Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

State legislature approves aid for Fort Myers Beach

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Florida Legislature has approved funds to help aid the Town of Fort Myers Beach in rebuilding its town hall and to replace revenue lost due to Hurricane Ian State Sen Jonathan Martin, R-33 and Rep Adam Botana, R-80, each said the budget provides the town $8 million to replace its town hall and $7 5 million to make up for revenue lost to Hurricane Ian Martin and Botana’s districts both include

Fort Myers Beach

The budget must still be approved by Gov Ron DeSantis Last year, the state legislature put funds in the budget to aid Fort Myers Beach which didn’t ultimately make it into the budget approved by DeSantis

Botana said he doesn’t believe the legislative items are in danger of being vetoed by DeSantis though he recommended the town council write a letter to DeSantis not to veto the appropriations

At a town council meeting Monday, Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt recommended that Mayor Dan Allers make a call to the governor’s office in support of the aid

T h e b u d g e t a p p r o p r i a t i o n s d o n o t include any forgiveness for the $11 9 million loan DeSantis awarded to the town last year The town is still on the line for repaying that loan plus interest. The town also received a separate $5 million loan from the state division of emergency management last fall

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

When Erickson & Jensen Seafood owner Grant Erickson gets rolling while talking about shrimp, your mouth starts watering and your stomach starts looking ahead to dinner

“Shrimp is one of the best proteins for the price that is out there,” Erickson said in a recent interview following the completion of another successful Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival that used his wild-caught shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico

“We see light at the end of the tunnel,”

-Grant Erickson, owner of Erickson & Jensen Seafood

More than a year after Hurricane Ian wrecked half his shrimp fleet and a portion of his Fort Myers Beach docks, Erickson has repaired a lot of the damage though at great personal cost “There are too many things to do right now,” he said regarding the ongoing repairs H e r e m a i n s o p t i m i s t i c a b o u t t h e future “We see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said

Erickson can’t help his ability to tout the benefits of the shrimp he sells and distributes from his shrimp docks at Erickson & Jensen off Main Street It’s

See SHRIMP DOCKS, page 16

Erickson & Jensen owner Grant Erickson’s family has been in the shrimp business on Fort Myers Beach since 1950 NATHAN MAYBERG

Last fall, the town requested more than $50 million from the state in aid Among the requests submitted to the state legislators was $15 million for canal dredging maintenance, $12 5 million for a new town hall, $10 million to rebuild and repair stormwater systems, $8 million for additional beach renourishment and $7 5 million to cover a loss of revenue over two years

The town had previously requested

See AID, page 14

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Responding to a request from town staff for input on the town’s sea turtle lighting ordinance and municipal lighting ordinance, the Town of Fort Myers Beach Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force made several recommendations to the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council regarding lighting in town.

The first is that in accordance with the town’s sea turtle conservation ordinance, the town should send out annual notices to property owners of the sea turtle lighting ordinance. With the sea turtle nesting season due to start next month, the committee wants to get ahead of lighting issues that have proliferated during past n e s t i n g s e a s o n s w h e r e o u t d o o r , n o nshielded light is prohibited from sundown to dusk

The town typically sends out an annual notice in a mailing as part of its water bills but that doesn’t reach all residents Steve Johnson, chair of MERTF, said many property owners now receive their bills electronically.

J o h n s o n s a i d t h a t w h i l e t h e r e a r e efforts for turtle lighting compliance, there is a “cumulative lighting issue that is skyglow ” The town has a dark skies m u n i c i p a l l i g h t i n g o r d i n a n c e , w h i c h Johnson said is “virtually unknown ” The committee is requesting the town’s public information officer take on educational efforts with the community to inform residents of the ordinance to reduce skyglow and light pollution The committee is concerned about the impact of light pollution o n r e s i d e n t s i n t h e i r h o m e s a n d o n wildlife “This is something that we can educate the community on,” Johnson said

Check those sewer lines

The committee is also recommending to the town that it alert property owners of

See MERTF, page 14

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P ro d u c t

In Southwest Florida, education is more than just learning; it’s the key to unlocking boundless potential As Ralph Waldo Emerson is believed to have once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us ” Education empowers individuals to tap into their inner strengths, cultivating innovation and critical thinking It paves the way for a brighter future and unites us in our shared pursuit of knowledge and growth

Michael R Davis

Seemingly guided by Emerson’s words, the Lee County School Board's strong commitment to education clearly reflects their belief in this important idea In November 2018 voters approved an additional half-cent sales tax dedicated to enhancing educational infrastructure As of June 2023, a remarkable sum of $440,860,386 had been collected, 20% of which came from tourism, underscoring the community’s ongoing support for education This investment has had a profound impact on all schools in the district, with three new

Guest Commentary

schools opening, five major school renovations completed, and the creation of 4,500 new student seats By 2025, it is projected that 56,000 student stations will have been newly constructed or renovated Furthermore, in a significant boost to digital learning, 73,000 Chromebooks have been distributed to students, ensuring that technology is an integral part of their educational journey.

Similarly, the Heights Foundation, established in 2000, is a cornerstone in Harlem Heights, creating selfsufficiency in students through diverse programs Alongside education and wellness, its MOSAIC (Musical Opportunities Supporting the Arts In our Community) program nurtures nearly 50 children with free instrumental instruction, promoting both artistic skills and personal growth. The foundation's literacy and character development initiatives are pivotal, emphasizing not just academic success but also nurturing integrity and resilience in young

Biden is the risk to democracy

To the editor:

Last night President Biden was able to last for hours calling out all the errors of the Republicans ways that he could remember and making jabs from the past to show how sharp he really was We all sat in awe and marveled how he could describe things to us with such accuracy and thought

No, 6%

Unsure/no opinion, 6% Current Web Poll Should there be a food truck court at the former Fort Myers Beach town hall property?

∫ Yes

∫ No

Unsure/no

opinion

President Biden said that democracy was in jeopardy and we needed him to lead How does that work when our President went to be interviewed for crimes about the top secret documents on his garage floor that had been there at least six, maybe seven, years

Obviously, he was guilty of violations of top secret documents There is no way to lie out of the fact that documents were found It was no longer obvious or any doubt that Biden had committed the crimes

So what does Biden do to get out of going to jail? He acts like he is old and lacks enough memory to remember so no jury would convict him

How does democracy survive when the individual leading our country lies about his memory so that he gets out of crime? And than spouts off to the rest of the world that democracy in America is at risk because he has someone running against him? Isn’t democracy already damaged because of his tricks to deny justice to take place? Is our President the model for all people to see how he duped the prosecutor and the American people?

How can anyone believe a person who obviously at the highest level has obviously committed perjury and now claims he was exonerated by the prosecutor ?

This is what damages democracy at its very core

Leo Amos Matlacha

Florida needs a real sur geon general

To the editor: Dr Joseph Ladapo as Florida’s Surgeon

minds

“MOSAIC and our literacy initiatives offered by The Heights Center work harmoniously to enhance educational outcomes and promote personal growth, character and resilience,” said Melissa Barlow, director of arts and community programs at The Heights Center “The music program cultivates discipline and creativity, while literacy initiatives provide essential academic skills Together, they create a holistic approach to education, fostering a supportive community environment that empowers families to develop both artistically and academically, contributing to their overall well-being ”

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), born in 1991, stands tall as a testament to our commitment to knowledge Under visionary leadership, FGCU has transformed our educational landscape, currently enriching over 14,000 minds and fueling economic growth But it's not just about classrooms; it's about research and sustainability, paving the way for a brighter future

Dr Amir B Ferreira Neto, an assistant professor of Economics at FGCU and director of the Regional Economic Research Institute, reflects on the university's broader impact:

General inflicts malpractice on the citizens of Florida

Anti-vaccination, anti-mask positions he espouses are dangerous and threaten the public health and safety Many Florida elders and disabled died unvaccinated and unnecessarily; now we could have a measles outbreak

According to The Cleveland Clinic, “Due to a successful vaccination program, measles in the U S was virtually eliminated by 2000 ” The CDC reports there were nearly 120 cases in the U S in 2022 We’ve had 10 cases recently We must stop its spread in Florida

Currently, Dr Ladapo’s positions rise to a level of malpractice: Not urging vaccinations and telling parents it is their choice whether to send their unvaccinated children to school. Measles is highly contagious, requires 21 days of isolation in the unvaccinated after exposure, and can cause severe complications that includes blindness, encephalitis (an

See LETTERS, page 5 See GUEST COMMENTARY, page 5

Guest Commentary

“FGCU contributes to Southwest Florida in tangible and intangible ways On the one hand, it supports our local economy by bringing students, faculty and staff to the region, by its daily operations and capital projects, and by providing qualified workers to local businesses On the other hand, FGCU teaches, educates, and empowers our future leaders, for a sustainable, resilient and diverse Southwest Florida ”

And then there’s Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW), adding more colors to the educational canvas With an assortment of associate and bachelor's programs, FSW is not just an academic powerhouse; it’s a cultural hub, graced by the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall

But the variety doesn’t end there Institutions like Nova Southeastern University, Keiser University, Rasmussen College and Southern Technical College add to Lee County’s educational options They offer specialized programs, catering to the diverse needs of Lee County’s growing and diverse workforce

From page 4

From page 4

Learning doesn’t come with an age limit here In Southwest Florida, it’s a lifelong journey. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FGCU (FGCU OLLI) and the Renaissance Academy at FSW are gateways to endless knowledge Non-credit courses, inspiring lectures and engaging workshops create an intellectually vibrant space for our seniors to keep learning

Education is a door, a window, and a bridge It opens doors of opportunity, widens horizons, and empowers individuals to create lasting impacts Let’s celebrate this force that shapes our community Whether through advocacy, volunteering, or financial contributions, every effort counts in promoting this important gift Remember, in Southwest Florida, the gift of education belongs to everyone In this corner of paradise, every single soul is worthy of the gift of education

Michael R Davis is one of the owners of Worthington Realty, Inc He has called Fort Myers home since 2003

Letters

i n f e c t i o n c a u s i n g b r a i n s w e l l i n g a n d potentially brain damage), severe diarrhea and related dehydration, ear infection, s e v e r e b r e a t h i n g p r o b l e m s i n c l u d i n g p n e u m o n i a , a n d e v e n d e a t h ( W H O , 2024)

The main job of a surgeon general is to protect and promote the health of all residents and visitors in the state through organized state and community efforts

A surgeon general who fails to urge vaccination for measles and who called for the halt of COVID vaccines and who doesn’t believe in mask protection against airborne exposures is simply unfit for the job

Write to the Governor. Write to your state senator and representative to insist t h a t t h i s i n c o m p e t e n t p h y s i c i a n b e removed from office

Cindy Perouty Fort Myers

Rob the poor, give to the rich

To the editor:

Tax loopholes for the rich are entitlements

S o c i a l S e c u r i t y a n d M e d i c a r e a r e earned benefits

Republicans under the Johnson House Leadership are calling for cuts in Social Security and Medicare by raising the eligibility age and reducing benefits

The Republicans want to attach the cost of a commission to study these cuts to the 2024 budget Seventy percent of voters have rejected this idea!

The cost of tax cuts should be factored into Congress’s consideration of the budget deficit

In 2017, Trump tax cuts slashed the top corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%

Since then, most profitable corporations paid less than 21% due to loopholes 342 companies paid just an average of 14% with T-Mobile, Dish, Netflix, GM, A T & T , B a n k o f A m e r i c a , C i t i g r o u p , FedEx, Molson Coors and Nike paid less than 5% Twenty-three profitable companies paid no federal tax in the last 5 years and one hundred and nine corporations paid no federal tax in at least one of the years Republicans want to extend the Trump tax cuts after their scheduled end in 2025 This plan would cost $4 trillion over a

decade Trump wants to cut even more taxes if reelected

Biden has called for preserving the 2017 tax cuts only for those who make less than $400,000 per year.

Losing the revenue part of the budget equation and focusing only on spending is the Republican way of increasing the income of the rich (Republican donors) and decreasing the income of the rest of us

Vote for Democrats!

Dennis Raube Fort Myers

Biden’s apparent cognitive decline a danger to America

To the editor:

It is very scary to know that the President of the United States is cognitively declining at a rapid pace President Biden is living in another world He states he is talking to world leaders who are dead, and he confused the names of the p r e s i d e n t s o f E g y p t a n d M e x i c o H e angered President Macron of France for c a l l i n g h i m P r e s i d e n t M i t t e r r a n d a n d recently he called Prime Minister Orban o f H u n g a r y a d i c t a t o r c a u s i n g t h e Hungarian embassy to file an objection with the State Department

President Biden stumbles when he is at a podium, shakes hands with invisible people and cannot even follow simple directions Our country, the most powerful country in the world, is now the laughingstock of the world

T h e P r e s i d e n t’ s c o g n i tiv e d e c l in e s , being very embarrassing, are also very dangerous The President has control of the nuclear weapons codes Only a cognitively stable person should have control of these codes President Biden has the power to wage a nuclear attack.

President Trump is very cognitively alert and stable He has taken a cognitive test and has passed it with flying colors When he was president, he had good relations with most foreign leaders, and he kept us out of wars We need him back in the White House to restore respect back to the Office of the President and keep us safe President Trump, make America respected and safe again

Arthur E Amidano Cape Coral

BUSINESS

Margaritaville names marketing manager

Margaritaville Beach Resort recently announced the appointment of Rachel Burden as the marketing and events manager for the Fort Myers Beach property

Burden has 15 years of experience in digital m a r k e t i n g a n d e v e n t management

In her capacity as the marketing and events manager, Burden will play a pivotal role as a key member of both the m a r k e t i n g a n d g u e s t e x p e r i e n c e t e a m s I n collaboration with vario u s d e p a r t m e n t s , s h e will develop compreh e n s i v e s t r a t e g i e s aligned with the resort's objectives to enhance each guest's experience Burden’s responsibilities will include driving awareness and revenue across all channels, particularly for Fin's Up! Beach Club, St Somewhere Spa and the Margaritaville Store She will oversee large-scale ticketed events, holiday festivities and contribute significantly to the resort's digital presence, ensuring an elevated guest experience throughout their stay

Burden’s professional journey commenced in the wedding industry She founded two companies as a wedding planner and worked with A-list celebrities for various high-profile appearances

With a decade of experience as the director of marketing and events manager for Harley-Davidson at t h e i r c o r p o r a t e h e a d q u a r t e r s i n M i l w a u k e e , Wisconsin, Burden has successfully managed largescale events, including the Harley-Davidson Rally, which attracted over 500,000 attendees Her oversight of event activations and marketing for motorcycle racing, shows, concerts, parties and street festivals, coupled with a focus on guest satisfaction, exemplifies her capability in delivering outstanding results

Chamber to hold annual meeting, Beach Luau extravaganza

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Comm announced its annual meeting, awards ceremo and “Beach Luau” celebration has been sch uled for Friday, April 26, at 5 p m at the DiamondHead Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach

The festivities will include delicious hors d’oeuvres, drink tickets, an indulgent dessert table, lively entertainment, photo booth, raffle prizes and more

The highlight of the evening will be th awards ceremony, recognizing contribution made over the last two years to the Fort Myers Beach community The installation of new board members, as well as the acknowledgment of the chamber’s dedicated board an ambassadors will take place The festivities co tinue with live entertainment, exciting silent au tion prizes, and a lively photo booth for capt memorable moments

vent details:

∫ Date: Friday, April 26

∫ Time: 5 p m – 8:30 p m

∫ Location: DiamondHead Beach Resort, 000 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach

Ticket information: Tickets for the Beach Luau are priced at $60 per person. The ticket includes access to all event activities, hors d’oeuvres, drink tickets, and more Hawaiian attire is strongly encouraged to enhance the tropical ambiance A prize will be awarded to the best dressed individual and couple.

To secure a spot at the Beach Luau, purchase tickets online at https://www fortmyersbeach org/events /annual-meeting-beach-luau/ or contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce at 239-454-7500

The DiamondHead Beach Resort is at 2000 ero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach.

80,000-plus attend inaugural Ag Expo

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

More than 80,000 people attended the Southwest Florida Ag Expo this year, with Lee County officials heralding the inaugural event as a success.

Those attendees included frontgate scanned tickets, as well as daily livestock participant attendees

“We are extremely pleased with t h e a t t e n d a n c e a n d f e e d b a c k r e c e i v e d f o r t h e i n a u g u r a l Southwest Florida Ag Expo,” Lee C o u n t y P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n Strategic Operations Manager Lisa Weaver said “We are excited about the success of this event and are beginning the process to identify

Ben Allen Band to headline March 24 BBQ, Bands & Brew to benefit Lee BIA Builders Care

Lee BIA Builders Care’s popular BBQ, Bands & Brew fundraising event is returning on Sunday, March 24, at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers

During the 13th annual event, Southwest Florida’s top pit masters will compete for the title of “Best BBQ in Town,” accompanied by a lineup of live performances including headliner Ben Allen Band, numerous vendors and funfilled activities for all ages, including a lively cornhole tournament and a children’s play area with face-painting, games and more

Big Smoke BBQ, which was named “Best BBQ in Town” at the last BBQ, Bands & Brew event, is returning in 2024 to defend its 2023 title

Proceeds from the event support Builders Care’s mission to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who can-

not obtain repairs through traditional means To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has helped more than 500 Lee County households and provided over $5 million in emergency construction services and materials at no cost to families and local homeowners in need Since its inception, the event has raised over $784,000 in support of Lee BIA Builders Care

All Star Equipment Rentals & Sales is returning as presenting sponsor for BBQ, Bands & Brew Additional sponsorship opportunities range from $525 to $7,500 and include a variety of benefits

The 2024 BBQ, Bands & Brew will be held from 11 a m to 6 p m on March 24 at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Drive in Fort Myers Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate for adults and free for children 12 and under To purchase tickets and learn more about remaining sponsorship opportunities, visit LeeBuildersCare.com/BBQ or call 239938-0056

future improvements for the comm u n i t y ’ s e x p e r i e n c e a t t h e A g Expo ”

The largest attendance day was Saturday, March 9

“This was a great day for our livestock exhibitors as it was the market animal auction day,” she said

This year’s event had a strong focus on the youth, which resulted in 193 exhibitors for creative living and 335 exhibitors for livestock with a total of 957 animal exhibits T h e a n i m a l e n t r y b r e a k d o w n included 275 poultry, 176 horse performances, 17 beef breeding, 45 goats,140 rabbits, 104 swine, 37 steer and 136 horse speed

San Cap Bank hires

McMullen and Hu

As with any major event, Weaver said there is always room for operational adjustments moving forward “ W e a r e c u r r e n t l y s o l i c i t i n g f e e d b a c k f r o m o u r s t a k e h o l d e r s , c o m m u n i t y p a r t n e r s , p a r t i c i p a n t s , and vendors to see how we can make next year even better,” she said “Lee County government is proud to put on this memorable e v e n t f o r t h e c o m m u n i t y ; e v e r y county department played a role in making this event a major success. We greatly appreciate the support of the county commissioners ”

Next year’s Southwest Florida Ag Expo is scheduled for Feb 27, through March 9, 2025

Business Briefs

John R. Wood names president

Tammy McMullen has joined Sanibel Captiva 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 c u s t o m e r s w i t h p e r s o n a l a n d b u s i n e s s banking transactions

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

John R Wood Christie’s International Real Estate recently announced the promotion of Corey McCloskey to president

Her tenure with the company spans 20 years in positions, most recently serving as executive vice president of operations McCloskey was recognized as the Naples Area Board of Realtors' (NABOR) Realtor of the Year in 2023. She served as the Florida Association of Realtors' District Five vice president in 2022 and NABOR president in 2021

McCloskey began her real estate career in 2003 and moved into sales in 2004 In 2011, she worked as a project coordinator and broker, earning the Active Brokers License in Florida In 2013, McCloskey graduated from NABOR’s Leadership Academy and was recognized as NABOR’s Educator of the Year She received NABOR’s Citizen of the Year Award in 2018.

McCloskey serves the National Association of Realtors (NAR) as a committee member She is also active with the Florida Association of Realtors, where she serves on several committees

Rachel Burden

P a g e 7 n 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 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

Beach Living

MERTF to hold resiliency forum

The Fort Myers Beach Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force (MERTF) Advisory Board will be hosting a panel of experts and audience conversation Thursday, March 21, to explore solutions to difficult challenges regarding building resiliency The main topic is building resilience capacity to storminess in a coastal setting and lessons learned from Hurricane Ian

The forum will take place from 9 a m to 1 a m in the new town hall trailers and town council chambers at 2731 Oak St.

The panel of experts includes:

∫ Dr Michael Savarese: Distinguished Professor of Coastal Geology, Climate

∫ Resilience, & Preparation, Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School

∫ Dr Jeannine Richards: Asst Professor of Ecology & Environmental Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School

∫ Chadd Washburn: VP of Conservation, Naples Botanical Garden

∫ Dr Christopher Daly: Asst Professor of Coastal G e o m o r p h o l o g y , M a r i n e a n d E a r t h S c i e n c e Department, Florida Gulf Coast University

The members of MERTF and panel of experts will discuss such topics as:

∫ Value of dunes / vegetated dunes

∫ Increasing dune height

∫ Creating space for dunes

∫ Use of sea walls or gray / green hybrid dunes

∫ New considerations for dune re-vegetation

∫ Building more resilient structures for surge

∫ Design of foundational footprints

∫ Passageways between foundations

∫ Best practices for dune field cross-over pathways

∫ Manage hot spots differently Newton the “hottest ”

This event is free and open to the public It can also be viewed via livestream on the Town of Fort Myers Beach YouTube channel

Easter egg hunt to be held March 30

STAFF REPORT

T h e T o w n o f

Fort Myers Beach will be holding an Easter egg hunt at t h e B a y O a k s

Recreation Center March 30 from 9 a m to 11 a m

R e g i s t r a t i o n begins on site at 8 a m prior to the Easter egg hunt.

T h e e g g h u n t will be split into two divisions The first division for ages 8 and under will begin their hunt at 9 a m

A second division for children ages 9-13 will begin their egg hunt at 9:15 a m

In addition to the egg hunt, there will be inflatables, face painting, music, and more

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t t h e B a y O a k s Recreational Campus at 239-765-4222

Pickleball at Bay Oaks

The Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation's pickleball tournament at the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus was a success this past Saturday, drawing 56 competitors including Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers

and Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt

is Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation members Sharron

who organized and chaired the event PHOTOS PROVIDED

Great American Cleanup to be held March 30

Keep Lee County Beautiful will be partaking in the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup “Trash Bash” on Saturday, March 30th at multiple locations across Lee County. Volunteers will be cleaning waterways, shorelines, roadways, and parks in the largest one-day event to help protect the environment

Last year, the Great American Cleanup removed over 14,000 pounds of litter and debris from the environment The Great American Cleanup is open to volunteers of all ages and any individual, family, school, group, place of worship, business or government entity can coordinate or participate

To sign up, visit https://www signupgenius com /go/805094aaaaa2ca4f49-2023#/ to register and for the details or call 239-334-3488 for additional information

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

T h e F o

Community Foundation has begun accepting applications for its scholarship program

Anyone who lives on the beach or whose parent or guardian lives or works on Fort Myers Beach may apply, according to criteria listed on the organization’s website at fmbcommunityfoundation com

The scholarships are for students a t t e n

trade schools, pre-requisite classes or a general equivalency diploma

The scholarships are available to any student who lives or works in the Fort Myers Beach 33931 zip code, or who has a parent who lives or works in the 33931 zip code A d d i t i o

a

l y

t h e F o

t M y e r s Beach Community Foundation is extending scholarship application offers to students who previously lived in the Fort Myers Beach area code but now live in a nearby community Recipients can be either part-

i

m e s t u d e n t s

Preference will be given to those in financial need

T h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h

Community Foundation also offers a $500 scholarship through Florida Southwestern State College for students from the Fort Myers Beach 33931 zip code.

T o d o w n l o a d t h e s c h o l a r s h i p form, visit https://fmbcommunity-

(right)

(left). At left

Harlan (left) and Joy Sullivan (right),

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Spring Training enters last week for Red Sox, Twins

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

In another week, the Spring Training scenes of families going to the ballpark together in the Fort Myers sunshine to see the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins will be over and the Major League Baseball teams will return north to play games that will count

Spring Training, once meant to help get players back into shape after they spent the winter working menial jobs to support their income, is now just as much about getting players into shape as hoping to keep as many players healthy as possible

Both the Red Sox and Twins will leave camp with injuries to starting pitchers they acquired in the offseason For the Red Sox, they took a blow early in Spring Training when free agent signee right-hander Lucas Giolito was diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament and underwent Tommy John surgery that will knock him out of games for a year Twins righthanded starter Anthony DeSclafani, acquired in a trade with the Mariners for Jorge Polanco, was shut down Monday with an elbow strain before even making a Spring Training start

The game has grown more complicated as injuries to pitchers continue to befuddle teams like never before.

The game is now monitored by an assortment of new statistics A scoreboard at Hammond Stadium during a Twins game against the Toronto Blue Jays showed exit velocity, launch angle, hit distance and pitch velocity Yet at its core, baseball remains a simple game with nothing so pure as the cracking sound when a bat makes perfect contact with a pitch

Red Sox vs. Yankees, St. Patrick’s Day

The Red Sox had many of those cracks in a game Sunday against the Yankees in Fort Myers

Amid a crowd full of festive green for St Patrick’s Day, the Red Sox unloaded for three home runs and a triple as part of a nine-run explosion in the first inning and won the game by a score of 12-6 as they improved to 14-9 on the season

Alex Cora gave the team a grade of “about a B” as they head into their final week

“The defense has been good, defensively it’s a lot different we’re moving fast,” Cora said “I do believe we should be a lot better defensively than last year I think we will be a lot better.”

While the Red Sox hitters grabbed the headlines Sunday, just as important was the performance of Tanner Houck A highly touted prospect when he came up to the big leagues, Houck has always thrown hard but after being switched between the bullpen and starting rotation and then undergoing back surgery in the offseason in 2022, he was not the same pitcher last year Houck’s earned run average ballooned from a 3 15 to a 5 01 On

Sunday, Houck didn’t allow the Yankees hitters a hit until the third inning and ultimately gave up four hits and a run over two and two-thirds innings while pitching largely against a group of minor leaguers He worked fast and commanded his pitches, giving up one walk

He struck out Yankees slugger Anthony Rizzo swinging on a cutter in the first inning and finished with four strikeouts in the game with a steady diet of 95 mile-perhour fastballs, 92 mph cutters, a 90 mph splitter and 82 mph sliders

Alex Cora likes what he sees from Houck

“He’s been really good at throwing strikes His stuff is good He understands what he needs to do to get deep into games, He is in a much better place than last year ”

Cora said Houck has worked on his mechanics “Physically, he is in a much better place ”

The victim of the Yankees hitters Sunday was prospect Will Warren, who was unable to get out of the first inning though he would later return in the fourth inning due to newish Spring Training rules which allow

NATHAN MAYBERG

Melanie and Maddi Collier, of Cape Coral, were decked out in St. Patrick's Day attire for a game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers.

The St. Patrick's Day spirit was alive at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers for a Red Sox-Yankees game Sunday.

Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story hit his second homer of Spring Training Sunday.

i (right), of New Jersey, were in Fort Myers to support the Bronx Bombers Sunday against the Boston Red Sox

Spring Training

managers to take starting pitchers out of games and bring them back later Warren would throw two and two-thirds innings and while he was charged with giving up six runs, only two were earned due to the errors in the field

Trevor Story, in the midst of a resurgent spring, smacked a three-run homer into the Green Monster in left A strong year from Story could change the fortunes of the Red Sox big time this year. Cora likes how Story has hit as well as his defense at shortstop Story is batting 324 this spring after only hitting 203 last year He has battled a succession of injuries the last couple of years

The team’s best player, Rafael Devers, singled in his first at-bat and then after watching two home runs before him came up later in the inning to take a golf ball swing to a low fastball out of the park in left-center over and beyond the seats above the Green Monster.

O n e o f t h e m o s t e x c i t i n g y o u n g prospects for the Red Sox is Ceddanne Rafaela, who appears as if he will get every chance to prove he is a player this season Rafaela has a hard-hit single to left, ran out a grounder for an infield single while also showing his development is still a work in progress as he struck out twice on slider in the dirt

Connor Wong, Boston’s sure-hitting catcher, also took part in the St Patrick’s Day festivities with a home run out of the park over the Monster in left

From page 10

Jarren Duran has the look of a hitter ready for the season, with two hits in the game including a triple off the wall He is batting 320 on the year

It counts to stay all the way through games even in blowouts especially in Spring Training, as you never know who will be making their spring debut or pinch h i t T h e Y a n k e e s s e n t o u t t h e i r t o p prospect sensation Spencer Jones to pinch hit in the eighth and he promptly doubled. Jones is batting an outrageous 444 this spring though the 22-year-old Vanderbilt product is expected to start the season in the minors

There was not a bad seat in the house Sunday at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers

M e l a n i e C o l l i e r a n d h e r d a u g h t e r

Maddi attended the game from Cape Coral “We love the games,” Ms Collier said “We have been coming for a couple years ”

Twins vs. Blue Lays

T h e T w i n s h a v e n o t b e e n a s e x p l os i v e w i t h t h e i r b a t s t h i s s p r i n g T h e y l o s t t o a r o s t e r f u l l o f T o r o n t o B l u e J a y s m i n o r l e a g u e r s i n a g a m e T h u r s d a y a s t h e y f e l l t o 9 - 1 5 a s o f T u e s d a y

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a n d s o m e p o t e n t i a l b e n c h p l a y e r s f o r t h e b i g l e a g u e c l u b T h e B l u e J a y s s e n t o u t B o w d e n F r a n c i s t o p i t c h , w h o i n l i m i t e d w o r k l a s t s e a s o n w a s e x c e p t i o n a l d e s p i t e n o t h a v i n g s h o w n s u c h n u m b e r s i n t h e m i n o r s O n T h u r s d a y , F r a n c i s k e p t T w i n s h i t t e r s o f f b a l a n c e b y p i t c h i n g i n s i d e w i t h 9 2 - m p h f a s t b a l l s t h a t w e r e n o t o v e r p o w e r i n g b u t f o r t i f i e d b y a m i x o f a l o t o f s l i d e r s H e w a s w i l d a t t i m e s , h i tt i n g B y r o n B u x t o n w i t h a p i t c h M e a n w h i l e T w i n s p i t c h e r B a i l e y O b e r w a s l a b o r i n g o n a n o v e r c a s t d a y a l l o w i n g f o u r h i t s , a w a l k a n d t w o e a r n e d r u n s o v e r t w o a n d t w o - t h i r d s i n n i n g s , w h i l e s t r i k i n g o u t t h r e e T h e t o w e r i n g r i g h t - h a n d e r , w h o h a s b e e n e x c e p t i o n a l f o r t h e t e a m t h e l a s t t w o s e a s o n s w i t h a 3 4 3 E R A a n d 1 0 7

W H I P l a s t y e a r , w a s t h r o w i n g 9 1 - 9 2 m p h f a s t b a l l s a g a i n s t t h e B l u e J a y s . F o r t h e 6 ’ 9 O b e r , h i s l e n g t h a l l o w s h i s p i t c h e s t o g e t t o t h e p l a t e q u i c k e r t h a n t h e r a d a r g u n s h o w s T h i s s p r i n g , h e h a s b e e n w o r k i n g o n a c u t t e r t h a t h e t h r o w s a t t h e s a m e s p e e d r a n g e a s h i s s l i d e r a n d c h a n g e u p , b e t w e e n 9 1 - 9 3 m p h O b e r w o r k e d f a s t a g a i n s t t h e B l u e J a y s A n e w r u l e c h a n g e b y M L B t h i s y e a r w i l l m a k e t h e p i t c h c l o c k t w o s e co n d s f a s t e r w h e n r u n n e r s o n b a s e f r o m 2 0 s e c o n d s t o 1 8 s e c o n d s T h e c l o c k w i l l r e m a i n a t 1 5 s e c o n d s w i t h n o o n e o n T h e p l a y e r s ’ u n i o n h a s o b j e c t e d t o

t h e c h a n g e “ I t s p e e d s u p y o u r i n t e r n a l p r o c e s s , ” O b e r s a i d T h a n k f u l l y f o r t h e T w i n s , O b e r h a s b e e n a b l e t o s t a y r e l a t i v e l y h e a l t h y s i n c e b e i n g c a l l e d u p i n 2 0 2 1 H e h a sn ’ t h a d a n y m a j o r a r m i s s u e s i n a n e r a w h e r e t h a t i s a c r u c i a l l y a d v a n t a g e “ I h a v e m y o w n p r o g r a m , ” O b e r s a i d “ B e c a u s e I ’ m s o b i g , I h a v e t o m a k e s u r e m y m e c h a n i c s a r e s o u n d ” M o s t o f h i s p r o g r a m i s c e n t e r e d a r o u n d g i v i n g h i m m o r e f l e x i b i l i t y s o h e d o e sn ’ t t i g h t e n u p “ H e d o e s a l o t o f t h i n g s v e r y w e l l a n d h a s s i n c e t h e d a y h e w a l k e d i n t h e d o o r , ” T w i n s M a n a g e r R o c c o B a l d e l l i s a i d “ H e ’ s m a d e a d j u s t m e n t s , h e ’ s t o y e d w i t h s o m e u p - d o w n k i n d o f f a s tb a l l a c t i o n ” B a l d e l l i s a i d O b e r h a s i n c r e a s e d h i s s l i d e r v e l o c i t y a n d “ e x ec u t e s w e l l ” B a l d e l l i l i k e s w h a t h e h a s s e e n f r o m O b e r ’ s n e w c u t t e r t h i s s p r i n g . H e b l a m e d t h e h e a t o n O b e r ’ s s t u f f n o t b e i n g a s s h a r p a g a i n s t t h e B l u e J a y s B a l d e l l i s a i d h e “ h a s n ’ t n o t i c e d ” a n y e f f e c t o n h i s p i t c h e r s f r o m t h e t w o s e co n d s b e i n g s p e d u p o n t h e c l o c k “ I h a v e n ’ t h e a r d a n y b o d y t a l k i n g a b o u t i t o r c o m p l a i n i n g a b o u t i t , ” B a l d e l l i s a i d “ O n s o m e d a y s , i t m i g h t e f f e c t p l a y e r s Y o u ’ r e c o m p r e s s i n g a l o t o f a c t i o n i n t o l e s s t i m e ” T h e t e a m ’ s b e s t h i t t e r t h i s s p r i n g h a s

NATHAN MAYBERG

Red Sox fans filled the seats inside the Green Monster at JetBlue Park for a game between Boston and New York Rafael Devers hit a home run and a single Sunday in Fort Myers

Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo

Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck struck out four and allowed two runs over three and two-thirds innings against the Yankees Sunday.

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m 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 n P a g e 1 2

NATHAN MAYBERG

Spring Training

From page 11

Take yourself out to the ballgame

right field lane for another

hit

”

Julien, a native of Quebec, brings back memories with his swing of former Twins batting champion Luis Arraez with his ability to go the other way

“It’s part of my game to go the other way,” Julien said

“He’s got a pretty unique path and way of doing his job,” Baldelli said

There are only a few more days to enjoy America’s pastime watching Major Leaguers in Fort Myers with a hot dog, popcorn and Cracker Jacks The ultimate team game is also the ultimate family sport and there is nothing quite like Spring Training for baseball fans The last game for the Twins at Hammond Stadium will be Tuesday, March 26, when they host the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 p m The Red Sox will play their last game in Fort Myers Sunday, March 24 against the Braves The scenes of Spring Training can sometimes be taken for granted If you are a baseball fan, make sure to take advantage of the games.

Twins second baseman Edouard Julien is batting 370 in Spring Training through Sunday

Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis limited Twins hitters to four hits over six innings Thursday in Fort Myers

Twins righty Bailey Ober was hit hard by Blue Jays batters in Spring Training in Fort Myers Thursday.

Toronto Blue Jays fans traveled to Fort Myers to watch their team play the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium on Thursday

Families enjoy the Blue JaysTwins game in Fort Myers Thursday during a Spring Training game.

a g e

3 n 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 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation to hold casino fundraiser at DiamondHead

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation, integral to the recovery efforts on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian and to helping those devastated with a lifeline through gift cards and other assistance, is bringing back its annual gala with some lighthearted casino fun

The Fort Beach Community Foundation will present “Viva Las Vegas” on Saturday, April 13, at the DiamondHead Beach Resort This is the first gala the Community Foundation has held since before the COVID pandemic The organizers promise this year’s annual fundraiser will be a fun and entertaining evening of high stakes, high style and high rolling at the “King’s Casino” in DiamondHead Beach Resort to benefit the Community Foundation.

“The Community Foundation held a Gala at DiamondHead for many years, until COVID," Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation member Kelly Smith “We’re excited to be bringing it back with this new twist,” Smith said

Held in partnership with the King Family Foundation, the event will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, and casino gaming Players are encouraged to wear their fun Vegas attire Registration begins at 6 p m with gaming tables open at 6:30 p m The event will have signature cocktails at the swanky cash bar

Tickets are $100 per person and includes “$2,000″ in gaming chips Tickets are only available online for the event To purchase tickets, visit https://fmbcommunityfoundation.com/.

Please contact Janeen Paulauskis, Barefoot Event Group, at 239-208-5574 for more information or sponsorship opportunities

Aid

From page 1

$24 million for a new town hall last year which made its way into the budget but was ultimately not included in the budget DeSantis approved. Since then, the town has rented out trailers at a cost of $1 4 million for four years The state division of emergency management also began last summer passing along the rental costs for temporary trailers the state provided for town hall offices after Hurricane Ian

Last year, the town also requested the town loans for temporary trailers, roads,

MERTF

From page 1

potential sewer line leaks and to advise property owners to scope sewer lines and at some point potentially mandate it in order to prevent leakage underground and into the groundwater Johnson said tests have shown cracks in the lateral sewer lines of properties since Hurricane Ian Hurricane Ian may have potentially damaged a number of sewer lines in town which could lead to leaks in the town’s groundwater, Johnson

repairs to the town’s pool, beach access repairs, mooring field and Times Square repairs

After Hurricane Ian, the town had been facing potential insolvency

The town’s current fiscal budget used $3 47 million of the state’s bridge loan to balance the town’s budget in order to avoid a tax increase

“There were rumors of bankruptcy,” Atterholt said “This really helps us ”

Since Hurricane Ian, the town has also

said

“The weight of the water that surged o v e r t h i s i s l a n d w a s t r e m e n d o u s , ” Johnson said “At eight pounds per gallon, water is extremely heavy ”

M E R T F b o a r d m e m b e r D a v e Nusbaum said his condo development at Island Winds had hired a company to scope its sewer lines and found cracks, which were repaired He recommended other property owners do the same and

been granted $10 million by the state to upgrade its stormwater drainage system despite complaints from homeowners that the stormwater drainage on local roads continues to be an issue The state also awarded $7 7 million for turtle-friendly lights that will be installed on Estero Boulevard and local streets

Botana credited State Senate President Kathleen Passidomo was “a huge lift” in helping to ensure the funds for the town made its way into the budget

proposed the town advise property owners to also follow suit

Johnson said the town should recommend property owners scope the lines or potentially mandate the scoping of the sewer lines to help protect and ensure the t o w n ’ s c l e a n w a t e r . M i t i g a t i o n c a n include repairing the sewage liner

Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt suggested the committee speak with Lee County officials about sugges-

The state budget appropriations also includes $9 9 million in operating revenue recovery for the City of Sanibel, $2 million to replace dune walkovers lost to Hurricane Ian on Sanibel, $2 5 million to replace the East Periwinkle Way Bridge with a permanent resilient bridge, $1 8 million for Sanibel Road reconstruction and $2 1 million for Sanibel Fire Station 172 reconstruction

tions

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said perhaps the town and county can work together with MERTF to identify sewage leaks earlier “Maybe scoping is the way to go,” Allers said

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h M a n a g e r A n d y Hyatt said his recommendation would be for residents to replace their sewer lines “We can send out notices and reminders and that type of thing,” Hyatt said

Public hearing for US 41 at Bonita Beach Road study

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing for the US 41 (SR 45) at Bonita Beach Road Project Development & Environment study at the intersection of US 41 and Bonita Beach Road in Lee County on March 26.

This study evaluates potential capacity and safety improvements, as well as multi-modal features to address congestion and meet future demand Additional components under consideration include crosswalks with a pedestrian hybrid beacon, a new transit stop, and 12-foot wide shared-use paths at all intersection approaches

This hearing is being conducted to present the preferred alternative and all analysis to date, as well as to give interested persons an opportunity to express their

views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements There will be an opportunity for the public to participate live online or in-person

Comments can also be provided through the project webpage at https://www swflroads com/project/444321-

District One, Attn: Patrick Bateman, PE, MS 1-40, 801 N Broadway Ave , Bartow, FL 33830)

While comments about the project are accepted at any time, they must be received or postmarked by April 5 to be included in the formal hearing record.

Questions can be answered by calling the FDOT project manager Patrick Bateman at (863) 519-2792

A summary of the hearing will be available on the

webpage approximately 30 days following the close of the comment period

Project documents will be available for public viewing from March 4 to April 5, at the City of Bonita Springs City Hall, 9101 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135; Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 and at Florida Department of Transportation, Southwest Area Office, 10041 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33913 They will also be available on the project webpage

People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 5192287, or email at Cynthia Sykes@dot state fl us at least seven days prior to the public hearing

Republican announces primary challenge to Greenwell

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

F o l l o w i n g t h e w i t h d r a w a l o f A l v a Republican Grant Fichter in the race for the seat of Lee County Board of County C o m m i s s i o n e r s C h a i r m a n M i k e G r e e n w e l l ( R - D i s t r i c t 5 ) , a n e w Republican challenger has emerged in Amanda Cochran, of Fort Myers

Greenwell, who was appointed to the seat by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022 following the death of the late county commissioner Frank Mann, has previously announced his candidacy to a new term A Fort Myers Democrat, Kizzie Fowler, has a l s o a n n o u n c e d h e r c a n d i d a c y f o r Greenwell's seat

The District 5 seat covers the northeastern section of Lee County which i n c l u d e s L e h i g h A c r e s , A l v a ,

B u c k i n g h a m a n d p a r t o f Fort Myers

“With six generations of f a m i l y h i s t o r y i n L e e County, I am firmly invested in the well-being of our community,” Cochran said in her announcement “My only motivation is to make o u r c o m m u n i t y a b e t t e r place for the citizens of Lee County Together, we can build a brighter future for Lee County one rooted in transparency, sustainability, and unity ”

In her announcement, Cochran said she aims to ensure that “Lee County's development aligns with its residents' current and long-term interests ”

Cochrane said she will prioritize “crucial initiatives for infrastructure, healthcare, the public school syst e m , a n d p u b l i c s a f e t y r e s o u r c e s t h a t a n t i c i p a t e and meet the needs of a growing population ”

Cochran said she will “actively engage in securing any available funding, resources, and tools necessary to ensure public safety, as well as their safety and well-being ”

I n h e r a n n o u n c e m e n t , Cochran said she will “direct attention to and promote real solutions to provide attainable housing for critical professions s u c h a s e d u c a t o r s , f i r e f i g h t e r s , l a w

enforcement, healthcare providers, active military, and veterans ”

Cochran said she is also committed to “protecting the environment and safeguarding Lee County's endangered waterways ” Cochran said she understands the “critical role of environmental conservation in sustaining the local economy and quality of life ”

C o c h r a n i s m a r r i e d t o D a r i u s L Cochran, owner of RE/MAX River and Ranch She has also served as a board member of Larry Ford Ministries

Cochran's campaign treasurer is listed as Eric Robinson, a partner in the accounting firm Robinson, Gruters & Roberts, which includes Republican State Sen. Joe Gruters Robinson was also previously listed as the campaign treasurer of Fichter, before he withdrew

Amanda Cochran

Shrimp docks

been his family’s business for all his life since he was born in Fort Myers 70 years ago His family has been shrimping from their base in Fort Myers Beach since his grandfather Carl took his boat Malolo from Long Island in 1950 and discovered the vast quantities of shrimp and settled down here

Shrimp docks and shipyards once lined up and down Main Street on what is formally known as San Carlos Island There was a whole row of shrimping businesses from where Salty Sam’s Marina now stands down to the edge of the waterfront that ends near San Carlos Boulevard Erickson’s family has been operating out of their present location since 1964

With the closure of Trico Shrimp Co. after Hurricane Ian, Erickson & Jensen is the last of what remains of the proud shrimping industry on the island The men and women behind those fleets, helped s t a r t t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h S h r i m p Festival in 1952 to celebrate their growing trade

The shrimp festival, run by the Fort Myers Beach Lion’s Club since 1956, recently completed another edition of the popular event to great fanfare The event was a boost for Erickson, who supplied his shrimp to local restaurants this time around for shrimp specials rather than the usual shrimp boil due to logistical issues at Lynn Hall Memorial Park The event benefited the Fort Myers Beach Lion’s Club and their charitable efforts “They did a great job,” Erickson said

From page 1

“Our shrimp are chemical-free. We catch them and freeze them almost alive,”

-Grant Erickson, owner of Erickson & Jensen Seafood

Progress since

Hurricane Ian disaster

His business has come a long way from where it stood a year and a half ago when Hurricane Ian swept through and damaged his docks and boats He spent about $1 million of his money to repair the docks and boats Neither the docks or the boats were insured He has replaced about half of the 1,000 linear feet of docks he had before Ian Erickson had 11 shrimp boats of his own in operation before Hurricane Ian Five are back in operation, three are being repaired and three were totaled Those three were “Penny V,” which he bought from longtime shrimp boat operator Larry Shafer, “Perseverance” and “Pleaiades ”

The boats he is working to repair include the imposing “Nautilus” shrimp boat

There were more than 50 boats docked here along the San Carlos Island waterfront before Hurricane Ian and more than 40 were damaged Many of those boats have still not returned to service About half of those boats were on Erickson’s property The rest were on Trico and other nearby properties

The loss of Trico Shrimp Co also hurt Erickson as they used to buy fuel from

him for their shrimping operations.

“They had a great retail market that is now completely down I have ramped up my retail operations to accommodate those who want to have great seafood,” Erickson said

Erickson is making the shrimp market o n h i s p r o p e r t y m o r e o f a p r i o r i t y Erickson & Jensen currently offer shrimp in quantities of up to five pound bags, as well as stonecrabs

“The more product I can sell on the local level and not have to send out to another place, the better we are,” he said

Competition

Ian was the latest hurdle Erickson has overcome in a business that has grown tougher in recent years as he competes with more imports from overseas and shrimp farmers that have lowered the price of shrimp while the cost of fuel has gone up for his boats

Erickson sees his natural pink gold shrimp as the superior product, frozen right on the boat as it is caught in the Gulf of Mexico up to 30 miles from the Fort Myers Beach shore Some of the foreign shrimp he competes with are sometimes treated with antibiotics or packaged with preservatives, he said.

“Ours has a superior taste,” he said “ O u r q u a l i t y o f s h r i m p , t h e p i n k shrimp, is a real high quality of shrimp among the hundreds of shrimp on the market,” Erickson said “Our shrimp are chemical-free. We catch them and freeze them almost alive ”

Only about 10% of the shrimp sold in the U S is caught domestically, Erickson said Most of the shrimp is now farm raised or caught internationally “We are way down on the number of boats that are shrimping,” he said

While Erickson supplies his shrimp to many restaurants locally, much of his business is from distributing it through supply chains based in Tampa His shrimp makes its way into supermarkets and restaurants around the country

Erickson operates five shrimp boats of his own these days as he still works on r e p a i r i n g t h r e e b o a t s d a m a g e d b y Hurricane Ian Three were lost to the storm He also has another shrimping operation in Texas Independent shrimp boaters from Texas and other boaters from around the coasts of Florida and will also visit the waters here to shrimp and dock at Erickson’s property

“ A l o t o f i n d e p e n d e n t b o a t s d o c k here,” Erickson said “It’s the most convenient shrimping fleet in the state of Florida It is close to the fishing routes ” Other shrimping fleets in Florida can be found off Tampa, Cape Canaveral and along the peninsula

NATHAN MAYBERG

The old Erickson's and Jensen seafood market has been shifted to the shrimp unloading site of the property

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f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m 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 n P a g e

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h B u l l e t i n

Shrimp docks

Local testimonials

E r i c k s o n s u p p l i e s f u e l t o i n d e p e n de n t s h r i m p b o a t e r s a n d b u y s w h a t t h e y c a t c h

“We have unloaded and docked at Erickson & Jensen for many years and still do,” said Tracey Gore Gore operates Gore Seafood Inc. with her husband Henry She said Erickson & Jensen is t h e o n l y p l a c e l e f t l o c a l l y f o r l o c a l shrimp boaters to unload their shrimp now that Trico has closed Trico sits on land owned by Lee County “We don’t know what the county is going to do with the old Trico Shrimp property,” Ms Gore said “The independent shrimp boat owners would like to lease it to continue it as it was so we don’t lose it ” G o r e s a i d t h e S a n C a r l o s I s l a n d s h r i m p f l e e t i s “ s t i l l w o r k i n g t o g e t a l l t h e b o a t s f i x e d u p a f t e r t h e h u r r i c a n e t o g e t b a c k o u t w o r k i n g , h o w e v e r w e a r e s t i l l s t r u g g l i n g w i t h t h e h i g h p r i c e o f d i e s e l ” a n d t h e d e c l i n i n g p r i c e f o r s h r i m p “ C o n s u m e r s p a y h i g h p r i c e s a t t h e r e s t a u r a n t s a n d r e t a i l s h o p s , b u t o f t e n t i m e s t h e y a r e b u y i n g a n d e a t i n g i n f e r i o r f o r e i g n f a r m r a i s e d i m p o r t e d ”

G o r e s a i d “ C o n s u m e r s n e e d t o a s k i f t h e s h r i m p a n d f i s h t h e y a r e b u y i n g a r e f r o m o u r l o c a l s e a f o o d b o a t s ”

From page 16

NATHAN MAYBERG

The Erickson & Jensen shrimp boat Nautilus is undergoing repairs.

TRACEY GORE

Shrimp boats along the damaged docks and waterfront near Erickson & Jensen after Hurricane

Shrimp docks

Looking back at the past and to the future

Erickson & Jensen is still a business Grant and his family believe in His eldest daughter Hally recently visited with her husband Milton from Brooklyn to help repaint the buildings and storage tanks on the property Erickson will have to tear down the old market building on his property, which dated back to the 1980s and which sat on the St George property once

From page 18

owned by fellow shrimp boaters Larry Shafer and Bob Villers The Villers building is still visible from Erickson’s property on what is now owned by Key West Express.

“They were good friends, good partners,” Erickson recalled of fellow shrimp businessmen He looked further down at the huge “Diesel” letters on what was once the Ballard Ice and Diesel Fuel building

The old buildings bring back the old

Shrimp is unloaded at the Erickson & Jensen dock on Main Street

family stories of how Erickson’s family first got into the shrimping business down here, with his grandfather Carl catching the shrimp and taking them to Tom Smoot in Fort Myers to ship back to the Fulton Fish Market in New York City

His grandfather encouraged his children to follow him down here They could make four times as much as they did as schoolteachers on Long Island, Erickson said

Part of his family were once whalers,

who also fished for cod and pollock

“The reason for all of this sustainability,” Erickson said “They looked south for sustainability Shrimp live about a year There are multiple crops throughout the year, which makes it sustainable ”

Erickson hopes the community and Fort Myers Beach visitors will stop by his storefront to pick some pink Gulf shrimp

“I can’t eat all the shrimp,” he said “We want to keep doing what we do providing food ”

Erickson & Jensen Seafood owner Grant Erickson's daughter Hally and son Milton came down from their home in Brooklyn to help paint the containers at Erickson's Fort Myers Beach property.

Grant Erickson's grandfather Carl Erickson brought his boat Malolo from Long Island to Fort Myers Beach in 1950 and set up a shrimping business which has thrived ever since

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , M a r c h 2 0 , 2

a g e 2 1 n 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 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h B u l l e t i n

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m 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 n P a g e 2 2

$381K waiting to be claimed at Lee Clerk’s office

The Lee County Clerk’s Finance office has $381,356 92 waiting to be claimed by citizens and businesses, according to a report released by Clerk and Comptroller Kevin Karnes. They have until March 29 to claim those funds issued in 2022

There are more than 1,500 people and businesses on the list who are owed money Visit www leeclerk org/treasurehunt to search for names or download the full list

The report includes uncashed checks for County and Clerk vendors, tax deed payments and foreclosure auction transactions Court registry payments and overpayments for recorded documents, such as mortgages or deeds, are also included Additionally, there are funds to be claimed

from the civil registry, which includes foreclosure surplus proceeds, non-resident cost bonds and garnishment deposits

The claims range from $0.01 to $49,123.56, with $228 77 being the average

“If you’ve done business with Lee County or the Clerk’s office, or if you’ve had a court case in recent years, I encourage you to visit our website to see if you or your company has unclaimed funds waiting on you,” said Karnes “You could be owed money and not even realize it ”

Instructions on how to claim the funds are available on the Clerk’s website Completed and notarized unclaimed

monies forms may be dropped off at the Clerk’s Finance Department, 2115 Second Street, 3rd Floor in Fort Myers The office is open 8:30 a m to 5 p m , Monday through Friday. Forms can also be mailed to Lee County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller, Attn: Unclaimed Money, P O Box 9366, Fort Myers, FL 33902-9366

A copy of a valid photo ID with address must be provided with the mailed form, as well as a valid W-9 for businesses Mailed forms must be postmarked by March 29 If not claimed by the March 29 deadline, approximately $189,132 96 will be forfeited to the state

For a list of names and complete claim requirements, please visit www leeclerk org/treasurehunt

County’s annual food-rescue campaign taking donations

L

R e c r e a t i o n t o h e l p r o u t e f o o d t h a t m i g h t o t h e r w i s e e n d u p i n t h e w a s t e s t r e a m t o t h e c o u n t y ' s p o p u l a t i o n o f p e o p l e i n n e e d D r o p o f f u n o p e n e d c a n n e d a n d d r y g o o d s f r o m

M a r c h 1 8 t h r o u g h A p r i l 1 a t l i b r a r i e s o r c o u n t y r e c r ea t i o n c e n t e r s A d d i t i o n a l c o l l e c t i o n c o n t a i n e r s a r e a t t h e S i x M i l e C y p r e s s S l o u g h I n t e r p r e t i v e C e n t e r a n d

S o l i d W a s t e ' s T o p a z C o u r t F a c i l i t y T h e d r o p - o f f l o c a t i o n s i n c l u d e :

Recreation centers

∫ Estero Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero

∫ North Fort Myers Recreation Center, at 2000 North Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers

∫ Veterans Park Recreation Center, at 55 Homestead Road S , Lehigh Acres

Library locations

∫ Bonita Springs Public Library, at 10560 Reynolds St , Bonita Springs

∫ Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library, at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral

∫ Captiva Memorial Library, at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva

∫ Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library, at 3095 Blount St , Fort Myers

∫ East County Regional Library, at 881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres

∫ Fort Myers Regional Library, at 2450 First St , Fort Myers

∫ Johann Fust Community Library, at 1040 W 10th St , Boca Grande

∫ Lakes Regional Library, at 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers

∫ North Fort Myers Public Library, at 2001 N

Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers

∫ Northwest Regional Library, at 519 N Chiquita Blvd N , Cape Coral

∫ Pine Island Public Library, at 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia

∫ Riverdale Public Library, at 2421 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers

∫ Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

∫ South County Regional Library, at 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero

Others

∫ Six Mile Cypress Slough Interpretive Center, at 7751 Penzance Blvd , Fort Myers

∫ Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex, at 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers

Since the program's inception, more than 31,100 pounds of food has been diverted from potential disposal and sent to Harry Chapin enough food to provide over 25,900 meals to residents

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h B u l l e t i n

WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers

com

Agolf cart tour with the mayor or dinner with the vice mayor and various councilmembers are on the table to the highest bidders at The Friends of the Mound House fundraiser March 22 to support the historic Fort Myers Beach property The fundraiser, titled “Artful Intersection 4 0” will be held at the Mound House, the first gala held by the nonprofit organization since before Hurricane Ian

“Last year we were conscious of how reeling and traumatized islanders and beyond were by Ian,” Friends of the Mound House President Ellen Vaughan said

The fundraiser will begin at 5:30 p m on the Mound House grounds at 451 Connecticut St

The March 22 fundraising gala will feature a “lovely strolling supper,” also known as “hearty hors d'oeuvres,” Vaughan said That will be followed by a live auction

The event title, ‘Artful Intersection 4 0,’ is a nod to the beautiful precious jewel of the island that is the Mound House,” Vaughan said.

Up for auction will be works of art and “experiences with our Fort Myers Beach town councilors,” Vaughan said

The Mound House hosted a small-scale concert last year as part of the Island Hopper Songwriters Fest and a non-ticketed free event called “Party for Preservation ”

The role of the Friends of the Mound House is to provide financial support to the Mound House for programing and preservation “We are hopeful guests are in a generous moods as they bid on auction items,” Vaughan said T o p u r c h a s e a t i c k e t , v i s i t https://moundhouse org/friends-of-the-mound-house/

The following is a list of auction items as described by current and former town councilmembers:

∫ Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers

Cruise in style, with our FMB Mayor as he offers a guided golf cart tour of our island and new town hall. Enjoy all the island has to offer in an open air 2 to 4 hour tour for up to five This one-of-a-kind experience is sure to be memorable! Tour date & time arrangement by mutual availability

∫ Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt

“Your Vice Mayor and his bride invite four guests to join us at our home for dinner We will be preparing our secret Louisiana Shrimp Sauce coupled with a creamy Polenta This will include the best darn corn bread you

See MOUND HOUSE GALA, page 30

The Mound House, located off Shell Mound Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach, sits on an ancient Calusa shell mound and is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places. FILE PHOTO

4

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , M a r c h 2 0 , 2 0

Southwest Florida Symphony, cellist Sterling Elliott to perform ‘Cryptic Symphony’

C o n d u c t e d b y M a e s t r o R a d u P a p o n i u , “Cryptic Symphony” celebrates the transformative power of music, delighting both longtime aficionados and newcomers to the symphonic scene with a journey through diverse musical landscapes that will captivate and inspire

The concert opens with the contemporary allure of Ke-chia Chen’s “Ebbs and Flows,” which masterfully captures the rhythmic dance of the ocean’s tides through its expressive melodies The evening then brings the spotlight onto Elliott, whose cello breathes life into T c h a i k o v s k y ’ s “ V a r i a t i o n s o n a R o c o c o Theme ” This piece, known for its elegance and lyrical beauty, is elevated by Elliott’s emotive and nuanced performance, offering a rare blend of virtuosity and grace After a reflective i n t e r m i s s i o n , t h e p r o f o u n d i n t e n s i t y o f Shostakovich’s “Symphony No 5 in D minor” will provide a powerful statement of resilience, dramatic narrative and emotional depth It’s a work that resonates with the enduring human spirit, making for a deeply moving musical experience

The concert begins at 7:30 p m at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers

T h e S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a S y m p h o n y ’ s Masterworks series is sponsored by Uhler V e r t i c h W h i t e A d v i s o r s a n d t h e T h o m a s

Kooyumjian Foundation

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit swflso org/tickets/

PHOTO PROVIDED

Acclaimed cellist Sterling Elliott will perform the final Masterworks concert of the season April 13 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

Community Cooperative announces annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive Kickoff

Community Cooperative announces their annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive, inviting businesses, schools/ churches, organizations, neighborhoods, and individuals to join them in spreading not only PB&J but also kindness throughout our communities Whether it’s by donating jars of peanut butter and jelly, organizing a collection drive in your neighborhood or business, or simply spreading the word, every contribution counts

As an organization that began with Sam Galloway Jr. and his mission of ending hunger and homelessness, this annual drive holds a special place in Community Cooperative’s hearts as it reminds them of their roots and how far they’ve come From the early days of giving back with simple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, they have grown and expanded their

impact, but will never forget where they started

“We are thrilled to kick off another year of our PB&J Drive and continue our mission of giving back to the community,” said Stefanie Ink-Edwards, CEO of

Exhibits on display at

BIG ARTS is hosting “Uprising,” by Wendy Klemperer, from now through April 28 on the outdoor grounds on Sanibel The exhibition features drawings, paintings and sculptures that capture the essence of local wildlife Her work, often likened to three-dimensional drawing, utilizes the boundless nature of line to convey motion and emotion. Also, “Gatha Poem Painting” by Beth Schroeder in on display from now through April 21 in the Mezzanine Gallery Inspired by nature,

BIG ARTS

Asian art and meditation, the intention is to give viewers an opportunity to cultivate a feeling of safety, lovingkindness and peace The BIG ARTS Fine Arts Series is sponsored by Jim and Gaye Pigott The galleries are open Monday through Friday from 9 a m to 4 p m and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a m to 1 p m For more information, visit https://bigarts.org/ or call 239-395-0900 BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

Community Cooperative “Peanut butter and jelly are staples in our community market and are great for both meals and kid snacks while providing an easy way to give families nutrients when cooking a full meal isn’t possible ”

The PB&J Drive will run from April 1 to April 29 Gather your friends, family community groups, and co-workers to see if YOU can win their award for “Most Love Collected” There are 3 categories: S c h o o l s / c h u r c h e s , o r g a n i z a t i o n s , a n d communities (by door count) Items to donate include Peanut butter, Almond or alternative nut butter, Jelly, and or jam (Requesting plastic containers)

D o n a t i o n s c a n b e d r o p p e d o f f a t C o m m u n i t y C o o p e r a t i v e o n M o n d a y , April 29, 2 to 4 p.m. at 3429 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Fort Myer You’ll want to stick around for the official weigh-in!

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

CommunityCooperative com or contact J a d e B i r d a t J a d e @ C o m m u n i t y Cooperative com

FSW to host its annual Give Kids a Smile Day

WHAT: Free dental hygiene services w i l l b e p r o v i d e d , i n c l u d i n g : d e n t a l examination, x-rays, dental cleaning, and dental sealants

WHO: Children, ages 3-17 (first come, first served)

WHEN: Thursday and Friday, March

21-22, 8 a m – noon

WHERE: F l o r i d a S o u t h W e s t e r n

State College 8099 College Parkway, Building A –154 Fort Myers

HOW: For more information, call the FSW Dental Hygiene Clinic at 239985-8334

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Florida Rep presents:

Hank Williams - Lost Highway

Florida Repertory Theatre will stage “Hank Williams: Lost Highway,” by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, March 22 through April 14, in the Historic Arcade Theatre. Tickets start at $69 with discounted previews offered March 19 - 21 Tickets may be purchased online at www floridarep org or by calling the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053

S i n g l e t i c k e t p r i c e s f o r “ H a n k W i l l i a m s : L o s t Highway” start at $69 for regular performances on March 22 – April 14, with discounted previews offered March 19 - 21 Evening performances are offered at 7 p m Tuesday through Saturday, with an opening night performance beginning at 8 p m on Friday, March 22

M a t i n e e p e r f o r m a n c e s a r e o f f e r e d a t 2 p m o n Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays Plus, all new this season, 2 p.m. matinees on 2nd and 3rd Fridays (Arcade Theatre productions only) Florida Rep's parking lot opens 2 hours before each performance and offers guests Free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre Florida Repertory Theatre is at 2268 Bay St, Fort Myers

Cape Coral Hosting Sounds of Jazz and Blues March 23

The City of Cape Coral invites the community to the 2024 Sounds of Jazz and Blues Saturday, March 23, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Coral Oaks Golf Course.

Sounds of Jazz and Blues is the city’s premier musical event, and this year features Jay and the Jazz Masters, Betty Fox, and headliner Richard Elliot Enjoy food, drinks, and great music at Coral Oaks Golf Course at 1800 NW 28th Avenue

This is a rain-or-shine event Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating Coolers and pets are not allowed For more information or to buy tickets, visit www capeconcerts com

Jimmy Buffett Tribute per for ming at Edison and Ford Winter Estates March 29

On Friday, March 29, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host the Caribbean Chillers, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band The band plays Buffett's top hits and crowd favorites for an authentic show The concert will take place on the historic Ford lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:30.

The setting offers a beautiful river view and a chance to see a spectacular sunset Food and beverages will be available for purchase No coolers are permitted Ticket holders should bring a folding chair and a sweater or blanket if the weather is chilly Free parking is available in the Edison Ford parking lots at 2350 McGregor Boulevard

Concert tickets are $30 for Edison Ford members and $35 for non-members and may be reserved online at EdisonFord org or at the ticket counter at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

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

Nice Guys Production and Seminole

C a s i n o

r o l l a s N i c e G u y s P r o d u c t i o n a n d S e m i n o l e C a s i n o H o t e l I m m o k a l e e p r e s

t F a k e f e s t , a n e l e c t r i f y i n g o u t d o o r t r i b u t e c o n c e r t e v e n t f e a t u r i n g s o m e o f t h e b e s t t r i b u t e b a n d s i n t h e n a t i o n , o n S a t u r d a y , A p r i l 2 0 , f r o m 2 t o 1 0 : 3 0 p m F a k e f e s t a l s o w i l l f e a t u r e f o o d t r u c k s a n d c r a f t v e n d o r s A d m i s s i o n a n d p a r k i n g a r e f r e e . P r e p a r e f o r a n u n f o r g e t t a b l e m u s i c a l j o u r n e y w i t h a l i n e u p t h a t i n c l u d e s t o p - t i e r t r i b u t e b a n d s , e a c h p a y i n g h o m a g e t o i c o n i c r o c k l e g e n d s :

∫ K i d K e n t u c k y a n d t h e A m e r i c a n B a d a s s B a n d ( T r i b u t e t o K i d R o c k ) : K i d K e n t u c k y a n d t h e A m e r i c a n B a d a s s B a n d e m b o d y t h e s p i r i t a n d e n e r g y o f K i d R o c k ' s i c o n i c p e r f o r m a n c e s W i t h a c h a r i s m a ti c f r o n t m a n a n d a p o w e r h o u s e e n s e m b l e , t h e y d e l i v e r a h i g h - o c t a n e s h o w t h a t c a p t u r e s t h e e s s e n c e o f K i d R o c k ' s r e b e l l i o u s r o c k a n d r o l l s t y l e ∫ H a r d w i r e d ( T r i b u t e t o M e t a l l i c a ) : H a r d w i r e d i s a t r i b u t e b a n d d e d i c a t e d t o t h e l e g e n d a r y m e t a l p i on e e r s , M e t a l l i c a W i t h p r e c i s i o n a n d p a s s i o n , t h e y r e c r e a t e t h e t h u n d e r o u s s o u n d a n d e l e c t r i f y i n g s t a g e p r e s e n c e t h a t M e t a l l i c a i s k n o w n f o r B r a c e y o u r s e l f f o r a h e a d b a n g i n g e x p e r i e n c e t h a t w i l l t r a n s p o r t y o u b a c k t o t h e g o l d e n e r a o f m e t a l ∫ L o v e s o n g ( T h e C u r e T r i b u t e ) : L o v e s o n g t a k e s y o u o n a n o s t a l g i c j o u r n e y t h r o u g h t h e h a u n t i n g a n d m e l o d i c s o u n d s o f T h e C u r e . W i t h m e t i c u l o u s a t t e nt i o n t o d e t a i l , t h e y r e c r e a t e t h e p o s t - p u n k a n d n e w w a v e v i b e s t h a t d e f i n e T h e C u r e ' s u n i q u e m u s i c a l l a n d s c a p e , e n s u r i n g a n i m m e r s i v e e x p e r i e n c e f o r f a n s o l d a n d n e w ∫ R a z o r s E d g e ( A C / D C T r i b u t e ) : F o r t h o s e a b o u t t o r o c k , R a z o r s E d g e d e l i v e r s a n a u t h e n t i c A C / D C e x p e r i e n c e t h a t w i l l l e a v e y o u t h u n d e r s t r u c k W i t h e l e c t r i f y i n g p e r f o r m a n c e s a n d t h e i c o n i c r i f f s t h a t d e f i n e A C / D C ' s s i g n a t u r e s o u n d , R a z o r s E d g e p a y s t r i b u t e t o o n e o f t h e g r e a t e s t r o c k b a n d s i n h i s t o r y ∫ T h e L i n k i n P a r k T r i b u t e ( T r i b u t e t o L i n k i n P a r k ) : T h e L i n k i n P a r k T r i b u t e h o n o r s t h e g e n r eb l e n d i n g l e g a c y o f L i n k i n P a r k , s e a m l e s s l y b l e n d i n g r o c k , h i p - h o p a n d e l e c t r o n i c e l e m e n t s P r e p a r e f o r a n e m o t i o n a l a n d p o w e r f u l p e r f o r m a n c e t h a t p a y s t r i b u t e t o t h e l a t e C h e s t e r B e n n i n g t o n a n d t h e g r o u n d b r e a k i n g s o u n d o f L i n k i n P a r k ∫ S t i l l A l i v e ( P e a r l J a m T r i b u t e ) : S t i l l A l i v e c a pt u r e s t h e e s s e n c e o f P e a r l J a m ' s r a w a n d e m o t i o n a l p e r f o r m a n c e s W i t h a d e d i c a t i o n t o a u t h e n t i c i t y , t h e y b r i n g t o l i f e t h e t i m e l e s s g r u n g e s o u n d t h a t d e f i n e d a n e r a G e t r e a d y t o b e t r a n s p o r t e d b a c k t o t h e ' 9 0 s w i t h S t i l l A l i v e ' s h o m a g e t o o n e o f S e a t t l e ' s m o s t i c o n i c b a

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge

‘Per for ms Days of Future Passed’ at Seminole Casino Hotel Aug. 2

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Lodge as he “Performs Days of Future Passed” Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p m Tickets start at

are available f

Parking is free

The concert was originally set for February 2024 but had to be postponed Tickets for that show are still valid unless a refund was requested

Lodge’s “Performs Days of Future Passed’’ show encompasses a first set of electric Moody Blues’ classics featuring fan favorites such as “Isn’t Life Strange,” “Legend of a Mind,” “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band),” “Ride my See-Saw,” and much more The second set will see Lodge and his band performing the iconic album “Days of Future Passed” in its entirety and in full symphonic sound “Days of Future Passed” was released 56 years ago and was arguably the start of progressive rock These songs began the long standing cross-over between rock and classical music There are exciting changes from the original show, with new classic songs and deep cuts, enhanced video and dazzling lighting, all coming together to make a very special evening of great music and Moodies memories The show takes a journey back in time with Lodge and his

Mound House Calendar

Stories Beneath Our Feet Exhibit Reopens

The Mound House announced that the "Stories Beneath Our Feet" exhibit has partially reopened After being completely submerged in saltwater by Hurricane Ian in September of last year, the town has completed the necessary repairs to the exhibit to reopen the area to visitors While there is still work to do to enhance the visitor experience with new museum components, the exhibit will be open at the same hours as the rest of the Mound House museum, Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Included with price of admission

Eco-Kayak Tours

Wednesdays and Saturdays 9 a m to 11 a m

Explore the winding mangrove creeks and go places only a kayak can go on this guided eco-tour of Estero Bay This beginner friendly tour allows you to experience and learn more about the natural beauty of a mangrove estuary and the history of the area Mound House kayak tours are conducted in accordance with Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism guidelines All paddling and kayak safety equipment is provided Ages 12 and up Weather permitting Maximum of 12 paddlers per tour Shoes required; water strongly recommended Mound House members save at $20 per person, regular price $50 per pers o n M u s e u m a d m i s s i o n i n c l u d e d R e g i s t e r a t MoundHouse.org.

Shell Mound Tours

Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a m to 2 p m

Discover the archaeology and history of the site and learn what clues were uncovered about this 1,600-year-old shell mound. This hands-on tour will explore the environmental and cultural history of the s i t e a n d f e a t u r e r e p l i c a a r t i f a c t d e m o n s t r a t i o n s Mound House members save with free tours, and regular price is Museum Admission + $5 No reservation required.

Caloosa Car vers Retur n

The Caloosa Carvers, a group of local woodcarvers who have made accurate replicas of Calusa wooden artifacts for use in Mound House exhibits and programs, have returned to carving these replicas on the grounds of Mound House This is a free program, and no reservations are required Simply stop by, chat, and learn more about wood carving between 9:00 a m and 11:30 a m on the first and third Saturday of each month now through April

The Mound House is located at 451 Connecticut St on Fort Myers Beach

10,000 Light Years Band as they create audio alchemy for the audience’s listening and visual pleasure

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings

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

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

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

Ur gent temporar y foster needed

From time to time we get these phone calls for people in need Last week a veterinarian’s office asked if we could help one of their clients who is homeless and his dog The owner has been sleeping in his car after getting ripped off and now needs help with his dog, Frankie Everything sounded very legitimate and surely as you can see he always took care of his little guy Frankie is up to date in his vaccines but needs heartworm

medecine and a temporary home until his owner can get his own place He is trying to find a job at 75 years old driving buses If you know anyone interested or that would be able giving him a job, please contact Isabelle 239-2810739 Unfortunately, Frankie needs to be the only dog since he was attacked when he was younger by another dog He is very nervous but a sweetheart

Need foster or adopter for a cute little Nala, an English bulldog N a l a i s a p u p p y a n d i s coming to us as her pet parents can’t take c a r e o f h e r anymore She i s h e a l t h y , only 6 months old and full of life One of her e y e s m i g h t h a v e t o b e removed She i s a p p r o x im a t e l y 2 2 p o u n d s a n d s t i l l g r o w i n g o f c o u r s e G r e a t w i t h kids and other dogs!

If you can h e l p p l e a s e c a l l o r t e x t I s a b e l l e a t 2 3 9 - 2 8 10739

Fundraiser this week

Stop in and join the fun

This is all to benefit the rescuing and vetting of all the cats and kittens we rescue On April 5 we will be holding a quarter plus silent auction also at liki tiki Quarter auctions are a lot of fun so plan to join us on the 5th

Timmy

Timmy is a 4month-old male black and white kitten. He is a little timid but we are working on that. He has beautiful orange eyes and gets along well with all the other kittens

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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FWC

Sea turtle nesting season arrives along Florida’s coasts

Because our state’s shorelines provide important nesting habitat for several species of threatened and endangered sea turtles, beachgoers can have a significant impact on their nesting success To help nesting sea turtles, people can take easy steps to protect them, including giving them space, minimizing disturbances and keeping beaches clean and dark

See NESTING SEASON, page 29

Unique summer camps offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering several summer camp options for children in grades K-5 Students are separated into groups according to grade level (K-2 and 35) The camps are educational and focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM), and incorporate fun activities Campers get to invent, design, build, and learn in the same location where famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford invented some of the world's bestknown products. Summer camp starts on June 3 and runs from 9 a m to 4 p m daily

Most of the camps are available for both age groups; camps for younger students are less complex Summer camp is sponsored by Captains for Clean Water, Fred and Gingy Quinn, Scientists' Society of Southwest Florida, and TriCircle Pavers Additional sponsorships are available Camp options are listed below

Camps

∫ Kitchen Chemistry

June 3-7

Ordinary kitchen ingredients will be used to conduct science experiments and campers will learn about chemistry and reactions

∫ Fundamental Physics

June 10-14

From the sound waves of the phonograph to the mystery of light in a bulb, this camp explores the wild world of physics Campers will learn how to conduct experiments and learn about the world around them

∫ Wired Wizardry

June 17-21

Students will learn why Edison was called “the Wizard of Electricity” in this exciting camp In this crash course of electronics, campers learn about watts, amps, volts, and the power of circuits The week concludes with campers designing a light system in their own miniature model house LEGO Explorers

June 24-28

Campers will explore rapid prototyping and mechanical designs using LEGOs They will also begin to explore robotics using modular LEGO parts

∫ Space and Rockets

July 1-3

This camp is part space science, and part rocket science Campers will learn about their place in the universe as they design and launch a water-powered rocket

∫ Roving Robotics

July 8-12

Campers will combine mechanics with code as they solve a variety of challenges K-2 Campers will design interactive

moving models using motors, lights, and savvy coding Campers in 3rd-5th grade will tackle the most recent LEGO competition field as they learn alongside Edison Ford robotics coaches who will teach the tricks of the trade

∫ Innovation and 3 D Design

July 15-19

Students will learn how to design anything by using CAD (computer aided design) and a 3D printer. They will learn how to think and design in 3D as their creations take shape

∫ Mechanical Marvels

July 22-26

Campers will learn about simple machines, mechanical advantages, and gear systems in this fast-moving camp

∫ Art and Creativity

July 29 – August 2

Students will unleash their creativity through various art forms such as painting, sculpting, and mixed media They will also create their own art exhibition

∫ Code Camp (Grades 3 -5 only)

August 5-9

Campers will explore the world of code as they develop their own program in Scratch, a word block coding language They will learn new skills each day that can be added to their library of code, allowing them to develop their own original programs

∫ Eager Engineers (Grades K-2 only)

August 5-9

This camp is focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education It offers a range of activities and experiences designed to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and develop critical thinking skills

Camp Pricing:

∫ Three-day camps are $135 for Edison Ford members and $150 for non-members Five-day camps are $225 for Edison Ford members and $250 for non-members.

Scholarships Available

Support from private donors make it possible for the Estates to offer one scholarship for each camp A committee will determine scholarship eligibility based on financial need so that underprivileged children can experience camp. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is two weeks before the desired camp Parents or guardians can apply through the website at https://www edisonfordwinterestates org/education/camps/

Throughout the year, other camps and classes are offered when school is closed, including one-day camps and spring and winter break Edison Ford members receive a discounted rate For registration and additional information, visit edisonford org

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

Wonder Gardens to host Spring Fling on March 23

Wonder Gardens is hosting a familyfriendly Spring Fling event on March 23 that features fun, interactive activities for children of all ages

The park will be open March 23 for general admission from 9 a m to 3 p m , and Spring Fling runs from 10 a m to noon

Event activities are targeted for children ages 3 to 12, but are open to all ages and include education stations, arts a n d c r a f t s , a n i m a l i n t e r a c t i o n s , f a c e p a i n t i n g a n d p h o t o o p p o r t u n i t i e s . A c t i v i t i e s f r e e w i t h p a i d a d m i s s i o n include a scavenger hunt, touch tables, yard games, tarot readings, yoga demon-

strations and more. Special activities available as a separate ticket purchase on the day of the event include face painting, animal meet and greets, and terrarium building

The event coincides with the end of spring break for the School District of Lee County and the end of the third quart e r f o r t h e C o l l i e r C o u n t y S c h o o l

District

“We are excited to celebrate spring,” said Katie Grimes, education and volunteer manager at Wonder Gardens. “The event is an opportunity for families to e x p e r i e n c e a l l t h a t m a k e W o n d e r Gardens so special and engage in activi-

Nesting season

raccoons and crows, that prey on sea turtle hatchlings Litter on beaches can e n t a n g l e s e a t u r t l e s , b i r d s a n d o t h e r w i l d l i f e W h a t c a n y o u d o t o h e l p ? Properly stash or recycle all trash, fill in h u m a n - m a d e h o l e s i n t h e s a n d , a n d remove all beach toys, gear and furniture from the sand before sunset Fishing line can be deadly to sea turtles, waterbirds and other wildlife, so be sure to dispose of it properly To find a monofilament recyc l i n g s t a t i o n n e a r y o u , v i s i t mrrp myfwc com

From page 28

Lights out: Any lighting can misdirect and disturb nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward potential danger To prevent this, beachgoers should use natural starlight to see when on the beach at night and avoid using flashlights or cellphones Anyone living along or visiting Florida beaches can do their part by putting porch, parking or deck lights out and closing curtains after dark to avoid disorienting nesting and hatchling sea turtles on the beach If lighting could still be visible

ties that promote caring for animals and our environment ”

No advance registration is required

For more information, visit wondergardens org

Wonder Gardens is at 27180 Old 41 Rd , Bonita Springs

About Wonder Gardens

The Wonder Gardens, a charitable zoological park and botanical garden established in 1936 in Bonita Springs, is home to rescued birds and reptiles nestled among sprawling banyan trees and plantings While preserving the best of this site’s history, the nonprofit cares for

from the beach, be sure it is long, low and shielded

Admire from afar: While it can be exciting to witness sea turtles on the beach, getting too close (50 feet or less) to nesting sea turtles can cause them to leave the beach before they complete the nesting process If an animal changes their b e h a v i o r , y o u ’ r e l i k e l y t o o c l o s e Remember – it is illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests and eggs, or to pick up hatchlings

Sea turtles typically return to nest in

r e s c u e d , r e h a b i l i t a t e d , a n d n o nreleasable animals, is upgrading wildlife enclosures and growing the botanical beauty of the property, while delivering education programs and events and further engaging the community to enjoy this jewel in historic Downtown Bonita Springs The Wonder Gardens at 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs is one of the few remaining cornerstones of Old Florida, an enduring symbol of the history of the region, as well as a resource for l e a r n i n g a b o u t t h e e n v i r o n m e n t a n d wildlife For information, visit wondergardens org or call 239-992-2591

March along Florida’s southeast Atlantic c o a s t f r o m B r e v a r d C o u n t y s o u t h t o Broward County, while nesting begins on Gulf Coast or north Florida beaches in April or May

For more information about nesting sea t u r t l e s a n d h o w y o u c a n h e l p , v i s i t MyFWC com/SeaTurtle Other ways to help sea turtles include reporting those that are sick, injured, entangled or dead to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888404-FWCC (3922)

PHOTO

Mound House Gala

will ever taste as well as Muffuletta Pinwheels for appetizers In support of the Fort Myers Beach shrimp boats, the secret sauce will of course be prepared with freshly caught ‘Pink Gold’ shrimp from Erickson & Jensen Seafood Your hosts, Jim and Brenda, will cook, serve and join for dinner at a date and time to be determined ”

∫ Fort Myers Beach Councilor John King

Chris & John will host Booze, Bites and the Beach for four The experience will offer the choice of a Bourbon flight or a B u b b l y f l i g h t , P u p u s , a l l o n t h e Beach Date & time to be coordinated with the successful bidder

∫ Fort Myers Beach Councilor Karen Woodson

Text from certificate:

S U N S E T B O A T C R U I S E F O R 6 PEOPLE

Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the Intercoastal Waterways and Canals on the “Sea-130”, ending with a Fort Myers Beach picturesque sunset

C h a p a r r a l l 3 0 7 S S X , 3 0 ’ I n b o a r d , Open Bow

Valid through 2024, weather permitting

Wine, Beer and Hors d’oeuvres provided for up to 6 people

VALUE: $500

∫ Fort Myers Beach Councilor Scott Safford

From page 23

Who doesn’t like Taco Tuesday?

Scott and his wife Jacki will be guest chefs at the home of your choice Eight

people can enjoy a fiesta of tacos, tablitas and fajitas Jacki will be serving up cervezas, pisco sours and margaritas

Bring your appetite as Scott has lived in L a t i n A m e r i c a a n d h a s t h e c u l i n a r y skills to make this an evening to remember Sombreros included!

∫ Former Fort Myers Beach Councilor Bill Veach

Come join us for a post apocalyptic dinner and show in what’s left of our beachfront cottage and construction zone

We will start with cocktails while Bill performs a short concert of original, mostly hurricane related songs on the beach The show will be followed with a middle eastern dinner served either on the beach, yard, in the garage, or in the trailer depending on weather

The package includes cocktails, dinner, and wine for up to 4 people

Auction Artwork will include:

∫ A watercolor print by former Vice Mayor Joann Shamp

∫ Photo printed on steel by Andrew West, photojournalist for the Fort Myers News-Press

∫ Artwork by Chester Rogers

Silent Auction will include:

∫ Carvings from Mound House strangle fig “warrier tree” (damaged by hurricane Irma and thriving)

∫ Original Mound House grounds botanical watercolors

∫ An antique Japanese jewelry chest with family history donated by Alex and Nina King

A basket of Mound House treasures

FILE PHOTO

Friends of the Mound House President Ellen Vaughan.

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