Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

Smokin’ Oyster Brewery sold to Moss Marina owner

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

T h e o w n e r s o f M o s s M a r i n a h a v e a n n o u n c e d t h e y h a v e p u r c h a s e d S m o k i n ' O y s t e r B r e w e r y o n O l d S a n C a r l o s B o u l e v a r d , a l o n g w i t h s e v e r a l o t h e r d o w n t o w n p r o p e r t i e s T h e F r e e l a n d s , w h o o w n M o s s M a r i n a , a r e p r o p o s i n g t o d e v e l o p t h e m a r i n a i n t o a m u l t i - h o t e l , c o m m e r c i a l p r o j e c t k n o w n a s A r c h e s B a y f r o n t

SOLD

The Freelands purchased sites ar 340 Old San Carlos Boulevard and 401 Old San Carlos Boulevard, as well as 935 and 939 Third Street

Ben Freeland, who owns Moss Marina and is developing Arches Bayfront, said two of the lots he purchased are vacant, while another is a residential property which will be torn down due to damage from Hurricane Ian Initially, Freeland s a i d h e w a s n ’ t p l a n n i n g o n b u y i n g S m o k i n ’ O y s t e r B r e w e r y , t h o u g h i t became a part of the deal Freeland is seeking another local family/restauranteur who wishes to keep the

“Smokin Oyster Brewery legacy alive” by relocating their restaurant to the Smokin Oyster Brewery location or otherwise take over operations there “We would love for somebody to buy the assets and lease the property,” he said Freeland said he has already received several messages of interest in those who want to operate Smokin' Oyster Brewery

New nonprofit on the Beach

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Becki Weber looks at the broken Fort Myers Beach Pier and sees a need for sprinting change, not a marathon of waiting around for fixes from Lee County That’s one of the reasons she helped start Let’s Go FMB, a new nonprofit organization on Fort Myers Beach who just had t h e i r f i r s t m e e t i n g w i t h t h e p u b l i c Monday at the DiamondHead Beach Resort

“I want the pier rebuilt,” said Weber of the county structure and iconic tourist destination which the county has not provided any timeline of when it may be rebuilt

“This is like not repairing the Sanibel Lighthouse or the Statue of Liberty This is our home This is what’s meaningful to us,” Weber said

The group’s founders say they want to be a unified voice “for rapid recovery, resiliency and rebuilding” as per their PowerPoint presentation to the public Monday

Weber said debris piles that continue to be stacked around town are an eyesore and criticized the county for largely ending its debris pickup The town also ended curbside debris removal at the end of May

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The property where Shuckers at the Gulfshore and Cottage Bar stood on Estero Boulevard, has sold for $9 million The purchaser was Right Choice Investments, a Michigan-based limited liability company connected to Fort Myers Beach developer Joe Orlandini

The iconic Fort Myers Beach restaurant was the last surviving piece of the original Gulf Shore, which was constructed in 1921 and was the oldest c o m m e r c i a l p r o p e r t y o n t h e i s l a n d

before Hurricane Ian The hurricane leveled the property, which had just celebrated its 100th anniversary a year before the Category 5 storm

Dana Gosford, co-owner of the property with the company Colorado East, said the group of owners were “pleased that we have sold it to somebody who wants to carry the name so it can live on That was very important to us ”

Gosford said the owners gave permission to the new owners to “carry on the name of The Cottage ”

Orlandini said he was involved in the

p u r c h a s e o f t h e p r o p e r t y w i t h P a u l Shamo, a car dealer based in Michigan who had an affinity for the restaurant

“We are working on a building to go there We’re going to put it back as close as we can, something close to what it was before,” Orlandini said His plan is to have a rooftop bar as Shucker’s with The Gulfshore and Cottage Bar as the middle floor

Gosford’s father Dan Reinfried purchased the property in the 1970s with

Weber said the new nonprofit wants to streamline the permitting process in town and act with a unified voice in sending a message to leaders in the town and county Their first meeting with the public was Monday at the DiamondHead Beach Resort

O t h e r f o u n d i n g m e m b e r s i n c l u d e Scott Safford, a Local Planning Agency board member who owns a vacation r e n t a l b u s i n e s s w i t h h i s w i f e J a c k i L i s z a k , p r e s i d e n t o f t h e F o r t M y e r s Beach Chamber of Commerce They also operated the Sea Gypsy Inn, which was wiped out by Hurricane Ian on Estero Boulevard Safford said he wants to

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R a y m o n d M E c ke n r o d e re cke n ro d e @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

E x e c u t ive E d i t o r Va l a r i e H a r r i n g v h a r r i n g @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m E d i t o r N a t h a n M a y b e rg n m a y b e rg @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

A d ve r t i s i n g D i re c t o r L a u r i e R a g l e l rag l e @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

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O b i t u a r i e s D e b b i e C a r l e t t i o b i t s @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

P ro d u c t i o n m a n a g e r R o b B r a i t l i n g r b ra i t l i n g @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

a r, $ 6 2 C i rc u l a t i o n ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 9 3 6 C l a s s i fi e d / D i s p l a y A d ve r t i s i n g ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 1 1 0 Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a m to 5 p m , except major holidays Letters to the editor must be typed or hand printed Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication Postal Information: Third class postage paid at Fort Myers Beach, FL Permit 521 Postmaster: Send address changes to the Beach Observer 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach FL 33931 The Observer and Bulletin is published every Wednesday 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Phone: (239) 765-0400 Fax: (239) 765-0846 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk com

An unprecedented increase of nearly 47 percent, which the Lee County Homeless Coalition attributes largely to “the current housing crisis, soaring rents and the aftermath of Hurricane Ian ”

This year, teams counted 820 individuals who were homeless in Lee County as of Jan 28, including 556 who were unsheltered

The other 264, deemed sheltered, were living in a homeless encampment, an RV or another type of vehicle or place not meant for habitation

They were, they are us

224 seniors

109 children

86 veterans, “a large increase over last year ”

56 domestic abuse survivors

286 with health-related issues

Among them, 197 met the HUD definition of chronically homeless.

The reason for the annual count is to “get an understanding of who and how many are experiencing homelessness in Lee County,” according to coalition officials

The numbers are presented to the U S D e p a r t m e n t o f H o u s i n g a n d U r b a n

D e v e l o p m e n t a n d t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f Children and Families and is also used to “gather the information that allows local service providers to target services to meet

the specific needs of those experiencing homelessness in our communities ” The count also helps Lee County secure money, including Continuum of Care funds from HUD “ L e e C o u n t y w a s a w a r d e d f u n d i n g t o

s u s t a i n e x i s t i n g p r o g r a m s a n d b e g i n n e w p r o g r a m s t h a t p r o v i d e h o u s i n g a n d s e r v i ce s t o p e r s o n s e x p e r i e n c i n g h o m e l e s s n e s s , ” a r e l e a s e f r o m t h e c o a l i t i o n s t a t e s “ T h e s e p r o g r a m s a r e o p e r a t e d b y L e e C o u n t y

H u m a n a n d V e t e r a n s S e r v i c e s , C o m m u n i t y A s s i s t e d a n d S u p p o r t e d L i v i n g , C a t h o l i c C h a r i t i e s , a n d S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a C o n n e c t S S O - C E T h e t o t a l a w a r d e d a m o u n t w a s $ 2 , 0 1 2 , 6 1 9 ”

Well and good “well” as our reaction to a number that doesn’t touch the need, and “good” as in the efforts of the Lee County Homeless Coalition and sister agencies and efforts

The challenge, as those in the field tell us, is preventing homelessness in an area where so many of us are just a few paychecks away from falling behind in the rent in a housing market so tight and so expensive that we may not be able to find another much less cheaper place to live

Consider:

The Charlotte Community Foundation, C o l l a b o r a t o r y a n d C o l l i e r C o u n t y Foundation released the results of their joint O n t h e T a b l e S W F L 2 0 2 3 C o m m u n i t y Conversations report Thursday morning

The No 1 social issue marked as “most urgent” throughout Southwest Florida and individually by county in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry and Glades, was affordable housing and homelessness Across the board Seventy percent of the 4,000-plus taking part

in the multiple “conversations” held on March 30 and the related survey listed this as a basic human need essential for communities to thrive

Local governments do understand the need and have begun efforts to make affording housing a priority, not just a buzz phrase

But “affordable housing,” as in government-funded or subsidized rental complexes, is an answer, not the answer

Housing that seniors, singles, new families and the “workforce” demographic can afford to buy, to invest in, is

This means a critical change in thinking as the market defines a new paradigm for the American Dream

Regulatory thinking mandating minimum home size, ancillary structures and “allowable” housing options and construction

Approach to housing cost add-ons, including taxes, fees and various tax bill levies dubbed assessments Housing has become a cash cow milked too often and too well F o r m a k e n o m i s t a k e , t h e H o m e l e s s C o a l i t i o n ’ s “ P o i n t i n T i m e H o m e l e s s Snapshot” is just that, an acknowledged picture of a developing housing crisis that has t h e p o t e n t i a l t o c h a n g e t h e i m a g e o f Southwest Florida as a place where you can work and raise a family or comfortably retire.

Where you can have housing security

Where buying a home is an attainable goal

Where you can live where you work Where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, not just labor to live

Housing that’s affordable is the goal Government’s role is to encourage it, not impede it

Observer editorial

Florida VPK vouchers empower families to succeed

When it comes to the promise of school choice that families can actively select the most appropriate educational paths for their children Florida's publicly funded prekindergarten programs are delivering in a big way

In the four-county region of Southwest Florida that our nonprofit education coalition serves, no fewer than 260 different Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs provided a head start to nearly 7,500 children in school year 2021-22

Current Web Poll Question

be

These state-approved VPK programs are offered not just through public and private schools but also at some childcare centers, and through home-

Melanie Stefanowicz Guest Commentary

based and faith-based organizations Parents choose a VPK provider based on what programs best meet their children’s needs, with a curriculum that covers eight core developmental domains:

∫ Physical health

∫ Approaches to learning

∫ Social and emotional development

∫ Language and communication

∫ Emergent literacy

∫ Mathematical and scientific thinking

∫ Social studies and the arts

∫ Motor development

Once parents register for the free program, they receive a VPK voucher for the school of

want your opinion

your opinion at

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

their choice, which fully covers program costs. This innovative effort came to pass thanks to Florida voters, who more than 20 years ago approved a ballot initiative to provide highquality, publicly funded prekindergarten programs for every 4-year-old in the state Since the free program began in 2005-06, more than 2 6 million children have benefited Program benefits are significant Florida Department of Education data shows that children who participate in VPK are far better equipped for not just kindergarten but for their entire academic journey compared to than those who do not

Statewide, of the roughly 188,000 students enrolled in kindergarten in fall 2022 who completed VPK, 62% were deemed ready for kindergarten based on early literacy tests Only 40% of those who participated in VPK but didn’t finish, scored as high

See VPK VOUCHERS, page 5

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

More than 800 counted homeless in Lee County in January

STAFF REPORT

The Lee County Homeless Coalition, in conjunction with the Lee County Human and Veteran Services and many volunteers, reported finding more than 800 people homeless in Lee County during a one-week survey in January The number of homeless counted increased by more than one-third over the previous year, with the count occurring a few months after Hurricane Ian

The Lee County Homeless Coalition conducts the annual Homeless Point in Time Count to get an understanding of who and how many are experiencing homelessness in Lee County This count data is provided to the U S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The count is also used to gather the information that allows local service providers to target services to meet the specific needs of those experiencing homelessness in our communities

During the count conducted January 23-28, volunteers and staff from homeless service providers conducted in-person interviews with persons across Lee County,

VPK vouchers

From page 4

And just 37% of those who didn’t attend at all were considered ready for kindergarten Research by The Children’s Reading Foundation found that children who enter kindergarten one year behind academically have a 26% chance of dropping out of high school Fall behind by two years, and the dropout odds increase to 45% Kids with a three-year learning gap at that point will drop out 55% of the time, research found Such choices, of course, create lifelong hurdles, from housing and employment struggles to well-established income gaps

From page 4

which asked people where they slept, including both sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals and families.

The teams counted 820 homeless in Lee County Of those, 556 were unsheltered and 264 were sheltered (staying in encampments, RV’s or other vehicles or other places not meant for habitation )

Among the 820 were 109 children under 18 There were 86 veterans recorded in the count (a large increase over last year ) The total number of persons estimated to be experiencing homelessness in Lee County increased from 2021 and 2022, which had 394 and 560, respectively

In its findings, the Lee County Homeless Coalition cited Hurricane Ian as contributing to the increase in the homeless population as well as a modified counting methodology in 2021 due to the pandemic

The coalition also cited soaring rents as contributing to the increased estimates in 2023 Of the 820, 197 were chronically homeless according to the HUD definition Housing and service programs for the homeless are

compared to those who finish school Fundamentally, it’s a matter of fairness: parents shouldn’t have to choose between early childhood education and covering rent, mortgage payments, utilities, food and other basic household costs

At the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, we stand ready to help parents and guardians enroll their children in either summer preschool, which provides up to 300 hours of classroom time, or the regular school-year program, which provides up to 540 hours of preschool Classes are capped at 12 students in the summer and 20 during the school year

provided, in part, through Continuum of Care funds from HUD Lee County was awarded funding to sustain existing programs and begin new programs that provide housing and services to persons experiencing homelessness

These programs are operated by Lee County Human a n d V e t e r a n s S e r v i c e s , C o m m u n i t y A s s i s t e d a n d Supported Living, Catholic Charities, and Southwest Florida Connect SSO-CE The total awarded amount was $2 million

The Lee County Homeless Coalition is an advocacy group made up of individual stakeholders and agencies whose mission is to advocate, educate and promote awareness of obstacles facing the homeless through community collaboration, planning, and implementation of solutions. The Coalition represents the Continuum of Care, a local planning body that coordinates housing and human services funding for homeless families and individuals The objective of the Continuum of Care is to p r o v i d e q u a l i t y s e r v i c e s , p r o g r a m s , a n d r e s o u r c e s t h r o u g h c o o r d i n a t i o n w i t h c o m m u n i t y a g e n c i e s t o improve the quality of life for the homeless

If your child is 4 years old on or before Sept 1 of the current school year, they can sign up Kids whose fourth birthday falls between Feb 2 and Sept 1 can delay their VPK enrollment until next year, when they are 5, provided they don’t yet enroll in kindergarten

Temporary Florida residents are also eligible from military families and seasonal residents to those displaced by natural disasters or whose families are experiencing homelessness

Apply for a VPK voucher today by visiting us online at VPKSWFL org or calling the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest

Florida at 239-935-6100

You can also visit our Fort Myers office on Monday through Friday from 8 a m to 5 p m for assistance, located at 2675 Winkler Ave The office provides free kiosks, and no appointments are needed

Melanie Stefanowicz is chief executive officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida It provides access to early education services for children in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties For more information, visit https://vpkswfl org/

BUSINESS Matanzas on the Bay, Matanzas Inn sold

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

It seemed like just yesterday Matanzas Inn reopened and Matanzas on the Bay followed giving Fort Myers Beach a boost after Hurricane Ian Now, three months after the resort opened again and a month after Petey’s Upper Deck opened up its second-level restaurant at Matanzas on the Bay, they have been sold though they will remain open

The price tag for the properties was officially listed on real estate deeds as $7 5 million though co-owner Doug Speirn-Smith said that doesn’t include the price of the businesses

“There will be no change in operations, no change in personnel,” Speirn-Smith said He and his wife Christy have operated the properties since 1984 Speirn-Smith said he will retain a lease with the new owners for at least a year to continue running the landmark Crescent St restaurant.

“It’s quite bittersweet,” Speirn-Smith said

The new owners are FMB Matanzas LLC, a limited liability real estate investment company registered out of Naples connected to the Augusterra Group, a Tampa-area investment group The principals of FMB Matanzas LLC are listed under registration records file with the state as William Yeomans and Nancy Smigliani, with their Naples address and Pinellas Park postal address Also listed is Brandon Michael Duke, with a Bonita Springs address. Duke is also the CEO of Fort Myers-based Juniper Landscaping

The new owners couldn’t be reached by press time M a t a n z a s I n n u n d e r w e n t r e n o v a t i o n s b e f o r e Hurricane Ian and after Ian In addition to being a resort, the inn has historically been a home for those utilizing the town’s mooring field

Speirn-Smith said he had been in talks with the buyers before the restaurant and inn reopened He said the buyers have been attempting to purchase the property for some time The new owners also acquired one unit in the Harbor House at the Inn, across the street

The original Matanzas on the Bay building goes back to the 1940s, with other parts of the property dating back to the 1960s Major renovations were made in 2007 to both the inn and the restaurant

Speirn-Smith said business at the restaurant had been “about what we expected” since reopening May 1 “There was a lot of progress by our team to return it to a nice local business” after Hurricane Ian, he said Both buildings survived the hurricane though Matanzas on the Bay took on a lot of water in its ground floor

“It really was just the time for my wife and I to assess our options after a really traumatic community event,” he said.

“It will be interesting to see how it evolves,” SpeirnSmith said “We are not going anywhere but we are losing something we care deeply about ”

NATHAN MAYBERG

Matanzas Inn, which underwent renovations before Hurricane Ian and after Ian, was recently sold to a local development company The Crescent St resort is located a block down from Margaritaville and is expected to continue operating the way it has previously,

Customers walk up to Petey's Upper Deck at Matanzas on the Bay The property is undergoing an ownership change.

Lee County Tax Collector announces surrender plate drop boxes

L e e C o u n t y T a x C o l l e c t o r N o e l l e B r a n n i n g announced the launch of two new innovations to help customers complete transactions conveniently Surrender Plate Drop Boxes: Now located outside of each of the six service centers throughout Lee County, customers can use these secure boxes to turn in unused license plates Simply fill out the pre-printed envelope, place the license plate inside the envelope, and drop it into the box Plates turned in by 4 p m on business days will be processed the same day with a receipt mailed to the address on record

Specialty License Plate Pre-Sale Vouchers: After the Florida Legislature approves a new specialty license plate, the sponsoring organization must sell a certain number of pre-sale vouchers within 24 months before the new plate is manufactured and made available to Florida drivers Now, customers are able to purchase those v o u c h e r s d i r e c t l y

h e c o u n t y ' s w e b s i t e at LeeTC com/pre-sale-specialty-plate-vouchers/ without having to come into an office.

“These are exciting new additions in a series of innovations we have made to help achieve our mission of providing 5-star service to customers quickly and efficient-

ly,” Branning said “We continuously look for ways to enhance a customer’s experience, while providing excellent government service "

Other innovations launched in the last eight months include a new website, a digital customer service agent named Edison who can answer questions 24/7 at LeeTC com, a queuing system where customers can check in on their phones, wait where they want, and be notified by text when to return, and a Smart Locker system to provide vehicle and vessel dealers next day turnaround on their title and registration documents

SBA capital disaster loans available through June 29

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Beach Living

Bay cleanup yields massive debris haul

STAFF REPORT

Volunteers from Keep Lee County Beautiful declared a major success in their first cleanup of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and Fort Myers Beach Yacht Basin since Hurricane Ian, with the help of dozens of Beach volunteers this past week

The cleanup, in collaboration with Moss Marina and the Mound House, netted 8,367 pounds of trash and debris removed by volunteers The volunteers used more than 30 kayaks, 10 boats, and 40 walkers and shoreline helpers Since the storm, Keep Lee County Beautiful volunteers have removed more than 42 tons of trash and hurricane debris from land across Lee County with 23 tons being from Fort Myers Beach After the cleanup the volunteers were treated to a lunch provided by Wahoo Willies Every participant was also entered into a drawing to win two round trip tickets on Key West Express

“The waterway cleanup was crucial as we continue in our recovery process and wouldn’t be possible without the support of our many community partners and our dedicated volunteers,” Executive Director Trish Fancher said “There is still much to do, and we plan on having on-going cleanups of the areas in need Keep Lee County Beautiful has been serving the county for over thirty years and will continue to do what it takes to help make the places we call home beautiful ”

Keep Lee County Beautiful would like to thank the sponsors from Seagram’s Escapes, Ocean Conservancy, Lee County Solid Waste, Sam Galloway Ford, and the Town of Fort Myers Beach for making the event possible KLCB is extremely grateful for all the hard-working volunteers and the support from Nautical Tiki Cruises, Sea Gypsy, Paradise Parasail, Adventures in Paradise, Key West Express, Moss Marina, the Mound House, the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, and WM KLCB also extends thanks to Wahoo Willies, The Calusa Blueway, Point Ybel Brewing Company, the SWFL Chapter of the Gator Club, and the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau

The mission of Keep Lee County Beautiful is to inspire, educate, and engage the Lee County community in improving, beautifying, and protecting the environment

Kiwanis donate to Bay Oaks summer camp

The Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis heard about the need for clothing and supplies for summer camp at Bay Oaks and they responded. Pictured are Nicole Berzin and Barbara MacDonald as they collect items from the Beach Kiwanis Thrift Shop

PHOTO PROVIDED

More than 8,000 pounds of trash and debris was removed from the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and Fort Myers Beach Yacht Basin by volunteers with Keep Lee County Beautiful as part of a joint effort with Moss Marina and the Mound House to clean out hurricane debris from the Fort Myers Beach bay

PHOTO PROVIDED NATHAN MAYBERG

The restrooms at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, which underwent extensive renovations just one year before Hurricane Ian, were destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The Fort Myers Beach park is on Lee County’s damage inventory list for FEMA reimbursement, with no timeline for when it may reopen.

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The Smokin’ Oyster Brewery, in an early grooving time, was sold for an undisclosed sum as part of a multiple-parcel transaction

Smokin’ Oyster Brewery

From page 1

“I would like to see if we can have somebody local They had a great business there and a lot of history,” he said

Freeland said he purchased the residential lots to open up a “main gateway” to Arches Bayfront “They can enter there or at First Street by the bar. It minimizes the effects on the residential neighborhood,” he said

I r i n a W o e l f l e , o f I W P R G r o u p Community Engagement, said the plan is to reduce traffic down residential streets at Bonita Street and Harbour Court by creating the Arches Bayfront entrance on Old San Carlos Boulevard

“Traffic on these residential streets was perhaps the biggest concern from the open house,” Woelfle said Woefle said that reopening Smokin Oyster Brewery will “reactivate Old San Carlos Boulevard ”

Freeland said he has “made some adjustments” to plans for Arches Bayfront since last month’s meeting with the public at the Pink Shell Beach Resort Freeland said he has taken into consideration more than 400 comments submitted online, and has met

with town councilmembers and Local Planning Agency members He recently had a pre-planning meeting with the town's building and planning department

“We were able to incorporate a lot of the suggestions,” Freeland said

Some of the adjustments he said he has made is making the plans into "more of a Fort Myers Beach vibe" with more access for pedestrians and bicyclists in addition to an extra entry point Freeland said the feedback he has received has been “positive We feel there is a lot of opportunity there to open up the island and get the economy going ”

The next step will be for Freeland to go in front of the Local Development Agency with the new plans

Moss Marina also announced that the Rude Shrimp Co will be relocating there

Those interested in operating Smokin' Oyster Brewery can send a message of i n t e r e s t t o F r e e l a n d t h r o u g h www ARCHESBayfront com The goal would be to reopen the restaurant within the next year

NATHAN MAYBERG

The Smokin’ Oyster Brewery was recently sold to Arches Bayfront developer Ben Freeland, owner of Moss Marina Freeland is looking to find a restaurant owner to take over the Old San Carlos Boulevard establishment

FILE PHOTO

Nonprofit From page 1

rebuild the inn, which dated to the 1940s, but said with the town’s setback rules and codes he he needs another floor since he will have to elevate his building to meet hurricane code He said the town should change its code to allow for structures with more height Safford said he also needs a Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit to rebuild on the Gulf side of Fort Myers Beach

Safford said he owns 130 vacation rentals on Fort Myers Beach, 80 of which were destroyed by Hurricane Ian Of the 50 that survived, Safford said only 12 are being used He blames the slow tourism in the town on the delays in rebuilding in town The town did not have a s u p e r m a r k e t o p e n u n t i l l a s t m o n t h w h e n P u b l i x reopened Safford lamented that the store closes at 7 p m “The last thing people want to do is grab an Uber to get a Band-Aid,” he said “There is no walk-in clinic ”

Safford would like to see certain areas of town “fasttracked” for redevelopment and wants to limit the combining of lots so that the town doesn’t become dense with more hotels He has been renting out his property to the hardware store Goodz.

While most of those who spoke Monday concentrated on town permitting and obtaining county funding and assistance, audience member and Fort Myers Beach Realtor Shawn O’Brien said more help was needed from the state

“The town doesn’t have the funds to do anything,” O’Brien said He said a plan was needed from the state to help the town recover “I haven’t seen it yet ”

Realtor Alex King said it’s a struggle to entice people to return to the island and purchase properties on the island when he brings them around town and shows them the destroyed Fort Myers Beach Pier, the shuttered Santini Plaza and Times Square “It’s nine months later and I am running out of stories,” King said

King said employee housing and a parking garage was also needed on the island King said the road leading to the beach is “an eyesore ”

O’Brien pointed to streets that still have piles of debris out front and many homes with tarps covering their roofs “If a 30-40 mph wind comes, those tarps rip to shreds ”

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers welcomed the group’s input “It is always important to have the community involved in the progress of our island I’m looking forward to their collective suggestions and input,” he said

Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said “any opportunity to streamline the process to get people back into their homes and businesses should be considered

There was a lot of talent at the meeting and as we are all in this together we should welcome any and all who want to assist in this time of need ”

Weber stayed on the island throughout the hurricane “I was in shock I watched houses disappear on either side of us,” she said

“We were lucky, the house is fully concrete block,” Weber said “I lost everything I own, every family picture I had.” Four days after Hurricane Ian, she left with the assistance of the National Guard “I left this island with my phone, my purse and the clothes on my back ”

Weber said she was helped by FEMA’s flood insurance program “FEMA was terrific Quick turnaround ” However, she said her wind insurance has not been as good and had to hire a lawyer

Weber started forming subcommittees for residents and businessowners for the group and said she hopes to get the message out about the group’s efforts through social media “If we don’t rebuild this fast, who is going to pick up the slack?”

Beverley Milligan, co-owner of Myerside Resort & Cottages, is on the board of Let’s Go FMB She said all

of the cottages were destroyed at Myerside with only half a building left on the property across from Beach Elementary School Milligan wants to build a boutique hotel on the property, part of plans she won approval from the town in 2021

Milligan got involved in the group because “we have to work together All of us are working in isolation It’s a little scary,” she said “We get strength from our neighbors and we get strength from acts of kindness.”

Other Let’s Go FMB Board members include Terry Persaud, who has been in litigation with the Town of Fort Myers Beach over violations issued at Sunset Beach Tropical Grill, his Times Square restaurant that was washed away by Hurricane Ian Persaud said he has been trying to rebuild his business and seeking out how to rebuild Times Square He said town and county officials have been supportive but “no one has been able to give me a plan ”

Safford said the town had to do more to encourage small business redevelopment

“We don’t want this to be Mexico Beach in five years,” he said

NATHAN MAYBERG

Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt (left) met with members of the new nonprofit Lets go FMB after their initial meeting Monday at the DiamondHead Beach Resort. Next to Atterholt are (l-r) committee member Patrick Vanasse, board member Terry Persaud, board member Beverley Milligan, board member Becki Weber and Myerside Resort and Cottages co-owner Roland Weinmann.

Members of the nonprofit Lets go FMB would like to see quicker action to remove piles of debris like this one on a vacant lot adjacent to DiamondHead Beach Resort

Solid Waste reminds public to prepare for season

The hurricane season calls for proactive measures to safeguard homes and properties

Lee County Solid Waste is encouraging residents to follow the below tips to minimize the risk of damage from high winds and flying debris during storms:

∫ Trim trees and branches: Cut back any trees or branches that make contact with your house, pool cage, shed or other buildings This creates a safe distance, preventing potential damage during severe weather

∫ Thin foliage: Improve wind flow and reduce the chances of plants becoming uprooted by thinning the foliage in your yard This step allows wind to freely pass through branches, minimizing the risk of damage to your property and nearby structures

∫ Proper yard waste disposal: Place trimmings at the curb on your regular collection day Containerize or securely tie bundles of yard waste, ensuring they weigh no more than 50 pounds and do not exceed 6 feet in length Up to 50 pounds of unbundled palm fronds may be placed at the curb

∫ Remove potential projectiles: Prioritize safety by thoroughly cleaning your property and removing any

DOH-Lee

Lee County has an online process for submitting the

https://leegis leegov com/ROE for communities located within unincorporated Lee Filling out the form is quick, easy and only has to be done once a year Lee County Solid Waste encourages all HOAs to take time to complete the form prior to the start of hurricane season The Right of Entry would only be used as necessary during the recovery period following a declared state of local emergency

items that could become projectiles in high winds. Place these objects at the curb on your regular waste collection day for proper disposal or storage

Professional property managers and residential homeowners' association (HOA) presidents can take steps now to protect their community in the event of a hurricane or other declared major disaster in Lee County FEMA regulations require that private or gated communities have a current Right of Entry and Indemnification form on file with the county before any disaster debris recovery crews are allowed to enter the community

The county noted that waste from contractors is not eligible for disaster debris collection Waste and debris generated by contractors and left on public property creates safety hazards for pedestrians, motorists and emergency responders Any waste left behind by contractors on public property will be considered illegal dumping, and the contractors will be held liable for any associated fines or penalties. All contractors are strongly urged to dispose of their waste in a responsible and lawful manner For more information, visit www leegov com/solidwaste or call 239-533-8000

cautions about blue-green algae bloom

On June 13, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County cautioned the public of the presence of a bluegreen algae bloom in the Caloosahatchee River-Paradise Marina Entrance, Franklin Lock C43 Canal S79 (upstream), and Fort Myers Shores Blooms have the potential to produce toxins Since bloom conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution as if the bloom were toxic, even if toxin presence has not yet been confirmed

The public is advised to take the following precautions:

∫ Do not drink, swim, wade, water ski or engage in activities that may cause you to come in direct contact with waters where there is a visible bloom

∫ Exercise caution when using personal watercraft or boating to avoid stirring up or contacting the algae or the affected water

∫ Avoid getting affected water in your eyes, nose or mouth

∫ Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water

∫ Keep pets and livestock away from the waters in the location

∫ Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well

∫ Do not eat shellfish from the location

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and partners collect algae samples from reported bloom locations for toxin analysis Once completed, the results will be posted on the DEP Algal Bloom Dashboard at h t t p s : / / f l o r i d a

viewed on the Protecting Florida Together website at https://protectingfloridatogether gov/, where you can sign up to be notified of the latest conditions

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors

Some environmental factors that contribute to bluegreen algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins

Is it har mful?

Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals For additional information on potential health effects of algal blooms, visit floridahealth gov/environmental-

SFWMD seeking public input on 2023 draft plan

The South Florida Water Management District is addressing the impacts of rising sea levels, extreme weather events and changing rainfall and flood patterns

A s p a r t o f i t s o n g o i n g e f f o r t s , i t i s encouraging stakeholders and the public to share their comments on the 2023 Draft District Sea Level Rise and Flood Resiliency Plan

The draft plan details regional resiliency projects and outlines the SFWMD's proactive approach to tackling the chal-

lenges posed by a changing climate on South Florida's water resources The latest updates to the plan were presented during the SFWMD’s Resiliency Coordination Forum on May 24 To view the recording of the forum and access related materials, visit SFWMD gov/Resiliency

The comments will be evaluated and will play an important role in shaping the 2023 plan The deadline to submit comments is June 23 All comments must be emailed to resiliency@sfwmd gov

health/aquatic-toxins

Find current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algal b l o o m s a n d b e a c h c o n d i t i o n s b y v i s i t i n g P r o t e c t i n g F l o r i d a T o g e t h e r g o v P r o t e c t i n g F l o r i d a Together is the state’s joint effort to provide statewide water quality information to prioritize environmental transparency and commitment to action

What do I do if I see an algal bloom?

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects and analyzes algal bloom samples To report a bloom to the DEP, call the toll-free hotline at 855-3053 9 0 3 o r r e p o r t o n l i n e a t h t t p : / / w w w s u r v e y g i z m o c o m / s 3 / 3 4 4 4 9 4 8 / A l g a lBloom-Reporting-Form

To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511

Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center; call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately

Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with bluegreen algae contaminated water

If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, call the DOH-Lee at 239-6902100

Shucker’s

From page 1

Wakynn Ferris and Malcolm Young and developed it from a vacation rental business into a restaurant and bar business in w h a t e v e n t u a l l y b e c a m e k n o w n a s Shuckers at the Gulfshore and Cottage Bar after several iterations including the Gulf Shore Grill and Cottage Bar

The Gulf Shore was built in 1921 and went through a number of transformations over the years During the 1 9 2 0 s , i t w a s a l s o k n o w n a s t h e

Crescent Beach Casino and in the 1930s it was called the Gulfshore Inn When the property was purchased in 1970s, there were several cottages While the property underwent numerous renovations after numerous hurricanes over the decades, it could not survive Ian

“It’s been very emotional but I'm ready to retire,” Gosford said “It's too much to try and start over” for the ownership group, she said

Gosford grew up on Fort Myers

Beach and attended Fort Myers Beach Elementary School

“It's been a labor of love growing the business, working the business. It's bittersweet because we are all getting older now,” she said “All the owners worked there are some point and had a hand in it ” Gosford said the owners were “devastated” by Hurricane Ian “It's just sad that the building is gone ”

Gosford said that Orlandini has communicated to the owners that he is “very dedicated to keeping the history alive ”

Orlandini hopes to go in front of the t o w n c o u n c i l a n d L o c a l P l a n n i n g Agency with plans in September and hopefully construct the building and have it open by late 2024

Orlandini said he had been pursuing the purchase for some time

“It was a little higher than we really wanted In time we think it will work out,” Orlandini said

3 n W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , J u n e 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE

A nnual c atch- and-rel ease contest t o be hel d at M oss M arina

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Everybody’s favorite free fishing contest is moving back to Fort Myers Beach this Fourth of July weekend After 30 years of Fourth of July fishing contests at Bonita Bill’s on San Carlos Island, the event is moving to Moss Marina T h e c a t c h - a n d - r e l e a s e c o n t e s t will be held Saturday, July 1 at the Fort Myers Beach marina due to the

loss of the docks of Bonita Bill’s

“The docks are gone,” organizer Joan Semmer said She thanked M o s s M a r i n a f o r b e i n g “ k i n d enough to host it for us” this year.

Registration starts at 8:30 a m at Moss Marina, which is located at 450 Harbour Court The fishing begins at 9 and runs through Hot dogs will be served for lunch at noon There will also be watermelon supplied by Mom’s Restaurant

and cookies and potato chips donated by Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Café and Tiki Bar

“I’m just so awed at the generosity and kindness of the community,” Ms Semmer said

Those participating need to bring their own poles and bait

There are trophies for the most catches and largest catches, among other categories

See FISHING, page 17

If You Go:

What: Fourth of July fishing contest

When: Saturday, July 1 at 8:30 a.m. to noon

Where: Moss Marina, 450 Harbour Court, Fort Myers Beach

Cost: Free, must bring own fishing pole and bait

FILE PHOTO

Alliance for the Arts announces

Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab Logo Contest

The Alliance for the Arts (AFTA) is launching the Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab with an opening date scheduled for Aug 23 It will be the first of its kind in Lee County and will provide the creative community the opportunity to learn and create on state-of-the art hardware, a full suite of Adobe software, DaVinci Resolve and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

The Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab will increase digital literacy and continue to eliminate barriers to arts participation with opportunities for the public of all ages and abilities to explore and hone skills in writing, filmmaking, podcasting, digital design, computer generated paintings, photography, digitally created music, e-books, 3D design, editing and other creative applications This project aims to take AFTA to new heights by expanding arts instruction, creates workforce development opportunities and lessens the digital divide in Lee County

AFTA is seeking a Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab logo that captures the spirit and intention behind this new space The new logo will be used across a variety of platforms, including, but not limited to: our website, social media sites, merchandise and promotional materials AFTA is seeking a creative, professional, stylized logo that embodies the use of this new space and reflects our mission to advance our community through the arts The contest is open to submissions from anyone Contestants can work in groups or individually; only one (1) prize will be awarded, regardless of group size.

Submission Guidelines

The Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab logo contest opens June 15, 2023 and closes July 7, 2023 Late entries will not be considered The winner will be notified via email on July 17, 2023 One or more entries per person or group will be accepted Each entry must be submitted in a separate email Entries must be submitted electronically via the online form, and must include the full name(s) of the logo

creator, email address, postal address, and a contact phone number There is no fee to enter this contest

Logo Design Specifications

The logo should be adaptable to different iterations in size and application and reflective of the creative nature of the space It should also include the official name of the lab, Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab Please note an ampersand must be incorporated into the design The final product should include an all-white version, an all-black version and a full-color version (if the designer/s choose to use color ) The winning logo must be easy to manipulate, resize, and transfer for all purposes of reproduction Competition entries must be submitted as a JPEG file Other file types will not be considered during judging.

Intellectual Property

By submitting a competition entry, competition entrants affirm that their entry is their own original work, is not derivative in nature (including to the entrant’s own prior work), and does not violate the intellectual property rights of any other individual or entity The winning submission becomes the property of AFTA and may be used for any AFTA purpose, including, but not limited to: our website, social media sites, merchandise, and promotional materials

Disclaimer

AFTA is not responsible for late, lost, misdirected,

incomplete, illegible, or otherwise unusable competition entries, including entries that are lost or unusable due to computer, internet, or electronic problems

Terms and Conditions

By entering this contest, entrants agree to be bound by these contest rules Rule violations or failure to follow specification or submission guidelines may eliminate a participant’s eligibility AFTA retains the right to disqualify any entry or contest entrant at any time at its sole discretion

Determination of Winner and Issuing of Prize

A panel of judges from AFTA and members of AFTA staff will select the finalists and vote on a winner Factors influencing the judges’ decision will be based on (1) visual appeal; (2) relevance to the Lab’s theme; and (3) ease of reproduction for various purposes, as outlined above A prize of $500 00 will be awarded for the winning entry Only one (1) prize will be awarded, regardless of group size. The winner will be notified by email by July 17, 2023 and will be announced in a press release, on social media channels, the AFTA website and the AFTA newsletter

For more information on the Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab and the logo competition, including a full list of design specifications, rules and conditions, visit Digital Arts Lab - Alliance for the Arts (artinlee org)

Fishing From page 15

The well-attended event features prizes every year for every participant including fishing poles, trophies and other goodies. The Fort Myers Beach Tarpon Hunters Club and First Citizens United Bank donated funds for the prizes

Semmer said the party room at Bonita Bill’s where lunch is usually served is also being remediated Semmer said that extra prizes stockpiled there from previous fishing contests, were lost in Hurricane Ian “We lost everything, our scales, measur-

ing sticks ”

Across the street from Bonita Bill’s, the Ostego Marine Science Center was flooded Semmer said her grandson was able to save some of the fish from the tanks She also saved two turtles She is awaiting a contractor to patch the roof

Before the fishing contest was held at Bonita Bill’s, Semmer used to organized fishing contests at the Fort Myers Beach Pier This will be the first time the Fourth of July fishing contest returns to the island

since before 1992

Bonita Bill’s owner Bill Semmer, who used to fire his mini cannon to start the

annual event, died earlier this year His grandson Bill will be shooting off the cannon in his place, Ms. Semmer said.

FILE PHOTO

DDWS refuge programs

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge provided the following updates for the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel:

∫ Free Summer Programs will run from now t h r o u g h A u g 5 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w d i n g d a r l i n g s o c i e t y o r g / a r t i c l e s / f r e erefuge-programs

∫ Art in the Wild Day will take place on Oct 21-22 a t t h e r e f u g e . F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www dingdarlingsociety org/articles/art-in-thewild

∫ Photo-artist Niki Butcher will mount an exhibition of her work in January and February in the refuge's Visitor & Education Center

∫ The “Ding” Darling Lecture Series will return to the refuge from January through March For more information, visit https://www dingdarlingsociety org/articles/lecture-series

∫ Nature Wellness @ Ding will return to the refuge and beyond on Jan 18-21

∫ The “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival will be held on April 20 at Lakes Park in Fort Myers For more information, visit https://www dingdarlingsociety org/articles/ding-darling-days

∫ The 12th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament will take place on May 10 For more information, visit https://dingdarlingsociety org/ articles/tarpon-tournament-1

Mural proposals being

The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab to provid for the public of all ages and abilities to expl skills in writing, filmmaking, podcasting, dig computer generated paintings, photography created music, e-books, 3D design, editing a creative applications It will commission an artist group to paint a mural in the front corne lab. Artists are asked to submit proposals fo an approximate 9-foot wide mural to be com pleted in July The selected artist will be awarded a stipend of $1,000 The deadline to submit a proposal is June 26 For more info mation, visit https://www artinlee org/express

Berne Davis Garden tours now available

Tours to continue through September

The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Avenue, Fort Myers, is open for Tuesday morning garden walks from now until October between 9 a m and noon Admission and parking are both free; handicap parking is on Virginia Avenue; regular parking is on Larchmont

“signs

“The Key To Creativity” is on display from now through June 29 in main gallery at The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, at 2301 First St , Fort Myers One piece in the juried exhibition is by artist Eric J Taubert Titled “signs | sanibel island, florida,” it is an

a l u m i n u m a r c h i v a l d y e s u b l i m a t i o n (matte) print of a fine art photography collage It offers a glimpse at facets of Sanibel Island imagery that were lost to Hurricane Ian in September For more i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e e x h i b i t , v i s i t sbdac com

The botanical garden is a project of the Fort Myers Lee County Garden Council, whose headquarters are at the Virginia Avenue address The garden is staffed by Garden Council volunteers. Those viewing the garden may also just walk the path and enjoy the gardens

The garden is the home of the Lorelei statue that was part of the old Fort Myers Library as well as the Mina Edison Botanical Library Many of the displays in the garden have been provided through the talents and contributions of the 29 local garden clubs, plant societies, and other affiliate members, representing over 1,700 members which comprise the Garden Council.

The Fort Myers-Lee County Garden

Council was formed in 1957 and now comprises various clubs, societies, and affiliate members in the area The Council is a member of the National Garden Clubs, the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, and American Public Gardens Association.

For additional information about the Council, contact the president, Sylvia Swaartz, President, fmlcgardencouncil@ gmail com

ERIC J TAUBERT

| sanibel island, florida”

‘The Key To Creativity’ on display at The Sidney & Ber ne Davis Ar t Center

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge R a n g e r Yv e t t e C a r r a s c o i n v i t e s g u e s t s t o t o u c h t a x i d e r m y o s p r e y w i n g s d u r i n g a Wildlife Drive Caravan Tour the first program of the summer. REFUGE/DDWS

PET PALS

Spotlight on two beautiful and sweet sisters

By ISABELLE WELLS

Co-founder of the Find a Home, Give a Home pet rescue organization of Fort Myers Beach

Shirley and Laverne are the sweetest girls who are in a shelter and need to be adopted together since they are bonded This is what the shelter has to say about them As you know shelter dogs are very stressed and these girls need some help and a home

These sweet, scared, suspected sisters came in together as strays Shirley is fawn/white approximately 3 years old and weighs 60 pounds Laverne is approximately 2 years old and weighs 55 pounds. They both are so scared of the shelter environment that they are frozen in their cage They are afraid to move Once carried outside, they seek human attention but are very apprehensive about their surroundings They would likely do well in a quieter environment where they can relax and come out of their shell They are bonded and become more confident when interacting with each other

If you are looking for great dogs think about saving two great girls They are also good with other dogs you can email us and we can give you the info on where to meet them. Help the girls call or text Isabelle at 239-281-0739 if you would like to visit them at the shelter please go to Domestic Animal services at 5600 Banner Rd , Fort Myers You can also see the available dogs at www leelostpets org

Fosters and feeders needed

By Jo Knobloch

Saveourstraysfmb @yahoo com

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

We are in desperate need of fosters and feeders and volunteers to come play with the kittens If you can help in any way, please call 239-851-3485 The feed areas are very easy to do and food will be provided if needed have locations both on and off Fort Myers Beach

Fostering is a great way to enjoy cats and kittens if you cannot adopt We have adults and kittens that could be fostered.

Many thanks to those who have dropped off dry and wet food at the Pet Supermarket on San Carlos Boulevard close to the Beach Very much appreciated We are still in need of wet food for the kittens--fancy feast kitten chicken or turkey flavor

Aura and Sparrow

Aura is a female 9-week-old kitten from a litter of six She is a little timid at first but joins in real quick during playtime She is white with tabby markings and is enjoying the new kitten room and chasing her littermates

Sparrow is a 9-week-old special needs male kitten He has an eye problem with his left eye and has had some surgery on it. But that doesn’t stop him from playing and having fun He is very active, affectionate and playful

WHAT’S HAPPENING

I n t e r e s t e d i n d i v i d u a l s s h o u l d c o n t a c t t h e i r V o c a t i o n a l R e h a b i l i t a t i o n c o u n s e l o r o r t h e i r l o c a l V R o f f i c e f o r a referral Visit www rehabworks org/studentyouth/student-youth html or call (239) 278-7150 for more information

T o l e a r n m o r e a b o u t L A R C , v i s i t w w w l a rc l e e c o u n t y o r g o r c o n t a c t A n g e l a K a t z , E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r , a t

0 o r a n g e l a k a t z @ l a rc

e c o u n t y o r g

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

B r o a d w a y P a l m C h i l d r e n ’ s T h e a t r e p r e s e n t s t h e m u s i c a l , “ H o w I B e c a m e A P i r a t e ” U r g h !

e t r e a d y t o s e t s a i l w i t h B r a i d B e a r d ’ s p i r a t e c r e w p l a y i n g s e l e c t e d m a t i n e e s t h r o u g h J u n e 3 0

Captiva Cruises

Summer Activities

Family owned and operated since 1986, Captiva Cruises has helped Southwest Florida locals and guests experience the region’s waters for nearly four decades, exploring unique destinations and hidden gems that are often only reached by boat All cruises are led by U S Coast Guard-licensed captains, guiding passengers in encountering Southwest Florida and providing educational insights on the region’s unique ecosystems and native wildlife From start to finish, excursions help passengers encounter true Florida

C r u i s e s o f f e r a v a r i e t y o f f u n e x p e r i e n c e s f o r a l l a g e s , s a i l i n g t o d e s t i n a t i o n s i n c l u d i n g :

New exhibit opens at Shell Point’s Tribby center

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

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

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

For more information, visit www shellpoint org

Boys & Girls Club of Lee County Summer Enrichment Program

S u m m e r E n r i c h m e n t P r o g r a m : W e e k d a y s f r o m 7 : 3 0 a m t o 6 p m , J u n e 1 2 - A u g u s t 4 , o f f e r e d a t l o c a t i o n s i n B o n i t a S p r i n g s , C a p e C o r a l , F o r t M y e r s a n d L e h i g h A c r e s S u m m e r C a m p s a r e a v a i l a b l e f o r a g e s s i x t h r o u g h 1 8 a n d i n c l u d e f i e l d t r i p s , S T E M p r o j e c t s , a r t s a n d c r a f t s , g u e s t s p e a k e r s a n d m u c h m o r e F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o r e g i s t e r , v i s i t

B G C l e e o r g o r c a l l 2 3 9 - 3 3 4 - 1 8 8 6

LARC to host Career Camp for students ages 14-21

L e e A s s o c i a t i o n f o r R e m a r k a b l e C i t i z e n s ( L A R C ) w i l l h o s t C a r e e r C a m p s f o r s t u d e n t s a g e s 1 4 - 2 1 i n J u n e a n d J u l y S t u d e n t s m u s t b e c u r r e n t l y e n r o l l e d i n s c h o o l a n d h o l d a n I n d i v i d u a l i z e d E d u c a t i o n a l P l a n ( I E P ) o r 5 0 4 P l a n ( S e c t i o n 5 0 4 o f t h e R e h a b i l i t a t i o n A c t ) “ M a n y s t u d e n t s a r e i n t e r e s t e d i n j o b s b u t d o n ’ t k n o w w h e r e t o s t a r t , ” s a i d A n g e l a K a t z , L A R C ’ s E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r “ P a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l e x p l o r e c a r e e r s a n d g a i n t r a n s f e r a b l e s k i l l s i n h i g h - d e m a n d i n d u s t r i e s T h e y w i l l d e v e l o p a r e s u m e , p r e p a r e f o r i n t e r v i e w s , a n d m o r e ” T h r e e 3 0 - h o u r c a m p s w i l l b e h e l d ; J u n e 2 6 - 3 0 , J u l y 1 0 - 1 4 , a n d J u l y 2 4 - 2 8 C a m p s a r e M o n d a y –F r i d a y f r o m 9 a m – 4 p m , w i t h a 3 0 - m i n u t e b r e a k f o r l u n c h S t u d e n t s m u s t b r i n g l u n c h S n a c k s w i l l b e p r o v i d e d T h e c a m p s w i l l b e h e l d a t L A R C ’ s F o r t M y e r s h e a d q u a r t e r s a t 2 5 7 0 H a n s o n S t r e e t E n r o l l m e n t i s f r e e o f c h a r g e t o q u a l i f y i n g p a r t i c i p a n t s E v e r y s t u d e n t t h a t s u c c e s s f u l l y c o m p l e t e s a l l f i v e d a y s o f C a r e e r C a m p w i l l r e c e i v e a $ 5 0 g i f t c a r d , l u n c h , a n d a c e r t i f i c a t e o n t h e l a s t d a y o f c a m p T h e p r o g r a m i s a n a f f i l i a t e o f t h e F l o r i d a D i v i s i o n o f V o c a t i o n a l R e h a b i l i t a t i o n ( V R ) T h i s c a m p i s a p a r t o f p r e - e m p l o y m e n t t r a n s i t i o n s e r v i c e s , w h i c h i n c l u d e j o b e x p l o r a t i o n , w o r k p l a c e r e a d i n e s s , w o r kb a s e d l e a r n i n g ( j o b s h a d o w ) w i t h a l o c a l b u s i n e s s , a n d p o s t - s e c o n d a r y c o u n s e l i n g a n d t o u r

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

Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre presents fulls c a l e p r o d u c t i o n s t h a t a r e g r e a t f o r a l l a g e s Performances are matinees with lunch at noon and show beginning at 1 p m The chef’s special buffet includes children’s favorites like pizza, chicken nuggets, french fries, pasta and more.

Ticket prices for the buffet and the show are only $25 for all ages Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, by visiting www Broad wayPalm com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers

Kid's Floral Design Workshop offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is partnering with floral designer, Anita Singh, to offer a Kid's Floral Design Workshop. The class will be offered on July 8 at 10 a.m. The workshop is for children ages six and up Children will be instructed on basic flower care and design ideas

Singh has been creating floral arrangements for more than 20 years and also makes jewelry and creates other types of art While her designs are original and many of her techniques are self-taught, she is a certified floral designer through Penn Foster College

The workshop is for children only and will last approximately 60 to 90 minutes All materials and flowers will be provided Each child will be able to take their floral creation home Registration is required at least 48 hours before the class starts at EdisonFord.org. The workshop is $50 per child for Edison Ford members and $60 per child for non-members

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

For t Myers Mighty Mussels home games

T h e M i g h t y M u s s e l s p l a y h o m e g a m e s a t H a m m o n d S t a d i u m i n F o r t M y e r s t h r o u g h m i dS e p t e m b e r T i c k e t s s t a r t a t $ 1 0 a n d t h e s c h e d u l e f e at u r e s n u m e r o u s p r o m o t i o n s , i n c l u d i n g c o n c e r t s , f o o d a n d d r i n k s p e c i a l s , p o s t g a m e f i r e w o r k s c e l e b r a t i o n s , b e e r f e s t s a n d m o r e F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n g a m e s , t i c k e t s o r s p e c i a l e v e n t s , v i s i t M i g h t y M u s s e l s c o m o r c a l l 2 3 9 - 7 6 8 - 4 2 1 0

Wonder Gardens offering enhanced guest experiences for the summer

T h e W o n d e r G a r d e n s i s o f f e r i n g e n h a n c e d g u e s t e x p e r i e n c e s f o r t h e s u m m e r G u e s t s w i s h i n g t o g e t u p c l o s e a n d p e r s o n a l w i t h s o m e o f t h e a t t r a c t i o n s c a n s c h e d u l e a W i l d W o n d e r s A n i m a l E n c o u n t e r H a b i t a t C h a t s p l a n n e d o n T h u r s d a y s a l s o o f f e r n e w a n d a d d it i o n a l e x p e r i e n c e s . W i l d W o n d e r s A n i m a l E n c o u n t e r s w i l l a l l o w g u e s t s t o f e e d S u l c a t a t o r t o i s e s , R a i n b o w L o r i k e e t s a n d A m e r i c a n a l l i g a t o r s T h e A n i m a l C a r e a n d E d u c a t i o n s t a f f w i l l l e a d g u e s t s o n a n a d v e n t u r e t h a t l a s t s a n y w h e r e f r o m 3 0 m i n u t e s t o a t l e a s t a n h o u r

∫ C a b b a g e K e y , h o m e t o a n O l d F l o r i d a – s t y l e i n n a n d r e s t a u r a n t t h a t s e r v e s t h e r u m o r e d i n s p i r at i o n f o r J i m m y B u f f e t t ’ s s o n g “ C h e e s e b u r g e r i n P a r a d i s e ”

∫ U s e p p a I s l a n d , a n e x c l u s i v e p r i v a t e i s l a n d c l u b t h a t c a n o n l y b e v i s i t e d b y m e m b e r s o f t h e c l u b , g u e s t s o f a m e m b e r o f t h e c l u b o r a s a p a ss e n g e r o n C a p t i v a C r u i s e s

∫ B o c a G r a n d e , a s m a l l r e s i d e n t i a l c o m m u n i t y o n G a s p a r i l l a I s l a n d h o m e t o t h e 1 0 0 - y e a r - o l d

G a s p a r i l l a I n n a n d t h e c i r c a - 1 8 9 0 B o c a G r a n d e L i g h t h o u s e ∫ T a r p o n L o d g e o n P i n e I s l a n d , w h e r e p a s s e ng e r s c a n e n j o y l u n c h a t t h e h i s t o r i c l o d g e a n d a t o u r o f t h e R a n d e l l R e s e a r c h C e n t e r , a n a r c h a e ol o g i c a l a n d h i s t o r i c s i t e

∫ D o l p h i n a n d w i l d l i f e c r u i s e s n a r r a t e d b y v o lu n t e e r s f r o m t h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n , a n o n p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n d e d i c a t e d t o t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n o f c o a s t a l h a b i t a t s

∫ S u n s e t c r u i s e s t h a t a l l o w p a s s e n g e r s t o e n j o y s p e c t a c u l a r s u n s e t s o v e r s p a r k l i n g w a t e r s P r i v a t e c h a r t e r s a r e a l s o a v a i l a b l e , i d e a l f o r s p ec i a l e v e n t s , i n c l u d i n g w e d d i n g s , r e h e a r s a l d i n n e r s , g r a d u a t i o n s , r e u n i o n s , b i r t h d a y s a n d m o r e F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t C a p t i v a C r u i s e s c o m o r c a l l

2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 5 3 0 0

E n c o u n t e r s a r e o f f e r e d a t t h e d i s c o u n t e d o f f - s e a s o n r a t e s o f $ 2 0 p e r p e r s o n f o r W o n d e r G a r d e n s m e m b e r s a n d $ 2 5 p e r p e r s o n f o r n o n m e m b e r s , p l u s p a r k a d m i ss i o n G u e s t s m a y v i s i t W o n d e r g a r d e n s o r g t o v i e w a v a i l a b i l i t y a n d b o o k a n e n c o u n t e r f o r 1 1 : 3 0 a m o n s e l e c t d a y s I n a d d i t i o n , W o n d e r G a r d e n s h a s a d d e d H a b i t a t C h a t s a t 1 p m o n T h u r s d a y s H a b i t a t C h a t s a r e a n e w a n d i n t e r a c t i v e w a y g u e s t s c a n l e a r n a b o u t t h e a n i m a l s a t t h e G a r d e n s C u r r e n t l y , t h e e x p e r i e n c e c o m b i n e s a n a l l i g a t o r f e e d i n g d e m o n s t r a t i o n w i t h i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t d i e t , c o n s e r v a t i o n a n d f u n f a c t s T h e C h a t s a r e o f f e r e d f o r a l l W o n d e r G a r d e n s F o r i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w o n d e r g a r d e n s o r g / p r o d u c t / w i l d - w o n d e r s / o r c a l l

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings

Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help

at 941-564-5098 or visit www SouthFloridaAl-Anon org Meetings are held every day in Lee County

Al-Ateen meetings are also offered for ages 10-18

KURT GULLEDGE

Organization seeking former USS Intrepid crew members

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum reported that Aug 16 will mark the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of USS Intrepid (CVS-11), the World War II-era Essex class aircraft carrier that is now the centerpiece of the New York City museum To mark the occasion, the museum will put out a coast-to-coast “all call” for Intrepid former crew members to be reunited at a special 80th Commissioning Anniversary Celebration on board the ship

The museum is also seeking and accepting donations of personal artifacts and memorabilia from former crew members and their families The museum noted that each item added to the collection helps it perpetuate, honor, express and interpret Intrepid’s stories of service, and to fulfill its mission to honor, educate and inspire millions of people each year

The museum reported that the homecoming will fea-

ture a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Intrepid’s commissioning on Aug 16, honoring former crew members from all eras of the carrier’s service, who will reunite and share stories of their tours of duty It will host a special former crew member dinner event that evening and guided tours of the ship For some former crew members, it will be the first time they have been aboard their ship since the completion of their service While the museum recognizes the ship’s commissioning anniversary every year, the 80th celebration promises to be the largest gathering of former crew members since the 75th anniversary in 2018

the visiting former crew members

T h e m u s e u m

I n t r e p i d ’ s 8 0 t h Commissioning Anniversary Celebration is open to the public, and will feature events specifically tailored for former crew members and their families, as well as opportunities for members of the public to interact with

Now a national historic landmark, the aircraft carrier Intrepid was one of the most successful and stalwart ships in U S history Nicknamed “The Fighting I” by its crew, it served in the Pacific during World War II, surviving five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike It later conducted submarine surveillance in the North Atlantic during the Cold War and served three tours of duty off Vietnam It was also one of the primary recovery vessels for NASA during the Mercury and Gemini missions, and retrieved astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gus Grissom and John Young after their respective orbits and splashdowns in the Pacific

To learn more about the commemoration and for registration information, former crew members and their family members can visit intrepidmuseum org/80 or contact fcm@intrepidmuseum org

Registration open for next Honor Flight

C o l l i e r - L e e H o n F l i h t a n n o u n c e d t h a t t h Honor Flight Fligh 25 is set for Sept

Military veterans fro Collier and Lee coun t i e s a r e i n v i t e d t o apply for considerat i o n f o r t h e f r e e event I n a d d i t i o n , C o l l i e r - L e e H o n o Flight is seeking volu t e e r s t o s e r v e Guardians for the ve during the journey G

nd support the veteruring their comfort afety

C o l l i e r - L e e H o n o r ght's mission is to rovide free air transportation to local veterans, enabling them o visit the memorials

n Washington, D C , hat are dedicated to onoring their service d sacrifices

These trips serve as a nt reminder of the dedication displayed

by our veterans,” officials reported

During the Honor Flight, surprises of recognition and honor are introduced, ensuring that each veteran feels appreciated throughout the day

“It is our firm belief that these brave men and women deserve nothing less than our utmost gratitude and admiration,” Collier-Lee Honor Flight originator Debi Lux said

Collier-Lee Honor Flight prioritizes its most senior heroes Wheelchairs are provided for veterans to assure their comfort and safety.

“When I got out of the Army in 1967, I had to hide my uniform because of

Vietnam War protestors,” Sgt Richard Erschik, who took part in Honor Flight No. 24, said “This Honor Flight experience made me proud, again, that I wore one ”

The support for the trips is made possible by military and non-military volunteers

Companies and individuals are sought as Honor Flight sponsors They will receive prominent and continuous mention and recognition on the website and a token of appreciation for their contribution

F o

DOH urges preparation for hurricane season

o r i d a Department of Health is encouraging the public to prepare for severe weather emergencies Determine any risks to your home, property or business and update your emergency plans and supplies before a storm threatens It is important to stay prepared before and after a storm.

Make a plan

It is essential that individuals have a plan before a disaster occurs Following an emergency or disaster, you may lose access to basic services, such as power and water, and be subject to limited or no access to essentials like food and water Visit the Florida Department of Emergency Management's “Plan and Prepare” webpage for guidance on making an emergency plan for your family or business

Make a kit

As we stay on the lookout for upcoming storms, think about what to keep on hand in order to be prepared The FDEM recommends that you maintain a well-stocked emergency preparedness kit to last you and your family for a minimum of seven days Each individual or family disaster supply kit differs based on personal needs Review the list below for the basic items to include in your kit

∫ Water: Enough for drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes pack a minimum of one gallon daily per person for seven days

∫ Food: Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices, snacks and foods for those with dietary restrictions, such as infants and people with diabetes

∫ Cooking supplies: Manual can opener, cooking tools and fuel, paper plates, and plastic utensils

∫ Flashlight and extra batteries

∫ Pillows, blankets and/or sleeping bags

∫ Clothing: Complete change of clothes suitable for the current climate and include sturdy shoes to protect feet from debris or other sharp objects post-storm

∫ First aid kit, prescription medication and other medicines: Include a first aid kit and plan to bring medications that you need. After a storm, you may have limited supplies of your prescription medications and your local pharmacy may close Keep an updated list of each medication you take, its dosing instructions, and the name and contact information of the prescribing doctor

∫ Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

∫ Toiletries

∫ Cleaning supplies: Garbage bags, moisture wipes and other items

∫ Cash: Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods following a disaster

∫ Important documents: Store all critical documents i n a w a t e r p r o o f c o n t a i n e r a n d s a v e e l e c t r o n i c a l l y .

Documents like insurance, medical records, bank account numbers and Social Security card

∫ Contact list: Keep an updated list of all important contacts, including doctors, friends, relatives, out-ofstate friends or relatives

∫ Special items: Assess all family member needs Plan for infants, elderly and individuals with access and functional needs, such as medical items and baby bottles

∫ Pet care items: Proper identification, immunization records, ample supply of food and water, carrier or cage, medications, muzzle and leash, and a photo of you and your pet together to validate ownership.

Know where to find shelter

The time may arise when you may need to evacuate your home to go to a safer place In certain situations, it may be safest for you to evacuate to a more secure location like a hurricane evacuation shelter. A shelter is a refuge of last resort; a place to go if you are not able to evacuate to a hotel or the home of a relative, friend or coworker Shelters are also available for people who have no other place to go The FDEM maintains a list of open shelters on its website.

If you know or care for an individual with a disability or special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, you should pre-register w i t h t h e F l o r i d a S p e c i a l N e e d s S h e l t e r R e g i s t r y

Registering allows local emergency management officials to provide information and quickly assist you during an emergency. For more information, call your coun-

ty’s emergency management office or visit the Florida S p e c i a l N e e d s R e g i s t r y a t https://snr flhealthresponse com/

If you are eligible for a Special Needs Shelter, your kit should include the following:

∫ List of medications and dosage

∫ 30-day supply of medications

∫ Vital medical equipment for those who may be electrically or oxygen dependent

∫ Back-up energy sources for essential medical equipment

∫ Any special dietary needs or food

∫ Personal information, including photo ID, insurance card, list of emergency contacts and your primary care provider's contact information

Prevent mosquito-bor ne illness

Immediately following a storm, flooding may occur Mosquito eggs laid in the soil during previous floods can hatch and result in very large populations Most of these mosquitoes are considered nuisance mosquitoes, however it’s essential to protect yourself and your family from mosquito breeding and mosquito-borne illness.

The risk of disease transmission through bites of infected mosquitoes to humans often increases during the warm, rainy months To protect against mosquitoes, the DOH urges “Drain and Cover”:

DRAIN standing water stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

∫ Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected

∫ Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.

∫ Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once a week

∫ Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water

∫ Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use

COVER your skin with clothing or repellent to reduce mosquito bites

∫ Clothing: If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves

∫ Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing Always use repellents according to the label Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective

∫ Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

∫ Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios

Eliminating mosquito breeding sites

∫ Clean out troughs and gutters

∫ Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain

∫ Turn over or remove empty plastic pots

∫ Pick up all beverage containers and cups

∫ Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water

∫ Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week

∫ Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.

∫ Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water

Stay connected

During severe weather and other emergencies, the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL), a toll-free hotline, is activated to provide accurate and up-to-date information on emergency or disaster situations impacting the State of Florida The SAIL hotline is 800-342-3557

The public can also get information from the DOH's Emergency Information webpage and @HealthyFla on Twitter and Facebook

SPORTS & RECREATION

FWC proposes changes for snook management

At its May meeting, the Florida Fi h d Wildlife Conservation Commission posed new management regions regulation changes for snook Th proposed new regions would allow the FWC to better capture local differences in the fishery

T h e p r o p o s e d r u l e c h a n g e s would:

∫ Establish nine management regions for snook

∫ M a t c h c u r r e n t G u l f o r Atlantic coast regulations within n e w r e g i o n s , e x c e p t f o r t h e Charlotte Harbor

∫ C h a r l o t t e H a r b o r : M a t c h current Gulf coast regulations, and implement a two-fish vessel limit and include September in the summer season closure

Staff will continue to gather input the proposed rules ahead of a planne rule hearing at the commission's October meet

Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Promotional Calendar

i S b it a public comment on snook regionnagement by visiting MyFWC.com/ twaterComments

For the full May agenda and links

t o b a c k g r o u n d r e p o r t s , g o t o

M y F W C c o m / C o m m i s s i o n a n d select “Commission Meetings ”

Those who cannot attend can fol-

l o w c o v e r a g e a t T w i t t e r . c o m

/MyFWC (@MyFWC) and sign

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

MyFWC com Check the Florida Channel for possible live video coverage at TheFloridaChannel org

For current recreational snook regulations, visit MyFWC com / M a r i n e a n d c l i c k o n

“ R e c r e a t i o n a l R e g u l a t i o n s ” a n d

S n o o k ” T h e p a g e i n c l u d e s t h e ok annual reviews, which provide a ary of the snook fishery status in each proposed management region

Tommy Bohanon Foundation hosting annual youth football camp June 24

More than 250 campers are expected to attend the Tommy Bohanon Foundation’s annual youth football camp Saturday, June 24, from 9 a,n, to 1 p m The one-day event benefits young athletes in Southwest Florida elementary and middle schools The camp also encourages youth to expand their love and knowledge for football with professional and experienced coaches

The camp will be held at North Fort Myers High School, 5000 Orange Grove Blvd , North Fort Myers

In addition to performing NFLstyle drills, the student-athletes will be taught the value of hard work and building confidence in themselves, while getting more football experie n c e i n a f u n e n v i r o n m e n t T h e camp, like everything at the founda-

tion, is done with the hope and intention of making a positive impact on the student-athletes’ future and the community

For more about the foundation, visit https://tommybohanonfoundation org/ or call 239-671-0441

up for grabs in 2023 Florida Python Challenge set

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, participants of the 2023 Florida Python Challenge have the opportunity to win a share of thousands in cash prizes! The event, which is hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District, features an Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000 sponsored by Inversa Leathers There is also a prize of $7,500 for the Grand Prize Runner Up, sponsored by the Bergeron Everglades Foundation

“This year we’re going to have $30,000 worth of prizes,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto “We want to thank the private sector Without them we couldn’t offer such great incentives ”

for Aug. 4-13

Prizes will also be awarded in the professional, novice and military categories courtesy of Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands and the F i s h & W i l d l i f e F o u n d a t i o n o f

Florida

Under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the FWC, SFWMD and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of F l o r i d a h o s t t h e F l o r i d a P y t h o n Challenge to raise awareness about invasive species in Florida and their impacts The event, which runs Aug 4 - 1 3 , e n c o u r a g e s p e o p l e t o g e t directly involved in Everglades conservation through invasive species removal

Visit FLPythonChallenge org to register for the competition, take the required online training, view the

optional training opportunities, learn more about Burmese pythons and the unique Everglades ecosystem, and find resources for planning your trip to south Florida to participate in the Florida Python Challenge

Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and they negatively impact native wildlife This invasive species is found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles A female Burmese python can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time Since 2000, more than 18,000 Burmese pythons have been reported to the FWC as removed from the environment For more information on Burmese pythons, visit MyFWC.com /Python

Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex is at 14400 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers

For Mighty Mussels ticket information call 239-7684210 or visit https://www milb com/fort-myers/tickets/ All giveaways, promotions and event dates are subject to change. All Times ET Subject to Change

Wednesday, June 28 @ 7 p m

vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers

Game Highlight: Dollar Dog Night

Every Wednesday home game, all fans can get $1 hot dogs all game long | Presented By 102 9 BOB FM

Game Highlight: Guaranteed Win Night

We are guaranteeing a Mussels victory! If the Mussels lose all fans in attendance get a free ticket to the next day's game

Game Highlight: Silver Sluggers

It's Silver Sluggers Wednesday! Join our Silver Sluggers Club to get free tickets and parking to each Wednesday home Mussels game | Presented By Amavida

Game Highlight: Ladies' Night

Ladies get 2 for 1 Seltzer's & Wine at each Wednesday Mussels Home Game

Thursday, June 29 @ 7 p.m. vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers

Game Highlight: $1 and $2 Beer Night

It's the biggest party in town every Thursday with the Mussels with $1 12 oz cans & $2 draft beers during the game! | Presented By Budweiser, Twin Peaks & Gator Country 101 9

Game Highlight: Miracle Throwback Nights

Every Thursday we're throwing it back to the Miracle days and the Mussels will wear Miracle uniforms! Plus get $1 and $2 beers!

Game Highlight: College Night

All College Students get $5 tickets with Student ID

Friday, June 30 @ 7 p m

vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Game Highlight: Pre-Game Happy Hour

Get 2 for 1 on all Bacardi drinks at the Rusty's bar at Hammond Stadium from 6-7 PM | Presented By Rusty's, Bacardi

Game Highlight: Friday Fireworks

After each Friday game the Mussels will light up the sky with the best fireworks show in Southwest Florida! | Presented By Killebrew Root Beer

Saturday, July 1 @ 6 p.m. vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers

Game Highlight: Guaranteed Win Night

We are guaranteeing a Mussels victory! If the Mussels lose all fans in attendance get a free ticket to the next day's game

Game Highlight: Bark in the Park

Bring your dog to the game as all dogs get in free and join Lee County Sheriff's Office as they spread the word against Animal Cruelty! | Presented By Lee County Sheriff's Office

Game Highlight: Pit Viper Sunglasses Giveaway

The first 500 fans will receive Pit Viper Mussels Sunglasses! | Presented By Lee County Solid Waste |

First 500 Fans

Game Highlight: Cancer Sucks Night #5

In the ongoing battle to fight Cancer the Mussels will partner with area organizations to raise money for the fight | Presented By Budweiser

Source: www milb com/

More than $30,000 in prizes

Exploring the waves

Jacky Norton takes her daughter Amaiya out into the Gulf of Mexico waters during a trip to Fort Myers Beach a t L y n n H a l l M e m o r i a l P a r k T h e

Nortons, of Minnesota, recently purchased a vacation home in Cape Coral "We are loving the weather," Norton said

USACE increases flows from Lake Okeechobee to Caloosahatchee

STAFF REPORT

The U S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District announced a n i n c r e a s e i n r e l e a s e s f r o m L a k e Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee River

Estuary

The releases to the Caloosahatchee River Estuary will target a pulse release at a 7-day average of 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the W P Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79) This is an increase from the 1,800 cfs targeted pulse release that has been in effect since April 15 Since t h i s t a r g e t i s m e a s u r e d a t t h e W P F r a n k l i n L o c k a n d D a m ( S - 7 9 ) , i t i n c l u d e s l o c a l b a s i n r u n o f f a n d m a y require flows at S-79 to temporarily go above the target release to maintain flood control along the C-43 Canal

“We have shifted from the dry season to a wet season weather pattern. Lake O k e e c h o b e e w a t e r l e v e l s h a v e b e e n increasing over the last couple weeks and are currently hovering around 14 feet,” s a i d C o l J a m e s B o o t h , J a c k s o n v i l l e

District Commander “Since June 1, the flows coming through the W P Franklin

Lock and Dam have mostly been basin runoff, which exceeded the 1,800 cubic feet per second target We have not needed to supplement those flows with lake water to meet our target ”

Today, the lake stage is 14 01 feet The lake is approximately 1 5 inches higher than it was one week ago, about 1 inch lower than it was 30 days ago, and about 15 inches higher than it was one year ago

“I’ve made the decision to increase our flow targets so that if conditions are right to release additional water, we will be able to lower lake levels a little more to try to get the lake back into the ecological envelope, while we provide beneficial flows to the Caloosahatchee and maintain good conditions for fish and oyster spawning as long as possible,” Booth said “We evaluate conditions throughout the system on a daily basis, including the algal blooms, which have increased as expected, as summer temperatures rise ”

Booth said "we will continue to send as much water south as possible, in coordination with our partners at the South Florida Water Management District ”

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Boat Lifts & Docks

CUSTOMDOCKS

Saturday,June24th 9am-2pm

4932ViceroyCourt

CapeCoral

Tools,HomeDecor& Goods,Electronics, TV,Officeand BedroomFurniture

Pleasebringsomething tocarryyouritems

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Recreation Vehicles

Tony’s Tree Service

n W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , J u n e 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r