Pine Island Eagle

VolumE 47, NumbEr 2

FLIER INSIDE

Still helping

Proceeds from sale of Meo’s artworks donated to Kiwanis, PILOT program INSIDE

pINEISlaND-EaglE.com

Island helps Riepel celebrate 103rd birthday

By PAULETTE LeBLANC plelanc@breezenewspapers com

It’s not often we get to celebrate the birthday of someone over 100 years old, but this past Friday, Pine Island had the honor of celebrating World War II Army veteran Wilbur Riepel’s 103rd birthday

According to Riepel and his son, Ron Riepel, who is a retired Army sergeant who served in Vietnam, a good time was had by all Riepel, especially wanted to thank Pine Island for making such a tremendous effort to come out and celebrate his birthday with him and his family

“Everybody did a really good job There was a

lot of food there and all the children were lined up along the sidewalk My grandchildren and nieces and nephews all thought it was wonderful,” (Wilbur) Riepel said Riepel’s son said he would like to thank everyone involved in the event, including the vendors and all the islanders who came out to help his father celebrate this momentous birthday The Riepels were able to evacuate for Hurricane Ian. Ron was able to come back to Pine Island right away, but Wilbur came back in December, after a short hospital stay in North Carolina

See RIEPEL, page 18

Islander Wilbur Riepel waves to the children at PIE on his 103rd birthday.

PAULETTE LEBLANC

PIE teacher and student

awarded for excellence

By PAULETTE LeBLANC plelanc@breezenewspapers com

Every year, the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral honors a teacher and student from each West Zone school that personifies “Excellence in Education ” This y e a r , s e c o n d g r a d e t e a c h e r M i n d y M a n g u s o n a n d fifth grade student Elvin Ajin were selected for these two prestigious awards

On Monday, May 5, the Cape Chamber recognized Manguson and Ajin at the Broadway Palm Dinner T h e a t e r i n F o r t M y e r s . A c c o r d i n g t o P i n e I s l a n d E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l P r i n c i p a l D r T o m M i l l i n s , Manguson is an outstanding teacher who strives for

See EXCELLENCE, page 10

Pine Island Kiwanis Club wins School District of Lee County’s Family and Community Involvement Award

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Pine Island Elementary School Principal Dr Tom Millins nominated the Pine Island Kiwanis Club for the Family and Community Involvement Award, for which the organization is recognized for its longtime commitment to community partnership

According to a letter from the president and CEO of the Foundation for Lee County Schools, the Pine Island Kiwanis Club’s commitment to community partnership, c o u p l e d w i t h i t s o u t s t a n d i n g e f f o r t s f o l l o w i n g Hurricane Ian, made the club an overwhelming choice for the award

In a letter he was asked to write for his nomination, Millins said he was proud and honored to nominate Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island

“Over the past 40 years, the Kiwanis Club in Greater Pine Island has been an outstanding community partner with Pine Island Elementary They have supported all

aspects of our school, and families have greatly benefited from their continued efforts Although they have supported us for the past 40 years, this has been an extra special year with all the assistance they provided our families and our community In the September 2023, Pine Island/Matlacha was ravaged by Hurricane Ian Although there was widespread devastation throughout our local community, the Kiwanis Club has worked tirelessly to bring some normalcy to the families of Pine Island Elementary school,” Millins said

He describes their continuing efforts for the past 40 years as nothing less than extraordinary, naming specifically the organization’s support of the annual Fall

See KIWANIS CLUB, page 10

PHOTO PROVIDED

Pictured with PIE Principal Dr. Tom Millins, center, are teacher Mindy Manguson and student Elvin Ajin, Excellence in Education award winners

Members of the Pine Island Kiwanis Club,

Late artist Meo’s work benefits island organizations

Sales profits go to Kiwanis, PILOT program

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

At the Pine Island Kiwanis Club meeting Wednesday morning, checks were presented by Mel Meo’s son, Luke Long, from her artwork, sold at the Bokeelia Art Gallery after she died

Meo wanted proceeds from her work to benefit Pine Island Kiwanis, the Pine Island Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT) program for the youth and the arts on Pine Island

Profits from this first project totaled over $10,000, which was equally dispersed between the PILOT Program and the Pine Island Playhouse Each organizat i o n r e c e i v e d a t o t a l o f $ 5 , 1 6 5 5 0 Another $2,000 of the money was put toward this year’s Kiwanis scholarships in Meo’s name

Local Kiwanian, Carlyn Herring, who attended the meeting, said Meo was a

long-time supporter of all three organizations

“Mel was always helping Kiwanis out in any way that she could, whether it was a donation for a fundraiser or actually giving us money,” Herring said

B o k e e l i a A r t G a l l e r y o w n e r C a r o l Garsky, who had been given the Meo prints, had them matted and sold them, giving the net profits back to Meo’s son to give back to the community

“Carol from the Bokeelia Art Gallery contacted Luke and said she was getting a tremendous demand for some of Mel’s artwork because people had lost so much of it in the storm Luke gave her some prints and the deal was that she would give any profits made on these prints back to Luke to give back to the community Next year, Luke’s going to do it again, but he’s going to use a different series of pictures,” Herring said.

Post-Ian funding, safety preparedness discussed by GPIA

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

A

Bareda, both Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane, who is a regular GPIA meeting attendee, and the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department spoke at the organization’s meeting on Tuesday, May 9

“One of the focuses was the $1.1 billion grant that the county is giving,”

Bareda said

The alliance, he explained, is working with some of the other volunteer organizations to compile a list of island projects with which everyone can agree Bareda said Mikas Maillakakis of the Greater Pine Island Water Association is said to be leading a sub-committee to work with civic organizations and the like to compile the list One of the items on the list will be to upgrade equipment at the water department

“In particular, they need a new genera t o r f o r t h e w a t e r d e p a r t m e n t , p o s tstorm,” Bareda said, adding that there were many other great ideas

The other subject at the meeting, he shared, was preparedness in the face of any future disaster, which is, in part, why the GPIA was founded GPIA co-founder Jay Sanderson said the organization is currently working on retaining communication equipment in order to disseminate any necessary instructions quickly, in the

event of an emergency

“

W h e t h e r i t ’ s i n s u p p o r t o f f i r s t responders or just getting communication devices out to the outskirts of the island,” Sanderson said

GPIA Director Erin Lambert said the organization is currently working with first responders to create a database and guidebook specifically for Pine Island

“We all know we need batteries We

See GPIA, page 13

PAULETTE LEBLANC

From left, Kiwanis Club President Jayson Rider, Paul Pichon, Nichole Pichon, Luke Long, Erin Long and baby Brew Long

OPINIONS

Publisher Raymond M Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers com

Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers com

Editor Paulette LeBlanc pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Advertising Director Laurie Ragle lragle@ breezenewspapers com

Advertising Sales Charlene Russ cruss@breezenewspapers com

Design & Layout Chris Strine cstrine@breezenewspapers com Obituaries Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers com

As the 2022-2023 school year in Lee County comes to an end, great things have been accomplished by our newest kindergarten students to our graduating seniors When COVID hit in 2020-2021 and then returned in 2021-2022, everyone rallied together to ensure that we addressed the educational needs of our students It seemed like this year students, teachers, support staff, and administrators would be able to return to normal, but then Ian hit! It has been a year of both challenges and achievements for the district

The challenges saw many students and staff faced with the loss of their homes and possessions and most schools damaged and unusable Two schools, Hector Cafferata Elementary and Fort Myers Beach Elementary, were destroyed Many teachers lost everything in their classrooms, and students had their school year instruction delayed for a month

With graduation ceremonies coming up this month to celebrate and highlight the Class of 2023, I am amazed by the accomplishments of this group There is no way to list them all, but here is a sampling:

THE ARTS: Cypress Lake High senior Kristen Noble won the Contemporary A Cappella Society for Best Original Song by a Scholastic Group, TAG There were many outstanding presentations throughout the year in all the arts: Theater, Drama, Film, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts

Chiquita Lock kills manatees; city’s ‘mitigation plan’ questionable

To the editor:

Mr Costello recently wrote that the City of Cape Coral and hundreds of residents would like the Chiquita Lock removed to save the manatees and are willing to make accommodations to “ensure” minimal environmental impact and maybe even benefit

I would like to respond, point by point, as a trained soil scientist, part-time boater and lifelong skeptic

1 Manatees are killed/crushed in the lock

Web Poll

Previous

Ten manatees killed in the lock in 23 years doesn’t seem like a huge number Manatees are also killed by boaters I witnessed a boat speeding through the back bay of Matlacha last year and it suddenly became airborne after colliding with an underwater object on the edge of the channel A manatee carcass was found a couple weeks later near the site

I w o u l d b e i n t e r e s t e d i n r e a d i n g t h e necropsy reports before blaming the lock for the deaths

2 The answer is not a “Manatee Protection

SPORTS: The district offers students many athletic opportunities to compete The following are the 2023 State Champions:

Luke Buzzelli / Ida Baker / Boys

Weightlifting

Reef Gingell / Fort Myers / Boys

Weightlifting

Kassidy Emerick / Mariner / Girls

Weightlifting

Eliana Cook / Riverdale / Girls

Weightlifting

Julia Knowler / Fort Myers / Girls

Weightlifting

Jillian Jacobs / Fort Myers / Girls

Weightlifting

Max Brady / Mariner / Wrestling

Christopher Minto / Wrestling

CAREER & TECH EDUCATION: The district had the second most graduates in Florida with Industry Certifications in 2022 This year, 2023 is on pace to equal or exceed it Courses are offered in all High Schools with 40,000 students participating Some of the many courses offered are: Agriculture, Architecture, Construction, A/V Technology, Business, Education, Engineering, Finance, H

Marketing, Safety, and Security

ADVANCED STUDIES / GIFTED / SPECIAL ED: All the District High Schools

System ” This statement needs to be balanced against manatee density in the Glades County locks area If the manatee population is 2-3 times higher than the Cape Coral area, the protection seems to be working at reducing mortality

3 Those who oppose taking out the lock say they are for the environment, but apparently don’t care about the manatee

The manatee is just one part of the marine environment Sea grass is an important forage for the manatee Anecdotal evidence suggests the sea grass quality and quantity has been degraded in the Matlacha Pass since the removal of the Ceitus Lock Perhaps the manatees are using the locks to commit suicide because they are starving ??

Mr Costello goes on to list the projects proposed by Cape Coral to ameliorate the predicted consequences of the lock removal

1 The replacement of storm water catch basins which drain to the waterway.

H o w d o e s r e p l a c i n g t h e c a t c h b a s i n s change the course of the water leaving in pipes from the catch basin? The catch basins

offer either International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Adv a n c e d I n t e r n a t i o n a l C e r t i f icate of Education (AICE), Advance Placement (AP), Honors P r o g r a m s , a n d D u a l E n r o l lm e n t A p p r o x i m a t e l y t w othirds of high school students a r e e n r o l l e d i n a t l e a s t o n e A d v a n c e d S t u d i e s C o u r s e There are 5,484 students participating in Gifted Programs, and 1 2 , 8 2 3 s t u d e n t s r e c e i v i n g Special Education Services

T h e C l a s s o f 2 0 2 3 h a s earned more than 50 Million dollars in scholarships to attend colleges, universities, and technical centers across the United States Job well done!

I would like to thank all our school staff, faculty, and administrators for adapting to the challenges of this year The Board appreciates all your hard work, early mornings, and late nights Thanks also go to our parents, stud e n t s , a n d c o m m u n i t y f o r t h e i r s u p p o r t through another unprecedented year

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S T O T H E CLASS OF 2023! We are proud of you To all, have a safe and wonderful summer, and we look forward to next year

Armor Persons is the chair of the Lee County School Board He represents District 5

are 50 + years old, they are going to need replacing as a matter of course

2 The replacement of the storm water management system associated with the dog park at Rotary Park Really, What’s going on at the dog park? I’m told by friends, who use that park, that the owners pick up their dog’s poo No poo, no nutrients going into the water Besides, dog poo has organic matter that holds the nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) for a slower plant useable release, unlike the mineral fertilizer everyone likes to spread on their lawns along with the “bonus” weed or bug control

3 Contributions to the study of the endangered smalltooth sawfish

How much? Fifty dollars, maybe a C-note? How generous is Cape Coral with Ol Mother Nature and the people who want to protect her? Put it in writing!

4 Implementation of an aquatic vegetation removal program. Why? Maybe the manatees are eating that vegetation because they can’t get enough sea grass There’s the outside chance it would go away if y’all would convert to native plants in your yards instead of wasting water, chemicals and mineral fertilizer on non-native species which contributes to c a n a l w a t e r p o l l u t i o n a n d s u b s e q u e n t l y marine life degradation

5 T h e p l a n t i n g o f 3 , 0 0 0 m a n g r o v e seedlings and installing oyster reef balls So the city is going to plant seedlings in the water along the seawall? Are they going to tend them and replace what may sicken and die?

Hurricane Ian took out a couple of oyster reefs in Matlacha Pass, is Cape Coral going to

Cape Coral Breeze Athletes of the Week

Wounded veterans invited to apply for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom events

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton

Simpson has invited wounded veterans to apply for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom fishing and scalloping trips Led by the Florida Forest Service, Operation Outdoor Freedom provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans on state forests, agricultural l a n d s , a n d p r i v a t e l a n d s t h r o u g h o u t

Florida at no cost

“Operation Outdoor Freedom connects our wounded veterans with one another through free recreational and rehabilitat i v e o u t d o o r e x p e r i e n c e s a c r o s s t h e s t a t e , ” s a i d C o m m i s s i o n e r W i l t o n

Simpson. “I encourage all eligible wounde d v e t e r a n s t o e x p l o r e t h e u p c o m i n g

Operation Outdoor Freedom experiences – and apply today ”

Wounded veterans can apply online today for spots on upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom events, including:

■ Pine Island Fishing Trip, June 2-4, Pine Island

■ Rightside Offshore Fishing Trip, June 14-16, Jensen Beach

■ Steinhatchee Scalloping Trip, June 18-22, Steinhatchee

Participants will be drawn at random prior to the event and will be notified by

email.

Simpson also recently announced the grand opening for a new facility solely dedicated to offering wounded veterans recreational opportunities free of charge

The new property, located at Pine Log State Forest in Washington County, consists of 620 acres and a fully ADA-complaint facility that can house and feed 12 veterans during outdoor events

The new Operation Outdoor Freedom p r o p e r t y w i l l s o o n h o s t r e c r e a t i o n a l events, including deer, turkey, dove, and hog hunts; freshwater fishing, nearby saltw a t e r f i s h i n g ; a n d o t h e r

recreation activities, such as kayaking, hiking, and camping

Operation Outdoor Freedom now has eight facilities around the state solely dedicated to activities for wounded veterans These facilities have bunk houses, outdoor kitchens, dining areas, fire pits, a n

n Outdoor Freedom outfitted the facilities to accommodate the needs of every wounded veteran participating in the program

Island Tactical cuts ribbon at new location

Jay Sanderson, owner of Island Tactical, cuts the ribbon at the grand reopening of the new location on April 29 at 10480 Stringfellow Road in Bokeelia. Pictured are, from left, Larry Solinger, Beth Sowers (both chamber board) Sanderson and Island Tactical owner Stephen Soloway.

Mobile Food Pantry will be on the island this Friday

The Mobile Food Pantry will be in the Pine Island United Methodist Church parking lot on Friday, May 19, from 1011:30 a m

Participants will need to park and

show an ID at registration. Bring your own bags

UMC is located at 5701 Pine Island Road, across from the fire station near the four-way stop at The Center

PHOTO PROVIDED

Hookers award seven ‘Hooked on Education’ scholarships

The Matlacha Hookers proudly awarded seven 2023 "Hooked on Education" scholarships to very deserving local students This brings the total scholarship funds awarded by the Hookers to over $250,000

The following students received a $2,000 scholarship to be used for furthering their training and education:

■ K e l b y B o w s e r - n u r s i n g a t F l o r i d a G u l f Coast University

■ Audrey Carignan - phlebotomy at The Medical Institute of Kentucky

■ Jayson Ford - biology at FGCU

■ Armando Perez - business management at FGCU

■ Corin Scrudato - chemical engineering at University of Florida

■ Grayce Smith - criminal justice and forensics at South Eastern University

■ Logan Suria - massage therapy at Florida Academy

The Hookers congratulate all recipients and their parents for their accomplishments and wish them the best for continued success. Just one more way the Hookers are making a positive difference in the community

The Hookers would also like to express their appreciation to the 2023 Hooked on Education Scholarship committee - Natalie Gazda, Dee Hanks, Lynn Hewitt, Cindy Walton, Christy Rau, Laura Suria, Gail Landis, Sonya Leonard and Lorie Tidwell

For more about the Matlacha Hookers, please visit www.matlachahookers.org for information.

‘Customizing your bromeliads’ topic at Garden Club meeting

This Thursday, May 18, the Pine Island Garden Club, at its monthly meeting beginning at 9 a m at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, will host Rusty Bell, who will discuss utilizing fertilizer and placement to customize the color and health of bromeliads

Originally from Maryland, Bell has served over 50 years as a horticultural professional with the last 15 years specializing in the growing, propagating and sales

of bromeliads with Sundance Orchids and Bromeliads in Bokeelia

Founded in 1975, the Pine Island Garden Club mission includes the protection and conservation of natural resources, encouraging island beauty and stimulating the study of the fine art of gardening Its civic duties include the creation and maintenance of the grounds at Philips Park, Museum of the Islands, Bokeelia Post Office and

the butterfly garden at the Pine Island Elementary School It produces the annual Garden Gala, the proceeds from which are utilized to financially support several island benevolent organizations, such as the Beacon o f H o p e , C a l u s a L a n d T r u s t , C R O W , K i w a n i s Children’s Park and the Pine Island Food Pantry

For more information, visit pineislandgardenclub org or contact Marty Kendall at 239-283-8175

PHOTO PROVIDED

Matlacha Hookers scholarship winners, from left, Logan Suria, Jayson Ford, Audrey Carignan, Grayce Smith, Kelby Bowser and Corin Scrudato. Armando Perez was unavailable.

Kiwanis Club

From page 1

Festival and Trunk or Treat event in October These events, he said, included Kiwanis providing bounce houses, games, food and fun, annually

“During the 2022 to 2023 school year, only 28 days after Hurricane Ian made a direct hit, the Pine Island

“In addition to all the wonderful things Kiwanis does for our community, they also support scholarships for graduating seniors Over the past 40 years, the Kiwanis Club has awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to students that either live on Pine Island or attended Pine Island Elementary School previously.”

Dr Tom Millins, PIE principal

Kiwanis Club continued their 35-year-old tradition of hosting the event Although it was amazing just to continue with this tradition, it was equally impressive that many of the Kiwanis members who volunteered for the event did not have their own houses or were displaced by the hurricane However, these community volunteers continued to support our school community,” Millins said

The Kiwanis Club also assisted in other ways after the h u r r i c a n e , h e a d d e d , e x p l a i n i n g t h a t t h e M a t l a c h a Community Center was destroyed during the storm, which resulted in students not having an afterschool program at the community center The Kiwanis Club members allocated $14,000 worth of financial assistance so the students could attend the afterschool program at Pine Island Elementary free of charge until June 2023, he

Excellence From page 1

excellence in and out of the classroom

“In my 19 years as school-based administrator, I have never worked with a more dedicated employee She is truly outstanding Ms Manguson has been teaching at PIE for the past 33 years and her commitment to the island students is evident when you speak to her or visit her classroom We are proud that she is a part of

said

“This financial donation was so appreciated and helped lessen some of the financial burdens placed on families in need In addition to the afterschool program, the Kiwanis Club members support our school by having v o l u n t e e r s h e l p b y r e a d i n g t o o u r s t u d e n t s e v e r y Wednesday. This extra reading assistance helps provide our students with another academic intervention to ensure the success of our school Each year, the Kiwanis, or organization, also provides atlases to all of our fourth grade students,” Millins said

Millins also named the 43rd annual Kiwanis Junior Olympics as a very successful island event in showing community participation and involvement In addition, he said, Kiwanis supports the end of the year award ceremonies by providing awards for the students Each year, he explained, Kiwanis members help during the award ceremonies to present the awards, honoring the outstanding students in grades three through five

“In addition to all the wonderful things Kiwanis does for our community, they also support scholarships for graduating seniors Over the past 40 years, the Kiwanis Club has awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to students that either live on Pine Island or attended Pine Island Elementary School previously I am so grateful to the Kiwanis club and all the other organizations on the i s l a n d f o r t h e c o n t i n u i n g s u p p o r t o f P i n e I s l a n d Elementary,” Millins said

the PIE family and she is very deserving of this award,” Millins said Millins said Ajin is a dedicated student who has worked hard at PIE since kindergarten He was selected for this award by both of his fifth grade teachers

According to fifth grade teacher, Ms Amico-Dodig, he exhibits leadership qualities and lives by the school’s motto of being Kind, Caring, Respectful, Responsible and Safe

From page 4

continuously maintain or replace their oyster reefs to fixed parameters? What outside agency is going to supervise these projects?

6 The city has negotiated with the city of Fort Myers on an inter-local agreement for the city to purchase and dispose of reclaimed water generated by Fort Myers (the Connect Project) This Connect Project will result in a substantial reduction of nutrients to the Caloosahatchee River

How’s Cape Coral going to use this water so it reduces the nutrient load in the Caloosahatchee and not raise it in Matlacha Pass? Just curious

7. A detailed public education program concerning endangered species, boater safety and water quality protection

How are you going to make people listen and learn? I love sitting on my dock on weekends and watching two or three DA’s run up on the barely submerged oyster bars because they don’t read charts! These are the same people who go blasting through the channel in Matlacha Pass well above the posted speeds because they have more horsepower than IQ!

The letter writer states the lock has been open for seven months with no degradation of the mangroves Do you believe in acid rain? How about global warming? Neither of these phenomena began shortly after humans started burning high sulfur coal or aromatic hydrocarbons The glaciers took thousands of years to form and subsequently recede Nature doesn’t act, or react, quickly

We have a 42-acre mangrove island behind our house which Ian tore to shreds It is just beginning to look more green than brown at the end of seven months. Are you sure of the viability of the mangroves you’re referring to?

The Chiquita lock has been around a long time Let’s make sure that good science has a say in what happens with it

Dan Herfurth Matlacha

Letters to the Editor

Chiquita Lock serves no purpose, has a heavy downside

To the editor:

I, like hundreds of other Cape Coral residents, would like to see the Chiquita Lock removed/permanently opened

With the current problematic environmental condition of the Caloosahatchee River, the lock serves no purpose

My wife and I live full-time on an interior gulf canal whose brine water goes through the Chiquita lock, and we can attest that our water is environmentally cleaner than that of the river.

We have none of the algae growths or red tide blooms that have affected the canals along the Caloosahatchee River, and our canal has multiple manatees that apparently prefer to live and feed in our cleaner inland canal waters versus that of the river

In addition to the water being cleaner within the canals, manatees are being killed/crushed due to the lock Sixtyive manatees have died in Florida locks, since 2012, and four were killed in Chiquita lock in the last two years

We are also wasting a large amount of dollars on the lock itself, as follows:

Daily Operation - operator wages and benefits, electrical costs & inspections

Increasing monthly maintenance of the old, outdated lock

Damage costs due to the collision of boats when entering and while in the lock

That money has many better uses versus keeping up a locking system that has become outdated and no longer serves its original purpose

These wasted dollars could further support:

basins

Contributions to further study endangered small tooth sawfish

Planting over 3,000 mangrove seedlings along the waterway and installation of oyster reef balls along the seawalls

Funding more educational programs concerning endangered species and water quality protection

Since the Chiquita lock opened in 1984, the City of Cape Coral has continued to make positive impacts on the environment, including the following:

Installed public sewers, potable water and re-use irrigation water within areas draining to the South Spreader Waterway and adjacent fresh water canals

Installed a deep injection well at the SW Reverse Osmosis potable water treatment plant to eliminate RO filtrate from normal plant operations to Lake Finnister which is connected to the spreader waterway

Implemented a dual water system for irrigation with improvements at waste water treatment plants to eliminate t r e a t e d w a s t e w a t e r e f f l u e n t d i s c h a r g e s t o t h e Caloosahatchee River

Began an interlock agreement for the City to purchase and dispose of reclaimed water generated by Fort Myers, resulting in a substantial reduction of nutrients to the Caloosahatchee River

Do we continue down an outdated path to further waste dollars and the environment or do we stand up and do what is right for the environment?

Thank you for your consideration and commitment to resolve this issue

Gary Lane Cape Coral

Par ty of fiscal responsibility?

To the editor:

The national debt increased by almost $8 trillion under Trump and the Republican Congress Now the Republicans threaten to default on our country’s obligations that they incurred

Please explain to me, again, how anyone can believe that the Republicans are the party of fiscal responsibility And how America remains a functioning democracy

Lynn A. Hagedorn Cape Coral

Cape High student publishes children’s book on autism

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

A C a p e C o r a l H i g h S c h o o l s e n i o r recently published his first book through his capstone creative writing project

"People are going to accept them even when they are different and have a disability," Anthony Longstreet said of how the idea came about "It was a really fun process It was great I felt very happy I am really happy everyone likes it "

His book, "I'm Proud to be Different: A Children's Book about Autism," is currently ranked No 1 for new releases teaching students with learning disabilities on Amazon Longstreet shares a story through a character that presents the mes-

GPIA

From page 2

all know we need extra water, but, what number do you call? Where are you going to go? Hopefully in the next month, we will actually have a handout for people for their checklist specifically for Pine Island,” Lambert said Sanderson said the organization sees a need for a Pine Island emergency broadcast radio station in order to get emerg e n c y m e s s a g e s o u t i n r e a l t i m e t o i s l a n d e r s d u r i n g a n e m e r g e n c y T h e Matlacha Hookers donated $12,500 to the GPIA for temporary storage containers Lambert explained the organization’s p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h P a t h f i n d e r M i s s i o n , which has provided temporary storage containers for those who currently remain unable to stay in their homes Each of t h e s e c o n t a i n e r s , s a i d L a m b e r t , c o s t s

sage that even though you feel really alone, there is something out there for him, that he is not going to be alone

The book can be purchased through Amazon for $8. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the books goes to Autism Speaks, a non-profit autism awareness o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d t h e l a r g e s t a u t i s m r e s e a r c h o r g a n i z a t i o n i n t h e U n i t e d States

In 2019, Longstreet was diagnosed with autism

"I wanted to write this book and help kids From my experience, I want to spread the message, they are not alone," he said, adding that people will accept you for who you are. "Even if they have

$ 7 5 0 T h e G P I A h a s h a d s o m a n y requests, she said, they were unable to meet the needs of islanders, until the Matlacha Hookers stepped in to help

“

T h e H o o k e r s c a m e t h r o u g h a n d solved that deficiency for us Going forward, were going to ask local businesses if they would like to sponsor a shed for a family They are welcome to or not put their business logo on it We have such a need for them out here, so anyone who wants to donate, should contact us at Team@GPIA,” Lambert said

P athfinder M is s ion is offering free labor on the sheds, Lambert said, however, the materials need to be paid for, and anyone who can afford to can donate one in whole or part to another family can also contact the GPIA

autism People are going to learn that they are different and accept them "

Although he encountered some challenges during his middle school years, the transition to Cape Coral High S c h o o l c h a n g e d e v e r y t h i n g for him

"Once I moved to Cape C o r a l H i g h S c h o o l , e v e r ything was great," Longstreet said His best memories were w o r k i n g w i t h h i s c r e a t i v e w r i t i n g t e a c h e r , A a r o n Smoly, and his IEP teacher, Cathleen Cloonan He said his teachers helped him

Anthony Longstreet

with writing his book, showing they cared about him finishing

"

I c a n ' t t h a n k t h e m enough," Longstreet said.

With his high school years concluding as an honor roll student, he said he wants to take a few months to a year off of school to figure out what he wants to do One thing for sure, he said, is to w r i t e a n o t h e r b o o k , m a y b e this time a chapter book

"I am definitely going to w r i t e m o r e b o o k s , " Longstreet said.

Great week of weather and fishing

For over a week, weather conditions were great, opening up various fishing options Boat traffic has slowed down considerably with the exception of tarpon hunters around Boca Grande Pass and a busy, beautiful Mother’s Day weekend

If you want to fish in a crowd, Boca Grande Pass is the place for you It’s peak tarpon time in the pass, the fish are there in big numbers and so are anglers As usual, the best times to lock into a tarpon are first light and early m o r n i n g h o u r s , t h e n l a t e afternoon until sunset or later

If you are lucky enough to catch an afternoon hill tide with a crab flush, even better

On the Water

If you never fished the pass around the boats, the better i d e a i s t o s p e n d a g o o d amount of time on the sidelines or outside the boats and observe

For the table, mangrove snapper was a good choice over light wind days Fish up to 16 inches were found around the passes and reefs and structure out to 50 feet. Live shrimp, small pilchards and pinfish were the best baits A few cobia were hooked over reefs as well

Various species of sharks from 3 to 8 feet were caught in 5 to 12-foot depths around Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound and north Matlacha Pass Baits included chunked ladyfish, mullet and jack crevalle fished on bottom or under a float If you are serious about catching a shark, go with a foot or more of wire leader

Anglers fishing the surf from Sanibel up to Cayo Costa State Park found snook cooperative with a few over 30 inches Live shrimp, pilchards, herring and small pinfish, plus small white flies, lures and soft plastics were top

PHOTO PROVIDED

During spring fishing you can expect to hook into a cobia anywhere. EJ Eckert hooked into this one while snook fishing a shoreline in Matlacha Pass with Capt. Bill Russell. A legal or keeper-size cobia now must measure 36 inches from tip of head to fork of tail. Previously it was 33 inches for a long time

baits Usually, the snook are within a few feet of the beach cruising parallel to the shoreline or hanging around any submerged structure Snook season closed on May 1 Seatrout up to 20 inches came from 4 to 8-foot depths in north Matlacha Pass, west of Bokeelia, and inside the Gulf passes Baits included shrimp, pilchards and soft plastics A few flounder and cobia were hooked from the same areas.

To keep up on current fishing regulations, you can go to www myfwc com or download the Fish Rules app for

the latest rules and regulations

If you have a fishing report or for charter information, contact Gulf Coast Guide Service at 239-410-8576 (call or text); on the web at www fishpine island com; or via email at gcl2fish@ live com

Have a safe week and good fishin’

As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years

Capt Bill Russell

“He is doing OK We still have some issues, but we’ll get over them,” (Ron) Riepel said

According to lifetime VFW member Tom Ferguson, who spearheaded the event, the Lee County Board of

Commissioners declared May 12, 2023, as Corporal Wilbur Riepel Day

“The community came out in force to celebrate this momentous event, his 103rd birthday surrounded by friends and family You could feel the love, respect and honor of all who witnessed, from the Pine Island Elementary students, teachers, public servants, businesses and all those that attended, It was standing room only at the VFW - even Gov DeSantis had a representative present,” Ferguson said

Three weeks ago while talking with Wilbur and his son, Ferguson said, it was mentioned that his birthday was fast approaching That was all Ferguson needed to get his mind racing and he began thinking about the possibility of having a birthday celebration for Riepel Being a 25-year member of the VFW, he said he knew it would be an honor to celebrate this World War Two veteran

“I felt a plan beginning to form. Seven months after a devastating hurricane this was the perfect opportunity

to have a large event and involve the whole community," Ferguson said "The past 3 years I have cultivated numerous contacts on the island and the outlying community All that had to be done was to mention an outline of the event and the giving began it wasn't what do you need, it was what can we do, and we want to be part of this special day

"With a small dedicated group of members of VFW Post 4353, the donations were coordinated and collected," he continued "The event was to the pinnacle of my leadership in the VFW I have planned numerous events in the past 25 years but May 12, 2023, will forever be remembered as the day the community stood still and celebrated a member of the Greatest Generation and an awesome example of humility; Corporal Wilbur Riepel Hopefully we will continue to be graced by his presence and awesomeness for another year I really enjoyed the planning, and watching it all come to fruition made all the effort worth it "

Hookers' 23rd Annual Pine Island Elementary Fishing Derby Sunday

The Matacha Hookers will present the 23rd Annual P

fles, free lunch and two beverages, face painting, games, T-shirts and goody bags

PAULETTE LEBLANC

Islander Wilbur Riepel, seated above, during his 103rd birthday celebration at the VFW, Top, students and staff at Pine Island Elementary line up to greet Riepel on his special day.

Carmen's Kayak at Knight's Landing & Jug Creek Marina in Bokeelia, this Sunday, May 21.

The Hookers are looking for sponsors for the PIE students The donation cost is $35 per student and includes fishing rod and reel to keep, bait, trophies, bikes for raf-

Donations are welcome but not required for the child's participation.

V i s i t t h e H o o k e r s w e b s i t e a t www Matlachahookers org for additional information and to make a donation

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