Pine Island Eagle

PICC helps island with food pantry, thrift store

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Pastor Michelle Browne wants Pine Islanders to know there is a food pantry, as well as the thrift store, at the Pine Island Community Church location

“I’m also a Matlacha Hooker and sometimes when I’m at events, people will mention needing food I tell them to come to our food pantry, and they don’t know that we have one and we partner with the Catholic Church they are open Mondays and Thursdays, and we are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

Our motto is 'No one goes hungry on Pine Island,'”

Browne said

The food pantry, she said, has everything from grocery store bread to dry canned food and frozen meat

There are even people from the church who make homemade meals that can be heated in the oven. The church has no requirements for recipients to qualify for help,

other than their being Pine Island residents The church does also help those from neighboring cities, such as Cape Coral, but, at heart, she said, the mission is to lend islanders a helping hand

“We also give out free medical equipment A lot of people come here for wheelchairs, walkers, and we give things like that out in either the food pantry or the thrift store, at no charge. They can go to either place to make a request and we’ll get it for them,” Browne said.

After Hurricane Ian, Browne said, the church became overloaded with donations and reached the maximum, leaving the church no choice but to deny any further donations, for a lack

of space

“I’d like to thank the islanders for their generosity and patience as we c o n t i n u e t o p r o c e s s e v e r y t h i n g , Browne said Pine Island Community Church is a t 5 3 2 0 D o u g T a y l o r C i r c l e , S t James City

P I C C F o o d P a n t r y h o u r s a r e T u e s d a y , W e d n e s d a y , F r i d a y a n d Saturday, from 10 a m to 1 p m P I C C T h r i f t S t o r e H o u r s a r e Monday Saturday, from 9 a m to 2 p m

F o r a n y a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n about the thrift store or the food pantry, please call the church at 239283-9944

Bear ’s Den Apothecary opening June 4

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Nicole Williams had a 10-year plan to live on Pine Island while supporting herself with her shop and her handmade items Because of the COVID pandemic, she said, it happened 3 years early

“Because COVID took my job as the Seminole tribal art director and shut the tribe down for three years,” Williams said

Williams originally opened her shop and moved to Pine Island in 2021, she said, and after Hurricane Ian she lost her store front

“Apparently, I’m the only Calusa descendant out here I still make our cultural ancient art our Florida indigenous arts and crafts I bring other things into the store too our patchwork skirts, our beadwork, our carvings,” Williams said

She cleverly uses the word “Exotics” in the store’s name to denote the work of other tribes as well Native Exotics, she said, was originated to fund Florida’s environmental coalition, which she founded While still in high school, she said, she helped get Florida’s clean water laws implemented for the first time

“Native Exotics was founded and started to educate people on our environment and our human rights,” Williams said

According to Williams, there are seven indigenous tribes which make up the Miccosukee

“You can leave your tribe and join the federally recognized tribe, which is called the Miccosukee, or you can join the federally recognized tribe called the Seminole. The Seminole houses the seven indigenous tribes and the seven tribes that were forced down on the Trail of Tears from outside of Florida You still have original aboriginal independents, to this day, because

Florida is the only unconquered state in the United States,” Williams said

Williams said she is a part of the indigenous independents and is a tri-tribal medicine woman, a position that found its way to her when she was chosen after the former tri-tribal medicine man passed away in 2018 Being a tribal medicine person, she said, covers mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

David Delli Paleo has wanted to open the Bear’s Den Apothecary, or something like it, since he was 13 A friend, he said, who’s been trying to get him to seize the opportunity of opening a local shop selling cannabis and infused products for years After surveying several locations for his shop, another friend, Nicole Williams, owner of Native Exotics Art Village, stepped in to help Delli Paleo find just the right place

Having had several ties to the island already, he felt right at home in Bokeelia

“Pine Island always held a special place in my heart,” Delli Paleo said

Deciding Williams would share the space with him seemed a mutually beneficial arrangement for the friends So far, Delli Paleo said it’s been a fun new venture, as owning a brick and mortar retail shop is something he hasn’t done, although he has had other businesses.

The idea of using cannabis has taken off and is completely legal, offering people another option for managing pain and even to relax

“We have amazing pain creams and topical solutions This stuff is absolutely fantastic,” Delli Paleo said

There was a time marijuana was not legal, and he admits it’s the only thing for which he’s ever been in trouble He said it’s come full circle and he finds it ironic that now, 30 years later, he’s allowed to sell it legally and pay taxes on it The opening of the Bear’s Den is being planned much like an event, complete with live music

See BEAR’S DEN APOTHECARY, page 17

Matlacha Civic Association volunteers place flags to remember fallen heroes

The entrance to the PICC Thrift Store PHOTO PROVIDED

Native Exotics Art Village features cultural ancient art and more

PHOTO PROVIDED

An example of some of the items available at Native Exotics Art Village

Library Summer Reading Program set to kick off Thursday

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

A jammed-packed schedule of new and returning programs will hit Lee libraries this summer during their annual Summer Reading Program, this year sporting the theme of “All Together Now ”

The theme is interpreted through Acts of Kindness, Lee County Library System Manager of Programming & Community Outreach Manager Melissa Baker said As she is creating the challenges she said she could not help but smile, as she can only imagine the kindness that is going to be spreading this summer

Acts of Kindness include doing trash control throughout your neighborhood, helping someone with their chores, letting someone go before you in line, volunteering your time, donating clothes, leaving an anonymous note of encouragement to saying you’re sorry and remem-

bering to say please and thank you.

The program is held for all ages from June 1, through Aug 1 with kick off parties taking place at every branch to celebrate the Summer Reading Program

The intent of the Summer Reading Program is to encourage school-aged children to continue reading throughout the summer to keep their reading skills fresh In addition to maintaining learning through the summer, Baker said the program is also to promote reading for enjoyment and pleasure.

“It’s about instilling that life-long love of reading and getting kids reading for enjoyment,” she said

As part of instilling that love, every child and teen will receive a free book, which they get to choose from the library

“A couple of weeks ago we bought 20,000 copies of books that go out to all of our branches in English and Spanish The kids can choose what they want and take their free book,” Baker said, adding that they can also find more books to check out at the library, log their reading, do Kindness bingo and win fun prizes

A Summer Reading Kick-off Dance Party will take place Thursday, June 1, from 11 a m to noon for ages 2 to 5 years old, followed by a Family Kick-Off with games and activities from 2 to 5:30 p m for children 6 to 11 years old, as well as a Teen Kick-Off for those 12 to 18 all at the Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd N North Fort Myers Library, 2001 N Tamiami Trail, will have a Down the Rabbit Hole Summer Reading KickOff party from 2 to 3:30 p m Tuesday, June 6

The following week a Summer Reading Kick-Off Party will be held from 2 to 3:30 p m Thursday, June 8, at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library, 921 S W 39th Terrace Another Kick-Off Party will be held on the same day from 2 to 5 p m at Pine Island Public Library, 10701 Russell Road

Baker said this year they are doing a soft opening at all of the branches, with regular programming beginning the following week, Monday, June 12

“All summer long you can expect special programs. I am excited about the variety that we are bringing to the community this year,” she said

The Summer Reading Program offers three layers, with the first being the reading challenge, which can be done through READsquared, an app that can be downloaded Participants can complete online mission challenges and activities, as well as log the books they have read to receive points Games will become unlocked at various thresholds

If a participant receives 500 points through reading, or missions, Baker said they are eligible for branch drawings, which are split among birth to 5 years old; kids 6 to 11 years old, teens 12 to 18 years old and adults 18 years old or older.

The winners will be drawn the week of Aug 7 The prizes include board and picture books for birth to 5 years old; 2023-2024 Sunshine State Young Reader Award and Jr Award titles for kids 6 to 11 years old; 2023-2024 Florida Teens Read books and popular titles for teens 12 to 18 years old and popular donated titles for adults 18 and older There also are an assortment of puzzles, science kits, journals and more included in the prize baskets

“They are all really awesome. Every branch has the same prize package Pick a branch and participate,” Baker said

For those who would rather do the paper challenge can drop by a library and pick up the sheet that includes both English and Spanish The paper challenge includes a Kindness Bingo, which is for every age group from Pre-K to adults

See SUMMER READING PROGRAM, page 17

Art in the Library with Museum of the Islands

Free art classes to begin on Wednesdays during June and July from 10 a m -to 1 p m at the Pine Island Library, next to the museum:

■ Parent or guardian must stay on premises

■ Bring your own art supplies, artist quality

■ Bring something you are working on, or an inspiration piece such as a photo, or object A still life will be set up for those without one

■ Ages 8-17

■ No pre-registration, first-come first-in

■ Wear something you don't mind getting paint on

■ Classes are each Wednesday beginning June 7 ending July 26

■ Bring lunch, or a snack and something to drink

The library opens at 10 a m and will be handing out tickets to young artists as they arrive The classes will be in the conference room at the library

T h e K i w a n i s C l u b o f Pine Island has generously donated money to supplement the art supplies so that students in the classes may e x p l o r e d i f f e r e n t t e c hn i q u e s , a n d a v a r i e t y o f materials There will be a critique at the end of each class so that the students c a n d i s c u s s t h e i r p i e c e , with the group using "constructive criticism " At the end of July, it is hoped their will be an art exhibit and reception at the library C l a s s e s a r e t a u g h t b y K a r e n H a r t s h o r n e , p r e s ident of the museum Email her with any questions gifts h o p @ m u s e u m o f t h e i s -

OPINIONS

10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste 60 Bokeelia, FL 33922 Phone: (239) 283-2022 Fax: (239) 283-0232 Web: pineisland-eagle com

Publisher Raymond M Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers com

Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers com

Editor Paulette LeBlanc pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Advertising Director Laurie Ragle lragle@ breezenewspapers com

Advertising Sales Charlene Russ cruss@breezenewspapers com

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

A big thank you to islanders for success of 30th Annual USPS Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

To the editor:

T h e 3 0 t h A n n u a l U S P S S t a m p O u t Hunger Food Drive took place on Saturday, May 13, 2023 As many of you may know, the USPS food drive on Pine Island directly benefits the Pine Island Food Pantry, which services people in need on the island This year’s drive yielded 920 pounds of non-perishable items that will be distributed to the community in the coming weeks

Connor McCallister, the St James City Postmaster, has graciously agreed to leave out a collection box in the SJC Post Office for the next serval months for people to continue to donate non-perishable items to this cause.

I would like to thank all the carrier union members of the Post Office who contributed their time and effort to this year’s drive Special thanks to Steve Camancho, who coordinates the event on our area, as well as Bokeelia’s Postmaster David Moyer, and C o n n o r M c C a l l i s t e r , S t J a m e s C i t y ’ s Postmaster

This event could not be a success without all the volunteer help that comes out for the day to help weigh, sort and organize all the d o n a t i o n s . A v e r y s p e c i a l t h a n k s t o t h e Matlacha Hookers, who provide more then half of the volunteers needed for the day, year after year I would also like to thank the Pine Island Food Pantry staff for their help as well

Letters to the Editor

storm water and sewage/septic runoff The same runoff is also most likely the source of the pathogen category impairments, specifically for fecal coliform ”

Pine Island and Matlacha use a combination of waste water treatment, including a larger sewage treatment plant in St James City and about 11 smaller packaged waste treatment plants About 1/3 of these have been cited for various violations, including sewage spills.

These sewage problems are nothing new to Matlacha and Pine Island Dahod, a Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger, recently teamed up with the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department to test the water in Matlacha, after complaints from residents who said they were getting sick due to marine toxicity surrounding their homes

“I’m currently pulling data for work being done by other organizations,” Dahod said “I’m looking at the water quality data around Pine Island at sampling stations that already exist and I’ve looked at one in Matlacha Pass it has total nitrogen values that are above the limit about half the time It’s failing the F

i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection’s standards for water quality It’s been failing for years and we haven’t gotten a handle on making it better ”

If you have seen some pictures of a canal in Matlacha: Gross, to say the least

Duncan Russell Cape Coral

metals, and petrochemicals from Cape lawns and roads into northwest Cape canals then into the Spreader then into Matlacha Cities a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y a r e a d d r e s s i n g t h i s stormwater runoff contamination in a big way and we need to get serious and do our part as a city to mitigate the damage we cause to ourselves and neighbors

On daily fishing trips in Matlacha Pass, horseshoe crabs, seahorses, file fish, starfish and other water quality sensitive marine life were always present, but now gone My canal used to be full of blue crabs I rarely see one now Huge areas of vital seagrass’s gone These are all obvious indicators of a marine system in real trouble

Another huge environmental and logistical problem for Matlacha and Cape Coral is oversize commercial growth on the Spreader all using tiny Matlacha as a passage out to the harbor

The logistical problem the planned 7 Islands project includes a 300-slip marina. Imagine a Saturday morning in January with maybe 200 of the marina boats plus all the northwest Cape residents’ boats trying to navi g a t e t h e t i n y c a n a l b e h i n d M i c e l l i ’ s Restaurant out to Matlacha Pass? That’s with the old lock already removed

is published every Wednesday

Web Poll

Previous Web Poll Question:

Do you support islanders’ attempts to stop the removal of the Chiquita Lock?

■ Yes 35%

■ No 56%

■ A more environmentally safe solution is needed 9%

Current Web Poll Question:

Are you concerned about the upcoming hurricane season?

■ Yes, because we haven’t recovered from Hurricane Ian yet

■ Yes, more now than in year ’s past

■ Concerned but cautious ■ No, we’re ready Share your opinion at

Lastly, a big thanks to all the people in the community who donated the food that was collected Without your contributions, events like this one would not be possible

Guy D’Alessio

Pine Island Food Pantry

USPS Stamp Out Hunger Coordinator

Matlacha water quality issues

To the editor: They need to look in their own backyard because that is the source of their problem

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e C h a r l o t t e H a r b o r N a t i o n a l E s t u a r y P a r t n e r s h i p , t h e S o u t h Florida Water Management District (and other agencies or organizations), water quality in Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass shows excess levels of: › Fecal coliform, nutrients, phosphorous and mercury Pine Island and Matlacha have between 4,500 and 5000 septic systems which cause much of the problem

“Pine Island Sound has degraded water quality with 95% of the watershed impaired f o r a t l e a s t o n e p a r a m e t e r c a t e g o r y

Nutrients in the watershed are of increasing concern, as the draft watershed assessment lists indicate that Matlacha Pass is newly impaired for nutrients, likely as a result of

New locks, North Spreader cut-though needed to protect water quality

To the editor:

Maybe it’s time for the present lock to stay in place, one to be reinstalled, and another to be installed at the top of the N Spreader Canal The problem is simple and it’s called poor water quality with a considerable and ever-growing amount of pollutants originating from Cape Coral stormwater runoff with the result being the continued loss of precious u n d e r w a t e r h a b i t a t t h r o u g h o u t a r e a s o f Matlacha Pass and Pine Island Sound

Is the Cape the only source of these environmental poisons? Not at all as Matlacha and Pine Island contribute their share along with sources to the north that pollute the harbor that mixes with our local waters Finally the steady stream of agriculture and animal farming pollutants from Lake Okeechobee adds to the local toxic stew.

“Storm water runoff is one of the largest water pollution issues facing the U S today,” says Larry Levine, a senior attorney in the Natural Resource Defense Council’s water program

Daily summer rains wash pesticides, heavy

The environmental issue Unfortunately, many boats in marinas, like parked cars, leak oil That is a fact Like a thousand cars parked at mall daily leaking oil onto already heavily stained blacktop, boats and marinas suffer the same issues If a marina operator tells you their operation is pollution free I would advise you to have serious doubts. Where would this marina oil pollution end up? Matlacha Pass

Lastly is access to Charlotte Harbor at the top of the North Spreader Since the northwest is going to be a construction zone for the next ten-plus years as folks continue to move in and wanting access to the water it’s time to think about finally opening the existing cut on the N Spreader all the way out to the harbor as originally started but stopped after the first 50 yards or so

Seems if the Cape wanted to really get environmentally serious we should continue to upgrade our city storm water treatment Keep the existing lock in place, reinstall the lock at the south end of the North Spreader Canal then finish the old channel out to the harbor at the top of the North Spreader and install a new lock allowing access to the harbor on that end, mitigating our pollution currently going into Matlacha, the river, and the harbor. Pollution, that grows along with an ever-growing Cape population and development

One problem with making the Northwest Spreader canal more enviro friendly using north and south locks, are the existing breaches already present along the North Spreader that would need to be addressed

The other issue is much bigger and seemingly unsolvable Imagine a thousand new residents bringing or buying boats to enjoy local waters Where will it stop? No one knows, but they’re definitely coming and in the meantime the underwater environment continues to suffer In the end maybe we’ll all end up here shoulder to shoulder searching for the reason we came

George Tunison Cape Coral

Cape Coral Breeze Athletes of the Week

Beacon of Hope sets activities for June

The Beacon of Hope has announced its programs and activities for the month of June

■ Samaritan Health and Wellness, a primary care clinic, is now open at the Beacon every other Wednesday from 8 a m to noon This clinic provides care for the uninsured and underinsured. The cost is $50 and help is available if needed People of all ages are welcome Mental health services are also available Call the Beacon to make an appointment

■ Coffee Klatch – Every Friday at 10:30 a m at the Beacon Come join us for coffee Pine Islanders have experienced so much loss and trauma with Hurricane Ian, coupled for many with an increased sense of connection and community The idea of the Coffee Klatch is to help us all cope with the many emotions we have been experiencing like exhaustion, sadness, anger and fear Come share your experiences, offer support to others for healing Call Ronda Czarneki at 231-383-1302 if you have questions

■ The Food Bank – Open every Saturday at 9:30 a m

The Emergency Pantry is available when we are open

■ Beacon Bites (our meals on wheels) delivers meals every day Call if you need to sign up

■ Transportation to medical appointments and treatments is available to anywhere in Lee County Please call and reserve your ride 48 hours before the appointment

■ Wellness Committee – Next meeting will be Sept 11, at 10 a m

■ Blood pressure screening is held every Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. and every Saturday morning from 10-11.

■ The Veterans Support meets on the first Friday of every month from 9 a m to 12:30 p m Call to make an appointment

■ Strange Arrangement meets Monday from 6-7:30 p m Lessons given A musical experience

■ Fundraising Committee – Monday, June 19, at 10 a m

■ Pine Island Boy Scout Troop meets Wednesday evenings at 6

■ Girl Scouts meet Friday night at 6

■ GED classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday, from 9 a m to 2 p m

■ ESOL classes are held every Monday at 7:30 p m and every Thursday at 6 pm

■ Pine Island Cares will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 21

■ Tickets are being sold for another lottery The draw-

ing will be held at the American Legion on July 4 The winner will receive a board with $250 worth of scratch offs and a $100 bill The next 5 picks will receive Surge T-shirts To receive a T-shirt, you must be present

■ The Attic (Thrift Store) is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Wednesdays Saturday hours are 10 a m to 3 p m Donations are accepted until 2:30 p m , unless, occasionally, they get overloaded Every Tuesday is 50% off clothing, shoes, and similar items Tuesday 50% off “almost everything” days will be June 13 and July 18 The Attic will be closed from July 1 through July 16

The Beacon of Hope, at located at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St James City, is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Computers, fax and printer are available for use Case managers are available at these times Call 239-283-5123 to make an appointment

MCA places flags in honor of fallen heroes

On Thursday, May 25, Matlacha Civic Association volunteers placed flags along the business area of Matlacha in honor of our fallen heroes. A group of about 15 helpers were cheered on by cars and trucks blowing their horns in support RE/MAX/ Sunshine provided a shade tent and water for the volunteers.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Legion Post #136 awards five scholarships

Pine Island American Legion Post #136 is proud to announce the distribution of scholarships to deserving local Pine Island high school residents to further their education

The students have not only excelled in academics, but are involved in community service and helping others in

Scrudato, Emma Olsen, Grayce Smith, Chloe Kaff and Danika McCaffrey

The Legion offers its congratulations and offers best wishes!

Island Mahjongg

Join

OBITUARIES

Pine Island

Barbara Wright

Barbara Wright, a long-time resident of Saint James City on Pine Island, Florida, passed away on May 17. She was 85.

She was born Barbara Brown, and grew up in a picturesque area near Lake Kezar, Maine, where her parents ran a hunting and fishing camp for tourists. She had an older brother, Ben, who is deceased. Her childhood taught her the traditional Maine values of diligence, hard work and self-reliance, needed to live in a rural area. Once, she recalled, she was chased home from school by a bear.

As there were no public high schools near her home, she was sent to Fryeberg Academy, a boarding school in Maine.

She graduated from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. For room and board while she was a student, she lived with a wealthy family and took care of their children as an au pair.

Barbara lived and worked in New York City for many years. She was an administrative supervisor at the Young & Rubicam advertising agency in midtown Manhattan.

She often stopped for breakfast at a coffee shop on Madison Avenue. Her future husband, Curtis Wright, worked for nearby Johns Manville, and frequented the same coffee shop. Co-workers introduced them. They soon began to date. In the wintertime, this often meant spending weekends in the Waitsfield area of Vermont, where Curtis had built a log home with his own hands. During the summer, they often weekended at a beach house in Southampton, Long Island.

By 1973, Curtis had left his job to build a second, larger house in Vermont, and Barbara soon joined him. They were married in an outdoor ceremony at the Sugarbush Inn, and devoted their time to finishing their new home.

For the next quarter century, they enjoyed a rich life in Vermont. They were well known in the community. Curtis ran an antique shop for awhile, and also owned a popular flea market, where he rented spots to flea market vendors. Barbara worked in real estate, supervising sales and rentals. For a number of years, they owned and ran a telephone answering service, handling phone messages and, sometimes, emergency calls throughout the Mad River and Sugarbush Valleys. This required long hours and a conscientious devotion, which Barbara had learned as a child. They also were active in the Valley Players theater productions, which brought them many years of enjoyment.

At the turn of the century, Barbara and Curtis began an extensive, years-long search for a Florida home. They sold their Vermont properties and moved to Pine Island, where they had an idyllic house on a canal, with a motorboat on a davit next to the water. There, they made a large circle of friends.

Curtis died in 2016, and Barbara stayed in their house, which they both had loved. She also adopted Nika, a beautiful cat, to keep her company. In the fall of 2022, Hurricane Ian flooded the house, and Barbara and Nika moved to an assisted living facility in Cape Coral. There she made many friends and was loved by both the Staff and many of the other residents.

Barbara left no surviving relatives, but survives in the memories of countless friends. If you would care to make a donation in her memory, we suggest making same to Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary, 10060 Mallory E. Parkway, Saint James City FL 33956.

We were happy to welcome back Mary Halbleib in the mahjongg group. We enjoyed cake and wine and said a heartfelt thank you to activity leader Melanie Giangrant, who is leaving the area We wish her all the very best in her new home

Top scorers were Judy Burchianti and Mary Halbleib

with 90 points, Jerilynn Adin Safran with 100 and Peggy Finley with 145

us Thursdays from 1-4 p m at St James City Civic Association located at Fourth Avenue and Lemon Street Beginners and experienced players are all welcome

Hurricane season is fast approaching, are you prepared? CERT

(Editor’s note: In the coming weeks, the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District Community Emergency Response Team will be providing a series on disaster preparedness for islanders )

By NARCISSUS E MAGTURO and KAREN TITOLO, CERT members

Welcome to your CERT team’s series of disaster preparedness articles

According to the National Weather Service, 2022 was a near-normal season, producing 14 named storms that reached 39 miles per hour or greater Eight of the storms became hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or greater and two intensified into major hurricanes with winds reaching 111 mph or greater (Fiona and Ian ) Hurricane Ian was a powerful Category 5 Atlantic hurricane, the third-costliest weather disaster on record, and the deadliest hurricane to strike the state of Florida since the 1935 Labor Day hurricane

An average hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three m a j o r h u r r i c a n e s W h e t h e r y o u h a v e weathered many storms or this is your first season, this guide series is intended to help not only prepare for hurricanes but is also a useful resource for any unexpected emergency that may affect our community

H u r r i c a n e s e a s o n i s J u n e 1 t o November 30 A slightly below-average 2023 hurricane season is being predicted, according to a long-range forecast from researchers at Colorado State University.

To help you be prepared, each week we

will cover different topics We begin with actions you can take now, ahead of a disaster

What you can do now!

Part I.

1 Get informed about the hazards and emergencies that may affect you and your family The Lee Count All Hazards guide provides valuable information It can be found online at www leegov com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/plan/ahg

2. Learn What to Do For Specific H a z a r d s T h o u g h a n y c o m m u n i t y c a n experience any hazards, the most common h a z a r d s i n o u r c o m m u n i t y a r e F i r e s , F l o o d i n g , L i g h t n i n g , H u r r i c a n e s , a n d Tornadoes

3 Develop an emergency plan

■ The time to develop an emergency plan is prior to a disaster

■ Plan your escape routes in the home; two exits per room are recommended

■ Be sure all family members know who to call or where to gather if you become separated

■ Decide where to meet - near the home or outside in the immediate area

■ Let family and friends in other locations know your evacuation plans

■ Family Communications - Include a Contact name, phone number, and email, and an Outside-of-State Contact During

See CERT, page 11

Veterans Assistance program to meet June 2 at the Beacon

The Veterans Assistance program will meet Friday, June 2, from 9 a m until 12:30 p m , at the Beacon of Hope, 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City. One of the things we will be discussing is the expansion of possible benefits from Agent Orange exposure in overseas coun-

From page 9

Hurricane Katrina, it was actually easier to communicate with others living outside of the affected areas

■ I n s u r a n c e a n d V i t a l R e c o r d s -

Review insurance and keep a copy with your Disaster Supply Kit. A Disaster Supply Kit will be covered in more detail in a future article

■ Special Needs Lee County provides a Special Medical Needs Shelter for those residents who require it The shelter is provided at no cost to residents If you plan to use a special needs shelter, you must register ahead of time Registration can be done online at www leeEOC com or by calling Lee County Emergency Management at 239-533-0622 If you registered in a previous year, keep in mind you must update your information every year

■ Additional shelter information will be provided in a future article

Next time we will cover disaster supply kits

tries during Vietnam

If you have any health issues that you feel could be related to this or any other service acquired injury or disease, come visit us

Call the Beacon of Hope at 239-2835123 to make an appointment

Below is a summary list of actions you can take now, ahead of a storm, to be prepared Future articles will provide more details of each, but use this list as a reminder each week of actions you can take now to be better prepared.

Prepare Now actions:

1 Make an Emergency Plan (this article)

2 Know your warnings and alerts

3 Register now with Lee County if you h a v e S p e c i a l N e e d s - o n l i n e a t w w w l e e E O C c o m o r b y c a l l i n g L e e County Emergency Management at 239533-0622; Pre-registration is required!

4 Review important documents

5 Strengthen your home

6. Get tech ready

7 Help your neighborhood

8 Gather supplies

Have questions about this article? You can contact the M/PIFCD, Station #1, at

It’s time for some summer fishing fun

Hope everyone enjoyed a fun and safe Memorial Day w e e k e n d t o k i c k o f f t h e summer season in Southwest Florida Summer is a great time to load up the fishing tackle, hit the water and just have fun Rather than get caught up with what species are in season or what you can keep, just go fishing

We are lucky to have a lot of different fish, and of all sizes, that make our waters home through the summer

Capt Bill Russell

Some days it’s fun to count j u s t h o w m a n y d i f f e r e n t species we catch, while not t a r g e t i n g a n y c e r t a i n species Children love this, large or small, every fish is cool for them to catch, different shapes and sizes make it even better

On the Water

You may catch everything from small fish that fit in your hand to sharks large enough to demand respect Start by catching little fish like pinfish or ladyfish that will hopefully become bait for something larger Locate a flock of birds dipping to

t h e w a t e r a n d y o u c a n expect fish actively feeding

This is a great time to cast a small shiny spoon or lure in hopes of Spanish mackerel or other hungry predators

If you want live bait fish a n d h a v e t h e a b i l i t y a n d desire to throw a cast net, there should be plenty of bait around on the shallow grass flats A good live well plumbed with a pump to c o n t i n u o u s l y e x c h a n g e water is necessary to keep bait alive and frisky A lot of d i f f e r e n t f i s h s p e c i e s a r e feeding on the summer bait schools Even if you aren’t a t t e m p t i n g t o c a t c h b a i t , fishing around the schools is a great place to bend a rod

If the mess and hassle of catching live bait isn’t your thing, we have plenty of tackle shops and bait stores selling live shrimp and other goodies Apart from mullet, I believe every fish in our coastal waters dine on shrimp Shrimp are a great bait; buy more than you think you will need as you can go through them quickly And there are artificial baits They require more work, but it is always a great feeling to fool a fish into eating a chunk of plastic, metal or feathers There are too many different baits and lures to get into in this column, if you don’t already have an assortment or favorite, hit up your local tackle shop Small or local tackle shops are a wealth of knowledge, I recommend them over the big box stores

PHOTO PROVIDED

Snook are always a fun and challenging fish to catch. Over the summer months, although out of season, snook are abundant along with a variety of other fish of all sizes

to fish for species of different sizes If we have just one rod and reel, that’s fine, too, actually, it may be more fun and challenging If the interest is there to hook into a shark with the hopes of landing it, then at least a couple of feet of wire leader are necessary No need to waste money on heavy wire or cable, single strand wire from 50 to 80 pounds is all you need, unless you are after really big fish with ultra-heavy tackle

With the various baits, we want an assortment of rods and reels if we intend

See SUMMER, page 17

Summer Reading Program

The idea is to complete five tasks in a row, just like a bingo board through various kindnes s activities . Individuals can also read for an hour and mark off one of the Bingo squares

“Once you get a bingo it is equivalent to getting 500 points in READsquare,” Baker said

The special programs are scheduled throughout June and July for youths She encourages individuals to visit leelibrary net/events, as the programs include registration due to their popularity

“Check the online calendar of events and register

From page 2

ahead of time to guarantee a spot It’s only guaranteed to the start of the show. We want to fill the room to capacity If they still have spots they might let you in,” Baker said “These presenters, we block them in groups of 10 programs If it is full at one and you’re willing to drive, there’s always an alternative There are four days of programming for each presenter ”

The schedules differ, too, she said as Northwest Regional Library offers nighttime programs and Cape Coral Library offers more during the day

“I am excited about the variety that we are bringing to

Bear’s Den Apothecary

“The food truck that will be out there is called the “Get Fried Food Truck,” Delli Paleo said Having seen his share of drugs hurt people’s lives, Delli Paleo is glad to be a part of something that points them in a better direction This new venture, he admits, is

From page 1

like three dreams all rolled into one He also said he credits Williams for her help with this

“I don’t know how it would have gone down without her We’re on the same road of trying to get people away from opioids and pills If I can offer a safer alternative to

Native Exotics Art Village

“I would never have thought they would have chosen me to be their medicine person, but they did,” Williams said Jewelry, arts and crafts, medicines and indigenous plants, are not only items sold in her shop but they are

Summer

From page 12

If you’re up to the challenge, June is prime time to tangle with a big tarpon They are roaming throughout the inshore waters, Gulf passes and a short distance off the beaches If a fresh fish dinner is on the menu, mangrove snapper may be your best bet Snapper will be caught in good numbers inshore and around nearshore reefs throughout the summer

It’s fun to go fishing with no expectations, a day where you relax, take in the beauty of nature and just live in the moment If you catch fish, great, if not that’s fine,

From page 1

used, in combination to educate people on the aboriginal tribes of Florida and how to live in balance with the environment, she said

“Native Exotics is a good way to bring both cultures together in the interest of humanity moving forward in a

too The funny thing is, when we lower our expectations and relax, we are often rewarded with some of our best days of fishing Give it a try!

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

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

the community this year,” Baker said

A new program, Joshua J. Superstar Show. features comedy, circus stunts and a great deal of audience participation GiGi and Friends, another favorite, features GiGi and her dog SuperZeus The act will feature comedy, magic, dog tricks, sing-alongs and circus

A nother fun program features A dams A nimal Encounters with Wildlife Biologist Adam Pottruck

In addition to the programs, the library branches will have self directed activities and a variety of different crafts during the Summer Reading Program

somebody who’s dealing with pain, so that they don’t have to take pills that definitely makes it worth it at the end of the day,” Delli Paleo said Bear’s Den Apothecary is at 5507 Pine Island Road, N W , Unit B, Bokeelia

good positive manner,” Williams said Native Exotics Art Village is at 5507 Pine Island Road, N W , Unit B, Bokeelia

Have a safe week and good fishin’

A s a l i f e t i m e r e s i d e n t o f Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters a r o u n d P i n e I s l a n d a n d Southwest Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years

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