Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

$25 million grant to help defray North 1 UEP costs

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

A $25 million grant accepted by Cape Coral City Council Wednesday will provide a savings of about $2,400 for propert y o w n

y Expansion Project area.

“It’s a testament to staff A monumental victory for us,” Councilmember Keith Long said “This is the story everyone

should be hearing about tremendous savings to our residents We are constantly working hard for residents here and this is a result of our hard work ”

The $25 million was the maximum grant amount allowed through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Quality Improvement Grant program, which is available for the conversion of wells and septic tanks to central systems T

Improvements applied for the grant after learning of the new program though the city’s lobbyist, former state representative Dane Eagle The grant will provide more than 7,000

Graduations under way in Lee County

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Graduations are under way in Lee County

Cape Coral and Oasis High School seniors were the first to step across the stage and receive their diplomas as part of the Class of ’24 Thursday night

Graduations will continue through Tuesday with more than 6,000 seniors to receive the diplomas they have earned

For the Class of ’24, it has been a challenging ride

“Eighth graders went home for spring break and didn’t come back,” said North Fort Myers High School Principal Debbie Diggs, summing up the experience of students who wrapped up middle school during the pandemic

The class of ’24 started high school off with half doing the Home Connect option, and virtually from home and back and forth between the live hybrid option.

When students returned back to classrooms, they had one-directional hallways and quarantine protocols

“As far as this class goes, their freshman year they came in with full-blown restrictions They had never done a pep rally; not a typical high school experience,” Diggs said “The second year thought we would have a closer typical high school experience, then it was shut down and didn’t have pep rallies ”

At the start of their junior year, things finally went back to normal for a while At North, homecoming week was under way with that late September Monday entailing dressSee GRADUATIONS, page 36

parcels in the northeast quadrant of Cape Coral with municipal utilities as part of the North 1 UEP The extension will convert

With flood insurance premiums at stake, city says compliance options needed for future natural disasters

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

As Cape Coral awaits word from FEMA regarding the city’s efforts to comply with document demands related to Hurricane Ian rebuilds, municipal officials shared a handso

demands: FEMA’s compliance

communities devastated by a natural disaster is impossible to meet and neither time nor money can make it so

deliver them documents they requested to fall under one of the two options that we chose,” City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn told Cape Coral City Council Wednesday as part of an

FEMA

He reminded Council that FEMA did not believe the city was compliant with its regulations regarding rebuilding because federal staffers contended that the city sat back and waited for homeowners to submit permits and was not active throughout the community

Ilczyszyn pointed out that currently,

Councilmember Keith Long

Michael Ilczyszyn

State funding for Cape Coral’s EOC expansion lands on Florida TaxWatch’s ‘turkey’ list

City’s $9 million appropriation should not be coming from state coffers, watchdog group contends

B y C J H A D D A D

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A n u p c o m i n g C a p e C o r a l p r o j e c t t h a t w i l l e x

Ryan Lamb, Cape Coral Fire Department chief and Emergency Management director

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The Class of ’24 does not need to hear the classic girdup-for-the-next-step-on-your-journey trope these graduating seniors know very well that life not only is not “fair,” but it can dump literal piles of debris in one’s everyday path

In an interview with The Breeze regarding graduation, North Fort Myers High School Principal Debbie Diggs summed up their high school years well

The Class of ’24 wrapped up middle school during the pandemic and started high school with variations of inschool and virtual learning, she said

This meant educational challenges and scant opportunity to enjoy the things unique to high school dances, proms, pep rallies

Post pandemic and after a short stint of “normalcy,” their lives were disrupted again some severely by Hurricane Ian which impacted thousands of Lee County families who suffered the loss of homes, of jobs, of businesses

On the brink of adulthood, those graduating this weekend face record-high housing costs as they launch and an economy where even a fast-food meal can set you back twenty bucks if you opt for that large fry and Coke

What we will say is that tough times are not unique

Nor are tough kids on the cusp of becoming resilient adults

So, in place of the traditional get-ready-to-grow-up mantra, we will again recognize that there are many in this year’s graduating class, both here in Lee County and across the state of Florida, who are, indeed, already adults, young adults who want to change a world that needs changing

On that mission, we wish them well

And we wish that there was far, far less for them to tackle

All the best to the Class of ’24

You made it

And you earned it the hard way

Breeze editorial

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B o a r d i n c l u d e a r e v i e w o f t h e S t u d e n t C o d e o f C o n d u c t i n c l u d i n g d i s c i p l i n e , b u d g e t r e v i

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The dr y side of growth

To the editor:

We now hear and see the results of over building in Cape Coral New residents in the northeast section of the city are running out of water Who’s the blame? Is it the real estate industry? Is it the construction industry? Is it the greed of landowners with lots of property to sell? Or is it our City Council, which apparently does not have a clue on how to run a city?

Our new neighbors are dealing with a water issue that will get worse every day regardless of how deep they dig for water Water, to my knowledge, can not be made It’s a gift from Mother Earth Apparently, when our earth was created, we has only water from the beginning of time that recycles itself

Future planning must be used in preserving the water we have We must slow down our water usage for the sake of the future We can not allow buildings to be added to our dwindling water supply The city leaders have more interest in building, more uncontrolled growth than what the city has to offer our new neighbors yet to come. Council, slow down the growth, let the city take a breath and work on its future

Gary Bongers

Cape Coral

Purchase of old golf course offers unmatched park possibilities

To the editor:

Thoughts for our next mayor and Council:

1 Put Jaycee Park improvements on hold more than 90% of the population does not know where this park is, because it is only a neighborhood park. Take the $12 million-plus (from the mystery fund) and apply it towards purchasing the old golf course

2 Alter the Jaycee Park plans and use them to develop a food truck and bandstand where the Yacht Club building was No need for a parking ramp No need for a swimming pool next to the beach Take the $X millions saved and apply it towards purchasing the old golf course

3 Minimize the rebuild of the pier Hurricanes will take it out again anyway It took out piers in Naples and Fort Myers Beach and destroyed concrete docks at Fort Myers city marina and they were built quite strong Take the savings and apply it towards buying the old golf course

4 Take the new Yacht Club plans and overlay them onto the old golf course property Minimize the build so our citizens can afford to use the facility Our social club could not even afford to rent the old Yacht Club building for dances and moved to the German American Club! There will be no need to build a parking ramp We can have bike trails, walking paths, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, swimming and many indoor activities Imagine being able to have dances there again Imagine no conflict with beach and restaurant parking. Imagine a shuttle to and from the entertainment district It’s not too late to think about the possibilities Jim Wiedl Cape Coral

Water quality affects ever y aspect of life throughout

Southwest Florida

To the editor:

I relocated to Southwest Florida from Ohio and immediately fell in love I fell in love with the wonderful wildlife, the tranquil teal gulf waters and the smell of those lovely sea breezes. As an avid nature photographer, I’m always exploring what Florida has to offer When guests visit from the north, our adventures include the beaches,

Sam Fisher Guest Commentary

Travel & tourism light up Lee County’s economy

When it comes to tourism, Lee County has a lot to celebrate

The week of May 19-25 is designated National Travel and Tourism Week by the U S Travel Association Established in 1983, NTTW underscores travel’s essential role in driving our economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections

Light Up Lee is one of several initiat i v e s b e i n g i m p l e m e n t e d b y t h e L e e County Visitor & Convention Bureau to highlight the value of tourism to Lee County Several landmarks in Lee County will be illuminated in blue lights at night to give recognition to the week celebrating tourism

Light Up Lee locations include:

∫ C a p e C o r a l V e t e r a n s M e m o r

a l Monument, Cape Coral Parkway near the Cape Coral Bridge

∫ Cape Coral City Hall fountain on Cultural Park Boulevard

∫ Control tower at Southwest Florida International Airport

∫ The Luminary Hotel in downtown Fort Myers

∫ The Sydney & Berne Davis Art Center, also in downtown

∫ Old Lee County Courthouse

∫ Fort Myers City Hall

We anticipate that as word spreads

From page 4

about this, even more will join the blue-light celebration!

For Lee County, travel is an economic powerh o u s e , j

celebration, it is time to bring out the blue lights! I would like to encourage a l l b u s i n e s s e s i n L

e County to Light Up Lee in celebration of NTTW

In Lee County, tourism generated $2 9 billion in economic impact in 2023,

n 48,000 jobs and generating $1 5 billion in wages

spending also saves local

Guest Commentary

0 0 0 per household in state and local taxes

The Tourist Development Tax is a 5% bed tax on hotel and vacation rentals That money is used to fund the VCB and its programs

We have a more vibrant and richer economy, thanks to tourism For example, the direct flights that bring visitors to our area are also used by Lee County residents for their travel to places like Boston, Chicago, New York and abroad

Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Six Mile Cypress Slough, the Everglades and Babcock Ranch Preserve such wonderful, memorable “Florida” experiences! We birdwatch, fish, enjoy sunset cruises and dining at our fine restaurants

Water and wildlife are essential parts of our ecosystem. They provide numerous benefits to both the environment and humanity Water quality impacts every facet of our lives our home values, health, and recreational activities

The connection between water and wildlife is intricate and symbiotic Water maintains the biodiversity and ecosystem balance It serves as habitats for numerous species, and the effects of pollution can be devastating

It’s our duty to recognize the value of water and wildlife and take action to protect and preserve these vital resources for the benefit of all living beings

For far too long we have watched the decline of our beautiful waters only to see the focus of those who regulate, and control environmental affairs focus on restoration rather than prevention And our waters continue to deteriorate We need to end this cycle! The only way that will occur is if we give Floridians a Constitutional Right to Clean and Healthy Water

Let us all work together to pave the way for a healthier, m o r e s u s t a i n a b l e f u t u r e b y s i g n i n g t h e p e t i t

https://www floridarighttocleanwater org Michiale Schneider North Fort Myers

Don’t blame Biden for inflation

To the editor:

Wake up, America Despite the accusations that are flying in this election cycle, President Bident has not caused inflation In fact, his management of the economy places us as a leader of the world in our economic recovery from the pandemic

Inflation is worldwide and is far worse in most parts of the world than here Despite interventions by this administration to rein in corporate greed that was camouflaged by the pandemic, big companies and major corporations con-

Visitors and locals alike enjoy spring training and seeing the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins play baseball in Fort Myers The debt payments for their stadiums J e t B l u e P a r k a n d L e e H e a l t h S p o r t s C o m p l e x (Hammond Stadium) is funded by the bed tax Visitors come here for our beautiful islands, beaches and neighborhoods We are fortunate in that we get to enjoy them year-round The VCB’s Beach & Shoreline funding program provides direct benefit to visitors and residents alike, with the goal of promoting tourism while preserving and enhancing the beaches and shoreline Since 2000, more than $195 million of bed tax revenue has been allocated to projects related to beach maintenance, beach renourishment and beach park facility development

The VCB’s other funding programs are Arts & Attractions Marketing and Events Marketing Since 2004, the VCB’s Arts & Attractions Marketing program has provided financial assistance to not-for-profit arts and attractions organizations to strengthen awareness of local arts and cultural venues

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

tinue to fleece us and enjoy record-setting profits for their investors

Grocery profits rose 7 percent in 2023 Some of the largest food chain rankings of profits are Walmart $157 9 B, Albertson’s $21 7 B, Publix 4 3B

The highest-profit margins are on cheese, deli meats, high quality produce, prepared foods, spices, bulk food and cereals Milk , chicken and eggs can be expected to go up as bird flu spreads

Global issues affect inflation: wars, growth, climate change, natural disasters and water or agricultural shifts The USA represents only 4 percent of the world’s population and does not have the power to control global inflation

This, too, will pass Rising wages protect consumer purchasing power It’s complicated Do not put the blame o n o n e f a c t o

President Biden and the Democratic candidates who will continue effective efforts to limit inflation

This is our place in time, VOTE!

Kathleen Callard RNBS North Fort Myer

Record corporate profits are a primar y reason inflation is still with us

To the editor:

This is one of the biggest reasons the American public is not crediting Biden with a great economy Most people still aren’t feeling it

In 2023 PepsiCo’s chief financial officer said that even though inflation was dropping, its prices would not Pepsi hiked its prices by double digits and announced plans to keep them high in 2024

The CEO of Coca-Cola claimed that the company had “earned the right” to push price hikes because its sodas are popular Popular? The only thing that’s popular these days seems to be corporate price gouging

We’re seeing this pattern across much of the economy, especially with groceries Americans were paying at least

To date, $7 9 million has been allocated to the program

The Events Marketing program provides funding assistance for out-of-market advertising and promotional efforts to notfor-profit organizations with the goal of generating additional room-night stays in Lee County accommodations To date, $3 3 million has been allocated to the program

An example of an event receiving this funding is Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, which is celebrating its 10th year and will be held Sept 20-29 Performances by

Island, Cape Coral, downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach

Services Department oversees 130 volunteer Tourism Ambassadors, who welcome and assist travelers These amazing volunteers donate more than 27,000 hours of service and answer more than 400,000 questions annually

These are only a few examples of how tourism enriches our community in so many ways Please join me in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week by adding blue lights to your business

Cecil L Pendergrass chairs the Tourist Development Council and is a Lee County Commissioner

30 percent more for beef, pork, and poultry products than they were in 2020 Publix profit was up 49% from 2022 to 2023 Kroger profits were up 35% for the same period

Why? Near-monopoly power Just four companies now control processing of 80 percent of beef, nearly 70 percent of pork and almost 60 percent of poultry

The problem goes well beyond the grocery store. In 75 percent of U S industries, fewer companies now control more of their markets than they did 20 years ago

So what should be done?

Antitrust laws must be enforced

Kudos to the Biden administration for enforcing antitrust more aggressively than any administration in the last 40 years

It has sued to block the merger of Kroger and Albertson’s two giant grocery chains

It’s suing Amazon for using its dominance to artificially jack up prices one of the biggest anti-monopoly lawsuits in a generation

Trump, in a closed-door meeting with top oil executives asked for a billion dollars in campaign donations and promised if elected to give them a continuation of 2017 tax cuts for only the big corporations and the very rich Americans!

Dennis Raube Fort Myers

Indictments, Gaza, and obfuscation of what ails us

To the editor:

Weary of Trump’s legal problems and Gaza, I shifted to drug company ads

As a senior citizen, I remember terms like “German” measles, chicken pox, mumps, polio, swine flu, etc

Today, names for diseases have been replaced with an alphabet soup of letters Do you have this physical ailment? Who knows?

This call for moving on, ASAP

David Stafford Cape Coral

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 e-mailed to vharring@breezenewspapers.com. All letters and guest opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for verification purposes Readers are also invited to comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: capecoralbreeze.com.

Cecil L Pendergrass

Firefighter turns avocation into buzzy business

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

A Cape Coral firefighter and paramedic is also a beekeeper and bee removal entrepreneur

Matt Anderson, a Bookelia resident and avid outdoorsman, finds watching the pollinators fascinating

His interest blossomed with his first hive, and he is now licensed and insured in bee removal as the owner of Anderson Bee Removal

He conducts his bee removal services during his 48-hours off shift from the fire station

Anderson said he loves spinning honey and gathering his kids around when he pulls the honey to have a taste

“I try to keep usually around 10 hives,” Anderson said, adding that Hurricane Ian destroyed his hives, and he is still working on rebuilding “Sometimes I will give bees away Sometimes I will release them in areas of large acreage where I can rehome them safely ”

Bee keeping takes a lot of time, he said, adding you have to devote your time to keep up on the hives

Bee keeping led him to start his own business

“I remember thinking this is something that is mine that nobody can really have input into, except for me,” Anderson said “Nobody wants to go towards bees That was something that appealed to me about it It was a unique thing that not too many people are into, by and large.”

Once he opened his LLC, and earned all the certifications he needed, he hit the ground running

A Fort Myers native, he really values his name and his history with the community

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Matt Anderson, owner of Anderson Bee Removal, helps residents remove and rehome bees that are causing a buzz At right, a swarm looking for a new home perhaps yours.

“Right now is swarm season,” Anderson said “Bees are moving all over the place ”

The season in South Florida expands into late fall because the Brazilian pepper causes late honey flow, continuing the moving of bees Winter is slow, but once spring kicks off, “the game is on, even all through the summer ”

People are now calling Anderson because bees are finding places where they are not wanted One of those areas are in stilt homes

in void spaces, crawl spaces A recent call had four bee hives under a single home

“People love bees, but don’t love being attacked by bees,” Anderson said. “Bees like small tight spaces If they can get in any sort of vulnerable spot on the house, they will Once they start, they get to work pretty quick You don’t want your whole wall in your house with a beehive and honey ”

Another reasons bees are removed is because people may be highly allergic As a

firefighter and paramedic, he has seen how quickly a reaction forms from a sting or bite.

“You can see why someone needs to get them removed,” Anderson said “Sometimes they need to be managed ”

His bee removal service requires time and attention

“I try to get as much information as I possibly can from the homeowner,” Anderson said, adding that when they start to describe where the bees are, he pretty much knows right away

He will then provide the homeowner with a quote based on the various factors provided The bees are removed and rehomed

“I have properties that I can take them to, or other beekeepers that will take them from me,” Anderson said

For more information visit www andersonbeeremoval com, visit their Facebook page, or call (239) 322-0881

Lighthouse of SWFL to celebrate 50 years

‘Under the Banyan’ to mark golden anniversary

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

In 1974, a place was created for the blind and visually impaired to meet and socialize and meet new people with the same issues as them

That place, then known as Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) of Southwest Florida, would slowly morph into one of the most important places for those needing to learn how to navigate the world with little or no sight and as well as access to other resources

That place, of course, is Lighthouse of Southwest Florida, which replaced VIP in September 2012 with a rebranding to make it more easily recognized for those it serves, and a new mission to take helping the blind and visually impaired to a new level

Today, Lighthouse has 14 staff positions and around 20 steady volunteers to go along with many others who volunteer occasionally Of those, there are two who are blind or have vision loss and another who is deaf

to learn just how to function in your kitchen, learn about bump dots, do everyday things people with vision can do ”

Once Lighthouse of SWFL came to be, they started providing services for everyone from babies to the oldest, who’s 107 When parents learn a baby is blind, they have a lot of questions about resources and the path ahead

Lighthouse provides the answers, thanks to a dedicated staff such as Mildred Eads, who is a low-vision therapist and sometimes vision rehab She can relate with those she works with, having low vision herself

In June, Lighthouse will celebrate 50 years in Southwest Florida, to be highlighted by a new event “Under the Banyan,” a Jimmy Buffett musical tribute fundraiser, on Saturday, June 1, from 5:30 to 8 p m , behind its offices at 335 W Mariana Ave in North Fort Myers

Headlining the event is Captn Jac and his band Captn Jac has produced two albums, regularly plays to a packed house at the Margaritaville Cafe in Key West and has played a penthouse party in Miami for Richard Branson The event emcee is former NBC-2 chief meteorologist Robert Van Winkle

Several on-site food trucks will be available, including beer, sodas and water for purchase The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Ice Cream Response truck will also be on-site serving up free ice cream cones

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music under the Lighthouse’s enormous Banyan tree

Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at http://weblink donorperfect com/underthebanyan2024

Lighthouse of SWFL is a nationallyaccredited human services agency Much of its funding comes from the state’s Division of Blind Services, part of the state’s department of education

It is also partially funded by civic, corporate, and individual donors, as well as by the United Way, Florida Agencies Serving the Blind, Lee County and the FDOT.

Lighthouse of SWFL, at 35 W Mariana Ave in North Fort Myers, is committed to empowering people of all ages in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties to overcome vision loss and blindness, whether they were born with sight or not

Todd Cordisco, director of communications at Lighthouse, said after VIP was founded, they had to evolve quickly from being just a social club

“There were people who needed services such as orientation and mobility, assistance with technology, especially when the iPhone became popular is when they realized services were needed,” Cordisco said “People had

“I work with people who are interested in continuing to read, which is a big part of staying independent Being able to read recipes, prescription directions, menus, the mail, and send Christmas cards,” said Eads, who has been with Lighthouse since 2016

Eads works with magnification devices and portable magnifiers, glasses and telescopic devices, anything that has to do with controlling light and reading and writing

Much depends on the eye report Eads gets from the ophthalmologist and whether the client has the potential to be able to read

“I pull out all the toys and we go through everything If I can’t get them to read with a very large device, that’s when we start thinking of other ways to keep you reading,” Eads said. “There are all kinds of applications out there that can tell you things like package directions Lighthouse is about keeping people independent ”

“We talk to parents about what they can do to give their child a productive life We also connect parents with other parents in the same situation,” Cordisco said “Once the baby gets older, we teach them how to function in school How to put their clothes together ” Eventually, they learn to use the white cane, which takes lots of skill It’s not about taking the cane and swinging it like a bat Little kids start using the cane, as well as older ones who have just become blind

Cordisco said those who are born blind tend to be easier to teach than those who are older

“I don’t know if you could miss what you never had A child knows that’s their world and here’s how you function in that world,” Cordisco said “Kids are more apt to learn They’re sponges ”

Adults don’t tend to realize what Lighthouse can do for them and how easy it is to get services from the state They have around 400 clients, most of them older, but Cordisco knows there are many more out there unaware of Lighthouse and what it can do

Among those who knows what Lighthouse can do is Carol Sue Henry, from Fort Myers She has been a client for more than 20 years, shortly after moving to Florida from Illinois She said it has helped her become more independent

Henry has had more than 20 operations on her eyes that saved her from becoming completely blind. She has one decent eye, but she sometimes has trouble identifying people and can’t see colors She can identify individuals by voice

She was still able to work for an attorney’s office for 28 years in secretarial work, and was an avid artist who won awards for her

Lighthouse of SWFL has new executive director at the helm

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

Amy Singer has spent most of her life immersed in the nonprofit sector, starting an at earlier age than most

She was just 8

Now, she will use that passion to help one of Southwest Florida’s most important resources for the blind and visually impaired

Lighthouse of SWFL, a vision rehabilitation, education and support agency serving Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, has hired Singer as the new executive director for the not-forprofit organization

Singer started her job on April 15, though her learning curve was thrown off a bit after being sidelined with COVID

Still, Singer said she was thinking about the mission.

“I am deeply honored to uphold the legacy of Lighthouse of SWFL, which has served as a beacon of hope the past 50 years by providing people of all ages living with low vision or blindness valuable services to maintain their independence,” she said “I look forward to collaborating with the board of directors, our dedicated staff and the community to advance this vital mission ”

Singer holds a Master’s in Mass Communication from the University of Central Florida and has been a resident of Southwest Florida for the past 13 years

Her diverse professional background spans 20 years and includes a decade working for United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties

Most recently, she served as director of United Way’s WeCare program which provides lifesaving medical care to the low-income uninsured population Her commitment to making a positive social impact has been a driving force

throughout her career

Singer said she started her experience in non-profit from her family when she was a little girl

“I like to say my non-profit career started when I was 8 years old My mom was executive director of the Red Cross in Norman, Oklahoma and she would take me to disaster training events From that young age it instilled a love of giving back to the community,” Singer said

Although it has only been a short time, Singer said she was impressed by the staff with which she’s going to work

“Getting the ability to meet and interact with the staff and clients and to see the work that it takes for these individuals and giving someone the ability to have independence again that maybe they lost,” Singer said “It’s wonderful to see the strides the clients make through the great work provided at Lighthouse

Singer has her work cut out for her She has the organization’s 50th anniversary coming up with the “Under the Banyan” fundraiser in June and “Dinner in the Dark” later that summer

She said that her goal is to help as many people as possible, which takes going out and finding those resources and donors who can help them do that.

“One of the things I value is the input of the staff, community and clients In that learning stage, it’s knowing what the needs are and then creating a vision for that,” Singer said “Lighthouse has been around for 50 years and I hope to carry on that vision and see where we can taker this in the future ” Singer said she is looking to add specialists to the staff and to make more people aware of Lighthouse and its mission through guided tours She said those with low vision are welcome and encouraged to apply

Lighthouse: Lee County non-profit shines the way for blind and visually impaired residents

From page 8

work

“I learned painting here and sold some of it And music is another one of my interests,” Henry said “Whatever I want to do, I persist It gets done ” With that, Henry went to the piano in the main room and started to play She also showed some of her paintings, and from others as well

use a computer with low-vision aids and walk with the white cane ”

Lighthouse is undergoing some changes

“I was looking for a place for people with low vision and I found this online or in an ad I came and talked to them and returned to take classes here,” Henry said “Learned to

It has hired a new executive director in Amy Singer, who started on April 15 and said she is impressed by what they do “Getting the ability to meet and interact with the staff and clients and to see the work that it takes for these individuals and giving someone the ability to have independence again that maybe they lost,” Singer said “It’s wonderful to see the strides the clients make through the great work provided at Lighthouse ”

Amy Singer/PHOTO PROVIDED

Silver Magic ready to shine: Mariner’s band program ends season on a high note

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Mariner High School’s band got a muchneeded helping hand up courtesy of fellow musicians

The Hafenkapelle, the German American Social Club’s house band, donated $3,000 to the program which is in need of new equipment and more

“We are extremely grateful to the German American Social Club for their generous donation and also grateful for the team of admin, teachers, parents and supporters in the community for our program The progress we’ve made this year would not be possible without them,” said Mariner High School Director of Bands Jimmy Ortega

A 2004 graduate of Mariner High School, and an alumnus of the program, he knows personally the impact a music program can have on a student because he lived it Ortega won two state titles while at Mariner

“Our goal as a program is to help promote the growth of our musicians musically and personally and represent our school, school district, and community in the most positive way we can While we have performance and competitive goals and believe we will get back to the historically awardwinning status we once were this is not the end game We want a program that is for everyone, a program everyone in the community can be proud of We want a program that can be life changing,” Ortega said

This is his first year as the band director

Although it is currently undecided how the funds will be used until the next marching band season, there are a few concerns that

The German American Social Club’s house band The Hafenkapelle presents the Band Program at Mariner High School a check for $3,000 The high school band program entered an expansion mode this school year under the direction of a new director of bands, Jimmy Ortega, a alumnus of the program and a member of Mariner ’s Class of ’04 Pictured are Mike Bortz; Jimmy Ortega; Gary Marvel; Meghen Denny, Mariner Band Booster president; Ron Hagemeyer and Cindy McPhillips

will take top priority

One is replacing their 15-year-old drumline for the marching band

“The wear and tear over 15 years has made it a necessity to try to find funds for a newer, lighter in weight, and better condi-

tions drums for our students,” he said “This donation would cover a small part of that replacement if used, but it would be a start ”

The funds could also be used to furnish the color guard with practice flags for the first time in five to seven years, as well as pur-

See MARINER, page 38

PHOTO

were honored Tuesday

Mayor’s Scholarship Fund program makes 15 awards

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Local students who have gone above and beyond in the realm of education were honored with scholarships to further their educational journeys Tuesday night in Cape Coral as part of an annual celebration

The 2024 Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund Awards Celebration took place at Palmetto Pine Country Club, where 15 students received funds that will assist them as they pursue higher education

Students were given their kudos, thanks to their desire to make their communities and beyond a better place through awareness, education, career aspirations, and community service

For 42 years, the volunteer, non-profit citizen’s action group has helped pave the way for local youth, some of whom have gone on to become doctors, nurses, engineers, psychologists, teachers, and difference makers

“Each year we are impressed with the accomplishments and goals of each recipient,” said Mayor’s Scholarship Fund President Joanne Hayden “Their continued success in their studies will undoubtedly benefit the workforce and future of our community ” Scholarships are made possible through generous donors over the years The donations can make all the difference for these academic juggernauts, many of whom are balancing school with extra curricular activities, and even a job or two

Established in 1982, the Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund has now awarded $1 million in scholarships to more than 600 recipients Each year, the fund awards 15 scholarships to 10 high school seniors from Cape Coral, two each from Cape Coral and Fort Myers Technical Colleges, and one to the police and fire academy High school seniors received a four-year, $4,000 scholarship, while the tech schools and academy scholarships receive a one-time $1,500 scholarship

As introduced by the Mayor’s Scholarship Fund, the 2024 Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship recipients, include:

∫ Alexa Ancheta of Oasis High School: Anchets plans to major in finance at the University of Florida, with a goal of creating a financial literacy program for youth She boasts a 3 98 GPA, is a member of the Cape Coral Youth Council, and President of her senior class

∫ Alison Calle of Island Coast High School: Calle, an avid literature buff, plans to major in nursing at Florida SouthWestern State College She was the service coordinator for Global Ambassadors, raising money for starving artists in Zimbabwe and children in need of educational funding

∫ Dalianys Lachel Hernandez of Mariner High School: “Dali” plans to major in dentistry at the University of Florida, as she will graduate with a 3 9 GPA ranking fifth overall in her class One of her most significant accomplishments was leading a group called Sandy Hook S A V E Promise Club; a national, student-led organization that protects children from gun violence.

∫ Elizabeth Kiejl of Cape Coral High School: The senior plans to major in psychology in the honors program at the University of Florida, with a bundle of minors to include political science, business management, and non-profit organizational leadership She is Cape High’s valedictorian, compiling a 3 97 GPA, and was the historian of the National Honor Society and secretary of the Hispanic Honor Society One of her greatest accomplishments is that she was the founding member of her school's National English Honor Society

∫ Eyahna Pemberton of Ida S Baker High School: She wants to teach children, especially in English, at the high school level, Pemberton is enrolled at Florida International University with plans to major in education She was president of the school’s drama club, vice president of NTHS, and involved in many others She also volunteered in her church’s children's ministry and with her school’s JROTC and projects like Habitat for Humanity.

∫ Gabriel Wright of Cape Coral High School: Wright is inspired to pursue a career in psychiatry after a near-death experience involving a family member, and will major in medicine at the University of Florida Boasting a 4 0 GPA, he wants to focus on mental health and start a community clinic to help individuals deal with their issues He was a leading researcher in the school’s psychology lab, and involved in community service projects as a member of the National Honor Society and others. He also earned

See SCHOLARSHIPS, page 15

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Fifteen students

at the annual Cape Coral Mayor ’s Scholarship Fund Awards Celebration. Honorees received scholarships to their schools of choice.

Members of the JROTC program at Oasis High School take part in the 42nd annual awards celebration.

Scholarships: Donations make program possible

From page 14

three variety letters as a swimmer

∫ Giselle Leon of North Fort Myers High School: Leon’s goal is to spread awareness about the dangers of heart disease, and she will study biomedical engineering at the University of Florida with plans to attend medical school and become a cardiothoracic surgeon She boasts a 4 0 GPA and was the commencement speaker at graduation She was involved in a plethora of extra curricular activities, such as HOSA and the National Honor Society

∫ Jaelle Rodriguez of Cape Coral High School: Rodriguez will study biology at Florida Gulf Coast University with plans to enter dental school after She is a tireless worker and contributor in the community, working two jobs and being a student leader at her church She was the executive board secretary for the school's Student Government Association, and played basketball, lacrosse, and cross country

∫ Riley McFarland of Cape Coral High School: Wanting to make the world a better and cleaner place, McFarland will major in environmental studies and society at Florida Gulf Coast University. She is working with the Keep Lee County Beautiful Youth Council and the city, proposing a cleaning project using plans to help strengthen the ecosystem in local water bodies She ranked sixth in her class with a 3 9 GPA and is an avid runner

∫ Veronica Verona of Cape Coral High School: Verona has a desire to help those with mental health issues with the goal of becoming a criminal psychologist Ranked third in her class with a 3 9 GPA, Verona will attend Wellesley College in Massachusetts majoring in psychology She was the vice president of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Student Government Association, and treasurer of the environmental club Verona said her most fulfilling extra curricular is being an Explorer member of the Cape Coral Police Department, where she has amassed more than 200 volunteer hours and achieved the rank of Sergeant

∫ Argeny Batista of Cape Coral Technical College: Batista is currently enrolled in the electronic technology program at CCTC, with hopes of opening his own business A graduate of Cape High and University of Central Florida, Batista also worked at Challenger Middle and Mariner High as a paraprofessional and teacher from 2018 to 2023

∫ Kyle Hickman of Fort Myers Technical College: A recent Cape Coral resident by way of Michigan, Hickman enrolled in the turbine generation maintenance program at FMTC after high school Hickman said he is excited about the opportunities in the energy sector and enjoys hands-on, practi-

Lisa Spooner serves as program emcee. At right, the 2024 Cape Coral Mayor ’s Scholarship recipients are highlighted

cal skills he’s gaining every day

∫ Olga Hosie of Cape Coral Technical College: Hosie enrolled in the medical administrative specialist program in Jan of 2024, having moved to the U S from Ecuador four years ago She plans to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare which will allow her to help medical professionals and their patients

∫ Tim Peters of the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy: With the goal of joining CCPD upon graduation, Peters is enrolled in the Law Enforcement Academy sector of the school He moved to the Cape from Germany when he was 17 and hopes to make a difference in the community through his chosen career

∫ Yamila Uzcategui of Cape Coral Technical College: The Venezuelan native is pursuing her passion through the professional culinary arts and hostility program at CCTC She chose to enroll to gain essential, realworld skills while broadening her culinary experience through various types of cuisines Her dream is to one day own a Venezuelanstyle coffee shop and restaurant

For more information on the scholarship fund, visit www capecoralmayorscholarship com

REAL ESTATE

Personal circumstances prevent seller from attending closing

Mr Feichthaler:

I own a rental property that I am selling to a couple in Cape Coral I live in New Jersey I had intended to fly down for the closing next week from Trenton, but my wife has experienced an unexpected medical issue that will likely require surgery next week I still want to sell the property, but I don’t think there is any way I can leave here Will I be in breach of contract if I don’t fly down?

James:

First and foremost, I hope your wife’s medical condition isn’t serious and that she has a speedy recovery I can see from your question she is your priority, and rightfully so

When selling a property, there are always a few documents that require signatures Many of these can be done electroncially through DocuSign or another signing application The deed, however, requires your actual signature with a notary and two witnesses present

The good news is you do not need to leave New Jersey to accomplish this

James F

Every state has notaries that are authorized to notarize documents, so if you are able to visit your bank or attorney that has a notary, you can have it signed there Also, if you are unable to leave your home due to your wife’s health, a mobile notary can be arranged to come to you They can even take care of the mailing of your closing package to your closing firm in Cape Coral

I have had a few clients ask, in a situation like yours, do you have the right to cancel the sale In most cases, a family health issue will not invalidate the contract, or give the seller a right to terminate it In your case, you are still wishing to proceed, so this will not impact you

You may have intended to fly down to move items out of the house, or to retrieve personal belongings you may have had in the rental. Generally, a seller should remove all personal items from the property before selling, unless the contract provided for inclusion of those items Depending on what you agreed to provide, you can work with the buyers (and Realtors, if involved) to arrange for items to be shipped to you, stored or retained by your new owners In nearly every situation like this I encounter, the parties are reasonable and work together to resolve issues like this

I wish you and your family good health and a stress-free sale of the property

Eric P Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D C , he returned to Cape Coral to practice law and raise a family He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, and Cape Coral Kiwanis He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 22 years, and they have four children He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar, and primarily practices in real estate law and wills and trusts He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney com, or 239-542-4733

This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations

Part two: Perfect storm? Or what a return to normal feels like?

Last week we discussed the recent local television news report about our real estate market that pointed out there were a large number of homes for sale in Cape Coral, along with noting there were a lot of open house signs everywhere on the weekends This report accurately said it was taking a lot longer for most people to get their homes sold and that it might require sellers to make price reductions in the hopes of attracting a buyer They went on to say Cape Coral has become a buyers market at this point and that our market was in a “Perfect Storm ” We questioned whether we were suffering through a “perfect storm,” or if it was more of a return to what a normal market actually feels like? Let’s take a closer look

Perfect storms tend to be wild, dramatic, one of a kind events that are formed by an unusually powerful combination of multiple things that occur at the same time creating a critical situation that is often viewed as disastrous Although perfect storms are normally considered to be negative events, technically they can also be wildly positive events and our market has seen both sides of this coin over the past 20 years As we mentioned last week, we can understand why some sellers who have been unable to attract a buyer to their home while making price reductions to levels that are below what they want, or need, to sell their home for, may feel like this is a perfect storm However, the current market is far from wild or disastrous, and it is much more like a return to the “normal” pre-COVID market conditions that we saw back in 2018 and 2019

To this point, on June 28, 2019, our headline read, “Higher supply of homes creates a ‘Bob Barker’ market,” noting sellers faced a “truth or consequences” moment in the then rapidly expanding Internet age of real estate information We said that no amount of marketing was capable of overcoming an overpriced home as buyers were just a few quick clicks away from being well-informed about home values in our local market We also noted that there was “an audience full of excited and qualified people wanting to come on down and buy a home in Cape Coral, but they will only make their move when the price is right ”

Simply put, we are back to that kind of a market today, albeit at substantially higher home prices and with substantially higher interest rates As a seller, right now you could hold an open house every day of the week and hire a Realtor claiming to have the best super duper marketing system in the world to sell your home, but until you get the price right to the current market, your home will sit there unsold Period In this type of market, price fixes every-

thing Just ask the 868 sellers with their homes under contract with buyers right now what they had to do

Next, let’s look at an infamous perfect storm Back in January 2006, the median sales price in our overall single-family home market hit its peak at $285,450 At that time, we were in a house flippers dream market with “investors” mortgaging everything to the hilt that had anything to do with Southwest Florida real estate It was common for a spec home in Cape Coral to be flipped multiple times between multiple investors from the time the first person bought the vacant lot, to when they broke ground and completed building the home It was total insanity with estimates that upwards of 40% of all homes being built in Cape Coral were spec homes that never had an end user actually moving into the home

When the music stopped, it turned out that the more fortunate speculators were the ones who funded their purchases with multiple mortgages, because they could just walk away and leave the mess for their lender to clean up through a foreclosure or short sale The unfortunate people were the ones who invested cash into this speculative game of musical chairs, because their losses were with their own real dollars, which could not be dumped off onto a lender

In a snapshot, by September 2006, median home prices in our overall Cape Coral single-family home market had fallen by a mere 13% to $248,300 Then everyone, including investors, home builders, Realtors and mortgage brokers, were lulled into a false sense of security when median sales prices climbed back up to $278,700 by April 2007, in what was a prelude to the looming Great Recession and the total collapse of our housing market By November 2007, median sales prices for single-family homes in the Cape had dropped to $190,000 This cascading bear market pattern of lower highs and lower lows continued until the bottom was reached in October 2010 with median home sales prices in the Cape collapsing to $115,000 for a top to bottom price plunge of 59 7% from the January 2006 high In 2011, our market slowly changed to a more bullish price pattern of higher highs and higher lows as Cape Coral was “rediscovered” again as a great value by buyers from all over the world Home prices eventually broke back above the January 2006 peak in A

$286,500. That is what a perfect storm feels like.

Next week we will get into the details of our other perfect storm and discuss more about where our current mar-

Neal Communities donates $5,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County Odyssey of the Mind Program

Neal Communities, a Southwest Florida private homebuilder, recently donated $5,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County to support the Odyssey of the Mind program Odyssey of the Mind is designed to be a fun, problem-solving competition program that teaches students teamwork, spontaneous thinking and creative skills while preparing them for real-world challenges

Each Odyssey of the Mind team is made up of seven students and is supported by an adult coach who helps the team stay organized but does not influence their solution to the problem

This is the first year BGCLC has participated in Odyssey of the Mind The BGCLC team is a young team, comprised of two middle school students and five elementary school students They recently participated in a regional competition, held Feb 24, at Ray V Pottorf Elementary School in Fort Myers The team placed second in the middle school division and advanced to the state-

level competition, which was held March 30, 2024, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Teams that advance from the state-level Odyssey of the Minds competitions will compete again at the World Finals at Iowa State University My 21-24

The donation from Neal Communities allowed the BGCLC to purchase team T-shirts for the competition and will help cover the costs of travel to the state-level competition

With a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given m o r e t h

Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build

For more information about Neal Communities, visit N

Odyssey of the Mind, visit https://www odysseyofthemind com/ or https://www floridaodysseyofthemind com/

Eric P Feichthaler Real Estate Law

Bob and Geri Quinn

Homing In

Transatlantic trends: overseas home buyers continue to eye Southwest Florida

It’s hard to believe, but the rising temperatures and even sunnier Southwest Florida skies are key indicators that summer is right around the corner

With more free time for beach strolls and boating excursions comes an influx of global travelers looking to get their fix of paradise. While everyone loves Florida, the summer months are particularly popular for extended stays among Europeans on “holiday ” Their arrival not only broadens the cultural landscape, but it also significantly boosts our local economy

In Collier County, tourism officials counted 123,000 visits by Europeans in 2023

That’s close to a 33% increase from the previous year, which indicates a strong bounce back from several years of decline after COVID-19

I recently returned from a trip to London, where Call It Closed International Realty has expanded its services after several years of interest from European buyers During my stay, I had a chance to observe some of the differences between our sides of the world

In London, locals told me that they tend to only see the sun three to four months out of the year, a striking contrast from the reality of a Southwest Floridian, which sees the sun year-round, give or take a few rainy days It explains the desire and love for Florida; when Europeans are here, they want to soak up the sun on the beach, on the water or by the pool

This raises an important question: are

LQ Commercial assists Children’s Network of SW Florida expand its presence in Southwest Florida Children's Network of Southwest Florida, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children and preserving families, has leased 7,542 square feet of office space at the

overseas visitors looking to plant roots interested in living here full-time, or are they just looking for their next vacation home?

Take initiative, sellers

Many Europeans don’t just come to America to visit, but in search of a future home Their house hunting journeys can also differ from our domestic buyers – so prospective sellers, take note

Contrary to many Americans who may desire a “fixer-upper,” or a house that can be customized to fit their taste and unique ideas, European buyers generally desire a clean home

Aprile Osborne Guest Column

That doesn’t just mean a house that’s been mopped and dusted – rather, it means that these buyers want a home that’s 100% movein ready This is important to our friends across the pond, whose cell-phone contacts don’t include the numbers of painters, electricians, repair crews and other skilled trade workers in Southwest Florida.

When it comes to appealing to buyers from overseas, here’s what I tell clients looking to sell: take the initiative and pay for a pre-inspection of the home before putting it on the market, so that we can show prospec-

Forum Corporate Park in Fort Myers This move represents a significant expansion of the organization's footprint in the region, where it serves as the lead agency administering the child welfare system across five counties: Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades.

The leasing of the sizable office space will allow Children's Network to enhance its oper-

tive purchasers that we have a clean inspection report and that the home has no issues

The last thing a buyer wants is to move across the Atlantic to their new home, only to find an array of issues that they now need to figure out how to handle in a new country During a pre-inspection, your home will be assessed to make sure there are no signs of deterioration and that critical aspects of the home are secure and functional, including the exterior and structure of the home, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC systems, insulation and attic.

After the inspection, the seller will receive a report with notes from the inspector From there, the seller can opt to repair any issues in the home before putting it on the market

Forever home, or a temporary one?

While many Europeans want to live fulltime in Southwest Florida, there are others who would rather enjoy their slice of paradise strictly on a summer getaway In Collier County alone, more than 20,000 Europeans visited each month last summer

ations and services, better supporting vulnerable children and families across the region

Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR, and Steve Wood of LQ Commercial represented the landlord, Forum Park II, LLC, in this transaction, while Mike Ciccarello & Brandon Stoneburner with Colliers represented the tenant, Children's Network of Southwest Florida

For overseas visitors who aren’t quite at the stage of making America their forever home, they may opt to lease out their vacation home in Florida as a long- or short-term rental during the months they remain overseas

Even with extended summer breaks lasting several months, that still leaves nine or 10 months to rent their home when it would otherwise be vacant, including during the mostdesirable winter months This is also a great strategy to help the asset’s value to appreciate, which can be beneficial when it comes time to sell

One note: make sure that your neighborhood or homeowners association is renter friendly In many HOAs, converting your place into an Airbnb – or even opting for long-term rentals - is not allowed, so check with your real estate agent on locations and their rules.

If you’re looking to sell, get with a good real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of the areas where you are interested in buying or selling; they can make all the difference in your house hunting – or selling –journey

International Realty co-founder, has been a licensed agent in Southwest Florida for almost 20 years Naples-based Call It C

operates in 18 states and overseas Visit aprileosborne callitclosed com

LQ Commercial is a Florida-based commercial real estate brokerage organization, providing comprehensive property management, tenant representation, leasing, sales, investments and consulting services Formerly LandQwest Commercial, LQ is a marketing company that provides commercial brokerage and property management services For more, visit LQCRE com

Perfect storm?: Continued evaluation of the Cape’s current market

From page 16

ket fits in historically, along with what may lie ahead for our market in the next 6-12 months

Based on our live market snapshot taken from the MLS Tuesday, May 14, the number of active listings for Cape Coral singlefamily homes eased back to 2,760 homes on the market versus 2,791 homes a week ago List prices are ranging from $244,900 to $7 7 million, not counting the one outlier at $110,000 for a prepped lot with materials, including spec home plans and permits The current median list price is at $499,000 and it has mostly remained in a tight range on either side of $500,000 so far in 2024

There are currently 1,139 homes in the Cape listed at $450,000 and under, with 44 of these listings priced

b e l o w $ 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 A t t h e other end of the price spectrum, on May 14, there were 326 luxury homes on the market in the Cape at $1 million and above

One year ago on May 16, 2023, there were a total of 1,570 active home listings in the Cape and the median list price was at $538,000 Back then there were 553 Cape Coral

h o m e s l i s t e d f o r s a l e a t $ 4 5 0 , 0 0 0

d e r , including only 16 homes priced below $300,000 to go with the 224 homes listed at $1 million and above

As of May 14, there were 868 singlefamily homes in the Cape under contract with buyers as pending sales, up from 843 pending sales one week ago, and down slightly from the 881 pending home sales in the pipeline one year ago on May 16, 2023 The current price range for pending sales is from $199,900 to $3 799 million, with the median pending home sales price coming in at $399,900 A total of 562 of the 868 pending sales were priced at $450,000 and under, equaling 64 7% of our market, including 52 homes below $300,000 We currently have 52 Cape Coral home sales pending at $1 million and above Coincidentally, one year ago there were also 562 homes pending at $450,000 and under, but with only 26 homes priced below $300,000 to go with the 36 home sales pending at $1 million and above The

median pending home sales price was $405,000 a year ago, keeping us stuck in a tight range for the past year that is more indicative of a difficult market rather than a perfect storm

The sales data for this article was o b t a i n e d f r o m t h e F l o r i d a R e a l t o r s Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla , as of May 14, 2024, unless otherwise noted It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral single-family homes, and does not include condomini-

ums, short sales or foreclosures The data and statistics are believed to be reliable,

revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the

Coral They have lived in Cape Coral for over 44 years Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined with Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014 Their real estate practice is mainly focused on

HEALTH

HEALTH BRIEFS

Lee Health is first healthcare system in Florida to be recognized with the Gover nor’s Sterling Award

Lee Health is honored to be the first healthcare system in Florida to be recognized with the Governor’s Sterling Award, granted by the Sterling Council The Sterling Council is a public/private partnership supported by the Officer of the Governor that manages the Sterling/Baldrige National Criteria for national standards and best practices for performance excellence in the state of Florida

The Florida Sterling Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon organizations in Florida that demonstrate exemplary performance in several key areas including leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, measurement, analysis, knowledge management, workforce focus, operations focus and results

To receive the Florida Sterling Award, organizations must complete an application detailing performance, initiatives, and results, along with supporting documentation A team of performance excellence experts then reviews the application and conducts further evaluation, which includes site visits, interviews with leadership and employees, and examination of documentation and evidence provided by the organization

The Florida Governor’s Sterling Award is available to all types of organizations around the state, including businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, nonprofits, and government agencies Organizations that demonstrate excellence in performance, leadership, and operations are recognized every year The award is a landmark achievement for any organization committed to demonstrating continuous improvement and excellence

In 2015, Lee Health’s Cape Coral Hospital was also awarded the Sterling Award, which has recognized organizations and businesses in Florida for the past 32 years

On Friday, May 31, Lee Health will be honored with the award at the culmination of the 32nd Annual Sterling Conference in Orlando

T o l e a r n m o r e a b o u t L e e H e a l t h , p l e a s e v i s i t www leehealth org

Lee Health, Safe Kids Southwest Florida and State Far m health fair Saturday

Join Lee Health, Safe Kids Southwest Florida and State Farm Saturday, May 18, at the Pine Manor Health Fair from 10 a m to 12 p m for a car seat checkup with certified child passenger safety technicians on site The health fair will be at 5547 Tenth Ave , #2864, Fort Myers

The health fair is part of State Farm’s Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program, a national initiative to increase access to education and resources to help inspire behavior change and create a culture of safety for children and families The safety technicians will work directly with families to educate them on the proper installation and use of car seats

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car seats are estimated to reduce the risk of fatal injury in a passenger car by 71% for infants (younger than one-year-old) and by 54% for toddlers (one to four years old) And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, 711 child passengers who were 12 years old and younger were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States

This year, the Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program will bring car seat checkup events to communities across the country with the help of organizations like Safe Kids Southwest Florida

Car seats can also be properly installed at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida To learn how to install a car seat, please contact a child passenger safety technician by calling the hospital’s Child Advocacy Department at 239-343-5101 Golisano Children's Hospital is located at 9981 S Healthpark Drive, Fort Myers

For more information on car seat safety, please visit www leehealth org

Planning for your future: assess the costs of long-term care

Special to The Breeze news@breezenewspapers com

As each day passes, more and more baby boomers are crossing the threshold into retirement After leaving the workplace, many retirees enjoy traveling and catching up on time with their families and friends After a few years, though, many retirees begin to experience struggles with their health or self-care This could prompt them to require health services, specifically through long-term care According to the National Institute on Aging, the need for long-term care is sometimes prompted by a sudden issue, such as a heart attack, stroke or fall, but in most situations, the need develops over time Causes include chronic diseases, as well as the aging process, which can make the body weak

Long-term care consists of services designed to help seniors with their health and personal care needs when they begin to decline However, it’s important to consider what form of long-term care you want for your future ahead of time, rather than when health issues begin to arise, especially when considering the price tag

Long-term care is known to be one of the costliest investments you will make in your life, and it requires preparation to avoid sticker shock when the time comes Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare does not pay for long-term care

There are several types of long-term care services, but what are the differences in services and costs?

Caregiving

Informal caregivers, such as family or friends, can provide long-term care in the senior’s home Caregivers assist with personal care, such as eating, dressing and transportation, and they also become familiar with their loved one’s full medical history and communicate with their doctors In Florida, there are programs that will pay family members for their work as caregivers Medicaid allows its recipients to pay a spouse, grandchild, family member, friend or child to be their caregiver through its Participant Directed Option

Professional caregivers include paid nurses, home health aides and other medical professionals Formal caregivers are more equipped to help with the health-related aspects of aging, such as treating wounds or injuries and providing physical therapy sessions to keep the body active and engaged Nationally, home health aides can cost nearly $60,000 annually, on average

Comprehensive membership programs

For seniors proactively searching for long-term care, home-based membership programs are a wise option Senior Choice at Home, the only comprehensive, membership-based life plan at-home program in Southwest Florida,

allows healthy seniors to live in their homes independently with the assurance that if their health needs change in the future, they will be able to access the services that they need Services include a live-in companion, homemaker services, home health aides, relocating to an assisted living community if necessary and more

Financially, Senior Choice at Home is one of the smartest options for seniors, as its upfront cost shows you what you will pay for your entire lifetime of care. Additionally, you will pay much less for health services than you are likely to pay without a long-term care plan

Senior living communities

There are several types of senior living communities that provide long-term care services to seniors in need Continuing care retirement communities CCRCs, also referred to as life plan communities, offer the full continuum of care – independent living, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing – all on one campus, guaranteeing a lifetime of care

A benefit to CCRCs is that they give seniors the option to enter at whichever level is necessary for them at time of entry. Later in their life, the senior will be able to move to a different level of care as their needs change For example, if a resident enters a CCRC in independent living, and then later begins to develop dementia or another memory disease, they will be able to move to memory support without needing to find a different senior living community CCRCs come with predictable monthly fees, and they typically have an entry fee AARP reports that the average initial fee is about $402,000 but can range from $40,000 to the millions

Long-term care can be pricey, but it ensures that you will be taken care of for the rest of your life Before you truly need help, lay out all your options and weigh them If you’d rather be in an environment where social activities, amenities and meals are provided to you, a senior living community is the best option for you Do you value your independence? If so, consider a membership-based life plan at home program like Senior Choice at Home

To learn more about Senior Choice at Home, visit SeniorChoiceatHome com

SalusCare expands detox services to reflect the needs of the Southwest Florida community

SalusCare has expanded its detoxification services to provide an individualized and supportive approach for those addicted to methamphetamines, kratom, molly, ecstasy and cocaine along with its existing detox treatments for benzodiazepines, opioids and alcohol The list of substances for detoxification treatment at SalusCare has expanded to meet treatments needed in the community and incorporates American Society of Addiction Medicine protocols

“We found there were many folks who may need a detox level of care that were using other substances,” said Jessica Plazewski, SalusCare vice president and chief operating officer “Because of this need, we worked to implement a medical protocol to treat these substances we are seeing as a rising problem in the community ”

Kratom is a legal herbal substance that can produce opioid and stimulant side effects, whose use is on the rise because it is easy to get When combined with alcohol or other drugs, dangerous side effects can occur. Molly and ecstasy are different forms of the same psychoactive drug that is often combined with other drugs and known as the

“club drug ” Methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system, is a powder that is easily dissolved in water or alcohol Cocaine is a euphoria-producing simulant drug

Withdrawing from many of these substances is intense, and a medical detox program is the safest way to treat symptoms and remove drugs from the body as steps to substance use disorder treatment

The SalusCare detox program supports patients with medical care, monitoring patients’ vitals and tailoring treatment plans as withdrawal symptoms improve Following detox, patients can enter outpatient and residential programs and services to learn how to maintain sobriety

Detoxification services are offered in an in-patient, 20bed facility under the direction of a physician for people 18 years old and older living in Lee, Glades and Hendry counties Duration of care ranges from three to eight days depending on withdrawal symptoms

For additional information about SalusCare and its programs, please visit saluscareflorida org or call 239-2753222

Household remedies for weeds: How effective are they?

By JANETTA FOX news@breezenewspapers com

When it comes to tackling weeds in your garden, you may be tempted to surf the Internet for household remedies. What you will find are numerous online recommendations to tackle unwanted weedy guests, with three of the most popular ones being vinegar, salt and boiling water The question is: How effective are these options and are they safe to use?

V i n e g a r i s a t o p i c a l contact killer Although a soaking of household vinegar having 5% acidity can kill small, shallow-rooted annual weeds, it is not particularly useful as a killer

COMMUNITY GARDEN CLUB OF CAPE CORAL

o f p e s k y d e e p - r o o t e d p e r e n n i a l s V i n e g a r w i l l turn green leaves brown, giving the appearance that the entire weed is dead, but in a s h o r

Recognizing that the product has limited effectiveness, you may now be asking yourself, “Why even bother using it?” Best to use your household vinegar as it is intended

Note that the concentration of acidic acid needed to do an effective job on larger, mature weeds is much higher than the product you will find in your pantry However, beware of purchasing horticultural vinegar having 20-30% acidity because the product will burn everything it comes into contact with, including yourself if not careful It also has a negative impact on earthworms and beneficial microbes that work their magic in the soil It is NOT recommended for home garden use

How effective is your household table salt? Salt is a corrosive and will kill everything in the vicinity of application, hence its “scorched earth” reputation It has a dehydrating effect on weeds and, if applied directly to the soil in a mixture with water, will kill the roots of unwanted plants Unfortunately, it can also negatively impact desirable plants in the vicinity as water and rain often work to spread salt contents beyond the intended target. Over time and in sufficient quantities, salt can also change soil pH and destroy soil structure

Boiling water is often touted as a sure-fire way of killing weeds What you may not come across online is that any initial application will kill what appears above ground but will have minimal to no impact on the roots Multiple applications will be needed to sufficiently weaken the root system and kill the weed

You may be asking, “If household products are not necessarily the best route to take for weed management, what can be done?” The least toxic remedy is to dig them out by hand, roots and all, which can be somewhat of a daunting task if you come across a bunch. The best time may be when the soil is wet, after a nice rain There are also various tools available online for purchase that may help make the task more manageable Catching weeds early in their growth cycle is often the best remedy of all As you periodically walk around your garden, you may see young, unwanted plants along the way, at the ready for plucking

As a preventative measure, you can apply 2-3 layers of newspaper or a layer of cardboard when preparing a bed for planting, or around current plants, followed by 2-3 inches of mulch as a finishing layer All can be effective weed deterrents

Happy gardening!

Wide variety of art on display at Cape Coral Library through June 27

The Art Gallery of the Cape Coral Library, located at 921 S W 39th Terrace, highlights many different examples of creativity in the current exhibit that will remain in place through June 27 There’s something for every person, young and old, to enjoy

The walls of the gallery hallway feature the work of award-winning nature photographer Susan Oliver Her beautiful photographs include Florida birds, other wildlife and gorgeous scenes -- most printed on high-quality metal that enhances their vibrancy She talks about the magical moments encountered during excursions into nature and captured in the images. Her many fans are no doubt grateful that Oliver, who has a B S degree in mathematics from The Ohio State University and managed analytical departments for many years, decided to retire from corporate America in favor of this creative pursuit

People may be surprised to know that multi-talented Oliver is also a musician and currently plays french horn with the Gulf Coast Symphony and Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra

On the walls of the alcove area are 20 awarded entries from the 18th Annual Children’s Environmental Art Contest sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and the Cape Coral - Lee County Public Library The winning artwork, created by youngsters 5-12 years old, has been framed and arranged by age category on the walls Visitors to the gallery can examine the examples of original art that reflect each child’s personal interpretation on this year’s theme, how to save the endangered smalltooth sawfish

The display cases in the Library Art Gallery are filled with unique creations such as intricate handmade 3D Kirigami Pop Up Cards by KoriAnn Designs While many have heard about origami, which involves folding paper, they might not be familiar with kirigami, which is cutting paper

From a young age, KoriAnn loved scrapbooking, working with paper and designing art She hand-cut her very

KoriAnn Designs.

Epiphany

Janetta Fox is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral Visit us at www gardenclubofcapecoral com MAY 17, 2024

of a

PHOTOS PROVIDED

first greeting cards with a cuticle scissor! Nowadays, KoriAnn uses a computer program, I-CAD, to design her colorful cards She utilizes a high-end laser cutter to cut all the paper and then finally assembles the cards

It’s a very time consuming process but one that KoriAnn thoroughly enjoys “My cards are special ones that people will keep and cherish....” says the artist.

On exhibit in another lighted display case are Jan Butler’s glass creations of fish and flowers - plus some surprises Butler describes herself as a lifelong art medium sampler who started working in fused glass six years ago and found the one that stuck

“Fused glass is as much science as it is art, with a lot of excitement thrown in each time one opens the kiln,” she said “There are so many techniques and so many types of glass that for someone who is willing to keep learning and experimenting, there is no end to the journey ” Visitors will love the latest fused glass projects Jan Butler has brought to the art gallery

Changing exhibits in the library’s gallery are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and are designed to afford local artists and artisans the opportunity to share their work in this public forum For additional information, contact Monica Rahman, Art Gallery chairperson, at gallery@capefriends org or visit www capefriends org Follow “Friends of the Cape Coral Library” on Facebook

Episcopal and Christ Lutheran churches in Cape Coral to host ‘Shred & Fed’ event this Saturday

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

Unwanted documents will be shredded by a company named "All Points Mobile Shredding" in the church park-

ing lot that morning Upon completion, a Certificate of Destruction will be issued The driver arrives at the church parking lot ready to shred, so please arrive early to make sure we use all of the available time Approximately 100 boxes per hour can be shredded Empty boxes will not be removed but will be used to gather the nonperishable food items

The churches are located at 2507 Del Prado Blvd., S., Cape Coral Call 239-574-3200 or 239-542-2709 for more information

A picture

sandhill crane family, above, by Susan Oliver At left is one of Jan Butler ’s glass creations

June programs at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

Next month’s roster of activities at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library offers topics for all ages The following activities are free to the public:

Adult

Programs

English Café

6 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, 11, 18, 25

10 a.m., Friday, June 7, 14, 21, 28

Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students

Book Discussion: “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by Victoria Schwab

11 a m , Wednesday, June 5

Making a Faustian bargain to live forever but never be remembered, a woman f r o m e a r

y F r a n c e endures unacknowledged centuries before meeting a man who remembers her name

Download Drop-In

11 a.m., Thursday, June 6

Receive personalized help downloading e-books, movies, music and more from Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers Bring your fully charged digital device for this hands-on help session Note: Please bring any passwords you may need for downloading apps Kindle users will also need an Amazon account and their password for accessing it

Summer Reading Kickoff Party

2 p.m., Thursday, June 6

Join us for a summer bash that celebrates reading in our community Sign up for the summer reading program and learn about the programs our library will be offering this summer Children and teens, ages birth – 18 years, will receive a free

book We will also have two special meetand-greets with a princess and a superhero, light refreshments in the butterfly garden and grab-and-go goodie bags for children

Spanish Conversation Club

2 p.m., Wednesday, June 12

Improve your Spanish fluency by chatting with other adults Join us as we practice speaking with others on a variety of topics, including current events and everyday situations Intermediate to advanced Spanish-speaking skills are recommended in order to get the most out of the session

Crafts at Cape: Gel Print Making

10 a.m., Thursday, June 13

10 a.m., Saturday, June 29

Explore the art form of Gel Printing

This is a great project to use up random bits of acrylic paints and create one of a kind prints Acrylic paints can stain; please dress accordingly Each class has a maximum seating of 20 Participants may only

Registration is guaranteed until the start of the program

Download Drop-In Featuring BARD Support

11 a.m., Thursday, June 20

Receive personalized help downloading e-books, movies, music and more from Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers This week we will also be offering support for registered users of B A

Reading Download service which is provided through Lee County Talking Books

Bring your fully charged digital device for this hands-on help session Note: Please bring any passwords you may need for

downloading apps Kindle users will also need an Amazon account and their password for accessing it

Children’s Programs

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p m , Saturday, June 1

5:15-6:15 p m , Wednesday, June 19

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

Summer Reading Kickoff Party

2 p.m., Thursday, June 6

Join us for a summer bash that cele-

brates reading in our community Sign up for the summer reading program and learn about the programs our library will be offering this summer Children and teens, ages birth – 18 years, will receive a free book We will also have two special meetand-greets with a princess and a superhero, light refreshments in the butterfly garden and grab-and-go goodie bags for children

Adam's Animal Encounters for Kids 2 p m , Monday, June 10

Learn more about animals living in Southwest Florida with wildlife biologist Adam Pottruck This engaging summer reading program gives attendees a better

rescue and conservation For ages 6-11 years Registration is required and is valid only until the start of the program Please arrive 15 minutes early to guarantee your spot in the program

Baby Explorers

10:30 a m , Wednesday, June 12

Babies and their caregivers are invited to join us for sensory play, literacy activities and more

Please dress babies for some messy play For babies up to 24 months No registration required, but space is limited to 50 children plus their caregiver Tickets available 30 minutes before start of program

Family Coloring Drop-In

10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 15

Calmly explore a new world in this coloring drop-in adventure All supplies provided No registration required

See CAPE CORAL LIBRARY, page 30

Rehabilitated great horned owl released in Cape Coral

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, in collaboration with Peace River Wildlife Center, released a great horned owl back into its natural habitat on Sunday, May 12, at approximately 4 p m in Rosen Park, Cape Coral, FL, according to a joint announcement by Tricia LaPointe, executive director of PRWC and Alison Charney Hussey, executive corrector of CROW.

The great horned owl, a symbol of wisdom and resilience in the animal kingdom, was discovered on April 16 in North Fort Myers in distress and emaciated in someone’s backyard According to CROW’s Staff Veterinarian Dr Robin Bast, “Once the owl was stable, an X-ray showed a pellet was lodged in the animal’s shoulder The pellet was safely removed while the animal was sedated ”

After a few days of rest and supportive care, the owl responded well to treatment and 11 days later, it was transferred to Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda for additional care in one of their large outdoor enclosures CROW’s rehabilitation enclosures are currently under construction

“We are so blessed to have such amazing partners supporting us as we continue our recovery efforts since Hurricane Ian,” Hussey said “While we rebuild our outdoor enclosures, our partners, such as Peace River Wildlife Center, play an important role in the final process of our

patient’s rehabilitation journey Every step of the rehabilitation process was guided by our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care and ensuring the owl's eventual return to the wild,"

According to LaPointe, “Throughout its rehabilitation journey, the great horned owl demonstrated continued progress, gradually regaining its strength and vitality. Regular assessments and monitoring allowed the rehabilitation team to adjust the treatment plan accordingly, ensuring optimal outcomes for the owl's health and well-being ”

About CROW

Established in 1968, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is a teaching hospital saving the sick, injured and orphaned native and migratory wildlife of Southwest Florida and beyond Through state-of-the-art veterinary care, public education programs and an engaging visitor center, CROW works to improve the health of the environment, humans and our animals through wildlife medicine For more information, or to plan your visit, go to www crowclinic org If you find an animal that is in need of help, call 239-472-3644, extension #222

About PRWC

PRWC’s mission is to contribute to the survival of

City of Cape Coral to host second annual Hurricane Expo at German American

The city of Cape Coral is set to host its second annual Hurricane Expo Saturday, June 15, from 11 a m to 3 p m , at the German American Social Club at 2101 S W Pine Island Road The event will showcase representatives from local organizations and agencies that play a key role in disaster preparedness, response and recovery

A g e n c i e

, Amateur Radio Club, Area Agency on Aging, Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, D e a f a n d H a r d o f H e a r i n g C e n t e r , D e p a r t m

n t o f Financial Services, Department of Health, LCEC, Lee

Social Club on June 15

Health, National Weather Service and more WINK Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt will provide a 2024 Hurricane Season Outlook presentation from 12:30-1 p m , followed by a Preparedness Q&A with Emergency Management officials There will also be a preparedness area for kids and food trucks onsite

The Hurricane Expo is free and open to the public The first 100 attendees will get a free case of water to add to their preparedness kits, courtesy of Midwest Food Bank and there will be three giveaways of preparedness items/baskets throughout the event

staffer holds

native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation and education PRWC admits over 2,500 patients annually If a bird or small mammal cannot be returned to its native habitat after treatment and recovery but is otherwise healthy, it could become a permanent resident of the center The center typically has nearly 100 permanent wildlife residents on educational display. Contact the center at 941-637-3830

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CROW

A CROW

the great horned owl.

Cape Coral Library: Programs and activities scheduled for June

Magically Ever After

2 p m , Monday, June 17

S p e n d a m a g i c a l a f t e r n o o n w i t h

ChaChing the Amazing Bunny and her b e s t f r i e n d , J a m e s t h e U n b e l i e v a b l e

Mixing equal parts imagination, storytelling and magic, “Magically Ever After” is a colorful fun-filled program packed with laughter, silliness and lots of audience participation For ages 6-11 years

Registration is required and is valid only until the start of the program Please arrive 15 minutes early to guarantee your spot in the program

Bilingual Storytime & Author Visit

10:30 a m , Wednesday, June 19

Children and their families are invited to join us for a special summer reading storytime with local authors Yajaida and Michelson Aristhyl who will read their book “La Casita Hispaniola ” This bilingual storytime shares the story of a home and family where the cultures of Haiti and the Dominican Republic blend. There will also be music, singing and other activities For ages birth – 5 years No registration required, but space is limited to 75 children plus their caregiver Tickets are available 30 minutes before the start of the program

Joshua J. Superstar Show

2 p.m., Monday, June 24

The Joshua J Superstar Show fuses side-splitting comedy, nail-biting circus stunts and tons of audience participation Audiences will be dazzled by his charm, awestruck by his rugged good looks, and confused by his overconfidence Josh has

performed for Britney Spears, the Today Show and currently headlines for Disney Cruise Lines Don't miss this opportunity to see a living legend in action at this summer reading program For ages 6 – 11 years Registration is required and is valid only until the start of the program Please arrive 15 minutes early to guarantee your spot in the program

Pre-K STEAM

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 26

Children and their caregivers are invited to join us for special STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning activities and crafts Please dress children for some messy play For ages 25 years No registration is required, but space is limited to 50 children plus their caregiver Tickets available 30 minutes before start of program

Teen Programs

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p.m., Saturday, June 1

5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, June 19

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

Summer Reading Kickoff Party

2 p.m., Thursday, June 6

Join us for a summer bash that celebrates reading in our community Sign up for the summer reading program and learn about the programs our library will be offering this summer Children and teens, ages birth – 18 years, will receive a free book We will also have two special meet-

and-greets with a princess and a superhero, light refreshments in the butterfly garden and grab-and-go goodie bags for children

Choose Your Own Art Adventure

2 p m , Tuesday, June 11

Unleash your creativity and dive into the mesmerizing world of pour painting You will get to experiment with colors, textures and patterns as you pour, tilt and swirl your way to stunning masterpieces Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this program is designed to inspire and ignite your imagination This p r o g r a m i s f o r a g e s 1 2 - 1 8 y e a r s Registration is required and is valid only until the start of the program Please arrive 15 minutes early to guarantee your spot in the program

Family Coloring Drop-In

10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 15

Calmly explore a new world in this coloring drop-in adventure All supplies provided No registration required

Bunny Yoga and Mindfulness

2 p.m., Tuesday, June 18

This summer reading program begins with a 10 minute vibe check where we introduce mindful breathing and check-in w

includes various movements, songs/chants and deep breathing, with the last 10 minutes being full relaxation Bunnies will be free-roaming and you will be able to gently pet and interact with them Dress for comfort This program is for ages 12-18 years Registration is required and is valid only until the start of the program Please arrive 15 minutes early to guarantee your spot in the program.

Interactive Movie: “Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them”

2 p.m., Tuesday, June 25

Get ready for some adventure with this interactive movie version of “Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them ” Inside your prop bag will be an interactive script, your own fantastic beast, snacks and more All supplies provided This program is for ages 12-18 years Registration is required and is valid only until the start of the program Please arrive 15 minutes early to guarantee your spot in the program

The Cape Coral Lee County Public Library is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace i n C a p e C

about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4500 Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www leelibrary net to find out about programs at other locations Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www leegov com/resources/newsletters.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not dis-

with disabilities in its services, programs or activities To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a

contact Joan LaGuardia, 239-533-2314,

to the requestor Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.

EDUCATION

EDUCATION NOTES

Kiwanis of Cape Coral Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner June 5

The Kiwanis of Cape Coral will host its Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner Wednesday, June 5, at 6 p m , at the Kiwanis Hall The club will be celebrating the remarkable achievements of its scholarship recipients and recognizing their hard work and dedication

This year, Kiwanis will award 13 scholarships worth a total of $184,000, which is a testament to the immense talent and potential of the local community's youth

This year's recipients are:

■ Naissa Esperance, Bishop Verot High School

■ Elizabeth Keijl, Cape Coral High School

■ Nicholas Rodriguez, Cape Coral High School

■ Alexander Dingerson, Ida S Baker High School, Florida SouthWestern State College

■ Ethan Quick, Island Coast High School

■ Alison Calle, Island Coast High School

■ Lim Nong, Island Coast High School

■ Mingwei Chen, Island Coast High School

■ Amanda Echevarria Romero, Island Coast High School

■ Olivia Arevalo, North Fort Myers High School

■ Darien Brown, North Fort Myers High School

■ Tyler Feichthaler, Oasis Charter High School

■ Janelle Octavien, Oasis Charter High School

The Cape Coral Kiwanis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time

Kiwanis Hall is at 360 Santa Barbara Blvd , S , in Cape Coral To contact the club, call 239-878-3873

Washbur n named to Dean's List at UNG for spring 2024

DAHLONEGA, GA -- Colby Washburn of Cape Coral made the spring 2024 Dean's List at the University of North Georgia for achieving at least a 3.5 grade-point average, carrying 12 or more credit hours in one semester and having no grade lower than B

The University of North Georgia, which comprises five campuses, is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia With more than 18,000 students, the University of North Georgia is one of the state's largest public universities The university offers more than 100 programs of study ranging from certificate and associate degrees to doctoral programs

For more about the university, visit https://ung edu/

Applications available for Gar y & Judy

Bowler Trade & Technical Scholarships

Applications are being accepted for the Gary & Judy B o w l e r T r a d e & T e c h n i c a l S c h o l a r s h i p F u n d v i a Bold org The scholarship is in memory of Tracy Lynn Kazunas, (1970 -1987), the Bowlers' niece, who was a senior at Smith Vocational School in Northhampton, Massachusetts, studying printing at the time of her death

The "no nonsense scholarships" are available for residents of Fort Myers and Massachusetts who wish to pursue a trade or technical career Born and raised in Massachusetts, the Bowlers have resided in Florida since 1986

Go to Bold org to apply or donate to the newly formed Trade & Technical Scholarship Fund

Achieva Credit Union awards scholarships

Achieva Credit Union has awarded six students from Southwest Florida each $2,500 through their annual scholarship program

In Lee County, Tyler Feichthaler, Nicole Bishop, Donald Hammond and Sofia Santiago each received a $2,500 scholarship

Feichthaler attends Oasis High School and will be attending Georgetown University

Bishop graduated from Cape Coral High School and is attending Florida State University

H

‘School is Ghoul’

Foundation for Lee County Public Schools holds Addams Family-themed State of Our Schools breakfast

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools held its 33rd annual Partners in Education/State of Our Schools Breakfast Friday, May 10, at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre The purpose of this popular event is to honor business and community partners in the district schools, report on highlights of foundation initiatives and allow the superintendent to update the community on the “state of our schools ”

The theme of this year’s events was the “Addams Family…School is Ghoul.”

Members of the Foundation’s Executive Committee and Superintendent Dr Ken Savage all participated in the presentation of awards while playing the parts of the various Addams Family characters Mike Wukitsch, Chief People Officer of Lee Health and Foundation Board Chair played Gomez Addams Grandmama Addams was played by Dr Michele Laboda, DMD of Gulf Coast Orthodontics and Foundation Board Immediate Past Chair Robbie Roepstorff, president and founder of Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands and Foundation Past Board Chair played Morticia Addams The Lee County Tax Collector and Foundation Vice Chair Noelle Branning, Esq played Wednesday Addams. Pugsley Addams was played by President and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and Foundation Treasurer Kyle DeCicco Itt Addams was played by Gary Griffin, CEO of B&I Contractors, and foundation Past Chair The President of FineMark National Bank & Trust of South Lee County and Foundations Past Chair Harlan Parrish, played Thing, while Savage played Lurch

“The Partners in Education/State of our Schools Breakfast was, once again, successful in bringing together business, community and education leaders in an entertaining format while honoring partners in education and informing them on the issues faced by the School District of Lee County”, said Marshall T Bower, president and CEO of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools “The engagements of our community with public education helps to make sure out students and educators perform at their

highest potential ”

Recognized at the event was our 2024 awardees:

■ 2024 Business Partner of the Year -- Sanibel Captiva Community Bank

■ 2024 Family and Community Involvement Partner of the Year -- Riverside Church

■ 2024 Volunteer of the Year -- Erin Sleppin

■ 2024 Senior Volunteer of the Year -- Rosanne Eckelmann

Sleppin said, "As a proud mother and passionate community member, volunteering in the School District of Lee County Public Schools is my way of investing in the future "

Eckelmann said, “I love to see the students light up when they make connections and receive positive feedback for their hard work and perseverance ”

The funding for all the foundation’s initiatives and programs shared at the breakfast would not be possible without the generous support of longtime sponsors and business partners Thank you to the honor roll sponsors: B&I Contractors; Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands; Lee Health; FineMark National Bank & Trust, Fred & Jean Allegretti Foundation; Suncoast Credit Union*; and Richard M Schulze Family Foundation In addition, thank you to the event major sponsors: Gulfpoint Construction Company, Inc , Internet Essentials by Comcast and Lake Michigan Credit Union

Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc is a private, 501(c)3 organization established in 1986 Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. The Foundation is rated a Platinum organization by GuideStar Find us online at www leeschoolfoundation org, on Twitter @FoundationLCPS, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook

Three Lee County high school JROTC cadets awarded Cape Coral MOAA scholarships

Cape Coral Military Officers Association chapter President Col Gary Nolan (USAF, retired) and Vice President COL Tom Wagner (USAR, retired) attended the JROTC Awards Ceremony Thursday night, May 2, at South Fort Myers High School, where they handed out $2,000 Cape Coral MOAA Scholarships to three Lee County cadets and presented national MOAA medals and certificates to 16 JROTC cadets

The event was a countywide event, representing JROTC units all 16 Lee County high schools One cadet from each of the 16 JRTOC units was presented the medal and certificate from Nolan and Wagner

The three cadets presented the Cape Coral MOAA $2,000 scholarships were:

■ Cadet Trentonn Olsen, Deputy Area Commander, Brigade Commander, Mariner High School He has a p p l i e d f o r R O T C a n d h a s b e e n a c c e p t e d a t t h e

University of South Florida and the University of Tampa.

■ Cadet Melanie Leon-Vara, Area Commander and Brigade Commander, North Fort Myers High School She has applied for ROTC and has been accepted at the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa

■ Cadet Jacob Martinez, Brigade Commander, Cape Coral High School He has applied for ROTC and has been accepted at Valley Forge Military College in Wayne, Pa

Nolan invited the scholarship winners to attend the Cape Coral MOAA Breakfast Meeting scheduled for May 11

PHOTO PROVIDED

The JROTC Cadets receiving their awards from the Cape Coral MOAA Officers Association

Take care, be aware: Safe Boating Boating week begins

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

With the summer months fast approaching and a plethora of opportunities for Southwest Florida residents to hit the water, officials are reminding boaters to take precautions via an annual national campaign

Safe Boating Campaign’s National Safe Boating Week runs from May 18 to 24, and Flotilla 96 of the U S Coast Guard Auxiliary will be ever present throughout Lee and Collier Counties to create awareness of best practices

F l o t i l l a 9 6 C o m m a n d e r M i c h a e l DiPierro says it’s all about teaching safe boating techniques, starting with always wearing your life jacket, watching your speed on the water and being aware of your surroundings

“You can expect to see us on the water and on land helping educate boaters practice safe boating,” DiPierro said “You’ll see us when you’re on the water, you’ll see us when you’re shopping We’ll be offering vessel exams, public education classes and displays ”

According to most-recent statistics, in 2022, there were 735 boating accidents in Florida Of those reported accidents, 65 l

drowning were the leading cause of death (81%)

“U S Coast Guard Auxiliarists will be out in the field each day of Safe Boating Week educating and informing the boating public, including safe boating classes, vess e l e x a m i n a t i o n s , b o a t i n g p a t r o l s , a i r patrols, and visits to our marina partners,” stated Flotilla 96 National Safe Boating Week Chair George Lehner “Nothing

“U S Coast Guard Auxiliarists will be out in the field each day of Safe Boating Week educating and informing the boating public, including safe boating classes, vessel examinations, boating patrols, air patrols, and visits to our marina partners. Nothing pleases us more than a well-informed and educated boating public with waterways knowledge, the necessity of a life jacket and respecting the marine environment.”

George Lehner, Flotilla 96 National Safe Boating Week chair

pleases us more than a well-informed and educated boating public with waterways knowledge, the necessity of a life jacket and respecting the marine environment ”

DiPierro said boating safety is of the utmost importance for Floridians, especially in Lee County, as the region boasts of one the most concentrated areas for boaters in the state

“We have a disconcertingly high number of boating accidents,” he said “Which results in, unfortunately, many injuries each year ”

Most recently two individuals lost their lives in a boating incident in an area of L i

s named “Hell’s Gate ”

D i P i e r r o

w a k e zone” signage in the area, which includes a double blind “S” curve around mangroves, that was once removed is being restored

“That area in particular is remarkably hazardous,” DiPerro said “And we’re delighted those signs are going back up ”

Each year the third Saturday in May starts National Safe Boating Week, the k i c k - o f f o f t h e a n n u a l S a f e B o a t i n g Campaign It runs through the following Friday to serve as an important boating safety reminder before the Memorial Day weekend

“It’s an opportunity for anyone associated with the boating or marine industry to h i g h l i g h t t h e n e e d s o f s a f e b o a t i n g , ”

DiPierro said “It’s to focus on the things we need to do and stay safe in the water ”

DiPierro said the No 1 thing boaters need to do is to wear a life jacket, and one that properly fits Boaters should also be aware of other boaters in their immediate area, as well as pending weather

“It’s also important to tell a friend where you’re going and when you plan to return,” he said “We call that a ‘float plan ’”

Unsurprisingly, speed plays a major role in boating incidents, whether it’s the speed of the boat at which you or another boater is operating

“It’s always a danger factor,” DiPierro said “Couple that with drinking, and then it’s really a serious matter

“Now fortunately they don’t all involve personal injury, but a disconcerting number of them do And a fair bit of those accidents, there is alcohol involved Most of the deaths, or serious accidents, occur to people who are not wearing life jackets ”

DiPerro said the best way for boaters to stay safe, and something they preach often, is for boaters to become first and foremost, familiar with his or her boat, and to become

familiar with the waters they are navigating

“ B

around you,” DiPierro added “To the point where other people on your boat have some awareness and familiarity with the boat itself ”

The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers many classes throughout the year to assist boaters in best practices on the water

“Each (auxiliary) offers a host of boating-safety-oriented classes,” DiPierro said, adding they even have a class for spouses of the primary boater on how to handle a s

unable to operate the vessel

It’s also important to be aware of and avoid marine life, especially dolphins and manatees

“ M

slow-moving, and they tend to not get out of the way of boats,” DiPierro said “They do swim relatively close to the surface unless they’re feeding on the bottom They are subject to propeller strikes But the corollary to that issue is very simple, they’re very easy to see, if you are paying attention ”

Another aspect of due diligence when heading out on the water is to request a ves-

charge, and performs them regularly and routinely throughout the year

“We set up stations at all of the popular launching positions, and we’ll also perform g

throughout a full day,” DiPierro said

The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips for boaters:

See SAFE BOATING, page 40

We e k ly B R E E Z E R e c ap

Family members accused of threatening witness released on bond

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspaprs com

Three family members accused of interfering with a teen homicide investigation by threatening a witness have been released from the Lee County Jail

The mother, father and aunt of Christopher Horne Jr , the second of two teens arrested in the homicide of 15-yearold Kayla Rincon-Miller, who was shot on March 17 while walking to McDonald’s with two friends after seeing a movie at the Coralwood Shopping Center, have each been released on $50,000 bond.

Between May 9 and 10, Christopher D Horne, 39, and Shanice Stewart, 36, Horne Jr ’s parents, and his aunt, Varaka Stewart, each were charged with obstructing justice by threatening, tampering with and coercing a witness

Cape Coral Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit detectives say the victim reported that the day after Kayla was shot and the day before the arrest of Thomas Stein, the first teen suspect, Horne Jr and his parents came to the victim’s home According to the police, the parents told the victim that Horne Jr , known as

Between May 9 and 10, Christopher D Horne, 39, and Shanice Stewart, 36, Christopher Horne Jr ’s parents, and his aunt, Varaka Stewart, each were charged with obstructing justice by threatening, tampering with and coercing a witness

“Buster,” and Stein were involved in the fatal shooting They allegedly told the victim to follow them and to bring along Stein The victim told police that they had a “sinking feeling” they would be killed

Police say the victim and Stein said they feared for their lives and felt they had no choice but to follow them to the area of Gator Circle in Cape Coral It was there that the victim told police she and Stein were “threatened to keep quiet and not cooperate with law enforcement” and that she was “surrounded” by several subjects who were there at the park in other vehicles when she arrived

The victim stated she was told that they wanted Stein to “take the fall” and not reveal that “Buster” was involved

The victim stated that at one point, while he was speaking to the victim, “Buster's” father had his hand on a small black revolver pistol on the center console

The police report states he threatened the victim to make Stein keep quiet about his son's involvement in the murder

Police also say the victim said they were also threatened by another black female who was at the location when they arrived That female was later identified as Varaka Stewart, 38, the sister of Shanice Stewart and Buster’s aunt

The victim was then directed to continue the conversation in an unfamiliar area because there were too many other people a the park, and she complied due to fear

When they arrived at a residence, they spoke in the driveway but never entered the home The victim recalled being threatened by Stewart, who the victim said that if she “took one of my children, they would take one of hers ”

The victim stated she was told if she did not stay quiet, that “they could kill her ” She also told police she heard Horne

April as part of 26 litter cleanups

Keep Lee County Beautiful holds 26 cleanup events during Earth Month

Volunteers clean Veterans Memorial at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

Keep Lee County Beautiful reported taking part in 26 litter cleanups countywide in April as part of Earth Month, including their annual Great American Cleanup and Global Youth Service Day

The organization announced that 395 v o

y 3,334 pounds of trash and debris from the environment in April KLCB held six beautification events, planting 178 trees and cleaned the Veterans Memorial at the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

Earth Month takes place during April every year and demonstrates the support for environmental protection One of the highlights of this month is Earth Day, celebrated on April 22

“Earth Month and Earth Day is a time that individuals contribute to protecting the environment, reflect on their own behaviors, or to make changes in their

choose more sustainable options”, said Keep Lee County Beautiful Executive

Director Trish Fancher “Keep Lee County Beautiful provides opportunities for members of our community to participate in hands-on projects that make an immediate impact ”

Keep Lee County Beautiful recently marked a significant milestone by celebrating its 35th anniversary of serving the community Visit www klcb org or call 239-334-3488 to find out how to

County Beautiful and their efforts

Jr being questioned by one of his parents and admitted involvement the murder and inferred there were others involved

According to the victim, she heard Steward say they were going to find and speak with the other families involved as well.

The victim told police that they were threatened repeatedly that if they did not comply and stay silent, they would be killed

The next day, March 19, detectives arrested Stein The victim reports that Shanice and Varaka Stewart came to her house and again told the victim to keep quiet and keep Stein quiet During this meeting, the victim said she was “promised money to keep quiet ”

Between March 25 and April 17, the victim says she received a number of phone calls, during which the female caller, believed to be Shanice Stewart, “implored the victim to keep quiet and not to cooperate with law enforcement and assure that Stein did the same ”

See THREATENING WITNESS, page 42

Lee County MPO public hearing today

Planning Organization Board will hold a public hearing on May 17 at 9 a m in

y Administration East Building, at 2201 Second St , Fort Myers, to consider adopting the fiscal year 2024-25 and

budget

The hearing will also include the review and approval of the updated Federal and State Priority List

The final item includes Transportation Improvement Program amendments to remove two Cape Coral bridge projects that are no longer deficient and therefore are not eligible for federal bridge funding

The MPO board will also consider the following: updated Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Priority List; and Lee and Collier and Lee and CharlottePunta Gorda Transportation Regional Incentive Program Priorities A review of the draft five-year Transportation Improvement Program that includes federal- and state-funded transportation projects in Lee will also be provided For the agenda or more information, visit www leempo com

Hard copies of the documents are available by contacting the MPO offices at 239-244-2220 Written comments

or

at the

PHOTO PROVIDED

Keep Lee County Beautiful reported removing approximately 3,334 pounds of trash and debris from the environment countywide in

2024 Lighthouse Award winners honored

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Four teachers within the city of Cape Coral’s Oasis Charter Schools system were honored with a 2024 Lighthouse Award during the recent annual awards dinner

Honored were Lyle Fitzsimmons from Oasis Elementary South, Monica Renz from Oasis Elementary North, Kristine Christensen from Oasis Middle School, and Jeff Brown from Oasis High School

The award is administered by the Cape Coral Municipal Charter School Foundation and is overseen by the Lighthouse Award Committee

The vetting process began in November through a nomination process from peers, parents, and students

The honorees are:

Lyle Fitzsimmons

As an eight-year teacher, Fitzsimmons began teaching at Oasis Elementary South in February 2022 He is a fifth-grade math and science teacher at the elementary school this year

“It’s a huge, huge thrill and surely the biggest highlight of my professional life I’m honored and humbled by it and it’s a milestone I share with the kids and families I’ve been lucky enough to work with at OES Their hard work and dedication make it possible for me to be celebrated,” he said

As a child in school who wished he had the courage and charisma to be in the stage productions, or band, but never did, teaching provides Fitzsimmons with the outlet for the dormant performer in him

“I truly enjoy being around the kids and developing a bond with them, and once that’s accomplished anything is possible when it

See AWARD, page 35

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF CAPE CORAL

The 2024 Oasis Charter Schools Lighthouse Award Winners are: Oasis Elementary South, Lyle Fitzsimmons; Oasis Elementary North, Monica Renz; Oasis Middle School, Kristine Christensen; and Oasis High School, Jeff Brown

Awards: Four Cape Coral Oasis Charter School teachers

From page 34

comes to learning,” he said

Engagement with the students comes from creating an energetic, competitive atmosphere that is designed to make them strive to succeed and better themselves

“Expectations are set, and standards of behavior are established immediately and adhered to always, so the drama that plagues some classrooms vanishes Once that atmosphere is created, learning becomes the objective and high accomplishment follows,” Fitzsimmons said

He said he was very fortunate as a 12year-old to have been in the presence of a teacher Thomas Rycombel who steered him onto his first career path as a journalist

“His words made me believe it was possible to achieve that dream and I’ve been able to follow that path for most of my professional life, living every dream that 12-year-old ever had So, when the opportunity came years later to become a teacher, I already knew the power of the job and the impact that it can have on the right kid at the right time because I was that kid I am forever in his debt,” Fitzsimmons said

Monica Renz

Renz, a fourth-grade reading interventionist, gifted assessment teach chair at Oasis Elementary North has taught for 23 years, 20 of which were at Pine Island Elementary School, and three within the charter system She has taught kindergarten through fifth grade during her career, which includes special education instruction

“Receiving the Lighthouse Award is a true honor I have always put in the hard work and dedication it takes to be a good teacher for my

kids However, when people from the outside come in and watch what you do each and every day and feel that it deserves to be recognized is exciting and rewarding,” she said

Renz said one of her favorite things about teaching is creating a classroom culture of a “daytime family ”

“I love applying lessons to real-life situations students will encounter as they get older and become adults It’s important for kids to understand that what they are learning in elementary school are skills they will use for the rest of their lives I always try to explain the situations and times the skills they are learning will come up in their daily lives Also, I love going beyond the curriculum and working with kids on social and emotional skills

Those are two of the most important skills kids will need as they grow and become productive adults,” she said

Her students remain engaged as she treats all of her students as “people first,” and not just “another kid in the classroom ”

“I promise them and their families each year to advocate for them and to treat their child as I treat my own four daughters I also incorporate ‘On The Road’ with Steve Hartman videos into my classroom lessons which is something that helps them apply real-life situations to their own lives,” Renz said. “There are times that I randomly start singing the song that’s in my head as well that is usually not something the kids like to hear, but it does make sure they are paying attention to me!”

She believes that it is very important that students get to know the real version of their teacher, as it helps them understand they are real people with families and lives outside the classroom setting

recognized for going above and beyond

“Sharing your life happenings with kids will help them feel connected to you and help them realize that we go through some of the same things they do It’s also important for students to know that we make mistakes and it’s important to learn and grow from those mistakes to be better contributing members of society,” Renz said

Kristine Christensen

Christensen is in her nineth year teaching, six of which have been for the charter schools She said she is very lucky to have such a supportive family parents who always inspired her to pursue her dreams, and her loving husband and daughter who are her rock has been the encouragement that shaped the foundation of her teaching career

“I was very surprised and humbled to even be nominated, so winning the Lighthouse Award was really an honor,” the eighth grade English Language Arts Oasis Middle School teacher said “I am part of a team of incredible teachers, and every single one of them is truly deserving of this award I am grateful to be a part of this school and appreciative to have the support from our administration, students, colleagues, families, and community ”

Among the favorite parts of being a teacher is witnessing the moments when a concept clicks for her students. That ah-ha moment, Christensen said is an amazing moment

“Student engagement is critical to the learning process, so my colleagues and I try to incorporate hands on activities that reinforce real-world skills for our students We try to motivate them to think about the bigger picture while reinforcing our standards, and we also make sure all of our students understand

the purpose behind why we are learning the curriculum and how it can help them in the future,” she said

Jeff Brown

Oasis High School Financial Literacy and Leadership Skills freshman teacher made a career change in 2022 after spending more than 30 years in the banking industry

“I have been the recipient of awards while working as a banker but none compare to the Lighthouse Award This award truly solidifies my decision to teach I feel I am making a difference in the youth of today,” Brown said

He began teaching at Oasis High School two years ago

“The Leadership class prepares our freshmen for a positive high school experience and to be a good citizen Keeping the students engaged is accomplished by covering relevant content The freshmen are at the age where they are on the cusp of obtaining their first job, opening a bank account, using a credit card and driving for the first time Our Financial Literacy class prepares them for these events,” Brown said “In Financial Literacy we cover how to use a credit card wisely and importance, as well as benefits of a high credit score It is important for the students to understand why and how to read a pay stub for their first job Most jobs require direct deposit, so we show the students how to open and balance bank account ”

The relationships established with his students is what he enjoys most about teaching

“I enjoy conversations with them and hearing about their aspirations and successes I know the content they are learning will benefit them long after high school,” Brown said

Graduations: High school ceremonies continue through Tuesday as Class of ’24 bids farewell

From page 1

ing up with the first pep rally and the school dance on the horizon

On Tuesday, school was cancelled and Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida the next day, leaving devastation, billions of dollars in damages, and much homelessness in its wake

The ’24 class finally experienced its first full “typical” year as seniors, Diggs said

“In spite of it all between the arts and AICE and obsession with North they just have done an amazing and a great job,” Diggs said

Graduations

Each graduate has been allotted six tickets for their friends and family to join their respective ceremony this year

For any overflow, or for those who just can’t go, graduation will streamed live on leeschools net

“For $20, anyone can purchase the ability to watch the ceremony on demand or download a copy The link for that is on each school’s page,” School District of Lee County spokesperson Rob Spicker said

Those who plan to attend graduation in person are asked to familiarize themselves w

before heading out

“The most important thing for families to know is that graduation ceremonies will follow the security protocols for the host venue, so they should review what is and is not allowed into the venue before arriving at graduation to avoid any issues on the way inside,” Spiker said

A

County’s 15 high schools and Lee Virtual School there are approximately 6,180 seniors

Class of ‘24 seniors in the West Zone include:

∫ Cape Coral High School: 363

∫ Ida S Baker High School: 407

∫ Island Coast High School: 322

∫ Mariner High School: 432

∫ North Fort Myers High School: 425

Locations for graduation vary this year, with the two main venues being Alico Arena at Florida Gulf Coast University and Suncoast Arena at Florida SouthWestern State College T h e r e

includes:

Friday, May 17:

∫ 7 p m , Mariner High School, Alico Arena

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

Saturday, May 18:

∫ 10 a m , Gateway High School, Alico Arena

∫ 2 p m Buckingham Exceptional Student Center

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

∫ 2 :

School, Suncoast Arena

Auditorium

∫ 7 p m , Riverdale High School, Alico Arena

∫ 7 p m , Estero High School, Suncoast Arena

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

Sunday, May 19:

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

Grant: City of Cape Coral gears to apply for another septic-to-sewer state grant

From page 1

wells and septic systems currently onsite to the city’s central water and sewer system

City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said last year around this time, Eagle made the city aware of a first-of-a-kind initiative where Gov Ron DeSantis set aside money for changes from septic to sewer

Eagle assisted the city in getting to the point of submitting its application

“Utility staff submitted a grant applica-

tion It was a competitive application,” Ilczyszyn said.

With the award and Council’s approval in hand, funds will be applied to the North 1 UEP

“This will result in a reduction assessment for everybody in the assessment area About a $2,400 reduction in the cost of their assessments,” he said “I am grateful to staff, and lobbyist, who helped us get this ”

Mayor John Gunter said the $2,400 reduction is a huge cost savings to pass along to property owners

“I would like to thank our lobbyist and all of our staff that worked diligently to obtain this grant I am cautiously optimistic to be considered for future grants as well,” he said

Ilczyszyn said the city was notified last week that the funding availability for this year’s cycle has opened Staff is preparing

2:30

Coast High School, Suncoast Arena

∫ 2:30

, East Lee County High School, Alico Arena ∫

, Lehigh Senior High School, Alico Arena

Suncoast Arena

Monday, May 20

∫ 7 p

, South Fort Myers High School, Suncoast Arena

Tuesday, May 21

, Ida Baker High School, Suncoast Arena

SouthWestern State College is

13351 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers

South Fort Myers High School is at 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers

Center is at 3291 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers The graduation will take place in the multipurpose room

another grant in hopes of getting another $25 million for North 1 UEP, a near $250 million project for its first phase alone

Total assessments for water, sewer and irrigation water for the first phase ranged

depending on whether property owners paid in advance, which offered a discount

FEMA: Flood insurance discount decision pending

From page 1

communities have two options to handle making substantial damage determinations when many buildings are damaged by a significant event such as a hurricane.

H e a l s o r e m i n d e d C o u n c i l t h a t t h e requests the city submitted for additional resources still have yet to be received

The first FEMA option its option of choice is that an affected community proactively inspect buildings soon after the event and use available information to estim a t

g e determination is given in advance of owners applying for a permit

What the city did was opt for the second allowable FEMA option notify homeowners of the requirements to obtain permits and act when they apply

FEMA then announced in March that it had retrograded the city’s Community Rating System class from a 5 to a 10 its lowest rating

Lee County, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs and Estero were also retrograded to a 10

The new rating would have eliminated the 25% discount property owners currently receive for the National Flood Insurance Program policies as of Oct 1

To demonstrate compliance and retain the current rating, the city subsequently submitted 206 packets for properties in the special flood hazard area to FEMA

And therein lies the compliance challenge

“In the city of Cape Coral, we have 51,818 structures in our special flood hazard area 3% of the 51,000 structures we have in our special flood hazard area, and FEMA wants option one,” he said “If we replicated this process continuously, it would be 251 batches of 206 documents every 30 days 7,546 days, or 20 6 years to complete ”

Ilczyszyn said he pulled 50 staff members who worked seven days a week for 12 hours each day to work on the 206 properties FEMA questioned

It took city staff 30 days to compile the documents needed

“In the city of Cape Coral, we have 51,818 structures in our special flood hazard area 3% of the 51,000 structures we have in our special flood hazard area, and FEMA wants option one. If we replicated this process continuously, it would be 251 batches of 206 documents every 30 days 7,546 days, or 20.6 years to complete ”

City manager Michael Ilczyszyn who said he pulled 50 staff members who worked seven days a week for 12 hours each day to work on the 206 properties FEMA questioned. It took city staff 30 days to compile the documents needed.

Mayor John Gunter said the employees worked tirelessly going through 5,000 pages of documents, which took much work and effort.

“Unfortunately, we found ourselves in that position The benefit, we painted a whole different picture It was worth the effort It was expensive We have a more detailed and thorough outlook of what was done, not done, compliant and noncompliant,” he said

Ilczyszyn said he has been in city government for 23 years and has gone through hurricanes Charley, Wilma, the no name storm, Irma, and Ian

“If we had to do option one proactively inspect buildings and use available information to estimate repair cost and market for substantial damage determination in advance by the time we finished every property, we would have four more hurricanes already hit us,” Ilczyszyn said If option one is the only option FEMA makes available, there are not enough resources in the state of Florida to comply, he added

“Together with FEMA we need to find a better path forward,” he said

Public invited to CRA ribbon-cutting

The city of Cape Coral invites the public to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Community Redevelopment Agency building’s grand opening on Friday, May 31, at 9 am

The event will include refreshments provided by local CRA businesses.

The CRA building is at 1231 Lafayette Street No reservation is required to attend

A CRA is a special district established by local government pursuant to state law CRA districts encourage public and private investments to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life in redevelopment areas

The main focus of the Cape Coral CRA is to enhance the South Cape and create a vibrant urban community

w o n ’ t m a k e i t a n o t h e r y e a r , ” O r t e g a s a i d

A n o t h e r o p t i o n w o u l d b e t o u s e t h e f u n d s t o s p o n s o r s t u d e n t s w i t h h a r d s h i p s p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n t h e p r o g r a m “ T h i s i s f e e b a s e d a n d m o s t l y s e l ff u n d e d p r o g r a m P a r t i c i p a t i o n d o e s r e q u i r e s t u d e n t f e e s a n d w e t r y e v e r yt h i n g w e c a n t o h e l p a c c o m m o d a t e f a m i -

Mariner High School Director of Bands Jimmy Ortega

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

a n d a ‘ b r a n d ’ a s t h e S i l v e r M a g i c

M a r c h i n g B a n d W e h a v e t h e u n i q u e

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

m e m b e

r y e n s e m b l e i n t h e p r o g r a m O r t e g a s a i d h i s

h i s y e a

w a s c h a n g i n g t h

c u l t u r e o f t h e p r o g r a m “ I t h i n k w e ’ v e b e e n a b l e t o t a k e a g r e a t g r o u p o f s t u d e n t s , a l o n g w i t h t h e h e l p o f t h e m a r c h i n g b a n d s t a f f , s c h o o l a d m i n i s t r a t o r s , t e a c h e r s , a n d p a r e n t s , a n d t u r n t h i s i n t o a p r o g r a m t h e s t u d e n t s

c a n b e r e a l l y p r o u d o f , ” h e s a i d

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

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

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a r e n o t p e r f

c

a n d h a v e

t o f w o r k t o d o , t h e y b e l i e v e i n t i m e t h e y c

n d t h e y d i d a p h e n o m e n a l j o b t h i s y e a r ”

A n o t h e r t u r n i n g p o i n t f o r t h e b a n d s t e m m e d a r o u n d r e l a t i o n s h i p s “ O n e t h i n g t h a t ’ s b e e n p r e a c h e d t o

W o r k i n g o n t h e s e r e l a t i o n s h i p s , I

b e l i e v e , h a s g a r n e r e d s o m e a t t e n t i o n t o

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

o v e r t h e y e a r s , ” h e s a i d

M o r e p e r f o r m a n c e s a n d e d u c a t i o n a l

o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s t u d e n t s a l s o w e r e

a d d e d t o t h e a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s t h i s y e a r

O r t e g a s a i d f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e i n y e a r s

t h e y h a d a h a n d f u l o f s t u d e n t s a u d i t i o n f o r t h e F l o r i d a G u l f C o a s t U n i v e r s i t y

B o w e r S c h o o l o f M u s i c T h e y a r e a d d i n g e n s e m b l e s t o t h e p r o g r a m a s i t g r o w s a n d

t a k i n g m o r e o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o p e r f o r m i n t h e c o m m u n i t y “ W e e v e n h a v e s t u d e n t s s p e a k i n g t o

c o m m u n i t y b a n d s t o e x p l o r e p e r f o r m i n g

w i t h t h e m , ” O r t e g a s a i d

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

S i l v e r M a g i c M a r c h i n g B a n d , w o r d

s p r e a d , a n d m e m b e r s h i p s l o w l y g r e w “ A l l r e c r u i t i n g t h i s y e a r w a s d o n e w i t h i n o u r h i g h s c

s t h a t h a d p r i o r q u i t t h e p r o g r a m b e f o r e I a r

Nine tons of peanut butter and jelly collected in Community Cooperative’s annual PB&J Drive

In a remarkable display of community support, Community Cooperative celebrates a monumental achievement, collecting an astounding nine tons of peanut butter and jelly for its annual peanut butter and jelly drive for the month of April

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community,” says Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative “To witness the impact of our mission and the generosity of so many is truly amazing ” Community Cooperative PB&J drive

saw participation from individuals, businesses, schools, churches and all organizations alike that exceeded all expectations With a goal of 10,000 pounds, Com-munit y C o o p e r a t i v e c o l l

pounds of peanut butter and jelly

“We owe an immense amount of gratitude to every single person who contributed, volunteered, and supported us You’ve allowed us to not only meet but surpass our goal this year, and a huge congratulations to the three winners of this year’s ‘Most Love Collected’ awards,” said

Jade Bird, director of development at Community Cooperative Community Cooperatives Most Love Collected Awards were broken into three categories: schools/churches, organizations and communities (by door count)

Most Love Collected Winners

Creative and Expressive Arts Elementary School

■ Community- Pointe Royal

■ Business – Corrective Spinal Care

Community Cooperative thanks every-

one who participated and helped spread the love in this year’s PB&J Drive

Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs

https://communitycooperative

County adjusts some operational schedules for Memorial Day

Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day

The county’s holiday schedule operational adjustments are as follows:

Solid Waste

All garbage, recycling and yard waste collections in unincorporated Lee County, the City of Bonita Springs, the Village of Estero and the Town of Fort Myers Beach will take place one day after the regularly scheduled collection day for the entire week beginning May 27 This means that if the regular collection day is Monday, the collection truck will pick up that material on Tuesday Tuesday’s regularly scheduled pickups will occur on Wednesday and so o n f o r t h e r e s t o f t h e w e e k t h r o u g h Saturday, June 1

Regular collection schedules resume on Monday, June 3

Lee County Solid Waste facilities and offices are closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of the holiday This includes operations at the Household Chemical Waste Collection Facility, 6441 Topaz Court, the Resource Recovery Facility on Buckingham Road and the Lee/Hendry Regional Solid Waste Disposal Facility

Solid Waste urges all residents to recycle plastic, metal and glass containers from Memorial Day weekend activities.

Lee County Utilities

The offices of Lee County Utilities, the Call Center and drive-thru window will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day A drop-box is on-site at the front door and another accessible via the drive-thru for payments by check

Libraries

All library locations will be closed on

Monday, May 27 Each branch will resume regular operating hours on Tuesday, May 28 The library is always available online at www leelibrary net/online

Domestic Animal Ser vices

Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be open for regularly scheduled hours on Saturday, May 25, which is 8 a m to 4 p m for the Lost & Found Pet Center and 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p m for the Pet Adoption Center Animal Services will be closed for the holiday on Monday, May 27, but will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 28

LeeTran

LeeTran will not run bus, trolley or paratransit service on the holiday Service resumes Tuesday, May 28 Route schedu l e s a n d m

www rideleetran com

Parks & Recreation

Parks, pools and preserves remain open on the holiday Offices and recreation centers are closed on the holiday and will r e o p e n T u

www leeparks org for the list of open locations, hours and amenities The county asks park patrons to remember no alcohol is permitted in county parks Lee County reminds residents and visitors that the Causeway Islands Park on the Sanibel Causeway remains closed to watercraft, pedestrian and bicycle traffic due to the active construction zone

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www leegov com/resources/newsletters Follow Lee County Government on

tyflbocc

Always wear a well-fitted life jacket when out on the water a top tip

From page 32

∫ Take a boating safety course: Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters

∫ Check equipment: Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U S Coast Guard Auxiliary or U S Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition

∫ Make a float plan: Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board

∫ Wear a life jacket: Make sure everyone wears a life jacket every time A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency

∫ Use an engine cut-off device it’s the law: An engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard

∫ Watch the weather: Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion

∫ Know what’s going on around you at all times: Nearly a quarter of all report-

ed boating accidents in 2021 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout

∫ Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds: Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed

∫ Never boat under the influence: A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities Always designate a sober skipper.

∫ Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet: VHF radios, emergency locator bea-

cons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency Flotilla 96 at Wiggins Pass is an all-volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard and welcomes new members

improving recreational boating safety To learn more about the planned activities, v i s i t www wow uscgaux info/content php?unit =070-09-06 or call 239-594 -8009

For more information on National Safe Boating Week, visit www safeboatingcampaign com

SPORTS

Have a preference? Red,

gag, black or goliath grouper?

Of the over 160 species of grouper that swim in the world’s waters, Cape anglers typically target members of the red, gag and black grouper family East coast gag grouper fans are already enjoying a gag season while Gulf anglers have to wait till Sept 1 to fight one to the boat for a ride back home to be the dinner guest of honor I understand this Sept 1 opener isn’t set in stone and may be updated or even cancelled Check the FWC website for changes

A t a n k - s i z e d 8 0pound, 6-ounce Florida

f i s h h o l d s t h e c u r r e n t world record gag title

R e d g r o u p e r s e a s o n will soon come to an end July 1 For now, if you plan to be out in the Gulf in the 100 to 120-foot

z o n e a n d o v

m e choice structure, you’re in the right spot A 42 4pound Florida fish claims the record spot for this t a s t y g r o u

Capt George Tunison

. The lesser encountered and to me better tasting black grouper season is open year round for Gulf anglers A huge 124-pound Texas fish owns this world record spot

Want to break a monster grouper world record? That’s easy, just beat the 680-pound goliath caught back in 1961 Boca Grande would be a good place to practice as it hosts some true whoppers

The most beautiful and most rare of all the grouper species is the bright orange, yellow and white striped Neptune grouper Bring a reel with lots of line capacity as these brightly colored fish swim in the 1,000-foot depths

In the Gulf 100-foot-plus depths, you definitely won’t find an ultra-rare Neptune but you may find a school of tough-as-nails amberjack hovering over structure, definitely ready to test your arms, back, knots and your gear as these battlers fight hard African pompano are a very real possibility at these depths as well Many species of always sharp eyed and delicious snapper will also be looking to eat your baits in these same areas If you’re not getting bites try downsizing your leader as these fish can be line shy at times

Cobia could show up just about anywhere from off the beach to grouper depths but almost all reports speak of smaller fish under 36 inches coming to the boat these

See PREFERENCE,

The 4-H Green Thumb Ranchers group, which recently completed an “Introduction to Archery” program taught by the Lee County Archers

PHOTO PROVIDED

Lee County Archers completes 6-month

‘Introduction to Archery’ program for local ‘Green Thumb Ranchers’

Lee County Archers delivered a 6-month “Introduction to Archery” program tailored exclusively for the local 4-H Club, “Green Thumb Ranchers ” The program ran from December to May 2024, aimed at introducing youngsters to the art and discipline of archery, fostering a passion for the sport while instilling values of focus, discipline and teamwork

The program’s initiative is a testament to Lee County Archers' commitment to community engagement and youth development. A second program is currently being planned for the fall

Drawing on their expertise and passion for archery, members of the Lee County Archers, including certified Level 2 archery instructors Richard Erschik, Laurie Dougherty and Bob Nichols, were also specially trained as 4H instructors to conduct the program and coach the eager participants

During the program additional Lee Country Archers members Preston Moore and John Comito demonstrated the working of the compound bow and the hand crafting of wooden arrows

Established originally in the late 1960s, Lee County Archers has long been a cornerstone of the local archery community, providing a welcoming space for enthusiasts of all skill levels to hone their craft and share their passion for the sport With a focus on camaraderie, skill-building, and community outreach, Lee County Archers embodies the spirit of inclusivity and collaboration

4-H Club

“We were thrilled to partner with the Green Thumb Ranchers 4H Club to offer this exciting introduction to archery,” said Chick Richards, president of Lee County Archers “Archery is not just a sport; it's a discipline that teaches focus, patience, and perseverance We look forward to again guiding the young participants of 4-H and other community groups through their first steps in this rewarding journey ”

The "Introduction to Archery" 4-H program covered basic archery techniques, safety protocols, equipment handling, and target practice, providing participants with a solid foundation to pursue their archery interests further F or more information about the " Introduction to Archery" program or Lee County Archers, please contact Richard Erschik at 630-642-6500 or rerschik@richarderschik com, or visit www LeeCountyArchers com

About Lee County Archers

Lee County Archers is a community of archery enthusiasts based in Lee County Founded on the principles of inclusivity, camaraderie and skill-building, Lee County Archers provides a welcoming space for archers of all ages and skill levels to come together, learn and grow With a commitment to community engagement and youth development, Lee County Archers offers a range of programs and events designed to promote the sport of archery and foster a sense of belonging among its members For more, contact Chick Richards, president of Lee County Archers, at 239-247-3499 or visit www LeeCountyArchers com

Bishop Verot baseball team advances to 3A state tournament; North softball reaches regional final PREP REPORT

Tuesday

Softball

Region 5A-3

Semifinal

North Fort Myers 16, Fort Myers 4 (5 innings): Mia Lane and Kaliyah Williams had five RBI each to power North Fort Myers Williams was 4-for-4 at the plate with two doubles, while Lane was 3-for-4 with a triple and a double Abigail Hynes, Audrey Florenzano and Hynes each scored four times The Red Knights (23-5) will travel to Parrish Community to play for a spot in the FHSAA Class 5A State Championships in Clermont Friday's region final

North Fort Myers at Parrish Community, 7 p m

Region 3A-3

Semifinal

Tampa Academy of the Holy Names 2, Bishop Verot 1 (8 innings): AHN pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the eighth The Vikings' season ended at 21-7-

1 Abby Goff drove in Isabella Scaperotto for the Bishop Verot run Payton Breadmore allowed three hits and two runs over 7 1/3 innings

Baseball

Region 3A-2

Region final

Bishop Verot 4, Tampa Berkeley Prep 0: The Vikings (25-5) locked up a spot in the FHSAA Class 3A State Championships at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers Jason Bello brought the big bat for Bishop Verot, going 2for-3 with a double and a home run, scoring twice and driving in three runs Joey Lawson pitched five shutout innings for the win, striking out 13 batters Bellow finished the game with two perfect innings with four strikeouts The Vikings will face top-seeded North Broward Prep at 10 a m on May 21

Voting begins for Breeze Athlete of the Month for May

Breeze Staf f Repor t news@breezenewspapers com

V o t i n g f o r t h e C a p e C o r a l B r e e z e

Athlete of the Month for May is now open

There were several top performances from student-athletes in The Breeze coverage area as the spring seasons wind down and now it’s up to readers to decide who will earn top honors for the month Nominees for May include:

■ Mikayla Nieves, senior, Ida Baker Bulldogs: The Bulldogs’ offensive leader in nearly every category this year helped

her team pick up three wins during her nomination week with great performances at the plate. Nieves went 7-for-10, collecting six RBI, blasting a home run, and scoring six runs

■ James Little IV, junior, Bishop Verot Vikings: The junior finished first in three different events at the District 2A-12 finals during his nomination week Little IV was tops in the triple jump, 110-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles He also was part of the winning 4×400-meter relay team for the district champion Vikings

■ Kaliyah Williams, sophomore, North Fort Myers Red Knights: Williams tripled and drove in three runs to lead the Red Knights to the 5A-11 District title over Ida Baker by a score of 8-1 She also went the d i s t a n

unearned run on three hits, striking out nine

■

Island Coast Gators: Schoolcraft came up with the clutch hit twice as Island Coast won the District 5A-11 title over Fort Myers in extra innings His RBI single in

the bottom of the seventh extended the game, and a bunt single brought home Jordi Guerrero with the game-winner in the bottom of the ninth Athlete of the Month nominees are comprised of the Breeze’s staff-selected Athletes of the Week for that respective month

To vote, please visit www capecoralbreeze com and click the "Vote Now" icon on the homepage

LARC holds ‘Aiming for Ability’ Clay Shooting Tournament

The Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and develo p m

h annual “Aiming for Ability” Clay Shooting Tournament Friday, May 3, at Sarasota Trap Skeet & Clays in Nokomis The event raised more than $30,000 All proceeds benefit LARC’s programs and services that help individuals with IDD achieve

The tournament provided participants with a fun and meaningful way to contribute to the cause while enjoying a day of outdoor recreation

The top teams were:

■ First Place: Sunset Air and Home Services

■ Second Place: Pop Gun Team

■ Third Place: Honc Marine Contracting, Inc

■ Kenny King was the Top Overall Shooter

■ Maddi Freeland was the Top Female Shooter

“Established in 1954, LARC has been a cornerstone in the community, offering vocational training, residential services and a vast array of community inclusion programs to help individuals lead fulfilling

lives,” said Angela Katz, LARC’s executive director “Tournament participants and sponsors are directly supporting LARC’s mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their full potential ”

The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Grampy’s Charities, Honc Marine Contracting, Inc., Sunset Air and Home Services, All Star Equipment Rentals, Crews Environmental, Turf Equipment Solutions, Lee Health, Strayhorn, PersonsMulicka & Fisher, Mark Loren Designs, HWGA Supply, the Garcia Family Wealth

Management Group at Morgan Stanley, H U B

Manatee Mobility Vans Fort Myers, Elite Remodeling, Bimbo Bakeries USA, and Wear the Fund

LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 81 LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson St , Fort Myers LARC

Homes in Fort Myers and Cape Coral

To learn more about LARC and its pro-

contact Katz at 239-334-6285, extension 210, or angelakatz@larcleecounty org

Preference: Fishing local waters for red, gag, black or goliath grouper

From page 41

past several months

Further offshore there have been credible reports of wahoo and sailfish encounters for those equipped to make the trip. If these two beauties are on your angling bucket list, fishing Florida’s east coast or Keys area is a much more productive plan Wahoo on the grill? Incredible!

Nearshore reef fishing has slowed a bit but there’s still fish hanging out from small

Melody is a 1 to 3-year-old female

With a wagging tail and a smile that never fades, I'm always ready to spread joy and make new friends wherever I go Life's too short not to be happy, right? Whether we're going for a walk or just lounging in the sun, I'm all about soaking up the good vibes and living life to the fullest

Nemo is a 1 to 3-year-old female Are you ready to embark on an aquatic adventure without leaving the comfort of your home? Dive into the wonderful world of me, Nemo, the friendly feline who's ready to make a splash in your life! I am not just

assorted snappers and possibly the biggest snook you’ve ever seen

While the offshore guys aren’t happy unless they’re in deep water, most of the rest of the locals are inshore preoccupied with silver king fever. Tarpon are here and there along the coast from the Sanibel Causeway to Sarasota with most of the action still centered in Boca Grande Pass

Although there will be tarpon in Boca Grande year-round, many of the current

your ordinary cat, I'm a social butterfly with a personality as vibrant as the ocean itself

If you are interested in meeting any of the animals available for adoption at The Cape Coral Animal Shelter, visit its website at www capecoralanimalshelter com for additional information

The shelter is located at 325 S W 2nd Ave , Cape Coral, and hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p m , and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p m Please call 239-573-2002 for additional information

population of “spring breakers” will soon leave the passes and head out many miles into the Gulf to spawn then return with the m a i n b o d y e v e n t u a l l y m o v i n g i n t o Charlotte Harbor for the remainder of the summer

Lucky Cape fly anglers get to hunt not just one but two inshore big game fish this summer What serious fly angler hasn’t dreamt of putting a huge tarpon in the air, especially in the actual birthplace of USA tarpon fishing?

Want more big game excitement? Take that 12 weight, a little wire, and a big, brightly colored, bushy fly and put it right on the nose of the nearest big shark that you’ve chummed almost to the boats transom Hang on! Drag burning time!

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

EDUCATION NOTES

From page 31

Santiago is a Bishop Verot graduate heading to the University of Miami

Each year, Achieva awards 22 $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors and students currently enrolled in a college or trade school This year they received over 170 submissions throughout our Florida

To be eligible, the student must be an Achieva Credit Union member in good standing, a graduating high school senior

or currently enrolled in college or trade school, an accredited two-year program leading to a four year undergrad degree, an accredited two-year degree program or an accredited trade or technical school

Achieva Credit Union was founded in 1937 in Pinellas County Today, it has

Collier, DeSoto, Hernando, Hillsborough,

Sarasota counties For additional information, visit www achievacu com

Threatening witness: Out on bond

From page 33

The victim says the caller threatened and intimidated her, indicating that she, Shanice Stewart, “had people on the inside and the outside that could get to them ” During one call, the victim says the caller thanked her “for protecting her ‘baby ’”

On April 17, Horne Jr was arrested in connection with Kayla's death, and later that day, the victim told police she received a call from the same person who stated, “‘they got my son’ and that she was not playing games ” Christopher D Horne, Shanice Stewart and Varaka Stewart are charged with one count each of tampering with a witness, a first-degree felony

Horne Jr , 16, has been charged as an adult with one count of homicide without premeditation and three counts of robbery

with a firearm

Stein, 16, also has been charged as an adult with one count of homicide without premeditation and three counts of robbery with a firearm

Both are being held in the Lee County Jail without bond

The investigation is continuing Cape police say the case was developed and investigated to protect the witness in the murder investigation of Kayla RinconMiller They say the department was assisted by The Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force – Fort Myers Office, who were crucial in locating and arresting all the suspects

“We would also like to thank the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the State Attorney’s Office,” the police reported

Nemo

Lee County Parks & Recreation seeking public input to help improve the department

Lee County Parks & Recreation is asking the public to help improve its services and amenities offered by participating in a biennial needs assessment survey

The survey is available on the homepage of the Parks & Recreation website at w

pages

People who complete the survey have the option to enter a drawing for a chance to win a family four-pass to the 2025 SWFL Ag Expo, a Lee County Parks &

Recreation annual parking sticker or an annual pool pass

Completing the survey is important to anyone who uses any of the Lee County parks or other recreational sites because it allows the public to provide feedback on what the department is doing well and where the department can improve

The survey will remain online until Wednesday, July 31

Anyone without internet access may take the survey in person at any of the fol-

lowing locations:

Corkscrew Palms Blvd , Estero

■ North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 North Recreation Parkway, North Fort Myers ■

Homestead Road, S , Lehigh Acres

■ Terry Park, 3410 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers

For additional information about Lee County Parks and Recreation locations,

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the