Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

FEMA announces end to flood insurance discount

B y N AT H A N M AY B E R G

n e w s @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m

T h e F e

C o u n t y i n a g u t p u n c h t h a t l o c a l o f f i c i a l s d e c r i e d f o r i t s s w i f t n e s s

“This announcement from FEMA that it is altering discounts on the National Flood Insurance Program premiums is contrary to their mission.”

Fort Myers

Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt

F E M A o f f i c i a l s c i t e d c o r r e s p o n d e n c e t o L e e C o u n t y o f f i c i a l s d a t i n g b a c k t o l a s t s u m m e r d e t a i l i n g c o n c e r n s a b o u t t h e i s s u a n c e o f p e r m i t s t h a t w e r e n ’ t m e e t i n g t o w n c o d e s a s w e l l a s w o r k b e i n g d o n e w i t h o u t p e r m i t s O n F o r t M y e r s B e a c h , T o w n M a n a g e r A n d y H y a

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

T h e T o w n o f F o r t M y e r s B e a c h Council voted Monday

Ron DeSantis.

The town had requested last year an appropriation of $24 million to rebuild its town hall though the request never

made its way into the state budget

During Monday’s meeting, Director of Operations Frankie Kropacek said the bill of sale is conditioned on funding from the state though he said there are also contingency plans being made in case the funding doesn’t come through

Abortion, marijuana, on November ballot

Associated Press

The Florida Supreme Court issued rulings Monday allowing the state’s voters to decide whether to protect abortion rights and legalize recreational use of marijuana, rejecting the state attorney general’s arguments that the measures should be kept off the November ballot

The court also upheld a state law banning abortion after six weeks

The proposed new amendment to the state's abortion laws which will be voted on in November would protect the right to an abortion after the state legislature in backto-back years passed tougher restrictions on abortion

Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody argued that the proposed ballot measure for abortion deceptive and that voters won’t realize just how far it will expand access to the procedure

The Florida Supreme Court on Monday upheld the state’s ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which means a subsequently passed six-week ban can soon take effect

The court that was reshaped by Republican Gov Ron DeSantis ruled that the 15-week ban signed by DeSantis in 2022 can take effect The ban has been enforced while it was being challenged in court A six-week ban passed in the 2023 legislative session was written so that it would not take effect until a month after the 2022 law was upheld.

Most abortions are obtained before the 15-week mark, so the current ban does not affect most people seeking abortion But a six-week ban will likely have a major impact on women seeking abortions in Florida and throughout the South

DeSantis appointed five of the court’s seven justices Many women do not even realize they are pregnant until several weeks into their pregnancies

The lawsuit challenging the abortion

Beach

We are often asked: “Why do you march?” “Why are you still marching?” We and others have been marching since 2017, organized nationally and in state/local organizations nationwide in response to Donald Trump’s election, an incarnation of a tradition begun in 1913 when 5,000 women marched on Washington in the first large-scale march in American history The goal then was the right to vote Rights continue to be center stage today

One hundred and eleven years later, on March 23, 2024, over 250 residents marched in Fort Myers at the Old Lee Courthouse in this year’s second event The National Organization for Women, Lee County Chapter, co-organized both events

So, why do we march?

Lyn McElhaney

We march in Fort Myers to acknowledge predecessors who paved the way for progress, affirm women of today who continue fighting for rights, and support women of tomorrow whose future we want to be better than ours

We march in Fort Myers to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to justice and equality, as well as to recognize those who have been marginalized, discriminated against, or denied opportunities because of their identity, beliefs, and personal choices

We march in Fort Myers in response to a world where inequality per-

‘DING’ DARLING

On March 11, Florida and the entire U S Fish & Wildlife Service

( F W S ) r e j o i c e d w i t h t h e f i n a l approval of the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area, a wildlife corridor years in the planning The 571st FWS unit, it brought celeb r a t i o n a n d a n e w m e m o r i a l plaque at the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Sebastian, the nation’s first national wildlife refuge The victory came just days before the 121st anniversary of the FWS What a way to celebrate! A p a r t

t i o n a g e n c i e s , f a r m e r s a n d o t h e r l a n d o w n e r s , t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n a r e a p r o v i d e s a c o h e s i v e r u n w a y o f g o v e r n m e n t l a n d s a n d p r i v a t e e a s e m e n t s t o e n s u r e t h e s u r v i v a l o f m o r e t h a n 1 0 0 p r o t e c t e d s p e c i e s , i n c l u d i n g t h e w i d e - r a n g i n g e n d a n g e r e d F l o r i d a p a n t h e r I n f a c t , t h e F l o r i d a P a n t h e r N a t i o n a l W i l d l i

sists, gender-based violence continues, and women’s voices are often drowned out or dismissed

We march in Fort Myers because women have had their rights taken away, including the right to make decisions about their bodies. That right must be defended aggressively and without compromise because it is about bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom

We march in Fort Myers as an act of defiance, refusing to accept the status quo as acceptable We also marched in testimony, acknowledging women’s resilience in the face of obstacles We seek a society where women can thrive, free from discrimination and fear, and where caring, concern, and empathy are more broadly embraced than today

We march in Fort Myers to remind everyone that we must respect and uphold the human rights of all people, including women, girls, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, low-income people, and racial and ethnic minorities.

We march in Fort Myers for all those reasons, inspired by Alice Walker’s words (author of The Color Purple), “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any ”

Women had power in 1913, just as they do today That is why we marched on March 23 and will continue marching

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge is the nonprofit that financially supports nature conservation, wildlife protection and education efforts for the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Florida For more information, visit www dingdarlingsociety org Massive victory made for conservation

Connie Bennett-Martin is the president of Women’s March Fort Myers

How to stay at the top of your game during pickleball season

In 2022, the Sports and F i t n e s s I n d u s t r y Association said pickleball w a s t h e f a s t e s t g r o w i n g sport in America with 4 8 million people playing at t h e t i m e . L a s t y e a r , t h e A s s o c i a t i o n o f P i c k l e b a l l Players said the number of players in the United States climbed to 36 5 million

It’s fast-paced, a serious workout and a great way to meet friends and spend time with loved ones About nine parks in Lee County and m a n y c o m m u n i t i e s h a v e access to pickleball courts a n d i t ’ s n o w a f a v o r i t e among players of all ages

Dr Diana Young Guest Commentary

Here are some ways to make sure your body is in tip-top shape so you can play your best game yet and an injury doesn’t take you out of a match

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis It's normally played on a badminton-sized court with a low net and players use paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a plastic perforated ball back and forth Like tennis, it can be played as singles or doubles and the rules are similar to tennis as well

What are some common pickleball injuries?

Injuries from overuse can develop over time, including shoulder or knee pain If players notice they need to take more frequent breaks due to that pain, it could be a sign of an overuse injury. It will happen gradually and may not be something the player initially notices

Like tennis elbow, pickleball elbow is also common It is inflammation or irritation of one of the large tendons on the outside of the elbow

Keep an eye on your body and make an appointment with a physician if you experience intense swelling, can’t move the part of your body that’s injured, if anything looks deformed or you hear a “pop” after an injury or fall.

The strains and sprains of pickleball

L i k e o t h e r r a c q u e t s p o r t s , sprains/strains of the lower extremities,

sprains/strains of the upper extremities and injuries of the trunk and lower back are the most common pickl e b a l l i n j u r i e s T h i s i s because these are the muscles and areas of the body that are used to actively move around the court and hit the ball

S p r a i n e d a n k l e s a n d pulled hamstrings are some examples of acute injuries during a pickleball game

Sometimes all it takes is one specific movement in w h i c h t h e p l a y e r s t e p s wrong or lunges for a ball to hurt the muscle. If an injury does occur, the best thing a player can do is take a break

It’s best to see a doctor if an injury is so severe that it hurts to put weight on it or if t h e r e i s a c o n s i d e r a b l e a m o u n t o f swelling An X-ray can rule out a major injury to the bone or other area of concern

What can i do before a game to help prevent injuries?

One of the best things players can do is to know their bodies If you have a prior injury or are prone to knee problems or another issue, accommodate those things and know when your body is reaching its limit.

Stretching before and after a game will also go a long way toward helping your body prepare for and cool down after a match, with particular focus on the calf muscles and hamstrings If you’ve been hitting the courts hard and your body is feeling tired, rest for a few days before participating in another match

If you’re new to the game, start slowly and don’t push yourself more than you need to Make sure you’re using the right e q u i p m e n t a n d w e a r i n g t h e p r o p e r footwear

If you haven’t been active in a long time, it’s also a good idea to get a wellness exam and talk to your doctor before considering the sport

For more information and to make an appointment with a physician, please visit www leehealth org

Dr Diana Young is an orthopedic surgeon with the Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute.

BUSINESS

Mr. Waves approved for special exception permit

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council voted unanimously to approve a special exception permit for Mr Waves Island Bar to operate a bar/cocktail lounge within 500 feet of a park

The bar and restaurant, which is located off Fifth Street at Times Square, is next to Lynn Hall Memorial Park.

According to Jason Smalley, with the town’s planning and community development department, the permit and designation will allow Mr Waves Island Bar to continue using their alcohol license even in a month where 51% of their receipts aren’t for food

Under the agreement with the town, Mr Waves Island Bar will still be required to sell food though a majority of their sales will no longer need to be for food

LPA requested that they continue to serve food even if they don’t meet 51% threshold

Keith Long, an attorney for Mr Waves Island Bar, said the restaurant was looking to move to an unrestricted quota license which will not require them to make food the majority of their sales Long said the change in use was due to a variation in food sales and that the change in use was the same as what Margaritaville was using nearby

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said there was some concern at a previous hearing in front of the Local Planning Agency about the business becoming a nightclub or strictly a bar Allers had asked the town’s legal counsel if the town council could limit the special exception permit to the current owners and bar the permit from being transferred to a potential new owner though the town’s legal counsel advised against that

Special exception permit approval for The Rude Shrimp Co. delayed

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

T h e b u s i n e s s c o u l d b e p e r m i t t e d a s a t e m p o r a r y u s e a n d w o u l d n e e d t o b e r e t u r n t o t h e c o u n c i l f o r a d d i t i o n a l a p p r o v a l s i n s i x m o n t h s T o a d d r e s s c o n c e r n s a b o u t n o i s e , t h e r e s t a u r a n t a n d b a r ’ s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s s a i d t h a t s p e a k e r s h a v e b e e n t u r n e d

a w a y f r o m t h e p u b l i c t o t h e w a t e r T h e

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o t h e r c o n d i t i o n s o f a p p r o

Katja Gonzalez (left) and owners Nina and Daniel Clarkston

Beach Living

Fort Myers Beach announces special events

STAFF REPORT

Town of Fort Myers Beach Public Information Officer Nicole Berzin announced a schedule of special events beginning this month through the summer, including the return of the town's Bay Oaks summer camp June 3 through Aug 9

The summer camp is for children ages 5-12 with a weekly cost of $100 for residents and $150 for nonresidents at the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus, located at 2731 Oak St

The camp features games, field trips, movies, crafts and fishing

For more information, call Bay Oaks at 239-7655222 or visit the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus website at https://www fortmyersbeachfl gov/1071/ Bay-Oaks-Recreational-Campus

∫ Bay Oaks Social Seniors (BOSS)

The Bay Oaks Social Seniors will be attending the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota on Wednesday, April 3 at 7:45 a m

The cost for residents is $45 and the cost for nonresident is $53

The museum offers 21 galleries of European paintings as well as antiquities and Asian, American, and contemporary art

∫ Famous Salty Sam's Pirate Cruise for adults on April 11 at 5 p m

The cost for residents is $35 and $43 for non-residents.

The night will start off at Parrot Key Caribbean Grill for dinner and entertainment by Frank Torino

The cost of dinner is not included in the fee followed by the pirate cruise including a live reggae act

∫ Bike Trip at Myakka River State Park on April 17 at 8 a m

The cost for residents is $10 and $18 for non-residents Enjoy a total of 14 miles biking through Myakka River State Park

∫ Kayak Trip on Estero River on April 24 at 8 a m

The cost for residents is $18 and $26 for non-residents

The group will be paddling for around two hours and then get lunch at a nearby restaurant after the tour.

See SPECIAL EVENTS, page 10

Mound House gets new roof

The Mound House is getting a new roof. The work is expected to be completed by Wednesday

PROVIDED BY TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH

Mound House Calendar

Regular Programs:

Eco-Kayak Tours

Wednesday through Saturday 9 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 c o n d u c t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h F l o r i d a S o c i e t y f o r E t h i c a l Ecotourism guidelines All paddling and kayak safety equipment is provided Ages 12 and up Weather permitting Maximum of 12 paddlers p e r t o u r S h o e s r e q u i r e d ; w a t e r s t r o n g l y r e c o m m e n d e d M o u n d House members save at $20 per person, regular price $50 per person M u s e u m a d m i s s i o n i n c l u d e d Register at MoundHouse.org.

Sunset Kayak Tours

April 5, 6 p m

Schedule to catch a beautiful suns e t i n t h e h i d d e n b a c k w a t e r s o f Estero Bay as only a kayaker can. This tour captures the full beauty and s o l i t u d e o f t h e a r e a ' s m a n g r o v e islands Birds, dolphins, and other possible wildlife can be seen in the glorious colors of the setting sun

Mound House kayak tours are c o n d u c t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h

F l o r i d a S o c i e t y f o r E t h i c a l

Ecotourism guidelines All paddling and safety equipment provided Ages 1 2 a n d u p W e a t h e r p e r m i t t i n g

Mound House members save at $20 per person, regular price $50 per person Museum admission included R e s e r v a t i o n s r e q u i r e d V i s i t www moundhouse org to make your reservations Maximum of 12 paddlers per tour

Shell Mound Tours

W e d n e s d a y t h r o u g h S a t u r d a y , 10-10:30 a m and 2-2:30 p m

Discover the archaeology and history of the site and learn what clues were uncovered about this 1,600year-old shell mound This hands-on tour will explore the environmental and cultural history of the site and feature replica artifact demonstrations. Mound House members save with free tours, and regular price is Museum Admission + $5 No reservation required

April Lecture Series:

Cape Coral, a histor y

Date: Tuesday, April 9, Doors

Open at 5:30 p m , Lecture starts at 6 p m

∫ Speaker: Janel Trull, Executive Director of Cape Coral Museum of History

Title: Cape Coral: A History

Cost: $5

Description: Since its inception in 1987, the Cape Coral Museum of History has sought to discover, preserve, and share the history of Cape Coral through its archives, museum exhibits and public programs Come learn about Cape Coral’s surprisingly deep history, and the people who made the city what it is today

∫ Speaker Biography: Janel Trull

has been the Executive Director of the Cape Coral Museum of History since 2019 Trull’s previous experiences include being associate curator o f t h e F l a g l e r M u s e u m i n P a l m

B e a c h a n d c u r a t o r o f t h e E l l i o t t Museum in Stuart

Kayak Clean-up Paddle

April 13, from 9 to 11 a m

Cost: FREE

D e s c r i p t i o n : J o i n t h e M o u n d

H o u s e a n d K e e p L e e C o u n t y Beautiful for a paddle meet-up and clean-up event at the Mound House! Explore the serene waters of Estero Bay while making a positive impact on the environment Connect with fellow paddlers, enjoy the scenic beauty of Southwest Florida, and help preserve our natural treasures Let's paddle together and make a diff e r e n c e ! S i g n u p n o w a t www MoundHouse org to join the m o v e m e n t R e g i s t e r a t www klcb org

Florida’s First Flowers:

After noon Tea

April 26 from 1 to 3 p m

C o s t : $ 5 + a d m i s s i o n , M o u n d

House members: free

Description: The Mound House invites you to join us for afternoon t e a u n d e r t h e s p r i n g t i m e s u n !

Immerse yourself in the grounds’ historic charm as you enjoy tea and refreshments from teas made from native and Florida-friendly plants

Learn more about the history of tea, and the history of popular plants in F l o r i d a R e g i s t e r a t w w w M o u n d House org

Town parts ways with harbormaster

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Austin Gilchrist, who was the harbormaster for the Town of Fort Myers Beach for the past several years, is no longer employed by the town and officials aren’t saying why

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt informed the town council in calls Monday that the town was no longer employing Gilchrist.

Hyatt declined to comment on the cause of the town’s separation with Gilchrist but confirmed he was no longer employed by the town

Among Gilchrist’s duties was overseeing the town’s mooring field and its expansion He had recently been working on plans to build a new pumpout station for sewage collected by the town's mooring field pumpout boats

Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said Gilchrist “helped to maintain a very high customer service rating for the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field There are however certain issues I can’t discuss because there are privacy issues surrounding personnel matters. Certainly, we thank Austin for his years of service to the Town and wish him nothing but the best ”

PHOTO PROVIDED

F o r m e r To w n o f F o r t M y e r s B e a c h

Harbormaster Austin Gilchrist (second from left) was one of two town employees recognized by the town council in 2018 with helping to rescue a girl in a boating accident Town of 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 H y a t t announced last week that Gilchrist was no longer working for the town

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers declined to comment.

Plans that Gilchrist was working on to build a sewage pump station for the town’s mooring field pumpout boats near residential canals has been controversial Canals off Tropical Shores Way, Virginia Avenue and near the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus were being considered despite pushback from residents at Tropical Shores Way and concern by some members of the Anchorage Advisory Committee and town council Gilchrist had previously been involved in a proposal to build a facility off Tropical Shores Way to service the town's mooring field users, which was also rejected by Tropical Shores Way and the former town council.[gallery ids="644882,647308"]

Back in 2018, the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council recognized Gilchrist and public works employee Jim Cessna with helping to rescue a girl in a boating accident

Gilchrist was earning an annual salary of $66,374 according to town records

The Observer was unable to contact Gilchrist for possible comment

Fort Myers Beach to hold town hall open house April 4

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Town of Fort Myers Beach will hold an open house at its town hall trailer on Oak Street near the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus on Thursday at 8 a m

A ribbon cutting will take place along with a speech from Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers Refreshments will follow along with a tour of the grounds and an opportunity to meet with staff

The open house will conclude at noon to allow staff to resume normal operations

The town acquired trailers for its town hall offices last fall to replace trailers that had been provided through the Florida Division of Emergency Management

The state stopped covering the cost of the trailers last summer and began forwarding the monthly rental costs of the trailers from the firm The monthly charges from T e x a s - b a s e d S L S f l u c t u a t e d b e t w e e n $ 3 1 , 8 1 7 a n d $41,258 90

T h e t o w n a c q u i r e d i t s n e w t r a i l e r s f r o m B o x x Modulars in a contract that will cost of $1 4 million for up to four years

The town council was set to vote Monday on whether to purchase property at 6231 Estero Blvd for $7 million for a new town hall

Seagate Development Group employees participate in Woman’s Club cleanup

A team of employees from Seagate Development Group recently volunteered for a beach cleanup on Fort Myers Beach at the property of the Fort Myers Beach W o m a n ’ s C l u b T h e c l u b h o u s e w a s destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

“We are proud to have several employees as members of the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club,” said Matthew C Price, chief executive officer and partner of S e a g a t e D e v e l o p m e n t G r o u p “ I t ’ s a rewarding experience to have our employees and their family members make a direct impact in our community We look forward to continuing to support such an inspirational group ”

Seagate also donated 20 dumpsters f r o m S o u t h w e s t W a s t e t o d i s p o s e o f everything collected during the beach cleanup event

From page 8

NATHAN MAYBERG

The Town of Fort Myers Beach will hold an open house at its town hall trailer on Oak Street near the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus on Thursday at 8 a.m.

Volunteers with Seagate Development joined in a cleanup at the Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club recently.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Night at the Mound House

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Friends of the Mound House “Artful Intersection 4 0” fundraising gala drew a dedicated group of supporters who raised more than $8,000 on Friday to support the Mound House

Auctions for golf cart tours and dinners with town councilmembers, along with artwork, led to a successful fundraiser for the national historic site on rainy day

“The event, despite or perhaps in part due to the late hour scramble to move to an indoor event, was a grand success,” Friends of the Mound House President Ellen Vaughan said

Initially scheduled to be held under a tent, the event was moved indoors at the Mound House The historic site includes one of the first homes built on Fort Myers Beach The home also happens to sit on an ancient shell mound The shell mound dates back approximately 2,000 years to when it was constructed by the native Calusa tribe

“It was a fun evening in support of our beloved Mound House,” Vaughan said

Securing the seas panel to be held this month

T h e L e e C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’ s O f f i c e a n n o u n c e d t h a t i t w i l l b e h o l d i n g a “Securing the Seas” event April 23 at the D i a m o n d H e a d B e a c h R e s o r t o n F o r t Myers Beach

A panel consisting of the Lee County Sheriff’s Marine Unit, U S Coast Guard a n d t h e L e e C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’ s C r i m e Prevention Unit will present their insights and expertise on topics involving law enforcement on local waterways

Resort on 2000 Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach

The event will take place from 10 a m t o n o o n a t t h e D i a m o n d H e a d B e a c h

The event aims to shed light on the role law enforcement plays in detecting and disrupting illegal activities such as drugs, human trafficking, new laws, safety regulations, burglary and theft prevention

Following the presentations there will

be an interactive session where the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the panelists

We believe that this event will provide valuable information and foster a better understanding of the efforts being made to ensure the safety of our community

Joy Sullivan (left to right), Brenda Atterholt and Nan Williams attended the Friends of the Mound House fundraiser gala at the Mound House Friday despite heavy rains on Fort Myers Beach

NATHAN MAYBERG

Valerie’s House opens Family is Forever home

Valerie’s House celebrated the grand opening of its new Family is Forever home March 14 with a ribboncutting and tours of the new facility at 3551 Shoemaker Lane, now known as 3551 Valerie’s House Way, in Fort Myers

A total of $3 million was raised toward the cost of the new home, which is built on land donated by the City of Fort Myers under a $1 per year lease

“We are incredibly grateful to all of the people and organizations who have made this possible,” said CEO Angela Melvin Churchill “Having this space will open the door to building more partnerships, educating our community, and most importantly, giving us the needed space to help thousands more families and children who are grieving ”

The home is a cozy, warm, old Florida style structure, with special rooms like a volcano room, which allows children to work out any anger or other emotions they have because of their loss The 7,000-square-foot facility will allow Valerie’s House to provide wrap-around services, such as individual grief counseling, parenting classes, and family retreats to support families who need it

“From the moment you walk through the doors we want families to feel at home Along with a beautiful outdoor space for the children to play and large dining area for family meals, there also are rooms dedicated to every age group,” Churchill said “From little ones, to teens, to caregivers, each group has their own space designed for them to come together to support one another through healing activities and discussions ”

Valerie’s House has helped more than 5,000 children and their families since its founding in 2016 by Angela Melvin Churchill, whose mother, Valerie, was killed in a car accident in Fort Myers in 1987

One in seven children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 25, according to the 2022 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model

Valerie’s House currently offers peer support groups and other activities at locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, and Port Charlotte Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations

For more information about Valerie’s House or to m a k e a d o n a t i o n t o t h e F o r e v e r H o m e , v i s i t

www valerieshouse org/forever-home call 239-2045804.

About Valerie’s House

Valerie’s House opened its first location in Fort Myers, Florida in January 2016 and has served more than 5,000 children and their families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry counties The organization provides a safe, comfortable place for children to share, grieve and heal together following the death of a close family member Valerie’s House has three Southwest Florida locations: 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers, 819 Myrtle Terrace in Naples and 233 East McKenzie Street in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House also expanded into Northwest Florida in 2021 with a home in d o w n t o w n P e n s a c o l a F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www valerieshouse org

The Fort Myers Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary is bringing attention to a new tool to help boaters who may find themselves in emergencies when far off the coast

T h e N a t i o n a l S a f e B o a t i n g C o u n c i l i s p r o m o t i n g g a d g e t s called 406 MHz beacons through their Saved by the Beacon campaign These beacons are like a lifeline in emergencies at sea, the Coast Guard Auxiliary said in a recent news release

The gadgets work by sending out signals that satellites pick up, helping search and rescue teams find you quickly

The NSBC has books, posters, and even videos that explain how

t o u s e E m e r g e n c y P o s i t i o n I n d i c a t i n g R a d i o B e a c o n s

( E P I R B s ) f o r y o u r b o a t o r Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

for yourself at SavedbytheBeacon com

In these videos, folks like Scott S m i l e s , J o h n S i l v e r w o o d , a n d David Hope share their stories of being saved by these beacons

The NSBC wants to remind everyone to register their beacons with NOAA so they're ready to use when needed Southwest Florida Boaters may also learn more about beacons and t h e G l o b a l M a r i t i m e D i s t r e s s System at the Fort Myers Boat A m e r i c a C l a s s o n R e s p o n s i b l e B o a t i n g o n A p r i l 2 0 t h . L e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e c l a s s a

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Valerie's House CEO Angela Melvin Churchill helps cut the ribbon to open the new Family is Forever home at 3551 Valerie's House Way in Fort Myers

Valerie’s House CEO Angela Melvin Churchill stands in front of a portrait of her mother Valerie and her sister Lisa Her mother died in a car accident when she was 10, inspiring the idea for Valerie's House.Valerie’s House CEO Angela Melvin Churchill stands in front of a portrait of her mother Valerie and her sister Lisa. Her mother died in a car accident when she was 10, inspiring the idea for Valerie's House.

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Federal Emergency Management Agency

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Building purchase

A payment of $5,000 will be put into escrow for the sale, according to town officials The earliest the town would be able to gain funding from the state for the purchase would be July 1, Town of Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt said there were two appraisals for the property, with one at $5 56 million by the firm Carlson Norris and the other at $7 million by the firm Regional Real E s t a t e A p p r a i s a l S e r v i c e H y a t t , w h o negotiated the purchase, said he originally offered around $5 5 million for the property before bringing it up to $7 million

H y a t t s a i d t h e b u i l d i n g w i t h s t o o d “minimal damage” from Hurricane Ian “It’s a safe, sound structure in a good location,” he said

Allers said the commercial building at 6231 Estero Boulevard has been looked at for more than year "We have been looking at this location as a potential for town hall for over a year along with two other potential spots to build a new facility," Allers said "With the help of our delegation, we have the potential to purchase the building saving the taxpayers a great deal of money The staff has been in negotiations with the owner, and we will discuss it at our next meeting "

The council has had virtually no formal public discussions about acquiring the property The site had once been considered as a use for the town's mooring field

From page 1

users. Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt and Hyatt said the lack of public discussion regarding the purchase was out of necessity Hyatt said he thought public discussion about such a purchase would have driven up the price

“Anytime a government gets involved in trying to purchase a property, the dynamics change,” Hyatt said “This gentleman approached us when we were looking at stormwater issue over the summer “

Atterholt said that the 6231 Estero Blvd property has been for sale since before Hurricane Ian

"It has been under consideration as a potential Town Hall location for months," Atterholt said Atterholt said the town’s former interim managers had been in talks with the building’s owner last year about potentially acquiring it

“The process was unusual in that it was not public while the negotiations were being held only because a public discussion may have run up the price of the property,” Atterholt said “Acquiring an existing building versus building new will save significant taxpayer dollars ”

The town had requested $24 million from the state to rebuild its town hall after a cost estimate last year of approximately that amount, though that amount was never allocated to the town through the state budget

“I think this is a huge game changer,”

Atterholt said.

The amount of parking space at the lot had been a concern amongst former councilmembers There are approximately 42 spaces at the property, Hyatt said Hyatt said there are also talks about using other potential properties nearby for parking

The building sits across from the former Outrigger Resort and borders Bahia Via On the other side of Bahia Via is the vacant lot purchased by London Bay Homes which once housed Charley's Boat House. The section of Bahia Via between 6 2 3 1 E s t e r o B l v d a n d t h e f o r m e r Charley's Boat House incurred significant damage where the Charley's Boat House property was demolished and the lot was cleared Hyatt said the road is under construction for the town’s stormwater project

The building at 6231 Estero Blvd had formerly been used for Sunstream Realty offices and the Esterra Salon & Spa

According to property records, the parcel was acquired for $2.3 million in December, 2017 The owner is listed as 6231 Estero LLC in care of Douglas Schumann of Naples The registered agent for 6231 Estero LLC is Roger Brugger of Naples

During Monday’s meeting to approve the purchase, Allers asked Hyatt how the change in location to the southern end of the island away from the north end would impact staff Hyatt said there could be

alternative schedules.

Hyatt said the building could be used now with some minimal upgrades on first floor which was damaged by Hurricane Ian He said the first floor could be used for town council chambers

Kropacek said that as a condition of sale, the elevator must be repaired

Kropacek said the building’s owner is still awaiting parts for the elevator and said he believed they are awaiting parts for the elevator just as many other property owners, including condo owns, have been waiting for

While Hyatt negotiated the price of the purchase, the sale couldn’t go through without town council approval

Councilmember Scott Safford asked Hyatt what would happen to the town’s trailers that are being used for town hall and town offices

Hyatt said the trailers could still be used for public works employees or a senior center He expects that the town could move into the new town hall by the beginning of 2025

Atterholt asked whether the town had the funds for the town hall purchase if Gov Ron DeSantis didn’t approve the $8 million in funds in the state budget for a new town hall

“There are several backup plans in the works,” Kropacek said

limits was brought by Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and others. They argued the Florida Constitution’s unique privacy clause for more than 40 years has explicitly protected a right to abortion in the state and should remain in force

Lawyers for the state argued that the state’s privacy clause, adopted by voter referendum in 1980, was not widely understood to cover abortion They told the justices the clause was mainly meant to cover “informational privacy” such as personal records and not abortion

Since the U S Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, most Republican-controlled states have adopted bans or restrictions on abortions Every ban has faced a court challenge

A survey of abortion providers conducted for the Society of Family Planning, which advocates for abortion access, found that Florida had the second-largest surge in the total number of abortions provided since Roe v Wade was overturned The state’s data shows that more than 7,700 women from other states received abortions in Florida in 2023.

The neighboring or nearby states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi are among the 14 states with bans now in place on abortion in stages of pregnancy, with limited exceptions Georgia and South Carolina bar it once cardiac activity can be detected, which is generally considered to be around six weeks into pregnancy and often before women realize they’re pregnant

The proposed amendment which will be

on November’s ballot says “no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.” It provides for one exception that is already in the state constitution: Parents must be notified before their minor children can get an abortion

Obituaries

Recreational marijuana

Voters will decide whether to allow companies that grow and sell medical marijuana to sell it to adults over 21 for any reason

The ballot measure also would make possession of marijuana for personal use legal

Moody also argued this proposal is deceptive, in part, because federal law still doesn’t allow use of marijuana for recreational or medical use of marijuana She argued that the court previously erred when

it approved the language for the medical marijuana ballot initiative voters passed in 2016

This, too, could be an issue that motivates more Democrats to vote.

The court’s review of the ballot language was limited to whether voters could understand it and that it contained a single issue, not on the merits of the proposal itself The measures need 60% approval from voters to pass

BBQ, Bands & Brew raises over $96,000 for Lee BIA Builders Care

L e e B I A B u i l d e r s C a r e ' s p o p u l a r

BBQ, Bands & Brew fundraising event raised more than $96,000 to support the nonprofit in its mission to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means.

The 13th annual festival, held March 24 at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers, drew in nearly 2,000 attendees and featured a lineup of live performances, food vendors and funfilled activities for all ages, including a cornhole tournament and a children's

play area with face-painting, games and more All proceeds from the event will stay local to provide emergency construction services to Lee County homeowners in need

"BBQ, Bands & Brew is our largest fundraising event of the year, and the support raised at this year's event will go a long way in helping us improve the lives of deserving homeowners right here in Lee County," said Leigh Cloud, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care

"We are thankful for all the guests, volunteers, vendors and performers who helped make our 2024 event such a success "

FILE PHOTO

A group of protesters on Fort Myers Beach in 2022 marched against a vote by the state legislature to limit abortion access. The Florida Supreme Court upheld the abortion limit this week while also allowing a referendum for voters to decide whether to legalize abortion and restrict the state from limiting access.

Reaction to Florida Supreme Court rulings fall along political divide

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

The Florida Supreme Court issued a p a i r o f r u l i n g s r e l a t e d t o a b o r t i o n o n Monday, one upholding the state’s legislative limits on abortions, the other allowing a c o n s t i t u t i o n a l a m e n d m e n t p r o t e c t i n g reproductive rights to be placed on the November ballot

Finding that the state’s existing constitutional privacy protections do not apply, the 6-1 ruling that upheld the state’s challenged ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, also means the six-week ban passed by the state Legislature this year can soon take effect.

In a divided 4-3 ruling, the Florida Supreme Court allowed Amendment 4, Right to Abortion Initiative, to be placed in the ballot in November It states that “No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider ”

If approved by 60% of state voters, the amendment would not change existing provisions that require either parental consent or a judicial waiver for minors seeking an abortion.

The petition to get Amendment 4, entitled “Amendment to limit Government Interference With Abortion,” was signed by more than 1 5 million Florida voters

Reaction to the abortion ban first for the 15 weeks with the 6-week ban to fol-

Reaction to the abortion ban first for the 15 weeks with the 6-week ban to follow — and the placement of the constitution amendment which could overturn it was swift and fell sharply along the abortion political divide.

low and the placement of the constitution amendment which could overturn it was swift and fell sharply along the abortion political divide

The American Civil Liberties Union of F l o r i d a , t h e n a t i o n a l A C L U , P l a n n e d Parenthood, and other entities had filed the lawsuit against the 15-week ban which the Supreme Court has upheld

In response the rulings in a statement, Sara Latshaw, deputy political director of the ACLU of Florida, said: “Today’s ruling is a triumph for democracy in Florida, affirming the power of our ballot initiative process to safeguard our rights when politicians falter In the face of a six-week abortion ban, Floridians now have the chance to assert their will at the ballot box, shaping a Florida that is free from government interference in abortion ”

T h e s i x - w e e k b a n i s c o m i n g u n d e r scrutiny for a myriad of reason, the top being many women do not even know that they are pregnant at that stage, and that if approved, women would have very limited, if not completely eliminated resources in the Southeastern U S

In a statement Monday, Dr Robyn Schickler, CMO, Planned Parenthood of

S o u t h w e s t a n d C e n t r a l F l o r i d a s t a t e d : “Today the Florida Supreme Court upende d d e c a d e s o f p r e c e d e n t p r o t e c t i n g Floridians’ privacy and ability to have control over their own bodies As a healthcare provider, I know how important it is for patients to have the ability to control their own bodies and make their own health care decisions With this ruling, these justices h a v e u s h e r e d i n a d a n g e r o u s e r a f o r Florida Allowing a six-week abortion ban to go into effect puts the health and lives of patients at grave risk in our state We look forward to the November election where voters can vote yes on Amendment 4 and put an end to this invasive government interference in our healthcare decisions ”

This measure comes on the heels of the U S Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade in June of ’22

Some organizations feel Amendment 4 is “too extreme” for Floridians Priests for Life, based in Titusville, Florida, state the measure does not “reflect the will of the people ” Director Frank Pavone in a statement said, “As we have already been doing, so we will continue to do, which is point out to Floridians that this ballot measure is far

too extreme and does not reflect the will of r e s i d e n t s i n a s t a t e t h a t h a s a l r e a d y approved two laws protecting babies from abortion A state that endorses a Heartbeat bill does not want taxpayer-funded abortion throughout pregnancy That’s the message we will continue to spread ”

The rulings also immediately racheted up the political narrative for the state and federal races coming up in November

In response to the Florida Supreme C o u r t ’ s r u l i n g , D e m o c r a t i c N a t i o n a l Committee Chair Jaime Harrison released the following statement:

“Because of Donald Trump, millions of women in Florida and across the South will have their reproductive freedom ripped away by one of the most extreme abortion bans in the country Trump has already p r o u d l y c l a i m e d c r e d i t f o r m a k i n g Florida’s dangerous and unpopular abortion ban possible after he paved the way for the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade This is the extreme, anti-freedom agenda Trump wants to force on the entire country, and his MAGA allies are already laying the groundwork for a national abortion ban But in election after election, the American people have proven that they will not stand for Trump and MAGA Republicans’ assaults on their right to choose The stakes couldn’t be higher this N o v e m b e r , a n d v o t e r s n a t i o n w i d e w i l l choose to stand with President Biden and Vice President Harris once again to safeguard our freedoms ”

WHERE TO gO WHAT TO dO WHO TO SEE

Concert this weekend to commemorate 100th anniversary of Fort Myers Beach entrance

Two days of music will be held this weekend from April 6-7 at The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers with the "Rock the Arches" concert to celebrate the birthday of the former Fort Myers Beach Arches 100 years ago

The concert is a fundraiser for Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, a nonprofit organization working on a commemorative arches replica project at Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach The organization has been selling etched bricks for a pathway planned for the front of the park

"We are trying to finish our seven-year project," Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches founder Steven Ray McDonald said "Much more Fort Myers Beach history

was washed away by Hurricane Ian This is an opportunity to put some history back on the beach The means by which we do that is the fourth annual Rock The Arches Music Festival " The festival had previously been sidelined by Hurricane Ian and the covid pandemic McDonald noted that the large mural of the Arches that was on the wall in the town council chambers at town hall was also destroyed by Hurricane Ian

"This year we have put together our biggest fundraiser and show ever and we are counting on the community to come together and attend It is risky for us But, every dollar we raise will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Moss Marina and Arches Bayfront," McDonald said

Grampy’s Charities Tennis Tournament at Beachview Tennis Club to benefit LARC

Grampy’s Charities, an organization that raises funds to support organizations transforming children’s lives, is presenting The Beachview Tennis Club Open Doubles T o u r n a m e n t t o b e n e f i t t h e L e e A s s o c i a t i o n f o r Remarkable Citizens (LARC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)

The event will be held on Saturday, April 27, for men’s and women’s doubles 3 0, 3 5, and 4 0 and on Sunday, April 28, for mixed doubles 3 0, 3 5, and 4 0 at The Beachview Tennis Club, 1101 Par View Drive, Sanibel Island

The entry fee is $100 per person for Saturday or Sunday or $150 for combined Saturday and Sunday play per person All entrants will receive t-shirts and lunch on Saturday and Sunday Winners and runners-up will receive awards

The tournament provides participants with a fun and meaningful way to contribute to an important cause while enjoying a day of outdoor recreation

Beachview Tennis Club is conveniently located near the Gulf of Mexico on Sanibel Island The picturesque facility has five HydroGrid clay courts

“LARC has been making an impact in Southwest Florida for 70 years,” said Angela Katz, Executive Director of LARC. “LARC is committed to providing vocational training, residential services, and community inclusion programs aimed at helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) lead fulfilling lives

By participating in the tournament or becoming sponsors, individuals, and businesses can directly contribute to LARC’s mission of empowering individuals with IDD to achieve their full potential

“I chose LARC to benefit from this tournament because I feel it is important to support local nonprofits, especially those like LARC,” said Toni Halski, tennis pro

and owner of Beachview Tennis Club “They play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Southwest Florida

LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 81 Its main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes in Fort Myers and Cape Coral

Contact Toni Halski at 239-472-9099 to register for the tournament

For sponsorship information, contact Nickole Hendra at 239-334-6285 x 229 or nickolehendra@larcleecounty org or visit www larcleecounty org/tennis

About LARC

Established in 1954, LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 81

LARC offers vocational training, youth programs, community residential and employment services, and a wide array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis Its main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes

Garden Tea Party at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

In celebration of Clara Ford's birthday, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold a garden tea party on April 11, from 2-4 p m History character, "Clara Ford," will talk about the ongoing restoration of her summ e r h o m e , F a i r L a n e i n D e a r b o r n , Michigan while sharing some insights into her life with Henry and how she used her gardens to promote her favorite charities

Finger sandwiches, choices of hot and cold tea, and pastries will be prepared and served by the onsite Banyan Café (included in ticket cost) There will also be a s i l e n t a u c t i o n o f o r i g i n a l a r t w o r k o n

antique glass Clara will be available for photos Proceeds will help restore the gardens on the Ford estate property at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

R e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d o n l i n e a t

E d i s o n F o r d o r g T i c k e t s a r e $ 5 0 f o r

Edison Ford members and $65 for non-

‘Rock the Arches’ at Alliance for the Ar ts in For t Myers April 6-7

Cost $13 a day, $70 VIP

Tickets on sale at www rockthearches com

All proceeds benefit the Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, Inc a 501(C)3

Saturday April 6 ** Rock & Roll Day w/SWF MOPARs Plus Car Show **

∫ 11-11:30 a m – David Rojas Jr - Performance Guitarist & Vocalist

∫ Noon – 1:15 p m – Dirty Work - Hard Rock Rhythm & Blues

∫ 1:45 - 3 p m - Rock Republic - Classic Rock

∫ 3:30 - 4:45 p m - Rock Candy - Classic Arena Rock & 80s Hair Band

∫ 5:15 - 7 p m - Hairdaze - Amazing 80s Rock Show

Sunday April 7 ** Country Day w/Savage 4 X4 Truck Show **

∫ 11 - 11:30 a m – Matrasa Lynn - Nashville Recording Artist

∫ Noon - 1 PM - Champ Jaxon Band – Local 12 Year Old Superstar – Southern Rock

∫ 1:30 - 2:30 p m – A'finnity Band - Country & Southern Rock

∫ 3 - 4 PM – Way Out South – Country Acoustic Trio

∫ 4:30 - 5:30 p m - Hillbilly Ryezin – Old School Outlaw Country

∫ 6 - 7 p m – Unforgiven - High Energy Country Band

Rock the Arches

From page 21

The concert will also include arts and crafts, raffles and silent auctions

The Fort Myers Beach Arches stood for more than 50 years as the gateway to Fort Myers Beach and a draw bridge until being bulldozed to make way for the Matanzas Pass Bridge

members The tea party will be held in the garden space next to Thomas Edison's caretaker's house Guests are encouraged to dress for a tea party, with dresses and garden hats

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

Trailways Camp registration open

Trailways Camp has opened registration for campers for its upcoming sessions

Camps will be h

O c t 1 4 - 1 7 , N 18-21, Jan 20-2 and Feb 17-20 at the Riverside

R e t r e a t , a t 7 3 0 5 C o u n t y R o a d 7 8 , L a b e l l e . T r a i l w a y s

C a m p p r o v i d e s

https://fb me/e/19QBTkTft or contact McDonald by email at mickyds2002@yahoo com McDonald said the organization is still looking for vendors

The organization has also posted a promotional video on Youtube at https://www youtube com/watch? v=ngMz35qx6us

For further information on Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches and the "Rock the Arches" show, visit t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n ' s F a c e b o o k p a g e a t

Tickets are on sale at www.rockthearches.com.

o v e r n i g h t c a m p ing experiences a d u l t s w i t h s p needs Each se p a c k e d w i t h a c t i v i t i e s f o r campers that provide opportunities for fun, creating friendships and establishing connections as a community of diverse individuals To register, visit https://www trailwayscamps org/register/ For more information, contact Camp Director Jamie Senkeleski at trailwayscampsdirector@gmail com

Bonita Springs Food Truck Rally & Music Festival to be held April 5-7

Bonita Springs is gearing up for a delectable weekend as the Bonita Springs Food Truck Rally & Music Festival rolls into town Friday, April 5, from 3 to 9 p m ; Saturday, April 6, from 11 a m to 9 p m ; and Sunday, April 7, from 11 a m to 6 p m at the grass field next to The Poker Room, 28001 Old US 41

Admission is free

Attendees can expect a diverse array of food trucks offering everything from local favorites to unique culinary creations, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. Adding to the ambiance, a lineup of talented local musicians will provide live entertainment throughout the weekend catering to all musical tastes

The line-up includes:

Friday, April 5

∫ 3:30 – 5 p m – Prodigal Sons

∫ 5:30 – 7 p m – YaYa Diamond & the Dream Chasers

∫ 7:30 – 9 p m – Damon Fowler

Saturday, April 6

∫ 11:30 a m – 1 p m – Jack’D Up

∫ 1:30 – 3 p m – Deb & the Dynamics

∫ 3:30 – 5 p.m. – Trey Wanvig Band

∫ 5:30 – 7 p m – Luna & the Warriors

∫ 7:30 – 9 p m – Rock Republic

Sunday, April 7

∫ 12:30 – 2 p m – Under8ed Band

∫ 2:30 – 4 p m – Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio

∫ 4:30 – 6 p m – Memphis Lightning

In addition to the culinary and musical offerings, the festival will feature a marketplace showcasing arts, crafts, and specialty products, adding to the overall festive atmosphere

Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and join in the festivities for a weekend packed with flavor, rhythm, and fun

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w p a r a g o n festivals com

Free Concert at Four Freedoms Park set for April 4

The City of Cape Coral is hosting a Concert in the Park from 5-8 p m Thursday, April 4, at Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court

The free, family-friendly Concert in the Park series offers an evening of music and delicious food trucks

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket as they sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of live music at one of our beautiful Cape Coral parks

Sheena Brook, a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who was selected for NBC's season 12 of The Voice, will be performing from 5:30 to 7:30 p m

Food trucks will be on-site from 5 to 8 p m with offerings from Chef Raulito, That Butt is Smokin, and Disha's Shaved Ice

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h i s e v e n t , v i s i t www capeconcerts com

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 3-5) 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 best-known 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 o f S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a , a n d T r i C i r c l e 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 movi n g m o d e l s u s i n g m o t o r s , l i g h t s , a n d 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 3D 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

C a m p e r s w i l l l e a r n a b o u t s i m p l e 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

T h i s c a m p i s f o c u s e d o n S T E M (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education It offers a range of activities and experiences designed to s p a r k c u r i o s i t y , f o s t e r c r e a t i v i t y , a n d 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 a t h t t p s : / / w w w e d i s o n f o r d w i n t e r e s t a t e s org/education/camps/

Throughout the year, other camps and classes are offered when school is closed, including one-day camps and spring and w i n t e r b r e a k . E d i s o n F o r d m e m b e r s receive a discounted rate For registration and additional information, visit edisonford org

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, through April 14, in the Historic Arcade Theatre Tickets s t a r t a t $ 6 9 . T i c k e t s m a y b e p u r c h a s e d o n l i n e a t www floridarep org or by calling the box office at 239332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053

Evening performances are offered at 7 p m Tuesday through Saturday Matinee performances are offered at 2 p m on 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

Garden Tea Party at Edison and Ford Winter Estates April 11

In celebration of Clara Ford's birthday, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold a garden tea party on April 11, from 2-4 p m History character, "Clara Ford," will talk about the ongoing restoration of her summer home, Fair Lane in Dearborn, Michigan while sharing some insights into her life with Henry and how she used her gardens to promote her favorite charities

Finger sandwiches, choices of hot and cold tea, and pastries will be prepared and served by the onsite Banyan Café (included in ticket cost) There will also be a silent auction of original artwork on antique glass Clara will be available for photos Proceeds will help restore the gardens on the Ford estate property at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

Registration is required online at EdisonFord org Tickets are $50 for Edison Ford members and $65 for non-members The tea party will be held in the garden space next to Thomas Edison's caretaker's house Guests are encouraged to dress for a tea party, with dresses and garden hats

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

Foodie aler t: Big Green EGGfest to be held in Bonita Springs April 13

The fifth annual Sunshine Ace Hardware Big Green EGGfest will be held April 13 at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs, where BBQ-lovers will celebrate the art of grilling while bestowing the title of Grill Master to their favorite local chefs

The family-friendly event includes all-you-can-eat food samplings, grilling demonstrations, live music, beer, wine and hard seltzer drinks Attendees also serve as judges for amateur and professional chefs who must use a Big Green Egg to prepare meats, vegetables and side dishes for a culinary competition Big Green Egg is a multi-functional ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker that can be used as a grill, oven or smoker

EGGfest beneficiaries in 2024 include Northside Naples Kiwanis Club, United Way of Collier and the Keys, The Foundation of Bonita Beach Sunset Rotary a n d G r e a t e r N a p l e s C h a m b e r ’ s L e a d e r s h i p C o l l i e r Foundation

Big Green EGGfest will be held from 11 a m to 3 p m on Saturday, April 13 at Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St. in Bonita Springs.

TASTER TICKETS: Tickets are $20 and include entrance to the event, food samples and three votes for the People’s Choice Award VIP tickets are $50 and include entrance, food samples, three votes, an open bar and access to VIP Pavillion with seating Children under age 11 do not require a ticket Taster tickets are available at SunshineAceEGGfest com/register and allow tasters to direct their donation to one of the four event beneficiaries

CHEF REGISTRATION: Amateur chefs, home cooks and nonprofits can register for $25 Registration for professional chefs, which includes trained chefs, caterers and restauranteurs, is $150 Chefs can enter with a team of up to three other individuals as sous chefs and servers Chefs can earn prize packages and titles of EGGhead Grill Master Pro, EGGhead Grill Master Amateur and People’s Choice Award winner

SPONSORSHIPS: Sunshine Ace Hardware is the title sponsor; BKS Partners, PBS Contractors, Florida Gulf Coast University and Lee Health are Head Chef sponsors; NCH Healthcare System is the Grill Master Elite sponsor; and KGT Remodeling, Sauna House Bonita Springs, Priority Marketing and Milwaukee Tool are Sous Chef sponsors Additional sponsorships are available starting at $500 and include event tickets, an opportunity to provide items for swag bags and public recognition

COOKING CLASSES: A trio of talented chefs – Asif R Syed, Ron Dimpfmaier and Shannon Morgan – will lead demo cooking classes during Big Green EGGfest F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e v i s i t SunshineAceEGGfest com

‘Grow Fort Myers’ Plant Sale and Workshops at Edison and Ford Winter Estates April 13

On April 13, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold it's annual "Grow Fort Myers" Plant Sale and Workshops event This community-oriented program provides an opportunity for summer gardeners to learn new ways to enhance their gardening experiences, and find some unique plants to add to their gardens

The workshops will start at 9:30 a m and will take place on the museum porch, near the Garden Shoppe There is no charge to attend the plant sale; however, a ticket is required to attend the workshops

Workshop schedule:

∫ 9:30 a m – Growing Summer Edibles

This year, ECHO North American Impact Center, located in North Fort Myers, will share their knowledge on growing edibles Southwest Florida's sub-tropical climate is ideally suited to their efforts as the largest percentage of the world’s population lives between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer ECHO will teach participants which edibles will do well during the summer months with tips and recommendations They will also have seeds and plants available for purchase

∫ 10:30 a m – Filling the Summer Vase from your own Garden

This program will be presented by Debbie Hughes, Director of Horticulture at Edison and Ford Winter Estates She will discuss how to select cut flowers and foliage from a home garden for a summer arrangement She will also discuss container selection, tips on conditioning the flowers and foliage, new trends, and offer some unique ideas

∫ 11:30 a m – Lunch break; food trucks on site

∫ 12:30 p m – The Fascinating World of Aroids

Owner and horticulturist, Kelly Alexander from Plant Love 4 Me will share her knowledge on aroids Guests will learn about the best growing tips from an international grower known for selecting the best and rarest aroids She will provide an overview of the plants and explain what makes them so interesting and appealing to collectors Many aroids can be grown outdoors in Southwest Florida; however, she will provide tips on how to grow these plants indoors as well. Plants will be available for sale to suit beginners as well as experts

∫ 1:30 p m – Meet the Favorite Plants of Edison Ford Horticulturists

The horticulture team at Edison and Ford Winter Estates will present this program The team propagates and maintains hundreds of tropical plants and trees at the Estates Each year, new hybrids are introduced, new pests can interfere, and weather challenges can frustrate the most seasoned horticulturists There are a few plants and trees that have risen to favorite status The team is going to provide insight into the tried-and-trues based on firsthand experience. This is a great program for not only experienced gardeners but will help new-to-Florida gardeners get a solid footing when creating or amending an inherited garden

ECHO North America Impact Center, the Cocolobba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, and Plant Love 4 Me will all have plants available for sale The Garden Shoppe at the Estates will be fully stocked with an enormous selection of plants and garden décor for summer gardening The Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and the Lee County Master Gardeners will both have information tables

Tickets may be purchased online at EdisonFord org or at the ticket counter. Tickets do not include admission to the museum, lab or riverside of the property Guests are encour-

aged to bring their own garden cart, as only a limited number will be available Event tickets are $20 for Edison Ford members; $30 for non-members (the ticket provides access to the four workshops)

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

Pace Center for Girls, Lee to host

16th annual Grande Dames Tea April 18

Pace Center for Girls, Lee has announced its 16th annual Grande Dames Tea, taking place from 1 to 3 p m o n T h u r s d a y , A p r i l 1 8 a t B r o a d w a y P a l m D i n n e r Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd in 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 raffle featuring an array of packages from local businesses

The 16th annual event is co-chaired by Jennifer Nelson and Holly Wilson The 2024 Grande Dames honorees will be announced in the coming weeks

A Friends of Pace table for six is available for $600 S p o n s o r s h i p o p p o r t u n i t i e s a r e a v a i l a b l e , i n c l u d i n g Presenting sponsor for $10,000, Golden Teacup sponsor f o r $ 7 , 5 0 0 , S i l v e r T e a c u p s p o n s o r f o r $ 5 , 0 0 0 , 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 / 2 0 2 4 - G r a n d eDames-Tea or call 239-425-2366.

Nice Guys Production and Seminole

C a s i n o t o p re s e n t F a k e f e s t A p r i l 2 0 G e t r e a d y t o r o c k a n d 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 e n 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 )

Luke and Jed I t s e e m s t h a t d o g s a r e s t i l l c o mi n g i n s h e l t e r s a n d m o r e a n d m o r e a r e g e t t i n g e u t h a n i z e d e v e r y d a y . S h e l t e r s d o t h e i r b e s t t o t r y t o g e t t h e d o g s o u t b u t s o m e h o w i t i s n o t g o o d e n o u g h W e s t a r t e d t o a s k f o r p u b l i c r e c o r d s t r y i n g g e t s o m e b a c k g r o u n d o n t h e d o g s a n d s e e i f w e c a n p l a c e t h e m i n t h e r i g h t h o m e M o s t o f t h e p e o p l e w h o e i t h e r f o u n d t h e d o g s a r e s i n c e r e S p o t h a d a f a m i l y b u t b e c a u s e t h e i r r e n t w e n t s k y h i g h t o $ 3 K a m o n t h t h e y c a n ’ t k e e p h i m a n y m o r e I t i s v e r y c o m m o n n o w a n d w e s e e l a n d l o r d e i t h e r r a i s e r e n t o r d e c i d e n o t t o a l l o w p e t s a n y m o r e A t t h e e n d o f t h e d a y t h e o n e p a y i n g a r e t h e d o g s B o a r d i n g i s t o o m u c h a n d l i v i

Sofia Talvik to grace the stage at ACMA April 13

Get ready for an enchanting evening of music, Fort Myers! Folk/Americana artist Sofia Talvik will be gracing the stage at the Americana Community Music Association (ACMA), on Friday, April 13 at 7 p m

Returning for her second performance at this esteemed venue, Sofia is excited to reconnect with the audience and share her heartfelt melodies once again

Born and raised in Sweden, Sofia's musical journey has taken her across 48 states, shaping her unique sound with influences from coast to coast With her captivating melodies and heartfelt storytelling, Sofia promises an engaging and memorable performance

A C M A , k n o w n f o r i t s d e d i c a t i o n t o p r o m o t i n g

Americana music and fostering a sense of community, provides the ideal backdrop for Sofia's concert. ACMA is committed to supporting original independent music and musicians with programs that expand community appreciation and education while fostering the creativity and diversity that influence Americana and Roots music Sofia expressed her excitement, saying, "I'm thrilled to be back at ACMA for another performance It's always a pleasure to see familiar faces in the audience and share my music with this wonderful community "

Opening the evening is local artist Kim Mayfield, featuring her original music Better known as half of the Americana duo Reckless Saints along with husband Roy

Schneider, Kim Mayfield's music has been described as “haunted by Patsy Cline. Together Sofia and Kim will offer a one of a kind concert experience

For Fort Myers residents seeking an authentic musical experience, Sofia Talvik's concert at ACMA is not to be missed Come and enjoy an evening of great music in a welcoming and intimate setting, surrounded by friends old and new

For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://www americanacma org/ Tickets are $12 for ACMA members and $18 for general public

The the Americana Community Music Association is at 2756 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

Registration open for summer VPK classes

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

A shorter version of the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program will be offered this summer for students entering kindergarten in the fall.

Head Start Program Coordinator Tiffany Franklin said one of the requirements for participating in the VPK program is offering it both during the school year and the summer There is a requirement of 300 hours for students to complete the program

“Typically, the kids that attend the summer program have not attended the school year program It’s a little more intensive in instruction because of less time,” she said

The classes are held from June 10 through July 29 7:30 a m to 5:30 p m at the Early Childhood Learning Center, at 3650 Michigan Ave , Fort Myers

The School District of Lee County has had decent participation with four classrooms and 48 children taking advantage of the summer program in the past The classes are taught by certified teachers

“We are only limited by the number of people we have signed up For example, we do more hiring if we have more students We hope we will be able to get more kids enrolling,” Franklin said

The school district offers transportation to and from the

From page 24

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 n d s 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 i s a t 5 0 6 S o u t h

1 s t S t , I m m o k a l e e

S t e p h e n M a r l e y B r i n g s H i s ‘ O l d S o u l To u r

U n p l u g g e d ’ w i t h S p e c i a l G u e s t I n n e r

C i rc l e t o S e m i n o l e C a s i n o H o t e l M a y 4

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes eight-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Stephen Marley and his “Old Soul Tour Unplugged” with special guest Inner Circle Saturday, May 4 at 8 p m , with gates opening at 7 p m Advance tickets for this outdoor concert are available from Ticketmaster or at http://www moreinparadise com starting at $55 Parking is free

$1 of every ticket will benefit the mission of Ghetto

center for the majority of the children She said it does not matter where the student lives in the district

The school day kicks off with the teachers and students in a greeting circle where they go over such topics as what to expect for the day, how their night was and introducing themselves to the other students There is a family-style breakfast that the students participate in where teachers encourage conversations following the circle time

From there instructional activities take place, as well as going outside to play Franklin said most of their day is based around instruction explicit instruction to hone on certain skills The skills are learning letters, numbers, colors, shapes and positional words to help students with reading

At the end of the day there is a recap of what the students have learned and what to expect the following day before they either take the bus home or their parents pick them up

To participate in the summer VPK program, students must be 5 years old by Sept 1 and be registered for kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year

“Once they meet all the requirements, they go to the coalition to get the voucher extended to them,” she said, adding that if the voucher was used anytime during the school year, they will not be able to take advantage of the summer funding for the program

What’s Happening

Youths Foundation (GYF) to provide aid and assistance, support and critical resources to people in need across the globe Each year GYF programs serve hundreds of young people, seniors, families, and communities with transformative outreach initiatives supporting health and education, sports and arts, community-building and fundamental social services For more information, visit ghettoyouthsfoundation org

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 i s a t 5 0 6 S o u t h 1 s t S t , I m m o k a l e e

C o u n t r y M u s i c S i n g e r a n d S o n g w r i t e r B i l l y C u r r i n g t o n t o P e r f o r m a t S e m i n o l e C a s i n o H o t e l M a y 3 1

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 w i l l h o s t c o u nt r y m u s i c e n t e r t a i n e r B i l l y C u r r i n g t o n p e r f o r m i n g l i v e

F r i d a y , M a y 3 1 a t 8 p m T i c k e t s f o r t h i s o u t d o o r c o nc e r t s t a r t a t $ 5 2 5 0 a n d a r e a v a i l a b l e f r o m T i c k e t m a s t e r o r a t w w w m o r e i n p a r a d i s e c o m P a r k i n g i s f r e e P o s s e s s i n g o n e o f t h e s m o o t h e s t a n d m o s t d i s t i n ct i v e v o i c e s i n a n y g e n r e o f m u

The voucher can be obtained online at www elcofswfl org or by making an appointment to go in person to the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, at 2675 Winkler Ave , Fort Myers

To register, families need to bring their voucher, receipt of enrollment in kindergarten, child’s birth certificate and proof of address to the Early Learning Coalition Childhood Center

The preference is for families to let them know by the end of May if they plan to participate in the program, so they can prepare for the right number of students

Franklin said the VPK summer program is important because it is the last chance for students to have kindergarten readiness They hear feedback from many kindergarten teachers, as well as school administration, that there is a big difference in students who have attended the program verses those who do not She said the program provides the students with social and emotional skills, as well as number and letter fundamentals

“If a child is not used to sitting for a longer period of time, or (receive) explicit instruction, it is hard for kindergarten teachers to teach that in advance,” Franklin said For more information, call Lori Jacobson at 239-3322512

Aug 2, 2024 with doors opening at 7 p m and the show beginning at 8 p m Tickets start at $55 and are available f r o m T i c k e t m a s t e r o r a t w w w m o r e i n p a r a d i s e c o m 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 10,000 Light Years Band as they create audio alchemy for the audience’s listening and visual pleasure

S

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,

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