Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

VOLUME 62, NUMBER 18

Chamber announces Islands Night, annual meeting

The SanCap Chamber of Commerce announced that April 17 will bring the 31st annual Sam Bailey’s Islands Night to Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, with the chamber's annual meeting on May 15

“Whereas last year, due to Hurricane Ian, we combined the two events for lack of annual meeting venues, this year each of our banner events gets its due,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said

As has been tradition for Islands Night, a parade showcas-

ing Sanibel and Captiva businesses and organizations will precede the game starting at 6:15 p m Admission gates will open at 6 p m At 7:05 p m , the Minor League Baseball game will start, pitting the Florida State League Fort Myers Mighty Mussels against the Jupiter Hammerheads

See ISLANDS NIGHT, page 21

The 31st annual Sam Bailey’s Islands Night parade on April 17 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers will bring islanders together for fun, promotion, community support and camaraderie.

School district reports on bump in ‘disruptive behavior ’

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers

The School District Lee County has seen i n c r e a s e i n d i s r u p t i o n insubordination and disr e s p e c t a n d s k i p p i n g classes since the 2019 school year

The information was recently presented to th school board as part of discussion on campus sa and how campus safety ceived

S f t Security & Emergency g e m e n t E x e c u t i v e ector David Newlan disssed the KPI 5 1 score ard, which is based on a scale of one to five He said they are looking for a four to five rating of s t u d e n t s a n d t e a c h e r s feeling safe

The accreditation sury questions were “adults e us feel safe for element u d e n t s , ” “ a d u l t s m a k e decisions to keep us safe for second-

ary students” and “at my institution, we think of everyone’s safety when making decisions” for the teacher survey

“A raw baseline was created from the spring accreditation data,” Newlan said.

The raw baseline was 88% for grades 3-5 students, 71% for grades 6-8, 65% for grades 9-12 and 88% for employees Newlan said the four-year performance target is to go up 2% each year

They look at layers of security at every school site such as monthly drills, OPENGATE weapons detection system,

See SCHOOL DISTRICT, page 21

Fire board picks contractor for s tation rebuild

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District's commission selected the contractor for the Station 172 reconstruction project and approved the purchase of a ut t y t r a i l e r a i t s r e c e n t m e e t i n g , as well as held a pinning ceremony for a s t a f f e r a n d heard about r e c e n t m e d i c a l c a l l t h a t c r e w s responded to O n M a r c h 1 3 , t h e c o m m i s s i o n e r s voted unanimously 3-0 to award the contract for the station on Sanibel-Captiva R o a d t o t h e M a n h a t t a n C o n s t r u c t i o n C o m p a n y i n t h e a m o u n t o f a b o u t $7,439,017

Island projects on agenda for county MPO public hearing

The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization Board will hold a public hearing on March 22 at 9 a m in Room 118 at the Lee County Administration East Building, at 2201 Second St , Fort Myers, to consider several agenda items

The items that the board will consider include the following:

∫ Amend the FY 2023-24 through FY 2027-28 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to add new projects funded by state appropriations, grant funding and local funding The projects being added include the following:

FPN 454167-2 – FTA Section 5310 capital funding for Hope Hospice and Community Services in the total amount of $531,033

FPN 454304-1 – FTA Section 5324 capital funding for fixed route service in the total amount of $6,329,302

FPN 4419423 – Right-of-Way phase for the SR 31 from SR 80 to SR 78 widening project in the amount of $30 05 million

FPN 4528161 – Construction funding for the repair of Sanibel Shared Use Path in the amount of $1,150,000

FPN 4528191 – Design funding for the East

FPN 4528291 – Construction funding for Sanibel

$17,369,890

FPN 4532411 – Construction funding for miscellaneous bridge and road repairs in Lee County in the amount of $5,127,000

FPN 4529661 – Planning funding for the SUN trail facility connection between Hanson Street at Palm Avenue to Littleton Road and US 41 in the amount of $600,000.

FPN 4528331 – Construction funding for a round-a-bout at the Pine Island Road and Stringfellow Road intersection in the amount of $2,800,000

Matlacha corridor repairs in the amount of $3,240,556

Environment funding for the Big Hickory, Little Carlos and New Pass Bridges in the amount of $8,000,000

FPN 4529561 – Construction funding for Estero Boulevard from Times Square to the Big Carlos Bridge in the amount of $1,500,000

FPN 4472411 – Bridge replacement funding for the Little Pine Island Bridge in the amount of $11,228,019

∫ Amendment of the 2023-24 Unified Planning Work Program (the budget) to include funding for a CR 951 extension feasibility study east of Interstate 75

∫ Approve revisions to the federal and state funded roadway project priority list to include the next unfunded project phases for the SR 78 from Burnt Store Road to West of US 41 project and the US 41/Bonita Beach Road intersection improvement project

The agenda will also include presentations from the Florida Department of Transportation about the functional classification changes and US 41 Caloosahatchee Bridge project, as well as a presentation by TPL regarding the Rail Trail agreement

For the agenda or more information, visit www leempo com

Hard copies of the documents are available by contacting the MPO offices at 239-244-2220 Written comments may be submitted to dscott@leempo com, faxed to 239-790-2695 or mailed to P O Box 150045, Cape Coral, FL 33915-0045 Written comments received by 5 p m on March 21 will be presented to the board Public comments may also be made at the meeting

REFUGE/DDWS

DDWS accepting scholarship applications

The application deadline is March 31 for Environmental Studies Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each and amounting to more than $25,000 from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge

High school seniors, college students and graduate students in or from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties who are pursuing degrees in environmental-related studies can apply

This year's named scholarships include the following:

∫ Richard Bailey Scholarship

∫ Mike and Terry Baldwin Scholarship

∫ D r . A n d r e w a n d L a u r a D a h l e m Scholarship

∫ Dr H Randall Deming Scholarship for Conservation and Environmental Studies

∫ “Ding” Darling Conservation Scholarship

∫ Hans and Leslie Fleischner Scholarships (two scholarships)

∫ The Mary Elaine Jacobson Memorial Scholarship

∫ Win & Marilyn Kloosterman Scholarship

∫ Barry & Francine Litofsky Scholarship

See DDWS SCHOLARSHIP, page 22

A former scholarship winner with Tarpon Bay Explorers coowner Wendy Schnapp, the original conservation scholarship donor.

OPINIONS

Web Po ll

Previous Web Poll Question

Are you concerned about the recent releases coming from Lake Okeechobee?

∫ Yes, very concerned, 90%

∫ Yes, a little concerned, 10%

∫ No, not concerned, 0%

Current Web Poll Question

Did you attend the Sanibel Shell Festival or Sanibel Shell Show?

∫ Yes, both events

∫ Yes, just the festival

∫ Yes, just the show

∫ No, did not attend Share your opinion at captivasanibel com

March marks Colon Cancer Awareness Month

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 106,590 new cases of colon cancer in the United States will present themselves this year, with about 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer

If you exclude skin cancers, colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States It is more common in older adults; however, physicians are seeing more young people with the diagnosis.

Dr Leandro Moraes

In recognition of March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month, there are things everyone should know to prevent this potentially deadly disease Screenings for colon cancer can be done to detect it early, which has the best survival rate Knowing what symptoms and risk factors to look out for keeps patients vigilant about their own health

What is colon cancer?

Guest Commentary

The colon is the large intestine or large bowel and the rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus Colon cancer causes the cells in the colon or rectum to grow

Our love of shells ties us together

To the editor:

For years I attended the Sanibel Shell Show Not in the traditional sense, but virtually, via the news media, internet and social media posts I was content and resigned to attending the show looking at someone else’s photos. Those photos brought me amazing joy and excitement For years I would be swiping to refresh and searching my browser, just looking to drink in any new post and photos showing the amazing exhibits, the artists and the crowds, minute by minute I would always say, “ next year I’ll go for sure ” But next year never came due to one reason or another

As frequent visitors to Sanibel for close to 20 years, my family and I fostered a love and appreciation for this special place which we believed what heaven would look like once we cross through the gates We were blessed to have family members generously share their on-island home with us for many years There were also rental property owners that knew us by name, wait staff who knew our orders before we did and shop owners who we now call friends, all more welcoming than the next Yes, Sanibel was our heaven on earth

Retiring young was a benefit to our family and we always knew Southwest Florida would be our end game A place where we could live

a t i o

out of control Most colon cancers start as a growth called polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum Some of them can change into cancer over time, but not all of them will become cancer and the likelihood of them turning into the disease depends on the type of polyp This can be determined during a screening

There are a variety of reliable ways to detect colon cancer This is why it is important to find out if you have a family history of colon cancer to discuss it with your physician and get regular colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 45, as recommended by The U S Preventive Services Task Force If you have a family history of the disease, your physician may recommend you begin screenings before you turn 45

Screenings

Finding colon cancer early means a better chance at recovery Colon cancer screening tests can find precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn into cancer

The U S Preventive Services Task Force

the second halves of our lives and become a part of a community that held such a special place in our hearts

Last summer I hit the ground running once we relocated. Applied for a few part-time jobs, if only to immerse myself in the community and give back to its residents as best I could since Sanibel had done so much for my family over the years I am blessed to now work for the city of Sanibel, BIG ARTS and the BaileyMatthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium All on my Sanibel vision board

We joined the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club as a family and I gleefully checked off the box “yes I would love to volunteer ” No sooner did I check off that box, I found my services were now focused on social media and marketing for the Sanibel Shell Show Vision board complete I soon learned that the show was off island for 2024 due to an uncertain building repair timeline, no discouraging thanks to Hurricane Ian Nonetheless I was grateful to see first hand the resilience of the islanders and the club to make sure that the “Super Bowl of Shells” wasn’t canceled for a second year in a row Little did I realize, by joining the club and taking on the volunteer responsibilities for the show, I was some how now part of an invisible line in the sand and oddly, and more disappointingly, found myself being banned and blocked on

recommends that adults who are ages 45 to 75 be screened If you have a family history or experience any symptoms and risk factors outlined below, discuss with your primary care physician whether you should be tested before you are 45 years old If no polyps are found, patients typically do not need another screening for another 10 years

The task force recommends several types of screenings, including stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, a colonoscopy, or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) Your doctor can determine which one is right for you You can schedule your own screening by visiting www.leehealth.org to learn more.

Symptoms

Many people with colon cancer do not show symptoms right away They begin to appear overtime, depending on how big the cancer is and where it is located inside the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system, or gastrointestinal system

Symptoms of colon cancer can include:

∫ A change in bowel habits, including more frequent diarrhea or constipation ∫ Blood in the stool

∫ Rectal bleeding

∫ Ongoing discomfort in your stomach, See COLON CANCER, page 20

social media by pages, groups and from people I didn’t even know, or who knew me Just because I picked a side? Was joining a club really picking a side? What was happening here? Quite discouraging considering this wasn’t the type of people I knew to reside on Sanibel and who welcomed us so graciously year after year But I turned that negative into a positive and focused on making this show, the first show I would ever be attending in person, well publicized and successful by putting all of my talent behind my volunteer role

On March 7, on the eve of the show, I found myself alone in the massive ballroom of the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa Just me and some 300 exhibits Just me, alone with my camera. Then it hit me how full circle a moment like that was A wave of emotion rode over me as if I found my first junonia For years I attended this show on the other side of someone else’s camera And now, in 2024 it was me, photographing and posting for thousands of virtual attendees to see, who may never have the opportunity to be there ever, in person Full circle

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with Linda Graves Arnold, chairwoman of the show this year, as well as the entire club. Her determination to pull

See LETTERS, page 20

i -

t t e r s t o t h e

CCP updated about stormwater, sewer and more

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

T h e C a p t i v a C o m m u n i t y P a n e l received updates on ongoing initiatives at its recent meeting, including stormwater management for the Village, the proposed s e p t i c - t o - s e w e r c o n v e r s i o n , a n d S o u t h Seas' redevelopment and rezoning request and the legal work of the Protect Captiva coalition

On March 12, Vice President David

The Captiva Civic Association will exhibit “In the Sea,” this year's annual juried show for the SanibelCaptiva Art League, from March 21 through April 19 at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva

M i

Stormwater Committee He reiterated that t h e f i

a $200,000 engineering study to address the flooding issue in the Village area County officials originally told the panel that the study would be funded by the county However, when the new county manager took over, the information was not passed on Mintz continued that the county com-

An opening reception for “In the Sea” will take place on March 21 from 5 to 7 p m at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva

CCA to host reception for final art exhibit of season

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Captiva Civic Association will conclude its Art Show Series for the 2023-24 season this week with an opening reception for the last of its four exhibitions that were scheduled for display at the gallery.

“In the Sea” will be on exhibit from March 21 through April 19 at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva It is the Sanibel-Captiva Art League's annual juried show, which is being sponsored this year by the SCAL and CCA Submissions were open to members of both and the Art Council of Southwest Florida

The CCA explained that for the exhibition, interested participants were asked to use the poem “maggie and milly and molly and may” by E E Cummings as the inspiration for their artwork submissions

The poem is as follows:

“maggie and milly and molly and may”

maggie and milly and molly and may went down to the beach(to play one day) and maggie discovered a shell that sang so sweetly she couldn't remember her troubles,and milly befriended a stranded star whose rays five languid fingers were; and molly was chased by a horrible thing which raced sideways while blowing bubbles:and may came home with a smooth round stone as small as a world and as large as alone

For whatever we lose(like a you or a me) it's always ourselves we find in the sea e e cummings (1956)

The pieces were reviewed by a judge to determine which were selected and awarded prizes

On March 21, the opening reception for the exhibit will be held from 5 to 7 p m at the center It will feature live music and refreshments While the event is free to the public, RSVPs are requested.

To make a reservation, visit the Captiva Civic Association on Eventbrite or https://ccacaptiva org/

For more information, visit the CCA website or contact 239-472-2111 or info@ccacaptiva org

The sponsor for this season's art show series is Bank of the Islands

The CCA gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a m to 1 p m

The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva

If you go

What

“In the Sea” opening reception

When March 21 from 5 to 7 p m

Where

Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva Details Free to the public, but RSVPs requested

missioners agreed at a recent meeting that the study could be funded through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program The study was added to the county's list of p r o j e c t s a n d p a p e r w o r k s u b m i t t e d f o r funding approval

However, he has now learned that K i m l e y - H o r n i s n o t e l i g i b l e f o r t h e CDBG-DR funds

See CCP, page 7

CEPD approves firm for bond on beach project

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

T h e C a p t i v a E r o s i o n P r e v e n t i o n District's commission selected the bond counsel for the emergency post-hurricane b e a c h r e n o u r i s h m e n t d u r i n g i t s r e c e meeting, as well a h e a r d a p r o j e c t update

On March 11, Executive Director

D a n i e l M u n e x p l a i n e d t h a t s c o n t a c t e d s e v e r a l b o n d attorneys about the not-to-exceed $25 million special assessment bond or certificate to finance the renourishment project and received engagement letters from two agencies, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & B i e r m a n a n d N a b o r s , G i b l i n & Nickerson One quoted $25,000 for its s e r v i c e s a n d t h e o t h e r f i r m q u o t e d $35,000

See CEPD, page 7

Fire board hears update on boat lift, about insurance

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

T h e C a p t i v a I s l a n d F i r e C o n t r o l

District's commission received an update on the possible lift for the fire b o a t a t i t s r e c e n t meeting, along with the liability insurance renewals for the district's assets

On March 11, Fire C h i e f J e f f P a w u l reported on a 50/50 grant available from the West Coast Inland N a v i g a t i o n D i s t r i c t Grant, noting that the a p p l i c a t i o n w o u l d b e s u b m i t t e d t h a t week The funds will be used to install a lift at McCarthy's Marina to extend the life of the boat by getting it out of the water

Fire Chief Jeff Pawul

KAREN MEREDITH

SUZANNE BENNETT

Captiva library, county system providing programs

Part of the Lee County Library System, the Captiva Memorial Library is offering the following free programming:

Adult programs

∫ March 27: Queen Victoria The Grandmother of Europe from 2 to 3 p m

An engaging session featuring a visual showcase that explores the life and family of Queen Victoria, acknowledged for her humane and grandmotherly demeanor

Unearth the captivating narrative of her grandsons, who eventually found themselves at war with each other. Registration is required before March 27 at 2 p m

The library is open on Mondays through Fridays from

CCP

From page 6

“I don't think it's fair that Kimley-Horn is not able to do this project after they're spent so much time with us developing the scope,” Mintz said, noting that he plans to speak with the county about possible alternative funding so the firm can do the study

“I'm confident that we're going to get the funding to do it,” he added “I'm just not confident of who's going to be doing it.”

Also during the meeting, President Jay Brown gave an update for the Wastewater Committee on the potential project of connecting Captiva to the city of Sanibel's wastewater system He reiterated that the city has conducted two studies, which showed $20 million and $25 million in needed improvements

The third and final study is an economic analysis to connect Captiva and possible rates

Brown reported that he has reached out to the city, but has not heard back on if the study has begun However, he pointed out that the costs so far are dramatically higher than they thought they would be

P a n e l M e m b e r L i n d a L a i r d a s k e d Brown if he has a feeling for how costly is too costly

CEPD

From page 6

He continued that staff met with and interviewed both agencies and is equally confident in their abilities As a result, staff recommended that the commission select the lowest cost bidder

A m o t i o n t o s e l e c t W e i s s S e r o t a Helfman Cole & Bierman was approved unanimously 5-0

On a related note, Munt reported that the project is out to bid and the bid window will close on April 9 Staff has scheduled a tentative special meeting for May 23 for the commission to select a contractor

In addition, the ballot referendum for voters to decide on the $25 million bond is set for a Special Election on May 21 He reiterated that the CEPD has obtained

Update

From page 6

A matching grant, the district's share would mostly come from impact fees

He reported that the funds would be available next fiscal year

Also during the meeting, Pawul reported on the insurance renewals for district property and auto

“It's a pretty big increase this year, which I'm sure nobody would be surprised by,” he said, adding that the cost has more

10 a m to 12:30 p m and 1 to 4 p m

For more information about a program or to register, call 239-533-4890

In addition, the library system is offering the following free virtual programming:

Adult programs

∫ March 21: Online Author Event with Madeline Miller from 7 to 8 p m

An exploratory conversation with Madeline Miller, bestselling author of “The Song of Achilles” and “Circe ” She will chat about her body of work and her process of retelling Greek classics into modern epics in fiction Registration is required

Brown explained that it will depend on how much outside public funding can be s e c u r e d T h e p a n e l h a d c a l c u l a t e d $30,000 to $35,000 per property when it first started looking into the conversion

“We did a straw poll of the community and had a very high level of support, but if this gets up to say $75,000 or $100,000, I d o n ' t k n o w , ” h e s a i d “ T h a t s t a r t s becoming, in my mind, very expensive and starts exceeding dramatically the cost of putting in a new septic system on one's property ”

“But then, you don't know what kind of public assistance we might get to bring t h a t b a c k d o w n t o s o m e t h i n g l i k e $30,000,” Brown added “There's just so many things up in the air ”

Also at the meeting, Mintz provided an update on South Seas' redevelopment and rezoning and the county, along with a legal update on behalf of Protect Captiva, of which the panel is a member.

He reiterated that the resort submitted its planned development application seeking rezoning, which was found insufficient by county staff South Seas is anticipated to submit its revised application in 60 to 90 days Once the application is found sufficient, county staff will issue its

a $13.2 million commitment from the F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection In addition, staff is pursuing additional funds from Lee County through an interlocal agreement, along with the county Tourist Development Council

Covering from the northern end at Redfish Pass on south to Blind Pass, the Captiva Island 2024-2025 Emergency B e a c h M a i n t e n a n c e R e n o u r i s h m e n t Project will involve about 800,000 to 900,000 cubic yards of sand placed over 25,600 feet of shoreline and an average added beach width of 80 to 100 feet

In other news

∫ The commission voted 5-0 for Vice Chairman Rene Miville to serve as its liai-

than doubled over the last couple years

“We were definitely not immune to that ”

Also at the meeting, Pawul reported that the district is migrating all its information off the physical servers at the station to a cloud-based storage server He noted that after the hurricane, staff noticed the challenges of having all of the information “in-house” when there was no power or internet service

recommendation of it

Mintz continued that the plan will go before the Hearing Examiner in public hearings, where the community will have the opportunity to provide input The Hearing Examiner will eventually issue a recommendation The plan will then proceed to the county commissioners for their consideration

In terms of the application being found insufficient, he cited one example related to the Island Water Association The resort advised that it had a signed letter from IWA indicating the water was sufficient

“There was no letter from Island Water s a y i n g t h a t t h e w a t e r w a s s u f f i c i e n t Island Water doesn't have enough inform a t i o n t o m a k e t h a t d e t e r m i n a t i o n , ” Mintz said “Those are the kinds of things that the county noted ”

H e a d d e d t h a t d u r i n g t h e H e a r i n g Examiner part of the process, those types of services and questions will have to be answered, such as wastewater, fire, environmental, traffic, evacuations and more

In other news

∫ Panel Member John Jensen reported that the Sunset Captiva community would

son on the Steering Committee for the Bayside Adaptation project

∫ Staff reported that it spoke with Lee County Parks & Recreation about the k a y a k l a u n c h o f f A n d y R o s s e L a n e County staff want to schedule a coordination meeting to discuss possibly cleaning up the launch and area from the hurricane Staff noted that the project will require an interlocal agreement

∫ Staff gave a presentation on the U S Army Corps of Engineers' past participation in the beach renourishment projects and why funding has not been approved for them since 2016, which entails the lack of perpetual easements access and public beach access that are required now per the criteria

“And the server needed to be upgraded anyway because it was outdated,” Pawul added

In other news

∫ Pawul reported that staff recently conducted training on the property at South Seas. In addition, Captiva Island Inn owner Sandy Stilwell allowed them to

like to see the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk between the bayside condos and Gulf-side homes for safety

Mintz explained that the issue has come up before for another area of the island and county staff reported that there has to be a certain amount of space between the proposed walk and any stop signs He could not remember the spacing requirements but will speak to the county and get the details.

“I will mention that this is a very pedestrian sensitive area,” Mintz said

∫ Lee County Sheriff's Office Sgt Rich Zeltman reported that there was a recent hit-and-run involving a pedestrian on Andy Rosse Lane Deputies are working the case, but no one had been charged yet

“We do have some leads,” he said

Captiva Island Fire Control District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul reported that another vehicle recently hit a bicyclist. One had minor injuries and the other was more severe, but neither were life-threatening

“As few people as there are, it's still busy, so be careful,” he said

“They have to really pay attention when they're driving,” Zeltman added

Staff reported that the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association has been arguing against the requirements and is seeking a change due to projects statewide no longer being eligible for funds

Staff noted that the CEPD can only receive funding from the Corps or FEMA With the upcoming project, FEMA denied the request for funds because the project is authorized with the Corps until 2038 Staff recommended de-authorizing the project with the Corps if the requirements are not changed.

The commission directed staff to gather and present further information about the requirements

take part in training on her property

“We were able to use both of those,” he said

Pawul added that he is in talks with a private owner for possible training on another property

∫ The district responded to 44 calls in February, compared to 28 for the same month last year.

Download books, stream video and other online content at www leelibrary net

The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva

LEE COUNTY

THE SANIBEL CAPTIVA TRUST COMPANY

How do election years affect the markets?

As the 2024 U S presidential election approaches, many investors are anxious about the impact politics might have on their portfolios While this concern is primarily driven by the u n c e r t a i n t y a t y p i c a l election year brings, a r e v i e w o f p a s t c y c l e s suggests that the upcoming presidential election shouldn’t be a cause for concern

Mitchell Dario

To better understand t h e t y p i c a l m a r k e t dynamics during election years, we analyzed the returns of U S stocks over the last 60 years and compared those results to t h e r e t u r n s g e n e r a t e d during presidential election years and the year immediately following election years.

Since 1960, the S&P 500 has averaged an annualized price return of roughly 8 2% As you can see from the chart, returns during a U S presidential election year were slightly below average, coming in at 7 3% per year However, returns generated the year after a U S presidential election were significantly above average, at 10 2% annually We also reviewed the returns during calendar years when a Republican or Democrat was voted into the White House, though it’s worth noting that there’s a limited sample size (i e , 16 U S presidential elections since 1960, with an even split between appointed Republicans and Democrats).

If a Republican was elected, returns were roughly 9% per year during the election year (higher than the average annual return since 1960) In contrast, if a Democrat was elected, returns were below average at 5 6% per year during the election year Meanwhile, the opposite was true during the calendar year following an election If a Republican was elected, returns only averaged 3 1% per year, while if a Democrat was elected, returns averaged a whopping 17 3% per year in the year following a U S presidential election

There are of course many factors that impact performance in a given year, and macroeconomic trends such as growth, inflation and the level of interest rates tend to demonstrate a stronger relationship with asset returns than the discrete results of a specific election

For example, during the 1980 election year, the S&P 500 rallied approximately 26% as newly elected chairman of the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”), Paul Volcker, was able to begin reigning in stubbornly high inflation that began manifesting in the late 1970s Conversely, the S&P 500 was down 38 5% during the 2008 election cycle, driven by the burgeoning global financial crisis and the damage it inflicted on the economy and markets. In both cases, markets reverted the following year as the S&P 500 declined roughly 10% in 1981 as inflation resurfaced and rallied 23 5% in 2009 as the Fed embarked on quantitative easing Therefore, it’s important to understand the economic and market backdrop leading into an election year, and how that back-

See MARKETS, page 9

Well-wishers gather to welcome the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium's phase one reopening on Sanibel with a SanCap Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting on March 4.

Ribbon-cutting marks phase one reopening of shell museum

Only two and half years after debuting its Living Gallery of Aquariums, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel lost about 80% of its marine life and everything but the ground level's 11 structural aquarium tanks to Hurricane Ian in 2022

On March 4, it celebrated the complete restoration of the aquariums and its Museum Store with a ribbon-cutting with the SanCap Chamber of Commerce The museum's second level is expected to reopen later this spring.

“Like a lot of people and organizations, the overall difficulty, pace and unpredictability of the rebuilding process has been and continues to be a major challenge,” Executive Director Sam Ankerson said “There's so many different inputs and factors; getting them to work in sync with each other is a challenge I'm sure many can identify with ”

He and two staffers were able to reach the museum on Oct 2, 2022 four days after Ian hit They released

surviving indigenous mollusks and handed off exotic species to staff from The Florida Aquarium in Tampa to harbor during the museum's down time

“Without the support of the communities of the islands, shelling enthusiasts, and local and regional governments, there would not be a recovery for the museum,” Ankerson said “From philanthropy to volunteer sweat equity to assistance in navigating the post-storm chaos and ongoing bureaucratic challenges, the overall solidarity and support is essential and something we'll never forget ”

The aquariums hold basically the same mollusk populations as before 60 different species and 350 animals including headliners like the two-spot octopus, junonia, giant clam, seahorses and flamboyant cuttlefish The popular giant Pacific octopus will return at a later date Exhibit space has been expanded to provide more infor-

See SHELL MUSEUM, page 9

Zurbriggen Financial office reopening cause for ribbon-cutting

While celebrating 20 years of o p e r a t i o n o n S a n i b e l ,

Financial also recently shared the e x c

rebuilding and reopening of its island office with a SanCap Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting

“Our entire office was destroyed from flooding, and everything from studs out had to be replaced and repaired,” owner Rick Zurbriggen said “We operated out of our office in Fort Myers for over a year while repairs were being made ”

As private wealth managers, the biggest challenge for the firm was the inability to meet clients in person on Sanibel.

“Thankfully, we have amazing clients who understood and continued to meet with us by Zoom,” he said “We believe Sanibel is a special island and community that is worthy of staying here even through major setbacks It is a strong and resilient

SANCAP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Zurbriggen Financial celebrates 20 years and a new beginning on Sanibel, along with the, SanCap Chamber of Commerce, during a recent ribbon-cutting.

group of people who care for each other and support each other ”

Frustrated by red tape and waiting, Zurbriggen Financial handled part of the repairs independently of

its building complex by hiring its own contractors and were, thus, able to open ahead of neighbors

See

SANCAP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Lions Club launches new educational grant program

In seeing a new need for a different kind of educational financial assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the SanibelCaptiva Lions Club recently announced the creation of a new program

“The resultant loss of business and employment has many people thinking that they may need to consider a different career,” the club reported “This may mean that they need to receive additional training or certification However, the loss in income has made it difficult for many to afford this education or training ”

The Ian Educational Grants are aimed at those suffering from the storm and who are considering switching to a new career The

Markets

From page 8

drop evolves: Is the economy on solid footing? Are interest rates accommodative or restrictive? Are asset prices over or under-valued? Are corporate profits sustainable? And so forth

As you will see from our 2024 market o u t l o o k , w e ’ r e c a u t i o u s l y o p t i m i s t i c regarding the U S economic backdrop heading into the new year However, the market is starting to become expensive at the index level, as the S&P 500 will likely end 2023 up over 20% Still, many pockets of the market failed to participate in last year’s rally, and several attractivel y p r i c e d c o m p a n i e s w i t h l o n g - t e r m return potential remain High quality U S

Shell museum

mation about the biology of the animals and how the museum cares for them, plus nine new informational videos.

The museum temporarily opened its second-level Great Hall of Shells and exhibit space last year between February and April It will now take the opportunity to institute a redesign that was in the plans before the storm

“The reopening of the shell museum is

club and many organizations currently offer scholarship programs for post-secondary education, but most are aimed at recent high school graduates headed for college

The new grant program is open to people who currently live or work on Sanibel or Captiva and previously lived or worked on the islands There is not a fixed number of grants available, nor a fixed amount The grants will be made on a case-by-case basis until the program funding is exhausted

The club's Scholarship Committee will assess the applications and decide on the grants

For more information or to apply, visit sanibelcaptivalionsclub com

government and corporate bonds are another important portfolio diversifier, especially as the Fed pivots towards easing policy Despite the near-term uncertainty an election year typically brings, we believe a diversified portfolio of highq u a l i t y g r o w t h a n d d i v i d e n d - p a y i n g s t o c k s , c o m b i n e d w i t h a p p r o p r i a t e amounts of short-to-intermediate term bonds and cash, will help investors meet their financial goals

Mitchell Dario is senior vice president and senior portfolio manager for The Naples Trust Company, a division of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company

From page 8

huge for the islands’ overall recovery and economic outlook,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said “It is a pillar of the islands’ conservation ethic and tourism industry, and we applaud its return and ongoing progress ”

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is at 3075 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

Zurbriggen Financial

“ C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o R i c k a n d K y l e Zurbriggen for their initiative and taking c a r e o f c l i e n t s i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r Hurricane Ian,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said “They have instilled trust in their clients

From page 8

and for the whole outlook of island services, helping us meet our goal of stepping up the recovery timeline ”

Zurbriggen Financial is at 695 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

Jennifer McSorley Kerri Maw

Pfeifer Realty Group presents top producers for month

Pfeifer Realty Group recently named its top producers for the month of February

Jennifer McSorley was the top volume sales consultant and top selling agent A full-time Realtor and Sanibel resident, she has been with Pfeifer Realty since 2008 McSorley specializes in real estate sales on Sanibel and Captiva and in Fort Myers A Cornell g r a d u a t e , s h e h o l d s t h e S a n i b e l C a p t i v a I s l a n d Specialist designation.

Kerri Maw was the top listing agent A full-time, real estate professional and Realtor, she moved to Sanibel in 2003 Maw obtained her Sanibel Captiva Island Specialist designation in 2017, and she has closed over $6 million in residential properties

For more information, call 239-472-0004 or visit www mysanibelrealestate com

The Pfeifer Realty Group is at 1630 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Residency and estate planning program S u n c o a s t P r o s p e r i t y A d v i s o r s S e n i o r V i c e President Robin Cook and David M. Platt, of SanCap Law, will host a complim e n t a r y p r e s e n t a t i o n , “ B e n e f i t s o f F l o r i d a R e s i d e n c y a n d E s t a t e P l a n n i n g , ” o n M a r c h 2 2 from 10 a m to noon at The Community House, at 2 1 7 3 P e r i w i n k l e W a y , Sanibel

It aims to educate about t h e b e n e f i t s o f b e i n g a Florida resident, new estate planning techniques, time s e n s i t i v e e s t a t e p l a n n i n g strategies and how to capitalize on the opportunities

The topics covered will include: the steps needed to solidify a Florida domicile; F l o r i d a e s t a t e p l a n n i n g n u a n c e s ; f e d e r a l e s t a t e p l a n n i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o capture now before potential changes in 2026; pros and cons of the new Florida Community Property Trust; and why it is important to properly title assets

T o r e g i s t e r , c o n t a c t C o o k a t rcook@suncoastequity com or 239-246-8124

Suncoast Prosperity Advisors is a division of Suncoast Equity Management

Horizon Foundation announces officers

The Horizon Foundation recently set its slate of officers for 2024

T h e y i n c l u d e : M a r k S t e v e n s , w i t h S t e v e n s Construction, as president; Ryan Carter, with Scotlynn, as vice president; Holly Smith, Sanibel hotelier and Sanibel city councilmember, as immediate past president; Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, with Stilwell Enterprises, as treasurer; and Fred Edman, with Wright Construction Group, as secretary

The newly appointed officers will play a crucial role in steering the foundation towards achieving its strategic goals for the year ahead

San Cap Bank hires McMullen and Hu

T a m m y M c M u l l e n h a s j o i n e d S a n i b e l C a p t i v a Community Bank as a customer service representative and teller at its McGregor Branch in Fort Myers, and Ping Hu has joined as a customer service representative and teller at its Main Office on Sanibel

McMullen is responsible for assisting customers with personal and business banking transactions

See BUSINESS NOTES, page 18

Robin Cook

David M Platt

Sandy Stilwell Youngquist Holly Smith

PRESERVING PARADISE

SCCF: Landmark victory for Florida wetlands, wildlife

T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n reported that on Feb 16, U S District Court Judge Randolph Moss ruled in favor of seven environmental organizations by striking down Florida’s assumed authority of Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting, which could have allowed developers filling in wetlands to bypass key requirements and protections in t h e E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i e s A c t a n d N a t i o n a l

Environmental Policy Act

The ability to regulate Section 404 permitting was delegated to Florida in late 2020 before a change in federal administration Shortly after, EarthJustice filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club and others to challenge the transfer of authority

“The unlawful state-assumed program moved forward in the last days of 2020 due to a scheme that provided Florida with a ‘blank check’ on the amount of imperiled wildlife that could be harmed and killed incidental to developments, mines, roadways, and other destructive projects,” the conservancy wrote

The 404 permits under the Clean Water Act are required for any actions that include dredging or filling in waterways or wetlands Normally, the U S Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for granting the permits, but a provision within the Clean Water Act allowed states to take over the permitting process if they can prove they will continue to follow the rigorous environmental requirements inherent in the permits

“The process for these permits is a thorough one, taking into consideration impacts to the environment as well as endangered and threatened species,” SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis said “This is expensive and time consuming, which is one of the reasons that most states have left it to the Corps ”

Florida was the third state, after Michigan and New Jersey, to take control of the process, despite skepticism from the conservation community that state agencies would be able to assess projects with the necessary rigor to protect waters and at-risk species

The Feb 16 ruling vacated the EPA’s approval for Florida to take control of the federal 404 program

The SCCF reported that the decision will impact projects that would have put nearly 1,000 acres of wetlands at risk, as well as over 8,000 acres of the most important habitat for the endangered Florida panther

The state has asked for a request for a stay to retain the current authority regarding permits that are not impacted by the Endangered Species Act

“This decision is a huge win for advocates of wildlife

See VICTORY, page 13

An artist rendering of the front of the new Roving Ranger, where the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge can assist visitors through a food truck-like service window.

REFUGE/DDWS

Refuge to unveil new Roving Ranger in early April

The community outreach team at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel will embark upon a new year of conservation and education when it introduces its latest tool the Roving Ranger starting on April 8

“Our new Roving Ranger mobile visitor center will be able to attend a variety of festivals and events with this more accessible vehicle,” Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said

The refuge will unveil the nature-themed vehicle on April 8 in the Visitor & Education Center parking lot

Par ticipants sought for mollusk count

Mollusk Count on March 22 at 5:30 a m on

Sanibel Participants will be assigned a section of beach to walk and will receive a shell guide to help identify species They will observe and document sightings of living mollusks The collected data will be used to help benchmark the health and prevalence of local species on Sanibel There is no cost to participate, but registration is required For more information or to register, contact Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum org or 239-347-5119

Visitors will be able to take advantage of its hands-on educational tools, programming big-screen monitor, selfie station and other photo ops at the refuge through April 10 from 11 a m to 1 p m daily

The Roving Ranger will then take to the road with stops on Sanibel On April 11 from 11 a m to 1 p m , it will park at the SanCap Chamber of Commerce, at 1159 Causeway Blvd , and April 12 from 11 a m to 1 p m at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, at 2500 Island Inn Road Refuge staff will hand out giveaways and announce chance drawings at both appearances

Environmental organizations support Lake O project

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation F o u

National Audubon Society, Audubon Florida, National Parks Conservation

Federation, Everglades Foundation,

of Southwest Florida in submitting public comments support-

Component A Storage Reservoir (LOCAR)

Component A Reservoir (LOCAR) is t h

Everglades Restoration Plan storage feature north of the lake, representing a major advancement toward meeting the 200,000-acre-foot storage goals for the area,” the letter states “When complete, this project will increase storage and treatment capacity north of the lake a need underscored by high lake levels and recent releases to the coastal estuaries ”

“By storing more water during the wetter months and releasing it when it is dry, this project will help stabilize the system and hopefully prevent s o m e o f t h e d a m a g i n g r e l e a s e s , ” S C C F E n v i r o n m e n t a l P o l i c y

Director Matt DePaolis added

The SCCF reported that with the final feasibility study for LOCAR complete, the next step will be to move to the construction phase T o r e

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Victory

From page 12

and clean water and reiterates the requirements of the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act,” DePaolis said “Florida relies on its environment for our

economic success, the health of our people and our way of life There are legal checks in place to ensure that development is done with forethought to ensure that any reper-

SCCF preps for sea tur tle nesting season

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that volunteers helped staff paint hundreds of wooden stakes on March 12 that will be used to mark off active sea turtle nests on Sanibel and Captiva for the season Florida's sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1 through Oct 31, with the SCCF's monitoring beginning as early as April 15. For more information, visit https://sancaplifesavers org/sea-turtles/

cussions are known and acceptable ”

With Moss’s decision, Florida will need to re-evaluate its permitting process or allow the Army Corps to step back in to

ensure that it meets the standards required by law The ruling came just six weeks a f t e r t h e 5 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y o f t h e Endangered Species Act

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Isl and lIvIng

SPD releases weekly blotter

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

Enforcement operations statistics

From March 5-11:

∫

∫

∫

∫

∫

∫

calls (business and residential): 9

∫

∫

area checks: 237

∫ Total area checks: 1,355

∫ Reported burglaries: 0

∫ Reported thefts: 2

∫ Total CAD calls: 1,802

Important reminders

Those attending the Sanibel Island Farmers Market on Sundays are reminded to park their vehicles in the designated lots Roadside parking is not allowed on Sanibel and is enforceable with a $150 fine

When leaving Sanibel, motorists are encouraged to travel east on Periwinkle Way In order to minimize the number of vehicles driving through residential neighborhoods and increase traffic flow, priority is being given to vehicles eastbound on Periwinkle Motorists using Bailey Road southbound, Lindgren northbound and Periwinkle westbound may experience additional delays as traffic flows are adjusted for efficiency

The 2024 Annual Beach Parking Permits are available at the Sanibel Recreation Center and are valid from the date of purchase through Nov 30 The 2023 permits have expired and are no longer valid

The city of Sanibel's 2021 and 2022 Hurricane Reentry Passes are still valid If you have one, you do not need to re-apply for a new pass

Information on the Sanibel Boat Ramp:

∫ The boat ramp is open to permit holders on weekdays, weekends and holidays

∫ The boat ramp is open to the public (non-permit holders) on weekdays that are not holidays for a $40 daily fee

∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited

∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel com or use Tip411

BLOTTER, page 15

Sanibel library offers range of programs and topics

The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children

With support from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders The next one will take place on March 21 at 7 p m with Madeline Miller, New York Times bestselling author of “The Song of Achilles” and “Circe ” She will chat about her body of work and her process in retelling Greek classics into modern epics in fiction

“The Song of Achilles” won the Orange Women’s Prize for Fiction 2012, and “Circe” was short-listed for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2019 Miller's books have been translated into over 32 languages She holds an Master of Arts in classics from Brown University, studied in the Dramaturgy department at the Yale School of Drama, where she focused on the adaptation of classical texts to modern forms, and taught Latin, Greek and Shakespeare to high school students for over a decade

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

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

See SANIBEL LIBRARY, page 15

Qualifying to open for city council candidates

The city of Sanibel reported that candidate qualifying for the Special Election for the Sanibel City Council will begin on March 25 at noon and will end on March 29 at noon

Any elector wishing to become a

candidate must make an appointment with the City Clerk to begin the process by contacting scott y k e

The Special Election will be held

Why so many no-see-ums on

By SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

You may have noticed that there seem to be more occurrences of “nosee-ums” or biting midges on the island these days This is a result of the storm surge from Hurricane Ian that inundated Sanibel’s vast freshwater bodies with pure saltwater converting them to brackish water bodies, as well as increasing the salinity in mildly brackish areas

No-see-ums are a type of fly of t h e o r d e r D i p t e r a , i n t h e f a m i l y C e r a t o p o g o n i d a e t h a t a r e f o u n d throughout the world representing almost 4,000 species In Southwest Florida, there are multiple species in the genus Culicoides that begin as an egg, hatch into a larva and change into an adult fly The adult is barely visible at 1/8 inch, hence its name

T h e i r i n c r e a s e d p r e s e n c e h a s occurred on islands as far south as Marco Island No-see-ums breed in salt marshes and other highly brackish water bodies

“As wetlands become more fresh w i t h s u b s e q u e n t r a i n y s e a s o n s , r e d u c e d q u a n t i t i e s o f n o - s e e - u m s s h o u l d b e e v i d e n t , ” W i l d l i f e & Habitat Management Director Chris L e c h o w i c z s a i d “ W i t h S a n i b e l ’ s water bodies mostly being conside r e d b r a c k i s h t h e s e d a y s , b i t i n g

midges have much more habitat in which to propagate which is being felt by both residents and visitors ”

To minimize exposure, be sure to cover up well during peak activity times for no-see-ums, including dusk and dawn, when the wind is minimal, as well as cloudy days

Although most people do feel the irritating bite of these biting midges that goes away quickly, some people have much longer experiences with irritation and itching Some people refer to them as sand flies, which is

incorrect Sand flies are of the family Tabanidae of flies, including horse flies

Peak no-see-um breeding time in S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a i s M a r c h a n d April This is when, in a non-El Ni o year, water levels are low and higher concentrations of salt make optimal conditions for reproduction

With increased rainfall, the salinity of many of Sanibel’s wetlands will decrease over time, especially those connected to the Sanibel River due to weir releases during high water

are scheduled:

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on March 21 with Madeline Miller.

Library

From page 14

To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc org/sanlib/upcoming

Additionally, the library has the following programs scheduled:

Youths are encouraged to come in and celebrate National Reading Month in March Every week will have a new theme where participants can read books, take part in crafts and learn about the theme

World Storytelling Day & Bingo will take place today, March 20, from 3:30 to 4:30 p m with staffer Shannon Gafgen Ages 3 and up and their caregiver will enjoy storytime, snacks and Bingo to celebrate World Storytelling Day

On March 21, a Teen Study Session will take place between 4 and 7:30 p m Come to the library after school for study hall. Snacks will be provided. To learn about earning volunteer hours for school, contact sgafgen@sanlib org Executive Director Duane Shaffer will present “America at War: WWII Battle of the Bulge” on March 22 from 10 to 11 a m Probably the largest and bloodiest battle fought by the American army, it was Hitler's futile attempt to split the Allied forces in two and take the city of Antwerp The problems were many, including the fact that the Germans would have to cross four major rivers in the midst of the worst winter in 50 years Shaffer discusses the strategy and tactics of the battle

On March 22, Family Storytime for ages 5 and under and their caregiver will be held from 10:30 to 11 a.m. with Gafgen Sing, read, question and move around during the stories, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, motor skills and creativity The program will include an art/craft center

A Saturday Crafterday will be held on March 23 from 11 a m to noon Artist and coloring book creator Melissa

Blotter

From page 14

Reporting suspicious activity

Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:

Gindling will lead a shamrock sun catcher session; youths must be accompanied by a caregiver

On March 25, an Easter Egg Hunt in the Library will take place from 4 to 4:30 p m The eggs will include candy, small prizes and library swag. Youths must be accompanied by a caregiver

Spring Flower Crafting will be held on March 27 from 3:30 to 4:30 p m with Gafgen Ages 3 and up and their caregiver will create a nature-inspired craft using fresh and dried flowers

For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at https://sanlib org/

The library will hold its Annual Dollar Book Bag Sale on

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411

∫ W e b t i p s c a n b e s u b m i t t e d a t

https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert gr

oup id=22450

Executive Director

Duane Shaffer will present “America at War: WWII Battle of the Bulge” on March 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Sanibel Public Library.

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

March 25-29 in the downstairs meeting room Fill up a bag, provided by the library, for $1 each until the end of the week or until the stock is gone

Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge. Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee

The Sanibel Public Library is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a m to 8 p m and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a m to 5 p m

For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit https://sanlib org/

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239-

472-3111

F i n d t h e S P D o n F a c e b o o k a t

https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice

Recreation center provides update on activities, events

The Sanibel Recreation Center reported on upcoming programs and activities

Throughout March, Wild Card Wednesday will be offered on Wednesdays from 10 a m to noon Access an array of card and board games Free for members; non-members must purchase a pass

A Fun Day will take place on March 29 from 8 a m to 5:30 p m It will offer a variety of outer spacethemed crafts, games and swim time Enrollment is open for kindergartners through eighth-graders. Each child will need to bring a bagged lunch, water bottle, swimsuit, goggles, towel and sunscreen Cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District will offer complimentary blood pressure screenings on March 29 from 9 and 11 a m in the lobby

L i m i t e d e d i t i o n m e r c h a n d i s e f o r t h e c i t y o f Sanibel's 50th anniversary is available at the center

The center is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a m to 7 p m , Fridays from 7 a m to 5 p m and Saturdays from 8 a m to 5 p m A variety of memberships, passes and punch cards are available.

For more information, visit https://www mysanibel com/sanibel-online

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

ADVENTURES IN PARADISE

Fourth and fifth grades from The Sanibel School participate in Adventures in Paradise's Sea Life Encounter Excursion on Feb. 23.

The Sanibel School's second-graders take part i n a n e t t i n g a c t i v i t y o n M a r c h 1 d u r i n g Adventures in Paradise's Sea Life Encounter Excursion.

AIP conducts educational excursion for island students

Students from The Sanibel School recently took part in Adventures in Paradise's Sea Life Encounter Excursion, an educational initiative that aims to foster respect and love for marine ecosystems

On Feb 23, fourth- and fifth-graders participated, then second-graders on March 1. AIP donated the trips in its commitment to environmental education and the promotion of sustainable practices

Departing from the Sanibel Marina and heading to Picnic Island, a marine biologist guided the hands-on educational experiences Students were introduced to marine life through a supervised netting activity, which allowed them to gently capture and observe various sea specimens, such as puffer

fish, file fish, shrimp, seahorses and more in touch tanks AIP reported that the excursions provided the opportunity for the students to learn not only about the sea life that they discovered, but also about the importance of conserving the waters, grasses and habitat of marine creatures, like dolphins and manatees.

“Our Sea Life Encounter Excursion is more than just an educational trip; it's a commitment to giving back to the communities we cherish,” owner Evelyn Stewart said “We started doing this cruise back in 1994 and we are always excited to hear back that some of the kids were so taken with the 'adventure' that they ended up being marine biologists as a career ”

Shell museum to host guided walk

Monthly water sample results

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

e l l M u s e u m & Aquarium will host a guided Snail Search and Biodiversity Walk on March 21 from 1 to 2 p m at the Pond Apple Park Trail, at 1159 Causeway Blvd , Sanibel Participants will search for land snails, document their sightings for the benefit of science, and explore the flora and fauna The walk is free, but advance registration is required Parking is free For more information or to register, contact Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum.org.

CITY OF SANIBEL

Sand placement begins on final sections of beach project

The city of Sanibel reported that contractors have b e

o f t h e B e a c h Renourishment Project to complete the sand placement before the start of sea turtle nesting season

As of March 9, the Lighthouse Beach parking lot (bayside) had reopened.

The Trost Parking Lot and Tarpon Bay Beach Access are temporarily closed effective March 11 for about two

See BEACH PROJECT, page 18

CALUSA WATERKEEPER

Beach project

From page 16

weeks It will allow for safe passage of sand placement equipment along Tarpon Bay Beach where the beach is very narrow

The city reported that over 240,000 tons of sand had

From page 10

She has experience in the banking and customer service industries

Hu is responsible for assisting customers with personal and business banking transactions.

She has experience in the accounting and customer service industries

Hu earned her bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing from the University of Missouri St Louis

She has been a Sanibel resident since 2022 and she served on the board of directors of the Children's Education Center of the Islands from 2022-23

been placed on Sanibel's beaches as of March 9 The total project will place approximately 400,000 tons of sand to restore the beach berm (dune) and to fill the gullies created by Hurricane Ian's receding storm surge

Business Notes

SCCF presents at climate summit

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation attended the 2024 Southwest Florida Climate Summit on Feb

For more information about the project or to view an interactive map, visit www mysanibel com and click on the “Beach Renourishment Project” button

28-29 in Punta Gorda

Marine Lab research associate Mark Thompson presented as part of the “New Regional Climate Science” panel His talk focused on seagrass loss over time at several SCCF-monitored sites and how the losses relate to increases in annual temperature, macroalgae coverage and nutrient concentrations

I n a d d i t i o n , E n v i r o n m e n t a l P o l i c y D i r e c t o r M a t t D e P a o l i s a n d A d v o c a c y & P o l i c y A s s o c i a t e A l l i e Pecenka were in attendance

Trust Company to offer seminars

T h e S a n i b e l C a p t i v a T r u s t C o m p a n y w i l l o f f e r

“Domicile Day” sessions on establishing Florida residency and domicile status on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a m at its office, at 2450 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The programs will include a presentation and Q&A period led by staff and a local estate planning attorney The sessions are scheduled for March 21, April 18, May 16 and June 20

The March program will feature Jennifer Scuteri, of the Scuteri Law Group

Seating is limited, and reservations are required

The sessions are designed for people with $2 million and higher in investable assets

To make a reservation, contact 239-472-8300 or festeger@sancaptrustco com

Ping Hu

Tammy McMullen

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Colon cancer

From page 4

such as cramps, gas or pain

∫ A feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way during a bowel movement

∫ Losing weight without trying

Associated risk factors

If you experience any of the symptoms outlined above and are in a risk category for colon cancer, please make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible If colon cancer is detected at an early stage before it is spread, there is a five-year survival rate at about 90%, according to the American Cancer Society

Risk factors for colon cancer:

∫ A family history of colon cancer or polyps

∫ African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society

∫ Some DNA changes that increase the risk of colon cancer run in families Lee Health offers genetic testing For more information, please contact your physician or visit

From page 4

together an amazing show all while living in a half repaired, Ian-devastated home was the true definition of Sanibel resiliency The amount of work that went into this year’s event was shell-mazing (you knew I’d have to get a pun in here) Even for me, someone with vast event production experience, this show was just phenomenal

Throughout the weekend I realized it shouldn’t be about sides but more so about tides They come, they go, but they’re always there Sometimes damaging, sometimes harmless But almost always they bring to us what ties us all together our love of shells

The beach is wide and vast enough for us all to stand on and seek out what makes us happy Providing an event, or events, that educate, entertain and celebrate our common love for Sanibel and shells gives us all a platform to appreciate some of the greatest gifts Mother Earth has given to all of us The city of Sanibel and its residents, its shells and its beaches, all shone brightly that recent weekend for the world

www leehealth org

∫ Inflammatory bowel diseases can increase colon cancer

∫ A low-fiber, high-fat diet (However, research in this area has had mixed results )

∫ Not exercising regularly

∫ Diabetes

∫ Smoking

∫ Drinking too much alcohol

∫ Radiation therapy for cancer directed at the abdomen

Lifestyle changes to lower risk

Making healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

∫ Eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains with needed vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants will ensure the body gets the nutrients it needs, and it can potentially help reduce the risk of colon cancer and other diseases

Letters

to see The shells will remain, our footprints in the sand will fade with the tides. Tread lightly and with always step with grace knowing that you are truly blessed to live in heaven on earth

Denise Dillon Cape Coral

Additional causeway may be key

To the editor:

We certainly appreciate the workers willing to sit in traffic day after day to restore our beautiful island Appreciate law enforcement’s patience to direct traffic every day with no good options or a solution Once the island is restored and the vacationers come back, we will then have the construction on Captiva at South Seas The traffic issues will not subside at the four-way stop, indefinitely, unless

The answer is easy: the Lee County commissioners want economic development to increase and they need to be will-

∫ Drinking alcohol in moderation or completely abstaining will help lower the risk The standard is one drink a day for women and two for men.

∫ Taking steps to quit smoking will also keep your body healthy

∫ Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day is another way to keep your body sharp

While the number of people under age 50 getting colon cancer has been increasing, it is still most prevalent in adults older than 50 years old

If you have an increased risk of colon cancer, are experiencing any potential symptoms, or would like more information, please make an appointment with your physician or visit www leehealth org

Dr Leandro Moraes is a physician with the Lee Health Cancer Institute For more information, visit https://www leehealth org/

ing to put the infrastructure in place to be successful A new causeway from Captiva to Pine Island Center would help numerous economic development considerations The design could be put on a fast track and when crews are done on the Sanibel Causeway, they can get started on the Captiva Causeway The revenue stream to the county will increase tremendously due to the greatly increased ease of visiting these beautiful islands by day-trippers, residents and visitors to both communities without the reputation of horrendous traffic woes

It is no longer acceptable for the Sanibel community, police and first responders to endure the daily onslaught of traffic and lack of mobility around our island It is time to plan for the future.

Lee County commissioners, please put these actions in place!

Gregory Stone Sanibel

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District held a pinning ceremony for firefighter Stephen Bledsoe on March 13 during the fire commission meeting.

Fire board

From page 1

B e f o r e t h e v o t e , F i r e C h i e f K e v i n B a r b o t e x p l a i n e d t h a t t h e d i s t r i c t r e c e i v e d t h r e e b i d s f o r t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n p r o j e c t a n d M a n h a t t a n c a m e i n a s t h e l o w e s t b i d d e r T h e o t h e r c o m p a n i e s a n d b i d s w e r e t h e W r i g h t C o n s t r u c t i o n G r o u p a t a b o u t $ 9 , 2 7 4 , 1 4 6 a n d O w e nA m e s - K i m b a l l a t $ 9 , 3 1 9 , 9 5 6 A l s o d u r i n g t h e m e e t i n g , t h e c o m m i ss i o n v o t e d 3 - 0 t o p u r c h a s e a 2 0 2 0 B i g T e x 6 0 P I t a n d e m - a x l e t r a i l e r f r o m a p r iv a t e s e l l e r d i s t r i c t s t a f f e r L t B r i a n H o w e l l i n t h e a m o u n t o f $ 2 , 7 0 0 . P r i o r t o t h e v o t e , B a r b o t e x p l a i n e d t h a t t h e d i s t r i c t l o s t i t s t r a i l e r i n H u r r i c a n e I a n S i n c e t h e n , i t h a s b e e n u s i n g H o w e l l ' s t r a i l e r a n d h e i s o p e n t o s e l l i n g i t A n e w p u r c h a s e w o u l d c o s t a b o u t $ 1 , 0 0 0 m o r e A l s o a t t h e m e e t i n g , t h e c o m m i s s i o n e r s v o t e d 3 - 0 o n a r e s o l u t i o n t o a m e n d t h e b u d g e t a n d f u n d b a l a n c e s

Islands Nights

The 2024 Annual Meeting will celebrate the chamber's 62 years of serving the community

The chamber will present its annual year review and make its awards presentation for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, New Business of the Year and

School district

Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Capt. John Reitenbach, firefighter-medic Rob Bell and firefighterEMTs Dayan Concepcion and Todd Walter responded to a medical call on Jan. 16 that involved a man who had suffered an aortic abdominal aneurysm.

Fire Chief Kevin Barbot

f o r t h e 2 0 2 3 - 2 4 f i s c a l y e a r . I t i n c r e a s e s t h e t o t a l r e v e n u e s t o a b o u t $ 1 4 , 4 3 3 , 0 8 4 , r e s u l t i n g i n a n i n c r e a s e o f $ 6 m i l l i o n T h e e n d i n g f u n d b a l a n c e r e s e r v e r e m a i n s t h e s a m e a t a b o u t $ 9 , 4 7 5 , 8 9 6 A t t h e s t a r t o f t h e m e e t i n g , a p i n n i n g c e r e m o n y w a s h e l d f o r f i r e f i g h t e r S t e p h e n B l e d s o e A d m i n i s t r a t i v e s t a f f e x p l a i n e d t h a t h e h a d r e c e n t l y c o m p l e t e d h i s p r o b a t i o n a r y y e a r A l s o a t t h e m e e t i n g , t h e c o m m i s s i o ne r s h e a r d a b o u t a r e c e n t m e d i c a l c a l l t h a t C a p t . J o h n R e i t e n b a c h , f i r e f i g h t e r - m e d i c R o b B e l l a n d f i r e f i g h t e r - E M T s D a y a n C o n c e p c i o n a n d T o d d W a l t e r r e s p o n d e d t o A c c o r d i n g t o a d m i n i s t r a t i v e s t a f f , m e m b e r s o f t h e A s h i f t , t h e S a n i b e l P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t a n d L e e C o u n t y P u b l i c S a f e t y a n s w e r e d a c a l l o n J a n 1 6 f o r a p e r s o n w h o b e c a m e u n c o n s c i o u s C r e w s w e n t t o w o r k a n d b e g a n t o t r e a t t h e m a n , w h o t h e y s u s p e c t -

From page 1

Sue Rosica Gray Volunteer of the Year

The time and location of the meeting will be announced at a later date

e d w a s h a v i n g a n a o r t i c a b d o m i n a l a n e u r y s m . T h e y w e r e a b l e t o t r e a t a n d t r a n s p o r t h i m e x p e d it i o u s l y t o t h e h o s p i t a l , w h e r e s u r g e o n s r e p a i r e d t h e a n e u r y s m T h e m a n w a s a b l e t o c o m e h o m e t o h i s f a m i l y d u e t o t h e q u i c k r e s p o n s e b y t h e c r e w s In other news ∫ A s s i s t a n t F i r e C h i e f C h r i s J a c k s o n r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e S t a t i o n 1 7 2 d e m o l i t i o n i s f i n i s h e d

∫ B a r b o t r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e s t a t e S e n a t e a n d H o u s e a g r e e d t o t h e d i s t r i c t ' s $ 2 1 m i l l i o n a p p r o p r i a t i o n s r e q u e s t I t i s p a r t o f t h e p a c k a g e c u r r e n t l y b e f o r e t h e g o v e r n o r a n d w a i t i n g f o r a s i g n e d a p p r o v a l

∫ B a r b o t r e p o r t e d t h a t a n e w h i r e , f i r e f i g h t e rm e d i c B r a n d o n P u j o l , s t a r t e d o n M a r c h 1 1

∫ T h e d i s t r i c t h a s r e s p o n d e d t o 2 0 7 c a l l s t h i s y e a r , c o m p a r e d t o 1 6 6 f o r t h e s a m e p e r i o d l a s t y e a r

∫ D i v i s i o n C h i e f o f F i r e P r e v e n t i o n L a r r y W i l l i a m s r e p o r t e d t h a t h e c o n d u c t e d 1 6 0 f i r e i n s p e ct i o n s a n d 8 7 f i r e p l a n r e v i e w s i n F e b r u a r y

homerun sponsor and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank at the triple level.”

tickets, a spot in the parade and various degrees of publicity Sponsorship donations also benefit island charities

From page 1

“We must take a deeper look by follow-up questions we have created,” he said, so they can make necessary changes before the next survey

Student behavior

Once the fall survey responses are collected in October, Newlan said they will look at the level and individual schools to break down the responses that were a three or below

The presentation also dove deeper into student crime, violence and disruption

C o n s t i t u e n t S e r v i c e s a n d S t u d e n t Discipline Director Ron Iarussi said the official baseline is 4 79% of the total student population, which represents 4,749

incidents

The top five School Environmental Safety Incident Report incidents are fighting, tobacco, drug use/possession, simple battery and disruption on campus

Fighting went from 0 5% in the 201920 school year to 0.8% in 2022-23. Tobacco saw an increase from 0 5% in the 2019-20 school year to 1 1% in 2022-23 Drug use and possession saw an i n c r e a s e f r o m 0 3 % i n t h e 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 school year to 9% in 2022-23; there was

To participate in the parade or for more information about sponsorship opportunit i e s , c o n t a c t A a r o n W a l t o n a t aaron@sanibel-captiva org or 239-4728759

Hammond Stadium is at 14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers

i n

c r e a s e f r o m 0 2 % i n t h

Disruption on campus saw a decrease from 0 2% in the 2019-20 school year to 0.1% in 2022-23.

“ T h e n u m b e r o f i n c i d e n t s h a v e increased, but increased proportionately for population,” Iarussi said Read the full article for free online by visiting www captivasanibel com

S c h o o l R e s o u r c e O f f i c e r s , G u a r d i a n P r o g r a m , l a w e n f o r c e m e n t a c c e s s t o schools, access control and auto locks and training He said there are zone security inspections done at every school site to complete a school security compliance report.

The team of Mike and Carole Ecker, Debi Griffith and Sarah Riedlin collected about 310 feet of fishing line and more from the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Not pictured is Tucker Phillips

The J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge recently reprised its monofilament cleanup efforts as staff has began leading a group into the mangroves in

SCCF garden center reopens Honey House

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that its Native Landscape & Garden Center recently reopened the Honey House on Sanibel About a year and a half ago, Hurricane Ian flooded it with more than 5 feet of storm surge and blew off its new metal roof

Named to commemorate the beekeeping that the pioneering Bailey family did on the property, the house opened when the SCCF relocated its garden center to the Bailey Homestead Preserve in 2015 At the back of the homestead, the cottage serves as a gift shop and features a retail check-out area as well as a hub for educational materials about native planting

“We will be selling garden tools, neem oil, books on native plants and T-shirts,” Client Relations Sue Ramos said “Sea turtle T-shirts, garden center T-shirts and Coastal Watch long-sleeved sun shirts will be available We don’t have any hats or children’s shirts yet, but we hope to have some soon.”

The SCCF added that the center is experiencing more demand than ever as islanders seek to restore their landscapes post-Ian House calls, which are a benefit of becoming an SCCF member, are booked through the middle of May

“The house call allows the homeowner to understand what plants might work for their property,” she said “We also share the watering or establishment period needed That way they can plan the installation when they will be around to water the plants ”

With all the demand, stock is turning over fairly quickly. The inventory covers shrubs and hedges, palms, palmettos, trees, grasses, wildflowers/flowering shrubs

and ground covers

“We also offer a ‘Request List’ where we’ll take your contact info and the plants you’re looking for and will work towards fulfilling your needs,” Ramos said “We can’t promise a time frame for that request, but we will try our best to get them as soon as we can ”

DDWS scholarship

∫ Tarpon Bay Explorers Scholarship

∫

(two scholarships)

The DDWS will award the scholarships at a special cere-

∫

From page 2

Refuge on Sanibel in June

In its 18th year, the scholarship program presented its first awards in 2006, donated by Tarpon Bay Explorers the

To learn more about native planting for storm resiliency, visit the Post-Hurricane Ian Replanting Guide at https://issuu com/sccf3/docs/sccf replanting guide-final

contact info@sccf org

$262,400

To learn more about the

bobbers and hooks The refuge extended its thanks to Doris Hardy, Claudia Burns and the late Carol Strange for having started the effort years ago

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Club’s fundraiser to support local organizations, activities

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel FlyFishers recently launched an online raffle to support its annual fundraising event

Being held this year in conjunction with the showing of the Fly Fishing Film Festival (F3T), the c l u b ' s 2 0 2 4 S p r i n g F u n d r a i s e r kicked off on March 4 and tickets will be available until March 21 at 7 p.m.

“We have a great collection of guided fishing trips, some great fishing gear and fabulous original artwork,” the club shared

Some of the raffle prizes up for grabs include the new Hardy Marksman 8 weight rod, guided fishing trips, pieces of artwork by members and friends, an Old Mariner Fly Reel, fly-casting lessons, a pair of Ariat Boots, a Sage Maverick 8 weight rod matched with a Spectrum 7/8 weight reel, a YETI cooler with Captains for Clean Water merchandise, and more

“As always, proceeds will help local organizations and activities in support of our mission to promote fly

fishing and community-based conservation through fishing activities, education, advocacy, community outreach and local philanthropy,” the club reported

In the past, it has supported the

and needed equipment, the Sanibel Sea School, a scholarship for Florida Gulf Coast University's Water School, Captains for Clean Water, Fish With A Hero and Project Healing Waters, among others

“This year, the board has established a Philanthropy Committee, which will make recommendations about philanthropic grants for the coming year,” the club noted

Each of the prizes has its own raffle

“Each raffle is separate,” the club shared “The more tickets you buy, the greater your chances ”

The public is encouraged to hop online and secure their tickets before the deadline

“By participating in this raffle, you'll not only have the chance to win fantastic prizes but also contribute to

Ribbon, award recipients for shell show announced

The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club recently presented the list of ribbon and special award winners from the Sanibel Shell Show, held on March 8-9 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers It featured a juried show in two divisions, scientific and artistic The 2024 list of winners are:

Ribbons — Scientific Division

∫ Student Grades K - 6 - Worldwide - Shells and/or sea life - Any source

1st Lyla Deppe - Jupiter, FL

2nd Ethan Deppe - Jupiter, FL

3rd Nicholas Baker - Cape Coral, FL

Honorable Mention Olivia Baker - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Student Grades 7 - 12 - Worldwide - Shells and/or sea life - Any source

1st Dominic Baker - Cape Coral, FL

2nd Evan Schmidt - Pickerington, OH

3rd RyLee Collett - Sebastian, FL

∫ Single Shell - Sanibel-Captiva - Self-collected

1st Joe Anding - Sanibel, FL

2nd Kathy Kenley - North Fort Myers, FL

3rd Constance Marshall Miller - Lewes, DE

∫ Single Shell - Florida-Caribbean - Self-collected

1st Amanda Collett - Sebastian, FL

2nd Linda Powers - Englewood, FL

3rd Jennifer Czerr - Coral Springs, FL

∫ Single Shell - Florida-Caribbean - Any source

1st Amanda Collett - Sebastian, FL

1st Dr Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

3rd Greg Curry Sr - Key West, FL

∫ Single Shell - Worldwide - Self-collected

1st Gene Everson - Louisville, KY

2nd Dora Zimmerman - Toano, VA

3rd Vicky Wall - Mayodan, NC

∫ Single Shell - Worldwide - Any source

1st Gene Everson - Louisville, KY

2nd Dr Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

3rd Amanda Collett - Sebastian, FL

∫ Single Shell - Unusual Variants - Albinos, Freaks, etc. - Any source

1st Dr Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

2nd Jennifer Geary - Martinsburg, WV

3rd Vicky Wall - Mayodan, NC

∫ Single Shell - Fossil - Shells and/or other sea life - Any source

1st Irene Longley-Clark - Cape Coral, FL

2nd Ron Bopp - Bradenton, FL

3rd Greg Curry Sr - Key West, FL

∫ Single Specimen - Sea Life (Other than shells) - Coral, echinoderm, etc - Any Source

1st Bev Dolezal - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

2nd Amanda Collett - Sebastian, FL

∫ Multiple Shells - Sanibel-Captiva - Self-collected

1st Debi and Barry McBroom - Sebring, FL

2nd Amanda Baker - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Multiple Shells - Florida-Caribbean - Self-collected

1st Doug Thompson - Lynn Haven, FL

2nd Dominic Baker - Cape Coral, FL

3rd GiGi Johnson - Bonita Springs, FL

∫ Multiple Shells - Florida-Caribbean - Any source

1st Amanda Baker - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Multiple Shells - Worldwide - Self-collected

1st Clare Horner - Pittsburgh, PA

2nd Vicky Wall - Mayodan, NC

∫ Multiple Shells - One Superfamily or Family - or Subfamily - Any source

1st Dr Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

2nd Karlynn Morgan - Winston-Salem, NC

∫ Multiple Shells - One Genus - Any source

1st Dr Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Multiple Shells - One Species - To show color, form and/or growth - Self-collected

1st Amanda Baker - Cape Coral, FL

2nd Angela Marsland - Fort Myers, FL

3rd Constance Marshall Miller - Lewes, DE

∫ Multiple Shells - One Species - To show color, form and/or growth - Any source

1st Greg Curry Sr - Key West, FL

2nd Dr Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Multiple Shells - Educational - Shells intended primarily to teach - Any source

1st Dora Zimmerman - Toano, VA

2nd Sarah Rosenbaum - Naples, FL

3rd Veronica Salvatierra - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Multiple Shells - Land or Fresh Water Shells - Any source

1st Amanda Collett - Sebastian, FL

2nd Greg Curry Sr - Key West, FL

∫ Multiple Shells - Unusual Variants - Albinos, Freaks, etc - Any source

1st Dr Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

2nd Veronica Salvatierra - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Multiple Specimens - Fossils - Shells and/or other sea life - Any source

1st John Jacobs - Seffner, FL

2nd Amanda Baker - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Multiple Specimens - Sea Life Other Than ShellsCoral, echinoderm, etc. - Any source

1st Dr Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

2nd Amanda Baker - Cape Coral, FL

3rd Amanda Collett - Sebastian, FL

∫ Single or Multiple Shells - Special - Does not fit into any other class

1st Holt and Cabe Rieck and April Lauseng - Fort Myers, FL

important causes,” the club reported “All winners will be notified by email ”

The F3T will take place on March 21 from 5:30 to 8:30 p m at Ron Dao’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar, at 15320 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers The screenings of the short fly-fishing films will start at 6 p m

The winners of the raffles will drawn after the showing of the films Pizza will be available for a suggested donation of $3 per slice The restaurant also offers a full bar and beverage service

“Experience the magic of fly fishing through a captivating selection of films that showcase the beauty of nature and the adrenaline of fishing adventures,” the club noted “Join us for a night of camaraderie, fun and unforgettable moments in the world of fly fishing.”

Tickets are $20 for non-members

For more information about the event or tickets, visit Sanibelff org

For more information on the raffle, including to view the prizes and purchase tickets, visit http://sanibelff event-

2nd Irene Longley-Clark - Cape Coral, FL

3rd Amanda Collett - Sebastian, FL

∫ Single or Multiple Shells - Beginning Scientific Exhibitor - Over 18 years of age

1st Colleen Costelloe - Galveston, TX

2nd Veronica Salvatierra - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Multiple Specimens - Environmental AwarenessAny source

1st Holt and Cabe Rieck and April Lauseng - Fort Myers, FL

2nd Bev Dolezal - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

∫ Best of the Blues - Previous winner of a Blue Ribbon - at any past Sanibel Shell Show

1st Debi and Barry McBroom - Sebring, FL

∫ Sanibel Platinum Award - Previous winner of a major award - such as du Pont, C O A , Masters

1st Gene Everson - Louisville, KY

2nd Ron Bopp - Bradenton, FL

Refuge’s WoW teaches about frogs

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends o f t h e R e f u g e r e p o r t e d t h a t f r o m F e b 2 0 through March 14, the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife on Wheels spent time with students at Sunshine Elementary in Lehigh Acres During the final week, firstgraders learned about anatomical features of frogs how the back legs allow them to jump and their long sticky tongues help them catch food needed for survival The WoW's next stop is Lehigh Elementary from March 25 to April 18.

REFUGE/DDWS

Easter Egg Hunt scheduled

Nanny's of Sanibel will host an Easter Egg Hunt on March 23 from 9 to 11 a m in the courtyard at The Shops at Jerry's, at

1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel There will be complimentary treats, along with special in-store sales during the event

Bestselling novelist speaks at TCH

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

Florida crime novelist Carl H i a a s e n f i l l e d T h e Community House on Sanibel with fans and laugher on Feb 29 His knack for comedic writing reflected in his oral storytelling as he related the f u n n y s i d e o f t h e s t a t e ' s w i l d l i f e t h e h e r o e s o f many of his bestselling books

Refuge conducts community outreach

J N “Ding” Darling N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e Refuge representatives took part in the annual B u r r o w i n g O w l Festival on Feb 24 in Cape Coral. It kicked off a season of refuge outreach to the community

CHR, F.I.S.H. to present community event

F . I . S . H . o f S a n i b e l -

C a p t i v a a n d C o m m u n i t y Housing & Resources will c o - h o s t “ S p r i n g i n t o S p r i n g , ” a c o m m u n i t y event, on March 27 from 11:30 a m to 1:30 p m at U n i t 7 a t C H R ' s W o o d h a v e n p r o p e r t y , a t

8 0 0 C a s a Y b e l R o a d , Sanibel

I s l a n d r e s i d e n t s a n d workforce are invited to enjoy slices of pizza from Island Pizza and a creamy t r e a t f r o m P i n o c c h i o ’ s Original Italian Ice Cream Attendees will also have the opportunity to socialize and make their own spring bouquet

“ S p r i n g t i m e e l i c i t s excitement It's a time of

g r o w t h a n d c h o c o l a t e , ”

C H R E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r

N i c o l e D e c k e r - M c H a l e s a i d “ C H R i s j u m p i n g w i t h j o y t o s p r i n g i n t o 2024 with our residents, community and F I S H ”

“Spring is about new b e g i n n i n g s s t a r t i n g fresh and starting over and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the season than with our comm u n i t y , ” F I S H Executive Director Maria Espinoza said “We’re so h a p p y t o p a r t n e r w i t h C o m m u n i t y H o u s i n g & Resources, who offers so many new beginnings to o u r r e s i d e n t s a n d w o r kforce through their housing opportunities ”

F I S H OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

From left, Community Housing & Resources

E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r Nicole Decker-McHale and F I S H of SanibelC a p t i v a E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r M a r i a Espinoza

REFUGE/DDWS

REFUGE/DDWS

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , M a r c h 2 0 , 2 0 2 4 ■ P

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m a g e 2 6

ISL AND HOME islander

Sanibel Captiva

Report your news to CaPtiVaSaNiBEL.CoM

Fakahatchee grass

From left, SanibelCaptiva Rotary Club members

John Henshaw, Scot Congress, Rachel Pierce, Bill Harkey, Roger Grogman and John White

Gala raises funds for affordable housing

About 250 people attended Community Housing & Resources' Give Your Heart To CHR Gallery Gala on Feb 3 at The Community House on Sanibel Capping a three-month spotlight on HEART ART 15 heart sculptures created by local artists it raised funds for affordable housing programs At the event, attendees enjoyed a catered dinner and live music, as well as bid on the artwork through a silent auction and a live auc-

Fakahatchee grass (Tripsacum dactyloides), also known as gamagrass, is a native ornamental grass found in the southeastern United States The grass has b r i g h t g r e e n , n a r r o w l e a v e s o r b l a d e s t h a t h a v e a s e r r a t e d e d g e They grow in rounded clumps and typically get 5-6 feet in height in our area

There is also dwarf F a k a h a t c h e e g r a s s (Tripsacum floridanum), which has all the same attributes in a smaller p a c k a g e , r e a c h i n g heights of about 3 feet These ornamental grasses have become an increasingly popular choice in native landscapes and can be used in a variety of situations

The grass is an evergreen in the local sub-tropical area, and it prefers more sun than shade and likes fertile soil You will find Fakahatchee grass growing along pond banks, swamps and hammock areas and other wet sites throughout Florida

When planted appropriately in a home landscape, it can soften some of the harsh areas beneath tall palms, makes a good background for smaller shrubs and even looks good in a pot The native grass is salt tolerant as well, making it a good choice for an island environment Because of its dense, clumping growth p a t t e r n , i t c a n a l s o p r o v i d e c o v e r a g e f o r s m a l l wildlife

Plant an ornamental grass that you do not have to mow They are easy to grow and maintain and are a delight to watch as they sway gently in the tropical breeze

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City committee to offer free guided plant walk

The city of Sanibel's Vegetation Committee will offer a guided native vegetation and landscaping tour on March 23 at 9 a m of the City Hall grounds, which is planted exclusively with native plants

Although the FNPS award-winning Native Plant Demonstration Garden sustained a great deal of damage during Hurricane Ian, new wildflowers sprout every day

Foundation pledges funds to CHR

o m m u n i t y

Housing & Resources reported that it recently

Walk the grounds for ideas on planting native vegetation that requires no fertilizer. See how to plant a garden that reseeds itself with very little maintenance, is good for the environment and will attract birds and butterflies Committee members will provide valuable information on proper planting and care of native vegetation The city encourages planting of vegetation that is indigenous to the area as it

requires very little maintenance, no fertilizer and no supplemental irrigation Registration is not required. Meet at the bottom of the main staircase at City Hall, at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

For more information, contact the Natural Resources Department at sandnr@mysanibel com or 239-4724135

Matchmaker Adoption Event deemed a success

K i n g f i s h e r R e a l Estate and Vacation Rentals hosted its first a n n u a l M a t c h m a k e r A d o p t i o n E v e n t o n F e b 1 6 a t T h e Community House on S a n i b e l O r g a n i z e r s reported that it was a huge success as matches were made and funds were raised for rescue p a r t n e r s C a t t a i l s a n d M o r e , G o l d e n R e t r i e v e r R e s c u e o f S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a , Haven on Earth Animal League and Max's Ark Event supporters included: Joe and S h a w n a L u k e n s a n d P h i l i p a n d R o b e r t a P u s c h e l a s B o w W o w W o n d e r f u l S p o n s o r s ; B e a c o n C o n s t r u c t i o n G r o u p a n d C h r i s t y Donahue as Puurific Sponsors; and B u s t e r ' s H a p p y T a i l s , M H K A r c h i t e c t u r e a n d K e n a n d P a m Monahan as Permapuppy Sponsors

PHOTO PROVIDED

Fakahatchee grass is a native ornamental grass

From left, front row, CHR Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale, foundation Member Charlie Sheetz, Chair Lisa Schmidlin, CHR Vice President Erika Steiner and foundation Member Kathy Wiesemann; back row, CHR President Roger Grogman and foundation Members Steve Peltzman and Dan Stegmann.

Recipe of the Week: Shrimp Tacos with Coleslaw Dressing

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

Shrimp tacos are just too good to enjoy only once in a while at a restaurant This is an easy recipe that can be prepared in no time and even made ahead Serves eight (Chef tip: It is best to make the vegetable slaw ahead of time and leave it to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours )

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed 1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 lime, juiced and zest

1 tablespoon tequila

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

1 teaspoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon sea salt

16 (6-inch) flour tortillas

Preheat grill to medium heat Rinse the shrimp and place in a small bowl dish Whisk together the oil, lime juice and zest, tequila, jalapeno and cilantro and pour over the shrimp Let marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator

CROW Calendar

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

∫ Today, March 2 0

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be about CROW

∫ Thursday, March 2 1

Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be about “Endangered Wildlife of Southwest Florida ”

∫ Friday, March 2 2

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be about “If You Care, Leave it There ”

∫ Monday, March 2 5

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be about “Snakes ”

∫ Tuesday, March 2 6

Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The presentation will be about “Road Ecology ”

Speaker Series at 4 p m

Adam Pottruck will present “Adam's Animal Encounters” in-person and via Zoom Cost is $10 To register, visit http://www crowclinic org/

∫ Wednesday, March 2 7

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be about CROW

Admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, $7 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under

In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Mondays through Fridays after the daily presentation Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required To register, contact 239-472-3644 ext 229 or reservations@crowclinic org

For more information, visit http://www crowclinic org/ or call 239-4723644

BIG ARTS Calendar

B I G A R T S , a t 9 0 0 D u n l o p R o a d , Sanibel, will present the following:

Workshop

Zentangle Drawing with Donna Lee Cole will be held today, March 20, from 10 a m to 1 p m Cost is $39 for donors and $48 for non-donors

Lecture Series

Talking Points will be held today, March 20, at 7:30 p.m., with a livestream option available Craig Pittman will speak on “The State You’re in: Florida ” Tickets are $35 for adults and students are free

Workshop

Pastel Painting with Mary Klunk will be held on March 21-22 from 9:30 a m

to 3 p m Cost is $172 for donors and $215 for non-donors

Film Series

“R M N ” (2022) will be shown on March 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.

Lecture Series

Talking Points will be held on March 27 at 7:30 p m , with a livestream option a v a i l a b l e D a n M o l d e a w i

“Organized Crime in the 21st Century.” Tickets are $35 for adults and students are free

Registration is required for workshops by calling 239-395-0900

For more information or tickets, visit www bigarts org

Remove the shrimp from the marinade and place onto the hot grill Grill while basting with the marinade for two to three minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque throughout Place the tortillas on the grill for one minute on each side Divide the shrimp among the tortillas, add the vegetable slaw and serve.

Vegetable slaw:

1/2 cup green cabbage, sliced thin

1/2 cup red cabbage, sliced thin

1/2 cup carrots, peeled and sliced thin

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup mayonnaise

In a small non-reactive bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, celery salt and salt Place the carrots and cabbages in a large glass bowl Pour enough dressing over the vegetables to completely coat and moisten them Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m and via Zoom For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail com

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea

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

Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch

Bible Study on Wednesday at 11 a m in the chapel yard In-person service on Sunday at 11 a m through April Services will be videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page Services from the past season can also be found online

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida

www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Classes and discussion on Thursday at 11 a m via Zoom Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a m via Zoom Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p m via Zoom Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a m via Zoom An informal “schmooze” session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p m via Zoom For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail com

∫ Sanibel Community Church

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

Sunday service at 8:30 and 10:30 a m in the SCC Sanctuary Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday

∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

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

Senior Minister Rev Dr Mark Boyea

Sunday service at 10 a m in Fellowship Hall

∫ Saint Isabel Catholic Church

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

Father Edward Martin

Friday Mass at 9 a m , followed by Stations of the Cross for Lent Saturday Vigil Mass at 4 p m Sunday Mass at 8:30 and 10 a m

∫ Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

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

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Saturday service at 5 p m in the Sanctuary, with a social to follow Sunday service at 8 and 10:30 a m , with a coffee hour to follow each

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:

Painting with Friends

Painting with Friends will be held today, March 20, from 12:30 to 3:30 p m Bring you own supplies Cost is a $10 donation at the door For more information, contact Jane Hudson at janehudsonpainter@yahoo com

Line Dancing

Valorie Wolf will teach

Shellcrafters

Loretta Paganini

0

2 0 ,

islandBEAT islander Sanibel

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , M a r c h Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m

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C a rd i o & S t re n g t h

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Report your news to THE ISLANDER: captivasanibel.com

MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

DANNY

r c h 2 0 , 2 0 2

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m S a n i b e lC a p t i v a I s l a n d e r

Joe Pacheco Poetic License

‘Forgotten’

I am afraid of being forgotten,

Of no one on Earth recalling my voice, My laughter, the way I stooped And tilted to the right when I walked, The drop shots I hit to drive

My tennis foes crazy,

The Frank Sinatra song parodies

I sang in the shower and to my friends

I am afraid because I remember

How easy it’s been to forget

The looks, sounds and scents

Of my mother, brother and father,

The jokes of woebegone buddies,

The charm of former lovers,

Each day thinking of them less and less Until much too soon, not at all

Most of all, I am afraid

No one will read the poems

I once believed would be

My passport to posterity, Afraid my poems will remain

Shut away in unopened books, Or float forever unclicked

In the vast oblivion of cyberspace

With no one to download them and sigh, “Wish I had written that ”

Recipients

From page 24

Ribbons Ar tistic Division

∫ Hobbyist - Flower Arrangement - Made of Shells - Shells only

1st Deborah Yamin - St Clair Shores, MI

∫ Hobbyist - Flower Arrangement - Sea life - with or without shells

1st Shanti Moore - Pompano Beach, FL

2nd Marvin and Mary Hennemann - Florence, KY

3rd Nami Konishi - Yokohama, Kanagawa (Japan)

∫ Hobbyist - Single Flower - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Shanti Moore - Pompano Beach, FL

2nd Deborah Yamin - St Clair Shores, MI

∫ Hobbyist - Single Stem of Flowers - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Mary Hennemann - Florence, KY

3rd Deborah Yamin - St Clair Shores, MI

∫ Hobbyist - Miniature Flower Arrangement - Max 3in x 3in x 3in - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Cynthia Skelly - Fort Myers, FL

2nd Shanti Moore - Pompano Beach, FL

3rd Sandy Powell - Fort McCoy, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Miniature Picture - Max 6in x 8inShells and/or other sea life

1st Leslie Anding - Sanibel, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Lamp - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Cindy Boyd - Venice, FL

2nd Andrea Schopf - Lancaster, PA

3rd Sandy Powell - Fort McCoy, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Tree or Topiary - Non-holiday - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Marvin and Mary Hennemann - Florence, KY

∫ Hobbyist - Jewelry - Single piece - Shells and/or sea life related

1st Amanda Collett - Sebastian, FL

3rd Tricia Roberson - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Jewelry - Multiple pieces - Shells and/or sea life related

1st Kathy Hofstad - Riverview, FL

2nd Donna Timmermann - Sarasota, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Shell-Related Needlecraft - No kits -

Shells and/or sea life related

1st Marge Gammon - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Holiday Decoration - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Andrea Schopf - Lancaster, PA

2nd Linda Friedrich - Westfield, MA

3rd Devan Norris - Port Orange, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Single Sailor's Valentine - Min 7 in , Max 14 in - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Nami Konishi - Yokohama, Kanagawa (Japan)

2nd Amanda Collett - Sebastian, FL

3rd Marvin and Mary Hennemann - Florence, KY

∫ Hobbyist - Single Sailor's Valentine - Min 14 in , Max 28 in - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Keiko Shimizu – Minamialupusu, Yamanashi (Japan)

2nd Kathy Hofstad - Riverview, FL

3rd Shanti and Barry Moore - Pompano Beach, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Single Miniature Valentine - 3 in or smaller - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Sandy Powell - Fort McCoy, FL

2nd Kathy Hofstad - Riverview, FL

3rd Tricia Roberson - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Single Miniature Valentine - 4 in min to 6 in max - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Shanti and Barry Moore - Pompano Beach, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Traditional Single Sailor's ValentineMax 14 in x 14 in - Shells and/or sea life

1st Nami Konishi - Yokohama, Kanagawa (Japan)

2nd Kathy Hofstad - Riverview, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Double Sailor's Valentine - Max 14 in x 28 in - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Nami Konishi - Yokohama, Kanagawa (Japan)

2nd Keiko Shimizu - Minamialupusu, Yamanashi (Japan)

3rd Tricia Roberson - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Traditional Double Sailor's ValentineMax 14 in x 28 in - Shells and/or other sea life

2nd Kathy Hofstad - Riverview, FL

See RECIPIENTS, page 32

e d n e s d a y , M a r c h 2 0 , 2 0 2 4 c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m S a n i b e lC a p t i v a I s l a n d e r

∫ Hobbyist - Innovative/Avante Garde Valentine - Single or double valentine

1st Marvin Hennemann - Florence, KY

2nd Ron Bopp - Bradenton, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Novelties - Animals, caricatures, etc - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Diane Donohue - Fort Myers, FL

2nd Sandy Powell - Fort McCoy, FL

3rd GiGi Johnson - Bonita Springs, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Shell Box - Must utilize shells and/or sea life - as a major component

1st Sandy Powell - Fort McCoy, FL

2nd Julia Dzakonski - Baiting Hollow, NY

∫ Hobbyist - Miniature Shell TableMax 12 in high x 8 in wide - Shells and/or other sea life

3rd Leslie Anding - Sanibel, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Miscellaneous - Not applicable to other classes

1st Inger Archer - Portland, Victoria (Australia)

2nd Cindy Boyd - Venice, FL

3rd Sandy Powell - Fort McCoy, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Flower Picture - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Shanti Moore - Pompano Beach, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Picture or MosaicOther than flowers - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Julia Dzakonski - Baiting Hollow, NY

2nd Alex Ablondi - Mount Airy, MD

3rd Tricia Roberson - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Multimedia - Painting, artistic rendering - Shell related - No actual shells

1st Ramona Novitski - Estero, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Photography - Max 30 in. high x 24 in. wide - Shell related- No actual shells

1st Karlynn Morgan - Winston-Salem, NC

2nd GiGi Johnson - Bonita Springs, FL

3rd Amanda Baker - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Mirror - Max 24 inch diameter if round - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Andrea Schopf - Lancaster, PA

2nd GiGi Johnson - Bonita Springs, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Student Grades K - 6

1st Ethan Deppe - Jupiter, FL

2nd Lyla Deppe - Jupiter, FL

3rd Olivia Baker - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Hobbyist - Student Grades 7 - 12

1st RyLee Collett - Sebastian, FL

2nd Townes Hetzer - Melrose, FL

∫ Professional - Flower Arrangement - Made of Shells - Shells only

1st Goz Gosselin - Fort Myers, FL

2nd Joanne Kishfy - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Professional - Flower Arrangement - Sea life with or without shells

1st Goz Gosselin - Fort Myers, FL

2nd Ann Stegner - Port Charlotte, FL

3rd Joanne Kishfy - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Professional - Single FlowerShells and/or other sea life

1st Ann Stegner - Port Charlotte, FL

2nd Joanne Kishfy - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Professional - Miniature Flower Arrangement - Max 3in x 3in x 3inSmall shells and/or other sea life

1st Goz Gosselin - Fort Myers, FL

2nd Stephanie Howard - Mount Olive, NC

3 r d C o n s t a n c e M a r s h a l l M i l l e rLewes, DE

∫ Professional - Miniature PictureMax 6in x 8in - Small shells and/or other sea life

1st Goz Gosselin - Fort Myers, FL

2nd Mary Jane Swift - Largo, FL

3rd Joanne Kishfy - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Professional - Lamp - Shells and/or other sea life

2nd Caryl Renz - Clearwater, FL

∫ Professional - Tree or TopiaryNon-holiday - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Sally Robison - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Professional - Jewelry - Single piece - Shells and/or sea life related

1st Kathryn Perkins - Mashpee, MA

2nd Darleen Bellan - Hollis, NH

3 r d P a m e l a G o l d m a n - M i r a m a r Lakes, FL

∫ Professional - Jewelry - Multiple pieces - Shells and/or sea life related

1st Sally Robison - Fort Myers, FL

∫ P r o f e s s i o n a l - S h e l l R e l a t e d

Needlecraft - No kits - Shells and/or sea life related

1st Peter Brimlow - Conway, SC

∫ Professional - Holiday DecorationShells and/or other sea life

1st Jehan Valiente - Sebastian, FL

2nd Goz Gosselin - Fort Myers, FL

3rd Sally Robison - Fort Myers, FL

∫ P r o f e s s i o n a l - S i n g l e S a i l o r ' s Valentine - Min 7 in , Max 14 inSeashells and/or sea life

1st Denise Betourne - Gilmanton, NH

2nd Joy Henderson - Lacey's Spring, AL

3 r d C o n s t a n c e M a r s h a l l M i l l e rLewes, DE

∫ P r o f e s s i o n a l - S i n g l e S a i l o r ' s

Valentine - Min 15 in , Max 28 inSeashells and/or sea life

1st David Rhyne - Sarasota, FL

2nd Denise Betourne - Gilmanton, NH

2 n d H a t s u e I i m u r o - H o k u t o , Yamanashi (Japan)

3rd Mary Jane Swift - Largo, FL

3 r d C o n s t a n c e M a r s h a l l M i l l e rLewes, DE

∫ Professional - Single Miniature

V a l e n t i n e - 3 i n c h e s o r s m a l l e rSeashells and/or sea life

1st Denise Betourne - Gilmanton, NH

2nd Kathryn Perkins - Mashpee, MA

3 r d P a m e l a G o l d m a n - M i r a m a r Lakes, FL

∫ Professional - Single Miniature Valentine - 4 inches min 6 inches maxSeashells and/or sea life

1 s t H a t s u e I i m u r o - H o k u t o , Yamanashi (Japan)

2nd Denise Betourne - Gilmanton, NH

3rd Susan Saunders - Goldvein, VA

∫ Professional - Traditional Single Sailor's Valentine - Max 14 in. x 14 in.Seashells and/or sea life

2 n d C o n s t a n c e M a r s h a l l M i l l e rLewes, DE

∫ Professional - Innovative/AvanteGarde Val - Single or double valentine

1st Denise Betourne - Gilmanton, NH

2nd Susan Saunders - Goldvein, VA

3rd Mary Jane Swift - Largo, FL

∫ Professional - Novelties - Animals, caricatures, etc - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Susan Lloyd - Westport, CT

2nd Darleen Bellan - Hollis, NH

3rd Jeanette Bruck - Middletown, OH

∫ Professional - Shell Box - Must utilize shells and/or sea life - as a major component

1st Sherry Josey - Kathleen, GA

2nd Beatriz Valiente - Sebastian, FL

3rd Goz Gosselin - Fort Myers, FL

∫ P r o f e s s i o n a l - M i n i a t u r e S h e l l Table - Max 12 in high x 8 in wideShells and/or other sea life

3rd Mary Jane Swift - Largo, FL

∫ Professional - Miscellaneous - Not applicable to other classes

1 s t C o n s t a n c e M a r s h a l l M i l l e rLewes, DE

2 n d S u z a n n e H u n g e r f o r dMorrisonville, NY

3 r d P a m e l a G o l d m a n - M i r a m a r Lakes, FL

∫ Professional - Flower PictureShells and/or other sea life

1st Goz Gosselin - Fort Myers, FL

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Recipients

From page 32

2nd Jehan Valiente - Sebastian, FL

3rd Brenda Thormann - Naples, FL

∫ Professional - Picture or Mosaic - Other than flowers - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Caryl Renz - Clearwater, FL

2nd Susan Lloyd - Westport, CT

3rd Sherry Josey - Kathleen, GA

∫ Professional - Multimedia - Painting, artistic rendering - Shell related - No actual shells

1st Constance Marshall Miller - Lewes, DE

2nd Meredith Blain - Venice, FL

∫ Professional - Photography - Max 30 in high x 24 wide - Shell related- No actual shells

1st Sarah Rosenbaum - Naples, FL

2nd Meredith Blain - Venice, FL

∫ Professional - Mirror - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Beatriz Valiente - Sebastian, FL

2nd Susan Lloyd - Westport, CT

3rd Kathryn Perkins - Mashpee, MA

∫ Professional - Wreath - Non-holiday - Shells and/or other sea life

1st Kathryn Perkins - Mashpee, MA

2nd Caryl Renz - Clearwater, FL

3rd Suzanne Hungerford - Morrisonville, NY

∫ Professional - Shell Table - Must utilize shells and/or sea life - as a major component

1st Constance Marshall Miller - Lewes, DE

2nd Caryl Renz - Clearwater, FL

∫ Hobbyist/Professional - Collectibles - Antiques, fine art, unusual artifacts - Incorporating shells or shell motifs

1st Angela Marsland - Fort Myers, FL

Special Awards Scientific Division

∫ du Pont Trophy - Most outstanding entry in classes 1

29

Clare Horner - Pittsburgh, PA

∫ Conchologists of America Award

Greg Curry Sr. - Key West, FL

∫ Best Sanibel-Captiva Shells - Self-collected Joe Anding - Sanibel, FL

∫ Best Florida-Caribbean Shells - Any source; best

exhibit Class 12 or 13

Doug Thompson - Lynn Haven, FL

∫ Best Worldwide Shells - Any source; best exhibit Class 14 or 15

Clare Horner - Pittsburgh, PA

∫ Best Fossils Exhibit - Multiple Shells - Any Source; best exhibit in Class 23

John Jacobs - Seffner, FL

∫ Marilyn Northrop Award - Shell of Show: Self-collected

Holt and Cabe Rieck and April Lauseng - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Eugene and Evelyn Spencer Award - Best single South Pacific shell

Vicky Wall - Mayodan, NC

∫ Shell of Show: Any Source - Best single shell from any source

Dr Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Shell of Show: Fossil - Best single shell fossil

Irene Longley-Clark - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Elsie Malone Award - Best Young Scientist Exhibit, Classes 1 and 2

Dominic Baker - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Environmental Awareness Award - Best exhibit in Class 28

Holt and Cabe Rieck and April Lauseng - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Joyce Matthys Science Education Award - Exhibit exemplifying Joyce's passion for educating people about mollusks

Debi and Barry McBroom - Sebring, FL

∫ Best of the Blues - Best entry in Class 29

Debi and Barry McBroom - Sebring, FL

∫ Sanibel Platinum Award - Best entry in Class 30

Gene Everson - Louisville, KY

∫ Judge's Special Ribbons

Dr Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Judge's Special Ribbons

Holt and Cabe Rieck and April Lauseng - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Judges' Merit Ribbon

Dr. Rick Batt - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Peoples' Choice Award - Scientific

Debi and Barry McBroom - Sebring, FL

Special Awards Ar tistic Division

∫ Ann Arnoff Memorial Award - Best shell flower exhibit in Classes 40-43 - Hobbyist

Shanti Moore - Pompano Beach, FL

∫ Best Miniature Flower Arrangement - Hobbyist - Best miniature flower exhibit in Class 44

Cynthia Skelly - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Best Picture or Mosaic - Hobbyist - Best exhibit in Classes 45, 64 and 65

Shanti Moore - Pompano Beach, FL

∫ Best Lamp - Hobbyist - Best lamp in Class 46

Cindy Boyd - Venice, FL

∫ Wanda Will Award - Best jewelry in Classes 48 and 49- Hobbyist

Kathy Hofstad - Riverview, FL

∫ Best Mirror - Hobbyist - Best mirror in Class 68

Andrea Schopf - Lancaster, PA

∫ Best Single Sailor's Valentine - Hobbyist - Best Sailor's Valentine in Classes 52, 53 and 56

Keiko Shimizu - Minamialupusu, Yamanashi (Japan)

∫ Best Miniature Sailor's Valentine - Hobbyist - Best miniature Sailor's Valentine in Classes 54 and 55

Shanti and Barry Moore - Pompano Beach, FL

∫ Best Double Sailor's Valentine - Hobbyist - Best Sailor's Valentine in Classes 57 and 58

Nami Konishi - Yokohama, Kanagawa (Japan)

∫ Bettie K McGowan Award - Best Holiday exhibit in Class 51 - Hobbyist

Andrea Schopf - Lancaster, PA

∫ Best Shell Related Exhibit - Hobbyist - Best exhibit in Classes 50 or 66

Marge Gammon - Cape Coral, FL

∫ Terri Gosselin Award - Best Miscellaneous Exhibit in Class 63 - Hobbyist

Inger Archer - Portland, Victoria (Australia)

∫ Daniel E Malone Award - Best Young Artist Exhibit in Student Classes 71 and 72

Ethan Deppe - Jupiter, FL

∫ Best in Show - Hobbyist - Best hobbyist exhibit in Classes 40-72

See RECIPIENTS, page 36

Recipients From page 35

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∫ Mary Burton Award - Hobbyist - Exhibit exemplifying Mary's passion for artistic shell craft and elegant design

Nami Konishi - Yokohama, Kanagawa (Japan)

∫ Best Single Sailor's Valentine - Professional - Best exhibit in Classes 85, 86 and 89

David Rhyne - Sarasota, FL

∫ Bill Jordan Award Best Miniature Valentine - Best M i n i a t u r e S a i l o r ' s V a l e n t i n e C l a s s e s 8 7 a n d 8 8 -

Professional

Hatsue Iimuro - Hokuto, Yamanashi (Japan)

∫ Best Flower Exhibit - Professional - Best exhibit Classes 73-77

Goz Gosselin - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Best Picture or Mosaic - Professional - Best exhibit in Classes 78, 97 and 98

Caryl Renz - Clearwater, FL

∫ Best Miscellaneous - Professional - Best exhibit in Class 96

Constance Marshall Miller - Lewes, DE

∫ Captain Tom Clifford Award - Best in show

Professional Classes - 73-103

Constance Marshall Miller - Lewes, DE

∫ Judge's Special Ribbons - Professional

Denise Betourne - Gilmanton, NH

∫ Judge's Special Ribbons - Professional

Donna Timmermann - Sarasota, FL

∫ Judges' Merit Ribbons - Professional

Hatsue Iimuro - Hokuto, Yamanashi (Japan)

∫ Peoples' Choice Award - Artistic

Diane Donohue - Fort Myers, FL

∫ Jeff Oths Memorial Award - Best exhibit in Class 201

Angela Marsland - Fort Myers, FL

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