Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

INSIDE: No council compensation r efer endum on ballot

City to host Culture Fest Saturday at Cultural Park

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

A city event celebrating diversity is set for this Saturday at Cultural Park in Cape Coral

The second-annual Cape Coral Culture Fest is free for all to attend, and runs from 11 a m to 4 p m this weekend The event is geared towards those of all ages, and will f e a t u r e d i f f e r e n t c u l t u r e s t h o u g h l i v e music, performances, international food, a variety of vendors and more

"We hope attendees come out to experience unity, diversity and community pride as we celebrate our rich cultural tapestry," said city spokesperson Lauren Kurkimilis "Come out to enjoy food, music, dance and art from around the world while supporting local businesses "

Kurkimilis said last year’s Culture Fest was a big hit in the community, as more than 800 people attended throughout the day, and was well received

This year’s event features performances

from Calypso Magic, NAPA dance medley, an African drumming workshop with Ndakhte Ndiaye, Kobayashi Dojo, Hula Connection SWFL, Mariachi Juarez, a M i d d l e E a s t e r n p e r f o r m a n c e b y T o a Tropical, and a Polynesian Luau from Toa Tropical "Culture Fest will be a vibrant celebration of diversity, unity and community spirit," Kurkimilis said "From tantalizing food offerings, showcasing flavors from around the globe to mesmerizing perform-

Citizens’ comments being integrated into Yacht Club plans

Demolition of the historic ballroom nearly complete

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers com

Comments from the community regarding the Yacht Club are being integrated into city plans for the future, officials said Wednesday

As the demolition of the historic ballroom got

Pankonin, with Kimley-Horn and Associates told City Council that about 100 or so people attended the Yacht Club meeting The session

included some discussion, dialogue and comments, which may affect and influence the plan and operational focus of the design going forward

See YACHT CLUB PLANS, page 28

Demolition of the Ballroom at the Cape Coral Yacht Club continued Thursday.

PHOTO BY ROB BRAITLING

ances representing cultures near and far, there's something for everyone to enjoy Attendees can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of traditions, music, dance, and artistry that makes our city thrive "

For more information or to complete a c r a f t v e n d o r a p p l i c a t i o n , p l e a s e v i s i t www capeculturefest com

Cultural Park is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd , north of Cape Coral City Hall and behind the Cape Coral Museum of History and Cultural Park Theatre.

School District offering variety of educational summer programs

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

There are numerous opportunities for students kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in one of the many learning o p p o r t u n i t i e s o f f e r e d b y t h e S c h o o l District of Lee County this summer

The summer learning will provide continued learning; credit recovery; promotion; targeted support; credit advancement; enrichment and remediation

M i d d l e S c h o o l C u r r i c u l u m & Instruction Director Lori Houchin said typically when someone thinks of summer learning as summer school it is for kids catching up She said they needed more programs for students who are advanced learners and need enrichment opportunities

Last summer the district served 14,979 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th g r a d e , o f f e r e d 2 2 u n i q u e f a c e - t o - f a c e camps offered at 27 locations; hosted six school sites for YMCA and Boys and Girls Club; eight virtual learning opportunities; 445 credits retrieved in sixth to 12th grade; summer reading books provided to all kindergarten through fifth grade students; 147 take-home science kits for middle school students and offered state required programs

High School Curriculum & Instruction

No Council compensation referendum on November ballot

Board discusses proposals, doesn’t reach a consensus

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Cape Coral City Council will not bring a compensation referendum to the voters this November

No consensus was reached during Wednesday’s meeting, as many members of the elected board said there were flaws in most of the proposals tendered as possible charter change options Council discussed four proposals in its workshop

The first proposal was the same as the initial one discussed previously, while the other three stemmed from City Council feedback

The second proposal tackled compensation setting a 10% maximum annual raise cap; the third addressed council compensation at 75th percentile maximum; and the fourth was based on so much per resident.

Attorney Aleksandr Boksner said proposals one, two and three, as written, now would be effective as of the year

2026 after the election takes place and would be applied to those elected officials The fourth option would have become effective as of Jan 1, 2025

Boksner said proposals one, two and three provided salary parameters in a way of ordinance and would to eliminate any additional compensation.

“Any resolution talking about monetary allowances, or stipends would be passed by the electorate,” he said

The fourth proposal would eliminate the existing stipend immediately based on the language and effectiveness with the charter

All, but option four, would allow council members to receive reimbursement for travel as there is no provision to omit that

Councilmember Robert Welsh, who brought the discussion forward, said he did not think the charter is meant to lay out what the compensation is, but rather is the framework of how the city runs

“I could get behind hybrid of option two and four. Not support option three, but could support one, two or four,” Welsh said

Councilmember Bill Steinke said he was not in favor of removing expense reimbursement as many council members are members of other organizations that help them prepare for the job by being better educated and connected

“For me if there was a way to use two, but include those travel expenses being reimbursable that would be the magic combination for me,” Steinke said

Council was very split with which option each preferred, with some stating it was not the right time to move forward with a referendum, as it seemed rushed

Councilmember Tom Hayden said he did not think any of the options were close to being ready

“I don’t think they are ready for this election cycle,” he said “I think we are trying to rush through this without any satisfactory positions on any one of the issues ”

Some said a job description for council members should come before compensation

Hayden said moving forward with a job description, though, would be difficult

“We answer to one group and that is the electorate

Defining that will become subjective,” he said, as one person does the job one way compared to the next “Valuing the time is up to the individual ”

Councilmember Dan Sheppard said he saw good and bad in all four options

“I think the reason is the job description and the expectation for what we are supposed to do is really the most important thing to settle first I am not really happy with any of the four options,” he said

Hayden went on to say that he believes it should go before the voters, but it should be something that makes sense to them without complications, or confusing verbiage

“There is a possibility this November that five seats can change out and discussions may change,” he said “The fact that we are all over the board on hybrids, options two and four there is no clear direction for you in this conversation I don’t think there is going to be a clear direction to you in a couple of weeks.”

Mayor John Gunter also expressed that he thought all four options were flawed in some fashion

“If I had to pick one particular option that we have available and based solely on how it is written, I wouldn’t be in favor of any of them,” he said

Some council members showed an appetite for option two, but with a hybrid of option four, as verbiage currently used can be confusing for the voters

Boksner said there could be additional discussions at the May 1 and May 15 meetings If there was no action taken by May 15, of five members being in favor, it would not move forward

After there was not a consensus of any particular option, council members were asked if they wanted to continue the conversation, or stop

“At this point in time, I do not have any legitimate consensus where I can formulate an appropriate referendum,” Boksner said “I have heard you all Therefore, there is no mechanism I can move forward that is supported by the majority of you ”

Steinke spoke up and asked the council not to quit and see if they can get it done in time

“Now we are just reaching, scrambling, and panicking in trying to put something on the ballot and having two weeks to do it You have four people that didn’t agree with any That is not a consensus. It’s a do over. It d o e s n ’ t m a k e a n y s e n s e when we can take the time and look at it more object i v e l y a n d r e a l i s t i c a l l y I don’t think it is going to be any different in two weeks,” Hayden said H a y d e n , G u n t e r a n d Cosden all agreed that there was no need to further the d i s c u s s i o n , w h i l e

Councilmember Keith Long said to continue the discussion, but not rush it over the next two weeks

Gunter said possibly a more viable option, and a better option, is to wait until the next council is seated in November He said there could also be a citizen board that can start the discussion and give recommendations to the council

Councilmember Jessica Cosden said although she thinks it is important, the discussion should include the citizens

“This is a big thing I don’t want to rush through it I see little harm in waiting two years,” she said

W e l s h , o n t h e o t h e r hand, said the only way they are going to get it done is if they keep talking about it

“I don’t mind scrambling to get something on the ballot this year To show we are doing this is worth continuing,” he said.

CAPE CORAL BREE ZE

RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher

VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor

CHRIS STRINE, Editor

2510 Del Prado Blvd

• Cape Coral, FL, 33904

• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693

Member Florida Press Association

Don’t blame animal services

We have come to dread the spring

Yes, we love the perfect temperatures not too hot, not too cold

We enjoy the breeze on the lanai

But every year, just when the weather in Southwest Florida turns perfect warm sunny days, cool breezy nights, we get the perennial notification: “Kitten season in full swing ”

For those of us who consider our four-legged furries family members, it’s a buzz kill worse than the start of mosquito season

Each spring, shelters such as Lee County Domestic Animal Services get inundated with guests that might be better called frightened and confused conscripts Many are cats and kittens and it is harder for shelters and rescues to find homes for them as compared to dogs and puppies

Each year, the numbers are high

Too high for any pet lover

What happens to these animals?

According to Lee County Domestic Animal Services, most have what could be called a positive outcome A handful are claimed by their owners Some are brought to the agency as trap-neuter-release strays and they are treated and released back to their colony location Many are transferred to various rescues Some are adopted into their “forever” home, a best-case scenario

For the rest, a trip to the shelter is a death sentence

For those troubled by what is euphemistically called euthanasia, let us emphasize that this is not a problem with Domestic Animal Services

We will again quote Pogo: “We have met the enemy and he is us ”

Those of us who do not spray or neuter

Those of us who think it’s OK for pets to free roam

Those of us who buy a pedigreed or trendy cross-breed only to discover that we should have done some research before paying plenty for a companion with traits that require lots of training or expensive care

But back to “kitten season,” AKA breeding season

Each year, Lee County Domestic Animal Services, along with other shelters like the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, see a large increase in cats and kittens

And sometimes, in mother dogs and fresh litters of puppies

We all love little fur balls but allowing pets to have litters is the reason the primary reason for the number of cats and kittens, dogs and puppies in shelters, rescues, fosters and more

The best solution remains prevention, getting pets spayed or neutered and, if you have a hankering to add a new family member of the four-legged kind, to adopt one from a shelter that really, really, REALLY needs a home

The Lee County Domestic Animal Services websites lists a handful of low-cost clinics at http://leegov com

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter also offers low-cost veterinary services, including spay and neuter

A list of services offered, including a cost schedule, may be found at http://capecoralanimalshelter com

Each site also features a wealth of “adoptables,” young and senior alike

Spay Neuter Adopt, don’t shop

It’s the solution for what ails us

Volunteerism: The impact you can make

A recent AmeriCorps report noted that 61 million Americans volunteered with at least one organization during its yearlong study, completing an estimated 4 1 billion volunteer hours

Their time, which averages out to almost 68 hours annually per volunteer, had an economic value of $123 billion for the organizations they served But despite these statistics, volunteerism in the United States is at an alltime low Americans have provided two main reasons for this decline in philanthropy: (1) They don’t have time, or (2) They don’t know where or how to volunteer In honor of April being National Volunteer Month, I would like to share how volunteerism has impacted me

Three years ago, I started a nonprofit organization called BelieveNBooks, which distributes new and gently used reading materials to underserved children by hosting book drives in schools, communities and offices When I originally had this idea, I was excited to get started However, I was unaware of how many steps, hours and people are needed to complete one successful book drive Looking back, one of the most impactful phone calls that we received was from Florida Gulf Coast University They asked if we would like to be one of their service-learning partners to help provide their college students with service hours

These FGCU students have become the heart of BelieveNBooks They have donated thousands of hours of their time to sort, pack and deliver books for us. This has allowed us to delegate work based on the strengths of each volunteer and maximize our efficiency as an organization

In March 2024, we distributed our 100,000th book and have impacted over 7,500 children who have limited access to reading materials Much of this has been due to our tremendous volunteer network as BelieveNBooks has no paid employees In a small organization like ours, the contributions

of each individual can make all the difference in our success Now is the perfect time to get started

Here are some suggestions:

■ Identify 2-3 areas of passion: Everyone has a few charitable causes near and dear to their heart There are so many options: education, arts and culture, the environment, animal welfare, health care, human services, religion, public safety, recreation, social justice, affordable housing and more We live in an extremely philanthropic area, and the sky is the limit on finding opportunities

■ Find a local organization: Every cause has many charitable organizations providing valuable services in the community United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades, as well as United Way of Collier and the Keys, offer searchable databases to find local nonprofits in need of volunteers Another option is Volunteer Florida, which lets users search for service opportunities based on dates, location, cause and activity type

■ Make time: Everyone has a busy schedule, but consider sharing your time and skills with an organization where you can help create significant change and leave a lasting impact This may include smaller organizations that are “start-ups ” Many organizations offer flexible opportunities so more people can get involved

Remember, your impact on an organization can be meaningful But you may be surprised by how much volunteerism impacts your outlook, sense of community and overall wellbeing

Natasha Agarwal is a 17-year student at Canterbury School in Fort Myers and founder of BelieveNBooks, a nonprofit that has distributed more than 100,000 books to underprivileged children and teens in Southwest Florida Visit BelieveNBooks org for more information

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Far mers are not water-quality bad guys

To the editor:

There’s a troubling trend of painting farmers as the scapegoats for environmental issues surrounding Lake Okeechobee Having grown up in Clewiston, I’ve witnessed firsthand how certain groups vilify our farming communities, jeopardizing not just our way of life but also the stability of our nation’s food supply.

Glades-area farmers are responsible for feeding more than 180 million Americans a year Special interest groups have unfairly targeted them, particularly sugarcane farmers, while disregarding the realities faced by our many smaller, familyrun operations

It’s important to set the record straight on these special interest, activists groups They’ve relentlessly pursued agendas that would cripple our farming communities, seeking to convert large pieces of productive farmland into restoration projects to solve various water issues throughout the region oblivious to the economic devastation and food shortages that would follow

Despite farmers’ significant contributions to improving water quality over the years, relentless attacks and misinformation campaigns have continued while the true sources of Lake Okeechobee’s water issues remain largely unaddressed

Behind their facade of environmental concern lies a stark reality: These groups are driven not by a desire to protect our natural resources, but by a blatant anti-farming agenda They’ve capitalized on crises like the blue-green algae blooms and red tide to further their fundraising, all while conveniently ignoring the fact that over 95% of Lake O’s water/pollutants flows in from the north through a chain of lakes not farms south of the lake

We need to move beyond the divisive rhetoric and false narratives that have hindered progress of the big lake’s restoration A cleaner lake benefits all areas and all interests connected to it

As president of the Lake Okeechobee Business Alliance, I’m committed to shedding light on the realities faced by our farmers and rural communities and advocating for their inter-

ests in the face of relentless, misinformed opposition

Get your per mits; find good contractors

To the editor:

Recent news stories have alleged permits were not pulled for work which has resulted in the possible rescinding of our FEMA deduction costing homeowners collectively millions of dollars

The homeowner must know what work needs to be permitted in the Cape and must obtain a permit prior to starting work This permit may come from the contractor or the homeowner, but it must be posted on site, visible from the street, prior to the start of work If the contractor wishes to start work without a permit, the homeowner needs to turn them away until one is obtained and posted A licensed contractor will know this

Here is a link to the list of documents and what work needs to be permitted in Cape Coral.

https://www capecoral gov/department/community development/customer service-permitting/department/community development/building division/permitdocumentcenter ph p#outer-3210

Select the documents required for permits link

I know how difficult it can be to get a good contractor in the best of times and, with a catastrophic event, everyone wants to put things right as quickly as possible Here is my checklist in vetting a contractor

1 Are they licensed to perform work in Cape Coral?

2 Do they have their own full-time employees or do they subcontract the work out to others? There is very little control over subcontractors if this is what they do. After the hurricane several out-of-state contractors worked under a local license Once they are done, they return to wherever they came from If the contractor uses subcontractors, then the local contractor should have a local supervisor on site to be sure the work is in accordance with the contract and permit requirements

Natasha Agarwal Guest Commentary

Julia du Plooy Lake Okeechobee Business Alliance

Everyone deserves a second chance

When I meet someone new, I don’t lead with the worst choices I have ever made, a mental health diagnosis or the ways my family has struggled Like you, I try to make a good impression and build a relationship But for millions of Americans, the hiring process removes the opportunity to have a human interaction with a prospective employer who takes the time to hear the whole story

One in three American adults has a criminal record, one in five live with a mental illness and nearly one in ten has been homeless at some point in their lives I have had the honor of meeting many neighbors who have experienced these realities, and I have seen the power of a second chance to find work, restore a sense of purpose, and start over

Our organization, Better Together, helps churches host second chances job fairs which show hospitality to neighbors like Gavin and Nate who are facing barriers to employment Following a bout of COVID-19 and a resulting mental health struggle, Gavin had been out of work for seven months, and his unemployment was starting to put a strain on his marriage Nate was recently released from the Department of Corrections, and he knew he needed to find work to provide for his three children

At our job fair, Gavin and Nate met Steven Russell, the owner of Creative Architectural Resin Products Inc (CARP)

From page 4

Steven came ready to extend second chances and when he saw their curiosity and desire to work, he hired them both They began training immediately and within several months, Gavin and Nate had increased production by 30%

We have kept in touch with Gavin and Nate, and both continue to thrive Gavin’s mental and physical health have improved, and his marriage is healthier now that he can, in his words, “come home and know I’ve pulled my weight ” Gavin shared, “If I hadn't found the Better Together job fair, it’s hard to imagine where I would be right now I’m certainly in a much better place mentally, and it’s helped me out tremendously ”

Guest Commentary

For Nate, the job with CARP was an unexpected blessing, helping him pay his bills, find purpose and provide financially for his children. In his words at the time of his hire, “I didn’t expect to be in this position so quickly after being released from the Department of Corrections [ ] I get up excited every morning to come here This compa-

3 Can the contractor produce a certificate of liability insurance and have you as the homeowner named as co-insured? This is coverage that every contractor should have and will extend their coverage to you in case of an accident involving an employee or your property Good contractors have their insurance carriers provide these written documents all the time and it should not be an issue

4 Will the contractor provide a lien waiver for labor and materials prior to the start of the project? It should be for the value of the project This makes sure that if the contractor does not pay their employees or material suppliers, those entities do not come after you for their money and you wind up paying twice

5 If a contractor is going to provide a system, like a roofing or HVAC system, are they factory trained and authorized to install and warrant the system? Go to the manufacturer’s website to look up current authorized installers

6 Does the contractor have a continuing educational update program for their employees? Good contractors always want the latest installation processes for their employees

7 If there are materials specified make sure those are the materials used on your project. This may be the difference in a successful manufacturer’s warranty claim if later on you file a claim Photograph those materials on site to show evidence that those materials were used on your project

8 You may want to include in the contract that a receipt for the demolition trash has been properly disposed of in an appropriate landfill If your trash can be identified at an illegal dump site you may be on the hook for more than just paying to have it removed again

9 Deposits should be kept to a minimum and payments should be in accordance with materials and or work provided You should not be paying for materials that are not at your worksite

10. Know what the normal price of the work should be. After Hurricane Ian I had quotes that were two to three times the normal cost of the job Now a material and labor shortage will run the price up a bit but if you wait, this demand and price should normalize I have had Florida licensed contractors give me all kinds of stories about how they have never had to do any of this in the X amount of years they have been in business Some have tried to bully me into backing down If this describes the contractor you are attempting to work with, turn them away It

ny is growing, and I’m a part of that It humbles me It gives me dignity.”

Stories like Nate’s and Gavin’s are not unique, but many who face similar challenges have not found the next chance they need Nearly 75% of neighbors who have been released from incarceration are still unemployed a year later, which contributes to our nation’s high rates of recidivism For those neighbors who, like Gavin, have faced longer bouts of unemployment, it only gets harder to find work as more time passes After a while, many give up Numerous studies have indicated that, especially for men, unemployment leads to higher rates of depression, addiction, physical health problems and even domestic violence

The clear connection between work and healthy families is what first prompted Better Together to create the Better Jobs program, which empowers churches to host job fairs and offer job coaching Better Together’s original program, Better Families, assists families who are at risk of separation through

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

may take a bit of work to find a good contractor but in the end you will find one, and the job will not haunt you in the future Make sure all of these items are outlined in your WRITTEN contract prior to the start of work and you get a copy

The only way to get contractors that are out of conformance to comply in a manner that protects you is to ask for these conditions and if they balk, move on

I am sure the city will resolve the issue in some way with FEMA But remember, homeowners that have caused financial loss to others by circumventing the process may be on the hook for more than just a permit in the future.

J Caplin Cape Coral

Women have a right to life

To the editor:

To our menfolk

Imagine you’re sitting with your daughter, your sister, perhaps your wife, in an emergency room, and she’s bleeding At first, its watery and light pink, but now, its red, and there’s more of it

The doctors and nurses avoid your eyes, her eyes, the room you are in, and look away, talking about a fetus, lawyers, permission, jail. Time seems to have stopped. Nothing is being done

This is not a bad dream This is real

No matter what your belief system, when it’s your kith and kin, you want someone to stop the bleeding You want her to live

You want her to have rapid, effective medical care

Demand they take care of your womenfolk

Vote YES on Amendment Four Allow them to save her life

M.L. Sheehan St. James City

Prioritize education, not politics

To the editor:

When everything is political, society is in big trouble We ought to be able to agree that some of our foundational institutions should not be governed by partisan politics, and public education should find itself at the top of that list Look what happened when partisan politics took over the CDC: We now have a huge number of citizens who distrust vaccines and get their public health information

foster care We found that over 76% of the families we served were in crisis because of sudden or long-term unemployment, and we sought to do something about it

As our programs have grown, we have increasingly witnessed the need for job seekers to meet employers who are willing to extend a second (or third) chance following an incarceration, long career gap or other barrier Our second chances job fairs, culminating in our annual Nationwide Day of Second Chances, are a celebration of grace and the potential each of us has, with the right opportunity, to start over

Our fifth Nationwide Days of Second Chances is happening this month April 16 and 18 Churches and employers will come together across the country to create a welcoming environment for neighbors like Nate and Gavin to unleash their potential and build a strong foundation for a future that is much brighter than anything in the past

To learn more about how to support or participate in Nationwide Days of Second Chances near you, visit BetterTogetherUS org/NWDSC

Megan Rose is the CEO of Better Together, a nonprofit organization that helps parents in crisis address the root causes of their struggle and keep their children out of foster care

from dubious sources Because parents won’t get their kids vaccinated, we are seeing deadly outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles and chickenpox

Amendment 1 on the November ballot would make district school board elections partisan beginning in 2026 This is ironic because voters mandated in 1998 that those races be nonpartisan What’s happened to make a change necessary? Certainly, over the past few years we have seen partisan politics creeping into education, but is this a good thing? The results have been book banning, the whitewashing of the history curriculum, and anti-LGTBQ policies

Most parents trust educators, not politicians, to make wise, informed decisions about their children’s education There is no evidence children were harmed in the absence of these recent policies driven by partisan politics We should vote for school board members on the basis of their commitment to support teachers and administrators in their efforts to educate children, not on their zeal to advance some partisan political agenda

Ray Clasen North Fort Myers

This week’s poll question:

Should Council establish a citizen’s committee to look at Council compensation?

∫ Yes

∫ No

Vote at capecoralbreeze com

Previous poll question

Should the Cape Coral City change its regular meeting time to mornings?

∫ Yes 26 25%

∫ No 73 5%

* Total votes as of press time: 76 votes

Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate

reflect the views of this newspaper Opposing views are

opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for

Megan Rose

CCPD begins new podcast series ‘Cape CopCast’

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers

com

Cape police are giving residents and the community a bit more insight into how they operate and who they are

The Cape Coral Police Department recently dropped the first two episodes of a brand-new podcast series dubbed “Cape CopCast” on YouTube and other major platforms

“The Cape Coral Police Department is always looking for ways to further engage with our community and keep people informed on what’s happening within our department and our city,” said CCPD Public Affairs Officer Lisa Greenberg “We thought a podcast would be the perfect way to do that While social media provides us a platform to educate and answer questions, the Cape CopCast will allow for more long-form conversations without character limits and time constraints. Through this podcast, we hope to deepen our relationships with the people of Cape Coral ”

G r e e n b e r g , a l o n g s i d e f e l l o w P u b l i c Affairs Officer Mercedes Simonds, and episodes will feature guest interviews with key figures within the department

“We want the community to get to know the many hardworking faces of our department, from officers on the streets to the Captains of each Bureau,” Greenberg said

The first episode of the Cape CopCast features Chief Anthony Sizemore, who guides listeners through the myths and realities of keeping roads safe Greenberg said they discuss the many layers of traffic enforcement in the Cape, from grant-fund-

ed operations to daily patrol

“Our conversation not only underscores the significance of law enforcement’s vigilance but also the critical need for community involvement and driver education,” she said “We also go over some of the F a c e b o o k c o m m e n t s w e r e c e i v e a n d answer questions with the Chief ”

The second episode features a chat with Captain Brand Chenault, who leads the d e p a r t m e n t ’ s P a t r o l B u r e a u C a p t a i n Chenault is CCPD’s longest-tenured officer, and he talks about transitioning from the military to rising the ranks of our department

“He also pulls back the curtain on his unique approach that marries traditional policing with modern training and strategies,” Greenberg said “Finally, we discuss a day in the life of a Patrol Officer to help our community learn more about what our officers face on a daily basis ”

CCPD hopes to release episodes twice each month, on the first and third Monday of each month Greenberg said the podcast will dive into the heart of the department's public safety and community initiatives, as well as its inner-workings Each of the first two episodes are less than 50 minutes

“Episodes will also cover crime trends our department is seeing and recent cases,” s h e a d d e d “ E a c h e p i s o d e b r i n g s y o u

insightful discussions, interviews with key figures, and expert safety advice We also take people’s questions ”

Those interested can watch the podcast on YouTube on the Cape Coral Police Department channel, or find it on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more

Progress continues on city park improvements through Operation Sparkle

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

O p e r a t i o n S p a r k l e h a s c r o s s e d t h e halfway mark of completing all the items on its list to improve the parks in Cape Coral

P a r k s a n d R e c r e a t i o n D i r e c t o r J o e

Petrella said Wednesday there were a total of 659 items that were marked out in the facilities as part of Operation Sparkle City staff has completed about 59% with about 41% of the items remaining, which are larger scale items for the facilities Operation Sparkle, which launched in July 2022, resumed in March 2023, after Petrella focused on assistance in recovery f r o m H u r r i c a n e I a n ; t h e r e f o r e , p u t t i n g Operation Sparkle on pause

The projects identified were general maintenance and repairs for small scale items, as well as large-scale items, such as replacing, or upgrading facilities, buildings, structures, and infrastructure

“Significant strides have been made,” Petrella said “Park staff is continuing to knock off little things here and there ”

The areas of focus have been the Cape Coral Art Studio – 51 items; Strausser/ BMX – 44 items; Burton – 28 items; Caloosa – 52 items; Four Freedoms – 45 items; Jim Jeffers – 35 items; Koza – 41 items; Cape Coral Sports Complex – 55 items; Lake Kennedy – 28 items; NW Softball – 39 items; Pelican Baseball - 43 items; Pelican Soccer – 28 items; Special Pops – 55 items; Verdow – 38 items, and Rotary – 77 items

The presentation to Cape Coral City Council also highlighted the larger proje c t s , s u c h a s S t o r m F o o t b a l l , B u r t o n Memorial Park, and NW Softball

Petrella said Storm Football is at 25%

c o m p l e t i o n T h e r o o f i n g p e r m i t w a s approved and it should start soon

Other work includes electrical lighting n e a r l y c o m p l e t e , H V A C r e p l a c e m e n t scheduled, restrooms nearly complete, new scoreboards, concession window renovation, expanded sidewalks, goalposts being permitted and equipment for concessions awaiting delivery

The estimated completion is late June, early July This project is about $800,000

C o u n c i l m e m b e r K e i t h L o n g a s k e d about the significant impact of the turf field, and how that came to fruition of becoming a part of Project Sparkle

Gulfpoint

“I also believe we have spoken to individuals of the board, and they would not support the turf field,” he said

Assistant City Manager Connie Barron said there have been some discussion of moving forward that this particular expenditure is questionable

Burton Memorial Park, a $1 2 million project, is waiting for materials and should start in June or July The submittals are approved and are awaiting materials at NW Softball, a $750,000 cost, for a June, July tentative start date

Petrella said the funds to pay for the projects have come out of the Parks and Recreation Department general maintenance fund Staff will ask for additional funds for fiscal year 2025 to continue to knock things off the list

C o u n c i l a s k e d i f t h e s a m e s t a f f i s assigned to certain parks, as it would provide ownership of the parks

Petrella said they have been really pushing ownership to instill some pride

“You have to love these parks as much as the residents do It builds up our team and engages them a lot more,” Petrella said of setting staff to certain parks

C o u n c i l m e m b e r B i l l S t e i n k e g a v e Petrella and the Parks and Recreation Department some props

“ I t h i n k o u r P a r k s a n d R e c r e a t i o n Department is doing a wonderful job under your leadership,” he said “For the parks to be in the condition they were in 2022, and Operation Sparkle put into place because of it Three, four months later a hurricane For you to come on the scene afterwards absolute and total recovery of the largest storm the area has ever seen and get it back in place, increasing the number of parks It’s a testament to the dedication you and your department have ”

Steinke also thanked Petrella for attending the Tourist Development Council to gain funding for Operation Sparkle, so it is not placed solely on Cape taxpayers, but i n s t e a d i t c o m e f r o m t h r o u g h T o u r i s t Development Council Councilmember Dan Sheppard said the difference in the parks is dramatic He encouraged citizens to visit the city’s website and research the parks as there are so many in Cape Coral

“There are a lot of beautiful parks out there Take the time to look them up, and research it,” Sheppard said

Construction

Company to build new Hector A. Cafferata Jr. K-8 school

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The School District of Lee County will begin negotiations with Gulfpoint Construction Company for a public-private partnership to build Hector A Cafferata Jr K-8 school

The Lee County School Board approved the action Tuesday night

Superintendent Dr Ken Savage said the district is looking for a turnkey solution to build a K-8 school on the district’s roughly 31-acre site with key components being outstanding elevation, excellent life safety and traffic attributes and high-quality modern energy sufficiency in a full amenity, aesthetically and environmentally pleasing build

The school will house a minimum of 1,600 student stations

The new school is expected to have an

opening date for the August 2026 school year

“This public-private model is being used as an attempt to reduce the overall time to complete the project The project does not involve any private financing or equity arrangements as part of its partnership or involve any long-term facility management,” Savage said

T h e o r i g i n a l c a m p u s a t 3 6 0 S a n t a Barbara Blvd N sustained significant damage from Hurricane Ian The school had torrential rain inside the building for 12 to 14 hours due to severe roof damage and the decision was ultimately made to demolish the damaged building

Hector A Cafferata students currently attend school in portable classrooms at a temporary campus at Cape Coral Technical College

City facing second lawsuit over meeting attendance ban policy

By VALARIE HARRING vharring@breezenewspapers com

The city of Cape Coral is now facing a second lawsuit challenging a policy that allows the Cape Coral City Council to impose attendance bans on those accused of violating its rules of decorum

Saying the bans are unconstitutional, M i c h a e l T h o m p s o n , c h a i r m a n o f t h e LeeGOP Executive Committee, filed suit this morning as a private citizen

"I filed this personally, this has nothing to do with the Lee Republican Party," Thompson said in a telephone interview

He expects the courts to quickly find that the portion of the city's rules of procedure that provide for bans ranging from 30 to 90 days are an abridgment of rights guaranteed by the First Amendment and the state constitution

"It's 1,000% unconstitutional and we have precedent after precedent after precedent after precedent that this is unconstitutional," Thompson said "This is going to end pretty quick This is not even going to stand "

He said he understands that Council can ask a person to leave a meeting or even have them arrested for disruptive behavior However, any policy or rule that allows an elected board to prohibit attendance at subsequent meetings is illegal

"We have to push back against this People may get passionate when they speak, we get that, but to ban someone from coming to a government meeting? You can't do that The ban is just unconstitutional "

The amended complaint was filed by attorney Anthony F. Sabatini in the Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit It alleges a violation of the First Amendment

and the Florida Constitution and a deprivation of rights and so requests a preliminary injunction by the court

The suit seeks a declaratory judgement finding that the portions of the "Council Agenda Rules of Procedure" pertaining to the bans be declared unlawful and injunctive relief to prevent the city from enforcing the provisions

It further requests a jury trial, damages, reasonable attorney fees and "any other relief the court deems just and proper "

As per its policy on pending litigation, the city declined comment

“The City of Cape Coral has not been served with the lawsuit, but irrespectively, does not provide comment(s) on litigation

t h a t i s a c t i v e l y p e n d i n g , ” t h e c i t y ' s Communications Office said via email

It is the second lawsuit contesting the portion of the policy that pertains to the meeting bans

The first was filed by a resident who was escorted out of a City Council meeting and then not allowed to attend subsequent meetings

Scott Kempe, during the Oct 11 Cape Coral City Council meeting, spoke about Jaycee Park during public input

He returned to his seat where he later turned his back to the dais

“Kempe felt that his government was discounting the feedback of its citizens Kempe turned around in his seat and sat backwards at some point during the meeting to silently protest,” according to his legal complaint

Kempe then tried to attend the Oct 18 Council meeting and was told to leave pursuant to Council rules which, at that time, banned ousted residents from meetings until Council voted to allow them back in

Kempe showed up for the Dec 13 meeting and “advocated for his rights” as he said he was informed the ban was improper because the then-rule regarding Council approval to return called only for a vote to be allowed back into the same meeting

He was arrested and issued a “Notice to Appear” on charges that included resisting/obstructing an officer without violence and trespassing

The charges were dismissed on Jan 25 for “insufficient evidence ”

Council modified the rules to specify how meeting bans were to be handled

According to the city’s new rules, those who are “boisterous or disruptive in any manner to the conduct of a meeting” and so are asked to leave will be issued a trespass warning and barred from future meetings, with the length of the ban dependent on whether the person was also arrested

Those removed but not arrested are barred from all meetings for 30 days from the date of removal for a first offense as determined by the mayor or other presiding member of Council

They will be barred for 60 days for a second offense

A third offense within a year of the first violation results in being barred for 90 days and requires the person ousted to petition Council “stating the reasons why they can attend Meetings without violating these Rules ”

Council then decides whether that person will again be “allowed” to attend Council workshops and meetings

If arrested, the person is barred until a final disposition of the criminal charges related to the ouster After disposition by the court, the person is required to petition

Council “stating the reason(s) why they s h o u l d b e p e r m i t t e d t o a t t e n d f u t u r e Meetings with City Council" with Council to then “decide whether the person is permitted to attend future Meetings of the City Council ”

h e F i r s t A m e n d m e n t F o u n d a t i o n , meanwhile, has sent a letter to the city calling the ban "excessive" and strongly urging a rework of the recent rule changes

The consequences portion of the policy Council enacted in February allowing for bans of 30-90 days “is excessive and does not leave a private citizen ample alternatives that would allow such persons to participate in the free expression of ideas,” the April 11 letter states, concluding the b a n t i m e p e r i o d s " c o u l d u n l a w f u l l y i n f r i n g e o n p r i v a t e c i t i z e n s F i r s t Amendment rights "

T h e f o u r - p a g e c o m m u n i c a t i o n c i t e s various legal precedent and is signed by FAF Executive Director Bobby Block.

The First Amendment advocacy organization also has offered to assist the city with any revision effort

“In conclusion, we strongly urge the City of Cape Coral to rework subsection T to conform to federal and state law and to reconsider the ban time periods as it could unlawfully infringe on private citizens First Amendment rights and their ability to f r e e l y p a r t i c i p a t e i n t h e f r e e f l o w o f expression and ideas We understand the City has a right to maintain order and decorum to enhance Council meetings. Therefore, FAF is available to assist the City on crafting and or discussing the Council Rules as the resources of The First Amendment Foundation are available to everyone in the Sunshine State ”

Trafagar Middle among 16 local schools earning Schools of Excellence notice

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

E l e v e n s c h o o l s w i t h i n t h e S c h o o l District of Lee County as well as five charter schools were designated as Schools of Excellence

Among them was Trafalgar Middle School

“I am extremely proud of the students, staff, and families that made this designation possible Our dedication and commitment to student achievement is reflected in our daily academics, interventions, extensions, and servant leadership opportunities Trafalgar Tiger Sharks embrace a culture of excellence that holds all stakeholders to high expectations,” Principal Leigh Ann Cain said

Trafalgar Middle received the recognition as their school grade calculation is in the 80th percentile or higher for schools comprised of the same grade groups elementary, middle, high and combination for at least two of the last three school years

During the 2022-2023 school year, Trafalgar earned points for students who achieved proficiency in Language Arts, math, civics, eighth grade science and algebra

Cain said Trafalgar Middle School was at the 69 percentile

“Trafalgar Middle School has been recognized as a School of Excellence since the program’ inception in 2017 We have a highly motivated and loyal staff that is committed to helping students master the

benchmarks for academic success,” she said

There were 10 other schools in the district that also achieved this designation Those include Gulf Middle School, Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School, Fort Myers Beach Elementary, Pine Island E l e m e n t a r y , P i n e w o o d s E l e m e n t a r y , Rayma C. Page Elementary, Three Oaks Elementary, Cypress Lake Middle School, The Sanibel School, and Fort Myers High School

“I am deeply grateful for the state’s r e c o g n i t i o n o f t h e s e s c h o o l s , ” Superintendent Dr Kenneth Savage said in a prepared statement “It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire e d u c a t i o n a l c o m m u n i t y E v e r y s c h o o l within our district shares in this honor, and it reflects the collective excellence of our principals, teachers, and students ”

In addition, five charter schools also earned the School of Excellence designation They include The Island School, Oasis Charter Elementary-North, Oasis Charter Elementary-South, Oasis Charter M i d d l e , a n d F l o r i d a S o u t h w e s t e r n

Collegiate High School

The Oasis schools are part of the city of Cape Coral’s municipal charter school system

The Florida Legislature created the Schools of Excellence in 2017 Those schools that initially qualify for the designation can retain it for up to three years They may renew that designation

Ballot initiatives fail, but petition drive efforts continue

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

A pair of petition drives one in opposition to the city's plans for Jaycee Park, the other to overturn Cape Coral City Council's controversial stipend failed to garner enough signatures to make it onto the ballot in November

Although Cape Coral Preservation PAC and Save Jaycee Park did not collect enough signatures to force referendums, their efforts will continue, organizers said

“We have a group of volunteers that are not going to give up,” Clare Dooley said

The group met Saturday at Jaycee Park, which marked the end of their petition drive to Save Jaycee Park and Rescind the Stipends

The group had 90 days to collect enough signatures to get the initiates on the ballot

Their goal was 22,000 signatures, with more than 21,000 verified required.

Dooley said they collected more than 7,700 Jaycee

Park petitions and more than 7,200 stipend petitions She said although they fell short of the requirements to get the initiatives on the ballot, to get that many signatures by an all-volunteer group in 90 days was really amazing

“It’s really hard to get these petitions done Our volunteers worked really hard to get these petitions signed We had some volunteers that went out every day,” Dooley said

About 40 people attended the regular meetings and collected petitions Dooley said they had about a dozen people collecting petitions almost every day at such places as the library and Jaycee Park She said they also had volunteers who do not live anywhere near the park on Southeast 20th Place at the end of Beach Parkway They recognized how unique and irreplaceable Jaycee Park is to the city and so volunteered

Dooley wanted to share how grateful she is for everyone who worked so hard

“I appreciate everyone who took the time to sign our

Oasis Elementary North to present ‘Madagascar: A Musical Adventure’

Performances at Cultural Park Theatre tonight and Saturday

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Forthe first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Oasis Elementary North's drama program is putting on a show

Students in third, fourth and fifth grade with present “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure” at Cultural Park Theater tonight and Saturday The show opened Thursday night

Co-director and third grade teacher Jamie Ordway said the cast has been working since October to make the show, based off the hit movie, a reality

“We've been working three days each week,” Ordway said “They're really committed and get along well, and have really embraced taking on these roles ”

Ordway said many of the students have never participated in a musical or theater venture before, and that it's been great to see them tackle the show

“It's been fun to see them develop as little actors and actresses, but the best part is between the third, fourth and fifth graders, they've made a lot of friends,” she said “You'll see them interact at recess, giving high fives and hugs Kids that were shy get up there and are superstars ”

Ordway is directing alongside three other thirdgrade teachers, with Ordway's daughter, a freshman at

North Fort Myers High School, choreographing the show

As for how it's been bringing back drama to Oasis Elementary North, Ordway said, “It's amazing I hope the tradition continues This is my first time doing it, and it's been a big undertaking, but this week makes it all worth it I'm hoping to keep the ball rolling ”

Showtimes are 6:30 p m today, with a 2 p m matinee on Saturday Tickets are $10, and all proceeds benefit the school's drama program

“I think the show portrays the culture of Oasis really well -- that we're a solid team,” Ordway said “These kids worked really hard and are definitely going to show everyone the results of that hard work. It's also fun to see them all transform into this magical world together ”

For tickets, visit https://secure boxoffice avenue com/culturalparktheatre/Home/ListShowings?aid=321

Cultural Park Theater is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd

The cast of “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure,” which will be performed this weekend at Cultural Park Theatre by students from Oasis Elementary North in Cape Coral

PHOTO PROVIDED

petition and I would like the City Council to know we are not giving up,” she said.

In addition to sharing the final number of the petitions, the group also heard Saturday from announced candidates who are running for the five Council seats that are up in November

“Our group is definitely interested in replacing the current council members that don’t listen to us with people that do,” Dooley said “Our political action committee is going to meet with candidates and meet among ourselves and decide how involved we are going to get Candidates that align with our values and priorities we are definitely going to be supporting them ”

With the 90-days now past them, Dooley said they are going to take a little break and decide what their next steps will be They do have the option of trying again, which would provide them with another 90 days to get signatures

See

Gunter: Cape Coral

page 30

‘committed to submitting all documentation to FEMA’

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

With an additional 30 days in hand, the city of Cape Coral is continuing efforts to retain a 25% discount on federal flood insurance premiums

Lee County and the four municipalities affected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's decision to yank the discount due to alleged un-permitted work post Hurricane Ian, have been granted a 30-day extension for submitting documents to prove compliance with the federal agency's rules and regulations during post-storm recovery efforts in the designated Special Flood Hazard Area

“This extension pushes the deadline to June 10," Mayor John Gunter said at a press conference at City Hall Monday "However, the city of Cape Coral remains committed to submitting all documentation to FEMA by the original date of May 9 This demonstrates our compliance with the National Flood Insurance regulations ”

Gunter said joint collaboration with FEMA played a crucial role in addressing the concerns raised by the federal agency, which evaluates compliance with its rules and regulations and also awards points for efforts to mitigate flood hazards through a rating system

“We forged direct lines of communications with FEMA administrators We’ve also welcomed FEMA staff into our city to streamline processes and enhance communication,” he said “As we move forward it is crucial to recognize the significance of retaining our community rating system of 5 This rating reflects our commitment to safety and resiliency It ensures that our residents with flood policies underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program continue to benefit from the discounts provided ”

City staff has been working tirelessly to compel specific documentation reflecting the actions taken post Hurricane Ian, he added

“This documentation includes permits, substantial damage letters, demolition permits and enforcement actions For those seeking additional information and documents related to this issue, visit CapeCoral gov/FEMA We appreciate the ongoing support from FEMA and Lee County Together, we will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before ”

FEMA announced in March that it had “retrograded” the Community Rating System class from a 5 to a 10 the lowest rating in unincorporated Lee County, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Springs The new rating would have eliminated the 25% discount property owners currently receive for the National Flood Insurance Program policies as of Oct 1

REAL ESTATE

Do not ignore notices from city Code Enforcement

Dear Mr. Feichthaler,

I am one of the unfortunate that received the letter from the city last week saying that I violated city code by doing hurricane repairs without a permit My house is relatively new, and though I did have some damage to pool screens and cosmetic damage, I didn’t need to perform any significant repairs The hearing is next week Can I ignore the notice? Could it be I was sent this letter in error?

Bill A

Dear Bill, I think the people of Cape Coral, as well as city government, have had enough of all the issues Hurricane Ian has brought You likely have seen the stories over the past several weeks about the federal government stripping the city, as a w h o l e , o f t h e f l o o d insurance discount we have received for many years This discount was earned due to the city’s rigorous policies relating to permits and rebuilding I personally have w o r k e d w i t h s e v e r a l clients who could not simply make repairs as a result of the 50% rule

Eric P. Feichthaler

Real Estate Law

FEMA determined that the city was not properly enforcing rules on unpermitted work, which led them to declare the city has lost its preferential rating The city has responded with substantial evidence that it has, in fact, diligently enforced its rules and the rules required to continue the discount As a result, FEMA has given the city an additional 30 days to respond to their concerns

Which brings us to the issue you and, I believe, a few hundred others are facing I believe FEMA provided a list to the city of potentially offending properties, and you are on the list This list was complied in the Fall based on inspections made by FEMA officials from the street Some of these inspections may have uncovered legitimate concerns I also believe many, like yours, are simply caught in the cast net that FEMA has thrown to determine what complies and what does not

I have dealt with city Code Enforcement from many sides over the years, and I can tell you this: Code Enforcement is highly capable and diligent enforcing city code, when a violation is brought to their attention I also can state, based on experience, that the special magistrates in these situations, which govern the code hearing, are very fair, carefully consider evidence, and have a wide range of options when hearing a case, including holding off on fines until the issue is resolved, and dismissing cases where no violation took place

Unfortunately, if your letter was like the others I have seen, it does not specify what has been done to violate code This makes is particularly challenging to defend However, one thing you should not do is ignore this notice Whether you decide to hire an attorney or attend on your own behalf, someone must attend to avoid fines or other actions by the city Whichever you choose, try to be prepared to address whatever violation you can anticipate, and to ask for time to resolve whatever it may be that was done in violation of code

After observing the city’s actions post-hurricane and all of the information released recently about FEMA, it

March Cape home sales results mixed, inventory remains high

As of Tuesday, April 23, there were 2,849 active single-family home listings in Cape Coral through a Realtor in the MLS with list prices ranging from $225,000 to $10 9 million The median list price was at $499,900 and there were 1,165 homes listed $450,000 and under, including 43 homes priced below $300,000 At the other end of the spectrum, there were 351 homes listed at $1 million and above

A total of 919 of our active listings in the Cape were new construction homes built in 2023 and 2024 We currently have 872 single-family homes under contract with buyers as pending sales at prices ranging from $225,000 to $3 799 million, with the median pending sales price at $400,000 So the median pending sales price is running 20% below the median list price A total of 546 of the 872 current pending sales are priced at $450,000 and under, including 47 homes below $300,000 There are 54 pending sales at $1 million and above A total of 345 of the 872 pending sales in the Cape are for new construction homes, capturing a significant 40% share of our market.

Homing In

One year ago, on April 19, 2023, there were 1,468 active listings in the MLS for Cape Coral single-family homes with the median list price at $535,000 with 215 homes listed for sale at $1 million and above, and a total of 925 homes under contract with buyers Just two short years ago on April 19, 2022, there were only 547 active listings in the Cape through a Realtor as most homes went under contract with buyers within days, if not hours, of coming onto the market in what we were calling a “just in time inventory” to meet the buyer demand Based on our market surveys, the median list price peaked at $610,000 that week and there were only 103 homes listed at $1 million and above. At that time there were a total of 998 pending sales for single-family homes, with 77 of them at $1 million and above

For the month of March in the overall Cape Coral singlefamily home market, there were 530 closed home sales, which was up 3 7% from the 511 homes sold in March 2023, and up 38 4% versus the 383 sales in February of this year In the first quarter of 2024, there were 1,189 closed sales, which was 1 9% below the 1,212 homes sold in the first quarter of last year, but up 7 2% from the 1,109 sales in the fourth quarter of 2023

The median sales price in the overall Cape Coral singlefamily home market was $400,000 in March, which was down 3 6% from both the $414,999 posted in March 2023, and the $415,000 in February of this year In the first quarter, the median sales price averaged $412,500 per

month, or 0.2% above the average of $411,666 per month in the first quarter of 2023, and up 4 4% from the average of $395,050 per month in the fourth quarter of 2023

Indirect gulf access canal homes

In the Cape Coral single-family indirect gulf access canal home segment (meaning homes with bridges in the canal system), there were 57 closed sales in March This was 14% higher than the 50 closed sales in March 2023, and 50% above the 38 sales in February of this year In the first quarter of 2024, there were 127 closed sales in this segment, which was 17 6% more than the 108 closed sales in the first three months of 2023, and it was 62 8% above the 78 closed sales in the fourth quarter of last year

The median sales price in the Cape’s single-family indirect gulf access canal home segment came in at $750,000 in March, which was 8 3% above the $692,500 posted in March 2023, but 12 2% lower than the $835,750 in February of this year In the first quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $792,083 per month, or 3 2% above the average of $767,500 per month in the first quarter of 2023, and 3 5% more than the average of $765,500 per month in the fourth quarter of last year

Direct sailboat access canal homes

In the Cape Coral single-family direct sailboat access canal home segment (meaning no bridges in the canals to get out to open water), there were 40 closed sales in March This was 7% lower than the 43 sales in March 2023, but 14 3% above the 35 sales in February of this year In the first quarter of 2024, there were 102 closed sales in this segment, which was 8 9% below the 112 sales in the first quarter of 2023, but 54 5% above the 66 closed sales in the fourth quarter of last year

The median sales price in the Cape’s single-family direct sailboat access canal home segment came in at $850,000 in March, which was 1 2% above the $840,000 in March 2023, and up 2 1% versus the $832,500 in February of this year In the first quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $840,833 per month, which was up 14 8% from the average of $732,500 per month in the first quarter of 2023, and 6 1% above the average of $792,667 per month in the fourth quarter of last year

Freshwater canal and lake homes

In the Cape’s single-family freshwater canal and lake

See MARCH, page 17

Tasman recognized as a top performing broker in Crexi’s annual

Platinum Broker Awards

Crexi, the commercial real estate (CRE) industry's fastest-growing marketplace, data, and technology platform, recently announced Gary Tasman as a winner of its annual Platinum Broker Awards, an awards program recognizing the highest-performing brokers on Crexi’s platform

“I'm honored to be recognized among the top performers in the industry Crexi's innovative platform has not only amplified my professional goals but has also been instrumental in generating more leads and closing deals effectively,” said Tasman

Crexi users must land in the top percentage of brokers using the platform to be recognized as a Platinum Broker Tasman is being recognized for his exceptionally high engagement, high property search score, use and knowledge of Crexi’s marketing portal, deals closed on Crexi, as well as a healthy number of leads per listing, total listings,

and total value Brokers are recognized based on three focuses - sale, lease and auction Winners from the sale and lease categories span hospitality, industrial, land, multifamily, office, retail, restaurant, and special purpose sectors, while the auction category spotlights top performers overall.

Gary is a 35-year veteran of the real estate industry and is regarded regionally and statewide as an expert on Southwest Florida commercial real estate His expertise includes market analytics, financial feasibility studies (office, medical, retail, industrial), site analyses, land development, and disposition/acquisition strategies He regularly speaks to public and professional organizations about commercial real estate trends C u s h m a n a n d W a k e f i e l d | C o m m e r c i a l P r o p e r t y Southwest Florida, LLC delivers integrated solutions by

See TASMAN, page 17

Bob and Geri Quinn

Going bare: when to self-insure (and when not to)

As Southwest Florida homeowners continue bouncing back from the widespread impact of Hurricane Ian, the impact of spiraling property insurance rates on household budgets is hard to ignore

At roughly $6,000 a year on average, Florida’s typical homeowner insurance rates are now the highest in the country –between three and four times the national average, and in many cases three and four times what those same homeowners were paying just a few short years ago

That hefty hike has many toying with the idea of “going bare,” or self-insuring their homes While the national rate for going bare is about 12%, here in Florida, it’s closer to 15% to 20%, according to estimates

In some cases, the numbers are unimaginably high. We’re seeing reports of insurance premiums for multi-million-dollar homes in the hundreds of thousands of doll a r s F o r e x a m p l e , a h o m e o w n e r o n Florida’s East Coast was billed $121,000 annually in 2023, a 13-fold increase over just four years

Before going bare, my top question for homeowners experiencing a rise in their property insurance is, “Why aren’t you shopping around?”

We shop for cars, houses, groceries and gas to get the best deal, so why are we not shopping for insurance? If you get a notice t h a t y o u r h o m e o w n e r ’ s i n s u r a n c e i s increasing by $200 per month, challenge the company and tell them you’re going to

find a better deal In many situations, the company will lower the rate if it means keeping a loyal, long-term customer

If you can’t find a better p r i c e , y o u m a y c o n s i d e r going bare However, bear in mind that self-insuring your home (especially here in Southwest Florida, with an elevated risk of severe weather) is not without risk, and depending on your circumstances, may not even be a viable option

Who can afford to go bare?

For those with an outstanding mortgage, banks require property insurance

Commentary

c o v e r a g e a s a c o n d i t i o n o f t h e l o a n Homeowners who have paid fully for their homes, though, have the option to go bare if they’d like to forego homeowner insurance In Florida, where 44% of homeowners paid for their homes in cash, that’s a significant cohort

Additionally, if you live in an area that is at risk for floods, such as Fort Myers Beach, there’s a good chance that your mortgage holder will also require wind and flood insurance Also, if you rent out your property on VRBO or Airbnb, or have frequent visitors, homeowner’s insurance is

r e c o m m e n d e d , a s i t p r ovides liability protection if s o m e o n e g e t s i n j u r e d o n your property and chooses to take legal action And if your lender winds up purchasing what is known as l e n d e r - p l a c e d o r f o r c eplaced insurance, the premiums will typically be higher than what you find on the open market

As more and more cash buyers choose to go bare, I hear a recurring sentiment:

u n h a p p y w i t h h o w t h e i r insurance companies paid

o u t f o r p o s t - I a n r e p a i r s , t h e s e p r o p e r t y o w n e r s instead prefer to put their o w n m o n e y a s i d e e a c h month to create, in essence, their own self-insurance policy

Should you go bare?

Self-insurance is not as golden as it may seem The biggest risk for Floridians, of course, is that without insurance, a catastrophic storm could cause more damage costs than the non-insured homeowner can afford to pay out-of-pocket. For Southwest Floridians who live in a region prone to storms, you should consider your track record with storms Are you in a flood zone? How did your home fare during Hurricanes Irma, Ian and Charley?

Sure, self-insurance can save you a lot now, but what about the future? Do you have the funds necessary to repair a severely damaged home? All risks considered, more and more Floridians are willing to accept financial responsibility in exchange f o r d r a s t i c a l l y r i s i n g r a t e s a n d h i g h deductibles

Everyone’s circumstances differ The choice for owners of a mortgage-free m o b i l e h o m e t h a t w a s p a s s e d d o w n through the generations will very likely be different than for the owners of a multimillion-dollar penthouse on Gulf Shore Drive who retired early after selling their tech company

Before deciding to forego homeowner’s insurance, make sure to consult a financial advisor, your accountant and your real estate agent. At Call it Closed International Realty, we have a mortgage services division that offers competitive loans in each of the 50 states The program is affiliated w i t h B r i g h t o n B a n k , a 1 1 0 - y e a r - o l d , F D I C - i n s u r e d f i n a n c i a l i n s t i t u t i o n t h a t offers conventional mortgages as well as FHA and VA loans

A p r i l e O s b o r n e , C a l l I t C l o s e d International Realty co-founder, has been a licensed agent in Southwest Florida for almost 20 years Naples-based Call It C l o s e d I n t e r n a t i o n a l R e a l t y c u r r e n t l y operates in 18 states For more information, visit aprileosborne callitclosed com

March: Cape home sales results mixed but inventory remains high

From page 16

home segment, which includes landlocked waterfront homes with no boating access to the river or Gulf of Mexico, there were 55 closed sales in March This was even with the 55 sales in March of 2023, and 44 7% above the 38 sales in February of this year In the first quarter of 2024, there were 126 closed sales in this segment, which was 0 8% less than the 127 sales in the first quarter of 2023, but 21 2% above the 104 sales in the fourth quarter of last year

The median sales price in the Cape’s single-family freshwater canal and lake home segment came in at $460,000 in March, which was down 6 1% from the $490,000 posted in March of 2023, and 5% below the $484,000 in February of this year In

the first quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $478,000 per month, down 5 7% from the average of $506,667 per month in the first quarter of 2023, and it was 9 1% below the average of $525,583 per month in the fourth quarter of last year

Dry lot homes

In the Cape’s single-family dry lot (noncanal) home segment, there were 377 closed sales in March, which was 3 9% higher than the 363 sales in March 2023, and 39 1% above the 271 sales in February of this year There were 830 closed sales in this segment during the first quarter, which was 3.7% below the 862 sales in the first quarter of 2023, and down 3 5% from the

860 closed sales in the fourth quarter of last year

The median sales price in the Cape Coral single-family dry lot home segment was $370,000 in March, which edged 0 3% higher from the $369,000 posted in March of 2023, but it was down 2 6% from $380,000 in February of this year. In the first quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $376,667 per month, or 1 7% above the average of $370,432 per month in the first quarter of 2023, and 1 2% above the average of $372,330 per month in the fourth quarter of last year

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee

County, Fla , as of April 22, 2024, unless otherwise noted It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral single-family homes, and does not include condominiums, short sales or foreclosures The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral They have lived in Cape Coral for over 44 years Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined with Geri as a fulltime Realtor in 2014 Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots

Code Enforcement: Do not ignore notices from city over permits

From page 16

appears the city has taken extraordinary steps to comply with federal requirements relating to floodplain management I am hopeful that, with these hearings coming soon, that most or all of these alleged violations are not sustainable by FEMA, and that the city will prevail to reinstate the flood insurance discounts received by our friends and neighbors

Eric P Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral A f t e r c o m p l e t i n g l a w s c h o o l a t

Georgetown University in Washington, D C , he returned to Cape Coral to practice law and raise a family He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, and Cape Coral Kiwanis He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 22 years, and they have four children He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar, and primarily practices in real estate law and wills and trusts He is AV Preeminent rated by MartindaleHubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified

Tasman: Named a top performer

From page 16

actively advising, implementing and managing on behalf of landlords, tenants, and investors through every stage of the real estate process

The company advises clients in buying, selling, financing, leasing, and managing

advice, strategic planning and research, portfolio analysis, site selection and space location assistance

For more information about this transaction, or to learn more about Commercial Property Southwest Florida, please contact Gary Tasman at gtasman@cpswfl com or visit www cpswfl com

Circuit Civil Mediator He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney com, or 239542-4733

This article is general in nature and not

Aprile Osborne Guest

COMMUNITY

Blossoms on a “Little Gem” magnolia tree.

Love magnolias?

By ANN BLOCK news@breezenewspapers com

Love big Southern magnolias but don’t have the space? A lot of us in Cape Coral have only quarter-acre lots so the dwarf magnolia “Little Gem” is everything we are looking for but smaller!

This “Little Gem” tree offers big looks and gorgeous style with beautiful pure white perfumed flowers for our smaller spaces It flowers heavily in the spring and intermittently the rest of the year filling the air with a rich perfume

The “Little Gem” tree grows slowly to a mature size of about 15 to 20 feet tall It has the classic large white flowers you expect from a larger magnolia tree but a narrow shape It is a perfect blooming specimen tree for smaller landscapes

GARDEN CLUB OF CAPE CORAL

If you are looking for an excellent evergreen privacy screen, you can plant them in groups or rows You can use the “Little Gem” as a large focal feature tree in large outdoor containers on your decks or lanais You can prune your “Little Gem” up or you can leave un-pruned for natural branching at ground level You can plant this dwarf magnolia 6 to 10 feet from large walls and fences The roots are not invasive

Unlike the Southern magnolia, you will not have to wait years to see blooms “Little Gem” begins to bloom when it is only 3 to 4 feet tall You will love the glossy leaves, which look perfect all year in our Zone 10a The under portion of the leaves are covered with lovely dark brown “fur” giving your tree lots of character In the fall you will have fascinating cone-like seed pods which open to reveal bright red seeds!

Plant “Little Gem” in any soil, which is good, as we have very sandy soil here It thrives in damp or normal gardens and is moderately drought resistant once it is established No pests or diseases seem to bother this long-lived tree and it requires little maintenance to produce its fabulous blossoms year in and year out

Have you ever used coffee grounds in your garden? If a test indicates that your soil is too alkaline, then, use the fresh coffee grounds around your acid-loving magnolia tree You can use a balanced fertilizer around the base of the tree and water generously It requires very modest fertilizing with application three times a year Pine needles are a good mulch for your tree or any mulch that you favor for reducing water evaporation and moisture loss

Did you know that magnolias produce fruit in addition to their fabulous flowers? Although inedible, it has benefits to you as a gardener There are many species of birds that love to feast on magnolia fruit If you love to draw birds into your garden, a magnolia tree is for you The “Little Gem” provides a secure spot for birds to nest

I encourage you to check this “Little Gem” magnolia at your local nursery It truly is a GEM!

This is a short quote which I love about gardening The author is Jenny Uglow

“We may think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us ” Happy gardening!

Ann Block is Past President of the Garden Club of Cape Coral Visit www gardenclubofcapecoral com and like us on Facebook

JOHNATHAN MINEHAN

United Way volunteers are recognized for their efforts at the breakfast at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in

United Way honors volunteers

By JOHNATHAN MINEHAN

news@breezenewspapers com

United Way volunteers were honored this week at a special breakfast at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

The event celebrated the hard work of volunteers from Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties

Highlighted programs included: Resource Development

V I T A - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Fund Distribution

Community Partner Ship Schools

Schools Resource Center Gifts In Kind Days Of Caring

Beesley’s Paw Prints Pet Therapy

Attendees enjoyed a buffet breakfast as their peers were honored

Donna Estes, senior fiscal officer at Lee County Fleet Management, attended the event and enjoyed sharing her experiences volunteering

“This is my second year volunteering on the allocations committee I love working for the county and giving back to the community even though we’re not front-facing We help everybody in Lee County as far as the event goes ” said Estes

Estes has worked for the county for 18 years and loves the experiences she has received connecting with organizations that want to help a good cause

“I enjoyed learning about the different programs out there that a lot of people don’t know about, so it gets the word out,” said Estes “I think that everybody should take part in volunteering and doing their civic duty Not only that, but it opens up to new people, new friends, new organizations ”

Passion is a big motivator for Estes in her efforts to become involved with the community and volunteer, a

trait many hold

“I would say go with where your heart is If you love animals, go to the animal shelter I love people, so I love to see them succeed I like to see people get help when they need it because, at the end of the day, everybody needs help,” said Estes “Now, getting kids in school, getting them the resources they need, without children growing up, we’re not going to have good adults ”

Lee County Tax Collector & United Way Board Chairperson Noelle Branning started off the event with a speech about the importance of making volunteering fun and exciting regardless of the task

“Today, I invite you to step into the enchanting world of volunteerism, a space where kindness reigns, joy bounds, and every test is infused with whimsy and wonder,” said Branning “It’s a delightful journey of discovery, connection, and endless fun One of my favorite characters of all time said it best; as Mary Poppins famously said, in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun ”

As Branning continued, she shared with the crowd a message of unity and how everyone there at the event, regardless of their backgrounds, is serving a purpose for others

“Volunteering is also a celebration of diversity and unity Maya Angelou eloquently stated we all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry And we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value in the tapestry of volunteerism,” said Branning “Each person brings unique talents, perspectives, and experiences, weaving a beautiful mosaic of collaboration and experiences ”

Jeanine Joy, United Way president and CEO, led the presentation through each highlight of the program,

See UNITED WAY, page 31

Gulf Coast Village to hold Kentucky Derby-themed party Thursday

Grab your fancy hats, sip a mint julep and prepare for the big race as Gulf Coast Village celebrates the Kentucky Derby Thursday, May 2

Attendees are invited to join current residents for a Kentucky Derby themed party, which will begin at 11 a m in Gulf Coast Village’s auditorium, located at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral. The event will feature games, including horse races, prizes and a traditional southern lunch featuring pulled pork, coleslaw, mint juleps and pecan pie Following the Derby Day festivities and lunch, group tours to see Gulf Coast Village’s model apartments will be offered “We are always eager to invite prospective residents through our doors to see how fun and engaging senior living can be,” said Sherrie Saidon, lifestyles coordinator at

Gulf Coast Village “Mixing the opportunity to learn with a festive celebration gives local seniors the chance to experience a day in the life of a Gulf Coast Village resident and offers them a look into their future ”

Gulf Coast Village, a continuing care retirement community in Cape Coral, is part of a group of senior living options sponsored by Volunteers of America National Services As a CCRC, Gulf Coast Village provides older adults with all levels of senior living at its campus, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing

Seating is limited, so please reserve your spot by April

Fort Myers

EDUCATION

Cape Municipal Charter School Foundation presents Lighthouse Awards

The Cape Coral Municipal Charter School Foundation announced the winners of the Lighthouse Awards Friday, April 5, for the four charter schools making up the Cape Coral Municipal Charter School System -- Oasis Elementary North (formerly, Christa McAuliffe Elementary), Oasis Elementary South, Oasis Middle and Oasis High School

The surprise announcements were made at the Lighthouse Awards Dinner on Friday, April 5, at the La Venezia Ballroom There were three finalists at each school who have been observed multiple times by committee members and the final winners were announced at the dinner

Similar to the Golden Apple Award, this vetting process began in November with a nomination process from peers, parents and students Nomination comments were read by a committee and the top three finalists were chosen at each school Observations were held and after completing six unannounced observations, a final winner from each school was selected and announced at the dinner.

The Beacon Award is given to one support staff with only one (1) recipient between all four (4) Charter Schools

Paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, coaches who don’t teach, bus drivers and support personnel (facilities, cleaning, cafeteria, nurse, office, etc) are eligible for the Beacon Award

The winners for 2024 are:

■ Oasis Elementary North winner: Monica Renz; finalists: Alexander Redecker and Brianna Regolizio

■ Oasis Elementary South winner: Lyle Fitzsimmons; finalists: Viviana Aguilera and Lynette Stockwell

■ Oasis Middle winner: Kristine Christensen; finalists: Kelly Henry-Herbst and Natalie Sheldon

■ Oasis High winner: Jeff Brown; finalists: Shelby Dahl and Anna Martin

■ Beacon Award Winner: Sue Johnson

The Lighthouse Award Recognition Program is administered by the Cape Coral Municipal Charter School Foundation and overseen by the Lighthouse Award Committee, comprised of members of the Municipal Charter School Foundation, parents and community-at-large members This program is designed to honor the most deserving teachers within the Charter School System

About the Cape Coral Charter School Foundation

The Cape Coral Municipal Charter School Foundation was established in October 2004 as the fundraising arm of the Cape Coral Municipal Charter School system which operates under the auspices of the Cape Coral Charter School Authority created by City Ordinance 208 Its mission is to assist the Cape Coral Municipal Charter Schools in their quest to provide students with a unique learning experience in preparing them for success and participation in our community as responsible and productive citizens

The foundation is unique in its mission of providing formal support through financial disbursements tailored to the on-going needs of continued excellence in education that the Charter Schools provide to the children of Cape Coral

The Foundation is currently made up of a volunteer Board members and non-voting, community stakeholders

For additional information about the foundation, please visit its website at https://www capecharterfoundation com/

County School District’s updated code of conduct now available

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

More parent involvement, and support for teachers and administrators, was the overall message that came from the proposed updated School District of Lee County code of conduct Tuesday

Constituent Services and Student Discipline Director Tammy Scott said the code was reduced from a little more than 100 pages down to 56, with the elementary code and secondary code now in one book The book is now available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole

The district has added a landing page to it b site that provides a more online type of b rather than parents accessing the book and ha ing to flip through the pages in a PDF forma

There is one change to the adult code of conduct

The provision states “if a student chooses to use a restroom designated for the opposite sex and the sex based at birth refuses to leave, that student will face a level three con sequence,” Constituent Services and Stude Discipline Director Rachel Gould said

The district met with many stakeholder g p , which also included teachers and administrative staff, regarding the code of conduct Those meetings led to some proposed changes in the elementary and secondary code of conduct

cerned about AI and potential for cheating,” she said Patricca asked what they are doing as a district to teach AI responsibility, as well as teachers using it to make it easier for themselves

“Do we want to lead in this area, or do we want to react,” she said “We can react by putting a clarified definition in the code of conduct Lead in the area because this is the future ”

Other board members agreed that the topic of AI should be brought back during a workshop for more discussion

“AI is about deep learning and deep learning is the obligation we have to the kids. If you just say using AI eating and you are not looking at how the ld is using AI, then you have a problem,” Board member Cathleen Morgan said

There also are proposed changes to the student codes.

Gould said there were some concerns raised about students engaging in conflicts in secluded areas like bathrooms She said because the state changed how a fight is defined, schools had to rely on peer conflict more

The proposal is for administrators to recommend the Success Academy Review Committee a team from the district office and school-based administrators to review specifics of an incident

Another proposed change is for a new local code physical harm, as there were a lot more elementary administrators stating that they were seeing more serious behaviors than horse play, but less than battery

There was also a concern using racial slurs towards other students at the secondary level, which resulted in principals recommending using the Success Academy Review Committee

One of the larger discussed sections of the code stemmed around use of electronic devices which also would include watches and ear buds in addition to cell phones Clarification of when these devices can and cannot be used will come before the board at its next meeting

Constituent Services and Student Discipline Director Dr Ron Iarussi said the proposed language around the misuse of AI would fall within the cheating portion of the code of conduct.

Board member Chris Patricca questioned the discipline for cheating

“We are not treating cheating more seriously This kind of stuff gets you kicked out of college I am really con-

There were also proposed changes when dealing with tobacco and drug use with the main revolving around vaping devices

“We have definitely seen an increase in drug use and tobacco use A larger increase t the high school level,” Iarussi said, adding at it is now down to the middle school level e have heard we would like to see consisrom building to building on how to handle ”

The first offense for tobacco is a level four detention, in school suspension The second offense provides alternatives for principals and students to be able to use case-by-case to recommend programming He said there is still a consequence of up to two days of in or out of school suspension, but the administrator has the opportunity to offer the student and family an opportunity to reduce that if they get educated

The third offense, Iarussi said they are proposing a different type of solution some extended school day, some after school programming for 90 minutes with the student attending five and the parent attending one of the six sessions.

“In lieu of possibly a level two offense at that point That level of offense might be reduced,” Iarussi said

For drug and alcohol, the first offense would be a level three, which could be up to three days of school suspension when kids are in possession of use of drugs or alcohol

“Again, there could be a reduction as long as parent and student, during the hearing, would commit to some programming to educate students on effects,” he said

The second offense is five days out of school suspension and implementing another completion of extended school day option A third offense is the reassignment to Success Academy

“Holding some of the parents accountable for their students, I think is going to be key,” Board member Melisa Giovannelli said “I am excited to see this implemented and what happens ”

All tobacco, drug and alcohol offenses have to be reported to law enforcement

The code of conduct will come before the board again on May 7 for first reading before it is presented to them during a board action meeting on May 21

Cape Republican Club to host superintendent candidates debate next Tuesday at Club Cabaret

STAFF REPORT news@breezenewspapers com

The Cape Coral Republican Club will be hosting a debate between the two candidates for Superintendent of Lee County Schools on April 30

The debate between Denise Carlin and Morgan Wright will take place at Club Cabaret on Tuesday, April 30 Doors will open at 5 p m The meeting begins at 6:30 p m The meeting is free to members and costs $5 to the general public

Audio and video recording will be prohibited To RSVP for the debate, please email capecoralrepublicanclub@gmail.com.

Candidate bios:

∫ Denise Carlin

Denise Carlin was raised in Cape Coral and has lived in Lee County for 54 years She is a lifelong educator, having served as a teacher, principal, and district leader Under her leadership, student achievement increased, budgets supported classrooms, and students, families, and staff were all treated with respect Carlin attended E d i s o n C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e w h e r e s h e e a r n e d a n

Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education before moving on to the University of South Florida, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and a

24

Local high school graduations set for May 16-21

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers com

The School Board of Lee County has approved the lease agreements for the class of 2024 graduation ceremonies

The will spend up to $200,000 for graduation ceremonies at Florida SouthWestern State College – Suncoast Arena, and Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees – Alico Arena

The graduation ceremony schedule is: Thursday, May 16

∫ 7 p m Cape Coral High School, at Suncoast Arena

Friday, May 17

∫ 7 p m Cypress Lake High School, at Suncoast Arena

∫ 7 p m Mariner High School, at Alico Arena Saturday, May 18

∫ 10 a m , Gateway High School, Alico Arena

∫ 2 p m Buckingham Exceptional Student Center, Buckingham Exceptional Student Center Multipurpose Room

∫ 2:30 p m Fort Myers High School, Alico Arena

∫ 2:30 p m Bonita Springs High School, Suncoast Arena

∫ 2:30 p m , Adult and Career Education, South Fort Myers High School Auditorium

∫ 7 p m Estero High School, at Suncoast Arena

∫ 7 p m , Riverdale High School, at Alico Arena

∫ 7 p m , Lee Virtual School, South Fort Myers High

School Auditorium

Sunday, May 19

∫ 10 a m North Fort Myers High School, Alico Arena

∫ 2:30 p m East Lee High School, Alico Arena

∫ 2:30 p m Island Coast High School, Suncoast Arena

∫ 7 p.m. Dunbar High School, Suncoast Arena

∫ 7 p m Lehigh Senior High School, Alico Arena

Monday, May 20

∫ 7 p m South Fort Myers High School, Suncoast Arena

Tuesday, May 21

∫ 7 p m Ida S Baker High School, Suncoast Arena

DeSantis signs bills to allow chaplains, patriotic groups in schools

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Legislation signed by Gov Ron DeSantis will allow public schools to host chaplain programs in schools as well as “patriotic organizations” on campus

“Faith leaders and civic organizations are important additional resources for students who may be facing challenges or need to build community and camaraderie,” DeSantis said during a press conference announcing the signing of the bills

“It provides students with even more resources to be able to help them through difficult times, make the most of their own lives, realize all their opportunities and dreams,” he said

The bill allowing chaplains in schools establishes a statewide school chaplain program which will allow school districts to allow volunteer chaplains to be on school campuses and provide additional counseling support to students

Chaplains would be assigned by the district school board or charter school governing board A student may only receive support offered by school chaplains with written parental consent

“These students need some soul craft and that can make all the difference in the world,” he said.

“You have a right to come and offer these services It’s totally voluntary for a parent or a student to participate No one is being forced to do anything But to exclude religious groups from campus, that is discrimination You are basically saying that God has no place That is wrong That is not what our founders intended ”

DeSantis said the chaplains can provide counseling and mentorship from faith leaders

“Parents can make these judgments about whether any of those fit the needs they think for their kids,” DeSantis said “Providing our kids with more resources is better ”

DeSantis said the state will use “common sense” when determining which religious groups will be able to have a presence in schools

Patriotic or ganizations in schools

The other new state law signed by DeSantis authorizes school districts to allow civic and patriotic organizations to visit schools to encourage student participation and involvement, pass out materials and station displays They can also use any other communication channels

handled by the district

The law would allow the organizations to speak to students during school hours and during school instructional time and encourage students to join their organizations The law allows the groups to inform students how they can help the students achieve their educational goals and further civic involvement

The bill would allow parents to opt out from having their children hear from the groups The groups would have to provide enough notice to parents about their presentations so that parents can withhold their consent from having their children partake

DeSantis said the organizations that could be allowed include Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, The Boy Scouts of America, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Civil Air Patrol, Future Farmers of America, The Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Little League Baseball, The Marine Corps League and The Navy Seal Cadet Corps

“It’s really important that kids stay active,” DeSantis said “I think students are better off being involved in any of these activities ”

School District receives over $500 million from half cent sales tax

Report indicates every school has benefited from the

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The School District of Lee County has received $507 million so far from the voter-approved half cent sales tax and every school has benefitted Money from the sales tax can be used for construction, safety, maintenance, and technology

Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee Chair Steve Shimp said the district have only expended $352 million, but a considerably higher amount is committed to projects

He shared some highlights of what the money has supported:

∫ 4,767 new student seats created

∫ 8 new schools being built

∫ 7 schools undergoing substantial renovations that are in progress

∫ Safety systems are in place at each school weapons detection system, traffic patterns, security in terms of cameras

∫ 22,000 Chromebooks for elementary school students

∫ 73,000 Chromebooks for student refresh program

Shimp said they are also providing PowerPoint presentations in the community to such groups as Rotary Clubs of Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, and North Fort Myers

“We ought to step outside and speak to what is happening as a result of the sales tax,” he said “It has been interesting to be a presenter We do encounter people that are against the tax, and they speak up Generally speaking, the public reception of those presentations has been positive ”

Board member Cathleen Morgan complimented Shimp, as he has really pushed the committee to put together the presentation peers speaking to peers

Superintendent Dr Ken Savage also thanked Shimp for his service, as the committee is independent in nature

“This is not district advocacy,” he said “Our role is to provide facts and that is all we should do This is not our sales tax This is the community, the voters Our obligation is to provide information to the voters of what the impact is ”

funding Superintendent: Cape Republican Club to host candidate debate

From page 19

Master’s degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Carlin and her husband of 33 years, John, have two sons who graduated from Lee County schools She experienced as a teacher, principal, and administrator and also understands what it means to be a parent of students within the district

A c c o r d i n g t o a r e l e a s e f r o m t h e C a p e C o r a l Republican Club:

Carlin is running for Superintendent of Lee County Schools because she believes in public education and knows that the children of Lee County are our future She also knows that, while the School District of Lee County has made strides, there is so much more that must be done to provide a high-quality education for every student Carlin is committed to making our school district the best in the nation by ensuring safe schools, academic excellence, college and career ready students, highly effective teachers for every child in every classroom, and fiscal responsibility The school district must live within

its means, and Denise will make sure that happens

∫ Morgan Wright

A 19-year veteran of teaching within Lee County, Morgan “Moose” Wright is also a decorated Army officer and a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, in Afghanistan

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e r e l e a s e f r o m t h e C a p e C o r a l Republican Club:

Wright has consistently stood out from his peers receiving the coveted Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching as well as being Teacher of the Year within his specialty four times Wright volunteers often within the community from being the Grand Marshal at the Best Buddies special needs inclusion parade to focusing on environmental issues such as Captains for Clean Water.

A colorful and popular positive figure within the community, “Moose” can be found volunteering at social events as a celebrity food judge or spending his time supporting The Pace Center for Girls

A consistent supporter of discipline and common

sense, Wright is ready to take politics out of classrooms and bring back common sense and return to focusing on what matters most: producing educated and productive citizens of tomorrow's society within our Lee County school system.

Cape Cabaret is at 4725 Vincennes Blvd , S E , in downtown Cape Coral

Cape

Computer Club meets Wednesday

The Cape Coral Computer Club meets over Zoom the first and third Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting being from 2-4 p m May 1 Meeting topics: Managing the ever changing digital world, AI and Lowes App

Also, snipping tool/storing, find, print, send There will be time for questions and answers

All skill levels are welcome For more information, visit the club website: https://www capecoralcomputer club/ Use the “CONTACT US” feature to register for a complimentary Zoom link If you have any questions or need help with Zoom, call: 321-430-5959

Northwest Regional Library schedules May programs, activities

Next month’s roster of activities at Northwest Regional Library offers topics for all ages The following activities are free to the public:

Adult Programs

Knit and Stitch

10 a.m., Wednesday, May 1

A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters that join together to share projects, ideas and techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects and tools Basic materials and supplies are available for newcomers

Tech Tuesdays: One-on-One Help

2 p.m., Tuesday, May 7

Need help with a laptop, tablet, e-reader or other device? Are you looking to gain basic technology skills?

We can help with a 15-minute, one-on-one technology help session Registration is required

Books & Bagels

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 8

Do you enjoy robust, engaging book discussions? Join us and share your latest reading recommendations Bagels, coffee and tea will be served

Adult Crafternoon: Yarn Art

1 p.m., Thursday, May 9

Join us for a fun afternoon of making art using yarn Registration is required

Chess at the Library

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14

Enjoy chess at the library in a casual environment. Chess boards will be provided, but you can also bring your own All ages and skill levels are invited

Plant Prop Swap

6 p m , Tuesday, May 21

Share your favorite plants with others Lee County's plant people are invited to our first propagation swap program Please bring fresh cuttings and water propagated nodes to trade No soil please Registration is required

Language Lab

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 28

Looking to learn or improve a language? The Lee County Library System has many resources to help you in your journey Visit the Language Lab to get the tools you need to improve your communication skills We will help set your devices up with necessary applications such as Rosetta Stone and Mango Languages You will also learn about language learning opportunities throughout Lee County Library locations and other tips and tricks

Summer Reading Kickoff Games

10 a m to 2 p m Wednesday, May 29

Join us for summer activities to welcome in the Summer Reading Season Enjoy cornhole, suction cup archery and other games Start your summer off right by signing up for our all-ages Summer Reading Program Track your latest reads and embark on adventures for a chance to win a grand prize

Children’s Programs

Toddler Tales

10:30 & 11:30 a m , Wednesday, May 1, 8, 15

For ages 18-36 months and caregivers Toddlers and caregivers move and groove during this interactive storytime Space is limited to 14 tickets Arrive early and visit the Youth Desk to check in First-come, first-served

Kids Read Down Fines

4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 1, 8

11 a.m. – noon, Saturday, May 18

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session Please bring your library card

Preschool Storytime

10:30 & 11:30 a m , Thursday, May 2, 9, 16

For ages 3-5 years Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby Space is limited to 14 tickets Arrive early and visit the Youth Desk to check in First-come, first-served

Super Fun Saturday: May the 4th Be With You

10 a m , Saturday, May 4

Come play with us at the library Themed Star Wars crafts, games and fun for the whole family

Baby Rhyme Time

10:30 a.m., Monday, May 6, 13

For babies up to 18 months Babies and caregivers wiggle and giggle in a supportive environment Space is limited. Arrive early and visit the Youth Desk to check in.

Code with Robot Cars

4:30 p m , Tuesday, May 14

Speed into STEAM with indi - the most approachable entry-level learning robot for kids indi inspires imaginative, play-based learning by empowering kids to design and build their own mazes while creating opportunities to learn the basics of coding, solve problems and nurture computational thinking skills This program is intended for ages 6-11 years Registration is required

Chess at the Library

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14

Enjoy chess at the library in a casual environment Chess boards will be provided, but you can also bring your own All ages and skill levels are invited

Family Storytime

10 a.m., Saturday, May 18

For children through age 5 years and caregivers

Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement

LEGO Club

2 p.m., Saturday, May 25

For all ages Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy No registration required All materials are provided

Books and Blankets

6:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 28

Join us with your blankies and pajamas for this night-

See NORTHWEST LIBRARY, page 37

FSW to host Financial Aid Workshop Saturday

Florida SouthWestern State College is h o s t i n g a F i n a n c i a l A i d W o r k s h o p Saturday, April 27, from 9 a m to 3 p m , at the Lee Campus in Room S202

The event is intended to aid both current and prospective students in understanding and filling out the 2024-2025 FAFSA forms

The workshop will provide assistance with FAFSA forms and offer students the chance to speak with representatives from various FSW departments including the R e g i s t r a r , V A , A d v i s i n g , B u r s a r , Workforce Education and Admissions

P r o s p e c t i v e s t u d e n t s a t t e n d i n g t h e workshop will be able to apply to FSW and will have the application fee waived Additionally, there will be a chance for attendees to win a $500 scholarship F o r a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www fsw edu/financialaid, or to RSVP, go t o h t t p s : / / f s w e l l u c i a n c r m r e c r u i t c o m / Apply/Events/EventDetails?eventId=febfa 1e9-a5fd-ee11-8a25-0ec4582b89fd

Florida SouthWestern State College annually serves nearly 20,000 students globally FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications

Visit www FSW edu for more information

Summer programs: A variety of educational opportunities available

From page 1

Director Candace Allevato said summer learning will run from June 11, through July 18 Monday through Thursday The face-to-face programs will be from 7 to 11 a m at the high school level and from 9 a m to 1 p m for elementary and middle school

“All families have received communication regarding summer programs,” she said

For this upcoming summer learning there will be 17 face-to-face summer programs at 33 sites; five virtual learning opportunities; credit recovery opportunities for all secondary sites; eight school sites for YMCA and/or Boys and Girls Club; state required programs and summer reading books provided to kindergarten through fifth grade students

“ W e k n o w t h a t g r a d u a t i o n d o e s n ’ t begin on high school campus, it begins in buildings Pre-K Because of that we have been able to add new programs,” Allevato said

On May 11, a second grade family

event will be held at the district office for hands-on training Families will receive materials on phonics, fluency, comprehension and more

“Eight assistant principals will run the program over the summer with families,” Allevato said

Other programs for elementary school students:

∫ 3rd grade reading

∫ 4th grade ELL Science

∫ 4th grade Sunsational Science

∫ ELL Language

∫ Extended School Year

∫ Kindergarten – 5th grade Scholastic Reading

∫ i R e a d y a n d I m a g i n e L e a r n i n g

Virtual Expanded Learning

∫ Jump Start Kindergarten

∫ VPK Head Start

There are eight summer programs for middle school students

∫ 6th – 7th grade ELL Science & ELL

Language

∫ 6th – 8th grades STEM

∫ Advanced Math

∫ Band Camp

∫ Credit Recovery

∫ Extended School Year

∫ iReady & Imagine Learning Virtual Expanded Learning

∫ Lee Virtual offerings

Advanced math camp is open to any incoming sixth, seventh, and eighth grader who is already proficient in math

“It is very popular, and we only opened registration up at the end of last week and we already have a wait list,” she said, adding that they are finding more teachers to expand

Middle school students have to pass every core class to be able to get to high school on time, which is why credit recovery is available to give them one more opportunity to retrieve grades.

There are 10 offerings for high school students

∫ Algebra and biology

∫ Credit recovery

∫ Driver’s education

∫ ELL Language

∫ Extended School Year

∫ Graduation Pathways

∫ Imagine Learning Virtual Expanded

Learning

∫ Lee Virtual offering

∫ Percussion Camp

∫ Supporting Our Students

Superintendent Dr Ken Savage said sometimes it is about allowing the students who are already doing quite well to enrich their student learning

Board member Cathleen Morgan complimented both the offerings and staff

“This is transformative work you all have done Essentially what I am hearing is a step towards year-round school,” she said “A broad spectrum of student opportunities to meet their needs, their desires This is just to me, wow, a huge change from where you all were last year To me, it’s so impressive The quality of commun i c a t i o n , t h e p r o j e c t - b a s e d o r i e n t a t i o n opposed to sit-in-the-classroom, the family engagement and creating the expectation that parents are asked to participate laying the groundwork with people that are really interested This is awesome work ”

Yacht Club plans: Citizen suggestions considered for park, facility

From a plan comment standpoint, the community asked about additional drop off spots for visitors and walking distance from the new parking garage to other amenities planned for the site, he said

Operational comments included parking fees and how such fees would be structured, pool usage fees, a shuttle or golf cart service, canal width on the north side of the park and the size of boats to be allowed in that area as displacement of senior programming, previously held in the nowgone Tony Rotino Center

Pankonin addressed the comments with many already having solutions He said the large number of meeting spaces provides a great opportunity to shift the senior programming to the new Community Center

In addition, there could be drop off lanes added by shifting things inward to a l l o w f o r m o r e v e h i c u l a r d r o p o f f Pankonin said they could have a skip lane a n d a o n e - w a y r e t u r n o n D r i f t w o o d Parkway instead of vehicles having to travel all the way through the grounds

“The stormwater treatment can still be accomplished if add the skip lane (You would) still have stormwater and vegetation on the west side,” he said

Walking distance was also touched upon with the longest being a three-tofour-minute walk from the parking garage to the Boat House T h e p r e s e n t a t i o n h i g h l i g h t e d m a n y areas of increase within the Yacht Club revised master plan One that saw a large increase, was the pool deck with about a 330% increase, Pankonin said “We have expanded that greatly to provide more amenities in that area for residents,” he said

ROB BRAITLING

Work on the demolition of the Cape Coral Yacht Club ballroom continued Thursday morning

The beach area also saw an increase about a 130% from the previously approved master plan He said there is a 226% increase in space from the existing conditions prior to the storm

The Yacht Club Community Center increased the usable space by 185% with it expanding to a second floor Pankonin said the senior center functions and functions in other buildings have been consolidated into a single footprint.

The parking deck, in creating an L shape, and an additional story to a total of four, has increased the parking spaces by

3 0 0 s p a c e s T h e b o a t t r a i l e r p a r k i n g includes 45 spaces, an increase of six spaces than what was there previously by making the area more efficient

There was concern regarding the canal

on the northern section of the Yacht Club Mayor John Gunter said it is fairly narrow “I would hate to allow parking, as much as I would like to see additional boat parking for residents and visitors, we don’t want boats to parallel park on the seawall and impede residents to get out of their boat slips,” he said, adding that he wants the city to be a good neighbor

Councilmember Bill Steinke said plans do not show, or indicate, any of the docks, or lifts residents have to take up space in the canal

Pankonin said there is 55 feet between the edge of the dock and proposed edge of the new dock, which could yield up to a 32-foot boat

Dragon Boat Club now calls Cape Coral home

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

A Cape Coral club that ventures out on the water to compete in a disciplined and enthralling sport has rebranded and is looking for Southwest Floridians to get on board

The Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club, formerly known as the Charlotte Harbor Paddles, takes to the Burnt Store Boat Ramp each week to hone their skills and practice for both local and national competition

The sport, which sees both male and females partake, involves racing a thin, crew-style boat using individual paddles rather than connected oars

CCDBC is dedicated to expanding access to the sport throughout the region, as unlike many other metropolitan areas across the country, there are limited opportunities for dragon boat enthusiasts locally The club aims to collaborate with nearby organizations and government bodies to introduce dragon boat racing to people of all ages and abilities Through accessible public programs, CCDBC strives to create a truly inclusive environment where everyone can experience the joys of dragon boating

“We’ve made our home Cape Coral, practicing off the Burnt Store ramp, going out to the Spreader Canal,” said CCDBC member Neil Price “We’ve got a lot of Cape Coral paddlers on the team, and it just made sense to identify with the community ”

Price said the group would like to see this team grow in a couple of ways, one of which involved preliminary talks with the city to potentially bring from dragon boat youth programs online

The group is all for bringing on younger members, as the club only competes in senior racing at the moment Though their track record is one of great success In 2014, the club established an elite senior mixed 10-person team, the “Rogue Dragons ” The team not only competed intern a t i o n a l l y a t t h e 2 0 1 5 P a n A m e r i c a n C l u b C r e w Championship held in Canada, but also secured medals The Rogues’ winning streak continued with victories at the Pan Am Club Crew Championships Senior Division in Puerto Rico (2017) and Tobago (2019) They further qualified for the Club Crew World Championships slated for France, in the spring of 2020, but was canceled due to

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club takes to the water from the Burnt Store Boat Ramp.

the COVID-19 pandemic Returning with renewed vigor, the Rogues claimed the U S National Championship (senior C division; 60-plus) title in 2021 Their journey culminated in a remarkable performance at the 2022 Club Crew World Championship, where they clinched a phenomenal combination of gold, silver, and bronze medals across three events The club expanded its offerings in 2016 by forming Southwest Florida’s first all-women’s team, the Vogue Dragons CCDBC frequently fields both Draggin' Dragons and Vogue teams in various race events across Florida

Just last weekend at the Sarasota Dragon Boat Festival,

CCDBC came out on top

“We’ve grown our team mostly by word-of-mouth, and we’re just trying to bring the sport to the forefront here in Southwest Florida,” Price said

According to the International Dragon Boat Association, the sport boasts more than 90,000 participants in the United States and Canada alone, with a staggering figure of more than 300,000 across Europe. With origins dating back over 2,000 years to China, dragon boat racing has

See DRAGON BOAT CLUB, page 30

Epiphany Episcopal and Christ Lutheran churches planning to hold ‘Shred & Fed’ event on May 18

Epiphany Episcopal Church and Christ Lutheran Church in Cape Coral are jointly putting on A "Shred & Fed" Event Saturday, May 18, from 9-11 a.m., for all parishioners and the public There is no fee for this but participants are asked to please consider making a contribution of nonperishable food items that will be contributed to Cape Coral Caring Center “So That the Hungry May Be Fed.”

Unwanted documents will be shredded by a company named “All Points Mobile Shredding” in the church parking lot that

morning Upon completion, a Certificate of Destruction will be issued The driver arrives at the church parking lot ready to shred, so please arrive early to make sure w e u s e a l l o f t h e a v a i l a b l e t i m e Approximately 100 boxes per hour can be shredded

Empty boxes will not be removed but will be used to gather the nonperishable food items

The churches are located at 2507 Del Prado Blvd , S , Cape Coral Call 239574-3200 or 239-542-2709 for more information

Dragon Boat Club: Paddling group now calling Cape Coral home

From page 29

become a global phenomenon with tens of millions participating worldwide

It’s also a great way to stay in shape while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Southwest Florida

“It does great things for you physically,” Price said “It can be pretty intense Emotionally and mentally, it’s dynamite, too It’s a team sport where you can put a 110-pound, 60-year-old woman in front of

a 200-pound younger guy, and they’ll both put maximum effort and power in perfect sequence and perfect timing and perfect teamwork It’s pretty unique

“It’s a strong team bond Everything you do, you do as a team A lot of team sports rely on individual performances, but in dragon boat racing, it’s how well you match and synchronize with the rest of the team ”

Make no mistake, dragon boaters are paddlers, not rowers. They also face in the

opposite direction, towards the direction they’re moving, as those in the sport of crew The club practices three times each week, running two boats (12-person; 22person) Seasons usually run from late fall until late spring

There are three different course lengths for completion: 200 meter, 500 meter, and 2,000 meter

“Southwest Florida deserves a stronger presence in the dragon boat racing scene,” said Brad Erickson, President of CCDBC.

“We welcome participants who want to elevate their physical fitness in a thrilling sport, all while enjoying the company of dolphins, manatees, and Florida’s diverse wildlife ”

Individuals and groups interested in learning more or trying out dragon boat racing can contact the club through the recruiting tab on its website at www capecoraldbc com There is no cost to inquire or try out the sport, and necessary equipment is provided.

Ballot initiatives: Petition drive comes up short but efforts continue

From page 14

If they decide to take that route, they have to get all new signatures as they have to be signed within the petition drive dates They have the names and addresses of those who signed the drives that just ended, she said “What other petition drives have done if they haven’t succeeded the first time, is you mail them petitions and ask them to mail back and collect a couple of others,” Dooley said “We would hopefully start with a couple of thousand petitions that we can get back in the mail right away and have 90 days to get the rest ”

She said people love Jaycee Park and almost everyone asked to sign the petition did so

“Almost no one we talked to actually supports what the city is planning to do to the park, but our City Council does not care,” Dooley said.

She plans on speaking before the City Council at the Wednesday’s workshop public input slotted time to share that more than 7,000 people disagree with them

“We will urge them to take that into consideration,” Dooley said “We have a group of dedicated volunteers, some of whom have got involved in the political process for the first time and we are not going to go away As hard as we worked to get these petitions signed, we will work equally as hard to replace the City Council if they don’t listen to us ”

United Way: Organization’s volunteers honored at special breakfast

From page 18

including Resource Development, which was led by Vice President of Resource Development Dr Marsha Turner

The Resource Development team at United Way has raised 93 2% of its $11 3 million goal so far The team thanked all the volunteers who helped and the funds they had received for their efforts

The event continued with highlights of the other organizations that have been able to achieve their goals, including Franklin Park Elementary School, which raised funds to help open a new building in the fall

The program includes highlights of the school resource centers that have been helped after the devastation of Hurricane Ian

“Our team of amazing volunteers suddenly just moved mountains, they transport truckloads straight to the

doorstep of those in need They’re the magic behind the scenes, sorting and organizing donations with files that can light up the night sky,” said Jim Sanger, program director. “Thanks for those incredible volunteers. We’re not just saving pennies; we’re saving gallons Without them or different time programs you’d like to ship without sale, we could not distribute millions of dollars worth of goodness throughout the county yearly ”

The program has raised $30 million worth of donations for those in need

A special commemoration was given to Bob Beville, a community member who represents what volunteering is all about Beville left retirement to give back to the community and drive a truck for Meals On Wheels His acts of service over the years earned him the United Way Champion Award, and he continues to exemplify a true volunteer

Beville discussed the importance of having a mentor and someone who pushes you to succeed and get involved with volunteering

“We all had somebody that was instrumental when we started and a mentor to getting into volunteering,” said Beville “Steve encouraged me to get involved in the community He pushed me, he pushed me, and he gave me the time because I worked for Steve for 42 years He gave me the time to do some things that made a difference in the community and showed me the way ”

“All of you deserve all the credit because it’s not just one person It's all of you that give back to the community and truly make a difference,” said Beville United Way Volunteer Center is always looking for people who want to get involved To discover new ways t o v o l u n t e e r w i t h i n t h e c o m m u n i t y , y o u c a

https://volunteer unitedwaylee org/

Cape Coral Art League announces schedule for months of May, June

T h e C a p e C o r a l A r t L e a g u e h a s announced its schedule of activities, programs for May and June The CCAL is at 516 Cultural Park Blvd , just north of the Cultural Park Theatre and the Cape Coral Museum of History

Open Painting

Wednesdays, September through July, from 1-4 p m Open to the public

Student Sundays Sundays, October through June, from 14 p m Ages 6-14 $20 cash or check only Open to the public, pre-registration not required, just come 15 minutes before class starts

Gift Shop

Open Monday through Thursday, from 11 a m to 4 p m

May shows and events

Florida Life

May 6-23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday t h r o u g h T h u r s d a y W i n e a n d C h e e s e

Reception, Thursday, May 9, 5-6:30 p m Free parking and entry

May classes

( S e e C a p e C o r a l A r t L e a g u e o r g f o r details and to register)

■ Beginning Acrylics – Mondays, 10 a m to 12 p m

■ Acrylic Painting for Students with Some Experience – Mondays, 12:30-3:30 p m

■ Learn to Draw – Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p m

■ The Art of Zentangle – Tuesdays, 1-3 p m

■ O i l P a i n t i n g f o r A l l L e v e l s –Wednesdays, 9 a m to 12 p m

■ Hooked on Watercolor, Intermediate –Thursdays, 9 a m to 12 p m

The Cape Coral Art League is an independent community of local artists who support, encourage and inspire each other through classes, workshops, exhibits and open painting sessions NOTE: The Art L e a g u e i s c l o s e d u r i n g t h e m o n t h o f August For more, call 239-772-5657

Law in the Library: Free legal clinic for seniors returns to downtown Fort Myers

A free legal clinic for area seniors in need of no-cost, limited legal advice is returning to downtown Fort Myers

Law at the Library is a quarterly conversation sponsored by Lee County Legal Aid

S o c i e t y w i t h s u p p o r t f r o m A A R P Foundation

The next session will be held Wednesday, May 1, from 9 a m to noon, at the Fort Myers Regional Library meeting room, 1651 Lee St , Fort Myers, and is open to Lee County residents ages 50 and older

A panel of three attorneys will review

several topics in civil law of interest to seniors, including landlord-tenant disputes; elder law; filing a case in small claims court; and issues stemming from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, including post-disaster insurance claims and contractor fraud

The panel’s 30-minute presentation will be followed by an audience question-andanswer session and then 20-minute individual appointments on any legal issue.

a n

@

e e countylegalaid org with contact information, a brief description

documents

Unlike in criminal law, there is no constitutional right to counsel in civil law, w h i c h i n c l u d e s l a n d l o r dt e n a n t d i s p u t e s , f o r e c l os u r e s , e v i c t i o n s , p r o b a t e , debt collection, child custody cases, domestic violence orders of protection and more

For more information on L e e C o u n t y L e g a l A i d Society, visit leecountylegalaid org or call 239-3346118

BUSINESS

South Cape Cinco de Drinko Pub Crawl scheduled for May 4

The very first South Cape Cinco de Drinko Pub Crawl is set for Saturday, May 4, 7-11 p m This exclusive 21+ affair spans nine venues, each offering a lively Cinco de Mayo-themed drink and appetizer sample

Limo buses will be available to transport guests to three strategic locations, making it convenient to hop between nearby participating establishments on foot

Tickets are only $30 in advance ($25 for designated drivers) Each attendee will be provided a passport to have stamped at all nine locations To enter our grand prize drawing, leave your completed passport on a limo bus or at a participating location

Get your tickets online via Eventbrite Check in begins at 6 p m at Big John's Plaza or Dolphin Key Resort

Guests can have a picture taken at the official Cinco De Drinko photo booth located at the Dolphin Key Resort and automatically be entered in the Photo Booth Contest The prize is four tickets to the Red, White & Booze Trolley Event June 29.

Participating locations and samples offered are:

BackStreets Sports Bar, Mexican Russian & Chicken Taquitos; Cruiser's Lounge, Tequila Julep & Mini Tacos; The Dive, Mexican Candy & Taco Dip; Dixie Roadhouse, Dolce de Tequila & Tres Leches Cake; Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood, Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita & Chorizo Dip; Rack’em Spirits & Times, Mexican Lollipop & Tajin Popcorn; Ralph's Place, TBD; Rusty's Bar & Grill, Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita & Three Cheese Stuffed Chicken Balls w/ Cilantro Crema; and Tiki Bar, Raspberry Margarita & Chimichurri Chicken Skewers

Visit SCHEA online at SouthCapeEntertainment com

Horizon Foundation launches redesigned website

The Horizon Foundation, a Lee County voice of business, is taking a step into the future with the launch of its redesigned website, HorizonCouncilFoundation com

The nonprofit business organization in Southwest Florida has designed the site to provide a more appealing and user-friendly experience, offering easier access to resources, events and the latest news about Foundation initiatives

The Horizon Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for public-private partnerships and businesses to invest in the long-term prosperity of Lee County’s economy The Horizon Foundation privately funds the efforts of the Horizon Council

The Horizon Foundation was established in 1995-96 to provide a funding vehicle for businesses to invest in Lee County’s long-term economic development and vitality In 2000, the Horizon Foundation received its IRS ruling as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization

For more information, visit LeeCountyBusiness com/ Horizon-Foundation or HorizonCouncilFoundation com, or call 239-533-6806

Gunther opens Brightway Insurance Agency in For t Myers

Brightway Insurance has announced the opening of The Gunther Agency in Fort Myers Owner Patrick Gunther, a long-time Floridian, chose to open a Brightway agency to assist clients in understanding their insurance needs and to aid the financial stability of his community

Gunther brings extensive experience to Brightway, drawing from a background in staffing and executive recruiting, financial services, insurance, sales and management. He and his wife currently own a local staffing business He is also a U S Navy veteran

Whether clients are purchasing their first home, expanding their business or future-proofing their life, The Gunther Agency is dedicated to being a trusted advisor every step of the way

For more information about The Gunther Agency and to explore insurance options tailored to individuals' needs, please visit BrightwayGunther com or contact Patrick Gunther at 239-379-8014

Cape man a finalist in LongHorn Steakhouse’s Steak Master Series

Montgomery seeking top prize, title in return to competition finals

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

The grilling prowess of one Cape Coral chef will once again see him showcase his talents on a national stage

Jacob Montgomery, a Cape resident and head chef at LongHorn Steakhouse on Pine Island Road, is set to compete in the seventh annual Steak Master Series

Put on by LongHorn, the Steak Master Series is a national competition that gives LongHorn grill masters from around the country the chance to show their skills Montgomery, who was a finalist in 2022, is back again and is one of just seven to make the last cut out of thousands A champion will be crowned May 2 in Orlando in a one-day grill-off

“It feels great,” Montgomery said “I'm excited to be able to return and see some familiar faces ”

This “epic” culinary competition sees participants vie for the honor of being named series champion and a $15,000 grand prize There are four rigorous rounds testing all aspects of grilling, with the finalists facing off against local, regional, divisional and national competition

Grill masters are judged on the cook of the meat, temperature, seasoning, how it's prepared and more

Montgomery has worked his way up the ranks, starting at a fry cook and now, eight years later, is one of the best the LongHorn grill masters in the country.

“I was reluctant at first to start grilling, but the management team kept pushing me and believing I could be one of the best,” Montgomery said “And they were right

“I kept learning more and more and perfecting my craft, and it got me to where I am today ”

Montgomery said his favorite item on the menu is the salmon, he loves the culture at the restaurant and hopes one day to become a managing partner

His top grilling tip?

To clean and sheen the grill

And as for what he enjoys most about grilling, Montgomery said, “Just knowing that I served perfect, amazing, good food every single time It brings a smile to my face I know our guests are going to enjoy the food that I've cooked.”

While taking home the prize money would certainly be

Dollar General plants trees along Veteran's Memorial

Parkway

As part of its mission of "Serving Others," Dollar General and its employees are committed to taking part in conservation and sustainability efforts to help rebuild the communities it calls home, including Cape Coral

Recently, approximately 20 Dollar General employees helped plant 80 trees along Veteran’s Memorial Parkway as part of the reforestation efforts following the damage from Hurricane Ian in September 2022 This is just a small part of the efforts to restore Cape Coral’s natural trees that are home to native birds and plants and animals

In addition to its tree planting efforts in Cape Coral, Dollar General and its foundations donated more than $28 million to local and national efforts in 2023 that focus on nourishing the mind, body and planet Further, Dollar General has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation since 2021 to support the organization in combatting deforestation and has restored more than 321 acres of forest to date

Kathy Kunkle, district manager of operations at Dollar General, with a tree she just planted.

rewarding, for Montgomery, it's more about the title of being the best in the nation

“Taking home the grand prize would be amazing, but I'm more focused on that title of national champion,” Montgomery said “The title means more to me than the $15,000 ”

He also gave some advice to those that may be working in a kitchen now that are hesitant to step out of their comfort zone

“Keep pushing yourself,” Montgomery said “If it's day-by-day, even shift-by-shift, just learn one new thing each day, and it can excel you in ways you couldn't even imagine ”

The Steak Master Series recognizes LongHorn Steakhouse’s commitment to quality while also celebrating the expertise of grill cooks across the brand’s more than 580 restaurants nationwide

Steakhouse in Cape Coral is a finalist in the restaurant chain’s Steak Master Series.

SPORTS

Change of seasons: snook closing, tarpon heating up

Time is running out for those looking to snack on a snook May 1st is the deadline with the grand reopening in our Southwest Charlotte Harbor designation starting Oct 1; up north, Sarasota region anglers get an earlier snook start-up on Sept 1

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m aware that removing this great Florida sportfish from the water, let alone eating one, for many is sacrilege I’m a catch-andrelease kind of purist myself except for once a year Just remember to remove the skin before cooking or you’ll be eating what earlier anglers called, “soap fish.”

Interesting to note that years ago snook were considered to be trash fish only good for fertilizing gardens or cat food and sold for a “penny per pound,” simply because anglers didn’t properly skin the fish before cooking, ruining the taste Like most properly prepared fish, snook is delicious but considering how this great Florida sportfish is under attack by habit loss due to toxic city stormwater runoff, septic tanks and, of course, Lake O discharges, plus an every growing boating population and fishing pressure, it’s tough to be a snook. Carefully handle, photo and cleanly release all over and under slot fish

After witnessing south Matlacha canals completely covered from bank to bank in floating mats of mostly large adult already dead or dying snook during 2010s big Southwest Florida freeze it’s good to see so many juvenile snook these past few years patrolling the mangroves, although upper slot class or year snook and truly big snook are less common these days Another case of “It's good, but it ain’t like it used to be” I’m afraid Future water quality, continued sensible management and angler support will tell the tale

Also interesting is that we have five species living in Florida’s brackish to salt waters, even far inland, like the freshwater snook population swimming in Lake Okeechobee Like some other species, snook are protandric hermaphrodites, starting life as males with a portion later changing to females

If you and the family just recently moved to the Cape from say, Minnesota, and, of course, brought your nice 18-foot Lund V bottom walleye boat with you, let me first say, “Welcome ” After spending many snowed-in days, actually years inside reading and dreaming about Florida’s famous tarpon flying through the air attached to your rod, you can hardly sleep. You’re also very excited about Florida’s Boca Grande amazing spring tarpon bonanza and hope to sample it this weekend

The plan is to have you and the wife, visiting brother Fred, wife Clara, and, of course, their twin 12-year-old tornadoes, plus Remington, the family’s mindlessly yapping Yorkie, board the Lund and head off to the world’s greatest tarpon gathering for some big time Florida tarpon fishing

You’ve heard that it’s deep in the pass so you’ve brought plenty of anchor rope to anchor right in the middle of it looking for that big one Approaching the pass you excitedly yell to Fred over the noise of the 25-horse tiller control straining against its heavy load, the tide and Remington’s endless barking, “See that Fred, I was right There’s a ton of boats right out in the middle! Let’s get our spot and anchor up!” which they unfortunately did

See CHANGE OF SEASONS, page 37

JP Sports Collectibles in the Cape to hold Free Comic Book Day May 4

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Southwest Floridians can spring into action next weekend, as a Cape Coral store supplying all things hobby-related is taking part in a national initiative and giving away free comic books

JP Sports Collectibles in the Cape once again will take part in Free Comic Book Day next Saturday, May 4, where every patron can take home six free comic books across the entire operating day, 10 a m to 7 p m

JP Sports also is offering a myriad of deals that day, including 15% off comic book and card supplies, as well as 30% off CGC graded comics

“It’s just a lot of fun for everyone,” said JP Sports Store Manager Jonathan Powell “There are free comics that pique interests anywhere from kids and everyone, to teenagers, to adults It’s fun for the whole family, and gets the kids back into reading again It also gives us a full, fun day of giving free stuff back to the community that's supported us for so long ”

The first Free Comic Book Day (first Saturday in May) launched in 2002, and is made possible by the Diamond Comic Distributors This year, 53 free comics will be available in participating shops To make things even more apropos, the nation-wide effort takes place on a date near and dear to “nerds” everywhere, May 4 -- or “May the 4th” -- or what’s referred to as “Star Wars Day” due to May 4th sounding like “May the force (be with you) ”

Last year at JPs, more than 2,000 comics were given away

“Our staff all love working that day,” Powell said “We know we’re going to be constantly busy, talking to people that love what we're giving away ”

And there will be plenty of different universes and comic/media worlds to discover

“There is a huge range and variety,” Powell said “It’s going to be hard to only pick six ”

Titles from Marvel, to DC, to Image Comics, to independent comics and more will all be available

“We don’t just stop at superheroes, there’s comics all over the place, different age ranges,” Powell said “From ‘My Little Pony’ to ‘Pokemon’ to ‘Ninja Turtles’ and all different kinds "

Other sales at JPs on May 4 include 20% off Funko Pop vinyl and statues,20% off gaming cards (boxes, packs, singles), 30% off Hot Wheels and diecast cars (excluding autographed cars), and 60% off comic book back issues (2020-2023

“If you are missing any parts of your collection or just want to start collecting, this will be the day to do it,” Powell said “There’s going to be a huge selection that will be heavily discounted ”

In honor of May the 4th, JPs is also hosting a “Star Wars” costume contest, where the winner receives a $100 gift card to the shop Attendees of Free Comic Book Day can dress in their best from Alderaan to Tatooine for a chance to take home the prize, which is decided by JP’s employees

“It’s a little fun thing we thought we could do for ‘Star Wars Day,’” Powell said “It’s something we’ve never done before, and something new to get people even more into Free Comic Book Day ”

Powell said it’s great to see families come out, and hobbies and interests passed from generation to generation

“It’s a nostalgia thing coming into JP Sports,” Powell said “We used to collect Pokemon cards, now our kids are getting into it This is a good way for that same thing to happen, but with comics Sometimes a dad or mom is collecting something, and can bring their kids in and share that with them Parents and children can both relate, and it’s a lot of fun The day is about more than free comics ”

JP Sports Collectibles is at 2323 Del Prado Blvd. S. Suite 10 For more information, visit www jpsports net

Voting begins for Breeze Athlete of the Month for April

There were a number of top performances from studentathletes in The Breeze coverage area over the past month and now it’s up to readers to decide who will earn top honors Nominees for April include:

■ Nolan Tantay, senior, Mariner Tritons: The Triton

Championship at 199-pounds in the Olympic class, with a total lift of 500 pounds Tantay also finished fourth in the district in traditional lift

h a l e r , s o p h o m o r e , O a s i s S h a r k s : Feichthaler helped the Sharks tennis team remain undefeated with a win against CSN, coming out on top in straight sets in her singles matches during her nomination w e e k I n d o u b l e s , F e i c h t h a l e r a n d p a r t n e r C e c i l i a Menendez were victorious as well

■ Evyette Osme, senior, Ida Baker Bulldogs: The senior helped lead the Bulldogs flag football team to a 20-12 win over Cypress Lake, totaling 131 rushing yards and two touchdowns She also recorded an interception on defense

■ Justin Davis, junior, Bishop Verot Vikings: Davis was tops in the FHSAA Region 1A-4 Championships, winning the 169-pound weight class in Olympic lifting (440 pounds), and finished fourth in traditional lifting (510 pounds) The junior was also named an at-large competitor in the traditional lift, and competed in both at the 1A State Championships

■ Tanner Goff, sophomore, Oasis Sharks: Goff was stellar on the mound for the Sharks in a 9-1 win over Golden Gate, striking out 11 batters, allowing just two hits, and not yielding an earned run over six innings

■ Abigail Cudnik, junior, Cape Coral Seahawks: The Seahawks’ leading scorer helped lead the lacrosse team to an 18-3 District win over Cypress Lake, netting five goals and adding three assists The standout played through two meniscus tears in the outstanding effort

■ Noel Davis, junior, North Fort Myers Red Knights: At the FHSAA 3A-District 11 track championships, Devine had her talents on full display She finished first in the high jump with a personal record (1 57m), first in the 100m hurdles, and ran as the anchor in the second place 4 x 100m relay and the lead leg of the third place 4 x 400m relay.

■ Abigail Haynes, junior, North Fort Myers Red Knights: Hynes helped the Red Knights softball team to a 4-2 record last week with her scorching bat, as she hit 750 over six games The junior swatted seven doubles, a home run, collected 11 RBI and scored 12 runs for her team

Athlete of the Month nominees are comprised of the Breeze’s staff-selected Athletes of the Week for that respective month

To vote, visit www capecoralbreeze com and click the “Vote Now” icon on the homepage

REPORT

Capt. George Tunison

Lee County’s spring training teams report strong 2024 attendance

M o r e t h a n 2 4 5 , 0 0 0 f a n s a t t e n d e d Major League Baseball spring training games this year at Lee County Parks & Recreation’s JetBlue Park and Hammond Stadium at Lee Health Sports Complex

The Florida Sports Foundation this week announced spring training attendance for the 2024 season

From page 36

Rodgers, Davidson, Moore, Turner) 52 55

1 Skyla Stevens (NFM) 1:00 10 3 Emily Wilson (IB)

29

hurdles: 1 Joelle White (FM) 1:06 55 3 Kayleen

(IC) 1:12 90

The Boston Red Sox reported total attendance of 129,801 at JetBlue The Minnesota Twins drew 115,882 fans to the Lee Health Sports Complex, despite having one rainout Both teams ranked in the top four of the 15 Florida Grapefruit League teams in total attendance

S t a t e w i d e , a b o u t 1 4 m i l l i o n f a n s

Baseball

attended 226 spring training games, for an average of 6,319 per game, during the course of 32 days, according to the foundation

T h e 2 0 2 4 F l o r i d a S p r i n g T r a i n i n g attendance figure accounts for all games between Major League teams played in the state Attendance is compiled daily by the

PREP REPORT

Xavier Muentes had an RBI double as the Tritons scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to force extras Sam Guth cracked a solo homer among his three hits, scoring twice for Mariner (10-14) PJ Marino had three hits and a run driven in as well.

Florida Sports Foundation, the State of Florida’s sports promotion and development organization and is verified by each team

Lee County Sports Development and Lee County Parks & Recreation play an integral role in supporting spring training efforts

the Tritons (11-8) Mica Barraza and Alaina Shugars had two hits each

Girls Tennis

Region 3A-5/6

Barron Collier 7, North Fort Myers 0

Region 1A-5/6

jump: 1 Alex Thelusma (FM) 1 92m 3 Khalid

(NFM) 1 87m 4 Br yce Makar (NFM) 1 82m

Pole vault: 1 Caden Frana (FM) 3 90m 2 Dustin Castagna (NFM) 3 90m

Long jump: 1 Damon Mar tinez (D) 6 47m 3 Mike Luma (IB) 6 40m

Triple jump: 1 Mike Luma (IB)

Gage Blanchard

85m

42 14m

Shot put: 1 James Johnson (NFM) 16 41m

4x800: 1 For t Myers 8:03 04 3 Cape Coral (Franco, Jacoby, Mitchinson, Lokow, Forneris, Viera De Lemos, Valdez, Westerhouse) 8:16 00

14 81

Kobe Johnson

1 Joseph Koraya (FM)

97 4x100: 1 Dunbar 42 30 3 Mariner (Car ter, Clark, Sainvil, Wilson, Williams, Wilcox, Davidson, Kendrick)

73 4 Island Coast (Leaphar t, Hylton, Lombardo, Proenza, Bruno) 44 19

1 Joshua Dorstin (D) 49 80 3 Byron Fleming (NFM) 51 27

hurdles: 1 Vaughn Lennon (FM) 58 07 2 Antonio Snyder (IC) 59 92

1 Aarontae Wesley (C) 21 95 4 Nathaniel Clark

Fort Myers 6, Mariner 0: The Green Wave scored five times in the bottom of the sixth to decide what had been a lowscoring game to that point The Tritons (10-15) had two hits

Canterbury 15, North Fort Myers 0: The Red Knights are 7-15

O a s i s 1 7 , E a s t L e e C o u n t y 2 ( 4 innings): Gabriel Gair doubled twice, driving in three runs for the Sharks (12-8) Noah Pinney had two RBI, and Caiden Dusel scored three runs

Softball

O a s i s 1 9 , E a s t L e e C o u n t y 1 ( 3 i n n i n g s ) : C h a r l e e T u r n e y , M a d d i e

S i m i s o n , B r o o k l y n S i m i s o n a n d J e t t a Fisher had two RBI each Turney, Fisher and Audrey Doan scored three runs each

Bishop Verot 2, Lake Placid 0: Payton Betterman pitched a four-hit shutout with eight strikeouts McKenna Robbins stole four bases, scored twice and drove in a run Abby Goff knocked in the Vikings' (18-41) other run

Fort Myers 12, Mariner 1 (6 innings): Mia Standard homered for the Tritons (119)

Beach Volleyball

District 1A-22

At Midtown Courts, Fort Myers

Championship

Bishop Verot 4, Fort Myers 1

Tuesday

Baseball

Lemon Bay 6, Mariner 5 (11 innings):

N o r t h F o r t M y e r s 2 5 , L e l y 0 ( 5 innings): Nick Tobin led the Red Knights' onslaught with four hits, including two doubles, and five RBI Caedon Conn (4for-5) drove in four runs, while Nicholas Oliveros and Jakob Wagner had three RBI each

I s l a n d C o a s t 2 , G u l f C o a s t 1 ( 8 innings): The Gators tied the game in the top of the seventh and scored the gamewinner in the eighth Jacob Fowler and Jordi Guerrero had RBI for Island Coast (15-9).

L e h i g h 4 , C a p e C o r a l 3 : T h e Seahawks are 6-18

Ida Baker 13, Gateway 1 (5 innings): Santiago Liendo homered and had five RBI o v e r a l l t o l e a d t h e B u l l d o g s ( 1 2 - 9 )

Cayden Farmer, Charles Figueroa and Riley Byrd drove in two runs each

Softball

Oasis 17, Island Coast 0 (3 innings): Madison Hartsgrove and Jetta Fisher drove in four runs each, and Brooklyn Simison had three RBI for the Sharks (6-14)

Cape Coral 15, Lehigh 4 (6 innings):

Abigail Brennan had two hits, including a triple, with two RBI Emma White and Allie Buice also drove in two runs each

Ida Baker 17, Gateway 2 (5 innings):

The Bulldogs improved to 11-8

Mariner 7, Aubrey Rogers 2: Mia Standard tripled and drove in two runs for

Oasis 6, St. Petersburg Catholic 1: Sophia Abreu, Emily Feichthaler, Cecilia Menendez and Suzanne Greco won their singles matches for Oasis Abreu and Pollard teamed up for a doubles win, as did Feichthaler and Menendez The Sharks will face Community School of Naples in the region semifinals

Boys Tennis

Region 1A-5/6

First round

St. Stephen's Episcopal 6, Bishop Verot 1

Beach Volleyball

District 1A-21

At Mariner Semifinals

Charlotte 5, Mariner 0

Port Charlotte 4, Lemon Bay 1 Thursday's championship

Port Charlotte vs Charlotte

District 1A-22

At Midtown Courts, Fort Myers Semifinals

Bishop Verot 5, Canterbury 0

Fort Myers 5, Evangelical Christian 0 Wednesday's championship

Fort Myers v Bishop Verot

Boys Lacrosse

Region 3A-3

Tuesday's first round

Calvary Christian 10, Bishop Verot 9

Change of seasons: Snook closing Wednesday, tarpon hunt picking up

From page 36

Later that day the lucky group and even shark snack Lil Remmy were all picked up by the Coast Guard after the Lund went down soon after anchoring The CG said it

was a combination of a strong tide and suspected fellow angler small arms fire that took the boat

If you want to experience Boca’s tarpon fishing, if at all possible go with a guide or experienced local to understand some

basics like no anchoring, how to approach and drift with the pack, don’t run over the fish, keep the motor running, bottom fishing while drifting and common sense basic boating courtesy

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

Northwest Library: Programs and activities scheduled for next month

From page 25

time edition of storytime Your whole family is invited to this enjoyable, all-ages storytime that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through songs, rhymes, fingerplays and stories

Cruisin' Into Summer Reading

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 29

Join our adventure at sea on the S S Northwest, as we kickoff our summer reading program with a dance party and a free book while supplies last For ages 2-5 years

Teen Programs

Kids Read Down Fines

4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, May 1, 8

11 a.m. – noon, Saturday, May 18

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they

read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session Please bring your library card

Tech Free Thursday

2 p.m., Thursday, May 9

Let's play like it is 1985 and pretend there is no technology, at least for one day. For teens ages 12-18 years

Overbooked: Teen Book Club

3 p m , Monday, May 13

Join us on the second Monday of each month for a Teen Book Club Discuss what you're currently reading and enjoy light snacks For ages 14-18 years

Chess at the Library

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14

Enjoy chess at the library in a casual environment. Chess boards will be provided, but you can also bring your own All ages and skill levels are invited

Totally Twisted Tie-Dye

Tuesday, May 21

2:15 p.m. – Grades 9 – 12

4:15 p.m. – Grades 6 - 8

It's time for some timeless fun, full of peaceful good vibes and bright bursts of color. All supplies are provided while they last

Summer Reading Kickoff: Foam Party

2:45 p m , Wednesday, May 29

Kickoff the end of the year and start our summer reading program with an awesome foam party Dance to tunes and rock out to the ultimate summer experience Free book for teens ages, 12-17 years, while supplies last T h e N o r t h w e s t R e g i o n a l L i b r a r y i s located at 519 Chiquita Boulevard N. in Cape Coral For more information about a program or to register, please call the

library at 239-533-4700 Check the Lee C o u n t y L i b r a r y S y s t e m ’ s w e b s i t e a t www leelibrary net to find out about programs at other locations Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Joan LaGuardia, 239-533-2314, F l o r i d a R e l a y S e r v i c e 7 1 1 , o r j l ag u a

will be provided at no cost to the requestor Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.

Cape Coral Breeze Athletes Week

Death Notices