Vanessa Elizabeth Vogt of West Yarmouth, MA. and Randi Louise Vogt, two sisters, Jane Spangler Green and husband Dr. Willard Green, of Wallingford, Pennsylvania and Susan G. Spangler, of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, plus nieces and nephews.

While living in Needham, MA she was active in the Junior League of Boston, performed in the local theater guild and loved every flower show she could go to. After working as a PA / Bookkeeper for CONGRAF in Needham, she moved to Orleans, MA. Over her life in Orleans, Ann worked for the Orleans Park and Harbormaster Departments, was a Licensed Real Estate Broker / Agent with Bob Andrew’s Real Estate, a PA / Bookkeeper with the World of Watson’s Clothing Store, and many other companies on the Outer Cape. Ann was also a member and Officer of the Orleans Board of Trade, serving as the editor of the Orleans Vacation Guide for several years including the edition for the country’s Bicentennial celebration. In her semi-retirement years she was involved with the Bass River Yacht Club.

Ann was an enthusiastic resident of East Orleans, MA for nearly 60 years and delighted in welcoming many friends past and present to her home. She loved summers driving her old manual transmission Jeep Wagoneer out on Nauset Beach with her kids and family. Her later years were by her pool and canal with the pelicans and manatees in St James City, Pine Island, Florida.

Ann is also survived by her husband of 15 years, Jim Bartlett, and ex-husband Robert Vogt.

The family would like to thank Quality Homecare Cape Cod and Cape Cod Healthcare VNA Hospice.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Nickerson Funeral Home, Orleans, Ma. for a service in the Spring to be announced at a later date. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Orleans Firemen’s Relief Association P.O. Box 132, Orleans, Ma. 02653 or to Cape Cod Healthcare VNA Hospice.

R u a n e e n c o u r a g e d e v e r y o n e w h o needs to, to reach out to his office at 239533-2224, or on his cell phone at 239273-0011

Harner, who oversees all county operations, said his office has been dealing with the aftermath of the storm by building shelters, handling damaged facilities and debris cleanup His office is working with FEMA to find solutions that fit countywide, and harden facilities, such as utility lines. They are also responsible for a large portion of current roadwork, even though the state is doing the work

“We’re not quite sure what our share is going to be for Pine Island, but we think it’s somewhere from $5 to $7 million,” Harner said

A s s i s t a n t D e p u t y C o u n t y M a n a g e r

Christine Brady said the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department had damage in each of the parks, totaling approximately $14 million, not including Lee County beaches, which had a damage inventory of approximately $16 million

“We continue to work with your longterm recovery group out here for volunteers and donation programs, we’re doing that with United Way, Catholic Charities and the Collaboratory are working on those programs and those volunteers that are coming in,” Brady said

South District Director of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Jennifer Carpenter spoke on the current role of the DEP in the recovery process. Just after Hurricane Ian, a priority for the DEP was restoring critical services, such as water and wastewater, she said People who came to help Greater Pine Island

Water Association told her some of the people currently employed by the utility continued working 24 hours a day to restore the island’s water, although they had no home after the hurricane

“That is something impressive to see,” Carpenter said of the resiliency of the island community

The DEP has grant money allocated to restore infrastructure, she said, as well as a n o v e r s i g h t r o l e i n d e b r i s r e m o v a l , including debris removal from marine areas

“We also have a role in authorizing things that need to be rebuilt We do have a final order that allows things that are in or over water docks, still houses, fill the kind of things that need to be rebuilt,” Carpenter said

Many of these things can be re-built the way they were, without an actual permit, she said, providing they meet certain criteria If there are complications, someone may need to ascertain a permit. They are here, she said, to help navigate the route through proper channels, if necessary “ W e w i l l h e l p y o u t h r o u g h t h a t process Any permits needed for rebuilding from Ian will be expedited our role is to support the recovery anything that we can do for you all we’re here to do that,” Carpenter said

N a t i o n a l F E M A D i r e c t H o u s i n g Mission Director Mike Piper reported Lee County alone received $2.8 billion for debris removal, national flood insurance, individual household programs, as well as other FEMA programs Pine Island alone, he said, has received almost $28 million

FEMA is currently looking at group sites for Pine Island and is currently approved to build 29 mobile home units with more being considered in Bokeelia, to house the remaining people without homes

“For the whole mission, it’s been an honor and a privilege to have me and my team help you all in the recovery,” Piper said

He assured everyone that his team is there to house those who need it, either temporarily or through rental assistance, FEMA’s hotel program, or with home repair

“We are still here at the disaster recovery center for assistance with appeals SBA is still there for small business administration loans, to help out what FEMA cannot help with,” Piper said

Greater Pine Island Water Association General Manager and Engineer Mikes Maillakakis spoke on the condition of the water utility, saying former management and directors made exceptional decisions, leaving the benefits to Greater Pine Island today

“We’re a small utility, but we’re scrappy We don’t have a lot of people, but we work hard, so we’re out there every day working trying to do the right thing for

everyone,” Maillakakis said

District Chief Ben Mickuleit was asked to

His mission, he said, is to continue providing fire service as well as getting Advanced Life Support-equipped trucks, so each truck can carry a paramedic, as they have many medical related calls Damages to the department from Hurricane Ian totaled $1 5 million, he said.

“A concern we have is brush fire season There’s a lot of debris or vegetation still down all over the island that cannot be removed, so we are working with the Division of Forestry to work in mitigation,” Mickuleit said

Greater Pine Island Alliance founder and American Legion post commander Aaron Barreda reported, as recognized by the county, state and federal government as the long-term recovery group for Pine Island, that the GPIA received $100,000 f r o m t h e D i s a s t e r F u n d , t h r o u g h Volunteer Florida Costly comfort stations will be tapered back over the next few weeks, he said

If anyone needs to reach out the GPIA, they can visit, Team@gpialliance org

All Florida Disaster Recovery Centers changing hours

B e g i n n i n g M o n d a y , M a r c h 6 , a l l remaining Disaster Recovery Centers in Florida will be open 9 a m to 6 p m , Monday through Saturday

To find a center you can go online to disaster recovery center locations

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center on Pine Island is at Phillips Community Park, 5675 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia

Although the deadline to apply for assistance for damage from Hurricane Ian has passed, survivors who were affected

by Ian can still contact FEMA to:

■ Get help understanding FEMA decision or request for information letters

■ Check the status of your FEMA application

■ Get information about help with rental assistance or other basic needs

■ Get referrals to agencies or non-profits that may offer assistance FEMA is not able to provide

■ Meet with a U S Small Business Administration (SBA) representative

Water quality update

From page 8 including all FDOH beach sample locations show good water quality as far as FIB goes, with less than 35 as a most probable number of colony forming units of fecal indicator bacteria

As a comparison, last month 15 locations were extremely poor (purple), 8

HB991

From page 4

that do not “align with the state’s mission” from taking place at the Florida Capitol. This pre-vetting of purpose is another clear violation of Floridians’ First Amendment rights to gather and have their voices heard Looking at these measures, one can only conclude that free speech is under attack in Florida

Contrary to what its supporters will say over the next weeks, HB991 is not good for Florida or Floridians It’s not good for Americans as a whole It would establish a dangerous precedent that impacts all of us by chilling the kind of free discussion that only takes place in free societies.

Even conservative Supreme Court jus-

locations were poor (red), 3 locations were moderate (yellow) and 10 locations were good (green)

The interactive online map can be v i e w e d o n t h e W a t e r k e e p e r w e b s i t e , where you can click on each location, zoom in and see historical sample data

tice Samuel Alito noted this in a ruling a few years ago, writing: “The core purpose of the constitutional protection of freedom of expression is to ensure that all opinions on such issues have a chance to be heard and considered ”

So, please protect your freedom of speech by using yours to tell your representatives to throw out HB991

Bobby Block is the executive director o f t h e F i r s t A m e n d m e n t F o u n d a t i o n which was founded in 1985 to advance and protect Floridians’ rights to free s p e e c h , o p e n g o v e r n m e n t a n d p u b l i c records

■ Meet with a mitigation specialist about protecting your home and property from future natural disasters

You do not need to go to a DRC to get assistance You can go online to disast e r a s s i s t a n c e g o v o r c a l l t h e F E M A

helpline at 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a m to 11 p m ET

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit florid a d i s a s t e r o r g / i n f o o r f e m a g o v / d i s a ster/4673

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From the Firehouse

M/PIFCD seeks structures other items for training

Crews are always eager to learn and train on fire ground tactics Training is vital to our responses and prepares our c r e w s f o r m a n y d i f f e r e n t s c e n a r i o s

Meaningful training also maintains and enhances current skill sets and tactics used in the field

If you own a structure that is getting ready to be torn down and are willing to allow us to use it as a training opportuni-

Duck Raffle

ty, please reach out to us Also, if you have hurricane rated windows or doors that are no longer needed or damaged, we would love the opportunity to have them for training purposes

R e a c h o u t t o u s v i a e m a i l a t davis@pineislandfire org or give us a c a l l a t

Assistant Chief Davis

From page 1

“We’re just providing the space for them so they can have their event,” Brian Crowley said, adding that although they are not finished with rebuilding, the restaurant is open

Although CLT can always use more money for the enormous amount of work done by the all-volunteer organization, Ballard said the event went fine, adding that the duck race always brings in many spectators

“Overall, everything we made is a plus It was good to meet with so many people and make good contacts,” Ballard said. Contacts are critical, he said, for an idea, still very much in its infancy, regarding diseases caused by bugs getting into the pine trees Everyone he’s spoken to so far was very enthusiastic, he said, emphasizing that it could be a good success for both the island and CLT

This year’s Duck Raffle awarded two top cash prizes to the lucky ticket buyers

A total of $2,000 went to Tom Hadley of Po Boy Produce, who turned around and

gave $1,000 right back to the CLT The second prize was $1,000, awarded to Jim Nelson of Bokeelia

W a s h b o a r d S c o t t y a n d t h e C o a s t Connection Band were there to entertain those perusing the rummage sale, white elephant and silent auction items

“This event shows the community’s active involvement in support of the CLT and our mission We’re very thankful for their support We didn’t have the same venue as we have in the past, but there are many positive things that came out of it,” Ballard said, adding that he was happy to receive a good number of new members

F o r m e r C L T p r e s i d e n t a n d c u r r e n t board member John Kendall said while it’s hard to re-create 500 or 600 people watching plastic ducks pitted in a race down the canal, the CLT is happy to receive anything that furthers the organization’s mission to serve Pine Island

“The big part of this is just everybody working together and having fun for a good cause,” Kendall said

Grand re-opening

let them know we’re back open and going in St/ James City We also want everybody to know we’re trying to help other people in St James City who aren’t quite as fortunate

“We’re happy and grateful to be here,” he continued “We just want to be part of the community and help however we can we’re not just trying to sell real estate Pine Island is the kind of place where if someone needs help well, it’s just amazing what happens out here I don’t know of any other place that responds like Pine Islanders do ”

The island John R Wood Christie’s International Real Estate offices are located 2959 Oleander St , St James City, and a t 5 4 0 0 P i n e I s l a n d R o a d , S u i t e A , Bokeelia For additional information, visit johnrwood com ’

From page 1

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Ron Anderson, above left, was the winner of the bean bag trophy At left is the sign at the John R Wood Christie’s International office in St. James City, which has reopened after being damaged by Hurricane Ian

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