Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletintion

VOLUME 38, NUMBER 18

Vote postponed on Beach School amid interlocal agreement talks

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The rebuilding and reopening of Fort Myers Beach Elementary School will rest on a bargain between the town and school over benchmarks for how many students the school will be required to have in the future. If the school doesn’t meet the student population guidelines by the 202627 school year, Beach Elementary could turn into a charter school based on a draft

At the conclusion of fiscal year 2026-27, if there are not enough students enrolled for Fort Myers Beach Elementary to financially sustain itself, as determined by the School Board in its sole discretion and based on the Cost Per Student Report, the School Board may permanently close Fort Myers Beach Elementary Town may consider creating its own municipal charter school.”

Draft interlocal agreement between Lee County School District and Town of Fort Myers Beach for rebuilding Beach Elementary School

For t Myers Beach getting replenishment of san d in emer gency berm pr oject

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is getting a reinforcement of new sand. Trucks have been headlong up and down Estero Boulevard as part of an estimated 100 to 200 deliveries of sand to make up for the erosion from Hurricane Ian The emergency berm project is focused on the southern end of the island

“Our goals are to restore and maintain critically eroding shorelines using high quality sand to construct an engineered beach design,” Town of Fort Myers Beach Environmental Project Manager Chadd Chustz stated “This will provide storm damage reduction benefits to properties, enhance recreational space, and improve critical habitat for threatened and endangered shorebirds, tortoises, and sea turtles ”

Chustz said the town still needs signatures from property owners to complete the work.

“To accomplish the emergency berm and renourishment of the Beach, the Town needs beachfront property owners to sign

a temporary construction easement to place sand on the beach areas that are private property,” Chustz stated “Signing this easement only gives the Town permission to place sand on the owner’s private property It does not give the Town rights to private property ”

The easement document along with construction plans and other information can be found at www fmbgov com/beach Questions and concerns about an easement can be directed to Chustz at chadd@fmbgov com

“Typically, walking up the beach to a property is already four to five feet above sea level The berm will only add one to two feet depending on the lost elevation,” Chustz stated

In February, the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council expressed support for a $25 5 million beach renourishment project and $7 million emergency berm project that its consultant says will only cost the town less than $1 million of the overall cost due to state and county reimbursements

See BERM PROJECT, page 14

The interlocal agreement has been hammered out in private over the last few months through meetings between an adh o c c

officials The draft agreement is

See BEACH SCHOOL, page 13

Town receives $10 million state grant

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

T h e T o w n o f F o r t M y e r s B e a c h h a s r e c e i v e d $ 1 0 m i l l i o n a s p a r t o f a H u r r i c a n e S t o r m w a t e r a n d W a s t e w a t e r A s s i s t a n c e G r a n t P r o g r a m c r e a t e d d u ri n g t h e F l o r i d a l e g i s l a t u r e ’ s s p e c i a l s e ss i o n i n D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 2 T h e f u n d s w i l l b e u s e d t o m a k e r e p a i r s t o h u r r i c a n e d a m a g e a n d f o r u p g r a d e s t o t h e t o w n ' s s t o r m w a t e r d r a i n a g e s y s t e m t h a t w e r e u n d e r w a y b e f o r e t h e h u r r i c a n e “ S t o r m d a m a g e i s m o s t l y p a i d b y F E M A b u t t h e p r e - s t o r m u p g r a d e s w o u l d h a v e t o b e p a i d f o r o u t o f s t o r m w a t e r f e e r e v e n u e T h i s $ 1 0 m i l l i o n w i l l h e l p u s a d d r e s s b o t h a n d h e l p r e d u c e s t o r m w a t e r f e e s t o o u r c i t i z e n s , ” F o r t M y e r s B e a c h i n t e r i m M a n a g e r K e i t h W i l k i n s s a i d . “ T h i s p r o g r a m i s f o r l o c a l g o v e r nm e n t s t h a t w e r e h e a v i l y i m p a c t e d i n

2 0 2 2 b y H u r r i c a n e I a n o r N i c o l e t o r e b u i l d t h e i r s t o r m w a t e r a n d w a s t e w a t e r s y s t e m s a n d m a k e t h e m m o r e r e s i l i e n t , ” T o w n s p o k e s p e r s o n J e n n i f e r D e x t e r s t a t e d i n a n a n n o u n c e m e n t d e t a i l i n g t h e g r a n t “ T h i s i s t h e l a r g e s t a m o u n t t h a t t h e

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

G o v e r n o r D e S a n t i s a n d t h e F l o r i d a l e gi s l a t o r s , a s w e l l a s t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n , f o r r e c o g n i z i n g t h e T o w n ’ s n e e d a n d p r o v i d i n g f o r i t , ” W i l k i n s s a i d T h e T o w n ’ s P u b l i c W o r k s s t a f f a n d s t a t e c o n s u l t a n t s f r o m T i d a l B a s i n G r o u p w o r k e d t o g e t h e r i n M a r c h t o p r ep a r e a n d s u b m i t a g r a n t a p p l i c a t i o n f o r c o n s i d e r a t i o n T h i s g r a n t p r o g r a m i s m a n a g e d b y t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n , D e x t e r s t a te d .

Celebration of life for Bill Semmer of Bonita Bill’s, Semmer Electric

A celebration of life has been set for Bill Semmer, owner of Semmer Electric and Bonita Bills of Fort Myers Beach, who died on Jan 20, at the age of 76 Semmer was a proud veteran and served in the army during the Vietnam war He was well known for his community involvement and leadership including hosting the annual Kids Fishing Tournament, fundraising and organizing the 4th of July firework display for the town of Fort Myers Beach for 25 years, and co-founding the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center with his sister, Joanne He was active in fighting for his island community, fighting big development to preserve the islands culture Semmer was known as an avid outdoorsman and fisher-

man and loved to share his stories and adventures

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Semmer, and his sister, Lorraine Semmer. He is survived by his children Nikki Semmer, Katie Reynolds, and Billy Semmer; sisters Carlene Brennen, Joanne Semmer, and Betty Hill-Semmer; grandchildren Austin, James, Amber, and AnnaKat, his great grandson Lucas and his many nieces and nephews

He loved his family, his friends, and his community and he will be greatly missed by all His celebration of life will be held at his restaurant, Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe, on Sunday, May 7, from 11a m to 2 p m located at 702 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

PHOTO PROVIDED

Lost and Found

This Bonita Bill’s Tiki Bar sign, missing since Hurricane Ian, was located by Dorothy and Chuck Hoey in the canal off Indian Bayou Drive, three miles away

Pictured are Craig Petersen (local artist), Kerby Bowe (Bonita Bill’s General Manager), Dorothy & Chuck Hoey.

GIGI BARSE

n

2 0

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , M a y 3 ,

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

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

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

Advertising Sales

Lyn McElhaney

lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers com

O b i t u a r i e s

D e b b i e C a r l e t t i o b i t s @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

P ro d u c t i o n m a n a g e r R o b B r a i t l i n g r b ra i t l i n g @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m S u b s c r i p t i o n s 1 y e a r,

New mor tgage rules

To the editor:

Southwest Florida has a booming real estate business, but it might be coming to a crash like in 2008 because of a new rules from the Biden administration

The media for the most part is staying quit on this rule Starting in May 2023 the Federal Housing Finance Agency, under new rules, consumers with lower credit ratings and less money for a down payment would qualify for better mortgage rates than they otherwise would have People with a credit score of 680 and higher would be penalized

Many financial experts believe that borrowers with a credit score of about 680 would pay around $40 more per month extra on a $400,000 mortgage and over $15,000 over the life of a 30-year mortgage and it could be larger depending on the size of your loan This is supposed to help subsidize people with lower credit ratings looking for a loan (People have low credit scores for a reason )

So, you work hard, save your money, you buy things by either paying cash or via credit, but pay off your balances in full or in a timely manner to maintain the essential “Good Credit Scores” and now you are punished for it! It looks like you now are penalized for good practices, timely payments, and diligence in handling all your financial obligations This is another giant leap backwards in the realm of common sense and fair play!

Welcome to the upside down and backwards world of President Biden’s Administration and the Democrats! Need a mortgage? Go to a credit union, you will not have to pay extra money Time for hard-working Americans to stop the Progressive’s plan to “redistribute wealth” and from taking what’s not theirs

It’s Socialism, plain and simple

Truth exposed

To the editor:

concer ned are you that the state and federal gover nment will not be supplying enough aid to the Town of For t Myers Beach to help it rebuild and emer ge soundly financially from Hurricane Ian? ∫ Very concerned, 75% ∫ Slightly concerned, 8% ∫ Not concerned, 17% ∫ Unsure, 0%

do you feel about the new abortion ban

after

by Gov Ron

your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Lou Walker Cape Coral

For years, myself and several other Letter to the Editor contributors have been adamant about the damage caused by FOX News and the fact that Trump lost the 2020 election

It is refreshing to see that FOX News and its hosts, such as Tucker Carlson, have been exposed for what many of us knew all along FOX News is a trash network that hires liars who are not journalists.

What’s left? Newsmax and One America News

Could it get any worse for conservatives?

Paul Kiefner, Saint Augustine Formerly of Cape Coral

Money and politics

To the editor: A name familiar to most conservatives is George

A

H u n g a r i a n o f J e w i s h d e s c e n t , h e s u r -

I I b e c a u s e h i s p r o s p e r o u s f a m i l y p u r c h a s e d

f a l s e i d e n t i t y d o c u m e n t s t h a t s a i d t h e y

w e r e C h r i s t i a n s L a t e r h e i m m i g r a t e d t o G r e a t B r i t a i n

w h e r e h e a t t e n d e d t h e L o n d o n S c h o o l o f

E c o n o m i c s a n d e x p a n d e d a t u t o r ’ s t h e o r y

t h a t b u y e r s c a n a f f e c t m a r k e t v a l u e s . M a n i p u l a t i n g t h e v a l u e o f s t o c k s i s t h e e s s e n c e H e u s e d t h i s t h e o r y t o a c c u m u l a t e m i l l i o n s , s u f f i c i e n t c a p i t a l t o g r a d u a t e t o h e d g e f u n d s H e i s k n o w n a s t h e m a n w h o b r o k e t h e B a n k o f E n g l a n d i n 1 9 9 2 b y s h o r t s e l l i n g $ 1 0 b i l l i o n w o r t h o f p o u n d s s t e r l i n g H i s p r o f i t w a s $ 1 b i l l i o n H e f o ll o w e d t h a t w i t h m a n y s u c h a c t s i n c o u nt r i e s s u c h a s F i n l a n d a n d M a l a y s i a P a u l

K r u g m a n , a l i b e r a l e c o n o m i s t s a i d t h a t

“ S o r o s d o e s h i s b e s t t o t r i g g e r c r i s i s f o r p e r s o n a l a g g r a n d i z e m e n t . ” H e h a s

a m a s s e d h i s p r e s e n t f o r t u n e , w h i c h i s i n t h e $ 1 0 b i l l i o n r a n g e , e v e n a f t e r i n v e s t i n g

a s m u c h a s $ 3 0 b i l l i o n t o i m p a c t w o r l d p o l i t i c s a n d e s p e c i a l l y A m e r i c a ’ s I n A m e r i c a h e h a s s p e n t b i l l i o n s t h r o u g h h i s m a n y o r g a n i z a t i o n s a s c a mp a i g n m o n e y f o r l i b e r a l s i n c l u d i n g H i l l a r y , O b a m a , a n d B i d e n M a n y p r o s e c u t o r s o f b i g c i t i e s h a v e b e e n e l e c t e d u s i n g S o r o s ’ s m o n e y T h e y a r e l i b e r a l a n d a r e e n c o u r a gi n g c r i m e b y n o t p r o s e c u t i n g m a n y c r i m e s ( s u c h a s c a r - j a c k i n g a n d l o o t i n g ) . N o b o n d i s n e c e s s a r y m o s t o f t h e t i m e s o c r i m i n a l s

a r r e s t e d g o f r e e t o k e e p t h e i r s k i l l s e t g o i n g A l v i n B r a g g , w h o i s i n d i c t i n g T r u m p i s a n e x a m p l e S o r o s s p e n t h a l f a m i l l i o n d o l l a r s t h r o u g h o n e o f h i s o r g a n iz a t i o n s t o g e t B r a g g e l e c t e d S o r o s h a s f u n d e d t h e O p e n S o c i e t y F o u n d a t i o n w h i c h i s a p h i l a n t h r o p i c o r g a ni z a t i o n t h a t o p e r a t e s u n d e r t h e g u i s e o f r e d u c i n g p o v e r t y a n d g o v e r n m e n t t r a n sp a r e n c y b u t t h e c a u s e s t h a t h e p r o m o t e s f o m e n t m o r e c r i m e a n d l e s s d e m o c r a c y . S o r o s w a s t h e l a r g e s t d o n o r d u r i n g t h e

2 0 2 2 e l e c t i o n s a n d v e r y l i k e l y w a s a m a j o r f a c t o r i n t h e D e m o c r a t s d o i n g s o w e l l

a g a i n s t a R e p u b l i c a n w a v e N o t o n l y i s S o r o s d e d i c a t e d t o c h a n g i n g

A m e r i c a b u t h e i s b u s y t r y i n g t o c h a n g e m a n y c o u n t r i e s i n E u r o p e , A s i a , a n d e v e n s u c h l i t t l e c o u n t r i e s a s G u i n e a S o r o s m a y h a v e m o r e i n f l u e n c e o n w o r l d ’ s p o l i t i c s t h a n a n y o t h e r m a n , i n c l u d i n g o u r p r e s id e n t M a n y g o v e r n m e n t s a r e f i g h t i n g b a c k u s i n g m a n y t o o l s s u c h a s a n t i - S o r o s c a mp a i g n s i g n s H i s p a s s i o n s a r e s o s t r o n g a g a i n s t c o ns e r v a t i v e s t h a t h e s a i d h e w o u l d s a c r i f i c e h i s e n t i r e f o r t u n e t o d e f e a t G e o r g e B u s h I n r e g a r d t o p a t r i o t i s m , h e h a s s a i d i n a b o o k t h a t “ t h e m a i n o b s t a c l e t o a s t a b l e a n d j u s t w o r l d o r d e r i s t h e U n i t e s S t a t e s ” S o r o s i n v e s t s a g r e a t d e a l o f m o n e y w i t h p r o m i n e n t j o u r n a l i s t s a n d l i b e r a l m e d i a w h i c h r e c i p r o c a t e s w i t h l i b e r a l f o c u s o n h i s i d e a s w h i l e a l s o p r o t e c t i n g

h i m s o t h e a v e r a g e p e r s o n d o e s n ’ t e v e n k n o w h i s n a m e W h a t i s S o r o s ’ s i n t e n t f o r t h e w o r l d ? I d o n ’ t k n o w H e d o e s n ’ t t r y t o c h a n g e V e n e z u e l a , C u b a , I r a n o r N o r t h K o r e a , j u s t e s t a b l i s h e d d e m o c r a c i e s W h a t i s h i s p u r pose and goal? Only Soros knows John Benedict Cape Coral

Florida business, and voter, unfriendly

To the editor:

$ 6 2 C i rc u l a t i o n ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 9 3 6 C l a s s i fi e d / D i s p l a y A d ve r t i s i n g ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 1 1 0 Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a m to 5 p m , except major holidays Letters to the editor must be typed or hand printed Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication Postal Information: Third class postage paid at Fort Myers Beach, FL Permit 521 Postmaster: Send address changes to the Beach Observer 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach FL 33931 The Observer and Bulletin is published every Wednesday 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Phone: (239) 765-0400 Fax: (239) 765-0846 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk com Report your news to FORTMYERSBEACHTALK COM

O n e o f t h e b i g g e s t e m p l o y e r s i n t h e s t a t e h a s a c c u s e d G o v R o n D e S a n t i s o f c r e a t i n g a n “ u n f r i e n d l y b u s i n e s s c l i m a t e ” i n F l o r i d a O u r r e s o r t t a x i n c o m e h a s p l u m m e t e d b y 4 6 % t h i s y e a r B y g e r r ym a n d e r i n g o u t B l a c k r e p r e s e n t a t i o n t h e R e p u b l i c a n s u p e r m a j o r i t y h a s g o t t e n t h e s t a t e o f F l o r i d a o n t h e N A A C P b o y c o t t w a t c h l i s t P e r h a p s n e e d l e s s t o s a y , t h e L G B T Q c o m m u n i t y h a s l i k e w i s e f l a g g e d F l o r i d a f o r a s k i p - t h e - t r i p d e s i g n a t i o n a s t h e g h o u l s i n t h e R e p u b l i c a n p a r t y c h a s e l i t t l e c h i l d r e n a r o u n d t o “ v e r i f y ” t h e i r c u rr e n t g e n d e r D i d I m e n t i o n t h e n e w l a w s t o p r o h i b i t w o m e n f r o m g e t t i n g m e d i c a l c a r e ? W e a r e a s t a t e t h a t r e l i e s o n t o u r i s m Y o u m i g h t t h i n k t h e R e p u b l i c a n s w o u l d s t o p g u t p u n c h i n g t h e i r o w n c o n s t i t u e n t s i n t h e p o c k e t b o o k l o n g e n o u g h t o g e t r ee l e c t e d O r a s L i n d s a y G r a h a m s u g g e s t e d a s a n e l e c t i o n s t r a t e g y , “ W e s h o u l d p u l l o u r h e a d o u t o f t h e s a n d . ” B u t t h e F L G O P s e e m t o h a v e a n o t h e r p l a n E R I C , t h e a c r o n y m f o r c h e c k i n g v o t e r r e c o r d s t o m a k e s u r e t h a t v o t e r s o n l y v o t e o n c e ? G e o r g i a , F l o r i d a , a b o u t a d o z e n G O P l e d s t a t e s a r e p l a y i n g h i d e t h e d a t a w i t h t h e i r s t a t e v o t i n g d a t a T h e y h a v e o p t e d o u t o f t h e s y s t e m t h a t w o u l d e x p o s e a n i n d i v i d u a l w h o v o t e s i n a F e d e r a l e l e ct i o n i n m o r e t h a n o n e s t a t e S i n c e v o t e b y m a i l h a s b e c o m e p o p u l a r l a t e l y ; E R I C i s a v e r i f i a b l e v o t e r d a t a b a s e I t ’ s s a f e d a t a c o l l e c t i o n e x p o s e s t h e s o r t o f s h e n a n i g a n s ( b a l l o t h a r v e s t i n g e t c ) t h a t g o t t h e G e o r g i a G o v e r n o r i n t o o f f i c e i n h i s f i r s t r u n a g a i n s t S t a c y A b r a m s W h y o n e a r t h w o u l d D e S a n t i s n o t w a n t t o e n s u r e t h e i n t e g r i t y o f t h e v o t e f o r 2 0 2 4 ? N o t h i n g s u g g e s t s b a d i n t e n t i o n l i k e p r e e m p t i v e l y d e s t r o y i n g t h e p a p e r t r a i l O f c o u r s e , i f y o u a r e u p t o n o g o o d , y o u n e e d a g o o d c o v e r s t o r y D e S a n t i s ’ t r a c ki n g r e t u r n i n g c i t i z e n s ’ v o t i n g p r o v e d a w a s t e o f a m i l l i o n d o l l a r s i n t a x p a y e r m o n e y t o “ c a t c h ” l e s s t h a n a d o z e n s u c h B l a c k F l o r i d i a n s C a m e r a s w h i r l e d w h i l e t h e s e d a z e d c i t i z e n s w e r e a r r e s t e d a f t e r b e i n g e n t i c e d b y t h e i r l o c a l r e g i s t r a r o f v o t e r s t o r e g i s t e r t o v o t e A m i l l i o n d o l l a r s b r o u g h t z e r o c o n v i c t i o n s T h e V o l t a i r i a n c l a i m s t h a t E R I C r e p r e s e n t s a p a r t i s a n / s i n -

See LETTERS, page 5

By MATT DePAOLIS

Floridians must establish right to clean water Guest Commentary

Florida’s water is our most valuable natural resource

Throughout the state, Floridian’s ecology, economy, and way of life are intrinsically tied to our water quality

From the oyster beds of Apalachicola, to the central springs, to the barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico, down to North America’s only coral reef in the Keys, the waters of Florida teem with life, drive our tourism-based economies, and make Florida a desirable place to live, work, and play

This is why it is so devastating that the waters of Florida are almost uniformly imperiled Florida leads the nation in many things, like tourist dollars, coral reefs, and winter tomato production

However, no one celebrated when the news broke last year that on the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, Florida was leading the country in total acres of lakes classified as impaired for swimming and aquatic life The report by the Environmental Integrity Project also named Florida second for most square miles of impaired estuaries, behind only Louisiana.

To counter that reality, Floridians must establish a fundamental Right to Clean Water Currently, signatures are being collected to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2024 ballot that would do just that The proposed amendment would establish a right to clean and healthy waters for all Floridians

In 1972, the Clean Water Act was passed with the intention of helping states manage pollution in their water bodies and giving them the tools to save their waterways Each state

has an agency in charge of monitoring its waterways and developing a plan to clean them up, and Florida is no different

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection keeps a database of Florida’s impaired water bodies and works to establish Basin Management Action Plans to determine how best to maintain and improve their water quality. Although Florida has been actively participating in this process, it doesn’t seem to be having the intended effect, as year after year we see more impaired waterways

This probably won’t come as a shock to most Floridians, as we see the impacts of mismanagement wherever we look Reduced water quality has impacts from the relatively minor, like a reduction in clarity of our waterways, to the massive toxic blue-green algal blooms and red tides that are harmful to people and deadly for the environment Even if people aren’t in the water every day, it’s impossible to ignore the images of dead fish and starving manatees on the front pages of our newspapers.

The question remains, what can be done about this issue? Seemingly there are systems in place and numerous laws intended to improve and protect our waters The issue is not a lack of public desire, nor the aptitude of the state Unfortunately, the issue rests in the enforcement of the regulations While the FDEP is tasked with protecting our waters, there is no mechanism to ensure that they are enforcing their own regulations

Letters

absurd lengths to discredit the process The chances of fake electoral slates go down with a way to cross reference the

This is why Floridians must establish a fundamental right to clean water to allow citizens to sue state executive agencies for the harm caused to Florida’s waters through their actions If passed, Floridians could make sure that our agencies are working for Florida to enforce the laws that we have tasked them with upholding

The waters of our state nourish our ecosystems, provide drinking water for millions of people, support complex natural systems, and bring people from all over the world to visit our great state On multiple occasions, Floridians have banded together to give our government the tools to protect the natural resources that are held in trust for all Floridians

It is time to come together once more to ensure that the agencies are using the power we have granted them by ensuring a fundamental right to clean water in Florida Please support the ballot initiative by signing the petition to put the issue on the ballot in 2024 This will allow Floridians to vote directly for a right to clean water and give each Floridian a tool to protect our water.

For more information or to sign the petition, visit www floridarighttocleanwater org

Matt DePaolis is the environmental policy director for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Founded in 1967, the SCCF's mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems For more information, visit www sccf org

ballots cast But Ohio and the Southern Republicans are having none of it

“Vote early and often” does not make

for a fair election Urge your representative to rejoin the ERIC program

E l l e n S t a r b i r d Cape Coral

Community Development Department gets perfect score

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Community Development Department recently scored a perfect 100% correctness rate on its annual Community Rating System review of construction certificates This review is conducted by the Insurance Services Office, Fort Myers Beach spokesperson Jennifer Dexter stated

This CRS annual recertification confirms that the T o w n i s c o r r e c t l y p e r f o r m i n g t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s r e g a r d i n g f i n i s h e d c o n s t r u c t i o n E l e v a t i o n Certificates, Floodproofing Certificates, V Flood Zone Certificates and Engineered Opening (flood vent) Certificates, Dexter stated

“Since Hurricane Ian, Town staff have been working diligently to exceed challenging standards set by the voluntary National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) CRS The Town has earned a CRS floodplain management rating of five, resulting in a 25 percent reduction in insurance premiums for FMB property owners Many residents already have lowered premiums because of the Town’s ongoing participation in this program,” Dexter stated in the announcement

“As a CRS participating community, Town staff work to enhance public safety and property protection, protect the natural floodplain function, and reduce flood insurance premiums. The CRS supports the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by working to minimize flood losses nationwide, both inside and outside of mapped floodplains ”

Rebuilding after the storm

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers and Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson will address priorities and challenges in restoring the island c o m m u n i t i e s i n t h e w a k e o f Hurricane Ian at the at the May 9 m e e t i n g o f t h e R e a l E s t a t e Investment Society

Johnson and Allers will provide an update on efforts to rebuild and revitalize the islands, the financial and budget issues, and plans for developing more resilient communities Following the presentation, they will respond to specific questions from the attending real estate and development professionals

T h e m e e t i n g i s s p o n s o r e d b y M i d l a n d 1 0 3 1 , a n d w i l l b e g i n promptly at 11:45 a m on Tuesday, M a y 9 , i n t h e O s p r e y R o o m a t Pelican Preserve’s Clubhouse, on T r e e l i n e A v e n u e a t C o l o n i a l Boulevard, one mile east of I-75 exit 136 in Fort Myers

Admission is $30 for members and $45 for guests, which includes lunch Reservations are required by May 4 and may be made at the REIS web site: www reis-swfl org

Publix to reopen May 25

STAFF REPORT

Public Super Markets, which has been closed on Fort Myers Beach since Hurricane Ian, has tentatively scheduled a reopening date of May 25 for its location at 4791 Estero Boulevard

“Our team is working diligently to get the store

prepped and ready for reopening,” Publix Super Markets, Inc. spokesperson Lindsey Willis said.

Publix was the only supermarket on Fort Myers Beach at the time of the hurricane CVS Pharmacy has remained closed, with the company announcing plans to reopen by the end of the year

Petey’s Upper Deck reopening

Matanzas on the Bay has announced that P e t e y ’s U p p e r D e c k w i l l h o l d i t s o f f i c i a l reopening on Fort Myers Beach Thursday, May 4. Petey’s Upper Deck will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Petey’s Upper Deck is the second level up of Matanzas on the Bay, at 416 Crescent Street.

Southwest Florida real estate agent launches new show on YouTube

Visitors and residents alike now have a new platform created specifically to find out what it’s like to live locally in sunny S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a S u n c o a s t R e a l t y S o l u t i o n s r e a l e s t a t e a g e n t J u d e P a u l

recently launched his community and lifestyle show LiveLocaLEE on the social media platform YouTube to give viewers an insider’s look at the region and the inspirational entrepreneurs that make it tick.

LiveLocaLEE highlights a variety of

businesses that are part of the fabric of Southwest Florida Hidden gems, moma n d - p o p s h o p s , b o u t i q u e s , r e s t a u r a n t s , LiveLocaLEE has it Not only does the show give viewers a look at the businesses themselves, but those watching will also gain valuable insights from the owners about the region, why the area is as popular as it is, what made them start their business, advice for budding entrepreneurs and more.

Paul was born and raised in Naples He

graduated from Florida State University with a degree in business management and was teacher before venturing into real estate four years ago He has lived in Fort Myers for eight years

LiveLocaLEE can be seen on YouTube at LiveLocaLEE New episodes appear every Wednesday at 7 p m EST F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t LiveLocaLEE please visit LiveLocaLee or r e a c h o u t t o J u d e P a u l a t Team@LiveLocaLEE com

FILE PHOTO

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

Arches Bayfront teams up with Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, the nonprofit group that has been working with Lee County on plans to build a replica of the historic arches at Bowditch Point Park, has announced a new partnership with Arches Bayfront Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches founder Steven Ray McDonald said his group has reached a deal with Arches

Kiwanis Club seeks scholarship applicants

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

This year, the Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club is expanding its scholarship offerings With the loss of residents to Hurricane Ian and a population of students that has decreased in recent years, Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club Secretary Paula McCarthy said the organization wanted to expand the pool

The Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club is accepting scholarship applications from any student planning to attend college who lives on Fort Myers Beach, or who has a parent, grandparent or guardian who lives or works on Fort Myers Beach

“We expanded the criteria last year because it’s getting more difficult for young families to live on the island,” McCarthy said

“Last year we gave out 16 scholarships, both new and renewals, for $2000 each This year we hope to be able to give $1000 for the first semester,” McCarthy said

To apply for a scholarship, visit the Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club's website at fortmyersbeachkiwanis org

The deadline to apply is May 15 For any questions, contact McCarthy at pmcfmb2003@yahoo com

Bayfront, whereby the developers will match all donations for the bricks being purchased to help pay for the replica

“Arches Bayfront will be providing a dollar-for-dollar match in donations to Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, Inc leading up to the goal of $113,814 to be used for construction of our project in Bowditch Point Regional Park for our project,” McDonald stated McDonald said the Arches mini-replica is close to being fully funded “We just need to make $18,471 53 more at our current funding level with the Moss Marina’s dollar-for-dollar match to be fully funded Then we can hand the project and funding over to Lee County Parks,” McDonald said

Arches Bayfront is a proposed three-hotel development at Moss Marina that has made the concept of using the famed arches a prominent feature of their bayfront plans, confirmed the two are working together

“We have been working with their organization during our design process and were looking for ways we could assist them in accomplishing their goals,” said Arches Bayfront developer Ben Freeland

“We are excited to see their hard work pay off and the historic arches become part of Fort Myers Beach again ”

For those interested in funding the replica construction, the link to buying a 4x4 brick at $100 or 8x8 brick at $225 is at www bricksrus con/donorsite/walkthearches

For more than 50 years, the 104-feet arches were the imposing gateway at 104-feet wide and 26-feet high at the entrance to Estero Island when there was a drawbridge That was before the arches were bulldozed to

make way for Matanzas Pass Bridge in 1979 The replica arches will be 20-feet wide and 10-feet-6 inches high with a brick path at Bowditch Point Park

Portions of the original stone arches have been stored in Buckingham McDonald said his group intends to spend $20,000 to cut some of the original stones from the arches and apply it for the commemorative arch at Bowditch Point Park

“We have put off buying the signage until the Bowditch Signs cabana is rebuilt, so we get dimensions right,” McDonald stated

McDonald said his group is planning to hold a “Rock the Arches” festival next year in April at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers, with live acts and arts and crafts, to further fundraise for the arches replica

“It will be eight hours of huge fun during Spring Break

“It is by far our biggest and riskiest effort We hope it's going to be the finish line for us ”

Meanwhile, the plans for Arches Bayfront have been updated on the website archesbayfront com

The developers are courting public input on the project with a survey on the website They will also host a public forum on Monday, May 15, at the Pink Shell Beach Resort to further discuss plans and gather feedback

“ O u r o r g a n i z a t i o n , M o s s M a r i n a , a n d A r c h e s Bayfront are excited and ecstatic to grow our partnership in the future,” McDonald said “Our slogan is ‘take a picture under the Arches and you will return to Fort Myers Beach ’ You know, just like the Arches did ”

Fort Myers Beach Lions accepting scholarship applications

First False Crawl

The Town of Fort Myers Beach had its first false crawl of the sea turtle nesting season Monday morning evidence by these turtle tracks “She attempted to make a nest but was unsuccessful,” Turtle Time founder Eve Haverfield said The sea turtle nesting season began Monday and runs through October on Fort Myers Beach Outdoor lighting is prohibited from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and curtains must be closed during that time.

Gulf Coast Writer ’s Association seeks hurricane stories

The Gulf Coast Writers Association, the 28-year-old nonprofit group of writers, editors and associates, has extended by one month the deadline to receive Hurricane Ian storm stories from April 15 to May 15

The Fort Myers-based group is collecting stories to publish in an anthology to create an historical record of the storm, which hit here last Sept 28 The book, which the group will distribute online and in book stores, will include a foreword by an award-winning maritime author living on Pine Island

“What a great way to break into print or to come to terms with or create a memoir of one of America’s most costly storms and the deadliest storm in Florida’s recent history,” says GCWA E x e c u t i v e B o a r d S e c r e t a r y J e a n n e Meeks, herself a published mysterybook author who is spearheading the anthology project Essay, short story or poetry are all accepted. The only rule is that the experience must be true-- or, for essayists and poets, mostly true

EVE HAVERFIELD

School district moves forward with Guardian Program

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County School Board moved a step closer to providing for armed volunteers in schools

The first reading of the district’s proposed Guardian Program was presented to the board on April 25

I f u

District of Lee County would partner with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to allow designated district employees who volunteer to train for an armed response to an oncampus threat

Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier said the policy is being developed in accordance with a resolution the board passed in early March

Dr. Christopher Bernier

The district released a survey to solicit some information from current employees about who might want to participate and implementation protocol remains a work in progress

“We are going to need a set of volunteers that are ready to enter into the sheriff’s training program. We will not move into that until we develop policies and procedures,” Bernier said

The policy discussed defines a guardian as “any member of a designated employee group in the district who has successfully completed all of the training requirements and prerequisites ” The individual, a full-time employee in good standing, would be a volunteer and there would be no monetary benefit except from a onetime stipend of $500

A guardian’s purpose, would be “to defend life from an active threat on any district property ”

School district: Half cent sales tax funds seats

B y M E G H A N B R A D B U RY n e w s @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m

The voter-approved half cent sales tax for schools for the School District of Lee County has provided more than 3,700 new student seats, a 3 percent-plus increase

According to a presentation to the school board on April 25 by the Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee, the tax has funded 3,782 new student seats In addition, the money has helped fund seven major projects The committee is made up of 15 members and two alternate members all residents of Lee County and approved by the board

Projects include three new schools: Gateway High School, Lehigh Acres Middle School and Amanecer Elementary School, which is still in progress of being built In addition, there have been two renovations completed at Lehigh Senior High School and James Stephens Pre-K There are three remodels in progress a t F r a n k l i n P a r k E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l , F o r t M y e r s Technical College and Riverdale High School

“Safety upgrades exceeded $81 million,” ISSOC Chair Steve Shimp said

The sales tax also funded 22,000 Chromebooks for elementary students during and after the COVID pandemic. Shimp said 73,000 Chromebooks were also a part of the district refresh program

The revenue also provided classroom interactive video panels and audio amplification systems

Shimp said there are multiple major capital replacement projects, which include air condition and HVAC s y s t e m s ; r o o f s ; w i n d o w s ; f l o o r i n g ; a n d e l e c t r i c a l switchgear

“There are about 20 areas of capital improvements made throughout the district,” he said

There are many ways ISSOC shares information, which includes social media, the district website, presentations, an Economic Impact Study and school sports’ programs

“There are a number of buttons that give taxpayers an opportunity to see what is going on as it relates to their sales tax,” he said of www leeschools net I n t h e f a l l , t h e y h o p e t o l a u n c h C o m m u n i t y Outreach Presentations, presented by ISSOC committee members, with support from board members and

Management Executive Director David Newlan said the idea is that a guardian would abate the active assailant

He said a committee will be formed to go through the applications with a final recommendation going to the superintendent

Bernier said the way the policy is written, which is similar to other school districts, the superintendent’s decision for denial stops that applicant from going any further into training

“This would eliminate them from day one If someone was approved, they still have an immense amount of work to go through There is ample opportunity for people to still not make it. The standard in which they are required is extremely significant,” he said

Once approved, the employee would undergo a background check to include both a psychological evaluation and drug screening They will also have to complete “the required statutory training and any other requirements set forth by the LCSO ” Newlan said the training will be about 160 hours, which is more than the minimum 144 hours required

Board Member Debbie Jordan questioned the training hours during the meeting According to the policy, the district will treat the “required training hours, as regular duty hours, as long as it is part of their normal 40 hour work week ” If the training goes beyond 40 hours, there is no additional pay

“This is volunteer, but yet we are doing this on a work day where they are being compensated?” she asked “I work in a school and I am doing my job How do I do my job at school and do this training for 144 hours while doing my job at school?”

Newlan said they are looking at a summer academy but, based on the time the academy takes place, if they are working at their current position they will be compensated

“They are not receiving extra income,” he said

The policy also addresses equipment the guardian would use LCSO would be responsible for inspecting all equipment, which may include firearms, ammunition, magazines, holsters, magazine holders, vests and identification In addition, the district and LCSO must issue and approve all equipment, as well as inspect and document monthly

“Guardians accepting the issued equipment shall abide by all procedures and sign an agreement attesting that they will follow all applicable procedures and responsibilities,” it states

The policy also states that guardians are only permitted to carry their issued firearm, and equipment, while on duty, at their assigned school and hours In addition, the issued firearm, ammunition, and equipment would be stored in a domicile The equipment also has to be secured in a vehicle lock box, designated by the district, when traveling to and from their residence

“When they leave school property they cannot carry that firearm. We don’t want them stopping at a 7-Eleven with their firearm on them when leaving the district,” Newlan said

Weapons detection systems to be installed in county schools

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

A $3 2 million weapons detection system will be installed in Lee County schools next year as another safety measure for students and staff

T h e g r o u n d b r e a k i n g w e a p o n s d e t e c t i o n s y s t e m , O P E N G A T E , was approved by the School Board of Lee County at its April 11 meeting The approval was to piggyback the Interlocal Purchasing System for Technology Solutions Products and Service to Communications

T e c h n o l o g i e s f r o m A p r i l 1 1 through April 10, 2024 The syst e m h a s a p r i c e t a g o f $3,221,372,45, which is funded through sales tax dollars.

The system allows for fast and automatic screening, no removal of backpacks, bags, or purses and easy walk through flow, officials said Safety, Security & Emergency Management Executive Director David Newlan said OPENGATE is a good thing that will come to fruition for the 2023-24 school year

“You have to do your due diligence to make sure you choose the right (system) to fit our needs and our district,” he said

The system is a good fit for the S c h o o l D i s t r i c t o f L e e C o u n t y because of the way it was designed, Newlan said It has good mobility, as it is easy to maneuver The system is 25 pounds and can be set up in 30 seconds

The system is not a metal detector, which would require individuals to take everything out of their pockets, purses, backpacks, as well as taking off their watch That would not be conducive in a school environment where you have 2,000 students walking through, he said

“It allows them to walk through as they normally would,” Newlan said, adding that sometimes you may not know you are walking through a detection device “It will be in every school. Every school in Lee County will have a weapon detection device ”

The device detects contraband

staff Shimp said the initial presentations would be to service clubs and partners, such as Hispanic Chamber, Kiwanis Clubs, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Rotary Clubs and The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools

“Members take this process very seriously, questions come up and they get researched,” he said

Superintendent of Schools Dr Christopher Bernier said clearly the half cent sales tax is good for a number of years

“Lee County continues to be the exception with the continuation of growth We still have an amazing amount of vacant property east of 75 continue to develop to the east and northeast,” he said.

by its formation and shape.

“It makes more sense for our type of environment We are trying to make sure our kids are safe It’s another layer of security to keep students and staff safe,” he said

There will be a slow roll out of OPENGATE starting at the beginning of the next year It will not all happen at once, as there needs to be training and the ability to work out issues to ensure it is smooth for staff to use. The number of systems at a given school will depend on the school’s design, how it is set up, as well as the population of the school

“We will look at the school itself We are protecting all of our schools,” Newlan said

He said he has received positive feedback from students, parents and staff regarding the system

“That’s what students want, to feel safe in their schools,” Newlan said. “This is another layer that we are going to do to our current procedures to make sure we are going to keep our students and staff safe ”

$261,197,004 funds expended Shimp said the difference in amounts is about timing on receiving funds, funding the project and accomplishing the work

He said no sales tax funds were expended to deal with the Hurricane Ian problems

“When you have something like an Ian there is a lot of economic activity that occurs in the building effort t h a t o f f s e t s t h e l a c k o f e c o n o m i c a c t i v i t y t o t h e destroyed facilities and lost employment,” Shimp said. “It has kept pace, or slightly ahead of projections ” A c c o r d i n g t o t h e r e f e r e n d u m a p p r o v e d b y L e e County voters in November 2018, revenue from the local option half cent sales tax can only be used for construction, safety, maintenance and technology.

“One hundred percent of our schools have received support,” he said

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

Disney sues DeSantis over district takeover

D i s n e y s u e d F l o r i d a G o v R

Wednesday over the Republican’s takeover of its theme park district, alleging the governor waged a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” after the company opposed a law critics call “Don’t Say Gay.”

The lawsuit was filed in Tallahassee minutes after a Disney World oversight board appointed by DeSantis voted to void a deal that gave the company authority over design and construction decisions in its sprawling properties near Orlando

“Disney regrets that it has come to this,” the case said “But having exhausted efforts to seek a resolution, the Company is left with no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponize government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain State officials ”

The legal filing is the latest salvo in a more than yearold feud between Disney and DeSantis that has engulfed the governor in criticism as he prepares to launch an expected presidential bid in the coming months

DeSantis, who has framed himself as a Republican firebrand able to deftly implement his conservative agenda without drama, has dived headlong into the fray with the beloved company and major tourism driver, as business leaders and White House rivals bash his stance as a rejection of the small-government tenets of conservatism

“We are unaware of any legal right that a company has to operate its own government or maintain special privileges not held by other businesses in the state,” said DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske “This lawsuit is yet another unfortunate example of their hope to undermine the will of the Florida voters and operate outside the bounds of the law ”

The fight began last year after Disney, in the face of significant pressure, publicly opposed a state law that bans classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades, a policy critics call “Don’t Say Gay ”

As punishment, DeSantis took over Disney World’s self-governing district and appointed a new board of supervisors that would oversee municipal services in the sprawling theme parks But before the new board came in, the company pushed though an 11th-hour agreement that stripped the new supervisors of much of their authority

The DeSantis board on Wednesday said Disney’s move to retain control over their property was effectively unlawful and performed without proper public notice

“Disney picked the fight with this board We were not looking out for a fight,” said Martin Garcia, chair of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, before the vote, adding “bottom line, what our lawyers have told us, is factually and legally what they created is an absolute legal mess It will not work ”

DeSantis has also vowed additional retribution, with proposals to enhance state oversight of the resort’s rides and monorail, as well as a suggestion to build a prison nearby

DeSantis appointed a new special board with political loyalists from around the state, some from a long distance away from where the special improvement district is located in Orange County One of the board members is Sarasota School Board Chair Bridget Ziegler Sarasota is more than 100 miles away from Disney World Disney has said all agreements made with the previous board were legal and approved in a public forum Disney CEO Bob Iger has also said that any actions against the company that threaten jobs or expansion at its Florida resort was not only “anti-business” but “antiFlorida ”

The Disney lawsuit asks a federal judge to void the governor’s takeover of the theme park district, as well as the DeSantis oversight board’s actions, on the grounds that they were violations of company’s free speech rights

“A targeted campaign of government retaliation orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech now threatens Disney’s business operations, jeopardizes its economic

future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights,” the lawsuit said

Town seeking to reunite family with photo

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is looking for the family to whome this photo belongs The photo was found on Lanark Avenue, Fort M y e r s B e a c h C o m m u n i c a t i o n s D i r e c t o r Jennifer Dexter said. To claim the photo, get in touch with Dexter at Jennifer.Dexter@fmbgov.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Beach School

being finalized by the attorneys of the town and school, ahead of votes by the town council and school board to approve the deal

This past week, the Lee County School Board postponed a vote on rebuilding Fort Myers Beach Elementary School pending the outcome of negotiations Lee County School District Superintendent Dr Chris Bernier requested the agenda item be pulled to allow for more time for discussions between the sides

The draft agreement addresses some of the concerns of some school board memb e r s a b o u t t h e e n r o l l m e n t a t B e a c h Elementary School, which has declined in recent years due to changing demographics on Fort Myers Beach The school had a population of around 80 students before Hurricane Ian, with 52 of those students still enrolled in the district at San Carlos Park Elementary School School board trustee Chris Patricca, whose district includes Fort Myers Beach, h a s m a d e t h e c o s t - p e r - s t u d e n t a t t h e school a focal point of past discussions r e g a r d i n g t h e r e b u i l d i n g o f B e a c h Elementary School Patricca has pointed to the estimated cost per student for Beach Elementary School to be about $21,000 per student compared to an average of $8,868 districtwide

Yet the Beach Elementary School also has the smallest budget of any school in t h e d i s t r i c t a t $ 1 7 7 m i l l i o n b e f o r e Hurricane Ian, precisely because of its s m a l l s i z e A s a c o m p a r i s o n , n e a r b y Harlem Heights Elementary has a budget o f $ 9 . 1 m i l l i o n . S a n C a r l o s P a r k Elementary, where Beach Elementary

School students currently attend, has a budget of $7 65 million

T h e i n t e r l o c a l a g r e e m e n t w o u l d require Beach Elementary to grow its student population so that it has a cost-perstudent ratio at the level of fellow island s c h o o l s i n P i n e I s l a n d a n d S a n i b e l Schools receive more federal aid with more students Sanibel, which has more students than Fort Myers Beach, has a budget of $3 1 million The cost-per student there is $12,226 The budget for Pine Island is $ 2 6 7 m i l l i o n A m a n a c e r E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l i s t h e o n l y o t h e r e l e m e n t a r y school in the district with a budget under $3 million, at $2 4 million

The school board has previously given support to a two-phase rebuild, with the first phase centered on rebuilding the main historical school at a cost of $10 4 million, and $9 1 million for the second phase to rebuild the outer buildings if enrollment warrants it Insurance from Hurricane Ian damage and FEMA aid is expected to cover the cost

T h e a g r e e m e n t w o u l d e x p a n d t h e boundaries of the elementary school district beginning in 2024-25 to Summerlin Road and San Carlos Boulevard “to allow as many students as possible to attend FMBE ”

Under the current framework, Bay Oaks Recreational Campus would be open by the fall handle students at its gym b e t w e e n 8 a m a n d 2 p m e v e r y Wednesday during the school year There would also be a rotating schedule to handle students on Wednesdays during different months during school hours for the

tennis courts, soccer field and softball field at the campus

Bay Oaks would also be required to provide afterschool care for the school’s students

“We continue to work through the details , ” Tow n of F ort M yers Beach Attorney John Herin Jr said

“I have received an updated draft from t h e s c h o o l b o a r d ’ s g e n e r a l c o u n s e l o f f i c e , ” H e r i n t o l d t h e t o w n c o u n c i l Monday Herin said he expects to have the i n t e r l o c a l a g r e e m e n t c o m p l e t e d f o r review and approval at the council’s next meeting on May 15.

Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said he and other parents in the ad-hoc committee met with Herin and gave suggestions which have resulted in additional discussions with school officials Atterholt said he and elementary school parents have met with the superintendent and other district officials

“We understand the need to lower the cost per student costs when compared to other barrier island schools If we are not successful in lowering those costs, after a fair amount of time, the Beach School would likely transition into a charter school We are simply asking for an appropriate amount of times to recover from Ian in order to be able to implement a number of proposed strategies which will likely lead the Beach School back to once again being a high-ranking costeffective elementary school,” Atterholt said

“What it basically comes down to is the Town and the parents on the Ad Hoc Committee are asking for a reasonable

period of time for the Beach School to recover before its cost per student average is expected to parallel other Lee County barrier island schools,” Atterholt stated He noted that the remediation of the historic building has continued

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said he has met with Bernier but said A t t e r h o l t h a s b e e n m o r e i n v o l v e d i n working the ad-hoc committee

Under the proposed agreement, the town “may provide a financial contribution towards the maintenance and operation” of the school “if it is unable to financially sustain itself at the same level as barrier island schools as set forth in the Cost Per Student Report ”

That contribution would be the difference between its operational costs and the barrier island schools

The agreement also requires the School Board to assist with increasing enrollment and to “attempt to solicit partnerships with other entities to provide attractors to the school to include special programs ”

No later than November, 2026, the town and school board would discuss student population and cost numbers to determine if the school is able to financially sustain itself at the same level as the barrier island schools or if the town must provide financial assistance to the school district to operate the schools

If the town were unable to provide further financial assistance for the school to bring down the cost-per-student ratio, the school could be turned over to the town as early as 2027 The draft agreement also states that “if, at any point in time, the

See BEACH SCHOOL, page 14

Lee County Recovery Task Force to hold town hall at DiamondHead May 4

STAFF REPORT

The Lee County Recovery Task Force will host a town hall meeting at the DiamondHead Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach on May 4 to give the public an opportunity to learn more about the work of the task force and allow for input on “what is needed to repair and rebuild more resilient to future hazards we may face,” the task force announced

The meeting will run from 6 to 8 p m at the DiamondHead Beach Resort’s ballroom at 2000 Estero Blvd

Berm project

“While the beaches are still wide, the storm created many scours, and approximately two and half feet of elevation was lost During the storm, sand was displaced from the Beach and washed back into the Gulf or over the island entirely and into Estero Bay,” Chustz stated “This sand will be used to partially repair the many scours and gouges that the storm created and to restore the beach back to a more

Beach School

Town is unable to the cover the cost per student difference as outlined in section b above or move forward with a charter school option as outlined in section b and c above the School Board, at its sole disc r e t i o n , m a y p e r m a n e n t l y c l o s e F o r t Myers Beach Elementary.”

Another section of the draft agreement states that “at the conclusion of fiscal year 2026-27, if there are not enough students enrolled for FMBE to financially sustain

From page 1

The upcoming town hall is part of a series of 16 town hall meetings announced by the county’s task force to run from April 19 through May 11

One of the goals of ResilientLee, the public-facing aspect of the Lee County Recovery Task Force, is community engagement in the recovery process from Hurricane Ian In addition to the Fort Myers Beach meeting, there will be 14 in-person town hall meetings, one virtual town hall offered in English, one virtual town hall offered in Spanish, and five additional in-person town halls with Spanish-language options

natural and protective state ”

The State of Florida’s permit lasts for 15 years and authorizes the Town to oversee beach management activities “These activities include reducing dune heights and maintaining a positive slope to allow the beach to drain and prevent pooling in the middle of the beach The engineered design elevation of six and a half feet is above sea level, not ground level at a per-

From page 13

itself, as determined by the School Board in its sole discretion and based on the Cost Per Student Report, the School Board may permanently close FMBE Town may consider creating its own municipal charter school ”

T h e i n t e r l o c a l a g r e e m e n t w o u l d require the town to “actively recruit students” to the school “by increasing enrollment by engaging with the community and local businesses ”

son’s home,” Chustz stated

The schedule, location details and more information can be found at www resilientlee com

The Lee County Recovery Task Force is led by Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane, and was created as an advisory committee to the Lee Board of County Commissioners in response to Hurricane Ian. The task force consists of 13 leaders from across the county, including mayors of municipal jurisdictions within Lee County, as well as representatives from the school district, fire, law enforcement and other public agencies

“The berm will be placed near a structure or seawall but can be configured in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e T o w n ’ s D u n e Management Plan to accommodate the property owner’s preferences,” Chustz stated

At a recent town council meeting, Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said he was asked by a local business on the northern end of the

The town would create an ad-hoc committee that shall meet, at minimum, twice a year to review the student enrollment

“During the last six months, the School District of Lee County has been working alongside Fort Myers Beach citizens, business leaders, and town officials as we plan the best path forward for Fort Myers Beach Elementary School,” Bernier stated

Bernier said he requested the vote be

island about the sand for the emergency berm. Chustz said about 1 million cubic yards of sand will go on the northern end of the beach, which will be dredged but that is not part of the current emergency berm project The northern end from Bowditch Point Park to Crescent

B e a c h F a m i l y P a r k , m a y g e t b e a c h renourishment sometime between late November and early 2024, Chustz said

postponed after receiving revisions to the agreement He said “the District will continue to negotiate in good faith with the Town of Fort Myers Beach

“This will ensure not only that the School Board has enough time to review the documents so that they can make an informed decision, but it also gives the p u b l i c t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o t h o r o u g h l y review those items as well," Bernier stated

WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE

Refuge offering free activities and lectures for Nature Wellness Week Page 16

Mighty Mussels hosting ‘Islands Night’ to celebrate SWFL’s resilience

May 3 game to raise awareness, support for nonprofits aiding in hurricane recovery

The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Southwest Florida’s resiliency an spirit on May 3 at Islands Night, a tradition that takes on additional me the region recovers from Hurricane

In addition to special ticket off r e s i d e n t s a n d b u s i n e s s e s o f S a Captiva, Fort Myers Beach and Island, Sanibel artist Rachel Pierce designed a custom jersey featuring colorful sky and two iconic land marks damaged during Hurricane Ian the Sanibel Lighthouse and Fort Myers Beach Pier Fans can bid on game-worn jerseys during a weeklong auction that raises money based charitable causes.

“No storm, not even a Category 5 can destroy the spirit of this comm Peters, president of the Mighty Mus has hosted Islands Night for 30 years will be a true celebration of the pe make Southwest Florida such a great Islands Night, held in partnersh Captiva Chamber of Commerce, hi homestand against the Dunedin Blue 2-7

Pierce, an acclaimed artist whose region’s natural beauty and coasta inspiration for the jersey design from marks that define Southwest Florida

“I featured some islands icons tha ter than ever,” Pierce said “It’s one tured bright as sunrise colors the Hope on the horizon ”

T h e o n l i n e a u c t i o n w i l l

MightyMussels com Proceeds will profits through Mussel Up for Southwest Florida, the team’s new charitable fund that aids local organizations addressing hurricane relief and recovery, as well as children’s needs, youth sports, the environment, animal welfare, cancer research, education and others

Prior to the May 3 game, government officials, business owners and community leaders from the islands will be participating in an on-field parade around the warning track at Hammond Stadium, home of the Mighty Mussels and Minnesota Twins

Gameday promotions for the May 2-7 homestand include:

Tuesday, May 2 (First pitch: 7 p m )

∫ Publix 2-for-1 Ticket Tuesdays: Fans can purchase BOGO tickets at the box office by showing a Publix receipt from the past two weeks

∫ Two for Tuesday: The concession stand has 2-for-

1 offers on beer, soda and hotdogs

Wednesday, May 3 (First pitch: 7 p m )

∫ Islands Night: Celebrate the spirit of SWFL’s coastal communities and bid on custom jerseys to raise money for nonprofits aiding in hurricane recovery

∫ Dollar Dog Night: Hot dogs cost just $1 at the concession stand.

∫ Guaranteed Win Night: Fans receive a free ticket to the next home game if the Mighty Mussels lose

∫ Silver Sluggers Night: Senior club members get free tickets and parking to all Wednesday home games

∫ Ladies Night: Women get 2-for-1 seltzers and wine at the game

Thursday, May 4 (First pitch: 7 p.m.)

∫ Miracle Throwback Night: Players will wear throwback Fort Myers Miracle uniforms.

ght: Students can purchase $5 tickets at ith a valid ID

eer Night: 12-ounce cans are $1 and 12re $2

ay 5 (First pitch: 7 p m )

inco de Mayo: The Mighty Mussels will brate the holiday with a variety of food nd drink specials, as well as a festive atmosphere

∫ Collier County School District Night: Public school teachers, adminisors, staff, students and family members rchase $5 tickets through a special tick-

Rotary Kids Night: Children and famiwith the Lehigh Rotary Club are wels: The Mighty Mussels’ pyrotechnics up the sky after the final out

Happy Hour: Purchase 2-for-1 Bacardi Bar from 6-7 p m

y 6 (First pitch: 6 p m )

The Mussels will host the first of three s on the concourse this season For $30, cket to the baseball game and admission which features samples of more than 50 al and national brewers

Appreciation Night: All active duty, rmer military members, as well as their receive free tickets at the box office with ary ID

Heritage Night: The Women of Irish WFL are hosting an event that features a formance from Guns-n-Hoses Pipes-nd Win Night: Fans receive a free ticket to ame if the Mighty Mussels lose e Park: Leashed dogs are welcome at um

The first 500 fans will receive a Mighty Mussels seat cushion

Sunday, May 7 (First pitch: noon)

∫ Mussel Up for Reading: SWFL students who reach their reading goals at school will receive a free ticket at the box office

∫ Sunday Brunch: Enjoy an all-you-can-eat ballpark brunch from 11 a m to 1 p m for just $15

∫ Kids Club Sunday: Children 14 and under can join the Mussels Sprouts and get free tickets to Sunday games and a T-shirt.

∫ Kids Catch on the Field: Children can play catch from 11 to 11:30 a m

∫ Kids Run the Bases: Children can run bases after the game

Mighty Mussels tickets start at $10 and are available at MightyMussels com For more information call 239768-4210

e e k o f

Refuge offering free activities and lectures for Nature Wellness Week

For National Mental Health Month, the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge with support from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge is hosting Nature Wellness Week 2023 from today, May 3, through May 9 The second annual event is taking place at refuge venues and throughout the community, including at Lakes Park and Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers

“Last year's Wellness Week was such a success, we wanted to bring it back, along with the mindfulness activities we've offered throughout the year,” Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said “When the refuge closed after Hurricane Ian in September, we looked for ways to benefit the traumatized community, who needed that connection with nature to help heal ”

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

“We partnered with Sanibel Rec as part of our Mobile Mindfulness initiative and are building on the success we had with the self-guided Mindfulness Trail at the Bailey Tract by expanding our mindfulness-oriented audio recordings at the refuge and along Wildlife Drive,” she added “Participants will get a sneak peek of that during Wellness Week ”

Highlights of the week will range from nature-healing lectures by nationally-noted speakers and a Food Forest Wellness Fest at FGCU, to Mindfulness Walks on Wildlife Drive and Boot Camp The guest lecturers include Dr Geraldine Oades-Sese, a child resilience psychologist, and healing-through-nature advocate Dr Joe Blanda

“People protect the things they care about,” Ranger Jessica Barry, who leads the refuge's wellness program with mindfulness volunteer Cristina Shaul, said “The purpose of 'Ding' Darling's Nature Wellness Week is not only to expose individuals to the healing powers of nature, but also to promote the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission of conservation by cultivating a community with a deeper, more meaningful relationship to their planet ”

The venues for Wellness Week include:

∫ J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel: Visitor & Education Center, Wildlife Education Boardwalk (WEB), Wildlife Drive, Bailey Tract and Indigo Trail

r t

Retired surgeon Dr Joseph Blanda will speak at t h e r e f u g e a b o u t t h e h e a l i n g p r o p e r t i e s o f nature to kick off Nature Wellness Week He was k e y n o t e s p e a k e r f o r t h e i n a u g u r a l

Week

REFUGE/DDWS

Dr Geraldine V Oades-Sese’s “Rising from the Storm: How Birds & People Built Resilience After the Storm” lecture will take place on May 6. She was a principal investigator in a largescale resilience study for Sesame Workshop’s childhood resilience initiative, “Little Children, Big Challenges.”

∫ Lakes Park, at 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers

∫ Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), at 10501 FGCU Blvd S , Fort Myers

Subject to change, the schedule of activities includes:

Today, May 3

∫ 7 to 8 a m : Sunrise Yoga at Lakes Park

∫ 8:30 to 9:30 a m : Gentle Flow Yoga at Lakes Park

∫ 10 to 11 a m : Ranger-led Slow Birding Walk at Lakes Park

∫ Noon to 1:30 p m : “The Nature Prescription: Simple Strategies for Healing in Nature on Sanibel” lecture by Dr Joe Blanda at Visitor & Education Center

Thursday, May 4

∫ 8:30 to 9 a m : Meditate Among the Mangroves at WEB

∫ 9:30 to 10:15 a m : Mindful Birding with Dr Geraldine V Oades-Sese at WEB

Friday, May 5

∫ 8 to 9 a m : Burnin’ Bootcamp at Bailey Tract

∫ 9 to 10 a m : Guided Mindful Nature Walk at Bailey Tract

∫ 4 to 8 p m : Food Forest Wellness Fest at FGCU

Saturday, May 6

∫ 8:30 to 9:30 a m : Ranger-guided Slow Birding Bike Tour at Wildlife Drive

∫ 9 to 10 a m : Pre-lecture Brunch Buffet with Dr Geraldine V Oades-Sese at Visitor & Education Center

∫ 10 to 11 a m : “Rising from the Storm: How Birds & People Built Resilience After the Storm” lecture by Dr

Today, May 3, through May 9, the J N “Ding”

Geraldine V Oades-Sese at Visitor & Education Center

∫ Noon to 2 p m : Make-and-Take Tree Beads with Artist-in-Residence Jacqui Roch at Visitor & Education Center

Sunday, May 7

∫ 8 to 9 a m : Ranger-led Caravan at Wildlife Drive

∫ 7 to 7:30 p m : Virtual Guided Mindfulness Meditation via Zoom

Monday, May 8

∫ 9 to 9:30 a m : Meditate Among the Mangroves at WEB

Tuesday, May 9

∫ 8 to 9 a m : Burnin’ Bootcamp at Bailey Tract

∫ 10 to 11:30 a m : Mindful Nature Journaling Finding Peace in Art & Nature at Indigo Trail and WEB

R e g i s t e r f o r t h e a c t i v i t i e s f o r f r e e a t dingdarling eventbrite com

Wellness Week receives support from LCEC and Florida Arts & Culture

For more information, visit dingwellness.com.

Summer 2023 camps, activities and things to do in SWFL

Summer Camps

Boys & Girls Club of Collier Co.

Summer camp at the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County begins on Monday, June 5 and concludes on Friday, July 28 at both the Nichols campus in Naples and the Bolch campus in Immokalee Club members receive the support and tools to help them thrive academically, socially and personally Financial assistance is available for those in need, with additional discounts for families

enrolling four or more children Camp runs from 7:30 a m to 6 p m and includes breakfast, lunch and a snack

To register, visit bgccc com or call the Bolch Club at 239-675-7003 or the Immokalee Club at 239-3251700

Boys & Girls Club of Lee Co.

Summer Enrichment Program: Weekdays from 7:30 a m to 6 p m , June 12 - August 4, offered at locations in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres. Summer Camps are available for ages six through 18 and include field trips, STEM projects, arts and crafts, guest speakers and much more For more information or to register, visit BGClee org or call 239-334-1886

Child Care of Southwest Florida

Summer camps are available at three learning centers in Lee County, and include a series of fun, engaging and educational activities for children A ll participants receive nutritious, balanced meals and healthy snacks. For more information or to enroll, visit CCSWFL org or call:

∫ Joseph H Messina Children’s Center: 4650 Fowler St , Fort Myers – 239-278-1148

∫ P A Geraci Child Development Center: 3713 Canal St , Fort Myers – 239-337-4995

∫ The Children’s Learning Center: 37 Barkley Circle, Fort Myers – 239-267-1136

IMAG History & Science Center

Ready to be inspired? The IMAG History & Science

s S T E A M C a m p s ( S c i e n c e , Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) from June 12 to Aug 9 for students in 1st through 8th grades Special themes include Junior Astronauts, Critter Keepers, STEAM Olympics and Robotics Engineers, sparking campers’ imaginations as scientists, designers, engineers and artists For camp reservations, visit theIMAG org or call 239-243-0043

Summer Activities & Things To Do

Captiva Cruises

Family owned and operated since 1986, Captiva Cruises has helped Southwest Florida locals and guests experience the region’s waters for nearly four decades, exploring unique destinations and hidden gems that are often only reached by boat. All cruises are led by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains, guiding passengers in encountering Southwest Florida and providing educational insights on the region’s unique ecosystems and native wildlife From start to finish, excursions help passengers encounter true Florida

Cruises offer a variety of fun experiences for all ages, sailing to destinations including:

∫ Cabbage Key, home to an Old Florida–style inn and restaurant that serves the rumored inspiration for Jimmy Buffett’s song “Cheeseburger in Paradise”

∫ Useppa Island, an exclusive private island club that can only be visited by members of the club, guests of a member of the club or as a passenger on Captiva Cruises

∫ Boca Grande, a small residential community on Gasparilla Island home to the 100-year-old Gasparilla Inn and the circa-1890 Boca Grande Lighthouse

∫ Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island, where passengers can enjoy lunch at the historic lodge and a tour of the Randell Research Center, an archaeological and historic site

∫ Dolphin and wildlife cruises narrated by volunteers from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of coastal habitats

∫ Sunset cruises that allow passengers to enjoy spectacular sunsets over sparkling waters

Private charters are also available, ideal for special events, including weddings, rehearsal dinners, graduations, reunions, birthdays and more For more information, visit CaptivaCruises com or call 239-472-5300

Fort Myers Brewing’s Summer Beer Fest

Fort Myers Brewing Company is kicking off the hottest season of the year with its annual Summer Beer Fest June 15-18, a four-day summer bash featuring live music, food trucks and more than 50 specialty beers.

From Thursday, June 15 through Sunday, June 18, Fort Myers Brewing is featuring festivities for families, friends and pets to enjoy A wide selection of locally brewed ales, stouts and lagers are on tap throughout the weekend, along with dishes from popular food trucks and live performances

Festivities will be held at Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in F o r t M

Facebook com/FMBrew or call 239-313-6576

Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

The Mighty Mussels play home games at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers through mid-September Tickets start at $10 and the schedule features numerous promotions, including concerts, food and drink specials, postgame fireworks celebrations, beer fests and more For more information on games, tickets or special events, visit MightyMussels com or call 239-768-4210

Wonder Gardens

The Wonder Gardens is offering enhanced guest experiences for the summer Guests wishing to get up close and personal with some of the attractions can schedule a Wild Wonders Animal Encounter. Habitat Chats planned on Thursdays also offer new and additional experiences Wild Wonders Animal Encounters will allow guests t o f e e d S u l c a t a t o r t o i s e s , R a i n b o w L o r i k e e t s a n d American alligators The Animal Care and Education staff will lead guests on an adventure that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to at least an hour Encounters are offered at the discounted off-season rates of $20 per person for Wonder Gardens members and $25 per person for nonmembers, plus park admission Guests may visit Wondergardens org to view availability and book an encounter for 11:30 a m on select days

In addition, Wonder Gardens has added Habitat Chats at 1 p m on Thursdays Habitat Chats are a new and interactive way guests can learn about the animals at the Gardens Currently, the experience combines an alligator feeding demonstration with information about diet, conservation and fun facts The Chats are offered for all Wonder Gardens For information, visit wondergardens org/product/wild-wonders/ or call 239-992-2591

PHOTOS PROVIDED

IMAG History & Science Center to present its STEAM Camps (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), from June 12 to Aug 9 for students in 1st through 8th grades

Theatre intensive summer camps offered by Florida Rep

This summer, young artists are invited to discover the world of theatre through musical-intensive camps offered through Florida Rep’s education program The sessions are open to students of all skill levels, ages 7 – 18, and run daily from 9 a m – 4 p m over a two-week period The camp fee is $440 per child per session; sibling discounts are available upon request To register call 239-219-1552 or visit FloridaRepEducation Org/summer-intensives

The theatre camps feature Broadway Junior musical titles and give students the opportunity to work with theatre professionals to develop their acting, singing, and dance skills on a professional stage At the conclusion of each session, students will have the opportunity to perform the show - complete with costumes, sets, and lighting - in the Historic Arcade Theatre

Program enrollment is limited; openings remain for:

∫ “Once on This Island, Jr ” offered June 12 – 16, and June 19-23

∫ “Elf The Musical, Jr ” offered June 26-30, July 3, and July 5-7

∫ Disney-Pixar’s “Finding Nemo, Jr ” offered July 24

28, and July 31-Aug 4

There are also opportunities for students ages fifteen to eighteen to serve as junior teaching assistants (JTAs) at the camps These youth leaders assist head teaching artists during the two-week sessions An

t FloridaRepEducation Org/summer-intensives

Edison, Ford estates to offer floral arranging class

T h e E d i s o n a n d F o r d Winter Estates will host a M o t h e r ’ s D a y F l o r a l Workshop taught by floral designer Anita Singh on May 7 at 10 a m Participants will learn how to create a decorative basket or vase filled with flowers All flowers, tools, vessels and supplies will be provided, along with light refreshments and an apron A l l e x p e r i e n c e l e v e l s a r e welcome Cost is $75 for members and $85 for nonmembers. Space is limited; registration is required For more information or to regist e r , v i s i t E d i s o n F o r d o r g The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

Pace Center for Girls to host FUNky Fashion Show

Pace Center for Girls, Lee's popular FUNky Fashion Show will return on May 9 from 6 to 9 p m at the Moose Lodge #2199, at 155 Santa Barbara Blvd N , Cape Coral

Featuring the creativity of Southwest Florida, it showcases one-of-a-kind fashions made completely from recycled and repurposed items created by individual artists and businesses in Lee County Also, Razzle

Dazzle will present a selection of “ready to wear” looks from its Cape Coral-based boutique In addition, attendees will enjoy food, cocktails, music, a silent auction and prize drawings at the show

The fundraising event supports Pace Lee in providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Programs are based on the belief that all girls and young women, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, should be uniquely cared for, supported and encouraged to become the best versions of themselves through a path of healing and recovery Through Pace Lee, 100% of students improved their academic performance, 96% had no involvement with the juvenile justice system within one year of exiting the program and 89% were either in school or gainfully employed after leaving Pace Lee

Sponsorship opportunities and reserved tables are available

For more information or tickets, visit PaceCenter org/LeeFunkyFashion or call 239-425-2366

Chamber orchestra and ballet to per for m

T h e G u l f s h o r e Ballet will join the Gulf Coast Chamber O r c h e s t r a f o r M e n d e l s s o h n ’ s

“Midsummer Night’s Dream” on May 6 at 7 : 3 0 p m a t t h e M u s i c & A r t s C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r , at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers Enjoy the m u s i c a n d a b a l l e t p e r f o r m a n c e w i t h c h o r e o g r a p h y b y I l i a n a L o p e z a n d F r a n k l i n G a m e r o

Tickets are $35-41

For more information a n d t i c k e t s , v i s i t https://gulfcoastsymphony org/

Trailways Camps signing up campers, volunteers

v i s i t w w w t r a i l w a y s c a m p s o r g P e o p l e c a n a l s o c o nt a c t T r a i l w a y s C a m p D i r e c t o r J a m i e S e n k e l e s k i a t

i g n u p a s a v o l u n t e e r ,

9 4 1 - 5 6 4 - 9 8 6 1 o r T r a i l w a y s c a m p s @ g m a i l c o m T r a i l w a y s C a m p s w a s e s t a b l i s h e d i n S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a t o d e v e l o p a n d p r o v i d e c a m p i n g e x p e r i e n c e s

f o r a d u l t s w i t h s p e c i a l n e e d s a n d r e s p i t e f o r t h e i r c a r eg i v e r s I t s m i s s i o n i s : “ E n a b l i n g a d u l t s w i t h s p e c i a l n e e d s , a n d t h o s e w h o c a r e f o r t h e m , t o g r o w t h e i r s o c i a l , e m o t i o n a l a n d s p i r i t u a l r e l a t i o n s h i p ”

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

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

GULF COAST SYMPHONY

PET PALS

Be part of the solution, adopt a shelter dog

B y I S A B E L L E W E L L S

Co-founder of the Find a Home, Give a Home pet rescue organization of Fort Myers Beach

T h e r e a r e n o t e n o u g h homes for all the animals that are born every year

A d o p t i n g f r o m a s h e l t e r helps weaken the pet overpopulation cycle Each year 8 to 12 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are eutha n i z e d b e c a u s e t h e r e a r e simply not enough homes for them Be part of the solution, adopt a shelter dog All our dogs we have for adoption were either going to be euthanized, resold to breeder or going to dog fighting. Help them!!

Tonka

Tonka was used for hunting He never had a puppy life and was caged all the time When he came to us he was emaciated and has filled out since He is in a house and everyday is a big discovery for him He loves his

toys, and meet small gentle dogs

Just a sweetheart He is a beautiful dog and we are not sure about his breed

He has a heart of gold

Please call or text Isabelle at 239-281-0739

Missing cats on Fort Myers Beach

By Jo Knobloch Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo com

Founder of Save Our Strays Cat Rescue a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach

Lance is a long haired all black cat only 2 years old and was in the process of being adopted just before hurricane hit

He was very friendly and loves to eat

Larry is Lance’s brother and is an all black short haired cat who was a little timid He would most likely be hanging out with brother Lance unless they got separated in the flood

Zsa Zsa is an all black cat 2 years old and has a sister Ava who was missing her terribly and since has been adopted Zsa

Zsa was very friendly but most likely would be timid now

Kenya is a small female black kitty only about 5 pounds She has a left tipped ear, is bow-legged in the front and is skittish so may not come up to someone but could be trapped if seen in any neighborhoods the same as the three above There is a reward by owner if Kenya is found

Lance, Larry and Zsa Zsa were all domestic cats that were part of Save our Strays Rescue and are microchipped and fully vetted and do not have tipped ears If you should spot any of the above cats, please call 239-851-3485 and leave a

message as to location where they may be or have been seen

All of the above missing cats were lost in the hurricane on the south end of Fort Myers Beach in the Laguna Shores neighborhood but could have traveled to the north end easily by now or mid island

Also please put food and water out for any of the stray cats you see in your neighborhoods They, like people need food and water to survive and we certainly need those that survived the hurricane to stay healthy to keep the rat population down which is spreading now on the island

Sonya (diluted calico) and Snickers (white with tabby markings) 2 yrs old are currently at the Pet Supermarket off San

Sasha is a lucky girl!

Saha

Carlos Boulevard across from Target plaza and Tippy a beautiful black with white trim, 1 yr old is at the Pet Supermarket at College and 41

Stop in and see them and donations are always welcome in the bins at both stores

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Haitian-American Community Coalition of SWFL Family Fun Day Health Fair set for May 13

The Haitian-American Community Coalition of SW Florida is commemorating Haitian Heritage month by hosting a Haitian Heritage Family Fun Day, Saturday, May 13, from 11 a m to 3 p m at The Rock Church of Fort Myers, 940 Tarpon St., Fort Myers The mission of HACC is to promote social justice and human rights for Haitian Americans and to give a voice to this “indivisible demographic ”

There will be a variety of exciting activities including bounce houses for the children, music and dance performances, and a special presentation by Dr Arthur Boyer on Haitian history

Tickets on sale now for the 13th annual FMFF

The Fort Myers Film Festival has announced official selections that will be screened at its 13th annual festival, to be held May 17-21 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and other select venues around Fort Myers Complete programming for FMFF at SBDAC with dates a n d t i m e s c a n b e f o u n d a t https://www.dropbox.com/s/znapi0afx4rzks2/FINALF

MFF docx?dl=0 Tickets are on sale now at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and online at https://www sbdac com/fmff/ VIP tickets are available here A guide will become available as well as trailers, details and more in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned!

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is at 2301 First St, Fort Myers

B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l

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

M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l M u s e u m i s h o s t i n g g u i d e d S n a i l S e a r c h a n d B i o d i v e r s i t y W a l k s O n a w a l k , a n e d u c a t o r w i l l t a k e p a r t i c i p a n t s o u t i n t o t h e f i e l d i n L e e C o u n t y a n d w a l k t h e m t h r o u g h t h e s t e p s o f c r e a t i n g a f r e e i N a t u r a l i s t a c c o u n t a f r e e c i t i z e n s c i e n c e a p p a n d h o w t o u s e i t P a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l a l s o h a v e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o e x p l o r e t h e l o c a l f l o r a a n d f a u n a w i t h i n t h e n a t u r a l a r e a T h e p u r p o s e o f S n a i l S e a r c h o f L e e C o u n t y i s t o h e l p t h e S a n i b e l m u s e u m l e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e a v a i la b i l i t y a n d l o c a t i o n o f n a t i v e a n d i n v a s i v e l a n d a n d t r e e s n a i l s i n t h e a r e a R e s e a r c h c o n d u c t e d o n l a n d a n d t r e e s n a i l s i n t h e a r e a i s l i m i t e d a n d o u t d a t e d , a n d m o s t s t u d i e s c o n t a i n n o p h o t o g r a p h s D u r i n g t h e f r e e i n t e r a c t i v e w a l k s , p a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l b e g i v e n t h e t o o l s t o g o o u t o n t h e i r o w n a n d c o nt r i b u t e t o t h e p r o j e c t W a l k s a r e e x p e c t e d t o l a s t 4 5 m i n u t e s t o 1 h o u r , w e a t h e r d e p e n d i n g T h e f o l l o w i n g w a l k s a r e s c h e d u l e d : ∫ M a y 2 4 a t 2 p m a t t h e S i x M i l e C y p r e s s S l o u g h P r e s e r v e , a t 7 7 5 1 P e n z a n c e B l v d , F o r t M y e r s ( $ 1 p e r v e h i c l e p a r k i n g f e e ) T o r e g i s t e r , c o n t a c t J o r d e n F a l k e r a t j f a l k e r @ s h e l lm u s e u m o r g o r 2 3 9 - 3 4 7 - 5 1 1 9

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w s h e l l m u s eu m o r g / s n a i l - s e a r c h

T h e B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l M u s e u m i s a t

3 0 7 5 S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a R o a d , S a n i b e l

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

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

Registration is open for the following class:

∫ Mother’s Day Floral Workshop

May 7, 10 a.m.

This class will instruct participants how to create a decorative basket or vase filled with flowers Taught by floral designer, Anita Singh, the class can be purchased as a gift for

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents ‘Always A Bridesmaid’

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents Always A Bridesmaid playing now through May 20 This hilarious, comedic romp comes from the Jones Hoop Wooten team which also brought you The Hallelujah Girls, Mama Won’t Fly and Double Wide, Texas

Always A Bridesmaid is a hilarious comedy about four high school friends who promised to be in each other’s weddings, no matter what Over 30 years later, these Southern friends-for-life are still making “the long walk” for each other determined to honor that vow Hop on this marriage-go-round for a laugh-outloud journey with these struggling bridesmaids as they

mothers, daughters, sisters or other special women To ensure adequate supplies, registration is required All flowers, tools, vessels and supplies will be provided, along with light refreshments and an apron Students of all experience levels are welcome Space is limited Cost: Edison Ford members $75; non-members $85

For additional information or to register for classes, visit EdisonFord.org.

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

Contemporary, dark comedy, ‘Lobby Hero’ now playing at Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Repertory Theatre closes out its 25th anniversary season with “Lobby Hero” by Kenneth Lonergan The production runs in the ArtStage Studio Theatre now through May 21 Tickets may be purchased online at www floridarep org or by calling the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053

Florida Repertory Theatre is at 2268 Bay St , Fort Myers

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preser ve hosting classes

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is offering Tiny Tots Yoga and Guided Meditation classes for the spring season at the preserve's Interpretive Center, at 7751 Penzance Blvd , Fort Myers

∫ N o w thro ug h May 3 1 : Ti ny To ts Y o g a o n Wednesdays from 1 0 to 1 1 a.m.

Guardians and toddlers up to age 5 can enjoy meditation, movement and songs in an active, familyfriendly yoga class Taught by certified yoga instructor Mariela G ó m e z , the class uses music, yoga play props

navigate the choppy waters of love and matrimony!

Always A Bridesmaid will be playing at The Off Broadway Palm Theatre through May 20, 2023 The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees Ticket prices range from $50 to $70 with discounts available for groups of 20 or more Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-2784422, visiting BroadwayPalm com or in person at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers

and stories to help children establish a connection with their caretakers while benefiting from active movement Participants must bring their own gear, including yoga mat, blanket or towel, and water bottle Provided props will be disinfected thoroughly both before and following the class

∫ Now through April 2 7 : Guided Meditation on Thursdays from 9 to 1 0 a.m.

D i r e c t y o u r a t t e n t i o n a n d i n t e n t i o n s i n w a r d d u r i n g g u i d e d m e d i t a t i o n a n d q i g o n g i n t h e s t i l l n e s s o f t h e s l o u g h E a c h w e e k w i l l f o c u s o n a d i f f e r e n t t e c h n i q u e : r e d u c i n g s t r e s s , p r o m o t i n g f o c u s , m i n d f u l n e s s , v i s u a li z a t i o n a n d k i n d n e s s C l a s s e s b e g i n w i t h s i m p l e s t r e t c h e s a n d q i g o n g m o v e m e n t s t o s h a k e o f f a n y s t a l e e n e r g y b e f o r e b e g i n n i n g m e d i t a t i o n W e a r c o m f o r ta b l e c l o t h i n g a n d b r i n g w a t e r , a y o g a m a t a n d b l a n k e t o r p i l l o w t o s i t u p o n O p e n t o a g e s 1 8 a n d o l d e r

The cost for a full session of four classes is $40 or $10 for a single class

A paid parking fee of $1 per hour per vehicle is required

Preregister at www leeparks org; walk-ins welcome if there are open spaces

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w l e e p a r k s o r g / s i x m i l e c y p r e s s o r c a l l 2 3 9 - 5 3 37555

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings

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

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

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

PHOTO PROVIDED

Barbi McGuire as Sedalia, Tamarin Ythier as Charlie, ML Graham as Monette and Jessica Walck as Libby.

Symphony to present Brave New Pops

T h e S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a Symphony and The Orchestra, s t a r r i n g f o r m e r m e m b e r s o f ELO, will perform a modern-day classical concert of symphonic rock The season’s final Brave New Pops concert will feature greatest hits from albums such as Strange Magic, Do Ya, Don’t Bring Me Down, Evil Woman, Livin’ Thing, Turn to Stone, S w e e t T a l k i n ' W o m a n , T e l e p h o n e L i n e , M a - M a - M a Belle, Mr Blue Sky and Roll

Over Beethoven Performances will be held on May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, at 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, and o n M a y 7 a t 4 p m a t t h e C h a r l o t t e P e r f o r m i n g A r t s Center, at 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda Tickets for May 6 are $20-144 Tickets for May 7 are $39-52 For more informat i o n o r t i c k e t s , v i s i t

https://www swflso org/tickets/ SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY

80’s Ladies Night set for May 18 at Palmetto-Pine Country Club

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Want to turn back the clock for an evening of fun, frills and fashion?

Breeze Newspapers will present 80’s Ladies Night on May 18 from 6-9 p m at Palmetto-Pine Country Club where all things retro are front and center.

Attendees will be treated to an entertaining night of shopping, dancing, singing, ho d’oeuvres and drinks

“Who doesn’t love to remember a time in our lives that has great memories, and do it with friends?” said Breeze Newspapers Advertising Director Laurie Ragle “The music will be great, the food will be great and the line-up of vendors will make the shopping great ”

Attendees are encouraged to bring a pal for me “girl time” and enjoy an ’80s-themed costume contest, karaoke, and door prizes

Attendees of the 80’s Ladies event will start off by receiving a swag bag of goodies from local businesses There will be lots of small bite foods as well as a cash bar Each attendee gets a drink ticket with their entry.

One lucky attendee will go home with a three-day, two-night travel package, and a $100 gift card to a local business for the lady with the best ’80s attire

“Remember ’80s hair?” Ragle said. “The higher the hair, the closer to God ” Vendors at the event will include: Color Street Nails,

Mary Kay, Your CBD Store, Pure Romance, Jenmar Skincare, Hotworx and Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa More vendors are being added daily

“If you have a business that caters to women, you can be a vendor but tables are running out so call soon,” Ragle said

Tickets are available at Brownpapertickets com by searching for “80’s Ladies ”

Tickets are $35 until May 17 and $40 at door on the day of the event.

The Breeze also is welcoming a few more vendors to set up at the event Call Ragle at 239-574-3403 or send an email to lragle@breezenewspapers com for details

Palmetto-Pine Country Club is at 1940 Southwest 9th Court in Cape Coral.

Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad cj

Search under way to find former USS Intrepid crew members

T h e I n t r e p i d S e a , A i r & S p a c e Museum reported that Aug 16 will mark the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of USS Intrepid (CVS-11), the World War II-era Essex class aircraft carrier that is now the centerpiece of the New York City museum To mark the occasion, the museum will put out a coast-to-coast “all call” for Intrepid former crew members to b e r e u n i t e d a t a s p e c i a l 8 0 t h

Commissioning Anniversary Celebration on board the ship

T h e m u s e u m i s a l s o s e e k i n g a n d accepting donations of personal artifacts and memorabilia from former crew members and their families The museum noted that each item added to the collec-

tion helps it perpetuate, honor, express and interpret Intrepid’s stories of service, and to fulfill its mission to honor, educate and inspire millions of people each year

The museum reported that the homecoming will feature a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Intrepid’s commissioning on Aug 16, honoring former crew members from all eras of the carrier’s service, who will reunite and share stories of their tours of duty It will host a special former crew member dinner event that evening and guided tours of the ship For some former crew members, it will be the first time they have been aboard their ship since the completion of their service. While the museum

r e c o g n i z e s t h e s h i p ’ s c o m m i s s i o n i n g anniversary every year, the 80th celebration promises to be the largest gathering of former crew members since the 75th anniversary in 2018.

The museum added that the Intrepid’s 8 0 t h C o m m i s s i o n i n g A n n i v e r s a r y Celebration is open to the public, and will feature events specifically tailored for former crew members and their families, as well as opportunities for members of the public to interact with the visiting former crew members

Now a national historic landmark, the aircraft carrier Intrepid was one of the most successful and stalwart ships in U S history. Nicknamed “The Fighting I” by

its crew, it served in the Pacific during World War II, surviving five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike It later conducted submarine surveillance in the North Atlantic during the Cold War and served three tours of duty off Vietnam It was also one of the primary recovery vessels for NASA during the Mercury and Gemini missions, and retrieved astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gus Grissom and John Young after their respective orbits and splashdowns in the Pacific

To learn more about the commemoration and for registration information, former crew members and their family members can visit intrepidmuseum org/80 or contact fcm@intrepidmuseum.org.

SPORTS & RECREATION

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to attend Mighty Mussels game for miliary appreciation night

T h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h C o a s t G u a r d A u M i g h t y l e a g u e b a s m i l i t a r y n i g h t M a H a m m S t a d i u m F o r t M y e t o b r i n g a t t e n t i o n t o N a t i o n a l S a f B o a t i n g W N a t i o n a l B o a t i n g w h i c h r u n y y , i s a n o b s e r v a n c e t h a t u r g e s b o a t e r s t o r e f r e s h t h e i r b o a t i n g s a f e t y s k i l l s a n d p r e p a r e f o r t h e u p c o m i n g b o a t i n g s e as o n N a t i o n a l S a f e B o a t i n g W e e k m a r k s t h e s t a r t o f t h e S a f e B o a t i n g C a m p a i g n , a w o r l d w i d e e f f o r t t o e n c o u r a g e r e s p o ns i b l e b o a t i n g T h e M i g h t y M u s s e l s g a m e s t a r t s a t 6 p m T h e U S C o a s t G u a r d A u x i l i a r y w i l l h a v e a r e c r e a t i o n a l b o a t e r s s a f e t y b o o t h i n t h e c o n c o u r s e d u r i n g t h e g a m e a g a i n s t t h e D u n e d i n B l u e J a y s

US Coast Guard Auxiliary to offer one day boating safety class

B o a t i n g e n t h u s i a s t s s e e k i n g t o

o b t a i n t h e s t a t e b o a t i n g s a f e t y c e r t i f i -

T h e U S C o a s t G u a r d A u x i l i a r y i s t h e p r im a r y a g e n c y f o r o t e c t i n g e r i c a ' s l b o u n dr e c r e a t i o n a l f e t y T h e A u x i l i a r y i s n t e e r c o mU S C o a s t u p p o r t s t h e r l y a l l m i s, u d i n g l a w e n f o r c e m e n t T h e A u x i l i a r y w a s e s t a bl i s h e d b y C o n g r e s s i n 1 9 3 9 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e v i s i t w w w c g a u x o r g T h e C o a s t G u a r d A u x i l i a r y i s t h e u n i f o r m e d v o l u n t e e r c i v i l i a n c o m p o n e n t o f t h e U S C o a s t G u a r d a n d s u p p o r t s t h e C o a s t G u a r d i n n e a r l y a l l m i s s i o n a r e a s , e x c e p t l a w e n f o r c e m e n t T h e A u x i l i a r y w a s c r e a t e d b y C o n g r e s s i n 1 9 3 9 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e v i s i t w w w . c g a u x . o r g .

c a t e a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o e n r o l l i n a o n e -

d a y r e s p o n s i b l e b o a t i n g c l a s s o n

S a t u r d a y , M a y 2 0 , f r o m 9 a m t o 4 p m T h e c o u r s e w i l l b e h e l d a t t h e P i n e R i d g e C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r ,

1 5 6 9 9 P i n e R i d g e R d , F o r t M y e r s , n e x t t o t h e f i r e s t a t i o n a n d a c r o s s f r o m t h e t a x c o l l e c t o r ’ s o f f i c e C o m p l e t i o n o f t h e c o u r s e w i l l m a k e p a r t i c i p a n t s e l i g i b l e f o r t h e s t a t e b o a t i n g c e r t i f ic a t e T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s C o a s t G u a r d

A u x i l i a r y o f f e r s t h e o n e - d a y p r o g r a m e v e r y t h i r d S a t u r d a y o f t h e m o n t h

G r e g M a s o n i c , t h e F l o t i l l a

C o m m a n d e r o f F o r t M y e r s B e a c h

F l o t i l l a 9 1 , s t r e s s e s t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f e d u c a t i o n a n d a w a r e n e s s o f b o a t i n g h a z a r d s M a s o n i c k s a y s , “ A t t e n d i n g a n i n - p e r s o n c l a s s i s a n e x c e l l e n t o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s t u d e n t s t o i n t e r a c t , s h a r e p e r s p e c t i v e s , a n d g a i n l o c a l k n o w l e d g e P a r t i c i p a n t s l e a r n a b o u t t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f l i f e j a c k e t s , r i s k r e d u c t i o n , p r e p a r e d n e s s , a n d e x e r c i si n g s o u n d j u d g m e n t ” A c c o r d i n g t o F l o r i d a l a w , a n y o n e b o r n o n o r a f t e r J a n u a r y 1 , 1 9 8 8 , w h o p l a n s t o o p e r a t e a b o a t i n F l o r i d a w a t e r s w i t h a n e n g i n e o f 1 0 h o r s e -

p o w e r o r m o r e m u s t c o m p l e t e a n a p p r o v e d b o a t i n g s a f e t y c o u r s e a n d o b t a i n a F l o r i d a b o a t i n g s a f e t y I D c a r d T h i s c a r d c e r t i f i e s t h a t t h e p e rs o n h a s c o m p l e t e d t h e r e q u i r e d b o a ti n g s a f e t y c o u r s e , b u t i t i s n o t a b o a ti n g l i c e n s e . T h e o n e - d a y c l a s s c o s t s $ 4 5 p e r p e r s o n a n d i n c l u d e s s t u d y m a t e r i a l s M a n d a t o r y r e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d a n d m a y b e c o m p l e t e d a t w w w A u x 9 1 F M B o r g o r b y c a l l i n g 2 3 9 - 6 9 0 - 6 7 8 0 o p t i o n 1 T h e U S C o a s t G u a r d A u x i l i a r y i s t h e l e a d a g e n c y i n r e c r e a t i o n a l b o a ti n g s a f e t y , p r o t e c t i n g A m e r i c a ’ s s e aw a r d f r o n t i e r C r e a t e d b y C o n g r e s s i n 1 9 3 9 , t h e C o a s t G u a r d A u x i l i a r y i s t h e u n i f o r m e d c i v i l i a n c o m p o n e n t o f t h e U S C o a s t G u a r d , s u p p o r t i n g t h e C o a s t G u a r d i n n e a r l y a l l m i s s i o n a r e a s E v e r y d a y , v e s s e l s a n d a i r c r a f t d e p l o y a c r o s s t h e U S t o a i d o r s a v e c o u n t l e s s b o a t e r s a n d d o l l a r s i n p r o pe r t y d a m a g e F o r a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t b o a t i n g s a f e t y c l a s s e s o r r e g i s t r a t i o n f o r a c l a s s , c o n t a c t K e v i n M c T a g g a r t , P u b l i c E d u c a t i o n O f f i c e r , c g a u x 9 1 e d u c a t i o n @ g m a i l c o m , a t 2 3 9 - 6 9 0 - 6 7 8 0 o p t i o n 1 , o r w w w A u x 9 1 F M B o r g / S a f e b o a t i n g

Photographers

Tony’s Tree

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