Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

Volume 38, number 12

Town committee shut down over Sunshine Law concerns

By

NATHAN

MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

An ad-hoc committee on permitting formed last month by some members of the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council and town manager informally outside of the town’s normal public advisory committee process, has been shut down after Town Attorney John Herin Jr said he r e c e i v e d a n o p i n i o n f r o m t h e S t a t e Attorney General’s Office that the com-

mittee could be violating the state’s open meeting laws

The committee had been meeting without any notice to the public to discuss town permitting issues in a setting that included discussions with contractors and t o w n s t a f f T h e c o m m i t t e e h a d b e e n formed, town officials said at the time, at the suggestion of contractors seeking to advance the town’s permitting process

The town did not make any notice to

the public that the group was meeting until after two meetings had already been held

Herin said he discussed the matter with the State Sttorney General’s Office and their in-house counsel who specializes in F l o r i d a ’ s G o v e r n m e n t - i n - t h e - S u n s h i n e Law and public records law

“The advice that we received verbally from her was that we should err on the side of caution, not expose those members

Mat anzas Inn opens, Ma tanzas on the Ba y nex t

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Doug Speirn-Smith lost one of his businesses on Fort Myers Beach for good The PierSide Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar, which stood next to the Fort Myers Beach Pier at one of the most prominent spots at Times Square for more than two decades, was forever b l o w n i n t o t h e G u l f o f M e x i c o b y

Hurricane Ian and will not be rebuilt Speirn-Smith co-owned that business but not the property Luckily for SpeirnS m i t h , h i s o t h e r b u s i n e s s e s s u r v i v e d i n c l u d i n g t h e M a t a n z a s I n n w h i c h opened this month, and the restaurant Matanzas on the Bay which is expected to partially open in the next week His other business, the Harbor House, has remained open since electric returned to

We will have the pizza.”

DOUG SPEIRN-SMITH owner of Matanzas on the Bay, on the planned reopening of Petey’s Upper Deck.

Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian

“We’re excited to be open and we have nine units open and we’re going to open another 10 next week,” SpeirnSmith said of the Matanzas Inn The motel/resort sits adjacent to Matanzas on the Bay on Crescent Street, a block down f r o m w h e r e M a r g a r i t a v i l l e R e s o r t i s going up The resort overlooks Matanzas Pass and the bay The pool is also open

“We hope to have (Petey’s) Upper Deck in the next two to three weeks,”

Speirn-Smith said “We will have the pizza ”

He said the dining room at Matanzas on the Bay, one of the island’s venerated

Matanzas Inn has reopened on Crescent Street, with nine rooms at the motel/resort available to rent. The patio at Matanzas on the B a y r e s t a u r a n t n e x t d o o r a n d Petey’s Upper Deck could open as soon as next week. FILE PHOTO

of that committee to potential claims of a Sunshine violation A broad reading of the law says that ad-hoc committees that make recommendations and advise governing bodies are subject to the Sunshine Law,” Herin started Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim A t t e r h o l t s a i d i n t e r i m T o w n M a n a g e r Keith Wilkins is still meeting one-on-one with members of the committee “He just

See COMMITTEE, page 10

Martin steps down as fire chief

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Fort Myers Beach Fire District Chief Ronald Martin announced his resignation effective Friday

“Chief Martin

c i t e d p e r s o n a l r e a s o n s f o r h i s resignation,” Fort Myers Beach Fire

C o n t r o l D i s t r i c t F i r e O f f i c i a l J e n n i f e r

C a m p b e l l s t a t e d i n a n e m a i l a n n o u n c i n g Martin’s letter of resignation.

Ronald Martin

“ T h e D i s t r i c t would like to thank Chief Martin for his years of service to the citizens and visitors of Fort Myers Beach and wishes him well in his future endeavors District Chief Scott Wirth will be serving as the Acting Fire Chief,” Campbell stated Martin, who was with the department for approximately 20 years, took over as chief from former Chief Matthew Love in 2021 after previously serving as the executive assistant chief of fire services. The F o r t M y e r s B e a c h B o a r d o f F i r e Commissioners also recently had a change in leadership when John Bennett took over as chair of the board from Larry Wood in December

Wirth, who has been with the district for the past five years, said Martin “served the Fort Myers Beach community with caring, professional service Chief Martin started as a firefighter and moved through the ranks to Fire Chief where he led the department through, arguably, the worst natural disaster in Lee County’s history ”

Wirth thanked Martin “for his service

See MATANZAS INN, page 10 See MARTIN, page 11

OPINIONS

100 Days: March 2023

P u b l i s h e r R a y m o n d M E c ke n r o d e re cke n ro d e @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

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

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

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

Lyn McElhaney lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers

Governing bodies are often measured by their governance during the first 100 days out of the gate It sets the tone and direction of what can and will b e a c c o m p l i s h e d T h i s n e w s c h o o l b o a r d h a s n o w s u rpassed its 100 days on the job, and I am proud of what we, as a district, have accomplished

Culture

com

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

The culture of an organization is vital to its success, and it starts at the top I am pleased t o s e e t h i s b o a r d a n d Superintendent Bernier focus o n p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m , l e a d e rs h i p , c o m m u n i t y e n g a g e m e n t , a n d , m o s t importantly, putting our kids first

I have already observed cultural organizational changes:

■ Board meetings focused on the business of the district

■ Teacher and staff listening sessions from our Superintendent

■ In-depth discussions with our parents

■ Consistently going into our community to get feedback

For our employees, we have moved to a “speak up, listen up” work culture that promotes identification of issues and productive discussion to make positive culture changes Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we are on the right path.

Hurricane Recover y

We are five months out since Hurricane

Social Security: You pay in, but politicians don’t want to pay out

Web Poll

Previous Web Poll Results

Should the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council approve a special exception permit for a 298-feet boardwalk over two lagoons, dunes and vegetation near the Little Estero Island

Current Web Poll Question

Are you concerned over whether the Town of Fort Myers Beach will receive enough state and federal funds to rebuild and make up for revenue losses?

∫ Yes

∫ No

∫ Unsure/no opinion

Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk com

To the editor

T h e F r e n c h h a v e b e e n m a r c h i n g t o p r es e r v e t h e F r e n c h v e r s i o n o f S o c i a l S e c u r i t y f o r a m o n t h n o w . T h e a t t a c k s o n s e n i o r s ’ t o r o b t h e i r s a v i n g s a c c o u n t s a n d p r e v e n t t h e m c o l l e c t i n g o n t h e i r o w n c o n t r i b u t i o n s s e e m s t o b e u n i v e r s a l T h e F r e n c h a r e b e i n g a s k e d t o w a i t u n t i l t h e y a r e o l d e r t o c o l l e c t t h e i r p e n s i o n I n t h e U S , t h e p l a n s e e m s t o b e t o s u b s i d i z e 4 0 1 k p l a n s c o nt r o l l e d b y e m p l o y e r s a s a d i s i n c e n t i v e t o S o c i a l S e c u r i t y c o n t r i b u t i o n T h e U S

C o n g r e s s , h a s a u t h o r i z e d g i v i n g t h e p e n t ag o n $ 4 5 b i l l i o n M O R E t h a n t h e y a s k e d f o r t h i s y e a r i n t h e d e f e n s e b u d g e t I f w e h a v e s u c h e x c e s s t h a t w e c a n s p e n d $ 7 9 7 b i l l i o n o n m i l i t a r y a p p r o p r i a t i o n s , i t s h o u l d b e l a u g h a b l e t o a r g u e t h a t o t h e r a g e n c i e s

Ian devastated our area I am proud of the work our district has accomplished, especially with our three most impacted schools

■ T h e S a n i b e l S c h o o l recently re-opened, and it was amazing to see the smiles on t h e f a c e s o f t h e c h i l d r e n , teachers, staff

■ Regarding Fort Myers Beach Elementary, there have been many productive discussions between the district and the community with substantial progress towards a solution

■ Finally, for the damaged H e c t o r A C a f f e r a t a J r Elementary School in Cape Coral, in an upcoming meeting the board will review a plan for a new campus that will be expanded to a K-8 school

Proximity Plan

One of the largest changes to this district in decades is the implementation of the proximity plan for elementary school students The plan will:

■ Reduce bus ride times and bus tardiness

■ Fix operational inefficiencies

■ Provide communities with a closer relationship with their schools

Most importantly, this plan will keep our kids closer to home, allowing our families to focus their time on academics.

Suppor ting Our Teachers & Staff

Our teachers and staff are the bedrock of

Letters to the Editor

t i g h t e n t h e i r f i s c a l b e l t , o r t h a t t h e e l d e r l y b e r o b b e d T h e S o c i a l S e c u r i t y a d m i n i s t r at i o n c a n a n d s h o u l d b e a l l o w e d t o d i s t r i bu t e t o s e n i o r s t h e f u n d s t h e s e n i o r s t h e ms e l v e s s e t a s i d e i n t h e i r p a y c h e c k s a l l t h e s e y e a r s A l l o w i n g t h e M e d i c a r e p l a n t o n e g o t ia t e m e d i c a t i o n p r i c e s , s u c h a s i n s u l i n , c a n s a v e a t o n o f m o n e y E l i L i l l y i s t o b e c o ng r a t u l a t e d o n l o w e r i n g t h e i r p r i c e s t o e v e r y o n e t o m a t c h t h e 3 0 0 % p r o f i t t h e y a c c e p t e d f o r i n s u l i n a n d a r e m a n d a t e d t o a c c e p t f r o m M e d i c a r e B u t A m e r i c a n s s h o u l d b e a l l o w e d t o r e t i r e w i t h d i g n i t y i n t h i s c o u n t r y , a n d r e c e i v e t h e p e n s i o n f u n d s t h a t t h e y p a i d f o r . O f c o u r s e t h e R e a g a n a d m i n i s t r a t i o n r o b b e d f u n d s f r o m S o c i a l S e c u r i t y t o p a y f o r i l l e g a l w a r s i n C e n t r a l A m e r i c a T h o s e S o c i a l S e c u r i t y a c c o u n t s s h o u l d b e m a d e w h o l e o u t o f P e n t a g o n l a r g e s s M a y b e t h e

We want your opinion

our district As a board member, and as a parent, I am truly thankful for all they do As part of our commitment to teachers and staff, tentative agreements have been reached for pay increases, as well as a reduction in the annual cost of health insurance Furthermore, our district is focusing on retention so that we keep our employees long- term

Legislative Productivity

With the benefit of a supportive local legislative delegation, we have developed strong relationships with our state legislators The board is working hand-in-hand with our elected state officials to ensure our district is in the best possible spot after the devastation of Hurricane Ian.

Additionally, our legislators are looking into support in the areas of career and technical education, safety and security, and additional after school programs for our students

Thank you to our delegation for your support of our district and our community

As for the future, there is much on the horizon I am looking forward to future disc u s s i o n s o n a c a d e m i c a c h i e v e m e n t , t h e revamp of our district policies, an audit consulting opportunity with the Lee County Clerk, and the Guardian Program to further protect our students and schools

This is just the beginning, and there is still much left to do I am truly excited for our children’s futures and hope that you are, too!

Samuel Fisher serves as vice chair of the Lee County School Board He represents District 1 which includes Cape Coral

P e n t a g o n s h o u l d b u d g e t r e s t o r i n g t h o s e a c c o u n t s T h e l e g i s l a t o r s t h a t s e e m s o v i c i o u s t o t h e e l d e r l y , a r e o d d l y r e l u c t a n t t o a p p e a r l e s s t h a n b l o o d t h i r s t y i n P e n t a g o n s p e n di n g s

Ellen Starbird Cape Coral

Time to hold Mexico accountable

To the editor:

Now that American tourists have been kidnapped and murdered, maybe it’s time to put a warning not to visit Mexico

The president of Mexico does not want the United States to enter his country to protect U.S. citizens. Well, I guess they don’t need our foreign aid and tourism Time to tell the cruise ship companies not to go the Mexican ports Most cruise ships are flying

See LETTERS, page 5

The views expressed on the opinions pages are just that opinions These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper opposing views are welcome. Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be mailed to: Fort Myers Beach observer, 19260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; faxed to 239-765-0846; emailed to news@breezenewspapers.com; or posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com. Letters are due no later than noon Monday. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. you also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: fortmyersbeachtalk.com.

Advertising Sales

Samuel Fisher Guest Commentary

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Town of Fort Myers Beach has a new finance director Joe Onzick was hired by interim Town Manager Keith Wilkins at a salary of $110,000 Onzick started on Monday.

Onzick’s salary will be $110,000 Onzick was previously the executive director of finance and chief financial

officer for Kane County in Illinois

Supervisor at salaries of $45,760

In February, Steve Poposki was elevated from interim community services director to a full-time role at a salary of $121,000 Poposki started working for the town in September and took over the job previously held by Daphnie Saunders after she resigned in November

a s t h e B e a c h a n d S t r e e t E n f o r c e m e n t W e e k e n d

Guest Commentary

Fraud alert: The never-ending

‘Grandparent Scam’

B y L E E C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ' S O F F I C E I t a p p e a r s t h a t t h e r e g r e t t a b l e s u c c e s s o f t h e “ G r a n d p a r e n t S c a m ” h a s p r o m p t e d s c a m m e r s t o c o nt i n u e t h e i r c r i m i n a l a s s a u l t o n s e n i o r c i t i z e n s A n 8 2 - y e a r - o l d N e w J e r s e y w o m a n r e c e i v e d a c a l l f r o m a p e r s o n t h a t s h e b e l i e v e d t o b e h e r g r a n d s o n T h e c a l l e r s t a t e d “ I w a s i n a c a r a c c i d e n t I b r o k e m y n o s e a n d s p l i t m y l i p . ” T h e p h o n e w a s i m m e d i a t e l y h a n d e d t o a n i n d i v i du a l c l a i m i n g t o b e h e r g r a n d s o n ’ s p u b l i c d e f e n d e r T h e v i c t i m w a s t o l d t h a t h e r g r a n d s o n w a s i n c u s t o d y , h a vi n g c a u s e d t h e a c c i d e n t , a n d t h a t h e n e e d e d h e r t o s e n d $ 8 , 0 0 0 t o f a c i l i t a t e h i s r e l e a s e A w a r e o f t h e p r o t e c t i v e n a t u r e o f g r a n d p a r e n t s , t h e m o s t c o m m o n m e t h o d g e n e r a l l y i n v o l v e s a t e l e p h o n e c a l l i n d i c a t i n g t h a t t h e v i c t i m ’ s g r a n d c h i l d i s i n s o m e s o r t o f t r o u b l e A s i n t h i s c a s e , t h e c a l l s o u n d s u r g e n t a n d a s k s t h e v i c t i m t o s e n d m o n e y i m m e d i a t e l y i n o r d e r t o r e s o l v e a l e g a l o r m e d i c a l i s s u e O n o c c a s i o n , t h e v i c t i m m a y r e c e i v e a t e x t m e s s a g e r e q u e s t i n g a s s i s t a n c e T h e v i c t i m i s t o l d t o w i r e m o n e y o r t o b u y g i f t c a r d s o r t h a t s o m e o n e w i l l s t o p b y t o p i c k u p c a s h T h e 8 2 - y e a r - o l d r u s h e d t o t h e b a n k a n d w i t h d r e w t h e f u n d s “ M y h a n d w a s s h a k i n g w h e n I w e n t t o g e t t h e m o n e y o u t o f t h e b a n k M y w h o l e b o d y w a s s h a k i n g ”

From page 4

out-of-country flags but they need ports in states like Florida, Texas, New York and more We have the maritime unions that work these ports and

the

S h o r t l y a f t e r s h e a r r i v e d h o m e , a n i n d i v i d u a l a r r i v e d a t h e r d o o r t o p i c k u p t h e c a s h R e p o r t e d l o s s e s h a v e r e a c h e d t e n s o f m i l l i o n s o f d o l l a r s a n n u a l l y ; s o m e o f t h e c r i m e s a r e n o t r e p o r t e d d u e t o e m b a r r a s s m e n t

W h a t t o d o s h o u l d y o u r e c e i v e s u c h a c a l l T a k e a d e e p b r e a t h a n d a v o i d p a n i c k i n g B e f o r e t a k i n g a n y a c t i o n , t e r m i n a t e t h e c a l l I m m e d i a t e l y c a l l t h e f a m i l y m e m b e r o r f r i e n d w h o i s i n t r o u b l e u s i n g t h e p h o n e n u m b e r t h a t y o u a l w a y s u s e t o c o n t a c t t h e m I f t h e y a r e u n a v a i l a b l e , c o n t a c t a c l o s e f a m i l y m e m b e r o r f r i e n d w h o w o u l d h a v e k n o w l e d g e o f t h e s i t u a t i o n N e v e r n e v e r w i r e m o n e y , b u y g i f t c a r d s o r s u rr e n d e r c a s h ! I f a l l e f f o r t s t o v e r i f y t h e i n c i d e n t f a i l , c o n t a c t l o c a l l a w e n f o r c e m e n t f o r a s s i s t a n c e I f s c a m m e d , i m m e d i a t e l y c o n t a c t y o u r p a y m e n t c o m p a n y a n d r e p o r t t h e s u s p e c t e d f r a u d .

C o n t a c t t h e F e d e r a l T r a d e C o m m i s s i o n , a s s o o n a s p o s s i b l e , a t h t t p s : / / r e p o r t f r a u d f t c g o v /

The town is also looking to bring in a new human resources director

Letters

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is searching for a missing person who fell into the Caloosahatchee River in a single-vehicle boating accident in Lee County Sunday

According to FWC, the accident was reported Sunday at about 4:30 p m when a 16-feet vessel with two men on board capsized and both men fell into the water A witness from shore saw the incident, responded quickly and rescued one of the men The FWC, Lee County Fire, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Myers Police Department and the United States Coast Guard began the search for the missing boater immediately upon arrival and searched late into the night

“We are thankful to have assistance from our local partner agencies during this search,” said Major Rob Rowe, Southwest Regional Commander

The search resumed Monday morning and remained ongoing as of press time The FWC would like to remind people in the area that this is an ongoing investigation, to steer clear of any area where you see officers searching

m e n t s e r v i c e s w i t h i n t h e c i t y l i m i t s o f F o r t M y e r s , C a p e C o r a l , a n d S a n i b e l F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w s h e r i f f l e e f l o r g /

r s

If the Mexican leaders can’t fix the drug problem and do not want to control their southern border, they do not need U S dollars It’s time we get tough on these foreign countries that have become leeches for U S aide

Gary Bongers Cape Cora

Sand arriving for emergency berm project with no start date

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Sand for an emergency berm project is being stockpiled at the Wyndham Garden Inn on Fort Myers Beach even though a start date for the project has not yet been set and it is not yet clear if the town has the number of required easements from property owners

The sand began being trucked in Monday for what is the start of an estimated 100 to 200 shipments of sand that will be delivered daily to the beach area behind the Wyndham Garden Inn at 6890 Estero Boulevard The hotel has been shuttered since taking a devastating hit from Hurricane Ian

At a town council meeting last month, the town’s Environmental Projects Manager Chadd Chustz said only one-sixth of the 360 required easements had been collected for the project to begin

Town of Fort Myers Beach Communications Director Jennifer Dexter said Monday that figures weren’t available as to how many easements of the 360 needed, had been collected

“Easements are continuing to be signed and we encourage property owners that are not yet signed up to visit www fmbgov com/beach to fill out the form,” Dexter said

“The sand will be trucked onto the island from the S t e w a r t M i n e i n I m m o k a l e e a n d s t o c k p i l e d a t t h e Wyndham until construction can begin. Approximately 100 to 200 trucks are expected to deliver sand daily Residents and visitors should be aware of changing traffic conditions around the Wyndham on the south end of the island,” Dexter stated

“This project is designed to add elevation to the beach areas impacted by Hurricane Ian This elevation helps protect upland properties from storm surge It also has the added benefit of giving nesting sea turtles elevated beach to lay their eggs ”

The emergency berm project had been scheduled to begin in early March In a press release from Dexter announcing the delivery of sand, “delays in approvals from FEMA and consulting agencies” were cited for pushing the “project timeline into the critical nesting season for turtles and shorebirds ”

See BERM, page 12

FEMA mitigation grants available

Sand began being trucked to the property behind the Wyndham Garden Inn Monday off Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach for an emergency berm and sand renourishment project which currently does not have a start date

Lee County eligible for $1.1 billion in federal hurricane aid

STAFF REPORT

The U S Department of Housing a n d U r b a n D e v e l o p m e n t h a s informed Lee County Government that it has allocated $1 1 billion in C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t B l o c k Grant – Disaster Recovery funding directly to Lee County to assist with the county’s long-term recovery following Hurricane Ian

Chairman Brian Hamman is a prepared statement “We are grateful to HUD for allowing Lee County to administer these funds as our community comes together to build back stronger and better than ever ”

needs of our neighbors working to r e b u i l d l i v e s a n d c o m m u n i t i e s throughout Lee County ”

The Town is accepting applications of interest for these grants from now until April 10 at the following link: https://forms gle/MxRKeStN2ja3kh2d9

The county announced last week a f t e r t h e L e e C o u n t y B o a r d o f County Commissioners were notified that the county has been made eligible for the funds, provided its plan for how it will allocate the f u n d s , i s a p p r o v e d b y t h e U S Department of Housing and Urban Development

The disaster recovery funds can be used for a variety of activities i n c l u d i n g h o u s i n g r e d e v e l o p m e n t , infrastructure repair, economic revitalization and long-term planning

“The damage from Hurricane Ian impacted so many people in Lee County and these funds are key to our long-term efforts to rebuild their lives,” said Lee County Commission

Before the release of the funds, the county is required to develop a CDBGDR Action Plan to describe the uses, management and oversight of these funds, and must be approved by HUD

"In support of this effort, the county’s regional Recovery Task Force (RTF), led by Commissioner Kevin Ruane, will continue engaging with each of the hardest-hit communities across the county to hear directly from community leaders and members of the public about their remaining needs and seeking input on how to best use this funding to bring Lee County back better than ever," a release from Lee County states

“Hurricane Ian did catastrophic damage to our community, but our commitment to recovery has never w a v e r e d , ” R u a n e s a i d “ L e a d e r s from both the public and private sector are already working to meet the

"Communities and Lee County residents preparing for CDBG-DR funds are encouraged to begin the p l a n n i n g p r o c e s s b u t s h o u l d n o t anticipate applying for some time," the release states

" I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e r e q u i r e d approval of the county’s CDBG-DR Action Plan, HUD must issue guidance – via Federal Register notice –detailing rules and regulations for administering these funds In total, the county’s CDBG-DR Action Plan d e v e l o p m e n t a n d a s s o c i a t e d approval along with the guidance issuance by HUD could take several months While this process will take time, it will also help ensure that this funding is distributed in a way that enables the county to repair and r e b u i l d i t s c o m m u n i t i e s m o r e resilient to the future hazards that it may face "

The county will continue to distribute information as it becomes available, officials said

JENNIFER DEXTER

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

Living

Thomas elected new president of Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Dawn Thomas has been elected the new president of the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club at a time when the club is considering options to rebuild its Sterling Ave clubhouse from Hurricane Ian and after a large campaign to assist those affected by Hurricane Ian

Thomas, who runs a marketing firm and chairs the Town of Fort Myers Beach Public Safety Advisory Committee, will take over as president in April

Thomas is currently helping to plan and organize the club’s first annual Red Grouper Bash fishing tournament in partnership with the Fort Myers-based Off Duty Lifestyle

Thomas said the club is “just wrapping up the #33931 f u n d t h a t w e d i d w i t h t h e ( F o r t M y e r s B e a c h ) Community Foundation ”

The club and foundation were able to give away 1,462 Mastercard gift cards of $500 totaling $731,000 that went back into the Fort Myers Beach community, Thomas said

According to Thomas, $20,000 was given to Beach Baptist Church for its daily meal program, $10,000 was given to Cultivating Hope to be used for its daily meal program and $45,000 was given to FMB Strong at Buttonwood Drive “to assist with their large item wish list and also assist the shrimper community ”

The Woman’s Club and FMB Community Foundation “are continuing their individual fundraising and will be giving back to the community but each under their own organization,” Thomas stated

The Woman’s Club has also given to other Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiatives around the island including $7,500 to the FMB Tip Jar for Fort Myers Beach employees,

$5,000 for the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Teacher Amazon wishlist for teaching supplies, $15,000 to Greater FMB nonprofit organizations and $30,000 to the Buttonwood Donation Center, Thomas said

As for the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club clubhouse, “we are starting to research rebuilding the clubhouse,” Thomas said “We need to research all our options

We are hoping we can rebuild Our new board is being slated (for) next month ”

The Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club will meet to transition to the new board on April 5.

“Sadly the clubhouse is gone,” Thomas stated “We are trying to come up with our plan on what to do next We would like to rebuild, but know the cost will be high and we need a clear plan to proceed ”

As for her own home on Fort Myers Beach, Thomas

Debris cleared from Bay Oaks campus

said “we are still standing, we have a newer construction home. We had 10 feet of water in the lower level and are getting it close to done We moved back right after the storm and were able to move in the house November and have been working like mad to get back to some kind of normal ”

Community Foundation registering volunteers for Great American Cleanup

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation will be registering volunteers and providing bags and gloves for the Great American Cleanup on Fort Myers Beach April 1 The event is being sponsored by Keep Lee County Beautiful

The Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation will gather at Santini Plaza on Estero Boulevard from 8 a m to 11 a m , s a i d F o r t M y e r s B e a c h C o m m u n i t y

Foundation member Jane McCloskey

“We welcome all volunteers to come h e l p k e e p t h e i s l a n d b e a u t i f u l , ” McCloskey stated

For more than five months, the Fort M y e r s B e a c h C o m m u n i t y F o u n d a t i o n partnered with the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club on raising funds to assist those impacted by Hurricane Ian,

“We are proud of all the work that we have done to raise money for the residents of Fort Myers Beach,” McCloskey said

Debris that had once been stacked high across the ball fields at the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus, is now history The town recently announced that the fields had been cleared of the massive piles of debris, releasing this photo

PHOTO PROVIDED

Dawn Thomas, seen with her son Jake Ferguson of the Dallas Cowboys, has been elected president of the Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club.

TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH

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

has to do it one on one,” Atterholt said

The news of the committee’s disbandment arose during a public comment session at the end of a lengthy joint meeting of the town council and Local Planning Agency

Local Planning Agency chair and former Fort Myers Beach Mayor Anita Cereceda was critical of the committee’s formation

“The Sunshine Law very clearly states that no two members of any elected board, people who are going to decide on an issue can form another group and talk about things that may come before them,” Cereceda said. “I will take that up at another date ”

In the announcement last month after the second meeting of the ad-hoc committee, the town’s communications director Jennifer Dexter said the committee was formed “at the suggestion of some community members and with the support of interim Town Manager Keith Wilkins and Town Council” to regularly discuss and implement ways to improve the processes involved in securing a permit for rebuilding

Unlike the town’s advisory committees which meet in publicly announced meetings that are televised, the adhoc committee’s meetings were not publicly advertised.

Responding to questions regarding the committee’s work last month, Dexter said “it’s a work group not a council or committee meeting so no notice has been necessary It’s like any other work day meeting one of our work groups would have ”

Dexter said the committee was formed at the suggestion of a local contractor “Town staff who work in permitting were chosen by town administrators to participate,” she said

Matanzas Inn

restaurants, “got severely damaged on the bottom floor That’s going to take a little longer.”

Speirn-Smith said the plan is to open Petey’s Upper Deck and the patio at Matanzas on the Bay first while the dining room gets a makeover “We see a lot of progress The employees have been great,” Speirn Smith said “I think the boaters and the people staying at the inn will be happy ”

Speirn-Smith said Matanzas on the Bay, with its concrete walls, was fortunate to escape structural damage The docks o u t s i d e M a t a n z a s o n t h e B a y a n d Matanzas Inn are expected to be completed in the next couple weeks, he said

“We’re happy to be part of the continuity” of the return of business to Fort Myers

From page 1

The Sunshine Law very clearly states that no two members of any elected board, people who are going to decide on an issue can form another group and talk about things that may come before them.”

The meetings invited town staff, general contractors, builders, and users of the permitting system In an announcement by the town issued last month by Dexter, the committee was to include industry members who would “rotate in and out to gain a diverse perspective This group has met twice and will meet several more times to discuss what is working well and what needs changed.”

I n t e r i m T o w n M a n a g e r K e i t h W i l k i n s s a i d l a s t m o n t h t h a t t h e c o m m i t t e e ’ s m e e t i n g s h a d l e d t o c h a n g e s i n t h e t o w n ’ s p e r m i t t i n g p r o c e s s , a p r o c e s s t h a t h a s b e e n c r i t i c i z e d b y s o m e f o r b e i n g t o o s l o w t h o u g h o t h e r s h a v e s a i d t h e t o w n ’ s s m a l l s t a f f h a s b e e n o v e r b u r d e n e d b y h u n d r e d s o f p e r m i t r e q u e s t s f o r d e m o l i t i o n a n d b u i l d i n g p e r m i t s M o r e t h a n 3 0 0 d e mo l i t i o n p e r m i t s a l o n e h a v e b e e n r e q u e s t e d s i n c e H u r r i c a n e I a n

Wilkins said the permitting group’s work led to c h a n g e s i n t h e t o w n ’ s p e r m i t t i n g o f f i c e , i n c l u d i n g extending desk hours to earlier mornings, later evenings, and Saturdays, and adding eight contracted permitting technicians to the town’s previous two The town’s webpage also has a permitting link to answer permitting questions

ANITA CERECEDA Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency Chair

An extensive frequently asked questions list and a resource library with dozens of helpful publications, guides, and links is also now available Here’s the link: h t t p s : / / w w w f o r t m y e r s b e a c h f l g o v / 9 7 1 / B u i l d i n gServices

Among the suggestions the group came up with last month was for the town to hire plan examiners in-house instead of using a third party service to help with speed, control, cost, and customer service

Asked about the disbanding of the permitting work group, Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said “our town attorney advised the manager that any meetings between staff and any group of contractors would need to be publicly noticed to stay compliant with the Sunshine law ”

The formation of the town’s ad-hoc committee coincidentally occurred just weeks after another ad-hoc committee was formed by town residents to work behind closed doors with staff of the Lee County School District on plans for reopening the Beach Elementary School. Those meetings recently have involved discussions of an interlocal agreement between the school and town that is expected to be discussed by the school board and town council

It’s so sad. There was no chance to say goodbye.”

DOUG SPEIRN-SMITH

On the loss of his former restaurant the PierSide Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar to Hurricane Ian.

I just hope the Beach comes up with a plan for the island that keeps the character and doesn’t intensify too much ”

DOUG SPEIRN-SMITH

Co-owner of Matanzas on the Bay, Matanzas Inn and The Harbor House, on the future of Fort Myers Beach

Beach, he said

The PierSide Grill and the Famous Blowfish Bar

“It’s so sad,” Speirn-Smith said of the PierSide Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar, which he co-owned since 1996 “We are heartbroken over that ”

The loss of the restaurant was “so traumatic on our staff” who lost their jobs,” he s a i d S t a f f a t t h e P i e r S i d e G r i l l a n d Matanzas on the Bay were among those flooded out of their homes, Speirn-Smith said He said the owners have tried to help find housing for some of their employees “You try to do what you can,” he said

S p e i r n - S m i t h , w h o i s b a s e d i n Colorado, said the “stamina of the residents that support our community is gratifying ” He said the devastation to Fort Myers Beach is “heartbreaking but everybody is trying to find something hopeful ” S p e i r n - S m i t h a n d b u s i n e s s p a r t n e r Martin York owned the PierSide Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar, building it up from its former existence as a bar “We cleaned it up,” he said

“That staff can’t look forward to open it up again,” Speirn-Smith said “It’s so sad There was no chance to say goodbye ”

Pierside Grill was just a stone’s throw from the Gulf of Mexico, perhaps as close to the water as any business on the beach, with some of the most magnificent views S p e i r n - S m i t h l a m e n t s t h a t o t h e r F o r t Myers Beach businesses overlooking the Gulf are also gone like Shuckers and the Sunset Tropical Grill He said rebuilding the Pierside Grill would be a major task, as it will have to be built higher to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency flood codes and, in the end, it isn’t up to him as he doesn’t own the property. He said there will need to be a plan for the Times Square businesses, most of which w e r e d e s t r o y e d b y H u r r i c a n e I a n , t o rebuild at a higher elevation

Speirn-Smith’s other business that he co-owns, the Harbor House, off Old San Carlos Boulevard, has seen steady business for its 34 rental units since the hurricane Aside from some flood damage o n t h e f i r s t f l o o r , t h e resort/motel escaped the worst of Ian “ W e ’ r e f o r t u n a t e t o bring back some normalcy to the Beach,” he said

Matanzas Inn has opened nine of its rooms, with another 10 expected to open for rent in the next week, according to co-owner Doug Speirn-Smith

“I just hope the Beach comes up with a plan for the island that keeps the c h a r a c t e r a n d d o e s n ’ t i n t e n s i f y t o o m u c h , ” Speirn-Smith said

FILE PHOTOS

The patio behind Matanzas on the Bay restaurant could open as early as next week along with Petey's Upper Deck and its popular pizza, according to co-owner Doug Speirn-Smith The restaurant's inside dining room was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian and is being remodeled The restaurant has been honored multiple times with Best of the Beach awards for its waterfront dining

Martin

From page 1

to the citizens and for his leadership as Fire Chief Chief Martin truly helped the District progress and he will be missed by all of us On behalf of the entire Fort Myers Beach Fire Department family, we wish him the best as he looks towards the future ”

The resignation by Martin occurred nearly six months after Hurricane Ian l a n d e d o n F o r t M y e r s B e a c h M a r t i n helped the department coordinate with federal search and rescue teams in the days after the storm, and worked with other responding fire departments from around the country who assisted in the response

The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District has been going through a lengthy process of planning for a new fire station at Estero Boulevard to replace its former D i s t r i c t 2 1 F i r e S t a t i o n a t D o n o r a Boulevard and Estero Boulevard That station was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The district has two other stations off San Carlos Boulevard and Lenell Road

“I will miss Chief Martin and I thank him for his dedicated years of service to the district and our residents,” Bennett said

“The Board will discuss our path in finding a new Fire Chief in upcoming meetings Chief Wirth is our Acting Fire Chief in the interim, until a permanent hire is selected ”

Ron Martin (left) has stepped down as chief of the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District. He is seen h e r e l a s t M a y w i t h f o r m e r F o r t Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy.

FILE PHOTOS

New Fort Myers Beach Fire Department Acting Chief Scott Wirth (second from right) with New York City firefighters and former Fort Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy in October Wirth is succeeding Chief Ron Martin, who submitted a letter of resignation Friday

Berm

From page 6

Dexter said “we don’t yet have a start date because it depends on when the approvals are received from FEMA and consulting agencies ”

To make sure that the project does not impact nesting turtles and shorebirds as well as the environment in general, the town is staying in close consultation with Turtle Time, Inc , the Florida Fish and W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n s h o r e b i r d b i o l o g i s t , a n d t h e A u d u b o n Society

A t a T o w n o f F o r t M y e r s B e a c h Council meeting last month, the council expressed support for a $25.5 million beach renourishment project and $7 mil-

lion emergency berm project that its consultant says will cost the town less than $1 million of the overall cost due to state and county reimbursements but so far the town hasn’t been receiving the easements it needs for the project to go forward

It was suggested at the meeting that the projects could be delayed until early fall

The town recently updated the easement to make it clear that “there are no third party beneficiaries and nothing prohibits the upland owner from using their property in any way as long as such use is consistent with the easement and complies with federal, state, county, and Town o f F o r t M y e r s B e a c h l a w , ” t o w n

spokesperson Jennifer Dexter stated “It also clearly states that all risks associated with the use of the easement is on the Town, not on the property owner ”

The easement document and instructions as well as additional information about the Town’s beach recovery projects can be found at www fmbgov com/beach

Questions can be sent by email to Chadd Chustz, the Town’s Environmental P r o j e c t s M a n a g e r , a t chadd@fmbgov com

“We’ve had property owners that are eager to get their properties back in shape t o b r i n g i n b e a c h c o m p a t i b l e s a n d , ” Chustz said Chustz said he has worked

with property owners and vendors Chustz said if some property owners want to replenish sand themselves, they can also get some of the costs reimbursed

M i k e P o s s o f C o a s t a l E n g i n e e r i n g

Consultants said the Federal Emergemcy Management Agency will cover 75% of the emergency berm part of the project and the state will cover 25% but it has to be done within six months to get the full reimbursement

T h e b e a c h r e n o u r i s h m e n t p r o j e c t would cost the town $931,000, Poss said

NATHAN MAYBERG

Sand for the Town of Fort Myers Beach emergency berm project to renourish the beach, is being stored at the Wyndham Garden Inn on Fort Myers Beach, as seen shortly after Hurricane Inn in October

WHERE to go WHat to Do WHo to SEE

24-26

Red Grouper Bash

Two-day tournament April 7 and 8 will start at Sanibel Lighthouse, with children’s tournament at Moss Marina

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Th e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h W o m a n ’ s Club will hold its inaugural “Red Grouper Bash” fishing tournament April 7-8 The two-day tournament will b e g i n f o r a d u l t s a t t h e S a n i b e l Lighthouse, while the children’s tournament on April 8 will be held at Moss Marina on Fort Myers Beach.

T h e p r o c e e d s f r o m t h e t o u r n a m e n t w i l l b e n e f i t t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h Woman’s Club, said Fort Myers Beach W o m a n ’ s C l u b b o a r d m e m b e r a n d incoming president Dawn Thomas said T h e c l u b ’ s h e a d q u a r t e r s a t S t e r l i n g Avenue was destroyed by Hurricane Ian

and the club has been weighing options for a rebuild

The tournament is being hosted by Alec Dilallo of the Fort Myers-based Off Duty Lifestyle and will include catered food, beer and liquor stations, raffles, and live music

The cost to enter is $500 per boat (for four persons, with a cost of $150 per each additional person) There is an additional charge of $300 per boat for those participating in the kingfish contest and an additional $100 per boat for those competing for Calcutta snapper

The tournament will begin on Friday, April 7, with a shotgun start out front of the Sanibel lighthouse Check-in will start

at 5 a m According to the rules provided by Dilalo and Thomas, all teams must check in with starter boat, which will be located at 34 Nortech with two pole flags located out front of the Sanibel lighthouse Pier Once checked in, all further questions or concerns can be handled via channel 69

On Saturday, there will be a shotgun start time beginning at 6:30 a m with boats required to be back to the dock no later than 3:30 p m All vessels will need to be in sight of a spotter will be placed at Bowditch point This tournament will be restricted to a max depth of 120 feet No bent butt rods or electric reels will be allowed during the duration of the tourna-

ment Weigh-in will be measured off of the two largest grouper Grouper chose for weigh-in will be angler’s choice Anglers will be allowed to carry a personal scale to h e l p i n d e c i d i n g w h i c h f i s h w i l l b e weighed for each boat

The rules further include the following:

All teams in the money will have fish gutted to confirm no alterations have been made to the fish

A polygraph test will also be conducted for all teams in the money

The tournament will be regulated abidi n g b y F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e Conservation regulations which require that red grouper caught must be at least 20 inches long

Lee County Parks & Recreation offers Easter egg hunts - page 15

What’s Happening - page 16

Sports & Recreation - page 19

Fort Myers River District Music Festival to bring food, festivities and fun to the Historic Downtown area March 24-26

Enjoy a weekend of fun, good food and great music at the Fort Myers River District Music Festival in the historic downtown area, 1400 Hendry Street, on Friday, March 24, from 4 – 10 p m ; Saturday, March 25, from 11 a m to 10 p m ; and Sunday, March 26, from 11 a m to 6 p m Admission is FREE

Enjoy the weekend eating delicious foods, listening to stellar live music performances along with shopping a m a r k e t p l a c e o f a r t s , c r a f t s a n d f i n e p r o d u c t s .

Performances include:

Friday, March 2 4 :

∫ 4:30 – 6 p m Under8ed Band (Funk, R&B, Rock, Soul)

∫ 6:30 – 8 p m Hurricane Shane Band (Rock)

∫ 8:30 – 10 p m Igor & the Red Elvises (Funk, Reggae, Rock)

Saturday, March 2 5 :

∫ 12:30 – 2 p m Nick Schnebelen (Blues, Rock)

∫ 2:30 – 4 p m Thunder Beach (Classic Dance Rock from the 60s-80s)

∫ 4:30 – 6 p m Mixed Signal Band (Country, Disco, Pop, Rock)

∫ 6:30 – 8 p m Memphis Lightning (Rock, Roots)

∫ 8:30 – 10 p m Crossfire Creek Band

Sunday, March 2 6 :

∫ 12:30 – 2 p m Paisley Craze (Classic Rock, Rock)

∫ 2:30 – 4 p m Dead Set Florida (Classic Rock)

∫ 4:30 – 6 p m Gas House Gorillas (Rock)

During breaks between performances, enjoy time shopping a marketplace of fine arts, crafts, and select fine products and food items

For more information, visit www paragonfestivals com

‘A Cracker at The Ritz’ held over through June in Bonita Springs

After selling out all but one show in its three-month run, “A Cracker at The Ritz,” the social satire about life in Florida, is extending its Bonita Springs run through June It is performed at 7 p m on select Tuesdays at the Performing Arts Center, Moe Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd , Bonita Springs The new dates are April 4, 11, and 25; May 2, 16, and 30; June 13, and 27

In “A Cracker at The Ritz,” Earlene is

the Queen of the Florida Crackers She narrates her family’s four generations in Florida. Each generation has prospered on everything from cattle to citrus, and rum to real estate Don’t confuse Earlene’s “Cracker” with the cultural slur She and her Cracker ancestors are proud of their heritage

“Who,” she might point out, “do you think sold Disney World to Disney?”

“A Cracker at The Ritz” is a 75-minute

roasting of Florida in song and sketch comedy Songs include “Snowbird Come (and He Won’t Go Home),” “Swampland Scam,” and “Florida Man ”

“Red Tide and Dead Water” lists the mother lode of chemicals in the water runoff There is a realtor’s solution to ocean rise And John Morgan shows up with a lawsuit that’s sure to suit everyone

“A Cracker at The Ritz” is performed in Bonita on select Tuesdays to allow

Compton & Bennett time to continue their rigorous schedule of weekend performances elsewhere. The duo is best known outside Southwest Florida for Assisted Living: The Musical They perform about 60 shows each year, all around the country

For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://artcenterbonita org/ or call 239-495-8989

Lee County Parks & Recreation offers Easter

Five Lee County Parks & Recreation sites will offer opportunities for children to put their egg-hunting skills to the test in advance of Easter, which is April 9 All information is available at www leeparks org

The dates and locations for upcoming events are:

∫ April 8 , Estero

Estero EGGStravaganza featuring an adaptive egg hunt will begin at 10 a m Saturday, April 8, at Estero

R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r , 9 2 0 0 C o r k s c r e w P a l m s B l v d

Preregistration is required by calling the recreation center at 239-533-1470 or online at www leeparks org/register The egg hunt and the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny are for children ages 12 and under The cost is $5 per child. Bring your camera and basket. The first egg hunt begins at 10 a m This is an outdoor event, weather p e r m i t t i n g F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l t h e E s t e r o Recreation Center at 239-533-1470

∫ April 8 , Pine Island

The Pine Island 6-8 Grade Golden Egg Hunt will begin at 10 a m Saturday, April 8, on the baseball fields at Phillips Community Park, 5675 Sesame Drive , Bokeelia This free event is for middle school-age children Participants will receive a candy bag and will have the chance to find golden eggs with special prizes Registration begins at 9 a m April 8 at Phillips Park

∫ April 8 , North Fort Myers Spring Fest will be held 11 a m to 2 p m Saturday, April 8, on the football field at North Fort Myers Community

egg hunts

Park, 2000 North Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers Activities include music, yard games, photo booth, bounce house and food trucks The event is free This event is cosponsored by Rotary Club of North Fort Myers For more information, call the North Fort Myers Recreation Center at 239-533-7200

∫ April 8 , Lehigh Acres

Veterans Park Ultimate Egg Hunt will be held 10 a m to 1 p m Saturday, April 8, at the park basketball pavilion, 55 Homestead Road S , Lehigh Acres Activities include egg hunt, games, music, food truck, photo booth and more Bring your camera and basket The cost is $5 per child This event is co-sponsored by Lehigh Acres Rotary Club Advance registration is required. Participants can register online at www leeparks org/register, at the Veterans Park Recreation Center or by calling 239-369-1521

∫ April 8 , Boca Grande

The Boca Grande Egg Hunt will be held at 10 a m Saturday, April 8 This free event is sponsored by The Friends of Boca Grande Community Center Activities include an egg hunt for ages 11 and under, and a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny Bring your camera Individually wrapped soft candy donations are welcome For more information, call 239-533-2921 or visit www leeparks org The Boca Grande Community Center is located at 131 First St., Boca Grande.

Floral arranging classes to be held at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Edison and Ford Winter Estates offers many opportunities throughout the year for residents and guests to learn how to make floral arrangements Classes can be purchased as gifts and offer an opportunity for friends and relatives to enjoy the day together

Registration is open for the following classes:

∫ Dried Floral Arranging April 16, 10 a m P a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l l e a r n h o w t o c r e a t e a n d a r r a n g e a r u s t i c b u n c h o f d r i e d b l o o m s a n d b e a b l e t o t a k e h o m e t h e c r e a t i o n t o d i s p l a y f o r a v e r y l o n g t i m e F l o r a l d e s i g n e r , A n i t a S i n g h w i l l a l s o c o v e r t i p s a n d t r i c k s f o r d r y i n g f l o w e r s T o e n s u r e a d e q u a t e s u p p l i e s , r e g i s t r at i o n i s r e q u i r e d A l l m a t e r i a l s a r e i n c l u d e d S t u d e n t s o f a l l e x p e r i e n c e l e ve l s a r e w e l c o m e S p a c e i s l i m i t e d C o s t :

E d i s o n F o r d m e m b e r s $ 7 5 ; n o n - m e mb e r s $ 8 5

∫ Mother’s Day Floral Workshop

May 7, 10 a m

This class will instruct participants how to create a decorative basket or vase f i l l e d w i t h f l o w e r s T a u g h t b y f l o r a l designer, Anita Singh, the class can be purchased as a gift for mothers, daughters, sisters or other special women To ensure adequate supplies, registration is required All flowers, tools, vessels and supplies will be provided, along with light refreshments and an apron Students of all experience levels are welcome Space is limited Cost: Edison Ford members $75; nonmembers $85

For additional information or to register for classes, visit EdisonFord org Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

Big Green EGGfest set for April 1 in Bonita Springs

Grill masters and barbecue lovers will be gathering on April 1 at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs for the fourth annual S u n s h i n e A c e H a r d w a r e B i g G r e e n EGGfest

EGGfest is a family-friendly celebration of barbecue that includes all-youc a n - e a t f o o d s a m p l i n g s , c r a f t b e e r , grilling demonstrations and live music

The event doubles as a cooking competition with two divisions: trained chefs, caterers and restauranteurs will compete in the pro division, while home cooks compete in the amateur division Taster tickets allow attendees to try food samples from each chef and cast votes for t h e i r f a v o r i t e i t e m s , a w a r d i n g t h e People’s Choice Awards, while a Judges

Panel crowns the EGGhead Grill Master Pro and GrillMaster Amateur, which will win a Mini Max Big Green Egg as well as other prizes Two-time winner Chef Asif Syed, of 21 Spices, who beat the in f amo u s B o b b y F lay o n Th e F o o d Network, returns in hopes of capturing a third title

All chefs use a Big Green Egg to prepare meats, vegetables and side dishes

The multi-functional ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker can be used as a grill, oven or smoker

“We tend to start our summers earlier

in Southwest Florida, and the Big Green EGGfest has become the region’s unofficial kickoff to summer,” said Michael W y n n , p r e s i d e n t o f S u n s h i n e A c e Hardware “While this event was created as a celebration of barbecue, it’s also grown into a fairly large charitable event to support organizations focused on our local charities ”

This year, proceeds will support Farm City BBQ, Kiwanis, Leadership Collier, and United Way of Collier and the Keys Event sponsors include NCH Healthcare System, PBS Contractors, Lee Health, B K S P a r t n e r s , F l o r i d a G u l f C o a s t University and Lantz Financial Team

T a s t e r t i c k e t s a r e $ 2 0 e a c h a n d include the entrance fee, unlimited samp l e s a n d t h r e e v o t i n g b a l l o t s Additionally, VIP tickets are $50 and include access to a VIP tent and open bar in addition to food samples and voting privileges. Live music will be provided by The Moonstone Riders

Amateur chefs can register for $25, while the registration cost for professional chefs is $150 Chefs can enter with a team of up to three other individuals as sous chefs and servers

For taster tickets, chef registration or sponsorship opportunities, please visit SunshineAceEGGfest com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Guests learn how to create floral arrangements at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

Shell Point to present concer t March 24

The Shell Point Retirement Community will present Gentri, the Gentlemen Trio, on March 24 at 7 p m in Connie Brown Hall at the Tribby Arts Center, at 17281 On Par Blvd , Fort Myers Comprised of tenors Brad Robins, Casey Elliott and Bradley Quinn Lever, Gentri is pioneering a signature sound it calls “cinematic pop ” Tickets are $55. For more information or tickets, visit https:// www tribbyartscenter com/ or call 239-4155667

DDWS to host Sounds of the Sands

In partnership with Bell Tower and Two Lane Lager, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge will present Sounds of the Sands on March 25 from 2 to 7 p m at the Fort Myers plaza

The J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will set up stations with nature games for families and information about the Sanibel refuge and its recovery and how to support the DDWS in its efforts to help build back and reinforce its conservation education and wildlife and water-quality preservation and research missions The event will also feature local well-known musicians

Other Bell Tower merchants will be participating Suncoast Beverage Sales will have beer available for sale.

The event is free and open to the public

For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact April Boehnen at aprilb@dingdarlingsociety org or 239-292-0566

Bell Tower is at 13499 S Cleveland Ave , Fort Myers

‘All Florida’ exhibit open at Alliance

The 37th All Florida Exhibition will be on display now through April 1 at the Alliance for the Arts, at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

I t s h o w c a s e s p r o m i n e n t a n d e m e r g i n g F l o r i d a a r t i s t s O u t o f m o r e t h a n 7 0 0 s u b m i s s i o n s , t h e j u r o r s e l e c t e d 6 6 p i e c e s t o b e i n c l u d e d i n t h i s y e a r ' s i n s t a l lm e n t o f t h e a l l i a n c e ' s l o n g e s t r u n n i n g e x h i b i t i o n

The exhibit is sponsored by American Art Collector and International Artist Magazine

Gallery admission is free, but a $5 donation keeps programming affordable and accessible

For more information, visit ArtInLee org/AllFlorida 2023

Tribute band to per for m at BIG ARTS April 1

Absolute Queen, a tribute to the iconic rock band, will perform on April 1 at 8 p m at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Tickets are $62 Full bar beverages will be available Sponsored by Gustav and Vibeke Christensen. For more information or tickets, visit the box office or call 239-395-0900

Help Clean Up Lee County!

Keep Lee County Beautiful, Inc (KLCB) is the local organizer of the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup and has been hosting the event for 25 years. The event encourages residents and visitors to make a difference in their neighborhoods and communities

The 2023 Great American Cleanup will take place on Saturday, April 1, at multiple locations across Lee County from 8am to 11am Volunteers will be cleaning waterways, shorelines, roadways, and parks in the largest one-day event to help protect the environment

Hurricane Ian left an impact on every corner of our county making this cleanup more important than ever

Since January, Keep Lee County Beautiful has already worked with over 600 volunteers removing over 20,000 pounds of trash and debris.

Gulf Coast Harmonizers to present

31st Annual Spring Show March 25 & 26

The Gulf Coast Harmonizers will

Saturday, March 25, at 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 26, at 2 p m , at Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers

Come hear a cappella four-part harmony in true barbershop style

The performance will be featuri n g t h e G u l f C o a s t H a r m o n i z e r Chorus, chorus quartets and talented recent champion quartet Brouhaha, described as “The Quintessentially Quirky Quartet ”

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

K e e p L e e C o u n t y B e a u t i f u l i s t r u l y g r a t e f u l f o r t h e t r e m e n d o u s v o l u n t e e r s a n d t h e i r d e d i c a t i o n a n d h a r d w o r k a s w e c o n t i n u e t o w o r k t o g e t h e r i n o u r r e c o v e r y K L C B j u s t c e l e b r a t e d t h e i r 3 4 t h a n n i v e r s a r y s e r v i n g L e e C o u n t y a n d i s s o p r o u d t o b e p a r t o f o u r c o m m un i t y h e l p i n g t o m a k e t h e p l a c e w e l i v e , w o r k , a n d p l a y b e a u t i f u l . V i s i t w w w . k l c b . o r g o r c a l l 2 3 9 - 3 3 4 - 3 4 8 8 t o f i n d o u t h o w t o g e t i n v o l v e d a n d s u p p o r t K L C B a n d t h e i r e f f o r t s

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following walks are scheduled:

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

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

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

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

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

Alliance for the Arts to present “The Hatmaker’s Wife”

Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts is proud to present “The Hatmaker’s Wife ” First premiering OffBroadway in 2013, this whimsical and poignant play based on a book by the same title, made its way down to our very own Fould’s Theatre

Tickets are $25 with a $5 discount for seniors and students, and can be purchased from Harmonizer members, at the door or on the g r o u p ' s w e b s i t e a t g c h a r m o n i zers com using the donation button and following the directions provided

This bittersweet comedy will have you believing in the possibility of transcending worlds where love and family will always remain the most important aspects of life This sweet and surreal story bends time and space to redefine the idea of family, home, and true love itself

The production is generously sponsored by Janet and Bruce Bunch

Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members and available at ArtInLee org or by calling the box office at 239939-2787 Performances are March 16 – 18 and 23 – 25 at 7:30 p m and March 26 at 2 p m

Pace Center for Girls, Lee to host

15th annual Grande Dames Tea April 4

Pace Center for Girls, Lee has announced its 15th annual Grande Dames Tea presented by B Pat O’Rourke, taking place from 1 to 3 p m on Tuesday, April 4 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd , Fort Myers

Each year, Pace’s Grande Dames Tea honors women who exemplify the organization’s guiding principles and have made a significant impact through their roles in business, community and philanthropy The inspirational event recognizes the unique perspectives and powerful insights that these women have gained throughout their life journeys, and the importance of passing this knowledge along to future generations With the event’s theme, “The Wisdom of Time – Honoring the Female Spirit,” honorees will share their wisdom during a Q&A session led by the young women of Pace Guests will also enjoy special performances by the Pace girls, and a virtual auction featuring an array of packages from local businesses

The 15th annual event is chaired by Kelly L Fayer along with co-chairs Marlene S Moulton, M D , and Kellie Urban This year’s honorary chair is Pace Lee founder Gail Markham The 2023 Grande Dames honorees will be announced in the coming weeks

A Friends of Pace table for six is available for $600. Sponsorship opportunities are available, including Golden Teacup sponsor for $7,500, Silver Teacup sponsor for $5,000, Fascinator sponsor for $2,500, Silver Teaspoon sponsor for $1,500 and in-kind sponsorships

Proceeds from the event benefit Pace Lee and its strength-based programs that guide Pace girls in finding their voice and achieving their potential Programs are based on the belief that all girls and young women, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, should be uniquely cared for, supported and encouraged to become the best versions of themselves through a path of healing and recovery

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit P a c e C e n t e r o r g / L o c a t i o n s / F l o r i d a / L e e / 1 5 t h - A n n u a lGrande-Dames-Tea or call 239-425-2366

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

Lee County LWV to present Climate Change Program

The League of Women Voters of Lee County will host a free Climate Change Program on April 1 at 9:30 a.m. at Collaboratory, at 2031 Jackson St , Fort

Myers, as well as virtually via Zoom

The speaker will be Diz Swift, co-chair of the LWV National Climate Interest G r o u

PowerPoint presentation, followed by a Q&A session Check-in will begin at 9 a.m. For more information or to register,

mate-change-tickets-583848004097 or contact reservations@lwvlee org or 239278-1032.

On the Table SWFL set for community

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The community has an opportunity to engage in conversations with others to generate ideas to create a more sustainable and vibrant Southwest Florida through On the Table SWFL

The regional civic engagement conversations will be held on March 30

Collaboratory spokesperson Noelle Casagrande said On the Table has been done nationally before, with the first On the Table SWFL held in 2019 with more than 1,500 participants This year, given the regional scope, they wanted to partner with the Community Foundation of Collier County and Charlotte Community Foundation to drive the strategic work

“It’s super simple The concept is very interesting,” she said “It’s a one-day regional conversation with neighbors, friends, coworkers and volunteers getting

together over a meal, or a cup of coffee to share what matters most to them ”

They are encouraging table hosts to have anywhere from eight to 15 people, at such places as churches, community centers, restaurants and at Collaboratory

“The theme is up to each host,” Casagrande said. “The idea is transforming Southwest Florida, reimagining new possibilities for our region ”

Individuals can also visit onthetableswfl com/join to attend tables at such places as Patty’s Place Concierge Youth Mental Health Care in Cape Coral

“This is where we are populating all of the public tables that the general community can join,” she said “Patty’s Place just had their grand opening They are hosting a public table for 20 people in the community that day If you are interested in joining that conversation, you can click on location, or search by ZIP code and join that table ”

Some of the starter questions include what brought

you to the table, what are your hopes for the community now and in the long term, as well as what are some potential solutions to the problems being identified today

Casagrande said with what the community has experienced with Hurricanes Ian and Irma and COVID, these conversations are more important than ever to have regarding recovery and rebuilding

“Every voice matters This is regional Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties Coastal community or inland community, we want those voices at the table to be heard,” she said

Once the conversations are completed, Florida Gulf Coast University will survey the participants

“They are working with us on the survey questions and coordinating all of that for the community impact report at the end,” Casagrande said, which will be given to everyone who participated

For more information, visit onthetableswfl.com.

Family event to feature archery, live entertainment and more

I n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h B e l l T o w e r a n d T w o L a n e L a g e r , t h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e S o c i e t y - F r i e n d s o f t h e R e f u g e w i l l p r e s e n t S o u n d s o f t h e S a n d o n M a r c h 2 5 t o s u p p o r t t h e r e c o v e r y e f f o r t s a n d c o n s e r v a t i o n o u t r e a c h o f t h e J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e R e f u g e o n S a n i b e l a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n d e s t r o y e d m u c h o f i t s h a b i t a t a n d i n f r as t r u c t u r e

The family-friendly event will take place from 1 to 7 p m at the Fort Myers shopping plaza, featuring Sanibel guitarist and vocalist Danny Morgan with steel d r u m m u s i c i a n J o h n M c L a n e

Performances by The Lineup Band and Peter Kolter will play warm-up for the main act A stilt-walker and other local bands will also be on hand for the free event

The refuge will set up stations with nature games for families, as well as offer i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e r e f u g e a n d i t s recovery and how to donate to the DDWS t o s u p p o r t r e f u g e c o n s e r v a t i o n w o r k , including post-hurricane habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and environmental education

Distributor of Two Lane American

G o l d e n L a g e r B e e r b r a n d , S u n c o a s t

Beverage Sales will sell beer, with the profits going directly to the DDWS

Other Bell Tower merchants, including several displaced from their island locations, will offer in-store specials and will participate out in the plaza Activities will also include archery instruction, facepainting, axe-throwing, a bounce house, lawn games, themed photo ops, and cotton candy Musicians will perform on the main stage and at stations at either end of the shopping plaza

E v e n t s p o n s o r B u b b l y L a t i t u d e , a

Sanibel-based Bell Tower merchant, will donate 15 percent of its profits from sales that day

For more information or to become a

sponsor, contact event organizer April B o e h n e n a t aprilb@dingdarlingsociety org or check t h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e S o c i e t y

Facebook page

Bell Tower is at 13499 S Cleveland Ave , Fort Myers

Lee Health seeks blood donations to replenish supply levels

Lee Health is seeking blood donations to help replenish supply levels

Blood and blood products are not only used in the trauma center, but also to treat cancer patients, premature babies, anemia and a variety of other conditions Lee Health’s blood centers are the sole supplier of all products for the health system

About 800 units of blood are needed per week, and the blood centers rely on life to saving donations from the community to maintain inventory levels.

The Lee Health Blood Mobile will be at the following locations:

∫ Today, March 22: Lee County

∫ March 23: AAA, at 2516 Colonial Blvd , Fort Myers, from 8:30

∫

Department, at 2210 Widman Way, Fort Myers, from 1 to 4 p m

∫ March 27: Florida SouthWestern State College, Behind the S Building in Lot #12, at 8099 College Parkway SW, Fort Myers, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

∫ March 27: Lee Health Coconut

P o i n t , a t 2 3 4 5 0 V i a C o c o n u t P o i n t , Estero, from 10 a m to 3 p m

All blood donated at Lee Health stays within the system to care for patients in Southwest Florida If unable to attend a drive, donations can also be made at one

of Lee Health’s blood centers

For more information on how and where to donate, visit https://www leehealth org/our-services/blood-centers

REFUGE/DDWS

Certified J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge instructors will offer archery lessons as part of the lineup for Sounds of the Sands on March 25 from 1 to 7 p m at Bell Tower in Fort Myers

Appalachian Road Show to perform at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host the acoustic ensemble, Appalachian Road Show, for the final Rhythm on the River concert of the season The group performs

b l u e g r a s s a n d

f o l k m u s i c , a s well as original songs. The event

w i l l t a k e p l a c e

F r i d a y , M a r c h

31, on the Ford lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River Gates open at 6 p m and the concert starts at 6:30 p m

Band members include Grammy-nominated banjoist

B a r r y A b e r n a t h y , G r a m m y - w i n n i n g f i d d l e r J i m

VanCleve, vocalist and mandolinist Darrell Webb (who has recorded and toured with Dolly Parton), Grammywinning bassist Todd Phillips, and guitarist Zeb Snyder Abernathy, VanCleve, and Webb were each born and raised in Appalachia Abernathy sang in his church as a young boy, VanCleve has played the fiddle since he was six years old, and Webb grew up with the influence of bluegrass music

The group's music tells stories from the mountains and valleys of North Carolina and Virginia and the coal mines of West Virginia and Kentucky Those stories include topics of logging, coal mining, trains, and lost love in their hit songs such as “I Am Just a Pilgrim,” “Little Black Train,” “Dance, Dance, Dance,” and the ballad of love and loss in “Anna Lee ”

The band's first album had three number-one songs on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay charts Then, in 2019, the band was nominated for the New Artist of the Year and Song of the Year (“Dance Dance Dance”) at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards In 2021, the group was named Instrumental Group of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards

Food and beverage vendors will have light refreshments available for purchase No coolers or picnic baskets will be permitted Free parking is available in the

main Edison Ford parking lot at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers.

Tickets may be purchased online or at the ticket counter Individual tickets purchased in advance are $30 for Edison Ford members or $35 for non-members; tickets at the door will be $40 Individual ticket holders should

bring a lawn chair A VIP seating area may be reserved by the table for $225. Each table holds up to 5 people; table ticket price includes the use of a table and chairs For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit EdisonFord org

Eighth annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival to be held April 22

T h e e i g h t h a n n u a l Bonita Springs Short Film Festival is back The event and red-carpet gala will be held on Thursday, April 20, at Prado Stadium 12 Theatre in Bonita Springs, beginning at 6 p.m.

The 2023 competition theme “Good Deeds” will encourage filmmakers of all ages, stages, and walks of life, to participate and showcase their talent on the giant silver screen Filmmakers can pick any genre (comedy, drama, docu-

mentary, western, etc ) and tell a story through film

T h e f e s t i v a l i s n o w a c c e p t i n g f o o t a g e f r o m any location, particularly f r o m S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a , though judges like films shot in Bonita Springs and t h o s e f i l m s w i l l r e c e i v e a d d i t i o n a l p o i n t s T h e filmmaker must hold all parts of the film’s rights Failure to observe this rule can disqualify the entry For any questions about using specific footage, please get in touch with the

Antonio Correia, at 239-404-3377

Each film/video must be 1 minute to 10 minutes long, with an exciting story for everyone to enjoy Award categories include Best Overall, Best Depiction of Bonita Springs, Most O r i g i n a l , B e s t F i l m U n d e r 1 8 , B e s t Musical Video and the People’s Choice Award “We are very excited to see the results of this festival especially after all of the good deeds that filled Southwest F l o r i d a p o s t h u r r i c a n e I a n , ” s t a t e s

A n t o n i o C o r r e i a , t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n ’ s founder Company sponsors include City of B o n i t a S p r i n g s , H e n d e r s o n F r a n k l i n

Attorneys at Law, Bonita Print Shop, Bonita Springs Historical Society, Heaven Scent Flowers & Boutique, Bonita Video, M & M Multi Media and TLC Marketing & Creative Services; Inc

Friends of the Festival include Connie & S t e v e M c I n t o s h , G a r y P r i c e , A m y Quaremba and Kathy McGrath. For more information about the Film Festival, visit w w w B o n i t a S p r i n g s f i l m f e s t i v a l c o m o r c h e c k t h e B o n i t a S p r i n g s F e s t i v a l Facebook page, where there will be weekly updates Contact Film Fest Executive D i r e c t o r , A n t o n i o C o r r e i a a t antonio@bonitavideo com

Refuge announces reopening for Wildlife Drive, visitor center

To celebrate the 120th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System on March 14, the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel announced the rollout of its post-Hurricane Ian reopenings

On Sept 28, the near Category 5 storm ravaged the refuge's habitat and facilities, triggering the closure of all its waters and land to public access On Feb 1, the refuge reopened the Tarpon Bay Recreation Area. On April 4, it will reopen the gate to Wildlife Drive for the first time with a Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony The refuge's Visitor & Education Center will also reopen that day

“The 'Ding' team, with help from refuge crews around the U S , has been working nonstop to get parts of the refuge open so the public can once again view the wildlife, which has made a remarkable comeback

since Hurricane Ian, especially the birds,” Refuge Complex Project Leader Kevin Godsea said “It's fitting that we make the auspicious, highly anticipated announcement of our Sanibel reopening to honor the occasion when, 120 years ago, President Theodore Roosevelt created the National Wildlife Refuge System right here in Florida, at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.”

The observation tower on Wildlife Drive suffered little damage from the storm, and it too will be accessible as of April 4, along with a section of the Indigo Trail, Wildlife Education Boardwalk, and Wulfert Key Trail Fishing and paddlecraft-launching spots on Wildlife Drive will also reopen, and narrated tram tours will recommence initially on Tuesday and Thursday only

The Wildlife Drive hours will start out on Saturday through Thursday from 7 a m to 5

p m Entrance fees remain the same as preIan: $10 for vehicles, and $1 for pedestrians and cyclists older than 15

Along with the exhibit area in the Visitor & Education Center, the Refuge Nature Store will be open on Saturday through Thursday from 9 a m to 4 p m The center’s auditoriums and classroom will remain closed until further notice

Facilities also to remain closed will include: most of the Indigo Trail, except for the segment between Wildlife Drive and the Wildlife Education Boardwalk; Mangrove Overlook; Calusa Shell Mound Trail; and the trails of Bailey Tract Staff continues cleanup efforts in these areas with the help of volunteers No reopening dates have been set for these facilities

At the Tarpon Bay Recreation Area, the Tarpon Bay Explorers recreation concession is offering limited facilities, rentals, and

tours Hours are from 8 a m to 5 p m Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with last rentals issued at 3 p m Guided kayaking tours of the Commodore Creek Trail are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a m

“We could not have mitigated the severe damage we suffered this quickly without the incredible support of our wonderful friends group, the 'Ding' Darling Wildlife Society, and all the help we received with cleanup from civic groups, condo associations, students, and just so many other volunteers,” Godsea said “Thanks to everyone who brought us to this point Cleanup will be ongoing for quite a while, so it’s tremendously gratifying to see and feel the love from friends and fans all over the U S ”

For more information about the narrated tram tours at the refuge, visit tarponbayexplorers com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Band members from the Appalachian Road Show pose with their instruments

SPORTS & RecReaTiOn

Edison and Ford Winter Estates to host Vintage ‘Base Ball’ games at Terry Park

On March 26, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host its annual Vintage "Base Ball" Tournament at historic Terry Park in Fort Myers The teams will play several consecutive games throughout the day in a small tournament format. The gates will open at 9:30 a.m. with the first game starting at 10 a m

Vintage base ball (baseball in the 1860s, was spelled with two words) is played by 1860s rules, which include using wooden bats, no gloves and lemon peel baseballs Players will wear vintage uniforms and the umpires will call the shots the way they did during the time period

T h e v i n t a g e t e a m r o s t e r t o d a t e i n c l u d e s t h e

A w k w a r d s V i n t a g e B a s e B a l l o f C e n t r a l F l o r i d a , Bradenton Shamrocks Vintage Base Ball Club, the Early Riser BBC of Detroit, Vagabonds Base Ball Club (Fort Myers home team), and the Wyandotte Stars BBC (Michigan). Additional teams may be added and visiting players may join a team for the day Admission to the vintage base ball tournament at Terry Park will be $5 for adults; kids 18 and under will be admitted free

The game coincides with major league baseball spring training that is now locally played at JetBlue Park, the Lee County Sports Complex and Hammond Stadium; however, Terry Park was once the hub of baseball’s spring training, and where Thomas Edison was a frequent visitor

Histor y of Terr y Park and the Connection to Thomas Edison

In 1921, Dr Marshall Terry, along with his wife Tootie McGregor-Terry, donated several acres of land that had in its earliest days been a cow pasture and later the site of the Lee County fair Lee County government took formal possession of the land, which was a mile east of the City of Fort Myers with the stipulation that “all property shall be used as a park and public property ”

U s i n g t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n s p u t f o r t h b y C o r n e l i u s McGillicuddy, aka “Connie Mack,” manager and owner of the Philadelphia Athletics, construction of the original ball field began in 1923 and was officially named Terry Park After two years of negotiations between Mack and a committee led by Richard Richards Sr , owner of the Fort Myers Royal Palm Pharmacy, the Athletics agreed to play their spring training games in Fort Myers starting in 1925

Terry Park served as the official spring training home of the Athletics until 1936 The team won the World Series in both 1929 and 1930 Over the next five decades, other major league baseball teams used the ballpark to play their pre-season exhibition games, including t h e C l e v e l a n d I n d i a n s , K a n s a s C i t y R o y a l s a n d Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famers such as George Brett, Roberto Clemente, Ty Cob, Jimmy Foxx, and Babe Ruth are just some of stars that graced the fields at Terry Park, helping bring national exposure to the “City of Palms ”

Thomas Edison, world-famous inventor and businessman, was also a die-hard baseball fan In a 1927 interview, Edison was quoted as saying “Baseball is the greatest of American games I don’t believe you can find a more ardent follower of baseball than myself, as a day seldom passes when I do not read sporting pages of the newspaper ” Edison decided to visit Terry Park on a few occasions to watch the Athletics play, even seizing one opportunity to participate in the team’s batting practice session

“According to historic documents, Ty Cobb volunteered to pitch to the 80-year-old Edison, who subsequently hit a line drive that knocked Ty Cobb down who was standing half-way between the mound and home plate,” said Matt Andres, Curatorial Registrar at Edison and Ford Winter Estates “As a result, Edison and an army of reporters roared with laughter after humbling one the leagues greatest players While Cobb was dusting himself off, the inventor quipped, ‘think you can hit them like that when you’re 80'? A few days later the entire team visited Mr and Mrs Edison at their Fort Myers' estate and toured the property and had lunch with the legendary inventor ”

Presentation at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

For spectators wanting to learn more about the history of spring training and the baseball legends that played in F o r t M y e r s , E d i s o n F o r d p r o g r a m m a n a g e r , H o l l y Shaffer, will give a presentation on March 24 and March 25 at 11 a m The presentation is included with general admission to Edison and Ford Winter Estates

New Exhibit Planned

In partnership with Connie Mack's family, a new baseball exhibit is planned for the museum at Edison and Ford Winter Estates and is scheduled to open this spring The exhibit will feature original artifacts and photographs on loan from the Mack family, connecting Thomas Edison, Connie Mack and baseball in Fort Myers The exhibit will also trace the long history of Fort Myers as a Spring Training site, resulting in World Series pennants for every team that trained here longer than two years The exhibit is

scheduled to be on display for five years

For more information about Edison and Ford Winter Estates, visit EdisonFord.org.

h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h

Gray triggerfish opens for recreational harvest

G r a y t r i g g e r f i s h o p e n e d t o r e c r e a t i o n a l h a r v e s t i n G u l f s t a t e a n d f e d e r a l w a t e r s o n M a r c h 1 .

I f y o u p l a n t o f i s h f o r g r a y t r i g g e r f i s h i n s t a t e o r f e d e r a l w a t e r s f r o m a p r i v a t e r e c r e a t i o n a l v e s s e l , y o u m u s t s i g n u p a s a S t a t e R e e f F i s h A n g l e r

( a n n u a l r e n e w a l i s r e q u i r e d ) T o l e a r n m o r e , v i s i t

M y F W C c o m / M a r i n e a n d c l i c k o n “ R e c r e a t i o n a l

R e g u l a t i o n s ” a n d “ S t a t e R e e f F i s h S u r v e y ” u n d e r

“ R e e f F i s h ” S i g n u p t o d a y a t

G o O u t d o o r s F l o r i d a c o m

L e a r n m o r e a b o u t r e c r e a t i o n a l f i s h i n g r e g u l a -

t i o n s a t M y F W C c o m / M a r i n e b y c l i c k i n g o n

“ R e c r e a t i o n a l R e g u l a t i o n s ” o r d o w n l o a d t h e F i s h

R u l e s A p p a t I n s t a g r a m . c o m / F i s h R u l e s o r

F a c e b o o k c o m / F i s h R u l e s A p p

b s e r v e r

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Vagabonds Base Ball club is the Fort Myers home team and includes Tom Hottovy, edison Ford cFO (third from left) and Matt andres, edison Ford curatorial Registrar (fourth from left).

PHOTO PROVIDED Ty cobb, Thomas edison, and connie Mack at Terry Park in 1927.

FWC: Tips to safely co-exist with alligators

Signs of spring balmy weather, blooming f l o w e r s a n d n e s t i n g b i r d s a r e o c c u r r i n g throughout Florida Warmer temperatures also mean alligators are more active and visible The F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n r e c o m m e n d s t a k i n g p r e c a u t i o n s when in and around the water

While serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, the FWC offers the following tips about how to safely co-exist with them:

∫ Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator and never feed one When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food

∫ Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.

∫ Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge and never let them swim in fresh or brackish water Pets often resemble alligators’ natural prey

∫ Call the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) if you believe an alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property and the FWC will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur

∫ Find more resources about living with alligators and Spanish translation information tools at MyFWC com/Alligator

Florida’s state reptile, the American alligator is a conservation success story Florida has a healthy and stable population, which is estimated at 1 3 million alligators of every size They are found in freshwater lakes, ponds, swamps and slow-moving rivers in all 67 counties in Florida.

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , M a r c h

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