Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

School board, council make deal on Beach School

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers co

U n a n i m o u s v o t e s b y t h Lee County School Board and Town of Fort Myers Beach

C o u n c i l o n a n i n t e r l o c a l agreement for the rebuilding o f t h e B e a c h E l e m e n t a r y School, will return students t the school this fall.

The move was lauded by parents

d board members after months of gotiations on the terms of the greement, which requires the cost-per-student at the elementary school to be lowered to the level of the other barrier island schools in the disr i c t t h r o u g h i n c r e a s i n g nrollment If costs do not go w n e n o u g h a n d e n r o l l m e n t doesn t increase enough by 2026,

the public school could be turned onto a charter school per the terms of the agreement

“It’s something we can live with,” said B e a c h E l e m e n t a r y p a r e n t M o n i c a Schmucker Schmucker helped negotiate the agreement with other parents and community members as part of an ad-hoc committee

“I think it’s a win for us,” Schmucker said.

Schmucker thanked town attorney John Herin Jr for his efforts in working with the school district’s attorneys to formulate the agreement and represent the town.

Schmucker said she felt Herin was “thrown in almost blind at the beginning He worked very, very hard to listen and engage with us, understand the parents, understand the concerns, and most importantly involve the parents ”

See BEACH SCHOOL, page 12

FEMA approves $6 million in aid for beach restoration

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that it approved a grant of $5,978,207 to reimburse Lee County for emergency work after H u r r i c a n e I a n a t Fort Myers Beach

One homeowner makes tough choice on family beach home

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Since the late 1920s, Patti Smith’s family vacationed on Fort Myers Beach at their Miramar Street cottage on the beach side of Estero Boulevard

While the family will always have those memories, the physical home they shared those times in is now gone bulldozed recently due to the damage from Hurricane Ian Smith had to make the difficult decision due to the high cost of rebuilding to the new hurricane codes.

“I went back and forth, back and forth I put business before my heart,” Smith said

Smith’s grandfather Henry Jennings bought the home in 1928, while taking a vacation with his wife May from their home in Tennessee

“We had no idea why he was there,” Smith said “We figured he did it for my grandmother He was not a beach guy ”

Smith, who grew up in Alabama, used to regularly visit the home for vacations after it was passed down to her mother Jeanette Smith admits that her early memories of going to the beach were “miserable There was nothing to do there” when she was growing up in the 1960s, she said. She remembers a 7-Eleven and a Dairy Queen After her mother died, her sister bought out the shares of her brothers for the ownership stake in the home Her sister maintained the home, replacing windows and the roof

About 15 years ago, the home was sold to a family from Wisconsin Smith, who lives in Manhattan, decided to take a vacation in Fort Myers Beach “on a whim” a few years ago and saw the cottage was for sale She visited the cottage with her

brother and recognized old pictures, a vase, bowls, cabinets and furniture from when the home was in her family’s hands

A religious experience fell over Smith and she decided to buy it back An interior designer by profession, she did appreciate the cyprus wood that it was built out of now that she was older. “It was so charming inside,” she said. Smith said she had “no idea” why she felt compelled to buy it back, but felt as though she was sent there “to be enlightened” and to “find a resting place for myself ”

Smith renovated the home and started vacationing there and renting it out to others The cottage became popular as a vacation rental for its proximity to the beach During the COVID pandemic, she stayed at the cottage for about three months For the first two months of the pandemic, she said she was “petrified I didn’t know what would happen to my business ” When caution tape when up at the beach accesses, Smith would go out to the edge of the beach access points with a chair to read a book. “It was so awkward” not to be able to go on the beach, she said “It was the safest place to be ”

See

Before and after: Patti Smith’s Miramar Street cottage on the beach side of Estero Boulevard was a tear-down due to damage from Hurricane Ian.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The aid is for the construction of emergency berms with 86,969 cubic yards of sand and 2 9 , 1 0 0 n a t i v e plants to stabilize the beach and protect it from a 5-year storm The work covers 28,000 linear feet of beach With this grant, FEMA public assistance funding for Lee County to date totals $35 9 million The total for all applicants within Lee County is $144 3 million

According to Jon Mills, spokesperson for FEMA, the agency has provided $79.9 million to the state of Florida for Fort Myers Beach since Hurricane Ian, as of April 11 Those include $65 8 million in debris removal projects, $7 6 million in e m e r g e n c y p r o t e c t i v e m e a s u r e s , $648,000 for the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Other reimbursement projects are being developed, Mills said F E M A p r o v i d e d $ 2 4 b i l l i o n f o r 28,000 flood insurance claims submitted in Lee County through since Hurricane Ian, as of April 11.

In addition, FEMA has paid $458 million in individual assistance to approximately 98,000 households in Lee County since Hurricane Ian

About 4,500 households in Fort Myers Beach have been granted approximately $70 million in individual aid Those funds include “temporary rental assistance, basic home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance,” Mills said

Statewide, more than $1 billion in individual assistance was approved by FEMA

See FEMA, page 12

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If there is one thing students of all ages look forward to, it’s summer.

Teachers, too, we suspect, though educators do see a down side and it’s a steep one

Call it summer slide, call it learning loss, call it what you will, students lose an estimated 2 to 2-1/2 months of learning especially in reading and math during the weeks they are out of school

This is not a new thing

But post-COVID and its months-long interruption of in-school instruction, and post-Ian with its weeks of disruption, our children are well behind the learning curve of where they should be

Through no fault of their own

Despite the efforts of Lee County’s teachers and the Lee County School District

This year’s “numbers” i e testing benchmarks have not yet been released but we know where we were after the return to “normalcy” following COVID but before Hurricane Ian damaged numerous schools throughout the district, destroying two and forcing students to shuffle to new or temporary classrooms.

Those numbers were not good

In fact, as we stated on these pages little more than a year ago, those numbers were abysmal

According to pre-test numbers released

last March by the School District of Lee County, 56 percent of second graders kids who never got the benefit of a “normal” school year were performing at a kindergarten level in reading basics

Teachers had to start over fourth-quarter and teach kindergarten phonics to these struggling little guys because, as Teaching a n d L e a r n i n g D i r e c t o r D r B e t h a n y Quisenberry succinctly put it, “You need phonics to be able to read What we are seeing with first and second grade students is they are still unable to read.”

What the district also saw was significant drops in the number of children who met grade-level goals in reading, math and other subjects

The district recognizes that this may be another challenging year, not only in terms of new achievement scores, but for students who are trying their best, but are struggling

For far too many, struggling hard

Lee Schools is addressing the challenge with a wealth of opportunities that offers a concept well worth embracing: Summer school is for everyone

The district is offering a variety of summer learning opportunities for students this

year ranging from free Scholastic books for elementary schoolers to face-to-face camps to virtual options for make-good or enrichment

All told, there are more than 30 camps a n d p r o g r a m s f o r s t u d e n t s f r o m p r e - K through 12th grade

They are taught by certified educators and offer “rigorous and engaging curriculum,” according to the school district website, leeschools net

The district urges parents to log onto their child’s student portal to check out what’s available

We do as well

In fact, we’ll throw in checking out the opportunities and programs at Lee County libraries as well.

Summer slide is real

And here in Lee County it’s a hot-metal reality with a burn that can carry over into the next school year and beyond

Students do look forward to summer

W e , a s p a r e n t s , g r a n d p a r e n t s a n d guardians, can help make them look forward to some fun summer learning, too

Summer slide Editorial Congratulations to the Class of ’23

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 g r a d u a t i n g s e n i o r s W h e n 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 s t u d e n t s , t e a c h e r s , s u p p o r t staff, and administrators would be able to return to normal, but then Ian hit! It has been a year o f b o t h c h a l l e n g e s a n d achievements for the district

Armor Persons Guest Commentary

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 E l e m e n t a r y a n d F o r t M y e r s B e a c h Elementary, were destroyed Many teachers lost everything in their classrooms, and stud e n t s h a d t h e i r s c h o o l y e a r i n s t r u c t i o n delayed for a month

With graduation ceremonies coming up this month to celebrate and highlight the Class of 2023, I am amazed by the accom-

plishments 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 p r e s e n t a t i o n s t h r o u g h o u t t h e year in all the arts: Theater, Drama, Film, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts.

SPORTS: The district offers students many athletic opportunities to compete The followi n g a r e t h e 2 0 2 3 S t a t e

Champions:

L u k e B u z z e l l i / I d a B a k e r / B o y s

Weightlifting

R e e f G i n g e l l / F o r t M y e r s / B o y s

Weightlifting

K a s s i d y E m e r i c k / M a r i n e r / G i r l s

Weightlifting

E l i a n a C o o k / R i v e r d a l e / G i r l s

Weightlifting

J u l i a K n o w l e r / F o r t M y e r s / G i r l s

Weightlifting

J i l l i a n J a c o b s / F o r t M y e r s / G i r l s

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, A r c h i t e c t u r e , C o n s t r u c t i o n , A / V T e c h n o l o g y , B u s i n e s s , E d u c a t i o n , Engineering, Finance, Health, Hospitality, Law, Manufacturing, Marketing, Safety, and Security

A D V A N CED S TU D IES / GIFTED / SPECIAL ED: All the District High Schools offer either International Baccalaureate (IB), C a m b r i d g e A d v a n c e d I n t e r n a t i o n a l Certificate of Education (AICE), Advance Placement (AP), Honors Programs, and Dual Enrollment Approximately two-thirds of high school students are enrolled in at least one Advanced Studies Course There are 5 , 4 8 4 s t u d e n t s p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n G i f t e d Programs, and 12,823 students receiving Special Education Services

The Class of 2023 has earned more than 50 Million dollars in scholarships to attend colleges, universities, and technical centers

See CLASS OF ‘23, page 5

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

Lee Elections expands services with new branch

When I first took office as the Lee County Supervisor of Elections in 2017, the population was around 724,000, and we had more than 400,000 registered voters Since then, Lee County has seen tremendous growth, and our voter rolls have expanded as well, with an additional 100,000 voters Lee Elections now serves over 500,000 constituents!

To better accommodate the growing n u m b e r o f v o t e r s , L e e E l e c t i o n s h a s expanded its election services to include Lehigh Acres This expansion ensures that the community has access to the necessary resources for participating in elections This branch will serve as an early voting site beginning in 2024

The grand opening for the Lee County Supervisor of Elections Lehigh Branch Office was held on March 31 I appreciate everyone who took the time to attend this special event! The ribbon-cutting ceremony was truly a memorable experience If you want to relive the moment, y o u c a n v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w y o u t u b e c o m / w a t c h ? v = X

Tommy Doyle Guest Commentary

FdtyhYr3xE to watch the recording

Our Community Education Services Department (CESD) has been active in the community, ensuring reg-

Class of ’23

From page 4

istered voters and those eligible to register to vote are well-informed and prepared for next year's elections Our outreach team strives to provide excellent customer service to the citizens of Lee County through various non-partisan services that include: voter registration drives, voter education presentations, student government elections, and straw polls

We recently concluded our annual High School Voter Registration Challenge and Arts Vote Contest, which helps us engage with the youth of Lee County and educate them about the importance of voter participation My team and I are thrilled to see these initiatives in action and enjoy the opportunity to display the student’s fantastic artwork in our offices.

Next year, we have three elections scheduled, starting with the Presidential Preference Primary in March 2024 Our office has been actively planning and preparing for the 2024 election cycle since the end of 2022 to ensure that everything runs smoothly and in accordance with federal and state laws We're committed to giving every eligible citizen the opportunity to vote, and we're taking a number of steps to make sure that happens

Our team is diligently preparing for the upcoming election while simultaneously balancing a variety of other important responsibilities Among our priorities are the registration of new voters, ensuring accurate voter records, processing vote-by-mail requests, engaging with voters via social media, producing training manuals for poll workers, maintaining our warehouse inventory, ensuring the proper function of voting machines, and collaborating with schools, libraries, summer camps, and other community organizations to promote voter education and registration initiatives Should you require additional information regarding our efforts, please do not hesitate to contact us

It’s never too early to start preparing for next year’s elections By law, everyone’s vote-by-mail requests expired at the end of 2022, so I strongly encourage you to request yours for 2024 as soon as possible View it as an insurance policy in the event of a major hurricane or other unexpected circumstances that could prevent you from voting in person

Stay connected with Lee Elections by following us on social media to stay informed and updated on all things elections

Tommy Doyle is the Lee County Supervisor of Elections For more information, visit https://www lee vote/

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

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SBA capital disaster loans available through June 29

T h e U . S . S m a l l B u s i n e s s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n e n c o u r a g e s s m a l l b u s i n e s s e s i n F l o r i d a w i t h e c o n o m i c l o s s e s d u e t o H u r r i c a n e I a n t h a t o c c u r r e d f r o m S e p t 2 3 t h r o u g h N o v 4 , t o a p p l y f o r w o r k i n g c a p i t a l d i s a s t e r l o a n s b e f o r e t h e J u n e 2 9 d e a d l i n e S m a l l b u s i n e s s e s , s m a l l a g r i c u l t u r a l c o o p e r at i v e s , s m a l l b u s i n e s s e s e n g a g e d i n a q u a c u l t u r e , a n d p r i v a t e n o n p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n s i n t h e f o l l o w i n g c o u n t i e s a r e e l i g i b l e t o a p p l y : A l a c h u a , B r a d f o r d , B r e v a r d , B r o w a r d , C h a r l o t t e , C l a y , C o l l i e r , D e S o t o , D u v a l , F l a g l e r , G l a d e s , H a r d e e , H e n d r y , H e r n a n d o , H i g h l a n d s , H i l l s b o r o u g h , I n d i a n R i v e r , L a k e , L e e , M a n a t e e , M a r i o n , M a r t i n , M i a m i - D a d e , M o n r o e , O k e e c h o b e e , O r a n g e , O s c e o l a , P a l m B e a c h , P a s c o , P i n e l l a s , P o l k , P u t n a m , S a i n t J o h n s , S a i n t L u c i e , S a r a s o t a , S e m i n o l e , S u m t e r a n d V o l u s i a “ T o s e r v e t h e e c o n o m i c i n t e r e s t o f t h e c o m m un i t y , w e h a v e a n e x t e n d e d a p p l i c a t i o n t i m e f r a m e o f n i n e m o n t h s w h i c h e n a b l e s b u s i n e s s e s t o a s s e s s t h e e f f e c t s o f t h e d i s a s t e r b e f o r e a p p l y i n g f o r w o r k i n g c a p i t a l l o a n s A s t h e J u n e 2 9 d e a d l i n e i s a p p r o a c hi n g , w e u r g e p o t e n t i a l a p p l i c a n t s t o t a k e a c t i o n r i g h t a w a y , ” s a i d K e m F l e m i n g , d i r e c t o r o f S B A F i e l d O p e r a t i o n s C e n t e r E a s t i n A t l a n t a T h e s e f e d e r a l E c o n o m i c I n j u r y D i s a s t e r L o a n s a r e f o r w o r k i n g c a p i t a l n e e d s c a u s e d b y t h e d i s a st e r a n d a r e a v a i l a b l e e v e n i f t h e b u s i n e s s d i d n o t s u f f e r a n y p h y s i c a l d a m a g e T h e l o a n a m o u n t c a n b e u p t o $ 2 m i l l i o n w i t h i n t e r e s t r a t e s o f 3 0 4 p e r c e n t f o r s m a l l b u s i n e s se s a n d 1 8 7 5 p e r c e n t f o r p r i v a t e n o n p r o f i t o r g a n iz a t i o n s , w i t h t e r m s u p t o 3 0 y e a r s T h e S B A d e t e rm i n e s e l i g i b i l i t y b a s e d o n t h e s i z e o f t h e a p p l i c a n t , t y p e o f a c t i v i t y a n d i t s f i n a n c i a l r e s o u r c e s L o a n a m o u n t s a n d t e r m s a r e s e t b y t h e S B A a n d a r e b a s e d o n e a c h a p p l i c a n t ’ s f i n a n c i a l c o n d i t i o n T h e s e w o r k i n g c a p i t a l l o a n s m a y b e u s e d t o p a y f i x e d d e b t s , p a y r o l l , a c c o u n t s p a y a b l e a n d o t h e r b i l l s t h a t c o u l d h a v e b e e n p a i d h a d t h e d i s a s t e r n o t o c c u r r e d T h e l o a n s a r e n o t i n t e n d e d t o r e p l a c e l o s t s a l e s o r p r o f i t s A p p l i c a n t s m a y a p p l y o n l i n e u s i n g t h e E l e c t r o n i c L o a n A p p l i c a t i o n ( E L A ) v i a t h e S B A ’ s s e c u r e w e b s i t e a t D i s a s t e r L o a n A s s i s t a n c e s b a g o v / e l a / s / a n d s h o u l d a p p l y u n d e r S B A d e c l a r a t i o n

DeSantis signs legislation in Fort Myers with lens on D.C.

An appearance by Gov Ron DeSantis at Southwest Florida Public Service Academy at Fort Myers Technical College on Friday turned out to be almost as much about national immigration issues as it was about the signing of banking legislation at a time when DeSantis is expected to run for president

With remarks such as “the border should be shut down,” DeSantis took on federal bureaucratic measures from immigration to the environment, banking and covid shots

“They don’t vote on any of this stuff You have a massive, out-of-control bureaucracy,” DeSantis said “They will just issue 600-page rules that transform our economy, transform our society They just did one, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) put out one about coal and natural gas-fired power plants Nobody voted on that They just did it ” DeSantis also took aim at a restructuring of fees by the Federal Housing Finance Agency that will lower some interest rates for lower-credit borrowers while raising some interest rates for higher-credit borrowers “That is social engineering,” DeSantis said

Gov Ron DeSantis

the right to firearms and privacy from banking monitoring of purchases

DeSantis began with remarks regarding immigration, stating the state’s attorney general, Ashley Mood, had gone to court to prevent immigrants from being released in Florida with the expiration of Title 42 “They need to be sent back to their home country,” DeSantis said

“You need to build a wall,” DeSantis said, regarding the border with Mexico DeSantis said he would send state workers to help construct the wall

The state legislature recently approved $12 million in the state budget to expand migrant relocation efforts that would allow t h e s t a t e t o t r a n s p o r t u n d o c u m e n t e d migrants from all over the country. Last year’s action by the state to transport migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard has been challenged in court

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples), extolled the state legislature’s passing of more than 200 bills and a $117 billion budget this session Passidomo credited the leaders of the legislature (both houses of which are dominated by Republicans) to being aligned ideologically with DeSantis

During the appearance, DeSantis signed two laws relating to banking Senate Bill 214 is intended to prevent consumers from having their spending habits on guns tracked by credit card companies Senate Bill 7504 prohibits the use of a federally adopted central bank digital currency (CBDC) by excluding it from the definition of money within Florida’s Uniform Commercial Code

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Wilton Simpson said if a bank was found to track gun sales of consumers in Florida, they could be fined up to $10,000 under the new legislation The law prevents banks from using firearm-specific merchant category codes to flag purchases

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r , M a y 1 7 , 2 0 2 3 n P a g e 6 Report your news to FORTMYERSBEACHTALK COM

DeSantis accused some financial companies of tracking consumer activity that included shopping at sporting good stores or gun stores DeSantis accused the companies of “colluding” to flag people for those purchases

The appearance also featured several speakers backing

Referring to the travels of DeSantis across the country and around the world in recent weeks, Passidomo joked that DeSantis “hadn’t been here in two weeks ”

DeSantis said the state has a “massive surplus” and touted his efforts to respond to Hurricane Ian

The Florida legislature recently voted to change state law to allow DeSantis to run for the presidency while serving as governor

On Thursday, DeSantis signed legislation allowing his travel records to be sealed from public record The move had been opposed by open government advocates for limiting knowledge about the travels of DeSantis at a time when he has been going across the country and appearing at political events ahead of the upcoming Republican presidential primary

“We’re excited to be putting points on the board,” DeSantis said in remarks about his legislative accomplishments

Social Security Administration Q&A

I am 67 years old, stopped working what factor can affect my retirement benefit amount?

Answer:

B Machado, Coral Gables, Florida

You're eligible to get Medicare at age 65 and the sign-up process for Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) is completed through us If you decide to sign up for Part B, the cost will be taken out of your monthly benefit amount Be sure to plan ahead for that reduction

Question:

May I pay withholding taxes from benefit payments?

Answer:

Q Mills, Palmetto Bay, Florida

You may pay federal income taxes on your benefits if your combined income (50% of your benefit amount plus any other earned income) exceeds $25,000/year filing individually or $32,000/year filing jointly You can pay the IRS directly or have taxes withheld from your payment The form is called W-

4V: Voluntary Withholding Request from the IRS’s website

Question:

When can I apply for my retirement benefits?

Answer:

D Anderson, Hollywood, Florida

You can time your first benefit payment to avoid a gap in income Your first check won't arrive until the month after the one you pick in your application You can apply any time up to four months before the month you pick

For example, you want your first check in April Follow this timing:

A p p l y i n N o v e m b e r , D e c e m b e r , J a n u a r y ,

February, or March

∫ Get the first check in April

Question:

Can I get the maximum amount of benefits due a current or former spouse’s work?

J Nielson, Boynton Beach, Florida

See Q&A, page 7

Question:

Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida honors three as 2023 Business Hall of Fame Laureates

J u n i o r A c h i e v e m e n t o f S o u t h w e s t

Florida recently celebrated 35 years of honoring and recognizing business leaders in Southwest Florida with a recordb r e a k i n g g a l a a t t h e R i t z - C a r l t o n i n

Naples On Tuesday, April 18, over 400 business leaders gathered to induct 2023 Laureates JoAnn Elardo, founder of Cape S p i r i t s I n c ; T h o m a s M M o r a n A I F C h a i r m a n , C E O a n d C I O o f M o r a n Wealth Manage-ment; and Mark Stevens, president of Stevens Construction, into the JA Business Hall of Fame

This year’s event, chaired by Stacey Herring of Morgan Stanley Private Bank and Laureate Chair Michael Wynn of Sunshine Ace Hardware, raised $213,000 to support local JA programs that teach students the importance of financial liter-

Q&A

Answer:

From page 6

If you’re eligible because of a spouse’s work, the amount is at its highest at your “Full Retirement Age" (between 66 and 67) It doesn’t increase if you wait and apply after that time If your spouse has passed away, you may be eligible for Survivor benefits starting at age 60, or at age 50 if you are disabled

Question:

Is it true, that if I receive a pension from a government job or a job worked in a foreign county, my benefit amount may

acy, career and work readiness and entrepreneurship

JA is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship

Locally, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida partnered with classroom business volunteers during the 20212 0 2 2 s c h o o l y e a r t o p r o v i d e n e a r l y 135,000 hours of instruction to nearly

be reduced?

Answer:

T Norris, Greenacres, Florida

If your pension is from a government job or a job worked in a foreign country, and you have not paid Social Security taxes for at least 30 years of Substantial Earnings, your benefit may be reduced We refer to this reduction as the Windfall Elimination Provision, or WEP.

Information provided by the Social Security Administration

14,800 students in 589 classes throughout Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties For additional information on Junior

Achievement of Southwest Florida, visit www JASWFL org, call 239-225-2590 or email info@jaswfl org

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left, Mark Stevens, president Stevens Construction Inc ; JoAnn Elardo, founder Cape Spirits Inc ; Angela Fisher, JASWFL president and CEO; and Thomas M. Moran AIF, chairman, CEO, CIO Moran Wealth Management.

Beach Living

Bay Oaks baseball field gets grant from MLB, Scotts Company

STAFF REPORT

The Bay Oaks Recreational Campus baseball and softball field has been named the recipient of a $50,000 grant through Major League Baseball and The Scotts Company LLC, the Major League Baseball Office of the Commissioner announced

Fort Myers Beach was one of three communities across the U S who were awarded the grants The communities were chosen by a panel that included former Major League Baseball All-Star Cliff Floyd, who played on the 1997 World Series Champion Florida Marlins, and Olympic Gold Medalist softball player Jennie Finch

“Baseball and softball fields can be the heart of a community a place to gather and connect and for kids to learn and grow,” Finch said “I’m so honored to be part of the Scotts & MLB Blue Ribbon program providing grants to communities in need, so they can refurbish their fields and create spaces for communities to gather and be proud of ”

The Bay Oaks Recreational Campus encompasses 15 acres in the Town of Fort Myers Beach. The Bay Oaks Little League provides children in grades K-5 an environment to learn and develop skills needed on and off the field like sportsmanship and camaraderie Due to damage from Hurricane Ian, the 2023 Little League season was canceled and many of the youth must travel to surrounding towns to participate in other programs

“Getting this ballfield up and running will really build up morale within our community,” said Jeff Hauge, interim Director of Cultural, Parks and Recreation of the Town of Fort Myers Beach “We are excited to receive this grant and continue to move forward in restoring Fort Myers Beach back to normalcy after the devastation of the hurricane ”

Emergency management used the fields to stage debris quickly and efficiently for months after the storm, further damaging the conditions of the fields The goal with this grant is to provide a renewed safe haven for young athletes to call home next season Scotts is an official partner of Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL initiative, the sport’s largest collective effort to encourage young people and communities to participate in baseball or softball-related activities, including formal leagues, events and recreational forms of play

“Major League Baseball is committed to providing the resources needed to develop greenspaces that positively impact local communities and we are proud to provide beautiful yet safe fields that encourage kids to play the sports they love,” said April Brown, MLB Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility & Community Affairs “Our continued partnership with Scotts has allowed us to touch the lives of so many We’re able to help encourage communities to get outside and play ball, which in turn has a positive impact on the health and wellness of the kids and their families ”

“The Scotts Field Refurbishment Program helps communities in need to create a safe and welcoming space for young baseball and softball players to develop their skills, foster their love for the game and most importantly, encourage them to play outside,” said Ashley Bachmann, vice president, Lawns Marketing, Scotts Miracle-Gro “Scotts is proud to continue creating greenspaces that have a positive impact on young athletes, their families and the generations to come ”

The other two communities given grants for their fields were the Oak Hill Recreation League (Oak Hill, Ohio), and the Wellpinit Boys & Girls Club (Wellpinit, Washington), according to the announcement

‘Perfectly Good Moment’ at Fort Myers Film Festival

Amanda Jane Stern stars in independent feature

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Three years ago, the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival screened “1 Angry Black Man” with actress Amanda Jane Stern in a supporting role

While this year’s Fort Myers Beach Film Festival has been sidelined due to Hurricane Ian, Stern is starring in her own independent vehicle at the Fort Myers Film F e s t i v a l t h i s w e e k S t e r n w r o t e a n d c o - p r o d u c e d “Perfectly Good Moment” which is being screened Thursday evening at the Sydney and Berne Davis Art Center as an official selection

Local film enthusiasts who see the film will get to see a talent who has been acting in films for two decades since she was a child but who has finally found her first starring role in a feature she wrote and produced

Which is baffling for a 29-year-old actress who resembles a mix of Julianne Moore and Ann-Margret with the determined confidence of Reese Witherspoon a n d t h e o c c a s i o n a l , m i s c h i e v o u s h i g h - b r o w a i r o f Christina Ricci

Stern made the film, a gripping thriller, during the COVID pandemic Inspired in part by films like “Hard Candy,” “Sleeping with the Enemy” and “Last Tango in Paris,” “Perfectly Good Moment” premiered at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival in February and played at the Sarasota Film Festival in March. Last month, the film won a special mention in the foreign feature category at the Unrestricted View Film Festival in London

“Perfectly Good Moment” centers on a couple with a a 15-year age gap who met at an alumni function when Stern’s character Ruby was 19 The film focuses on the couple’s reunification before taking on some unexpected twists and detours The 75-minute movie takes place almost entirely in the apartment of Ruby and her fiance David, played by the British-born Stephen Carlile Carlile is known for playing Scar in “The Lion King” on Broadway. Stern calls Carlile’s character “controlling” and “quick to snap ”

The cat-and-mouse plot delivers some suspenseful moments “I do like making movies that are unsettling,” Stern said

There is a romantic quality to the film in addition to the suspenseful thriller aspect

Ruby's character is flirtatious in the beginning and even “snarky,” Stern said The movie sees her develop as her impression of David changes

“The two characters have kind of been bopping around in my head for a long time,” Stern said “They first showed up in a script I wrote at 14. I kind of revamped that script when I was in college ”

Stern said she was finally able to complete the script “looking at it from the lens of an adult and not an idealistic teenage girl ”

Despite the conflict between her character and David, Stern says “I love him ” Stern said David’s character “sweeps you off your feet” but his emotional manipulations ultimately lead to quarreling that reaches a crescendo

Stern’s adeptness in building suspense can be credited in part to her vast knowledge of some of the classic suspenseful films, going back to Hitchcock thrillers she admires such as “Rebecca” and “Shadow of a Doubt ”

Stern studied theater arts and film history at Brandeis University, where she developed a taste for 1970’s Italian cinema

Her first role as a child was in the movie “Martin & Orloff” when she was 9 and had to recite an excerpt from “Macbeth ”

For “Perfectly Good Moment,” Stern enlisted Lauren Greenhall to direct her first film feature, along with sharp cinematography by Matt Braunsdorf Julian Seltzer cowrote the story with Stern and is a co-producer In the backdrop is a powerful musical score written by Mikey Coltun

The musical arrangement won the picture for best use of music award at the Julie Dubuqur International Film Festival in Iowa

The Brooklyn-based Stern had to do some extra legwork developing the music for the film She enlisted Staten Island singer Tony Babino to sing the Al Jolson classic “You Made Me Love You” and through a personal connection was able to contact the manager of Ben Folds to utilize their song “The Luckiest ”

Stern likes “don’t-trust-your-husband” movies like “Shadow of a Doubt” with Joseph Cotten and a young Teresa Wright Stern says the story is “creepy” and

e 9 n W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , M a y 1 7 , 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

TURTLE TIME

The first loggerhead sea turtle nest of the season was documented by Turtle Time on Fort Myers Beach this Wednesday The nest had to be relocated due to the ongoing emergency berm construction

First sea turtle nest of season

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The first loggerhead sea turtle nest of the year on Fort Myers Beach this past Wednesday morning by Turtle Time The nest was discovered near the berm construction area of the beach, around midisland, Turtle Time Founder Eve Haverfield said An emergency berm is being constructed along the middle and southern end of the beach to renourish areas of the beach eroded by Hurricane Ian Haverfield said the nest was relocated

Film Festival

makes you think “what am I in for? You are really uncomfortable while watching and you need to keep watching ”

She credits watching old movies with her grandparents growing up as the roots for her love of classic cinema “It just kind of stuck,” she said Some of those movies growing up were the 1930’s Eddie Cantor and Ann Sothern flick “Kid Millions,” and the 1950’s classic Danny Kaye film “The Court Jester ”

Stern’s personal favorites also include

Agriculture Commissioner Simpson announces aquaculture education training workshop and grants

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is now accepting applications from Florida educators to participate in a collaborative aquaculture education training workshop July 26-28 to help Florida teachers bring aquaculture and aquaponics into their classrooms.

“Florida’s aquaculture industry is dynamic and ever growing, but basic awareness of aquaculture is still a critical n e e d i n K - 1 2 c l a s s r o o m s , " S i m p s o n s a i d “ B y e q u i p p i n g o u r w o r l d - c l a s s teachers with aquaculture knowledge and know-how, we can not only offer an engaging hands-on learning opportunity, b u t w e c a n h e l p m e e t a n i n c r e a s i n g demand for skilled aquaculture professionals in Florida ”

TAL), Florida Sea Grant and the Florida Aquaculture Association, is hosting this intensive 3-day, hands-on aquaculture e d u c a t i o n w o r k s h o p H o s t e d a t t h e Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin, the training will provide Florida educators with all the knowledge and know-how to teach students about aquaculture and start their own aquaculture systems.

Up to six full recirculating aquaculture systems will be rewarded, as well as a number of supplementary aquaponic system supplies to schools throughout the state

due to the ongoing berm construction.

“The turtle came ashore to nest near mid- island,” Haverfield said “Because of the ongoing construction, it was relocated to a safe place further south ”

Sea turtle nesting season on Fort M y e r s B e a c h c o n t i n u e s t h r o u g h October Outdoor lights facing the beach are required to be turned off from 9 p m to dawn to protect nesting sea turtles and hatchling from disorientation Shades must be drawn on all windows and screen doors facing the beach as well for those hours

From page 8

the 1920’s silent horror classic “The Cat and the Canary,” the 1925 version of “ P h a n t o m o f t h e O p e r a ” w i t h L o n C h a n e y , t h e 1 9 4 0 ’ s H o w a r d H a w k s screwball “His Girl Friday” with Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, the 1940’s film noir “Out of the Past” with Kirk Douglas, Jane Greer and Robert Mitchum

One of her favorite actors is Fredrich March, particularly for his performance in the 1931 version of “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde ”

The state Division of Aquaculture, in partnership with the University of Florida, T

o p i c a l A q u a c u l t u r e L a b ( U F / I F A S

The workshop is open to all K-12 science and agriculture educators in Florida Interested teachers can learn more or complete an application for the workshop and a w a r d s b y v i s i t i n g t h e D i v i s i o n ’ s E d u c a t i o n P a g e a t F D A C S . g o v / E d u c a t i o n / A q u a c u l t u r eEducator-Resources The deadline to submit applications is June 16 at 5 p m

Kiwanis Club extends deadline for scholarship applications

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club has extended its deadline for scholarship applications to June 15

T h i s y e a r , t h e F o r t M y e r s 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 or trade school who lives on Fort Myers

Beach, or 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 $1,000 for the first semester,” McCarthy said

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

For any questions, contact McCarthy at pmcfmb2003@yahoo com

Lee County Utilities to end chlorine flush

STAFF REPORT

Lee County Utilities announced that it will be ending its chlorine flush May 21

The Town of Fort Myers Beach previously announced that Lee County Utilities will be temporarily converting its disinfectant process from chloramines to free chlorine residual through May 21 The process began May 1 and is common for water utilities using chloramines as its primary disinfectant

Residents who use a kidney dialysis machine at home should contact an equipment supplier so the proper filtering equipment may be installed until May 21

Tropical fish or aquatic animal owners should contact a local tropical fish store for appropriate pretreatment of water before adding water to tanks

Customers may notice a temporary change in the taste, odor and color of the water, which is not harmful.

Even though the conversion of disinfection will begin on May 21, it will take approximately one week for the service area to be converted from a free chlorine residual to a chloramines residual, the Town of Fort Myers Beach announced earlier

Customers with questions can call Lee County Utilities 8 a m 4:30 p m weekdays at 239-533-8845

In between her acting roles, Stern has taken on jobs from writing about movies and editing on websites including a gig as film editor for the website ProvokR and as a columnist at Film Inquiry, to a recent job running events for a marketing firm Stern is currently focused on promoting this film, largely putting away her other career moves while she works on a distribution deal “We’ve been getting a lot of offers,” Stern said Being able to write, produce and star in

her own movie took “a ton of perseverance” and meant sometimes “being really pushy, Stern said Stern was able to get enough believers on her work to back the project and bring it to Fort Myers and around the world for good reason

“Perfectly Good Moment” will play the Sydney and Bern Davis Art Center at 2301 First Street in Fort Myers Thursday, May 18 at 9 p m Admission is $10 Tickets can be purchased at https://fortmyersfilmfestival com

Beach School

Schmucker also thanked Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt, the town council's liaison to the committee for being “compassionate” and providing wisdom

Atterholt said four of the committee’s members in particular, played a large role strategically in making an agreement happ e n m e n t i o n i n g S c h m u c k e r , J o h n Koss, Jenny Tardiff and Patrick Vanasse

Atterholt said he didn't think the school would have been reopened without their efforts

“They led this effort, they managed the effort at a time when their personal lives were in complete disarray,” Atterholt said

The vote allows for the historic building of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School to reopen this fall and handle up to 80 students, with a second phase rebuild of the outer buildings to accommodate up to 150 students

The agreement expands the boundaries of the district off island to Summerlin Road beginning in the 2024-25 year

FEMA

in Hurricane Ian aid, covering approximately 385,000 households

Only residents whose homes were their primary residence qualified for individual assistance, Mills said “Secondary or vacation homes are not eligible for FEMA individual assistance Landlords are not eligible for FEMA individual assistance for their rental property, but tenants may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance if the rental is their primary residence ”

The agreement addresses some of the concerns amongst the school board about the elementary school’s declining population over the years, from more than 100 students just a few years ago to about 80 students before Hurricane Ian The current number of Beach Elementary School students attending San Carlos Park Elementary School since Hurricane Ian has been estimated at 52 students Beach Elementary School has been closed since Hurricane Ian damaged its buildings Remediation of the historic building has been ongoing

The interlocal agreement has been negotiated in private over the last few months through meetings between the adhoc committee, Lee County School District officials and Town of Fort Myers Beach officials

The agreement guarantees a permanent kitchen and cafeteria in the school by the 2024-25 year

The interlocal agreement would require Beach Elementary to grow its student pop-

In addition to rental assistance for families unable to occupy their residences by Hurricane Ian, Mills said that FEMA has p r o v i d e d e m e r g e n c y h o u s i n g ( h o t e l s , apartments or manufactured homes) to 921 households in Lee County and more than 4,570 households statewide

As of April 11, there were still 641 households in Lee County staying in emergency housing such as apartments or hotels through FEMA In Fort Myers

ulation so that it has a cost-per-student ratio at the level of fellow island schools in Pine Island and Sanibel Schools receive more federal aid with more students

The Beach Elementary School has the smallest budget of any school in the district at $1.77 million before Hurricane Ian

The agreement also requires the school board to assist with increasing enrollment and to seek partnerships with other entities for special programs

Under the current framework, Bay Oaks Recreational Campus would be open by the fall handle students at its gym between 8 a m and 2 p m every 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

The town would agree not to turn Bay Oaks into its town hall unless space per-

Beach, there were 80 households staying in hotels or apartments Of those, 20 were staying in manufactured homes (or trailers)

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or

mits, while also allowing the school district to use Bay Oaks as a staging area for the renovations and rebuilding of the elementary school

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 closed and turned over to the town as early as 2027 The agreement also allows for the town to collect funds for the future operation of a charter school

The interlocal agreement was codified by the town and school’s attorneys after negotiations between Lee County School District officials and the ad-hoc committee members

FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work FEMA obligates funding for projects to the Florida Division of Emergency M a n a g e m e n t ( F D E M ) a f t e r f i n a l approval Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to complete the grant process and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible

Saying goodbye

When Hurricane Ian came around, Smith was caught off-guard by what transpired Her home did not experience a flood surge but the wind blew her roof off, damaged her deck and part of the frame of the home Ian took a bite out of a strip of the ceiling in the front

One of the keys to her decision to demolish the home was the uncertainty of whether she could build back on the ground floor Her mother had begun work on a living space below the ground level, which was never completed. She estimated the cost to replace the roof at about $30,000 and the damage to the deck at $ 3 0 , 0 0 0 W i t h F E M A ’ s 5 0 - 5 0 r u l e requiring the home to be built up to a higher elevation if more than 50% of the value of the home needed to be repaired, Smith made the tough call to demolish

“I needed to be smart I’m 62 years old I worked very hard I don’t want to work forever,” Smith said Her property is located in a commercial district of town “My lot is worth more than my dwelling,” she said “I’m not a distressed seller Who knows what is going to happen?”

It was tough for Smith to say goodbye to her family’s cottage “It was almost 100 years old and in about three hours (after demolition began) it was already getting loaded into a Dumpster,” Smith said Smith still believes in Fort Myers Beach She owns another cottage on the i s l a n d , o n e o f t h e f e w t o s u r v i v e Hurricane Ian. “It weathered it better,” Smith said Despite damage to the exterior, the pool and fence, Smith said she was “pretty much able to put it back together ”

From page 1

PHOTO PROVIDED

Since the late 1920s, Patti Smith’s family vacationed on Fort Myers Beach at their Miramar Street cottage on the beach side of Estero Boulevard Due to damage wrought by Hurricane Ian, it has now been bulldozed Smith had to make the difficult decision due to the high cost of rebuilding to the new hurricane codes

COMPACT Act expands care for veterans in crisis

Eliminates cost of care to reduce, prevent suicides

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

In January, the Department of Veterans Affairs expanded its eligibility of care for veterans experiencing an emergency suicidal crisis, at no cost to them

B a y P i n e s V A H e a l t h c a r e S y s t e m Chief of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Services Dr Rod Velezmoro said the Department of Veterans Affairs expanded its eligibility because there were gaps in care and there was a need for intervention to reduce veteran suicides

“ T h e V e t e r a n s C o m p r e h e n s i v e P r e v e n t i o n , A c c e s s t o C a r e , a n d Treatment (COMPACT) Act of 2020 affords care to veterans using a holistic a p p r o a c h t o i m p r o v e t r e a t m e n t a n d enhance veterans’ mental health and wellbeing,” he said “The COMPACT Act reduces barriers by eliminating the cost of the care, to even include emergency transport ”

Although the law passed in 2020, the COMPACT Act commenced on Jan 17, 2023

“Veterans are covered by the COMPACT Act when they are experiencing an acute suicidal crisis, meaning that the individual has suicidal ideations, a plan, means, and intention to act, or someone who has already engaged in a suicide attempt,” Velezmoro said

If veterans, or their loved ones, in the event of an emergent s uicidal cris is , should call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room, notify staff that they are a veteran and then staff will take them back

to provide treatment

“Emergencies are never planned, so it’s important for all to know where the closest emergency room is located,” he said

Approximately 9 million more veterans qualify for care under this act

The care will provide coverage for up to 30 days of inpatient, or crisis residential care and outpatient care for up to 90 days Velezmoro said in some cases, outpatient care may be modestly extended to finish courses of treatment

“Most COMPACT Act cases will also be assigned a suicide prevention team member to aid with the coordination of care,” he said

If a veteran does receive a bill for emergency suicide care related to care, they should contact their local VA patient advocate and ask for a clinical review with an appropriate provider, Velezmoro said They can also contact the number on their bill to initiate the process

“Veterans who received COMPACTrelated care at a community emergency department should submit a signed, written request for reimbursement to their local VA medical facility community care office along with an after-visit summary/medical documentation and a billing statement from the rendering provider showing diagnosis code information and an itemized list of charges,” he said

Regardless of VA enrollment status, there are many veterans who are eligible for their medical expenses to be covered by the VA Those include:

“Veterans are covered by the COMPACT Act when they are experiencing an acute suicidal crisis, meaning that the individual has suicidal ideations, a plan, means, and intention to act, or someone who has already engaged in a suicide attempt ”

∫ T h o s e w h o a r e d i s c h a r g e d , o r released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable;

∫ F o r m e r m e m b e r s o f t h e a r m e d forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion, or in support of a contingency operation either directly, or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable;

∫ F o r m e r m e m b e r s o f t h e a r m e d forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces

“Veterans who were dishonorably discharged may still seek emergent suicidal care at a VA or non-VA emergency room, however VA will not cover the expenses,” Velezmoro said

With suicide prevention being VHA’s top clinical priority for a number of years, he said, there had been a surmountable amount of effort already placed in this arena for eligible veterans

Those veterans who are served by the

V e t e r a n s H e a l t h A d m i n i s t r a t i o n h a v e access to evidenced-based treatment for numerous mental health diagnosis, which can often exacerbate and contribute suicidal thinking, or actions Velezmoro said conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, TBI, are all treated through the care offered by the VHA

There are options to utilize predictive modeling, which is a research tool used by VHA that analyzes medical record data to help confirm, or alert providers to those who are at higher statistical risk for adverse outcomes

“ P r o g r a m s a n d / o r d a s h b o a r d s l i k e Reach Vet, Cristal, and Storm aid clinical staff with being keenly aware of risk factors that might impact a veteran,” he said “Our clinical staff proactively use these tools to re-evaluate care, identify other treatment options that may be of benefit, speak with a veteran about those options, craft a collaborative treatment plan, create an enhanced safety plan, and even engage the suicide prevention team to help coordinate efforts and aid with recovery ”

For more information, visit Emergency M e d i c a l C a r e - C o m m u n i t y C a r e (va gov)

Dr Rod Velezmoro, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Chief of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Services

On the Big Screen

Fort Myers Film Fe stiv al ope ns We dne sda y

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

While the prospects for the Fort Myers Beach Film International Film Festival returning this year are uncertain after Hurricane Ian and last year’s sale of the Beach Theater, film enthusiasts have a local alternative this week

The 13th annual Fort Myers Film Festival opens this Wednesday, May 17, with a red-carpet kickoff at the Sydney and Berne Davis Art Center with the Florida premiere of “Bad Behaviour,” starring Jennifer Connelly The film had its world premiere at Sundance in January

The festival runs through Sunday

Wednesday’s kick-off will also include the world premiere of the seven-minute short film “Yacht on the Rocks,” featuring music by Straight No Chaser directed by Sasha Levinson. The evening will also include a performance by members of Straight No Chaser, who will be in attendance for the opening night

Doors will open at 5:30 p m VIP attendees will include cast and crew from movies officially selected for the 2023 Fort Myers Film Festival The event will conclude with a sunset champagne and dance afterparty on Sidney’s Rooftop at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Tickets are $20 for the movie only or $100 for the movie and VIP meet and greet

Fort Myers Film Festival founder Eric Raddatz said the festival is an opportunity for filmgoers to see up-andcoming filmmakers and actors.

There are 71 films being shown in all “We have more films than anybody will have time to see,” Raddat said

“There are a lot of local films, films from a dozen different countries, student films, environmental films, people are drawn from all over the world who see Fort Myers as a cool place to come to,” Raddatz said

Raddatz recommends short film blocks to those unsure what to see

Among the films Raddatz recommends is the environmental film “Deep Rising,” a documentary on the late comedian Bernie Mac titled “Warriors: The Bernie Mac D i s e a s e , ” a n d t h e e r o t i c t h r i l l e r “ P e r f e c t l y G o o d Moment ”

The local film “Worth the Fight” tells the story of Fort Myers resident Steve Canton, current president of the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame The film is from local filmmaker John Biffar

The festival wraps up Sunday with a filmmaker panel and discussion and cosplay competition in the street

“It’s a real labor of love,” Raddatz said "It's a real adventure "

For a complete schedule for the festival, visit https://fortmyersfilmfestival com

WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE insidetoday

Pet Pals - page 19

Brew Fest set for May 20 at Cultural Park

First-time fundraiser to

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

An event filled with live entertainment, good eats, and a myriad of selections from local breweries will soon take place at a newly renovated Cape Coral park

The inaugural Brew Fest at Cultural Park is set for May 20 from 2 to 5 p m , and will be put on by the Cape Coral Museum of History Attendees can sample two to four choices from each of the participating breweries as many times as they wish, taste treats from various food trucks, shop local vendor booths, and enjoy live music from area performers

Tickets are on sale now, with three different levels available: VIP, general admission, and designated driver All proceeds will benefit the museum, its mission, and programming

“The museum has a history of hosting festival events in Cultural Park, and we were anxious to be able to host them again once the park construction project was completed,” said the museum’s Executive Director Janel Trull “This spring, we approached Suncoast Beverage to see if we could put together a Brew Fest in May as our main fundraiser for the year If all goes well, we plan to hold this event every year ”

Brew Fest at Cultural Park will feature at least 10 breweries on site, including 3 Daughters Brewing, Coastal Dayz Brewing, Florida Avenue Brewing, Kona Brewing, Millennial Brewing, Motorworks Brewing, R i p t i d e B r e w i n g , S c o t t y ’ s B i e r w e r k s , T a m p a B a y Brewing, and Wicked Weed Brewing

“Additionally, we may have a brewer sampling exclusively in the VIP Tent, providing yet another benefit to the VIP ticket holders,” Trull said

The event space will have two stages and will feature the band Resolution, Deena da singer, and two additional musical acts

Trull said she hopes the event shines a light on all the work the museum does year-round to highlight and pre-

feature multiple breweries, food and live entertainment

and VIP lanyard are included with the ticket price Tickets also includes entry to the VIP reception and auction to be held at Nice Guys Pizza on Cape Coral Parkway on May 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.

General Admission tickets are $40 each with tasting cup included Designated Driver tickets are $20 each and include access to soda and water during the event

“All proceeds from the event will go the Cape Coral Museum of History to help with operational funds, programming and future events,” Trull said “The last several years have been very challenging, and just when we thought we were on the upswing, Hurricane Ian had other plans The Brew Fest is our major fundraiser for the year and, thanks to the generosity of our 20 event sponsors, we are hopeful that we will be able to meet our fundraising goals.”

Trull added VIP tickets are going fast, with roughly 40 remaining as of Thursday

“Do not miss out on your opportunity to not only sample all the beers, but to secure your space in the shade of our VIP tent, nosh on delicious catered goodies, and attend our VIP reception and auction at Nice Guys Pizza,” Trull said

serve the city’s history

“Part of the Museum’s mission is to host programming that brings together both locals and visitors to the area in order to bring awareness to the museum,” she said “This is a program that we believe will do just that The museum will also be open to ticket holders for free during the event, helping the museum engage with the public and furthering the importance of not only saving but remembering and honoring our history ”

VIP tickets are $75 and includes early admission to the event at 1 p m and access to the VIP tent during the event with snacks and seating provided A tasting cup

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 ic 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 ed 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

The event is for adults 21 and older IDs will be checked at the admission tent and before receiving your tasting cup The event is rain or shine, and will be relocated to the German American Social Club if needed If a venue change is required, a decision will be announced by May 17

To purchase tickets, visit capecoralmuseum org/brewfest

Online ticket sales end May 19 General admission and designated driver tickets will be sold at the door. VIP tickets will be sold the day-of if available For questions about the event, contact the museum at 239-772-7037 or email info@capecoralmuseum org

Cultural Park is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd

GCHS to host Alumni Reunion for past shelter dog adopters May 28

A d d i n g a f o r e v e through adoption is a s deed any family can do

For that reason, th G u l f C o a s t H u m a n e Society is celebrating those forever families w h o h a v e a d o p t e d t h e i r K 9 f r o m t h e shelter by hosting an Alumni Reunion May 28, at the Millennial Brewing Co from 4p m G C H S s u p p Goldstein, Buckley, Ce Purtz and Rice P A is sponsoring the event

Tickets for the event are $10 (open to e v e r y o n e ) a n d c a n b e f o u n d a t h t t p s : / / e . g i v e s m a r t . c o m / e v e n t s / w H Y / .

Tickets include one beer ticket (if over 21 years of age), a goody bag and an Alumni photo There will be food and dessert

endors, dog pools, dog y, raffles, a 50/50, dog essories and alumni thirts

“This is a fun way to gather the GCHS f a m i l y a n d s h o w y o u r s u p p o r t f o r adopting shelter anim a l s , ” s a i d G C H S e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r G a r y W i l l o u g h b y For GCHS staff and lunteers, it also will be yable to see all the past dogs who have been a d o p t e d W e t h a n k G o l d s t e i n , Buckley, Cechman, Purtz and Rice P A for sponsoring this enjoyable event ” Celebrate your choice of adopting, and n o t s h o p p i n g a n d a t t e n d t h e G C H S Alumni Reunion!

Millennial Brewing Company is at 1811 Royal Palm Ave , Fort Myers

2 0

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , M a y 1 7 ,

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m 2 3 n P a g e 1 8

DDWS names annual photo contest winners

Nancy Adams judged this year's contest They reviewed 321 images taken by students from nine different schools

First place went to an image titled “Nature's Bandit” by Chase Qurollo of Cape Coral High School

S p o n s o r e d b y t h e T h e o d o r e C r o s s Family Charitable Foundation, the comp e t i t i o n i n v i t e s h i g h s c h o o l s t u d e n t s from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties to compete for prizes that this year included a Canon digital S L R c a m e r a p a c k a g e , o n e - y e a r s u bscription to Adobe photography software and one-year family pass to all Florida state parks

C r o s s , w h o l i v e d p a r t - t i m e o n S a n i b e l , m a r c h e d w i t h D r M a r t i n

Luther King Jr ; advised the Johnson a n d N i x o n a d m i n i s t r a t i o n s o n a n t ip o v e r t y p r o g r a m s ; w r o t e t h e b o o k

“Black Capitalism,” among others; and created Birders United, a birding Web site that ranked legislators according to their record of bird protection support

Late in life, Cross decided to indulge his love for birds and photography and traveled the world to collect stunning portraits and stories to chronicle his adventures He photographed often at the Sanibel refuge, and a number of the images in his book reflect his love for it Cross published “Waterbirds: Portraits a n d A n e c d o t e s f r o m B i r d i n g

A dventures ” in 2 0 0 9 at age 8 5 ; he passed away shortly after that in 2010 Refuge Ranger Yvette Carrasco, Fort M y e r s N e w s - P r e s s p h o t o j o u r n a l i s t A n d r e w W e s t a n d r e f u g e s u p p o r t e r

“I love this photo because it's in black and white, and because the raccoon is l o o k i n g d i r e c t l y a t t h e c a m e r a , ” Carrasco said “Raccoons have such fun personalities, and they are very curious animals ”

I n s e c o n d p l a c e , J a k o b K e y e s o f Cypress Lake High School created a c l o s e u p f l o r a l p o r t r a i t t i t l e d “ P u r p l e Rain.”

“I chose the flower because of its great depth of field, color, and rule of thirds,” West said “Great use of macro lens, and it spoke to me artistically Also, great leading line in the yellow part of the flower ”

T h i r d p l a c e w i n n e r “ I n t o t h e Horizon” was submitted by Alessandra Sanchez of the Community School of Naples

“What spoke to me about this photo was the sense of appreciation as this snowy egret gazes across the gulf during s u n s e t , ” A d a m s s a i d “ I t s e e m s w e humans are not the only ones to recognize beauty around us ”

The honorable mention winners are as follows in alphabetical order:

∫ Emma Best, of Cape Coral High School, “Dragonfly”

∫ K y l e r C a r t e r , o f C y p r e s s L a k e High School, “Branches of Electricity”

∫ Adrian Cox, of Cypress Lake High School, “Watchful Eye”

∫ M i k a e l H e r n a n d e z , o f L e h i g h

Senior High School, “Nestlings in the Nest”

∫ Despina Kik, of Island Coast High School, “Bee”

∫ Khaleb Nunez, of Lehigh Senior High School, “Blue”

∫ Zulai Perez, of Cypress Lake High School, “Beautiful Yellow Rose”

∫ Jillian Peska, of Cape Coral High School, “Wonder”

∫ Daysie Rogers, of Cypress Lake High School, “Free as a Bird”

∫ Leslie Velasco, of Lehigh Senior High School, “Drop of Water”

∫ Cole Wesener, of Cape Coral High School, “Robin”

J u d g e s a n d c o n t e s t c o o r d i n a t o r s expressed difficulty in narrowing down the choices.

“Amazing work by all,” West said “It was very hard to choose a winner ”

D D W S E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r B i r g i e Miller Gresham noted that Cross' family made the contest possible

“It has become a solid success story,” she said “We couldn't be more thrilled the family wants its donations used in this way to reach an age group that often falls through the cracks of conservation education Thanks to the 'Ding' staff, high school teachers, and judges who made this all happen ”

“We are so happy to be supporting a contest in my father's name, a contest that will get our youth involved with nature by looking at it as my father so loved doing through a camera lens,” Amanda Cross said Students were able to submit up to two photographs

ALESSANDRA SANCHEZ

To view the winning images and for more information about contest, visit d i n g d a r l i n g s o c i e t y . o r g / a r t i c l e s / p h o t ocontests

In third place in the 10th annual “Ding” Darling-Theodore Cross High School Photography Contest was Alessandra Sanchez's “Into the Horizon.”

JAKOB KEYES

“Purple Rain” by Jakob Keyes took second place in the 10th annual “Ding” Darling-Theodore Cross High School Photography Contest

PET PALS

Don’t give up on your pet

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

C o - f o u n d e r o f t h e

Fi n d a H o m e, G i v e a H o m e p e t re s c u e o rg a n i z a t i o n o f Fo r t M y e rs B e a ch

I t h a s b e e n a l o n g w e e k f o r a l l o f u s a t t h e r e s c u e W e g e t c a l l s a n d e m a i l s e v e r y d a y f o r d o g s a n d c a t s t o b e s u r r e n d e r e d o n t o p o f t h e p l e a s f r o m t h e s h e l t e r I t i s a v e r y h a r d t i m e f o r t h e p e t s r i g h t n o w I t s e e m s e v e r y o n e w a n t s t o g e t r i d o f t h e m ! F r a n k l y t h e r e i s n o t o n e d a y w h e n I d o n ' t t h i n k a b o u t q u i t t i n g r e s c u e a n d m o v i n g o n s o I d o n ’ t h a v e t o d e a l w i t h t h e s a d n e s s a n d a g g r av a t i o n H o w e v e r , a f e w h o u r s l a t e r I a m b a c k a t i t e s p e c i a l l y w h e n y o u s a v e l i v e s I h e a r s o m a n y s t o r i e s o f p e o p l e w a n t i n g t o g i v e u s t h e i r d o g s f o r m u l t i p l e r e a s o n s a n d i t s e e m s l i k e a l w a y s t h e s a m e s t o r y : “ Y o u d o n ’ t k n o w w h a t I h a v e b e e n t h r o u g h ! M y l i f e i s t h i s a n d m y l i f e i s t h a t ”

A m I m i s s i n g c o m p a s s i o n ? N o , s o m e t i m e s i t i s v e r y l e g i t i m a t e

a n d y o u r e a l l y w a n t t o h e l p b u t f o r t h e m o s t p a r t i t i s a n e a s y

w a y o u t W e l l a s o f t o d a y I c a n s a y t h a t m y l i f e h a s n o t b e e n a l l p i n k e i t h e r b u t I s t a y m o t i v a t e d

a n d b o u n c e r i g h t b a c k u p I t i s a m a z i n g w h e n y o u s a y t o p e o p l e

w h a t y o u h a v e b e e n t h r o u g h I h a v e e n d e d u p w i t h m y d a u g h t e r a f t e r m y h u s b a n d p a s s e d a w a y 7 y e a r s a g o , I h a d t o f i g h t t o m a k e a l i v i n g w h e n I h a d b r e a s t c a n c e r a n d w e n t t h r o u g h s u r g e r y c h e m o t h e r a p y a n d r a d i a t i o n a n d n e v e r s t o p p e d w o r k i n g T h e n w e l o s t o u r h o m e i n t h e h u r r i c a n e w i t h 7 8 f e e t o f w a t e r a n d h a d t o r e b u i l d i t N o w y o u t e l l m e i f t h i s l i f e h a s b e e n e a s y ? D i d I g i v e u p m y p e t s ? A b s o l u t e l y n o t K e p t o u r t h r e e d o g s a n d o u r c a t s a f e a n d a r e n o w i n o u r n e w r e b u i l t h o m e H o m e s w e e t h o m e , i t f e e l s s o g o o d !

ABOVE Coming to our rescue and for adoption

Chico is only 10 pounds and 10 years old He lost his Mom and as you can see he is an adorable little guy!

RIGHT Lili

Lili was adopted by a very nice couple a few years back on Fort Myers Beach For health reason they can’t keep Lili anymore and it is heartbreaking She is such a great little dog Loves other dogs and is full of life!!! She looks like a small Lab with short legs Call 239-281-0739 for more details

Follow us on Facebook at Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue and see all the amazing pets we saved these past few months

Please note our new PO Box #864, Bonita Springs, Fl 34133

You can also make a donation at www.findahomegiveahome.com using the donation tab using PayPal

Please make sure you do it through “Friends and Family” so there is no fee and all the donation comes to us directly.

Rescue in need of kitten food

By Jo Knobloch Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo com

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

To those of you who have dropped off donations, thank you very much We do have one favor to ask, please make sure any donated cat beds, towels, blankets, sheets, etc have all been laundered prior to dropping off

Food donations can be dropped off at the two pet supermarkets where we showcase our cats and kittens, one on College and 41 and the other at San Carlos store in plaza next to Target

There are bins in the stores for donations food, cat beds, etc We are in need of kitten food both wet and dry, Fancy Feast kitten, turkey and or chicken flavors and Iams healthy kitten dry food as new kittens are arriving daily.

We are still hoping and praying that missing cats from our rescue and other homes on the beach will turn up We have been showing them in the pet pals column the past couple weeks Please call 239-851-3485 if you see any of them

Nan and Fran are two female tuxedo sisters who just turned 2 years old and are in need of a permanent home together They have been together since birth and love to play, sleep and hang out together Please call to schedule an appointment to meet these precious gals They love to be on the screened lanai watching the pelicans diving for fish so a home with a screened lanai or pool area would be perfect

Grayson - a 4-month-old male kitten He is dark gray with white chest and legs, is very affectionate and loves playing with his five siblings and is going to be a big boy when full grown.

Nino - also a 4-month-old male kitten Nino is mostly white with dark spots on his body and around ears He is part Siamese and very outgoing and fun enjoys playing with all the kitten toys and his five siblings.

US Coast Guard Auxiliary NSBW Coffee Break Sunflower Café supports National Safe Boating Week

The public is invited to enjoy a coffee break and casual conversation on the missions of the U S Coast Guard and Auxiliary on Tuesday, May 23, as part of National Safe Boating Week at the Summerlin afé. Representatives from the Coast ard and Auxiliary will be available swer questions about search and resmissions, facilities, training, and bilities Free coffee, register on-line

at www Aux91FMB org/Breakfast Sunflower Cafe is thrilled to participate in this program

National Safe Boating Week runs from May 20 through May 26 and promotes safe boating practices and the importance of wearing life jackets while boating. More information on updated daily events can be found on the Fort Myers Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary Facebook page (https://Facebook com/AUX91FMB)

WHAT’S HAPPENING

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is the leading agency in recreational boating 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 a w a r d frontier The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian component of the US Coast Guard and supports them in almost all mission areas. They deploy vessels and aircraft daily across the US to save countless boaters and property damage For m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www cgaux org/

Seventh Annual ‘Stage It! Ten-Minute Play Festival’ to be held through May 21

The Seventh Annual “Stage It! Ten-Minute Play Festival”*- will r u n t h r o u g h M a y 2 1 , a t t h e P e r f o r m i n g A r t s C e n t e r , M o e Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road All tickets are $35

New exhibit opens at Shell Point's Tribby center

“Seven Months Since: Shell Point Artists and Writers Reflect on Ian” is on display now through June 22 in the Shell Point, Legacy, and Overlook Galleries at the Tribby Arts Center, at 17281 On Par Blvd , Fort Myers The exhibition invited resident artists and writers to express their experience and thoughts of Hurricane Ian

It displays artworks in a wide variety of mediums and printed photos by 66 artists and photographers The gallery screens also display digital photography by 14 photographers and written submissions ranging from haikus to short narratives recounting the experience by nine writers. In addition, there is also a large kinetic artwork titled “Aurora” that was made by artisans of the Shell Point Woodshop for a 2021 exhibition

The galleries are open for free from 10 a m to 3 p m Tuesday through Saturday

For more information, visit www shellpoint org

T h e r e w e r e 4 6 8 s h o r t p l a y s entered in this year’s competition from 38 states and 8 countries There are thirty winning plays that will be published in Volume 7 of t h e S t a g e I t ! T e n - M i n u t e P l a y s series The book release will coincide with the festival copies will be available for purchase during the event or from online retailers This y e a r ’ s w i n n i n g p l a y w r i g h t s h a i l from around the globe, from Florida to New York and across the nation t o C a l i f o r n i a , p l u s A u s t r i a , A u s t r a l i a , C a n a d a , C z e c h i a , Germany, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom The Stage It! Festival will feature 10 of the winning plays, performed throughout both weekends.

During the Stage It! Festival, five directors utilizing local talent

weather depending

The following walks are scheduled:

will present plays of varying styles of comedy and drama, and all very theatrical Subjects involve nautical lore, women supporting women, s u p e r h e r o e s , s w a m p m o n s t e r s , death, office politics, and as always, l o v e A f t e r t h e p e r f o r m a n c e s actors, directors and attending playwrights are available for a brief talkback

Blvd , Fort Myers

The audiences get their say in the Stage It! Festival’s outcome by voting for their favorites the playwright whose work receives the most votes will win the honor of being “Audience Favorite,” which will be announced during the talkback after the final performance on May 21 For more information visit artcenterbonita org/stage it/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

∫ Now through May 3 1 : Tiny Tots Yoga on 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, family-friendly yoga class Taught by certified yoga instructor Mariela Gómez, the class uses music, yoga play props 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

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

For more information, visit www leeparks org/sixmilecypress or call 239-533-7555

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

Last Laugh-by Luke Herzog

KURT GULLEDGE

Alliance for the Arts to host 3rd Annual LunaFest Film Screening

Traveling film fest features films made by and about women

The Alliance for the Arts is bringing LunaFest back for the third year on May 26, beginning at 7 p m The traveling film fest, sponsored by Luna Bars, is dedicated to elevating women in the filmmaking industry LunaFest celebrates a powerful and diverse set of women filmmakers and helps expose their short films to national audiences Since 2001, LunaFest has empowered and shared the work of more than 175 women filmmakers giving them the opportunity to tell their stories and opening the door for filmmakers who might not otherwise be given the chance to show their art.

This year's LunaFest features seven (7) short films, light refreshments and the opportunity to interact with others in the community Tickets are $15 and available on EventBrite More information is available at ArtInLee org or by emailing

events@artinlee org

Alliance for the Arts is at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving community through the arts The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a m to 1 p m on Saturdays Located For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit us at www ArtInLee org, find us on Facebook, Instagram or follow us on Twitter

Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre to present ‘How I Became A Pirate’

“How I Became A Pirate” tells the tale of Jeremy Jacobs as he gets invited to join Braid Beard’s pirate crew, he thinks the pirate life is for him. Until he realizes that the simple things in life, like a kiss and a warm tucking in at night, are those that are most important Set sail for a fun-filled journey as Jeremy learns that the most important things in life are worth more than buried treasure.

Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre presents full-scale productions that are great for all ages Performances are

matinees with lunch at noon and show beginning at 1 p m The chef’s special b u f f e t i n c l u d e s c h i l d r e n ’ s f a v o r i t e s like pizza, chicken nuggets, french fries, pasta and more.

Ticket prices for the buffet and the show are only $25 for all ages Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more Tickets a r e n o w o n s a l e a n d c a n b e r e s e r v e d b y c a l l i n g 2 3 9 - 2 7 84422, by visi t i n g w w w . B r o a d w a y P a l m c o m , o r b y s t o p p i n g b y the box office a t 1 3 8 0 C o l o n i a l B o u l e v a r d i n Fort Myers

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Cypress Lake Golf Club’s Wells qualifies for PGA Championship

Jeremy Wells, director of player development at Cypress Lake Golf Club in Fort Myers, has qualified for the prestigious PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York In the second of the PGA Tour's four major championships, he'll be competing against the likes of Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth

Wells, of Estero, was among 312 PGA professionals competing for just 20 available spots in the PGA Championship at Oak Hill P G A p r o f e s s i o n a l s a r e m e m b e r s o f t h e Professional Golfers Association and often work as golf club pros, club managers, course superintendents, golf instructors and tournament directors

“I have been playing golf since I was 5 years old, always dreaming about the chance to play in a major and compete with the world’s best golfers,” Wells said. “It’s a great opportunity and I’m excited to share this experience with my family and friends who will be there, too ”

Wells played golf collegiately at the College of William and Mary, where he earned a bachelor of business administration degree in marketing After moving to Southwest Florida, he competed professionally on the West Florida Golf Tour for a few years before becoming a full-time teaching professional, first at a driving range

and golf center before joining Cypress Lake Golf Club in 2019 as the historic club launched its 60th anniversary celebration

At Cypress Lake Golf Club, Wells provides individual instruction, clinics and playing lessons for golfers of all abilities, incorporating technology like Trackman, Boditrack, Blast Motion, Eyeline Golf and Perfect Putter into lessons Cypress Lake has an expansive practice area that includes a full driving range, short range, fairway and greenside bunkers, and a putting green

W e l l s q u a l i f i e d f o r t h e P G A Championship after a solid all-around perf o r m a n c e a t t h e P G A P r o f e s s i o n a l Championship, held April 30 to May 3 at the Twin Warriors Golf Club and Santa Ana Golf Club in New Mexico Wells made the cut, but after the third round, he was in 29th place – outside the top 20 that would be granted spots at the PGA Championship After completing the front side at 1-under par, Wells birdied 10 and 11 before making eagle on the 12th and one more birdie on the 17th His final round score of 66 was the lowest of the day His caddy was Chris Black, a Cypress Lake club member and board member

Wells, a member of the South Florida PGA, has finished strong at several recent events, including a third-

place finish at the 2022 South Florida PGA Section Championship, fourth at the 2021 Florida State Open a

Professional Championship

“Going into the back nine, I knew that I’d need a run to finish in the top 20,” Wells said of his performance at the PGA Professional Championship. “After a birdie, birdie and eagle on consecutive holes, I knew my form was strong and I just needed to keep making aggressive swings to hit my targets After reaching the green in two shots on the 18th hole, I was finally able to relax and enjoy what I'd just accomplished It was by far the most important nine holes of my career ”

Wells earned a $21,000 payday for his 7th place finish

The PGA Championship will be held May 18-21 at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester Early estimates are calling for upwards of 200,000 fans to come through the gates at Oak Hill, but Wells takes comfort in the fact that family and friends will be by his side, including his caddie and childhood friend, Daryl Chappell

“I teach for a living, so being able to take a week to play in the PGA Championship with my family there is incredible,” Wells said “If I hit the ball well and make my putts, hopefully I’m in a position to make the cut after the second round, and that would be quite an accomplishment playing alongside the best golfers in the world ”

Recreational harvest of snook in Gulf state and federal waters closed

Jeremy Wells

Red Cross offers tips to help you have a great and safe summer

As we all head outside to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather this summer, the American Red Cross, South Florida Region, has steps you can follow to help stay safe

“Here in South Florida many of us enjoy spending time outdoors with loved ones as we spend time at the beach or pool and spend more time outdoors,” said Julie Unwin, Chief Executive Officer “The Red Cross wants you to avoid any danger no matter what your plans include and offers steps you can follow to have a safe summer ” Visit redcross org/summersafety for more information

Water safety

Drowning can happen quickly and silently Unless rescued, it could take as little as 20 to 60 seconds for a drowning person to submerge

∫ Learn to be safe, make good choices, learn to swim and know how to handle emergencies

∫ Provide constant, active adult supervision and know how to swim.

∫ Swim in an area with lifeguards Designate a “water watcher” to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over

∫ Wear your life jacket

∫ Reach or throw, don't go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself

∫ Swimming classes are available for both children and adults Visit redcross org/watersafety for a map of Learn-toSwim providers in your community

∫ Download the Red Cross Swim app for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course in English or Spanish

Outdoor safety

Whether camping or just enjoying the outdoors, follow these tips:

∫ If a camping trip is in your plans, know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you Plan accordingly

∫ Pack a first aid kit

∫ Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR course and download the First Aid app

∫ Watch for sprains, falls and dehydration

∫ Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend

∫ Bring nutritious food items and water, light-weight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets

∫ There is a greater chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes and ticks outdoors Use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) when you are outdoors Be sure to follow the directions on the package

∫ Consider staying indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active

∫ Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots

∫ Use a rubber band or tape to hold pants against socks so that nothing can get under clothing

∫ Tuck your shirt into your pants Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to see tiny insects or ticks

∫ When hiking in woods and fields, stay in the middle of trails Avoid underbrush and tall grass

∫ If you are outdoors for a long time, check yourself several times during the day Especially check in hairy areas of the body like the back of the neck and the scalp line.

∫ Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying sources of standing water outside of the home, such as from flowerpots, buckets and barrels

Download the FREE Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the FREE Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross org/apps

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families The Red Cross is a not-forprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission For more information, please visit red cross org/southflorida or visit us on Facebook and Twitter at @SFLRedCross

Nesting season arrives for sea turtles and waterbirds

Nesting season has started for both sea turtles and waterbirds in the Sunshine State

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds people they can help protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles and waterbirds this spring and summer while visiting coastal habitats

“Because our state’ shorelines are critical for se turtle and waterbird nesting beach-goers can have a bi impact on their nesting suc cess,” the FWC reported “T help nesting sea turtles an waterbirds, give them spac minimize disturbances, an keep beaches clean and dark

Obstacles on the beach can prevent sea turtles from nesting as they crawl across the sand to lay their eggs Trash, holes in the sand and other obstacles can also prevent sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the water once they emerge from their nests Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that prey on sea turtle hatchlings, shorebird eggs and chicks

Litter on beaches can entangle sea turtles, birds and other wildlife Beach-goers can help native wildlife by stashing all trash, filling in human-made holes in the sand and removing boats, beach toys and furniture from the beach before sunset Also, fishing line can be deadly to sea turtles, waterbirds and other wildlife, so be sure to dispose of it properly To find a nearby monofilament recycling station, visit mrrp MyFWC com

Any lighting can misdirect and disturb nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward potential danger Beach-goers should use natural starlight to see on the beach at night and avoid using flashlights or cellphones. Anyone living along or visiting beaches can

do their part by putting porch, parking or deck lights out and closing curtains after dark to avoid harming nesting and hatchling sea turtles on the beach If lighting could still be visible from the beach, be sure it is long, low and shielded Getting too close 50 feet or less to nesting sea turtles can cause them to leave the beach before they complete nesting Remember: It is illegal o harm or disturb nesting sea urtles and their nests, eggs and hatchlings Shorebirds, seabirds nd wading birds also need pleny of space to prevent them from ushing from their breeding tes, leaving vulnerable eggs and ks exposed to the elements and predators Egg temperatures can increase to lethal levels after just a few minutes of direct sun exposure Shorebirds and seabirds nest in shallow scrapes in the sand and their eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged, making them vulnerable to being stepped on unless people look out for them and avoid walking though flocks of birds

“In general, it is best to keep at least 300 feet from nesting birds and to avoid walking through flocks of birds or entering posted areas,” the FWC reported “Pet owners can also help by keeping dogs at home or on a short leash and away from wildlife on petfriendly beaches ”

Sea turtles typically return to nest in March along Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast from Brevard County south to Broward County, while nesting begins on the Gulf coast and north Florida beaches in April or May Around this same time, many shorebird and seabird species nest directly on beaches across the state where their eggs and chicks are well camouflaged in the sand Colonies of wading birds, such as herons, will typically nest on mangrove islands off the coast

For more information about nesting sea turtles and how to help, visit MyFWC com/SeaTurtle or view the FWC’s “Be a Beach Hero” brochure Other ways to help sea turtles include reporting those that are sick, injured, entangled or dead to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404FWCC (3922) People can also contact the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's

Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663

For more information about nesting waterbirds, go to MyFWC com/Shore birds and download the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure Or visit the Florida Shorebird Alliance at FLShorebirdAlliance org to learn more about how to participate in conservation efforts

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