Six apply again for vacant seat on Sanibel library board

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

Six applications were received for an open seat on the Sanibel Public Library District's board

Recently, the district's Board of Commissioners reopened the process to make an appointment to former Commissioner Barbara Ruben's seat Ruben had to resign because she had moved off-island

At its April meeting, the board appointed Laura Gales one of six to apply to fill the seat in a majority vote However, unforeseen circumstances prevented Gales from accepting the position

The board reopened the application process with a new deadline of May 18 to again attempt to fill the seat and remainder of Ruben's term, which runs until 2024 Six applied again by the new deadline

“We have six,” acting library Director Duane Shaffer said of the second round of applications

“Three out of the six are re-applicants,” he added

Office Manager Cathy Cameron explained that after the board received Gales' letter of withdrawal, officials posted the information on the library's website and contacted the prior applicants not picked

“We did reach out to all asking if they would like to resubmit their applications,” she said

The board is an independent governing body with the responsibility for library fiscal oversight and budget and policy approval It is composed of seven members who are elected on a non-partisan basis

The board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 9:30 a m

Shaffer reported that it is expected to discuss the new applicants and appoint one at its meeting on May 25 at 9:30 a m in the library's conference room, if there are enough board members present for a quorum

Library board meetings are open to the public

“It is a public meeting,” Cameron said.

For more information about the board, visit https://spldboard specialdistrict org/governance

“If any diseases are detected, that area of the county is thoroughly inspected and treated to eliminate mosquito activity,” Fowler said

Pest control professionals say one specific species, the Asian tiger mosquito, is spreading rapidly across the country. It is the small dark mosquito with distinctive white stripes on its legs and body The reason the species is a concern is its ability to serve as a disease carrier and transmit dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus

L C M C D ’ s A p p l i e d S c i e n c e a n d Technologies Manager Rachel Morreale said while the species may be expanding its range, it first arrived in Jacksonville in 1986 and has been present in Lee County since '91

The Asian tiger mosquito, or Ae albopictus, “is a container breeding mosquito that uses cryptic sites around people’s homes as larval habitats,” she said “This means that bird baths, plant saucers, old toys, pet bowls, bromeliads, clogged gutters, tires, et cetera can all make excellent homes for babies ”

Morreale said it is a daytime-biting mosquito that can be found throughout the county, but it tends to be localized to sites with abundant container habitats

“The most effective way to get rid of these mosquitoes is to remove the larval habitat dump and cover water sources. However, this can be difficult on a large scale,” she said “We are able to use larvicides and adulticides to help reduce the population when source reduction isn’t an option ”

As for the disease they may carry, Morreale said, “Fortunately, none of these viruses are currently circulating in Lee County When imported cases are detected, we conduct surveillance to see if we catch (the species or other mosquito species) and will treat the area if we need to While this is an invasive exotic mosquito that has the potential to be dangerous due to the diseases it can carry, it is not new to our area and LCMCD has extensive experience in working to manage this species ”

So, what are the best ways to stay protected from mosquitos?

“Avoid being outside when peak mosquito activity occurs, between dusk and dawn,” Fowler said “Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants and use mosquito repellant ”

Fowler said residents are always welcome to call the L C M C D o f f i c e a t 2 3 9 - 6 9 4 - 2 1 7 4 o r v i s i t www lcmcd com to submit a service request if they notice an increase in mosquito activity

“This information goes straight to the operations department Once it is assigned, an inspector will come and check the area,” Fowler said

The LCMCD posts all of its nighttime treatments online at www.lcmcd.com/treatment-schedule/ and on social media @LeeCoMosquito

Web Poll

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Did you attend the Lee County Recovery Task Force's town hall meeting on Sanibel?

∫ Yes, in person, 20%

∫ Yes, via Zoom, 33%

∫ No, I did not, 47%

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What is your opinion on the new approved Guardian Program for Lee County schools?

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If there is one thing students of all ages look forward to, it’s summer Teachers, too, we suspect, though educators do see a down side and it’s a steep one