Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

VOLUME 40, NUMBER 27

Fireworks, parade, entertainment for July 4

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

There will be fireworks on Fort Myers Beach this Fourth of July, a parade and a tripleheader of music at Bayside Veterans Park all day

The parade is slated to begin at 10 a m along Estero Boulevard Thursday The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from 9 a m to noon, Town of Fort Myers Beach Communications director Nicole Berzin said.

“We have about 15 floats signed up but we do expect a few more this week,” Berzin said “The Town and Bay Oaks will both have floats this year ”

The fireworks will start at 9 p m and are expected to go off near the former Fort Myers Beach Pier, close to Lynn Hall Memorial Park

The Matanzas Pass Bridge will close at 9 p m for the fireworks Big Carlos Pass Bridge will remain open without closure Town of Fort Myers Beach Community

Services Director Jeff Hauge entered into a $40,000 contract with South Carolinabased Munnerlynn Pyrotechnics for the fireworks show

At Bayside Veterans Park on Old San Carlos Boulevard, there will be three free musical performances throughout the day

The shows, put on by the town, Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, start at 11:30 a m with a performance by Meagan Rose From 2 to 5 p m , Charles Meyers will take the stage

Con cerns ab

p ropo sal on Main St. Angst over Bay Harbour

ou t

traffic, safety over n

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

A proposal to construct a 240-room hotel at a site on Main Street which has been a longtime battleground over development near residential neighborhoods and other businesses on San Carlos

I s la n d , b r o u g h t o u t o p p o s itio n f r o m neighbors concerned about traffic safety and environmental issues during a hearing in front of a Lee County Hearing Examiner this past week.

The latest hearing is due to the developers changing their plans after previo u s l y r e c e i v i n g a s p e c i a l e x c e p t i o n approval for the Commercial Planned D e v e l o p m e n

L e e County Board of County Commissioners for a 100-foott high, 55-unit residential building, townhouses, commercial space and marina The previous approvals had been overturned by a state administrative law judge until Gov Ron DeSantis and h i s c a b i n e t t h e F l o r i d a Administration Commission, overruled t h e j u d g e ’ s d e c i s i o n i n 2 0 2 2 T h e a d m i n i s t r a t i v e l a w j u d g e h a d r u l e d against the project, finding it violated a

ew hotel

state statute due to its impact on hurricane evacuation times in a coastal high hazard area The cabinet’s decision was just a month before Hurricane Ian landed on Fort Myers Beach

The area around Main Street was devastated by Hurricane Ian, with boats washing up on properties, destroying dozens of homes and boats blocking the main road for days after the hurricane Two mobile home parks on the street were destroyed by the hurricane The street is home to the island’s shimp boat docks, and a mix of other businesses and residences

The latest request from the developers is to allow the hotel, which was not part of the prior approvals, on a 7 47 acre parcel that also includes townhouses, a marina and other commercial uses Donna Marie Collins, the hearing examiner, will be making a recommendation to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on the case Collins was sympathetic to the arguments of the developers that they had already received approvals for their previous development even though the use was being changed from a 55-unit resi-

Remedy will close out the day of music from 5 to 8 p m

For those looking to take part in the parade with a float, vehicle or other entrythe fee is $40 for a business and $20 for a nonprofit.

An application to take part in the parade with a float or other entry can be found at https://www fortmyersbeachfl gov/Doc

UPDATED?bidId=

FMB fire commissioners approve merger study

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners approved an $83,911 study for the fire district to merge with the Iona-McGregor Fire District

The cost for the consultant study will be shared by the two fire districts

Fort Myers Beach Chief Scott Wirth said the timeframe is about eight to nine months for a feasibility study and analysis that the consultants will then present to the fire boards.

“We’re hoping to see some reimbursement (for) costs down the road,” Fort M y e r s B e a c h B o a r d o f F i r e Commissioners Chair John Bennett said

The board also authorized Wirth to close on the $3 4 million purchase of the property on Shrimp Boat Lane on San Carlos Island now that violations on the property have been cleared up The property will be used for a new administrative office The property has previously been eyed for a training center as well though Commissioner Ron Fleming indicated that would no longer be the case

The Shrimp Boat Lane property was owned by the owners of Trico Shrimp Co and is located next to Erickson & Jensen Seafood and has docks behind the property Grant Erickson, owner of Erickson & Jensen Seafood, is looking to share some of the docks with the department for shrimp boats

Vice Chair Larry Wood announced that he will not be seeking another term on the board Keran Farrell is running for Wood’s vacated seat Fleming is running unopposed for another term

OPINIONS

By TINA FLEMING

Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Tips for all ages Guest Column

Injur y Prevention Specialist and Child Advocate at Golisano Children’s Hospital

Southwest Florida is known for its beautiful coastline along the Gulf of Mexico Many people live here to enjoy the water and the weather, which is ideal for most of the year to enjoy a nice swim, boat trip, or other water activity Being vigilant about water safety and drowning prevention will help keep us and our loved ones safe.

More children who are one to four years old die from drowning than any other cause of death For children who are five to 14 years old, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes

Drownings happen quickly and quietly and can happen to anyone With layers of protection, awareness, and swim lessons, they are also preventable

Here are some tips and things to keep in mind for adults and children of all ages.

What Can Someone Do to Prevent Drownings and Practice Good Water Safety?

Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging

Here are some things to consider:

∫ Barriers and alarms where water is present, including gates, locks, and fencing

∫ Close, constant and capable supervision

∫ Water competency survival skills

∫ Lifejackets and emergency preparation

∫ Making sure kids are never swimming alone and designating a water watcher

Children should never swim alone, regardless of their swimming experience When at a pool or the beach, designate a “water watcher” to keep an eye on children playing in or near the water

While children are at the highest risk of accidental drownings, everyone is at risk when they're around the water Parents and caregivers should know basic water skills as well These skills can save not only the adult’s life, but they can help save another person’s life as well.

It’s never too late to learn Adults can take lessons together with their children or as a bonding experience for the whole family Make it fun and enjoyable for everyone involved It can also be helpful to look at it as an investment into yourself and your kid’s future. For more information on available swimming lessons for all ages, please visit www leegov com and www ymcaswfl org

When Should You Teach Children How to Swim?

Swimming should be a child’s first sport

Enroll children in formal swim lessons, usually around two to four years old Consider their age, development and how often they are around water

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents hold off on formal swimming lessons until after their child's first birthday If you don't think your child is ready for independent swim lessons, consider a parentchild program that focuses on water games, swimming-readiness skills, and safety in and around the pool

It’s also important to note that in April Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill to create a swim lesson voucher program for families with young children in the State of Florida The establishment of a statewide childhood swim lesson voucher program will help cover swim lessons for families with children under four years old who make less than 200% of the federal poverty level.

Where Can I Get a Lifejacket If I Don’t Have One?

After Hurricane Ian destroyed the lifejacket loaner stations along the Lee County coastline, Lee Health and Safe Kids SWFL, Lee County Parks & Recreation, and other community partners came together to champion water safety and drowning prevention in Lee County with two new lifejacket loaner stations:

∫ Bonita Beach Park, 27954 Hickory Blvd , Bonita Springs

∫ Lover’s Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd , Fort Myers Beach

These loaner stations make it possible for residents and visitors to have access to U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets while they enjoy the beach and other area parks The lifejacket loaner stations, made by Gateway High School’s woodworking students, are now portable, so they can easily be relocated during severe weather or other concerns

It’s important for a lifejacket to fit snugly Have kids make a “touchdown” signal by raising both arms straight up If the lifejacket hits a child’s chin or ears, it may be too big, or the straps may be too loose A properly fitting life-

jacket stays snug around the body, keeping a clear airway for a person if they need to be lifted out of the water

Where Can I Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?

The American Heart Association says hands-only CPR is as effective in the first few minutes as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, work or in public Hands-only CPR means giving continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths

If someone you know is having a cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 first

Administering CPR or hands-only CPR while waiting for help to arrive can save a life CPR helps keep oxygenated blood circulating to the brain to help preserve neurological function until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can get there

The Healthy Life Center at Coconut Point offers a “Friends & Family” class at no charge The hands-only CPR class teaches life-saving skills, including how to use an AED It’s designed for people who want to learn CPR, but don’t need a CPR course completion card to meet a job requirement.

To find out more, please call 239-4680050

Golisano Children’s Hospital also offers a certification course that teaches individuals to respond to and manage illnesses and injuries in a child or infant in the first few minutes until professional help arrives The course covers first aid, as well as infant and child CPR This course is intended for parents, grandparents, child-care providers, and/or anyone else who regularly encounters children. The minimum age requirement is 15 years old

For more information, please call 239343-5101 To learn more about water safety and drowning prevention, please visit www leehealth org

PHOTO PROVIDED

Tina Fleming (fourth from left) at a lifejacket loaner station

BUSINESS

DeSantis vetoes vacation rental bill

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

A bill to regulate vacation rentals was vetoed by Gov Ron DeSantis Thursday over concerns the bill would have limited the ability of local municipalities to enforce ordinances regarding vacation rentals and install new ones

DeSantis said in his veto letter that the measure also added “new bureaucratic red tape that locals must comply with ” That bureaucratic red tape also came with a cost more than $4 million in new government spending to enforce the new law

“The effects of this provision will prevent virtually all local regulation of vacation rentals even though the vacation rental markets are far from uniform across the various regions of the state,” DeSantis said

The bill had passed narrowly in the State Senate by a vote of 23-16 in March. State Senator Jonathan Martin, R-33, whose district covers Fort Myers Beach and most of Lee County, voted in favor of the bill Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and Sen Ben Albritton, whose districts cover parts of Lee County, also supported the bill

The bill had also passed the State House narrowly by a vote of 60-51 Rep Adam Botana, R-80, whose district covers Fort Myers Beach, also voted in favor Lee County’s State House delegation was split on the vote Rep Tiffany Esposito (R-77), Rep Mike G i a l l o m b a r d o ( R - 7 9 ) a n d R e p J e n n a P e r s o n sMulicka (R-78) voted in favor while Rep. Spencer Roach (R-76) opposed the measure

The bill would have preempted the licensing of vacation rentals and regulation of advertising platforms to the state

The bill would have required local governments to prepare a business impact estimate that includes identifying any new charge or fee on vacation rentals subject to the proposed ordinance, or for which businesses will be financially responsible, and an estimate of the local regulatory costs, including an estimate of revenues from any new charges or fees that will be imposed on businesses to cover such costs.

Under the bill that was vetoed, the owners of vacation rentals would have had to submit identifying information about the owner and operator of the vacation rental, provide proof of a division-issued vacation rental license, state the maximum occupancy for the vacation rental which does not exceed either two persons per bedroom, plus an additional two persons in one common area; or more than two persons per bedroom if there is at least 50 square feet per person, plus an additional two persons in one common area, whichever is greater

The bill would have permitted a local government to impose fines on vacation rental operations for violating any local registration requirements and potentially file and foreclose liens on the properties, or suspend a vacation rental for violations

The bill would have also required an advertising platform to provide a list of all vacation rentals which are advertised on its platform within Florida to the state, including the uniform resource locator for the Internet address of the vacation rental advertisement, and the vacation rental license number, and, if applicable, the local registration number The state would have been authorized to fine an advertising platform an amount not to exceed $1,000 per offense for a violation of the provisions in the bill

The bill would have also required advertising platforms and vacation rental operators listing a vacation rental on an advertising platform to collect and remit any taxes that result from payment for the rental of a vacation rental property on its platform

Doc Ford’s, Dixie Fish Company announce winners of National Yucatan Shrimp Day drawing

STAFF REPORT

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company’s handed out coolers and swag to the winners of the weekslong celebration of National Yucatan Shrimp Day on May 24. The lucky winners were drawn from a pool of 14,000 entries, each representing a signature Yucatan item sold between May 1 and May 23 at and the four Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish locations in Southwest Florida

At Dixie Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach, the winner was Kendall Rauk, of Fort Myers Beach At Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille on Fort Myers Beach, the winner was Valencia Thomas, of Naples Three other winners were named at the other Doc Ford's locations

“We are grateful for the support of the community and thrilled by the popularity of our Yucatan shrimp menu items,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company “It equates to nearly 600 dishes, drinks and bottles of Yucatan sauce sold every day at our restaurants ”

Customers qualified for the drawing by ordering the restaurants’ Yucatan shrimp tacos, half- and one-pound peeland-eat shrimp, Yucatan bloody Mary or Yucatan baked oysters, or purchasing the retail Yucatan sauce

The customized YETI coolers were filled with restaurant swag, including hats and bottles of Doc Ford’s signature sauce, a mouth-watering blend of butter, garlic, fresh cilantro, lime juice and mild Colombian chilis

Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company, on Fishermans Wharf, are open daily from 11 a m to 10 p m and have been the recipients of numerous awards

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Fort Myers Beach resident Kendall Rauk was the winner of a YETI cooler and special restaurant swag after winning the National Yucatan Shrimp Day contest at Dixie Fish Co on Fort Myers Beach

Valencia Thomas was the big winner of a YETI cooler and Doc Ford’s swag at the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Fort Myers Beach, as part of the National Yucatan Shrimp Day contest.

School district planning for growth in East Zone

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The preliminary budget presen the School Board of Lee County June 26 included a reduction by t schools in the West Zone an ele mentary and high school ove the next 10 years as the school district copes with burgeoning growth in east Lee County Planning Growth & Capacity

Director Adam Molloy said the 10year student growth projection wa

f i n a l i z e d a n d u p d a t e d i n A p r i showing that there will be 115,6 students in traditional K-12 by 2

T h e r e h a s b e e n a c o m p o u n d growth rate of 1 16%, about 1,328

“It exceeds our current by 22,082 seats, he said

The 10-year student growth:

∫ Elementary: Projected student population in 203334 is 51,626 students, a difference of 10,940

∫ Middle: Projected student population in 2033-34 is 27,208 students, a difference of 3,634 students

∫ High: Projected student population in 2033-34 is 36,785 students, a difference of 7,508 students

Molloy said the current challenge is the district is at 94 3% capacity occupied The available seats are not evenly distributed across the district and by 2025-26 school year it will exceed student stations

He said historically the district has not added student stations at this scale accommodating 22,082 students in 10 years

Operations Executive Director Fredrick Ross said to accommodate the growth, the focus of new construction will be in the East Zone across all school levels

On June 26, the proposed capital plan included eight new schools in the East Zone three elementary

schools two middle schools, two high schools innovation school It also includdelay of two schools in the West e an elementary and a high hool The delay of the West Zone igh school is because of the seats available at Island Coast High School

“ O u r t e a m t o o k a l o o k a t (school) OOO in the West and took a look at the 600 unoccupied seats at Island Coast The ssue out east is much more severe terms of E2 and E3 seats It puts further behind in terms of seats ed,” Molloy said s said the delay is because they er priority than the proposed new schools at other levels and zones

The two West Zone schools in the plan are for Hector A Cafferata K-8 school, which will have 1,620 seats for an estimated cost of $124,956,952 and Bayshore K-8, 300 seats for $50,000,000

Molloy said there will be a deficit of 8,443 student seats as opposed to the Jan 9 capital plan of a deficit of 3,633 student seats

The presentation also touched on the budget cuts $122 million for maintenance projects for the 10-year capital plan

Coordinator of Operations Danielle Jensen said there are 945 specific projects that need to be addressed with

54 6% of those, or 516, at the elementary school level There are 170 projects for middle school, 169 for high school and 90 special center projects

With the unmet needs of the school improvement maintenance projects and delay in the West Zone elementary and high school, there is a total reduction of $423 million, which Chief Financial Officer Dr Ami Desamours said is significant and continues to compound the current situation

The district will also have debt of $1 3 billion in 10 years with the preliminary plan, which is among one of the challenges

Director of Budget Kelly Letcher said the general fund is the biggest part of the budget with a focus on schools and students They allocated an additional $11 million to the schools with the new allocation formula

The budget focuses on the whole child mental wellness and resources for English learners, as well as resources for additional needs and intervention and recapturing the learning loss, while retaining employees

The general fund is about $1 2 billion 71%, or $856 million, goes to schools for instruction and direct expenses Letcher said that falls within salaries and benefits The remaining funds include 12% for operation and maintenance, 8% contingency and reserves, 5% in transportation, 4% in support services and 0 4% in fee supported programs

Letcher said they are looking at an estimated $153 billion in tax roll, a $2 billion increase

“We could be looking at $1.5 million in the general fund,” she said

Beach Living

No trolleys for Fourth of July

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Lee County Government announced there will be no trolley service countywide this Fourth of July That will extend to Fort Myers Beach, which has had trolley service on the Fourth of July in the past

“The Fourth of July is one of the six days of the year LeeTran does not operate any services,” Lee County spokesperson Tim Engstrom said “In past years, the Town of Fort Myers Beach sometimes has requested special service No request was made by the town this year and no special service has been planned,” Engstrom said The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed at 9 p.m. when the town’s fireworks show begins Fort Myers Beach will also be holding a parade along Estero

Showers are back at Lynn Hall

Jackson Huber, of Kentucky, was one of the first users of the new open-air showers at Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach

For the first time since Hurricane Ian, open-air showers are back at Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach. The Lee County Parks and Recreation Department recently installed the showers in the center of Lynn Hall Memorial Park's parking lot, near the memorial and dedication plaques

Blvd at 10 a m , which is also expected to shut off traffic at the bridge Fort Myers Beach Communications Director Nicole Berzin said traffic on the bridge will be closed from 9 a m to noon The bridge

depending on when the parade ends LeeTran will not run bus, trolley, ULTRA on-demand, or paratransit service on July 4

Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day

For the Town of Fort Myers Beach, that also means garbage pickup will take place one day after the regularly scheduled collection day following the Fourth of July holiday This means that if your regular collection day is Wednesday, July 3, your pickup will be as normally sched-

Tur tle Time nest data

For t Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach nests: 88

Fort Myers Beach non-nesting emergences: 184

Bonita Beach

Bonita Beach nests: 109

Bonita Beach non-nesting emergences: 165

Bonita Beach hatched nests: 3

FILE PHOTO

Lee

County Utilities

pickups will be on Friday Friday’s regularly scheduled pickups will occur on Saturday, and so on for the rest of the week through Saturday, July 6 Regular collection schedules resume on Monday, July 8

Lee County Solid Waste facilities and offices are closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of the holiday

The department urges all residents to recycle plastic, metal and glass containers from Independence Day activities

turtletime.org.

The offices of Lee County Utilities, the call center and drive-thru window will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day A drop-box is onsite at the front door and another accessible via the drive-thru for payments by check.

Domestic Animal Ser vices

Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed for the holiday

Unlike in years past, LeeTran will not be offering special trolley service on Fort Myers Beach for the Fourth of July. See TROLLEYS, page 10

Bay Oaks announces new basketball league

STAFF REPORT

The Town of Fort Myers Beach announced an updated schedule of gramming at Bay Oaks Recreatio Campus, which is located at 273 Oak St on Fort Myers Beach

T h e n e w e s t p r o g r a m i s a Monday night men’s basketball league which will run from July 29 to Oct 7 The cost is $750 per team Registration is open through July 24. For more information email Shanette at Sthomas@fmbgov com or call 239-460-7991

Bay Oaks hours/programmi

The Bay Oaks Recreational C hours of operation are:

Monday - Thursday: 7 a m - 7 p m

Friday: 7 a m to 8 p m

Saturday/Sunday: Closed Programs offered:

∫ Fitness Classes

∫ Indoor Pickleball

∫ Open Gym

∫ After-School Care

∫ Weight Room

Summer

camp

Summer camp registration at Bay Oaks is still open for children 5-12 The camp runs through Aug 9 Each week there will be field trips, crafts, games, movies, and more Summer Camp is held from 8 a m to 5 p m Mondays through Fridays

Registration fees are $100 per week for residents and

$150 ek for non-residents

w e e k l y s c h e d

MONDAY - Fishing

Trip/Crafts

∫ WEDNESDAY - Pool at the Pink Shell Beach Resort

∫

Trip/Crafts

∫ FRIDAY - Beach/Movie Field trips are currently to be determined

mmyDeMilia@fmbgov com Scholarships are available

s

classes

Sue Anderson, a Fort Myers Beach native, has been teaching spin classes, body pump and senior spin and tone for 30 years and has been teaching on Fort Myers Beach for 13 years

She is the founder of "FMB Group Fitness" and as such she is a trusted source of knowledge on all thing's fitness

The cost for a drop-in class is $15 or $130 for a 10class punch card which is paid directly to Anderson

Tuesday and Thursday at 8 a m The spin class is Mondays and Fridays at 8 a.m. Senior spin and tone is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a m

The 30/30 class is held Wednesdays at 7:30 a m The first 30 minutes of class you will experience toning and light weight training as in the class: Body Pump, followed by 30 minutes of cardiovascular training with a ride on the new spin bikes

Elections office sends out mail ballot, early voting notices

lines, instructions for requesting a mail ballot and Early Voting dates, times and locations

“Voting before Election Day offers voters the opportunity to save consider-

The notice was mailed to voters without a Vote-by-Mail Request on file for the 2024 Primary or General Elections Its purpose is to engage and inform them of alternatives to traditional Election Day voting

The notice contains essential information about the upcoming elections, including key election dates and dead-

Trolleys

From page 8

on Thursday, July 4, but will resume regular business hours on Friday, July 5.

Parks & Recreation

Parks, beaches, pools and preserves r e m a i n o p e n o n I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y Offices and recreation centers are closed Thursday, July 4, and will reopen Friday, July 5 Check www leeparks org for the list of open locations, hours and amenities The county asks park patrons to remember no alcohol is permitted in county parks Lee County reminds residents and visitors that the Causeway Islands Park on the Sanibel Causeway remains closed to watercraft, pedestrian and bicycle traffic due to the active construction zone

Tommy Doyle said “It’s important that voters are aware of the different methods of voting available that can make the process of casting their vote more convenient for them We remain dedicated to empowering voters and want to encourage more people to take an active part in voting

Transpor tation

Cape Coral Bridge will be closed for the Red, White & Boom celebration from 3 a m Thursday, July 4, through 3 a m Friday, July 5 Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to the bridge also will be closed at that time.

Motorists are encouraged to use the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge or Business 41 bridges Traffic congestion may be heavier than usual due to the closure of the U S 41 bridge for the Florida DOT project

Lee DOT will place message boards for motorists in advance of the closure; they will remain in place through the holiday and the closing Motorists should plan for an alternate route

Yoga

Gentle Resistance Yoga with Anne Neaf is held Wednesdays at 9 a m

Sessions include breath, movement, creating awareness and learning what challenges you

W

weights (1's, 3's, and 5's) with breath and movement of Yoga Bring your own Mat, water and a towel

The cost is $15 per session

Susan Carter: a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and Certified Yoga Therapist with 20 years teaching experience holds classes at Bay Oaks every Friday at 9:15 a m

Her classes focus on creating space and alignment in the body and the careful sequencing of poses. Iyengar Yoga is not yoga flow; poses are held to allow students to penetrate deeply into the essence of what each pose has to offer I use props when appropriate to help students get immediate benefits

Yoga Blocks and straps will be provided Participants must bring their own mats

The cost is $15 per session

Zumba

J

Wednesday at 10:15 a m The cost is $15

Little League

For more information on how to join, families are encouraged to visit the FMB Little League Facebook page for more information

Pickleball

Free pickleball lessons will be held July 12, from 9:30 a m for beginners and 10:15 a m for intermediate players

Mighty Mussels’ to hold three-day Fourth of July celebration

STAFF REPORT

For the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the advanced Class-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, one Independence Day is just not enough The baseball club will be celebrating the Fourth of July with three days of festivities from July 4-6 at Hammond Stadium

The celebrating will include fireworks shows, food specials and affordable family fun The club promises that the Fourth of July fireworks will be the largest in the team’s history

The colorful pyrotechnics will be launched from behind right field by Pyrotecnico, a Pennsylvania-based fireworks company that produces some of the nation’s top Fourth of July celebrations, the organization announced

“This will be the biggest fireworks

Complex,” said John Martin, managing partner of the Mighty Mussels “Our show will be one big grand finale ”

During the game, fans will enjoy food and drink specials at Hammond Stadium’s concession stands, including apple pie bites; red, white and blue ices and popsicles

The menu also includes all-American ballpark favorites like hot dogs, chicken

y squeezed lemonade, ICEEs, Dippin’ Dots and soft serve ice cream in a M

Concession stands also will feature a large selection of draft beers and craft beers from breweries across the country If you plan on being on Fort Myers Beach for the Fourth of July fireworks, there will also be postgame fireworks at the Mighty Mussels games on July 5 and July 6. The first 500 fans through the gates on Saturday will receive patriotic red, white and blue Mighty Mussels hats Players will be wearing custom patriotic jerseys that will be auctioned after the game to support Keep Lee County Beautiful The July 6 game is also Bark in the Park, where leashed

Stadium

Tickets for the three-game homestand against the Bradenton Marauders

Intentional balloon releases now illegal

Gov Ron DeSantis signed HB 321, Release of Balloons, into law on June 24. The new law prohibits the intentional outdoor release of balloons, and any action will now result i

Foundation reported that balloon releases, typically used to

quickly turn into an environmental issue The balloons can end up in the ocean or on shores, where they become plastic pollution and can cause impacts to wildlife, including sea turtles and shorebirds, that mistakenly ingest them “Even if they avoid harming wildlife, balloons break apart forming microplastics that will continue to impact our communities for hundreds of years,” SCCF

y Director Matt DePaolis said. “The passage of this law will p

pollution from harming our ecosystems ”

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

SCCF: What rainy season, La Niña mean this year

Afternoon rains have made their return to Southwest Florida, offering relief from the sweltering heat that builds up throughout the day during summer in our subtropical climate

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that with the expected shift in the coming months into a La Niña weather pattern, less wind shear in tropical waters makes the formation of large and powerful hurricanes more likely The shift, along with warming waters in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic, set the expectation for a season filled with heavy precipitation, a heightened lake stage and increased basin runoff to the estuary

“Increased rainfall has wide-reaching effects on F l o r i d a ’ s e c o l o g y , i n c l u d i n g t h e h e a l t h o f L a k e Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary,” SCCF Policy Associate Allie Pecenka said

Fed by multiple major tributaries, the lake collects runoff from rainfall quickly The rainfall can be filled with nutrients that make harmful algal blooms on the lake more likely In addition, if the amount of precipitation is greater than the amount of water lost from the lake through evapotranspiration, it raises the water level in the lake

“If the lake stage increases too quickly due to extended rains, cloud cover or large storm systems moving over the lake releases may become necessary,” she said “In the event that regulatory releases must be made to the coast while a bloom is active, freshwater laden with cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) could be transported into our coastal communities and ecosystems ”

Once in the estuary, blue-green algae blooms eventually die from saltwater exposure, leaving nutrients from them available for uptake by other organisms, such as Karenia brevis, which causes red tide

“Under the new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), expected to be fully operational in the

coming months, these impacts could be lessened, but the timing of any needed releases will still play a major factor in the impacts felt on our coasts,” Pecenka said

Even without lake releases, heightened basin runoff from rainfall in areas surrounding the river and estuary can also lead to harmful algal blooms within river canals, and increased water flows can have damaging impacts to the salinity in the estuary

“Thanks to the work of the U S Army Corps of Engineers and stakeholders over the winter, the lake currently has some capacity to absorb rainy season impacts, but it will remain a balancing act until the storms are passed,” she said

Lee Health earns No. 4 ranking in U.S., No. 1 in Florida for social responsibility

Lee Health announced this week that it is ranked fourth out of 311 health systems in the United States as one of the most socially responsible by the Lown Institute. All Lee Health acute care hospitals also received “A” grades in various metrics

This is the health system’s second year in a row ranking in the top five in the country for its commitment to social responsibility and health equity Lee Memorial Hospital, which includes HealthPark Medical Center under the same license, ranked number one in Florida for social responsibility and was also in the top 5 in Florida for value of care and avoiding overuse

The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking to combine metrics of health equity and value of care alongside patient outcomes, for more than 2,700 acute care and 800 critical access hospitals across the nation

The Lown Index evaluates hospitals on more than 50 measures, including community benefit, racial inclusivity and avoidance of overuse The Lown Institute was launched in 2020 as the first ranking system to assess the social responsibility of U S hospitals by applying measures, including diversity, pay equity, and limiting unnecessary procedures and treatments for patients

Lee Health as a system of care placed fourth in the U S for health equity, value of care and patient safety

The Lown Institute awarded Lee Memorial Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center “A” Grades in social responsibility, patient outcomes, clinical outcomes, patient safety, inclusivity, and cost efficiency

Learn more at www LeeHealth org

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

SalusCare working with community partners to link patients to detoxification and treatment

SalusCare is coordinating with community partners including Lee County EMS and Family Health Centers to link overdose patients to treatment, including detoxification and Medication-Assisted Treatment The program, funded by grants from the state’s Opioid Settlement Agreement, is administered by the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network in partnership with the state’s Department of Health, Department of Children a n d F a m i l i e s a n d t h e A g e n c y f o r H e a l t h C a r e Administration

“We are utilizing this program to create a pathway for individuals with substance use disorder to lifesaving information and treatment,” said Jessica Plazewski, vice president and COO of SalusCare, which has 24/7 detoxification services and is a free distribution site for Narcan, an emergency nasal spray used by others to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose “We are working with Lee County EMS to link patients to substance use disorder treatment where appropriate instead of taking them to the emergency room. The goal is to help patients receive treatment and tools necessary to help

break the cycle of addiction ”

The statewide CORE program was the first of its kind in the nation and started in 2022 in 12 counties with an announcement from Gov Ron DeSantis Lee County was added to the program in 2024 along with 16 other counties According to state data, EMS in Lee responded to 4,453 overdose calls in 2022

Lee County has received $1 5 million in funding so far for the program, which includes increased staffing, training, a vehicle to transport participants to appointments and treatment, take-home fentanyl drug tests and other support items Florida will receive more than $3 1 billion over 18 years from more than $50 billion in national opioid settlements from pharmaceutical compa-

nies and distributors

The CORE program operates under a connected care model starting with first responders, who help connect overdose patients to specialized substance use disorder care where patients are stabilized and connected with treatment programs In the sustainable recovery portion of the care model, patients are connected with MAT, mental health support, primary care and social services. “Since its inception, CORE has helped to facilitate connections with key stakeholders and health care networks across our state to combat overdose and addiction and connect individuals suffering from substance use disorder with life-saving care,” said Department of Child and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris in a press release about the program “The work that the CORE program has done in its first year is unprecedented, and the

Department of Health and other partners in continuing the fight to end the opioid epidemic ”

Bank of America grant supports summer camp, job experiences through Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County

Bank of America has provided Boys & G i r l s C l u b s o f L e e C o u n t y w i t h a $30,000 grant to support summer programs and provide employment experiences for local youth.

B o y s & G i r l s C l u b s ’ S u m m e r Enrichment Camp offers project-based l e a r n i n g a c t i v i t i e s , r e a d i n g p r o g r a m s , health and wellness classes, service-learning projects, field trips, guest speakers and athletic activities The bank’s grant will help fund projects and initiatives that reduce summer learning loss

The funding also supports Boys & Girls Clubs’ youth employment program, which provides high school students with job opportunities to earn an income while obtaining valuable work experience as they prepare to advance to college or enter the workforce

Club programs are designed for youth ages six through 18 and focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts,

and sports and recreation Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County offers after-school and summer programs at eight schoolbased, neighborhood and community club locations

Youth workers, along with club members, in Lee County also have benefited from Bank of America’s acclaimed Better Money Habits curriculum, a financial education platform that offers practical, e

money with topics such as budgeting, saving, retirement planning, owning a home,

credit recovery and more, allowing participants to make smarter, more-confident financial decisions Additionally, Bank of America offered Boys & Girls Clubs access to “The Academy,” which offers sessions for youth employment program participants that cover time management, workplace conduct, communications, customer interactions and other topics to help prepare individuals for a career, foster

inspire confidence

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is

just one of 15 Southwest Florida nonprofits the bank is supporting with economic mobility grants awarded to local nonprofits throughout the year to help tackle society’s biggest challenges. This first round of grants is focused on improving the lives of individuals and families by investing in health and jobs

Established in 1974, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County serve children and teens through school-based, neighborhood and community club locations The nonprofit’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens

After-school and summer programs focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation F o

BGClee

dential building to a 240-room hotel In multiple cases, she interrupted opponents of the project and questioned county staff when they appeared to be skeptical of certain parts of the proposal

During public comment, Collins interjected that the new proposal would have slightly less of an overall traffic impact

James Ink, a local engineer representi n g t h e d e v e l o p e r s J a c k M a y h e r a n d Marco Brummond, said multiple times that the developers do not consider this to be an introduction of a new use and said that it would actually result in less traffic than the residential building In addition, the applicants are requesting to turn their prior approvals for 20 townhouses into multi-family residences

The county has already previously taken sides in support of the developers, w i t h c o u n t y c o m m i s s i o n e r s h a v i n g approved the previous development After it was struck down by a state administrative law judge for not being in compliance with hurricane evacuation regulations, the county joined the developers in appealing the ruling to Gov DeSantis who ultimately overruled the state administrative law judge’s rejection of the development

Debbie Macer, of Gulf Cove Trailer Park, said the new hotel and development would overburden the sewer system which she said is already stressed during heavy rains “Every time we get heavy rain, they close that pump down and the sewer backs up,” Macer said

Macer said 11 shrimp boats washed up in the park during Hurricane Ian, destroying the park “We had 11 shrimp boats come in and totally destroy our park,” she said The last boat was not removed until months later Macer said there are five owners who have plans to elevate their homes and rebuild They have plans to build a seawall. “We lost our dock,” Macer said

“We do have issues with traffic flows on this island,” she said “I don’t see how the traffic flow will be able to get off safely and in a timely manner ”

A traffic consultant for the developer said the state will begin San Carlos Boulevard improvements at the end of t h i s s u m m e r , w h i c h w i l l e v e n t u a l l y include installation of new traffic light The developers believe those living in the townhouses or staying at the hotel can also access San Carlos Boulevard by going down Buttonwood Avenue though that would be in the opposite direction of those seeking to get on the Matanzas Pass Bridge Collins asked if any improvements

page 1

NATHAN MAYBERG

A busy four-way intersection at Main Street and San Carlos Boulevard has been the scene of many accidents over the years, ahead of the Matanzas Pass Bridge on Fort Myers Beach The safety of motorists was cited by some at a Lee County hearing this past week as a reason not to allow a 240-room hotel a few hundred feet from the intersection on Main Street

would be made to Main Street, a narrow two-lane road The traffic consultant said there are no plans to improve that road which is owned by the county

Marcus Evans, an engineer with Lee C o u n t y D e

y

Development, ended up getting into a back-and-forth with Collins over how to assess the traffic impact from day passes.

Evans said the day passes and other amenities at the site were added to the project scope just days before the hearing, not allowing enough time to review

Collins argued that it was not a major impact to the proposal

“Just a few days ago, we were made aware of day passes and amenities,” Evans said Evans said it was still unclear how much parking would be needed

“Those uses were already evaluated,” Collins said.

Ink said the developers were not introducing a new use

Joanne Semmer, a neighbor of the project, who led the litigation against the initial development, remains highly concerned about what she said would be traffic safety impacts to Main Street Semmer alleged that the developers did not properly file their applications and were missing documents She said some of the plans were missing data and documents, and some of the maps were incorrectly citing the identification of homes She said she was not given the full master concept plan

Semmer, who lives within 100 feet of the proposed hotel, said there is not enough parking on the property Semmer said the developers have never indicated how much parking there will be on the site

Ink said the developers do not know “I don’t even know how many parking

spaces we have,” Ink said

Despite Semmer’s concerns about the traffic and safety impacts, Lee County planning staff gave a ringing endorsement of the project in their analysis

Semmer lambasted county staff for stating in its review of the project that the area was “ripe for development ”

“Why would you even say that? You don’t live there,” Semmer said

“They are going to generate 3,796 car trips a day on San Carlos Boulevard and Main Street We are a two-lane road at a dead end,” Semmer said “When Key West Express gets out, it backs up for a half an hour How are we going to get fire trucks and ambulances in there?”

Collins interrupted Semmer and said she couldn’t consider that in her review Collins said that overall traffic would

Edison and Ford Winter Estates’ Robotics Team places second in International Tournament

T h e E d i s o n a n d F o r d W i n t e r E s t a t e s ' ( E F W E ) r o b o t i c s t e a m , " A s s e m b l y

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

5 0 o t h e r t e a m s i n t h e F I R S T L E G O

L e a g u e i n t e r n a t i o n a l t o u r n a m e n t h e l d a t

t h e E m b r y - R i d d l e A e r o n a u t i c a l

U n i v e r s i t y i n D a y t o n a B e a c h T h e t e a m

p l a c e d s e c o n d i n t h e P r o j e c t A w a r d c a t -

e g o r y . T h e t e a m ' s i n n o v a t i v e p r o j e c t w a s f o c u s e d o n i n c r e a s i n g t h e a c c e s s i b i l i t y

o f L E G O r o b o t i c s f o r t h e s i g h t -

i m p a i r e d c o m m u n i t y " A s s e m b l y

R e q u i r e d " c r e a t e d a s e r i e s o f p r o d u c t s i n c l u d i n g o n l i

n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e c h a l l e n g e s a n d d e s i g n e d a n d p r i n t e d a t a c t i l e g r i d t h a t a l l o w s i n d i v i d u a l s t o i d e n t i f y

Bay

Required,” at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach during the international tournament

Harbour From page 16

decrease with the change in plans for the d e v e l o p m e n t P e a k h o u r t r a f f i c w i l l increase by 26 vehicles, Collins said

Semmer said the new plans would expand the sale of alcohol on site and increase noise impacts

According to a Lee County planning staff analysis of the new proposal, in order to mitigate the impact of flood, storm and hurricanes in a coastal high hazard area, the applicant is required to either provide onsite shelter or pay a fee to Lee County at the discretion of Department of Public Safety

“We had 12 feet of water in the driveway I watched the shrimp boats go by,” Semmer said, referencing Hurricane Ian “The county is going to allow them to pay a fee instead of hurricane evacuation? How much is a person’s life worth?”

According to Ink, the dry storage marina is under construction Ink said they have a building permit for a dry storage unit Ink said the developers also have an environmental resource permit with the state for the marina

Ink said the property owners were cited for a code violation relating to fencing on

the site

“We have an open code violation because we got a little bit ahead of ourselves, put a construction fence in, didn’t have a permit, got a code violation We are cleaning that up,” Ink said

Semmer alleged that contractors contaminated the canal during work there. She said they took pipe out of the seawall Semmer said neighbors were without drinking water after a well was damaged

impact the canal and Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve

Semmer said she had made several code violation complaints

The hearing examiner said she couldn’t deal with the code enforcement issues

Under the previous approvals from the c

approvals for 30,000 square feet of commercial retail/office space and 20,000 square feet of civic space The marina village has also been approved for 286 dry slips and 29 wet slips The county commissioners approved nine deviations from county code to allow a special exception for the project

Henry Blakely, a neighbor, said he appeared at the hearing to express his “disgust” that the “monster motel/hotel, tourist trap, greedyville” was even being considered A resident of the neighborhood since 1949, Blakeley said he does-

n’t know of any homeowner in the neighborhood who wants the hotel

“We are counting on you to slap them down on this one,” Blakely said

PHOTO PROVIDED

NATHAN

Bird nesting off to solid start

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Though it is still too early to tabulate how this bird-nesting season has gone on Fort Myers Beach, those charged with monitoring the shorebird nesting on the island say it has been off to a good start

With changes to the topography of the soil through the sand haul project around the main bird nesting sites on Carlos Point Beach, observers have been keeping a close eye on how threatened shorebirds would react

“There are a very good number of birds

Audubon Florida Wilson said bird moni-

threatened black skimmers on Fort Myers Beach and more than 500 black skimmer nests There have been more than 250 least tern nests. Least terns are also threatened in Florida

There were less Wilson’s plovers and snowy plover nests counted, Wilson said Only three Wilson’s plovers were counted as of mid-June, Wilson said Wilson’s plovers are considered to be imperiled by Audubon Florida, which is looking to have them listed as threatened Data on American oystercatchers, the other threatened Florida bird species that nests on Fort Myers Beach, wasn’t immediately available.

Fort Myers Beach is home to four

threatened bird species which nest on the island the only location outside of the panhandle where all four threatened bird species nest in Florida.

A number of property owners and some condo building associations near the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area had previously blocked Audubon Florida from accessing their properties for bird monitoring after the organization filed suit to stop a controversial 298-feet long boardwalk from being constructed over lagoons that flowed through the critical wildlife area While several of the larger condo buildings withdrew their letters to Florida Audubon blocking access to their properties after the lawsuit was settled, a number of them still have not, according to the organization

“We are still able to get to where we need to,” Wilson said T h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e Conservation Commission employs one seasonal field technician to manage the CWA and adjacent sites The CharlotteLee-Collier Florida Shorebird Alliance provides additional support for monitoring and stewardship.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Bradley Johnson said staff from the state agency has been able to monitor shorebird nesting sites on Estero Island daily Johnson said it is still too early to compare this year’s numbers

See BIRD NESTING, page 19

MAYBERG

to previous years “Comparisons to nesting numbers in previous years would be most appropriate after the nesting season concludes,” he said

While at least one condo building had previously voiced concerns about whether to allow FWC staff on their property to tape off nesting areas, Johnson said in response to questions if there were still any objections that “Staff have noted community support for the protection of shorebird nests, and some residents have expressed an interest in becoming bird monitors ”

Wilson said Audubon Florida is concerned about fireworks on Fort Myers Beach disrupting nesting shorebirds Fireworks close to bird nests can be detrimental to shorebird nesting and potentially can have severe consequences of nesting populations There were reports of personal fireworks going off on the island earlier this week

Fireworks are banned on Fort Myers Beach though the town will be having a sanctioned fireworks show off a barge near the ruins of the Fort Myers Beach Pier

NATHAN MAYBERG

District summer school helping thousands of students

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

More than 7,500 students are participating in one of the many summer school programs the School District of Lee County is offering to continue learning.

“The total number of Pre-K-12 students is 7,533 The top three programs are high school credit recovery, grade 3 reading camp and K-8 summer expanded learning,” district spokesperson Rob Spicker said “I can say for sure that 1,940 are in elementary I can say for sure 4,000 of the 7,533 are in middle or high school ”

One of the many options for elementary-aged students is the iReady Summer Program, which has 1,298 students registered For the program, students are expected to put in 45 minutes a week in reading and 45 minutes a week in math with a 70% pass rate on their lessons.

“The learning paths are adaptive to better meet each student’s individual needs, so the lessons will increase or decrease in difficulty based on each student’s data with the program,” he said “Families will receive

weekly communication to help parents gauge their children’s progress An administrator is monitoring the data and contacting students/parents when data indicates a need to intervene ”

The Scholastic Summer Reading Program is another option for elementary students Spicker said they had 230 students join and interact with teachers virtually to read and discuss the different books of the week in the first two weeks, as well as work through their Scholastic Weekly Reader: Summer Express workbook

The district also offers many face-to-face summer programs for elementary-aged students One of the programs includes voluntary VPK, a summer program for 4-year-old children starting kindergarten in the 202425 school year who had not participated in a VPK program in the current school year Other programs include: extended year for ESE students; grade 3 reading camp for invited students; and ELL Science camp and ELL Language camp for students receiving services in the ESOL program

One of the middle school in-person options includes

credit recovery He said the summer program is for eighth-grade students who need credit recovery for promotion Sixth- and seventh-grade students may attend All students must have attended a Lee County school in the 2022-23 school year

A few other in-person options include extended year for ESE, ELL Science Camp and ELL Language Camp for students receiving services from the ESOL program

There is also a credit recovery option for high school students, which was offered for ninth through 12thgrade students.

Spicker said they also offer a graduation bootcamp, a summer program for students who need additional support in preparation for applicable EOC or state ELA FAST

“Students will take the EOC/FAST/Concordant Test during the summer state testing window,” he said High schoolers also have the opportunity to participate in a summer enrichment program, SOS, which offers exceptional learning opportunities through the arts, leadership and career enrichment activities

Severely injured eagle found in North Fort Myers euthanized

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife admitted an adult bald eagle (24-2830) on June 30 This eagle was rescued in North Fort Myers at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Pondella Road after being found dragging itself onto the median using its wings Lee County Domestic Animal Control Services safely contained the eagle and brought it to BluePearl Pet Hospital, one of CROW’s animal drop off locations, where it was then transported by a CROW volunteer to their hospital on Sanibel for evaluation

Upon admission, a physical exam confirmed extensive traumatic injuries consistent with suspected vehicle collision “A neurologic exam revealed the eagle was unable to move or feel its legs It had bruising and swelling near

the base of its spine, and secondary injuries including wounds on its wings and feet consistent with dragging itself across the road” reported CROW’s staff veterinarian, Dr Robin Bast The bird was anesthetized for X-rays which confirmed spinal damage

“We took radiographs, and those images confirmed severe damage at the base of the spine near the pelvis Unfortunately, this has caused irreversible paralysis for this eagle,” Bast said

Given the severity of the damage to the spinal cord and permanent paralysis, it was not a candidate for placement as a captive bird in an educational zoological facility

“Given the extent of damage to the spinal cord,

euthanasia was the only humane treatment option for this eagle” Bast said “This case was reported to U S Fish and Wildlife Service in accordance with federal regulations ”

The eagle admitted was unbanded and suspected to be a male based on its body size and X-ray images

“We are unable to specifically identify this eagle since it is not banded; however, it was found several miles outside the typical territory of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam nest,” Bast said

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has instructed the eagle’s remains be sent to the National Eagle Repository as part of the Native American eagle feather program

Full day of music planned for Bayside Veterans Par k on July 4

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Fort Myers Beach community and visitors will be treated to an explosion of music throughout the day in the leadup to its fireworks show on Thursday, July 4

The town, in conjunction with the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce and local business sponsors, will be hosting three free musical performances at Bayside Veterans Park.

The music will start at 11:30 a m as the Fourth of July parade concludes with a performance by Meagan Rose at the Old San Carlos Boulevard park From 2 to 5

p m , Charles Meyers will take the stage Remedy will close out the day of music from 5 p m to 8 p m The fireworks will start at 9 p m up the road near the former Fort Myers Beach Pier.

The park is situated next to Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant, the Harbor House, Nervous Nellie's and Wahoo Willie’s

The concert series is presented by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Fort Myers Beach Title Sponsors are Nervous Nellie’s, Snug Harbor Restaurant and Wahoo Willie's The series sponsor is Current LUXE Alex King Group, and the stage sponsors are Power Block Builders Inc and Ryco

Marine

The special performances are an extension of the free Bayside Park Concert Series held each Sunday at the park. Check the Bayside Park Concert Series website at: Bayside Concert Series for additional performances as the series will continue with more bands announced each week

Lawn chairs and well-behaved pets on a six-feet or less leash are encouraged There will be no outside food or beverage permitted on the turf inside the park

For more information, contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce at 239-454-7500 or visit Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce

IF YOU GO:

What: Red, White & BOOM!

When: Thursday, July 4, festivities begin at 5 p m

Where: The foot of the Cape Coral Bridge

t

f

C a p e C o r a l B r i d g e t o w a t c h t h e

“ A m e r i c a n F i r e w o r k s S p e c t a c u l a r , ” w h e r e t h e l a r g e s t s h o w t o d a t e w i l l f i l l t h e n i g h t s k y , r e p l e a t w i t h s y n -

c h r o n i z e d m u s i c “ W e a r e g e t t i n g a m p e d u p f o r t h i s e v e n t , ” s a i d

C a p e C o r a l S p e c i a l E v e n t s C o o r d i n a t o r T o d d K i n g

“ W e ’ r e e x c i t e d , a s a l w a y s , t o p u t o n t h i s e v e n t t h e l a r g e s t s i n g l e - d a y e v e n t w e p u t o n i n C a p e C o r a l I t r e q u i r e s c o m p l e t e c o o p e r a t i o n f r o m e v e r y s i n g l e d e p a r t m e n t i n t h e c i t y A n d w h a t a g r e a t c e l e b r a t i o n t o

c o m e t o g e t h e r o n ” T h e f r e e J u l y 4 t h f e s t i v i t i e s w i l l s t a r t a t 5 p . m . , k i c k i n g o f f w i t h D J R i f f i c k a t 5 : 1 5 , C o n n o r S w e e t a t 6 : 3 0 , a n d n a t i o n a l h e a d l i n e r a n d c o u n t r y m u s i c g r o u p

P a r m a l e e a t 8 p m K i a y a S u n n w i l l p e r f o r m t h e n a t i o n a l a n t h e m a t 9 : 2 5

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

B i l l b o a r d ’ s m o s t p l a y e d c o u n t r y s o n g o f 2 0 2 2 i n “ T a k e M y N a m e ” P a r m a l e e h a s a c c u m u l a t e d m o r e t h a n 1 b i l l i o n o n - d e m a n

More information: For more information visit www capeboom com

L i m i t e d V I P “ B o o m P a s s e s ” a r e n o w s o l d o u t K i n g r e m i n d s r e s i d e n t s o r f i r s t - t i m e a t t e n d e e s t o b e p r e p a r e d f o r a p o s s i b l e a f t e r n o o n r a i n s h o w e r , a s w e l l a s c o n g e s t i o n i n t h e a r e a

P a r k i n g a n d s h u t t l e s t o R e d , W h i t e & B O O M ! a r e

a t t h e f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n s :

∫ C l u b S q u a r e

∫ I g u a n a M i a

∫ F o r m e r V e t e r a n s M u s e u m

∫ B i g J o h n ’ s P l a z a

T h e r e w i l l b e a f r e e “ B o o m B u s ” w i t h h a n d i c a p a c c e s s i b i l i t y p i c k i n g u p i n d i v i d u a l s a t a l l d o w n t o w n p a r k i n g l o t s f r o m 4 : 3 0 p m t o 1 0 : 3 0 p m

“ T h i s i s t h e q u i n t e s s e n t i a l c o m m u n i t y e v e n t , ” K i n g a d d e d “ W e ’ r e c e l e b r a t i n g t h e n a t i o n ’ s b i r t h d a y , o u r c o m m u n i t y , f i r s t r e s p o n d e r s , v e t e r a n s , a l l o f t h o s e e l em e n t s m a k e F o u r t h o f J u l y t h e p e r f e c t c o m m u n i t y e v e n t f o r u s “ W h e n o u r c r e w g e t s o n s t a g e a n d l o o k s o u t a t t h e s e a o f p e o p l e r i g h t b e f o r e t h e f i r e w o r k s , a n d w a t c h i n g t h e n a t i o n a l e n t e r t a i n m e n t , i t b u i l d s a l o t o f e n e r g y ” T h e C a p e C o r a l B r i d g e w i l l b e c l o s e d f o r t h e c e l eb r a t i o n f r o m 3 a m T h u r s d a y , J u l y 4 , t h r o u g h 3 a m F r i d a y , J u l y 5 T h e c l o s u r e s i n c l u d e C a p e C o r a l P a r k w a y f r o m S o u t h e a s t 1 5 t h A v e n u e / C a p e

July 4th festivities abound throughout Lee County

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

The Fourth of July holds special memories for most Gathering in the backyard while the smell of what’s on the grill wafts through the air Gazing into the night sky in awe, as colorful bursts illuminate above Tossing the ball around and going for a swim

Many of America’s favorite pastimes are rolled into one big shebang to celebrate the independence of our country

All across Southwest Florida, communities and entities are planning on commemorating the Fourth in one way or another

In addition to Cape Coral’s Red, White & BOOM! street party and fireworks, Independence Day activities include:

Freedom 5K

The Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/WB Williamson Bros Kid’s Fun Run takes place the morning of Independence Day

Each year, a portion of the proceeds raised from the event is donated back to two veteran organizations This y e a r ’ s r e c i

Resource Center and Museum in Cape Coral and the Special Operations Communicators Association

Veterans also will be honored during the awards presentation with a commemorative challenge coin presented by Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery

Participants in the 5K will take their marks and head out at 7 a m along Cape Coral Parkway adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Welcome Center at 2051 Cape Coral Parkway East and travel over the Cape Coral Bridge. The kid’s fun run (for those 12 and under) will begin immediately following the completion of the 5K

Awards for the 5K will be given in a multitude of categories determined by age and gender Fun run participants will be given ribbons and T-shirts

Registration is open and is $40 Veterans can register for the race for $20 Fun run registration is $15

For more information and to register, visit www runsignup com/Race/FL/CapeCoral/Freedom5KRunWalkK idsFunRun

Cape Coral American Legion

The American Legion Cape Coral will celebrate July 4 at Post 90 at 1401 S E 47th Street in Cape Coral There will also be a blood drive The public is invited

A flag retirement ceremony begins at 11a m by the Post Honor Guard Attendees are encouraged to bring old unserviceable flags to be properly disposed of. The blood drive will start at noon and continue to 5 p m Any attempt to donate blood will receive a burger, chips and soda

Downtown For t Myers

Head to the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater on July 4th for a celebration, featuring a star-spangled salute from the Venice Symphony Orchestra and spectacular fireworks show Under the direction of Peter Barenbregge, the 17-piece orchestra will perform patriotic favorites starting at 8 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:45 p.m.

General admission is free and does not require a ticket, but seating is not provided VIP upgrades are available, and include seating, barbecue buffet, restroom

a c c e s s a n d p r i v a t e c a s h b a r V i s i t www caloosasoundamp com to buy VIP tickets

The Caloosa Sound Amphitheater is at 2101 Edwards Drive in Fort Myers

Far mer Joe’s

Farmer Joe’s in Cape Coral is excited to announce its second annual 4th of July Customer Appreciation Event

T h i s f a m i l y - f r i e n d l y c e l e b r a t i o n w i

Thursday, July 4, from 11 a m to 2 p m at the Farmer Joe’s store at 1401 Southwest Pine Island Road The event is open to the public, with free admission

Even attendees can expect fun, food, and festivities, including free hamburgers, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, cotton candy, drinks and more

Some of the event activities will include:

∫ Face Painting: Provided by Ritter Artwork

∫ Lee County Sheriff’s Office: LCSO will be on-site with their famous Ice Cream Response Unit See the VR Truck and Robo Dog, too

∫ Fun for the Whole Family: A Live deejay will be playing favorites, as well as games and other activities.

∫ Special 4th of July Savings: Exclusive one-dayonly deals as a token of appreciation for customers

In addition, select local vendors will have booths set up

For t Myers Beach

There will be fireworks on Fort Myers Beach this Fourth of July, and a parade as well

The parade is slated to begin at 10 a m along Estero Boulevard with fireworks show to begin at 9 p m ,

Recreation Center and continue down Estero Boulevard to Times Square Estero Boulevard will be closed from 9 a m until noon for the parade

The Matanzas Pass Bridge will close at 8:30 p m to oncoming traffic Opening is subject to the direction of the Lee County Sheriff and traffic detail and is expected to remain closed until approximately 1 a.m.

Unlike in years past, there will be no late night trolley service after the Fourth of July fireworks

Big Carlos Pass Bridge on the south end of Estero Island will remain open throughout the fireworks show

Mar garitaville on For t Myers Beach

Rooms are filling fast for the ultimate Independence Day celebration at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach The resort is offering convenient and exclusive access to live entertainment, a Pre-Parade PopUp Bar and a firework viewing cookout, just steps away from Fort Myers Beach’s first Fourth of July celebration since Hurricane Ian

Margaritaville Beach Resort’s full schedule of events for Thursday, July 4:

∫ 7:30 a m - 2 p m Pre-Parade Pop-Up Bar at the entrance to Fins Up! Beach Club Guests can enjoy graband-go breakfast sandwiches, Bloody Marys, margaritas and beer

∫ 10 a m Fourth of July Parade

The parade route begins at the Bay Oaks Recreation Center and continues down Estero Boulevard , past Margaritaville Beach Resort to Times Square

∫ 1-5 p m Live Entertainment begins with DJ 007 at Fins Up! Beach Club

∫ 4-9 p m Firework Viewing Cookout at the Sunset Terrace overlooking Times Square

Enjoy hot dogs, sausages, pulled pork sandwiches and bacon cheeseburgers with prime seats to watch the fireworks display

The celebration continues on Saturday and Sunday

Mighty Mussels

The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels will host a three-day Independence Day Celebration that includes fireworks shows, food specials and affordable family fun.

On Thursday, July 4, the team’s postgame fireworks extravaganza will feature colorful pyrotechnics being launched from behind right field by Pyrotecnico, a Pennsylvania-based fireworks company that produces some of the nation’s top Fourth of July celebrations.

“This will be the biggest fireworks show in the history of Hammond Stadium at Lee Health Sports Complex,” said John Martin, managing partner of the Mighty Mussels “Just imagine the best grand finale you’ve seen Our show will be one big grand finale ”

During the game, fans will enjoy food and drink specials at Hammond Stadium’s concession stands, including Apple pie bites, Red, white and blue ICEEs and Red, white and blue Popsicles

favorites like hot dogs, chicken tenders, cheeseburgers and Philly cheesesteaks, as well as freshly squeezed lemonade, ICEEs, Dippin’ Dots and soft serve ice cream in a Mighty Mussels keepsake helmet Concession stands also will feature a large selection of draft beers and craft beers from breweries across the country.

In 2023, the Independence Day celebration attracted a season-high 6,875 fans

“The Lee Health Sports Complex has ample parking, reserved seats and plenty of kid-friendly food options, and that’s why our Independence Day game has become so popular for families in Southwest Florida it’s affordable family fun,” Martin said “There is no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than at a baseball game, America’s pastime ”

On Friday, July 5, the Mighty Mussels will continue the celebration with a pregame happy hour and another round of post game fireworks.

Then on Saturday, July 6, the first 500 fans through the gates will receive patriotic red, white and blue Mighty Mussels hats Players will be wearing custom patriotic jerseys that will be auctioned after the game to support Keep Lee County Beautiful The July 6 game is also Bark in the Park, a special day when pooches are allowed inside Hammond Stadium

Tickets for the three-game homestand against the Bradenton Marauders start at $10 and are available at MightyMussels com

Hammond Stadium is at 14100 6 Mile Cypress Blvd

4th of July Freedom Fest in Lehigh Acres

Victory Town Center will host a 4th of July Firework Show a spectacular event designed to bring the community together in celebration of Independence Day The fourth annual event takes place from 5 to 9 p m on July 4th at Victory Town Center, at 1201 Taylor Lane in Lehigh Acres

This year, organizers state they’re going “all out” with an incredible lineup of attractions, vendors, live entertainment, and mouthwatering food trucks all culminating in a professional fireworks display that will light up the night sky

Parking and admission are free As a big thank you to the Lehigh community for its continued support, organizers are making all attractions free No wristbands are needed this year

Star Spangled Bonita

The city of Bonita Springs invites the public to its annual Star-Spangled Bonita - 4th of July 2024 Event

The celebration will take place on July 4 in downtown Bonita Springs at Riverside Park at 10450 Reynolds St , starting at 6 p m

The Star-Spangled Bonita celebration will follow the annual parade hosted by the Bonita Springs Professional Firefighters Local 3444 on July 4th The parade will take place starting at 9 a m along Old 41 on July 4 For more information about the parade, visit bonitaspringsparade.com.

Ser vices at St. Peter Lutheran Church

St Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at 3751 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach

Outdoor Services under the tent

Every Sunday 9 a m

All are welcome, we are pet friendly 239-463-4251 stpeterfmb@gmail com

www stpeterfmb com

YouTube - St Peter Lutheran Church Fort Myers Beach FL

In cooperation with former Chapel by the Sea and Beach United Methodist Church

Ar t exhibits to open at Alliance

“Metamorphosis” will be on display from July 5-27 in the Main Gallery at the Alliance for the Arts, at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. A group exhibition, it features the works of current members An opening reception will be held on July 5 from 5 to 7 p m Light refreshments will be provided by Jayne Baker In addition, the Foulds Theatre Gallery will feature selected works of influential Latin American artist Ramon Chirinos For more information, visit https://www artinlee org/

Inaugural film fest accepting submissions

The Alliance for the Arts and Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau announced the inaugural “Shorts of the Fort” Film Festival on Sept 20 at the alliance, at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

Celebrating the unique landscapes and vibrant communities of the county, it invites filmmakers to explore and capture the beauty of the islands, beaches and neighborhoods through their lenses

The festival is welcoming submissions ranging from 30-second clips to five-minute narratives that vividly portray the essence of life in Southwest Florida It provides a platform for seasoned directors and emerging storytellers to display their creativity and share their vision with an engaged audience

The awards and prizes are as follows: Best of the Fest, $1,000; Top Film in each category, including Island Odyssey, Beach Bliss and Neighborhood Narratives, $500; and Audience Favorite, $500

The submission guidelines include:

∫ Subject matter: Films must focus on the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Lee and be shot entirely within the county.

∫ Eligibility: Filmmakers of all ages are welcome; however, submitters must be at least 18 years old

∫ Production window: Films must have been produced after January of 2023

∫ Film rights: By submitting, filmmakers agree to transfer all rights to the Lee County VCB, allowing unrestricted use of the footage

The technical requirements include:

∫ Formats accepted: mp4, mov or other standard video formats

∫ Resolution: Minimum of 1920x1080 (1080p)

∫ Special requirement for 3 0 -second films: Must be shot vertically (9x16) for use on social media platforms like IG and TikTok

The deadlines and submission fees are: $15 by July 31; $25 by Aug 26; and free for students

T o s u b m i t a f i l m , v i s i t https://filmfreeway com/ShortsoftheFort

For more information, visit artinlee org or contact the alliance at 239-939-2787

Lee Health, FGCU conducting joint study

L e e H e a l t h a n d F l o r i d a G u l f C o a s t U n i v e r s i t y (FGCU) are jointly exploring opportunities to improve healthcare, wellness and support services provided to

persons living in Southwest Florida with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) diagnosis, as well as their families and caregivers

Officials reported a recent market study that was conducted uncovered the potential to improve services to this segment of the local population that will help them thrive more successfully in the community

The organizations are conducting a survey to learn more directly from this population on how they can enhance and expand services that will be most impactful to them The survey links are as follows:

∫ Caregiver, advocate or family member of an individual diagnosed with IDD: https://fgcu qualtrics com/jfe/form/SV b1q8hJUZjQ E54pM

∫ Individual diagnosed with IDD: https://fgcu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV 0650f7LZhT KjZX0

Officials noted that for reference, the organizations are defining intellectual and developmental disability as disorders that are usually present at birth and affect the physical, intellectual and/or emotional development of the person throughout their life Common examples are autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, spina bifida, childhood acquired brain injury and other genetic disorders

Sea tur tle nesting season runs through Oct. 31

Sea turtle nesting season is underway and runs through Oct 31 And like our visitors, who return year after year to enjoy our beautiful beaches, the loggerheads return to the same beach time after time to deposit their eggs. For more information about sea turtle nesting season and how you can help, contact the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) sccf org/what-wedo/protect-wildlife/sea-turtle-program or Turtle Time, Inc at turtletime org

Tips to protect our wildlife

Shield your lighting so that it is not visible from the beach Sea turtles go toward the light instead of heading for the water

When enjoying our beaches, take a bag and remove any litter that you may find on your walk Balloons, plastic bags, foam and other non-degradable pollutants can cause the deaths of sea turtles if mistaken for food Enjoy your fun at the beach but be sure to fill any holes when you leave

Observe a nesting sea turtle from a distance. Don’t shine lights on or around her or she may abandon her effort to nest Forgo taking photos or using smartphones and stay far away where she cannot see you as she crawls back to the water

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings

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

Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-564-5098 or visit www SouthFloridaAl-Anon org Meetings are held every day in Lee County

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

Tickets on sale now for NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

Tickets are now on sale for NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, as the Christmas classic visits Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall on Nov 17 to captivate audiences this holiday season Embarking on its 32nd annual North American tour, the production showcases a fusion of talent from esteemed ballet capitals worldwide, and will feature new choreography this year

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit

www nutcracker com Special pricing is available for groups Call 800-320-1733 or email groups@nutcracker com

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge ‘Per for ms Days of Future Passed’ at Seminole Casino Hotel Aug. 2

i c k e t m a s t e r o r a t w w w m o r e i n p a r -

a d i s e c o m P a r k i n g i s f r e e

T h e c o n c e r t w a s

s ’ c l a ss i c s f e a t u r i n g f a n f a v o r i t e s s u c h a s “ I s n ’ t L i f e

S t r a n g e , ” “

P a s s e d ” i n i t s e n t i r e t y a n d i n f u l l s y m p h o n i c s o u n d “ D a y s o f F u t u r e P a s s e d ” w a s r e l e a s e d 5 6 y e a r s a g o a n d w a s a r g u a b l y t h e s t a r t o f p r o g r e s s i v e r o c k . T h e s e s o n g s b e g a n t h e l o n g s t a n d i n g c r o s s - o v e r b e t w e e n r o c k a n d c l a s s i c a l m u s i c T h e r e a r e e x c i t i n g c h a n g e s f r o m t h e o r i g i n a l s h o w , w i t h n e w c l a s s i c s o n g s a n d d e e p c u t s , e n h a n c e d v i d e o a n d d a z z l i n g l i g h t i n g , a l l c o m i n g t o g e t h e r t o m a k e a v e r y s p e c i a l e v e n i n g o f g r e a t m u s i c a n d M o o d i e s m e m o r i e s T h e s h o w t a k e s a j o u r n e y b a c k i n t i m e w i t h L o d g e a n d h i s 1 0 , 0 0 0 L i g h t

Y e a r s B a n d a s t h e y c r e a t e a u d i o a l c h e m y f o r t h e a u d ie n c e ’ s l i s t e n i n g a n d v i s u a l p l e a s u r e

S e m i n o l e C a s i n o H o t e l I m m o k a l e e i s a t 5 0 6 S o u t h

1 s t S t , I m m o k a l e e

Hunter Hayes to take the stage at Seminole Casino Hotel Aug. 3

S e m i n o l e C a s i n o H o t e l I m m o k a l e e h o s t s G R A M -

M Y a w a r d - n o m i n e e H u n t e r H a y e s l i v e i n c o n c e r t

S a t u r d a y , A u g 3 w i t h d o o r s o p e n i n g a t 7 p m a n d t h e s h o w b e g i n n i n g a t 8 p m T i c k e t s s t a r t a t $ 5 9 a n d a r e

a v a i l a b l e f r o m T i c k e t m a s t e r o r a t w w w m o r e i n p a r -

a d i s e c o m A t t e n d e e s m u s t b e 2 1 P a r k i n g i s f r e e

A m u l t i - i n s t r u m e n t a l i s t a n d p l a t i n u m - s e l l i n g a r t i s t ,

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

H a y e s h a s c h a r t e d h i s o w n p a t h , m o v i n g f r o m h i s c o u n t r y r o o t s i n t o t h e g e n r e - b e n d i n g w o r l d t h a t h e w a s

d e s t i n e d f o r O n h i s a l b u m , “ R e d S k y , ” t h e s i n g e rs o n g w r i t e r i s e x e c u t i n g a t t h e h i g h e s t l e v e l o f h i s m u s i c a l c a r e e r : c r a f t i n g m e m o r a b l e m e l o d i e s a n d i n s t a n t l y c a t c h y h o o k s a l b e i t w i t h a t o p - n o t c h m u s ic i a n ’ s d i s c e r n i n g e a r H i s m u s i c i s b o t h a r e f l e c t i o n o f h i s i n f l u e n c e s , a n d a p r o d u c t o f h i s p r o d i g i o u s m u l t ii n s t r u m e n t a l t a l e n t s , r e f l e c t e d b y t h e f a c t t h a t h e p l a y s e v e r y i n s t r u m e n t o n h i s r e c o r d s T h e L o u i s i a n a n a t i v e h a s g a r n e r e d o v e r t w o b i l l i o n o n - d e m a n d g l o b a l s t r e a m s s i n c e t h e r e l e a s e o f h i s d e b u t a l b u m , a l o n g w i t h s i x g o l d a n d p l a t i n u m - c e r t if i e d s i n g l e s I n a d d i t i o n t o h i s l e g e n d a r y h e a d l i n i n g s h o w s , H a y e s h a s t o u r e d w i t h s u p e r s t a r s l i k e T a y l

Island pets seeking forever homes PET PALS

Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue

Spotlight on two little guys! Help and foster a pet this summer!

By ISABELLE WELLS

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

Did you know we receive at least five owner surrender calls or emails every week from people who either can’t/won’t keep their dogs or found dogs and don't want to bring them to the shelter by fear of having them euthanized In 13 years I never felt so helpless

We are also getting multiple emails from shelters begging us to take dogs All shelters are crowded and don't know what to do with dogs

Everyone knows it will never be the same Euthanasia will happen more and more and believe us, many great pets will be killed for no reason except for space Unless we stop backyard breeding in their tracks and fine them, spay and neuter the first time a dog comes to the shelter after being lost, we will never recover this crisis To all people who think education is the key, well think again! People will do what ever they feel like doing and pets are disposable to them, unfortunately

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

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

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

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

Save Our Strays Feline Rescue For t Myers Beach

We are getting new kittens daily and all rescues are full this time of year as unfortunately people are not getting stray cats or even cats that are their own spayed and neutered. Please call Lee County Animal Services and ask them to please restart their TNR (trap, neuter, release) program that they shut down two years ago The cats were fixed free, chipped and got a rabies shot We need this program back It worked and I myself had over 400 cats spayed and neutered thru this program WE NEED IT BACK!

Due to all the kittens we are rescuing as well as adult cats that are being left behind, we need fosters Please call if you can help out by fostering and we need volunteers to come play with the kittens and cats that are in rescue Also need a transporter Please call 239 851 3485 if you can help in any way Need someone to set up fundraising events also Please call or text if you can help in any way Cat feeders for outside strays also needed Thanks much!

Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Class to be held July 20

Attention experienced boaters: It's crucial to stay current with changes in navigation a regulations A Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Class is an easy way to get up-todate on everything you need to know

For those aiming to earn the state boating safety certificate, we highly recommend enrolling in our one-day responsible boating class It takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 9 a m to 5 p m The next session is July 20, hosted at the Pine Ridge Community Cente 15660 Pine Ridge Road, Ft. Myers, conveniently located between the Iona McGregor Fire Station 75 and the Lee County Sheriff's West District Office

Completing this course makes you eligible for the state boating certificate

Robert Guenthner, the Flotilla Commander of Fort Myers Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 91, empha-

Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday kicks off

The Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday will take place in July and will make items such as fishing supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, admissions to state parks and museums sales tax free

Sales tax will be removed from the following items:

Boating and water activity supplies:

∫ Goggles and snorkels ($25 or less)

∫ Pool toys ($35 or less)

∫ Coolers, life jackets and paddles ($75 or less)

∫ Inflatable water tubes and floats and wakeboards ($150 or less)

∫ Paddleboards and surfboards ($300 or less)

∫ Canoes and kayaks ($500 or less)

Fishing supplies:

∫ Bait and tackle ($5 or less for individual items and $10 or less for multiple items sold together)

∫ Tackle boxes ($30 or less)

∫ Reels and rods ($75 or less)

Camping supplies:

∫ Flashlights ($30 or less)

∫ Sleeping bags and camping chairs ($50 or less)

∫ Tents ($200 or less)

Outdoor supplies:

∫ Sunscreen ($15 or less)

∫ Water bottles ($30 or less)

∫ Bicycle helmets ($50 or less)

∫ Outdoor grills ($250 or less)

∫ Bicycles ($500 or less)

Admissions:

∫ Museums, including annual passes

∫ State parks, including annual passes

∫ Season tickets for ballets, plays, music events and musical theater performances

Admissions scheduled between July 1 and Dec. 3 1 :

∫ Live music events

∫ Live sporting events

∫ Movies to be shown in a movie theater

∫ Ballets

∫ Plays

∫ Fairs

∫ Festivals

sizes the significance of education and awareness g

, Attending an in-person class is an excellent opportunity for students to interact, share perspectives, and gain local knowledge Participants learn about the importance of life jackets, risk reduction, preparedness, and exercising sound judgment, along with updates on regulatory compliance "

Remember, Florida law mandates that nyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who plans to operate a boat in Florida waters with an engine of 10 horsepower or more must complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Florida boating safety ID card This card certifies that you have completed the necessary boating safety course, but it is not a boating license

Don't miss this chance to enhance your boating skills

and knowledge. Enroll today and navigate the waterways with confidence! This one-day class costs $45 per person and includes study materials For additional information about boating safety classes or registration for a class, contact Kevin McTaggart, Public Education Officer, c

or www Aux91FMB org/Safeboating

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed auxiliary service of the United States Coast Guard created by Congress in 1939 It is comprised of 26,000 members who volunteer their time to support the operation of the Coast Guard, promote and improve recreational boating safety, and provide trained crews and facilities to enhance the safety and security of US ports, waterways, and coastal regions It is the uniformed civilian component of the U S Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas For more information, please visit www cgaux org

Wonder Gardens plans ‘Brews for the Birds’ July 25

“ B r e w s f o r t h e B i r d s ” i s o n t a p a t t h e W o n d e r

G a r d e n s i n B o n i t a S p r i n g s o n T h u r s d a y , J u l y 2 5

f r o m 6 t o 8 p m “ T h e c a r e o f m o r e t h a n 3 0 0 b i r d s a n d r e p t i l e s i s o u r p r i o r i t y a t W o n d e r G a r d e n s , a n d w e a r e g r a t e f u l f o r t h e s u p p o r t o f t h e c o m m u n i t y , ” s a i d N e i l A n d e r s o n , e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r “ O u r B r e w s f o r t h e

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

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

t h r o u g h o u t o u r h i s t o r i c a l 3 5 - a c r e p a r k ”

T h e a d u l t s - o n l y e v e n t i n c l u d e s f o o d t r u c k s , b e e r f r o m l o c a l a n d n a t i o n a l b r e w e r i e s , n o n a l c o h o l i c d r i n k s , m u s i c a n d t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o e x p e r i e n c e t h e

W o n d e r G a r d e n s a t n i g h t T i c k e t s a r e a v a i l a b l e

o n l i n e a n d a r e $ 5 0 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 $ 5 5 f o r n o n m e m b e r s a n d i n c l u d e 8 t a s t i n g t i c ke t s , w i t h a d d i t i o n a l t a s t i n g t i c k e t s f o r s a l e a t t h e

e v e n t

F o o d t r u c k s i n c l u d e E a z y C h e e z y a n d B e t w e e n t h e B u n z M u s i c w i l l b e s u p p l i e d b y l o c a l D J R i c k i e S h a r p P a r t i c i p a t i n g b r e w e r i e s a n d b e v e r a g e s p o ns o r s t o d a t e i n c l u d e 3 D a u g h t e r s B r e w i n g , B i g T

GCHS promotes cat adoptions with ‘Double the Feline Love’ adoption special

After a highly successful promotional adoption special the Gulf Coast Humane Society held through the month of June during Adopt-AShelter-Cat Month, the shelter is extending its cat adoption special through July 7

GCHS’ “Double the Feline Love” adoption special features the opportunity to adopt two adult cats or two kittens for one adoption fee Through the month of June, GCHS promoted its cat adoptions with half off on all adult cat adoption fees, while adopting two kittens (seven months and younger) for one adoption fee

The June special was highly successful, with 154 cats/kittens adopted out

“People really responded well to the cat adoption special through the month of June,” said GCHS Executive Director Darcy Andrade “It was an exciting month, so we wanted to add another week for the special It is kitten season, as well, so the more adoptions we have, the more cats and kittens we can save and take in ”

All of GCHS’ shelter dogs and cats are spay/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped – which is all included in the adoption fee GCHS is located at 2010 Arcadia Street in Fort Myers and open hours are Tuesday-Friday 12-6 p m and Saturday-Sunday 12-5 p m

To see all the GCHS adoptable shelter pets, visit www gulfcoasthu-

org

About Gulf Coast Humane Society: Gulf Coast Humane Society is a regional organization dedicated to helping companion pets find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes GCHS provides an adoption center, spay-neuter and veterinary clinic, as well as education and awareness to the public about the welfare of

homeless pets

GCHS’ mission is to care for companion pets in need by offering safe refuge, providing medical care and facilitating adoptions GCHS promotes the concept the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” and help educate the community about proper and responsible animal care, while providing quality, affordable veterinary care

manesociety