Wildlife Corridor Foundation accepting applications
“ T h e S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a a r e a h a s s o m e o f t h e m o s t f r a g i l e
c o n n e c t i o n s l e f t i n t h e c o r r i d o r, w i t h s o m e o f t h e g r e a t e s t
d e v e l o p m e n t p r e s s u r e s . S o w e f e l t l i k e i t w a s i m p o r t a n t f o r
u s t o t u r n o u r l e
t h a
c a l e n d a r f o r r e s i d e n t s o f a l l a g e s a n d a b i l i t i e s c o n t i n u i n g i n c l u d i n g a f r e e F l o r i d a - f r i e n d l y
l a n d s c a p i n g c l a s s , a n i c e c r e a m s o c i a l , a n d f r e e b o a t t r a i l e r p a r k i n g
See PARKS, page 28
Candace Smith made a difference for patients and nurses alike
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers
com
A cornerstone member of Lee Health and Cape Coral Hospital was remembered by family, friends, and colleagues Tuesday evening in an emotional ceremony paying tribute to her life
Candace Smith, who served as chief nurse and operations executive at Cape Coral Hospital, was memorialized in the place she worked, where stories of her tenacity, guidance, and friendship were told Not a dry eye looked on as some of her closest colleagues described Smith’s unrelenting spirit as she battled cancer, always keeping a positive attitude despite her diagnosis A room full of those Smith had a profound impact on laughed, cried, and paid homage to a woman that truly made a difference every day for patients and nurses alike Smith ran Cape hospital in a dyad partnership with Dr Cherrie Morris, who serves as vice president and chief physician executive for CCH.
Candace Smith
City: Removal of items after ‘Save the Trees’ outreach a routine practice
City manager takes umbrage with criticisms that questioned Cape Coral’s support for military veterans
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breeznewspapers com
The city of Cape Coral has responded to criticisms concerning the removal of ribbons and flags placed as part of a “Save the Trees” outreach at Jaycee Park: City crews were simply following routine post-weekend cleanup procedures
Event organizers had not obtained prior permission for the event from the city and maintenence crews did what they normally do removed items left at the park, said City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn on Wednesday, adding there was neither an “order” to remove the items nor was there any intent to disrespect either the event’s participants or the veterans whose names were placed on small cards with the flags
The policies are intended to keep the parks clean and free of clutter, he said, adding the city has rules as does every other state, county, and municipality pertaining to advertising, memorials, flags, ribbons, lost-and-found items and garbage or trash
“We have an entire city code that addresses this poli-
“I am a veteran. Veteran support and recognition are very important to me. I hold service to our country to a very high regard. I challenge any other city to say they do what we do It is a value we hold very high We are a Purple Heart City ”
Michael
Ilczyszyn, Cape Coral city manager
cy,” Ilczyszyn said “I have seen some comments made that somebody ‘made an order ’ There is no order The code prescribes what the administration shall do keep parks clear of any items refuse, memorials, signs, flags, ballons, ribbons and flowers ”
On Saturday, more than 200 yellow ribbons and small American flags were placed on Australian pines at Jaycee Park as part of the “Save the Trees” outreach A few days later, Save Jaycee Park organizers said they were shocked that the items they had intended to be left up through the July 4th holiday had been taken down, which they felt disrespected veterans honored during the event
Ilczyszyn said he particularly wanted to address this criticism as it does not stand up to the values the city has displayed publicly and consistently
“Just in the past year and a half that I have been the city manager there have been a number of veteran-focused ini-
tiatives that have been advanced,” Ilczyszyn said
Efforts include dedicating Purple Heart parking spaces last year, as well as two at City Hall for veterans The city also worked with the county to open an office space in Cape Coral for veteran services For the first time last year, the city held a Flag Day
The city administration also initiated “Red Friday” among city employees to remember everyone deployed by wearing the color red
Ilczyszyn said a few employees are chosen, their photograph taken, and their story highlighted in an email to all the employees
“We send a care package every month on behalf of t h o s
deployed,” Ilczyszyn said
Cape Coral has a Veterans Park as well as a veteran’s memorial area at Eco Park, which he said stands second to none in Southwest Florida
There also are welcome signs for veterans along entry corridors to the city
“I am a veteran,” Ilczyszyn said “Veteran support and recognition are very important to me I hold service to our country to a very high regard I challenge any other city to say they do what we do It is a value we hold very high We are a Purple Heart City ”
Ilczyszyn emphasized it’s just a matter of practice for the park system staff to remove items that were placed in the parks over the weekend to keep the city facilities clean and free of clutter
“There was no order This is our job We have a policy that we have to administer,” he said “We do that regardless of content ”
T h e r e a r e F i r s t Amendment rights that residents enjoy whether it is a particular political bias, or personal belief that they can express. However, the expectation is to take those items with them when they are done, or get permission
something out of standard practice is sought
“ T h a t w
o n e here,” Ilczyszyn said “If they are there every week,
k Permission was not asked. We followed our process without any need of any order it’s just our job a matter of business, administering the codes without regard to the content ”
Director Joe Petrella said he has no problem approving requests that makes sense If the group approached the city for the outreach, the c
parameters and worked with event organizers to understand what they wanted to achieve
“It can’t stand outside the bounds,” Petrella said, adding that he has to be mindful of what the overall goal was, and what they were trying to achieve
Ilczyszyn said personal, or political, city staff has to administer the code and policy without regard to picking winners and losers
OPINIONS
CAPE CORAL BREE ZE
Legal aid for children, teens with nowhere else to turn
#WhereYouBelong
The current controversies concerning redevelopment projects proposed for Jaycee Park and the Yacht Club illustrate one thing that even city officials should view as a positive: The residents of Cape Coral are invested in their city parks
We use them.
We love them
We claim our favorites as our own
This is not a bad thing but a sign the city has created not only a public parks system but a public parks system
City parks span across some 40 locations and nearly 1,600 acres
Scattered throughout the Cape, they offer a broad range of amenities and infrastructure from playgrounds, courts, sports fields, green space, walking paths, boat ramps and even a public golf course to youth, general recreation and senior centers and buildings for the arts, theater and an historical museum
City parks range in type from small neighborhood playgrounds with swings and slides to the dedicated Veterans Memorial at Eco Park with its iconic replica of the Iwo Jima Monument and the dedications designed to recognize and honor those who have served our country through the U S armed services
Some, like Jaycee Park and the Yacht Club, have histories.
Others, like Festival Park, which will have its long-waited groundbreaking on July 26 and will bring an outdoor concert venue, amphitheater and more sports fields, are part of the Cape’s future
Parks are more than land and infrastructure, though Cape Coral also takes pride in emphasizing the “recreation” aspect of its Parks & Rec Department.
From organizing major events to program offerings for all age groups, it emphasizes “It starts in parks!”
If we’re talking about hometown activities, indeed it does
The city of Cape Coral kicked off National Parks & Recreation Month Thursday with its July 4th street party spectacular, Red, White & BOOM!
Other events will include free tours of the Butterfly House at Rotary Park starting July 8, a free gallery reception at the Cape Coral Art Center on July 12, a free block party on July 13 at the William B Austen Youth Center, a free ice cream social on July 15 at Lake Kennedy Center, Cape Coral Quest on July 21 and more
They city invites residents to take part
We second the invite
Play a little pickleball Take the kids to a playground Enjoy a picnic Visit the Cape Coral Museum of History and walk in the rose garden Share the memories #WhereYouBelong Day-to-day park operations and event organization are monumental tasks
We thank the city’s Parks & Recreation Department for its efforts and for its commitment Breeze editorial
For nearly 60 years, the nonprofit Lee County Legal Aid Society has provided no-cost, civil legal aid to low-income residents of our community Our newest effort: help establish a pathway to permanent legal residency for abused, neglected and abandoned immigrant children and teens with nowhere else to turn
Through no fault of their own, far too many children and teens from other countries wind up in our community with no adults in their lives
Some have aged out of the foster care system or were brought here under tragic circumstances by human traffickers
Our ability to advocate on behalf of these vulnerable minors was previously limited But with the support of a federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant administered by the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties, our agency has filed more than 50 court petitions seeking legal safeguards for youth who crave the opportunity to legally live, work and study in the U.S.
The benefits are reciprocal: following this roadmap to residency not only strengthens our community’s fabric but also bolsters our economy and quality of life
The process begins in Lee County Family Court with a petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) The
City Council elections
To the editor:
SIJS designation is a special visa category established by Congress in 1990 that permits immigrant children who are dependent on a juvenile court to “self-petition” for lawful permanent resident status
The juvenile court must first determine that family reunification is not a viable option, and that it is not in the child’s best interest to return to their home country
Once the dependency petition is approved, we submit the I-360 Form, Petition for Special Immigration Juvenile Status to the U S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for consideration Once the I-360 is approved, the child is awarded classification of Special Immigrant Juvenile with Deferred Action
That classification then allows those clients to apply for a work permit and Social Security card The clients are typically issued a four-year work permit and a Social Security card Once a visa becomes available, the client can apply for a green card by filing an application for Permanent Resident Status, a process that can take four or five years due to backlogs
That’s the path being taken by our client Wilson, who
See GUEST COMMENTARY, page 6
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
in two years from now It’s time to clean the slate and start over again with a fresh crop of elected leaders
This week’s Breeze had information on candidates running for five of the seven City Council Districts this year, Districts 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 In two years, the other two Council positions (Districts 1 and 6) will come up for election, as well as the mayoral position Because voters in the city of Cape Coral can vote in all five District races, it is essential that the voters do vote in all five races
In December 2023, Council voted 4 to 2 to essentially double their salaries by voting themselves a stipend One councilman conveniently left the room prior to the vote and was not present for the vote One council seat was vacant at the time of the vote and was filled by appointment later in December
The Council called this pay raise a stipend so they didn’t have to go to the Cape Coral voters for approval first Of the four Council members that voted for the stipend, those running again should be voted out of office One council member voted no, yet accepted the stipend One has turned down the stipend after a lot of public outrage
After the December 2023 stipend vote, the citizens of Cape Coral demanded that Council rescind this stipend Council said they would put it before the Council again, but no one on the Council proposed it The citizens then tried to get a resolution on the November ballot, but came up short with the number of signatures
I believe that all the incumbents in this year’s election should be voted out of office unless they publicly denounce the stipend Also, the two other councilmen and mayor should be voted out of office in two years when their positions come up for re-election
This may seem rather cruel to suggest that all of them should be voted out, but they either voted for this doubling of their pay or were complicit in accepting it One councilman said he would have had to get a second job to support his family if he did not get the stipend. Well, he should have known what the salary of a council member was before he pursued running for the position
In addition, the City Council and mayor voted to eliminate all six voluntary (read no pay) committees since early 2023 Then the City Council said they have too much work on their hands and they need the stipend to supplement their extra hours of work
It’s time to show our disapproval of the City Council, including the mayor, and vote them out of office this year and
The Breeze said last week that they will be asking each of the candidates an issue-related question each week I highly recommend that the first question should simply be a yes/no question: If elected to the Council, will you support the rescinding of the stipend?
Vote Chester in District 7
To the editor:
Vote for Sheridan Chester for Lee County School Board District 7 Make sure you vote for Sheridan in the Aug 20 Primary If she gets 50% of the vote plus one then she is on the school board
Sheridan Chester is a master educator, a dedicated public servant who has been teaching the children of Lee County for 23 years, as a middle school substitute teacher, the last two years teaching GED Chester was twice named “Teacher of the Year for Middle School,” receiving the Silver Apple Award, and was the first substitute teacher in Lee County to be nominated for a Golden Apple Award
Her vision is simple: empower teachers, engage parents, and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education She believes in safe, supportive learning environments, innovative educational practices, and transparent communication with the community
Sheridan Chester is excellently qualified to serve on the School Board She graduated magna cum laude from John Jay College of Criminal Justice
She has served her community as mentor for Dress for Success, Footsteps to the Future, and the African Caribbean American Center (AFCAAM) She has worked in the State Attorney’s Office advocating for survivors of domestic violence, and was twice named Woman of the Year, Royal Palms Chapter, American Businesswomen’s Association
Sheridan Chester’s passion for community and education is unmistakable The Lee County School Board needs at least one representative who has taught in our schools She knows what our students and families need and is superbly prepared to deliver
Dennis Raube Fort Myers
Eunice Gedeon Linot Guest
Ken Kendrick Cape Coral
We must protect veterans’ access to mental health treatments
As a nation, we have a sacred duty to support the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms That responsibility doesn’t end when their service does Once military members return home, we must ensure they have the health care they need to live their best lives including treatments for mental health conditions
Bipartisan majorities in Congress have made a priority of this issue, notably with their overwhelming support for the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019
Unfortunately, though, a single provision in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act threatens to undermine this progress The law is inadvertently discouraging the development of next-generation psychiatric medications that could benefit countless veterans The good news is that an easy, bipartisan fix is now in the works
Mental health challenges remain heartbreakingly common among our nation's heroes Rates of PTSD are higher among veterans than civilians Sadly, it is estimated that
17 veterans die by suicide every day, and over half of veterans living with mental illness aren’t receiving treatment , These painful statistics reflect the unique stresses and traumas of military life
Combat exposure, family separation, reintegration into civilian life each can take a heavy psychological toll
Drug researchers have responded to mental illness with an expanding arsenal of treatment options. The United States is currently responsible for about half of all new medications developed worldwide
Guest Commentary
But affordability is also an important issue To address it, the IRA gave Medicare the authority to negotiate with drug makers for lower prices To help ensure pharmaceutical developers have time to recoup their investment costs, lawmakers wisely granted
As president, there can be no bad days
To the editor:
The recent debate between President Biden and President Trump was written off as Biden having a bad day He was “over prepped” and tired By having two presidential candidates in their late 70s to 80s one has to realize that both are too old to have the endurance to work past bad days
While Trump appears to have more stamina and thus an advantage, time is not on his side Time is definitely not on Joe Biden’s side and another four years will be catastrophic to our country
Let’s review some bad presidential days in history A sickly Roosevelt had some bad days at Yalta A poorly negotiated end to World War II led to borders in Europe not being resolved and the start of the Cold War That bad day led to 44 years of economic and proxy wars Eisenhower relying on two out-of-touch statesmen named John Foster and Allen Dulles led us into the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict Those wars killed thousands of U S citizens between 1953 and 1975 That was 22 years of entanglement John F Kennedy had some good days, 13 in fact, when he was awake and able to negotiate an agreement that kept us out of a nuclear conflict with Soviet Russia and Cuba His bad day was authorizing the Bay of Pigs invasion which led to the crisis Work of the Dulles brothers again Was Barack Obama having a bad day when there was an attack on the consulate in Benghazi? Was it bad advice or poor decision making skills that stopped rescue forces? What was Joe Biden’s condition on the day the U S started an evacuation from Afghanistan where several U S citizens were killed and 9,000 left to be rescued by private volunteers?
newly approved medicines a period of exemption from price negotiations
But oddly, this exemption period isn’t the same for all drug types Under the law, new “large molecule” biologic medicines are exempt from government price negotiations for 13 years after FDA approval, whereas small-molecule drugs receive only nine years of exemption
Unsurprisingly, this disparity is already leading drug companies to deprioritize or abandon small-molecule treatments In a recent survey of over two dozen prominent biopharmaceutical firms, 63% said they plan to shift investment away from small molecules because of the IRA
This alarming trend could have serious consequences for veterans seeking treatment options for mental illness
Small molecules have a key advantage when it comes to treat-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
service to our country but dangerous Carving out interest groups through identity politics in order to pander for votes undermines the security of our country Selecting our cabinet members based not on qualification but to satisfy minority identity groups does not represent the best interests of the U.S.
Perhaps there was a bad day when the open border policy was created Or perhaps the cabinet members echoed biased policy pushed by a political party agenda when advising the president in order to gain votes For three and a half years Biden stood in front of the nation and stated he did not have the authority to change the policy On June 4, 2024 Biden finally determined he did have the authority. Confusion? Bad days? Bad advice? Inability to deal with a crisis? Eight million illegal aliens entered our country
Our country is at a point where its voters cannot go to vote for a president based on one issue because it personally resonates with their particular passion We need energy, endurance and leadership that will steer all policy to the best interests of the majority population As a citizen and voter in the U S one might have to suck it up and forget abortion rights in order to elect a president that will not get us in a war and kill us all Climate change agenda might have to take a back seat to preventing a nuclear war. Gay rights might have to be forgotten when selecting a President that will appoint generals and military advisors based on ability to protect our country and advise on sound military policy not on how they care to present or identify themselves State department employees might have to be selected on good international policy skills and background not just because they check an identity box.
Each individual voter is not so insulated that the impact of poor presidential choices will not be felt
ing mental health conditions: they’re tiny enough to cross the blood-brain barrier
That’s why small molecules make up virtually all psychiatric medications, from antipsychotics to antidepressants
The IRA’s bias against small molecules will also worsen existing inequities in care access Small-molecule medications usually come as easy-to-use pills, while biologics typically require injections or IVs administered by a healthcare professional
Thankfully, a straightforward, bipartisan fix has already emerged The Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act would align price negotiation timelines for small molecules and biologics, giving each category 13 years of post-approval protection
As millions of veterans struggle with mental health or behavioral conditions, we need to protect their access to innovative therapies That starts with passing the EPIC Act
Anthony Principi served as Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2001-2005 This column first appeared in Stars and Stripes
school, all faiths must be permitted (unless a student is enrolled in a privately funded religious school). If displaying the Judeo / Christian 10 Commandments is allowed in Florida public schools, the door opens for the Five Pillars of Islam, the Five Precepts of Buddhism, the Rastafarian Commandments, the Dharma of Hinduism, the Five Principles of Shinto, the Diasporic Religion of Haitian Vodou, to mention but a few of the 6,000-plus religions practiced in the USA Theology (the study of world religions) would be an eye-opening course, but it is a branch of social studies Social studies is on the chopping block across Florida schools
Overburdened school teachers feel the pressure to bring students up to reading level while cutting interesting science, arts, and history curricula and disenfranchise students Fear for students’ futures that are based on incomplete and erroneous coursework and ignores the pleas of marginalized students for representation, drags down morale and erodes staffing And for what? To pass along the intricacies of faith traditions that should be the responsibility of parents and faith leaders? Our founding families who demanded the separation of church from state and visa versa must be rolling over in their graves
Karyn Edison Fort Myers
DeSantis’ veto of war nings bill confir ms need for Florida Right to Clean Water To the editor:
The point is, not being able to physically and mentally be able to handle the job of president should be more of a consideration than all the headline issues we hear of nightly It is the job of the president to select cabinet members and advisors that can research and advise so the president can make good choices in a short amount of time The president has to be of mind to hear these choices and navigate what is best for the country not in the short term but looking at long-term consequences as well The president needs to have the presence of mind and physical endurance to debate and override the cabinet members, advisors, interest groups and lobbyists and steer a long term path for the country Feel-good decisions that get votes today but cause problems long term are not only a dis-
In 1963 Khrushchev, premier of the Soviet Union said to the U S , “We will bury you ” Don’t think they have stopped trying If we elect a “bad day” president, we will bury ourselves
J. Caplin Cape Coral
Using public schools to pass along faith traditions?
To the editor:
A classroom is not a church A teacher is not a preacher Students are not a congregation If one religion is permitted in
The Fourth of July was just celebrated and many Floridians headed to the beaches for fun and to swim and get cool Wouldn’t you like to know if those beach waters were safe for swimming and strolling? On Wednesday, June 26, Gov DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have alerted Florida citizens if a beach or waterway isn’t safe What was supposed to be a health and safety concern that would involve alerting the public and posting signs if waters were unsafe was tossed out by our governor
According to the Tampa Bay Times, DeSantis is quoted as saying the bill was “ill-advised” and had a “fatal infirmity,” because it would have given the Florida Department of Health the authority to make these closures and put out notifications of them Supporting the gover-
From page 4 See LETTERS, page 8
Guest Commentary: Providing children in need with legal aid benefits both the youth and society
From page 4
came to this country on his own from Guatemala and was placed in foster care after running away from a Florida Department of Children and Families facility To protect Wilson’s privacy, we only refer to him by first name
With his SIJS status in hand, Wilson is now working in the Fort Myers area, has secured housing and is a new father with the hopes now of providing a far better life for his own child in a safe, secure and healthy
environment
Another client, Lola, came to us as a 14year-old who ran away from home in Honduras to escape a drug- and alcoholaddicted mother and a father who, once his child turned 12, insisted she either work fulltime or get married
Working with these young people reminds me of my own childhood, when my parents left me behind in Haiti with grandparents for two years while Mom and Dad built us a new life here in America Crucially, our family
had the means and the support to navigate the immigration journey including gaining U.S. citizenship together.
At Lee County Legal Aid Society, our work narrows the access to justice gap among those who cannot afford a private attorney in civil cases Unlike in criminal law, there is no Constitutional right to an attorney in civil law, which includes landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosures, evictions, probate, debt collection, child custody cases, domestic violence orders of protection and more
We’re deeply appreciative of our community partners in this renewed effort– and stand ready to zealously advocate for those in need of assistance, including society’s most vulnerable
For more information, visit www leecountylegalaid org or call 239-3346118
Eunice Gedeon Linot is an immigration services and Florida family law attorney with the Lee County Legal Aid Society
Anthony Principi
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
From page 6
nor’s veto was Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo Local communities have made decisions about beach and water closures up till now, but data regarding fecal (e-coli) contamination that is regularly published by Calusa Waterkeepers and SCCF is generally not taken into account The Department of Health would not be able to ignore this information however, if this bill had been passed
Once again it must be up to us to stop this lack of regard for our health and the
FloridaRighttoCleanWater org to download our petition, sign and mail it in so we can make clean and healthy waters a fundamental right for all of us
Mary Tracy Sigman Fort Myers
Buckle down for VPK!
To the editor:
In case you missed the memo, VPK is an abbreviation for the Voluntary PreKindergarten program I think everyone has already heard the buzz about VPK and the importance of getting children ready for kindergarten Did you ever stop to think that for “first-time” parents, this educational ride is their first rodeo as well? So, I am hoping that these few tips will help the parents with a smooth transition into the VPK class with their child Consistency, being prepared, and staying informed are three key secrets for beginning your child’s success!
Consistency and routine are hand in hand for a smoother day for ALL Being the parent that is always late never gives the child the opportunity to get the full lesson that has
already begun They need time to say good morning to their friends, put away their things, and settle down to receive those learning lessons Were we not trained with school bells? Life may throw a wrench in your routine, but let’s not use excuses as a routine
Being prepared helps the provider to be able to serve your child better We may need certain supplies such as: a change of clothes for your child, a blanket for nap time, or special items for a class experiment or cooking project When a child falls short, I promise you that it does affect them. Saddened feelings as they do notice, when all their friends retrieve their items, and they go to an empty cubby You can’t bake a cake without all the ingredients
Staying informed is simple communication skills with BOTH the child and the facility Your childcare facility has daily sheets, school apps, social media, web pages, paper handouts, and other means of communication It is your responsibility as the parent to stay informed about your child’s learning experience and/or what is going on in the facility I am sure you haven’t missed the latest tiktok/facebook/twitter post that is trending? It’s a simple fix of prioritizing the priorities
I feel as a provider it is MY responsibility to help get these parents trained as well as get the kiddos prepared If I have posted information on our school app and then a parent asks me for that information, I will redirect them back to our app to seek the answer This is not to be a jerk, on my part, but to train the parent how to be resourceful for their own child After all, when THEY begin their new journey to public school, I will have wholeheartedly prepared that child with a trained independent guardian
Deana Campbell Cape Coral
WWII, Korean War vets to be honored; sponsors sought
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com
An annual event celebrating veterans has been rebranded this year to include not just World War II, but also Korean War veterans
Formerly the “Spirit of ’45” the comm e m o r a t i o n c o n t i n u e s t h i s y e a r n o w dubbed “Saluting our Heroes ’45 & ’53” and organizers are seeking veterans to participate
A s t h e n u m b e r o f W o r l d W a r I I
Veterans has steadily declined, organizers decided to include Veterans of “America’s Forgotten War” fought between 1950 and 1953
Co-chairs of the event are Bill Zacovic, an Army veteran who was involved with previous recognition events; Steve Epkins, a retired Army colonel who, along with Zacovic, is heavily involved in JROTC in the area, and recently spearheaded the r e e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f t h e L e e C o u n t y Veterans Advisory Committee; and military supporter Kim Gaide
Organizers are hopeful that any Lee County World War II and Korean War veterans who have not attended the event in past years, as well as previous participants, will take part in what they hope is a meaningful celebration of their service
“The Korean War veterans always felt they were the forgotten war,” Epkins said “We all saw the World War II videos and how happy everybody was, and all the parades and how they were welcomed back And I can tell you the Korean War veterans got no welcome home And even me as a Vietnam veteran, when I retired, at the San Francisco airport they spat upon
The Saluting Our Heroes event will be held from 4:15 to 7:15 p.m. on Aug. 11 at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers. The event is free for World War II and Korean War veterans and their guest. Tickets are $50 per person for all other attendees, as the event is open to any and all
me and called me ‘baby killer’ so that was m y w e l c o m e h
Vietnam ”
The Saluting Our Heroes event will be held from 4:15 to 7:15 p m on Aug 11 at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers The event is free for World War II and Korean War veterans and their guest Tickets are $50 per person for all other attendees, as the event is open to any and all
Dinner will be served from 4:30 to 5:15, followed by the veteran tribute and ceremony from 5:15 to 7:15 Valet parking will be available Veterans who attend will be adored with red, white and blue ribbons, and a commemorative coin is being created
“We should never miss an opportunity t o t h a n k
“Especially those who fought World War II and Korean War conflicts were worthy of remembering The people who participated in them deserve all of our respect and remembrance It can be as simple as that We should never miss an opportunity to thank them and to honor them for what they did ”
The ceremony will include a presentat
POW/MIA service (missing man table), w
Korean War videos and speeches, flag folding ceremony; Pipes and Drums to include “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes; honor guard/firing party for three volleys; echo taps and patriotic songs
“The event helps the community keep the memory of what these men and women did alive,” Zacovic said “We should never forget what they had to do, and this event honors them and contributes to that The veterans who are there, feel special and appreciate the community saying thank you to them one more time ”
Epkins added, “Thank God we had a great military that answered the call of duty, and the sacrifices that they made and the sacrifices their families made while they were off to service ” Zacovic said for any military supporters who are not veterans in the community, this event is can’t-miss Veterans will share tables with members of the public “It’s an intimate setting, where the folks who are with them at that table, can be a part of living history,” he said “They can listen to stories They can ask them questions I don’t know who would want to miss that opportunity World War II veterans that are passing at an alarming rate, this
could be their last opportunity to share their stories, and for people to hear their stories live ”
Sponsorships are what make this event possible, and organizers are seeking assistance to ensure the event can take place.
cover the cost of a veteran’s meal The sponsor’s name, or the name of a veteran, will be listed in the program
Sponsorship opportunities include:
■ Half Page Ad in Program $100 OR Full-Page Ad in Program: $200
■ Underwrite a Veteran Program A $50 donation will provide a Veteran’s meal Your name will be listed in the Program
■ A table of 8 to dinner/ceremony: $400
■ Two Tickets to dinner/ceremony and a half-page ad in program: $250
■ Two Tickets to dinner/ceremony and a full-page ad in program: $300
■ Four Tickets to dinner/ceremony and a half-page ad in program: $550
■ Four Tickets to dinner/ceremony and a full-page ad in program: $800
■ Six Tickets to dinner/ceremony and a full-page ad in program: $1,000
Reservations must be made by Aug 1 and tickets must be paid for by Aug. 6.
To make a reservation or for more information, email Gaide at kimgaide@aol com or call 239-209-6160 Once reservations have been made, a check or money order should be made payable to VFW District 13
Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club is at 10420 Washington Palm Way in Fort Myers
The joys of summer well within reach
Old favorites, new enterprises, entice visitors to Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
The possibilities are endless on Fort Myers Beach From walking in the sand and enjoying the sight of the birds, the Gulf of Mexico, the seashells or a scenic sunset to more adventurous times out on the Gulf in a boat looking for dolphins and manatees, or enjoying watersports, the island has opportunities for everyone
“There is much to celebrate on Fort Myers Beach,” said ort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak “There are over 50 bars and restaurants open, in various configurations and types of establishments ”
The chamber and a group of restaurants downtown on Old San Carlos Boulevard partnered with the Town of Fort Myers Beach on a weekly free concert series at Bayside Veteran’s Memorial Park Each Sunday, there is live entertainment at the park from 4 p m to 7 p m
Peter Ennis, who is a partner in Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant and Wahoo Willie’s, two of the sponsors of the concert series, said the events have been a success Both restaurants surround the park
“The concert series and all of our bands have been terrific,” Ennis said “Locals and guests have really enjoyed free concerts ”
Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant and Wahoo Willie’s are two restaurants on Fort Myers Beach that regularly offer different specials of their menu Both venues match the spirit of the island, offering something for everyone Their vast menus cover the fresh seafood that is caught off the Gulf of Mexico to other American standards
At Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant, idyllic views of the bay are match by a wide variety of drinks and food that include offerings such as mahi, grouper, scallops and the shrimp the island is known for There are also burgers, chicken, barbecue ribs and homemade key lime pie
At Wahoo Willie’s next door, a large tiki hut keeps customers cool even on the warmest summer days A large bar full of cocktails and drink specials is complimented by a menu that features some of the island’s
best wings and goodies like New York strip steak, fried chicken sandwich, fried shrimp basket, chicken kabob, fish and chips, and the fish of the day For the youngsters, there are also kid meals
“The season was good,” Ennis said “We are having some summer specials at both Wahoo Willies Tiki bar & Grill and Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant ”
For those solely concerned with getting on the beach and soaking in some sun and views of the expansive Gulf, there are many public
beach accesses including Lynn Hall Memorial Park and Bowditch Point Park, which are run by Lee County and offer parking
At the Lani Kai Island Resort, bar-tobeach service is available with beach furniture and umbrellas, with food and drinks available from 10 a m to 6 p m , Lani Kai Marketing Director Melissa Schneider said There are also wind and watersports rentals, with hours of operation are 9 a m to 5 p m , weather permitting Beach furniture rentals and other watersports adventures may be booked online ahead of time at windandwatersports com The resort also sets up its merchandise stand by the bar with several popular Lani Kai designs
Several new businesses have joined the island over the last year, including Margaritaville. The resort offers several bars and restaurants including JWB Grill, License to Chill Bar & Grill, and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill There are day passes available to the Fins Up! Beach Club, which includes access to the outdoor pool Other new establishments include The Buffalo Grill, with a city of Buffalo theme including a large fiberglass buffalo in front with the colors of the city’s football and hockey teams The food ranges from buffalo wings to hot dogs and their signature “Stinger Sandwich” mixing roast beef with chicken tenders
For those looking to enjoy a meal on the bay there is the award-winning Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille off Fishermans Wharf, which was named “Best Everyday Eats” by
See SUMMER, page 24
Diners share some tasty fare at Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant on Fort Myers Beach
Back on the tax rolls; property valuations bounce back
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
The 2024 tax roll values saw a marked shift upward from the working tallies released last month
Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell said the shift is wholly attributable to the properties that continue to be brought back on the tax roll after recovery following Hurricane Ian, which devastated Lee County on Sept 28, 2022
“If it was damaged to the point it could not be used, it was taken off last year's tax roll,” he said of storm-damaged properties adding that when repaired, it was put back on the tax roll “It's a sign of just how significant the recovery is Your eyes are not deceiving you We are well into recovery at this point ”
The upwards shift in total property valuation for the July 1 tax roll was across the board
“Cape Coral, we concluded a 12 64% increase in the taxable value an enormous amount in the south end of the city
south of Cape Coral Parkway,” Caldwell said
The area, which includes the South Cape and the Yacht Club area along the riverfront, saw significant damage
The percentage change from the 2023 final roll to the 2024 preliminary total just for Cape Coral was 1 16%, or $535,390,034 The total assessed change was 11 55%, or $3,559,718,969 and the total taxable change from 2023 to 2024 was up 12 64%, or $3,320,138,344
The estimate for new construction just for Cape Coral was revised from $1,613,038,527 last month to $1,702,811,776 The estimate for new construction taxable valuation for 2024 surged from $75,485,534 to $1,616,450,768 this month
With these numbers released, Caldwell said each taxing body's staff will take these determinations and start putting together their official budget proposals for boards, like the Cape Coral City Council,
to consider TRIM, or Truth in Millage, notices of proposed property taxes will then be sent to homeowners mid- to late August, once the proposed tax rates are set
“If anyone has any questions about their property, feel free to contact us You don't have to wait until (you get your) TRIM notices,” Caldwell said
The total just valuation for Lee County saw a bump from the 2023 final roll to the 2024 preliminary of 5 86%, or $11,961,360,428 The total assessed saw an increase of 11 65%, or $16,404,587,990 and the total taxable was up 12 80%, or $15,431,316,943
The new construction just countywide was $5,994,787,330 and $4,476,948,692 for new construction taxable
For Sanibel, the just total just saw a decrease of 8 95%, a reduction of $585,366,048 The total assessed valuation increased 1 07% from 2023 final roll to the 2024 preliminary, a value change of
$52,689,567 The total taxable saw a 1% bump, or a value change of $46,016,246
The new construction just for the city of Sanibel was $189,584,246 for the preliminary 2024, compared to $1,726,479 for the 2023 final roll The new construction taxable is $19,342,769 compared to the 2023 final roll of $1,726,479
The Town of Fort Myers Beach which was nearly leveled when storm surge from Ian overwashed the island saw significant increases The total just valuation saw 47 99% boost from the 2023 final roll to the 2024 preliminary, a $1,732,831,023 change The total assessed valuation was up 50 69, or $1,419,550,675 The total taxable for the Beach was up 54.03% or $1,395,443,060
The new construction just for the Town of Fort Myers Beach was $660,342,132 compared to the 2023 final roll of $4,033,316 The new construction taxable was $83,323,110 compared to $4,033,306 for the 2023 final
Two local students receive Golden Futures Scholarships
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
Two Lee County students received a four-year tuition scholarship from the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Golden Futures Scholarship a brainchild of the 2013 Golden Apples to promote and support high school seniors who want to become teachers.
The two students, Olivia Arevalo, who will attend Florida Gulf Coast University for special education, and Annabelle Barbot who will attend Florida SouthWestern State College for early childhood education, have pledged to work in the School District of Lee County Public Schools upon graduation
Arevalo, a North Fort Myers High School graduate, said the foundation’s scholarship took her by the biggest surprise, especially since it’s coming from the school district
“I was always going to be a teacher All my work is paying off I can’t wait to work in Lee County,” Arevalo said “I have always wanted to go to FGCU because of the education program A perfect opportunity to get to know a lot of teachers across Southwest Florida ”
The four-year scholarship checks off another item on her list becoming a teacher and graduating debt free
“We have low pay I can’t become a teacher and have college debt,” Arevalo said
With her parents always working with children, it has been woven into her life.
“I knew I wanted to do something with children I’m the kid the teacher wanted to help other kids They wanted me to help with their assignments I love working with people,” Arevalo said, adding that as a teacher, she will be getting paid to create relationships through academia “It’s a fun and awarding job ”
Her grade point average was 5 38 unweighted She graduated with an AICE diploma with merit Arevalo was also a two-year president of the Key Club at
North Fort Myers High School, where she did a lot of community service
With being a part of AICE and the Key Club, she also received the Bright Futures scholarship
“I did it,” Arevalo said of receiving scholarships to go to college “I am a firstgeneration college student Both of my parents did not graduate with degrees from college ”
Since she has never left Florida, barely Southwest Florida, it was not a hard choice to stay in Lee County and become a teacher
“I grew up in Fort Myers before com-
ing to Cape Coral 10 years ago I am indebted to this community I just love it here. My family is here. I desire to better the education system for the students that grow up just like me,” she said, adding that she has an 8-year-old brother “I want to do it for him as well ”
Barbot said she was so happy to receive the scholarship she started crying because she really was not expecting to get that call
“My heart was filled,” she said “This is going to help me a lot for tuition and getting into the Lee County program as soon as I graduate ”
In addition, Barbot said she can talk to those in the Lee County School District through her whole college experience
“It will help me a lot to get a job and secure a job when I finish It’s something I really am happy about” she said
After helping a teacher at Heights Elementary School during her senior year at Florida Lee Virtual, she knew she wanted to become a first-grade teacher
“I love kids I have always adored kids so much Everywhere I go, if there is a kid there, I will go straight to the kids helping them, playing with them I just thought I always loved being a teacher’s pet I was the first person to help the teacher when asked, help another student as they asked I love helping others,” Barbot said of why she wanted to become a teacher
Becoming a teacher is something she feels like she is meant to do, especially after having the best teachers growing up She said her eighth-grade culinary teacher has become a role model and she continues to help in her class at Trafalgar Middle School every year
Barbot went to Mariner High School for three years before switching to Florida Lee Virtual her senior year, which afforded her a lot of free time
“I went to Heights Elementary School to help a first-grade teacher she taught me so much in such little time in helping her in the first grade,” she said “This is where their personality comes out and wants to learn so eager to learn When I was watching them, she was so right they want to know everything It’s so amazing ”
Since Barbot was born and raised in the Lee County School District, it only fits that she works in the district as well
“I know the district as a student and would love to get to know it as a teacher,” she said “I am so thankful for the scholarship Beyond blessed that I got it This is going to be one of my biggest accomplishments ”
PHOTO PROVIDED
Florida Lee Virtual senior Annabelle Barbot and parents with Lee County Public Schools CEO & President Marshall Bower
Tampa General to bring urgent care center to Babcock Ranch
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
Tampa General Hospital is bringing more heath care services to Babcock Ranch at The Shoppes at Yellow Pine
Thomas Hoban, president and Chief Investment Officer, and Partner of Kitson & Partners said that health is one of the eight core initiatives at the growing community on SR 31
“We want to continue to offer residents multiple ways to improve their physical and mental well-being,” he said “As one of the most innovative and sustainable towns in the U S , it only made sense to partner with Tampa General, one of the nation’s leading academic health systems, who is committed to leveraging technology and innovation to better care for their patients ”
W
expecting to triple in size over the next few years, Babcock Ranch has to grow with the community adding healthcare services
“Not to mention, Babcock Ranch is a multigenerational community and having diversity in options, offerings, and care is crucial to our diverse set of residents,” Hoban said
Construction of the new 6,500-squarefoot TGH Urgent Care at Babcock Ranch is well under way TGH and Kitson & Partners agreed to nearly double their presence by adding an additional 6,000 square feet of space at The Shoppes at Yellow Pine T
announced in November to bring urgent care services to The Shoppes at Yellow Pine on Cypress Parkway The new space will open in 2025
PROVIDED
Construction of the new 6,500-square- foot TGH Urgent Care at Babcock Ranch is well under way at The Shoppes at Yellow Pine. The facility is expected to open next year.
TGH Executive Vice President and Chief Ambulatory Care Officer Adam Smith said The Urgent Care, powered by Fast Track, will be outfitted with a robust care team available to meet all the needs of the growing community including preventative, routine and urgent care
“The new clinic, which will be open seven days a week, from 8 a m to 8 p m , will treat common illnesses and injuries Common tests, check-ups and procedures offered will include school and sports physicals, X-rays and certain laboratory tests This new clinic also will offer testing
health services are also available and
Compensation injuries and vaccinations,” he said
The acquired 6,000-foot space will be developed and tailored to fit the greatest need of residents, Smith said Based on research, feedback, and input from resi-
Community Forum, providers will develop innovative solutions that help meet the community’s needs today and support its future growth for the newly secured space
“Working with the community’s residents, we can more effectively design the space and service offerings to meet their needs,” Smith said
The forum was held on June 22, at the Babcock Ranch Fieldhouse to give community members an opportunity to share their health care needs, as well as ways to enhance health and wellness
Hoban said Babcock Ranch is an innovative, welcoming town for everyone
“To continue to foster an atmosphere
and culture that is both inviting and fulfilling, we must continue to provide opportunities where homeowners have a real seat at the table to discuss which services and amenities are most important to them and that includes decision on access and quality of healthcare at Babcock Ranch,” he said.
The facility will be open to residents living both in and out of Babcock Ranch, providing world class quality care
This partnership with TGH is in addition to one that has already been established with Lee Health
“Babcock Ranch’s partnership with Lee Healthcare is strong and ongoing,” Hoban said “As the community continues to expand, so will our access and options for h e a l t h c a r e W e b e l i e v e h a v i n g m
r e options for residents is a good thing ”
Why are you running? What are your top three issues?
Breeze will ask the candidates for Cape Coral City Council an issue-related question In the interest of fairness, each candidate is limited to the same amount of space, about 100 words, for their response
q Laurie LehMann
To make Cape Coral better We need transparency, honesty and integrity in city government. I want the citizens’ wants and needs heard, not disregarded by the city council The people who work here in the city need to be able to afford to live here I want a city council that is not just out for their own benefit
q Craig unroe SaveCapeCor al
com
1 Serve the citizens of Cape Coral That means giving the residents the services they need from the city at the least amount of their out of pocket cost
2 To put a stop to overspending on projects and prioritize infrastructure
3 To halt the annual increase of property taxes unless the rollback rate is introduced
Why I am running.
n After being in construction for over 30 years, I feel business is the foundation of any community It needs to grow and be allowed to flourish right here in Cape Coral to provide our existing and future citizens with ample opportunities.
My top three issues.
n More support is needed for new and existing business activities With vibrant business comes more tax accumulation
n A traffic control plan needs to be implemented now, not later
n Affordable housing for our vital city employees and first-time buyer/low-income families
Why I am running
To give the people back the power
My top three issues. Spending
q Dan ShepparD (inCuMbent)
Why I am running.
I’m running again to continue protecting the quality of life for our citizens By investing in public safety we ensure to keep our reputation as one of the safest city in the state of Florida I will also support having the best school, parks, and sports facilities while protecting our waterways and wildlife I will continue to support the water and sewer projects, maintenance and improving of our roads and beautification so that we can continue to add value to our community and be a magnet for good investment
Top three issues.
Public safety, Jobs, and Infrastructure
AbOUT CApE COrAl CIT y COUNCIl
Cape Coral has a city manager/council form of government A Council-appointed, contract city manager runs the day-to-day operations of the city Cape Coral City Council is an elected eight-member board comprised of a mayor and seven council members who set policy and are accountable to the voters The mayor may live in any district Council members are elected “at large” meaning while candidates must live in the district they seek to represent, the seats are filled via non-partisan, citywide elections. Every registered Cape voter, no matter their party affiliation or city address, may cast a ballot in every race in both the Primary and General Election
Having served as a Cape Coral City Council member before, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how critical the decisions we made were to our community The decisions that the City Council make impact our daily lives The majority of my life has centered around public service I am running for this position because I want to give people hope in knowing that there are still candidates, like me, that are only interested in being a model public servant 1) Restoring confidence and trust in the City Council
Adopting Smart Growth Policies
Maintaining a fiscally responsible budget
I am a 49-year resident of Cape Coral I am a mother, grandmother and a former civil servant who has seen this city grow over several decades I have worked hard all my life as a single mom I know what it means to earn a paycheck, unlike the current City Council I want to become the next city councilwoman from District 3 to be a voice for the residents
1) I will motion to rescind the stipend and to change the city charter so that future councils cannot steal from the citizens again
2) I will motion to reestablish Citizens Advisory Boards to restore council’s respect for the residents of Cape Coral
3) I strongly support our first responders to uphold their oath to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Cape Coral I will try to make our city a place my grandchildren and all future generations can be proud of and return to live and work after they finish their education q Deborah Lee MCCorMiCk McCor mickforCapeCouncil com
Why are you running?
What are your top three issues?
❑ RIchaRD caRR (Incumbent)
VoteRichcar r com
I’m a candidate for City Council because the citizens deserve better representation! My priorities are:
Transparency: The recent Council’s pay increase without citizens’ participation has fractured public trust I’m dedicated to restoring that trust
Infrastructure: We must aggressively find solutions for clean water and roads that support our city’s growing population
Public Safety: With my extensive background in law enforcement, I believe that “the safest place in the world is the place we call home ”
I’m fully committed to these priorities and I’m ready to serve our great city I will always remain accountable to the citizens of Cape Coral
❑
JennIFeR nelson
nelsonforDistrict4 com
My entire life, I have served my community through nonprofit boards, my nonprofit career, and the five years I served on City Council previously Helping people and making our city a better place for future generations to stay and lead is very important to me
1 Prioritizing our projects like the Yacht Club, funding and a working plan for completion of parks per the GO Bond Finalize the cost of these priorities that do not affect the taxpayer
2 We have a younger demographic in our city with young families who shouldn’t have to leave to do things across the bridge
3 Matching infrastructure with growth As our population grows, our infrastructure needs to as well Public safety being first and foremost, so our community remains safe and response times stay quick Our roads and UEP are imperative in keeping our city safe and thriving
❑ Jason conzelman Youtube.com/@conzelman4councilman
I’m running for office for my son I want to make sure that he is able to grow up in the same city I did, as my father did before me. I want him to be able to go to school safely, grow into a caring and honorable person and good citizen One who is able to afford the cost of living I want to assure that he has a safe environment around him For his first time driving to be a memorable occasion, not down a street filled with potholes that are damaging the only car he can afford
❑ chaRlIe Pease
VotecharliePease com
I’m running because I care deeply about the future of Cape Coral I believe I represent those who are rooted in the community with young families and will be here for the next 50+ years We must get things right for future generations
Top Issues:
(1) Restoration of Trust Ending the stipend and listening to our residents
(2 Smart Growth Infrastructure planning for traffic, water and utilities, as well as reasonable improvements to our parks and conservation of green spaces
(3) Fiscal Responsibility Ensuring taxpayer money is used effectively to benefit our community while keeping taxes as low as possible.
Breeze will ask the candidates for Cape Coral City Council an issue-related question In the interest of fairness, each candidate is limited to the same amount of space, about 100 words, for their response.
WIllIam mattheWs
VoteWmatthews com
Council has been playing with taxpayer funds like Monopoly money, but running Cape Coral is NOT A GAME! Every decision made in the past six years has been for personal gain These vampires are sucking the lifeline out of the city, doubling their pay without permission; allocating taxpayer funds to unnecessary projects; hindering relationships with agencies that cost us an essential flood insurance discount; ignoring infrastructure problems that leave residents vulnerable; and sacrificed resident voices by eliminating advisory boards I am the experienced financial expert that will audit their actions; we can’t afford to continue this harmful direction
Why are you running?
I want to protect your wallet and stop the out-of-control spending!
Top three issues?
1 Parks and Recreation:
- Jaycee Park: I have signed the petition to STOP the city council’s vision for Jaycee Park
- Cost associated with Parks/Recreation Cape Coral residents have already paid for our parks All parks should be free to Cape Coral citizens
2 City Council Pay Increase: I will NEVER take the stipend!!
3 Public Safety: We need to address how we can better maintain our streets (fixing potholes, mitigate flooding, and bike lane identification). We need to re-look at how we compensate our first responders ❑ RobeRt J. sutteR Facebook (facebook com/profile php?id=61558157836677)
A 20-year resident, my candidacy came after much deliberation & prayer
We can uplift Cape Coral for everyone starting with those left behind Sadly, left behind are us residents City government can fix what is broken, however trust must be earned
It takes principled leaders, not politicians to provide a united future Cape Coral
3 Infrastructure paced growth Water Sourcing, Traffic Decongestion and Public Safety are critical issues save Jaycee Park
Working together to make Cape Coral the city we love & call home ❑ JosePh KIlRaIne Kilr aineforcape.com
❑ RobeRt Welsh (Incumbent)
VoteWelsh com
I am running for council to represent those of us who have lived here over 30 years that have learned through the growth, struggles, and hurricanes what it takes to keep the city moving forward
My top three issues are completing Go Bond Parks, Improving Infrastructure, and reducing residential property tax burdens by boosting commercial growth
PrImary ElEcTION - DISTrIcT
UESTION
Why are you running?
What are your top three issues?
GENEral ElEcTION ONly - DISTrIcT 7
❑ Michael david haRpeR
I am running for Council because I have lived here over 30 years and know a lot of the issues facing the city, and I feel that I can bring some new ideas to the table that would benefit the city
I believe the top three issues of the city are, infrastructure, lack of affordable housing and numerous water issues
∫ T h e L e e C o u n t y S u p e r v i s o r o f E l e c t i o n s ’ s o f f i c e p o s t s a l l c i t y - e l e ct i o n r e l a t e d d o c u m e n t s , i n c l u d i n g
c a m p a i g n r e p o r t s a t l e e . v o te
∫ T h e L e e C o u n t y S u p e r v i s o r o f
E l e c t i o n s h a s a w e a l t h o f e l e c t i o n sr e l a t e d i n f o r m a t i o n c o n c e r n i n g r e g i s -
: T u e s d a y , N o v 5
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e 2 0 2 4
r a c e s a n d c a n d i d a t e s :
∫ T h e B r e e z e w i l l p o s t a l l o f i t s
e l e c t i o n s s t o r i e s t o o u r w e b s i t e ,
Cape c o ral bre e z e . c o m
t r a t i o n , v o t i n g , d a t e s a n d c a n d i d a t e l i s t s
e Breeze will ask the candidates for Cape Coral City Council an issue-related question In the interest of fairness, each candidate is limited to the same amount of space, about 100 words, for their response.
Rachel KaduK R achelK aduk com
I am running to listen to the citizens & mend the relationship between council and the residents, infrastructure, & parks and recreation Examples: the stipend, Jaycee Park, taxes & affordability
Traffic is getting worse Lights are not timed properly Some areas do not have lights
Focus on expanding roadways In District 7, paying attention to the procurement process for the Utilities Expansion Project to ensure affordability
Parks & Recreation are essential to our community, which is why the residents voted for the GO-Bond There are incomplete projects, and new projects that the citizens are voicing their concerns for
District 7 is a General Election-only race
Races with more than two qualifying candidates are placed on the primary ballot, which this year will be held Aug 20 with Seats 2, 3, 4 and 5 on the ballot
The two primary candidates receiving the most votes in each race will then be candidates in the City General Election
which also will include the District 7 seat (If there are fewer than three qualifying candidates in any a given race, their names will not appear on the primary election ballot They will appear on the City General Election ballot only )
Voters can cast a ballot in every race
The 2024 municipal election for Cape Coral City Council features five races the seats Districts 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 with the District 7 race to appear only on the General Election ballot While candidates must live in the district they seek to repre-
sent, Cape Coral City Council races are n o n
every registered Cape voter, no matter their party affiliation or city address, may cast a ballot in every race in both the Primary and General Election
Local groups host chances to meet the candidates
There are a number of forums at which voters can meet the candidates
Among the upcoming opportunities: Kiwanis Candidates HobNob
On July 23, the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce will host a 2024 Candidates HobNob at the Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral
The free and open-to-the-public event will run from 5:30 to
n d federal candidates
There will e a straw poll
c o n d u
Lee County Supervisor of Elections
To RSVP, visit capecoralchamber com
The Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral is at 360 Santa Barbara Blvd
LWVLee Candidate Forums
The League of Women Voters of Lee County will sponsor a pair of Candidate Forums to provide opportunities for voters to learn each candidates’ philosophy and positions prior to the Primary Election on Aug 20
The public is invited to the LWVLee
Candidate Forums for Cape Coral City Council Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 to be held Monday, July 8, from 5:30-7 p m at the Cape Coral Library, 921 S W 39th Terrace, Cape Coral Registration will begin at 5 p m This program is not sponsored/endorsed b th Lee County Libra System You also m a y r e g i s
a t R e g i s t e r a t eventbrite com
T h e s e c o n d forum will be held at the Alliance for t Arts on Thursday, July 11, 6-8 p m Registration will begin at 5:30 p m
McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers
The league is taking an active role, stressing voter turnout while also providing information issues and candidates
“Elected leaders make the decisions that affect us, our jobs, healthcare, energy costs, education and more Every eligible voter should exercise their right to be heard at the ballot box,” said Sandy Frank, president of the League of Women Voters of Lee County, Inc. said in a prepared statement A
without a party affiliation, may vote in the Aug 20 election
The LWVLee Combined Candidate Forum will feature candidates for Lee County Commission Districts 3 and 5; Lee County School Board Districts 2, 3, and 7 and Fort Myers City Council Wards 2 and 4
Ballots will include non-partisan races for Lee County School Board, Cape C
yers City Council and
include their party’s candidates
g information and resources:
■ Register to vote: Confirm your address and party affiliation by July 22 to vote in the Aug 20 Election Request your Vote-by-Mail Ballot by Aug 8 Contact the Supervisor of Elections, lee vote
■ VOTE411: Vote411 org by the League of Women Voters Education Fund
resources and voter guides 2024 candidate information will be available mid-July
■ Returning Citizens Voting Rights: Restoration information and assistance is available from League of Women Voters of Florida Call 407-710-5496 or email canivote@lwvfl org
For Voter Identification Assistance, contact VoteRiders org 866-432-8683
Visit LWVLee org for more information on candidate forums and to sign up for email updates
CCCIA monthly dinner
The Cape Coral Construction Industry Association will host Cape Coral City Council candidates at its monthly dinner meeting on Aug 8
The meeting will run from 5:30 to 8 p m and will take place at Cape Cabaret at 4725 Vincennes Blvd
For more information, visit cccia org
❑
COMMUNITY
PHOTO PROVIDED
Rain lilies - our summer treat
By SHERIE BLEILER
news@breezenewspapers com
We are so lucky to be here to enjoy the bounty of flowers that the summer rains bring!
Most of the year, rain lilies look like grass, about a foot tall, and go totally unnoticed They can be mowed if in your lawn They have a bulb the size of a small radish several inches below the surface and are related to amaryllis They happily do their grass impersonation until a bunch of rain shows up
GARDEN CLUB OF CAPE CORAL
A couple of weeks ago, we received 6-9 inches of rain in three days A few d a y s l a t e r , m y “ g r a s s ” turned into a sea of white flowers! The flowers open several inches above the leaves These last several days and go quiet until the next burst of rain, blooming off and on all summer Then in the fall, when the snowbirds return, they rest as grass look-a-likes for the winter
There are many species of rain lilies that are white, pink or yellow, plus new hybrids in new colors One of the white ones is Treat’s rain lily, (Zephyranthes treatiae), a Florida native, common in pastures, sunny flatwoods and mowed roadsides They are considered threatened by habitat loss Years ago, a gardener handed me a handful of bulbs, and they have been blooming in my garden every summer ever since
The stunning rosepink zephyr lily or grandiflora is twice as large, with flowers up to 4 inches wide It is native from Mexico south to Columbia The yellow or Citron rain lily is from the Yucatan of Mexico It does not produce side bulbs but it does produce copious seeds, which means it may be found where it is not welcomed "Grandjax" is a sterile hybrid, so it produces no seeds but is prolific in producing new bulbs It is a soft pastel pink/white. More varieties are being developed so you may buy them now in a variety of colors
Rain lily is one of the easiest bulbs to grow in Florida needing little care after planting It tolerates most soil conditions and will not need fertilizer, irrigation or replanting Rain lily seems to flower best when clumps are left undisturbed Because they are small, these lilies look best growing in mass Each year, the bulbs will produce more bublets next to them, and the area will grow outward Since they look like liriope, they work as substitutes along the border of your garden or between other bulbs and perennials
For those who love to garden, there is a plant sale and a couple of classes coming up at Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral For more information, call Rotary Park at 239-549-4606
■ Friday, July 26, 6-9 p m , Intro To Florida Friendly Landscaping Join us to learn the nine principles that guide Florida-friendly landscaping in Lee County JULY 5, 2024
From left are Cape Coral Fire Department Operations Chief James Parker, EMT of the Year Phillip Heacox, Post 90’s Carl Saitta, Firefighter of the Year Logan Moore and Fire Chief Michael Russell
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Cape American Legion chooses law officer,
firefighter, EMT of the year
The American Legion Post 90 in Cape Coral recently presented its annual First Responder awards to a police officer, firefighter and EMT from the Cape Coral Police and Fire Departments for 2024
The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year was awarded to Officer Jarrett Ridges, who was honored for his overall performance as a police officer in the community; Logan Moore as Firefighter of the Year, for his performance as a firefighter; and Phillip Heacox as EMT of the Year
Commander of Post 90 Keith Berres emphasized that these award winners had not only outstanding performance of duties but also had established a positive relationship with the community
“Officer Ridges, Firefighter Moore and EMT Heacox are not just recipients of this award, they are the pillars of our community," he said "They selflessly put their lives on the line daily to protect and teach our community, and they still manage to find time to volunteer in many community endeavors As veterans of their respective departments with many years of service, we are all extremely fortunate to have an officer, firefighter and EMT of their caliber in our community ”
Heacox stated he “was grateful for the support provided to all first responders and wasn’t looking for recognition in his job but rather looking out for the welfare of the community
Carl Saitta, the Legion’s chair of Law and Order was pleased with the ceremony
Saitta emphasized, “It’s crucial to recognize the commitment made by these three first responders and all first responders in general Their dedication and sacrifice are what keep our community safe and secure.”
The ceremony was held on at the Police Department headquarters and Fire Department headquarters in Cape Coral
With a current membership of 2 4 million veterans, the American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of strong national security, veterans’ affairs, Americanism
and youth programs Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation
For more information, visit www legion org or contact Ted Cark, Cape Coral Post 90’s 1st vice commander, at 845-527-7948 or tedclark12@gmail com
Paintings, carvings, pottery on display at Cape Coral Library
The walls of the expansive art gallery in the Cape Coral Library, located at 921 S W 39th Terrace, will be adorned with artwork by seven artists who are all members of the Pine Island Art Association and have taken classes at PIAA over the years They also happen to be friends and have decided to team up for this exhibit that will run from July 3 through Aug 24 The result is an exciting mix of painting media, subjects and different styles
■ Kay Atwood works in watercolor Her favorite subjects are Italian villas and Florida scenes, especially sunsets on the beach She enjoys employing vivid colors and doing abstract artwork
■ Lisa Burke came to Cape Coral almost 15 years ago and soon discovered “the wonderful world of watercolors.” Moving forward in time, she is now teaching classes in her
See CAPE CORAL LIBRARY, page 39
Rain lilies.
From left are Carl Saitta, chairman, Post 90 Law and Order Committee Chair, Cape Coral Police Department Officer of the Year Jarrett Ridges and Cape Chief of Police Anthony Sizemore
HEALTH
HEALTH NOTES
SCHEA blood drive Saturday
SCHEA will host a Lee Health blood drive Saturday, July 6, from 11 a m to 4 p m The bus will be parked in Club Square, behind the BackStreets Sports Bar on Southeast 47th Terrace
Donors will also receive a punch card with complimentary offers from the following local businesses: BackStreets, chips & bourbon chipotle quasi; BIG8 BBQ, 20% off total check (cannot be combined with any other offer); Cape Cleaners, 10% off laundry or dry cleaning services (excludes alterations); The Dive, 10% off your next visit; Dixie Roadhouse, no cover charge for two people before 11 p m (excludes special events); Eight-Foot Brewing, select draft; Fish Tale Grill, 10% off total check (cannot be combined with any other offer); Genius Computer Repair & Service, $10 off any repair or service; Greek Spot, piece of baklava; Hair Artistry, blow out w/purchase of a hair cut; Karma and Coconuts, pocket size crystal heart; Lehne Burger, pretzel bites app; Merrick Seafood Company, 10% off total check (cannot be combined with any other offer); Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood, 110% off total check (cannot be combined with any other offer); Nice Guys Pizza, order of regular or vegan garlic knots; Penny's Coffee Bar, small hot or iced coffee; Perk & Brew Coffee Shop Cafe, $5 off purchase of $15 or greater; Rack'em Spirits & Times, one hour of billiards (up to five people); Rusty's Raw Bar & Grill, loaded tots; Tiki Hut, well drink, wine or domestic draft; and Zak's Jewelry, watch battery replacement
All blood donated will stay local to Lee County, and appointments are available to eliminate wait times Please text Shannon at 239-900-4028 (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or email info@southcapeentertainment com to secure a time slot
Stay tuned to everything SCHEA via Facebook and SCHEA's website
Children’s Eye Clinic July 20
The Florida Lions Eye Clinic is dedicated to enhancing the vision health of children in the community through its free Children’s Eye Clinics held every third Saturday of the month The upcoming clinic is scheduled for 9 a m to 2 p m , Saturday, July 20, at 10322 Pennsylvania Ave , Bonita Springs
By offering these clinics on Saturdays, the clinic ensures accessibility for students and working families, allowing them to prioritize eye health without interfering with school and work commitments It's important to note that Children’s Eye Clinics operate strictly by appointment, and slots tend to fill up quickly!
To schedule an appointment for your child to attend the clinic, call (239) 498-3937
Valerie’s House to hold inaugural Sunset Soiree Nov. 21; sponsorships available
Valerie’s House will celebrate its inaugural Sunset Soiree Thursday, Nov. 21, at the new Family is Forever home at 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers
The evening will include cocktails, dinner, surprises and stories of inspiration from children and families that have been impacted by the deaths of loved ones
Sponsorships of the Sunset Soiree are available from $2,500 to $25,000 that include tickets, mentions on social media, publication printing as well as branding at the event Individual tickets are $250 More information is available at www valerieshouse org/events
Valerie’s House has helped more than 5,000 children and their families since its founding in 2016 by Angela Melvin Churchill, whose mother, Valerie, was killed in a car accident in Fort Myers in 1987.
One in seven children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 25, according to the 2022 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model
Valerie’s House currently offers peer support groups and other activities at locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, and Port Charlotte Valerie's House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations
Tina Fleming, fourth from the right, and supporters with one of the lifejacket loaner stations.
By TINA FLEMING
Special to The Eagle
Water safety and drowning prevention tips for all ages LEE HEALTH GUEST COLUMN
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 1 to 4 years old die from drowning than any other cause of death For children who are 5 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 f
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 2 to 4 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, swimmingreadiness skills and safety in and around the pool
It’s also important to note that in April Gov 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 4 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 lifejacket 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 Handsonly CPR means giving continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths
If someone you know is having a cardiac arrest, call 91-1 first
PHOTO PROVIDED
Summer: Some of the world’s best beaches can be found here at home - and they’re back in business
From page 12
TripAdvisor in 2021
Celebrating their 15th year on Fort Myers Beach, Doc Ford’s is known for their Yucatan shrimp They have added new dishes over the past year Some new additions to the menu include orange ginger shrimp and banana leaf grouper
“Our Yucatan entrees are wildly popular as Doc Ford’s top-sellers,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company
Next door is the award-winning Dixie Fish Co , an establishment that goes back to the 1930s when it was a fish market Also in the neighborhood is Bonita Bill’s, a laid-back restaurant with picturesque views of the bay
There is more to Fort Myers Beach than just food Those looking for a more quiet time can visit The Mound House is the island’s oldest home and is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places Guests can enjoy the museum experience and visit a shell mound underground estimated to be 2,000 years old There are guided kayak tours of the back bay and it is also a great spot to just enjoy a scenic picnic near the bay
Those looking for an adventure on the beach can rent a boat from numerous locations or go for a guided tour Snook Bright Marina and Salty Sam’s Marina are among those offering guided tours Salty Sam’s Marina also offers a pirate cruise for families with food and drinks available at the Parrot Key Caribbean Grill Snook Bright Marina features the celebrated restaurants of Fresh Catch Bistro and Junkanoo’s
If you are looking for a place to get some workout time in, the Bay Oaks Recreation Center is open with a state of the art exercise room, as well as pickelball, tennis, kids summer camp, yoga, spin and zumba classes
Celebrating its 15th year on Fort Myers Beach, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille offers beverages and award-winning menu items including its famous Yucatan shrimp There also is a Doc Ford’s on Sanibel
While there are many resort options, the Pink Shell Beach Resort offers several unique activities, including its nature program which includes a back bay kayak tour and nature walks The resort also has an offshore sailing school
The nature of Fort Myers Beach is one of its true gems The Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area is a bird sanctuary where dozens of different bird species congregate, including the state’s threatened birds It is the only area south of the peninsula where all four threatened bird species nest
The island is also an attraction for threatened sea turtles which nest on the island beginning in May, with hatchlings springing
from their nests through October
Threatened dolphins, manatees and gopher tortoises can also be found on the island
“Truly, many people love this seven-mile slice of paradise,” Liszak said “It doesn't matter whether you live here full-time or just visited for a day, Fort Myers Beach is unique and it clearly holds a special place in people's hearts ”
Fort Myers Beach restaurant and business hours include:
■ Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant 11 a m to 9 p m , 7 days a week
■ Wahoo Willie’s brunch from 9 a m to 11 p m Saturday and Sunday
Wahoo Willie’s lunch and dinner 11
a m to 9 p m Sunday through Thursday
Wahoo Willie’s lunch and dinner 11
a m to 10 p m Friday & Saturday
■ Lani Kai Island Resort ground-level beach bar hours are from 10 a m to 6 p m
■ Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille hours: 11 a m to 10 p m daily
■ Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe: 8
a m to 9 p m Monday through Friday, 8 a m to 9:30 p m Saturday and Sunday
■ Dixie Fish Co 11 a m to 10 p m daily
■ M o u n d H o u s e
s (Observation Pier and Kayak Launch) and public restrooms are open daily from 7 a m to 6:30 p m ■ Mound House Museum and Museum
Lovers Key State Park: 8
Sanibel, Captiva, offer beaches and more for day-trippers
By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers
com
Summertime has arrived in Southwest Florida and the sun, sand and sea are calling once again
With the end of season and departure of the snowbird residents, there is no better time than now for year-round locals to enjoy the award-winning beaches in their own backyard Sanibel and Captiva boast over a dozen miles of white sand between the two islands, world-class shelling and blue-green waters teeming with ocean life and that is just the start of the adventure for day-trippers
See SUMMER, page 25
Summer: Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva offer great food with a wealth of dining options
Sanibel
From page 24
Beach-goers looking for the perfect place to spread out their towel have several options on the first island just over the Sanibel Causeway On the east end, the Lighthouse Beach Park is a popular beach and home to the beloved Sanibel Lighthouse For open views of the Gulf of Mexico, try the Gulfside City Park Beach and Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park in the island's center Bowman's Beach Park on the west end offers some seclusion, while the Blind Pass Beach Park is known for fishing and shelling
If you forgot to pack that one beach essential, stop in at Adventures in Paradise Outfitters first. The family-owned store has everything that you'll need and more, from your head down to your feet
After a day at the beach, grab a bite to eat at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille's flagship location The family-friendly restaurant offers a causal dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating The menu is fresh seafooddriven with a unique balance of flavors from the Caribbean and a nice drink menu.
“Yucatan Shrimp it's kind of our signature dish It's got our signature Yucatan sauce,” HM Restaurant Group partner Joe Harrity, which owns Doc Ford's and The Dixie Fish Co , said of one item worth trying “Also our Yucatan Shrimp Tacos We wanted to add a lunch item, a handheld ”
Another new item is the Chimichurri Grouper Tacos, two flour tortillas stuffed with a lime cilantro cabbage slaw and sauteed blackened grouper, with chimichurri aioli, queso fresco and avocado slices.
“That's also a great one for lunch or if you're going to the beach,” he said
For those looking for something green, Harrity recommended the The Old School Iceberg Salad with homemade croutons and Doc's dressing and the Tropical Salad with its secret balsamic vinaigrette.
A sweet tooth craving can be solved by popping into Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream From cones to cups, to shakes and more, every item is topped with its trademark treat an animal cracker
Beach-goers seeking to wind down with
See SUMMER, 26
Enjoy a beverage — and more— at the Timber ’s Restaurant & Fish Market on Sanibel.
an
adult beverage after a day of sun and surf can find two options in one spot with The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market and The Sanibel Grill Both with The Prawnbroker Restaurant Group, they offer island-y cocktails, after-dinner drinks and a hour happy
“The Timbers is fresh seafood and handcut steaks,” Vice President of Marketing and Operations Mark Blust said “The Sanibel Grill is the causal side It's hugely popular, it's modeled after a sports bar ”
The most ordered drink is the Rum Punch because rum is always popular on an island The cocktail is a mixture of light and dark rums, with orange and pineapple juices added in and a splash of grenadine.
“The Sanibel Breeze is a popular one,” he said, adding that it is made with Stoli Ohranj Vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and club soda for an upbeat flavor “That's more of your refreshing one ”
And one can never discount the lemon drop or, in this case, the Lighthouse Lemon Drop The cocktail consists of Deep Eddy Vodka, triple sec and a splash of lemonade served in a sugar-rimmed glass
■ Adventures in Paradise Outfitters
2019 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (239) 472-8236
adventuresinparadisestore com/
Open daily from 10 a m to 5 p m
■ Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille 2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel (239) 472-8311
docfords com/sanibel-island/
Open daily from 11 a m to 10 p m
■ Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream 2075 Periwinkle Way, Suite 33, Sanibel (239) 472-6566
pinocchiosicecream com/
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel (239) 395-2722
timbersofsanibel com/
Open daily from 5 to 9 p m
■ The Sanibel Grill
703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel (239) 472-4453
thesanibelgrill com/
Open daily from 4 to 10 p m
Captiva
While there are fewer choices on Sanibel's sister island to set up a beach chair, it features the same sandy beaches, top-notch shelling and picture-perfect sunsets The Turner Beach Park is first up after crossing over the Blind Pass Bridge to Captiva Similar to the Blind Pass park, it is a popular spot among both fishermen and shellers with its rock jetty After a short weaving drive to the center of the island, beach-goers will find the Alison Hagerup Beach Park and direct access to the ocean's waters
Before hitting the beach, swing into YOLO Watersports for any necessities A family business established in 1992, the store offers all the basics and more like parasailing experiences There is adult and children clothing, including its own branded apparel, glassware and even skateboards
“We sell towels We have cold drinks, soda, water, brews and Gatorade,” owner Marcel Ventura said of the available essentials “Sunglasses, Costa, Ray-Ban and Maui Jim And certainly sunblock ”
There are beach footballs, volleyballs, soccer balls and more
“We have the big beach bucket sets with toys. We have beach toys for the kids and buckets and shovels, and shelling rakes,” he said “There's really a lot that we cover that can entertain the kids ”
Other popular items are the rentals, particularly beach chairs and umbrellas YOLO also provides bicycles, golf carts and beach
Boops By The Bubble Room on Captiva offers sweet treats with a ‘50s soda shop vibe
wagons for rent, plus bodyboards, skimboards and paddleboards
When hunger calls, stop by Cantina Captiva or sister restaurant RC Otter's Island Eats Pick from the Mexican-Southwestern cuisine or the award-winning wide-ranging menu to leave full and happy
There is nothing like a cold treat after a hot day on the beach Step back in time at Boops
By The Bubble Room with the 1950s soda shop vibe and its working antique ice cream and soda fountain The shop offers the restaurant's famous cakes, along with ice cream and sweets to satisfy any craving
“We're going to have almost the full run of Bubble Cake, starring the Orange Crunch, of course, which is our award-winning best-selling dessert,” General Manager Stephen Peach
said
The moist yellow cake consists of layers of brown sugar and silvered almonds, topped with orange cream cheese icing and finished with an orange slice and a dollop of orange marmalade
“One that has become a favorite over the past couple of years is the White Christmas Cake,” he added of the fluffy white cake topped with whipped cream, coconut flakes and white chocolate shavings
At the antique fountain, classic sodas, root beer floats and milkshakes are made by hand
There is no better way to wrap up a beach day than watching the colorful sunset over the water Hop over to The Green Flash and pick from its extensive wine list and maybe spot the green flash
■ RC Otter's Island Eats 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva (239) 395-1142
rcotterscaptiva com/
Open daily from 8 a m to 9 p m
■ Boops By The Bubble Room 15001 Captiva Drive, Captiva 239-472-5558
www bubbleroomrestaurant com
www facebook com/Boops1979
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
■ The Green Flash 15183 Captiva Drive, Captiva (239) 472-3337
greenflashcaptiva com/
Open daily from 11 a m to 9:30 p m
Valerie’s House seeking sponsors for November fundraiser
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
Valerie’s House is seeking sponsorships for a special fundraiser to be held this November
“The fundraiser is for all the families We see families from all kinds of loss It’s a celebration of how far we have come and recognizing that we have a lot more work to be done in this community and we need the funding and the support from the region to continue to do this work, which is never ending,” said Valerie’s House CEO and Founder Angela Melvin Churchill
The inaugural Sunset Soiree will be held at the new Family is Forever home,
The inaugural Sunset Soiree will be held at the new Family is Forever home, 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers on Thursday, Nov. 21, complete with cocktails, dinner, surprises and stories of inspiration from children and families who have been impacted by the deaths of loved ones Much of the night will focus on memorializing a tribute to those lost too soon whether from cancer, sudden heart attack, accident, or overdose
3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers on Thursday, Nov 21, complete with cocktails, dinner, surprises and stories of inspiration from children and families who have been impacted by the deaths of loved ones
Much of the night will focus on memo-
rializing a tribute to those lost too soon whether from cancer, sudden heart attack, accident, or overdose
Valerie’s House without it they would be alone in their grief To find the will and drive and coping skills to move forward
after a sudden loss of a parent, brother, and sister that is a lifelong battle,” Melvin Churchill said “We have been in the community going on nine years The house opening last year only elevated us even more to where more families know about us and finding out about us We have the house and the property we will continue to support what it takes to be healing inside of the home. That is an ongoing free service that we offer to families with therapists, family support counselors, mentors, family assistance funds, funeral expenses for families that need us after the loss ” One in eight children will lose a parent
From page 1
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Valerie’s House: Inaugural event to feature tours while celebrating first
From page 27
or sibling, up from last year’s statistics of one in nine
Jeff and Jacque Miloff are the event chairs and Dave and Cheryl Copham are serving as the honorary chairs
Sponsorships for the event range from $2,500 to $25,000 and includes tickets, mentions on social media, publication
Individual tickets are $250 For more
www valerieshouse org/events
T
Chevrolet Melvin Churchill said the owner and operator, Jamie Layne, who lives in Cape Coral, sits on the board Layne and her family have experienced loss and
understand the impact of addiction, she said
Valerie’s House is one of the top five grievance homes in the country, as they are growing so fast
“In a way it can be overwhelming We have more to do never stop,” she said
The inaugural event is a wonderful opportunity to share the property with the community, give tours, hear the impact that is being made there in the house each and every day and celebrate the first year in the house The new Forever Home opened Nov 30, 2023
“It will be a time where we can share
funds,” Melvin Churchill said
year in organization’s new home
Gov Ron DeSantis vetoed a $1 million request for Valerie’s House in his latest budget, which she said was not good
“We were really surprised It was all focused on families that lost loved ones to fentanyl One third of our population of children lost someone impacted by drugs and addiction, so that money would have provided counseling, mentoring, family services and prevention,” she said of opioids addiction
Prevention is part of their work, so a family member does not go down the same path
“We are preventing families from going down a dark path helping them heal,” Melvin Churchill said “We are the root
cause of so much that happens in the community for addiction and someone who lost a loved one that way This crisis is like nothing we have ever seen before ”
More than 5,000 children and their families have been helped at Valerie’s House since its founding in 2016 by Melvin Churchill, whose mother, Valerie, was killed in a car accident in Fort Myers in 1987
Valerie’s House offers peer support groups, as well as other activities at its Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, and Port Charlotte locations
Expedition: Organization will take accepted participants through a multi-day wildlife corridor journey
From page 1
C o r r i d o r f r o m t h e c o a s t a l w e t l a n d s t o c a t t l e c o u n t r y , s t a r t i n g i n P i c a y u n e S t r a n d S t a t e F o r e s t a n d t r a v e l i n g n o r t h t h r o u g h A u d u b o n C o r k s c r e w S w a m p S a n c t u a r y , t h e O k a l o a c o o c h e e S l o u g h , a n d e n d i n g n e a r t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e R i v e r T h e c o r e o f t h e t r e k , w h i c h r u n s t h r o u g h C o l l i e r , G l a d e s , H e n d r y , a n d L e e C o u n t i e s , w i l l i n v o l v e a m u l t i - d a y j o u r n
T
e r s w i l l b e t a k e n t h o u g h b o t h p u b l i c a n d p r iv a t e l a n d s , t a k i n g i n w i l d l i f e a n d n a t u r e t o i t s f u l l e s t e x t e n t P a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l b e g u i d e d a l o n g b y e x p e r t s , s u c h a s F l o r i d a W i l d l i f e C o r r i d o r F o u n d a t i o n C E O
M a l l o r y D i m m i t t , E c o l o g i s t a n d P r e d a t o r - P r e y P r o g r a m
D i r e c t o r f r o m A r c h b o l d B i o l o g i c a l S t a t i o n J o e G u t h r i e , a n d F o u n d e r o f F l o r i d a W i l d l i f e C o r r i d o r F o u n d a t i o n
C a r l t o n W a r d J r , w h o i s a N a t i o n a l G e o g r a p h i c
E x p l o r e r a n d p h o t o g r a p h e r
“ T h e y w i l l s p o r a d i c a l l y m e e t u p w i t h o u r r e g i o n a l
e x p e d i t i o n e r s t o g i v e t h e m a r e a l l y i n - d e p t h l o o k a t w h a t i t ’ s l i k e t o t r e k i n t h e c o r r i d o r , s h a r e t h e i r e x p e r i -
e n c e s a n d e x p e r t i s e w i t h t h e m , b u t w e ’ l l a l s o m e e t w i t h
e x c e l l e n t a n d d e d i c a t e d c o n s e r v a t i o n p a t t e r n s o n m u l t i -
p l e l e v e l s , ” F r e e z e s a i d
PROVIDED
Trekkers will be taken though both public and private lands, taking in wildlife and nature to its fullest extent Participants will be guided along by experts, such as Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation CEO Mallory Dimmitt, Ecologist and Predator-Prey Program Director from Archbold Biological Station Joe Guthrie, and Founder of Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Carlton Ward Jr, who is a National Geographic Explorer and photographer.
T r e k k e r s w i l l a l s o m e e t w i t h v a r i o u s p r i v a t e l a n d o w n e r s t o g e t t h e i r i n s i g h t o n v a r i o u s r e a l m s r e l a te d t o e c o l o g y “ T
See EXPEDITION, page 34
EDUCATION
EDUCATION BRIEFS
Mestril graduates from Washburn University
TOPEKA, Kansas -- Washburn University has announced the students in its spring 2024 graduating class These students completed their courses for certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees - more than 1,200 from Washburn University, Washburn University School of Law and Washburn Institute of Technology
Joshua Mestril from Cape Coral graduated with a degree in Stand Alone Parent Program, with an emphasis in Cert Logistics Technician
Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 6,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs Washburn's programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees The programs are offered through Washburn's six primary academic units - College of Arts and Sciences, School of Applied Studies, School of Business, School of Nursing, School of Law and Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech)
All of the programs are offered on either the residential campus in Topeka, Kan , at Washburn Tech's campus on Topeka's west side or in the east Topeka facility.
For more, please visit https://www washburn edu
Cotarelo named to LeTourneau University Spring 2024 Dean's List
LONGVIEW, Texas - The following students were named to the Spring 2024 Dean's List at LeTourneau University:
■ Saar Cotarelo, engineering, North Fort Myers
The Dean's List recognizes students who have achieved a grade point average between 3 50 and 3 99 for the semester
LeTourneau University is the Christian polytechnic university located in Longview, Texas The university provides academic programs in aviation and aeronautical science, business, computer science, education, engineering and engineering technology, honors college, humanity and liberal arts, mathematics and natural science, nursing, psychology and counseling, theology and vocation
For additional information, visit www letu edu
Ellis named to Dean's List at TCNJ
EWING, NJ - The following students have earned the esteemed honor of placement on the Dean's List at The College of New Jersey for the spring 2024 semester To achieve this honor, a student must carry 12 or more credits that semester and earn a 3 5 (or above) grade point average:
Among those recognized was Christopher Ellis of Cape Coral, who is majoring in visual arts
Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, The College of New Jersey is situated on 289 tree-lined acres in suburban Ewing Township, New Jersey A strong liberal arts core forms the foundation for degree programs offered through the college's seven schools: Arts and Communication; Business; Education; Engineering; Humanities and Social Sciences; Nursing and Health Sciences; and Science.
For information about TCNJ, visit https://tcnj edu/
Nolan make the Spring 2024 Dean's List at St. Olaf College
NORTHFIELD, Minn - The following local students made the Spring 2024 Dean's List at St Olaf College
The Dean's List is a scholarly award for students who have earned a GPA of 3 75 or above, and completed at least three credits for that semester
Ally Nolan of Cape Coral, who is majoring in theater, was named to the list
Located on 300 acres in Northfield, Minn , St Olaf College, an Evangelical Lutheran Church of Americaaffiliated college, is a residential liberal arts institution with an enrollment of more than 3,000 students offering over 85 undergraduate majors, concentrations, and preprofessional tracks
Visit stolaf edu for more information
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates’ robotics team, “Assembly Required,” at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach during the international tournament
Edison and Ford Winter Estates’ Robotics Team places 2nd at international tournament
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates' robotics team, “Assembly Required,” recently competed against 50 other teams in the FIRST LEGO League international tournament held at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach The team placed second in the Project Award category
The team's innovative project was focused on increasing the accessibility of LEGO robotics for the sightimpaired community “Assembly Required” created a series of products, including online robotic tutorials with a focus on accessibility The team also created a scaleddown 3D printed robotics field with tactile features that includes letters or Braille to assist students in understanding the challenges and designed and printed a tactile grid that allows individuals to identify areas of the robotics field, using a coordinate system
“Together, their shared passion is robotics, and they want more people to be able to enjoy it,” said Pearce Augustenborg, education manager and robotics coach at EFWE “The files for these 3D printed objects are available on the team-created website at https://www assemblyrequired us/innovation-project/stl-files ”
The goal of the team's accessibility package is to have it adopted by FIRST LEGO League When new teams register, they will have the option to make these resources available to their students. The FIRST LEGO League headquarters is aware of the team's work, and their acces-
sibility team is currently reviewing the project.
“While the award is wonderful, the potential for the team's project to be implemented is a very exciting prospect,” said Augustenborg
Currently, EFWE hosts four robotics teams; the other three are “jEdison Knights,” “Batteries Included” and the “Wired Wizards ” Each team has nine students in fourth through ninth grade from 13 different schools in two Florida counties The teams practice weekly and work together on innovative projects to prepare for competition
The EFWE robotics program is sponsored by Entech, FPL, LCEC, Ronin Charities and TLC Engineering Solutions For more information about educational programs at EFWE, visit EdisonFord.org.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is the internationally known winter home site of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford More than 220,000 visitors walk through the location each year from all around the globe The property is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures,” a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site
The Edison Botanic Laboratory is a National Historic Chemical Landmark The site is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 a m to 5:30 p m and until 9 p.m. during the month of December for Holiday Nights
Premier Mobile Health Services to host free school physicals, back-to-school supply drive
Summer break is in full swing, but a mobile health clinic that brings essential medical care to those in need across Lee County is again participating in a pair of back-toschool backpack giveaways featuring free school physicals for local students
From now through Friday, July 19, Premier Mobile Health Services is collecting donations of backpacks, three-ring binders, pens, pencils, flash drives and other essential school supplies at its walk-in clinic, 10676 Colonial Blvd , Suite 20, Fort Myers Donations can be dropped off at the clinic during normal business hours or shipped by mail
Saturday, July 27, from 3-7 p.m., at Mount Hermon Church, 2856 Douglas Ave , Fort Myers, in the city’s Dunbar neighborhood In addition to the free school physicals and backpack giveaways, the church’s Community Fun Day Festival 2024 will feature a water splash zone, petting zoo, bounce house and other activities, along with a concert, comedy show and deejay
On Saturday, Aug 3, from 10 a m to noon, Premier will bring its mobile health clinic on wheels to Pine Manor Community Center for its back-to-school event Premier will distribute free backpacks and provide free medical screenings and school physicals
The community center is located at 5547 Tenth Ave , Fort Myers
“Our goal is to fill 500 backpacks to help support lowincome families from underserved communities,” said Dr
“Our goal is to fill 500 backpacks to help support low-income families from underserved communities.”
Dr. Nadine “Deanie” Singh, founder and CEO of Premier Mobile Health Services.
Nadine “Deanie” Singh, founder and CEO of Premier Mobile Health Services “Nearly two years after Hurricane Ian devastated our community, far too many families here are struggling to provide their children with the necessary items to be successful in school ”
If desired, interested supporters can review an Amazon wish list at https://a co/2hVIhZH for suggested donations
Founded by Singh in 2018, Premier Mobile Health Services offers an array of services to low-income children, families, individuals and the uninsured, including preventive screenings, vaccinations, nutrition counseling, school physicals and more
Patients without insurance and those who provide proof of income below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines account for two-thirds of its population and are provided care at no cost; others in need pay on a sliding scale based on income
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 2392 8
mobile clinic schedule can be found online at www premiermobilehealth org
From page 32
w i s e t o t h e v i s i o n o f k e e p i n g t h e c o r r i d o r
c o n n e c t e d , p r o t e c t e d , a n d r e s t o r e d m o v -
i n g f o r w a r d a n d w h a t t h a t ’ s g o i n g t o
t a k e , ” F r e e z e s a i d
S o , w h o a r e t h e i d e a l a p p l i c a n t s ?
“ O n e o f t h e t h i n g s w e ’ v e d o n e v e r y i n t e n t i o n a l l y a s a n o r g a n i z a t i o n f o r o u r
p a s t f e w e x p e d i t i o n s , i s t o r e a l l y i n t e n -
t i o n a l l y h i g h l i g h t p e o p l e c o n n e c t e d t o
t h e l o c a l c o r r i d o r a r e a s , ” F r e e z e s a i d
“ T h i s t i m e a r o u n d , w e w a n t t o h i g h l i g h t
a n d a l l o w a r e a l l y g r e a t e x p e r i e n c e f o r
p e o p l e w i t h d e e p c o n n e c t i o n s , e i t h e r t o
t h e n a t u r a l h i s t o r y , o r c u l t u r a l h e r i t a g e ,
o f S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a ”
O r g a n i z e r s s t a t e t h e r e a r e f o u r d i f f e r -
e n t c a t e g o r i e s i n t o w h i c h a t o - b e - s e l e c t e d
a p p l i c a n t c o u l d f a l l
T h e y a r e :
■ M u l t i g e n e r a t i o n a l – A F l o r i d i a n
w i t h l o n g s t a n d i n g t i e s t o s o u t h w e s t
F l o r i d a , w h e t h e r t h a t b e t h r o u g h f a m i l y
h e r i t a g e i n l a n d o w n e r s h i p , s t e w a r d s h i p ,
o r d e e p l y r o o t e d c o m m u n i t y t i e s g o i n g
b a c k m u l t i p l e g e n e r a t i o n s
■ N e w F l o r i d i a n – S o m e o n e w h o h a s
r e c e n t l y m o v e d t o F l o r i d a ( i n t h e p a s t
f i v e y e a r s ) , w h o i s i n t e r e s t e d i n l e a r n i n g
m o r e a b o u t a n d c o n n e c t i n g t o t h e n a t u r a l
a n d c u l t u r a l r e s o u r c e s a n d h e r i t a g e o f t h e
l a n d , w a t e r , w i l d l i f e , a n d p e o p l e o f s o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a
■ L i v e l i h o o d C o r r i d o r C o n n e c t i o n –
A F l o r i d i a n w h o s e l i v e l i h o o d / o c c u p a t i o n
i s d i r e c t l y c o n n e c t e d t o t h e c o r r i d o r
E x a m p l e s i n c l u d e p e o p l e w o r k i n g i n t h e
a g r i c u l t u r a l s e c t o r , e c o t o u r i s m , a q u a c u lt u r e , s p o r t s m a n g u i d e s , e n v i r o n m e n t a l
e d u c a t o r s , o r c o m m u n i t y l e a d e r s T h e s e
o c c u p a t i o n s c o u l d b e a c t i v e , o r t h e p e rs o n c a n b e r e t i r e d
■ S p i r i t u a l P r a c t i c e – A F l o r i d i a
See EXPEDITION, page 35
Application deadline is July 19
From page 34
f i t s k i n d , t h e f i r s t i n t h i s r e g i o n o f t h e c o r r id o r , o r g a n i z e d b y t h e f o u n
r g e o g r a p h y , ” F r e e z e s a i d . T h e F l o r i d a W i l d l i f e C o r r i d o r e n c o mp a s s e s n e a r l y 1 8 m i l l i o n a c r e s 1 1
m i l l i o n a c r e s a r e a l r e a d y p r o t e c t e d , a n d 7
m i l l i o n
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e s o f r e m a i
n g i r r e p l a c
b l
g a p s t h a t d o n o t h a v e c o n s e r v a t i o n p r
t e c t i o n s F o
n
t i o n o f f i c i a l s s t a t e d e v e lo p m e n t t h r o u g h o u t F l o r i d a i s r a p i d l y i n c r e a s i n g , w i t h a n a v e r a g e o f 1 , 0 0 0 p e o p l e m o v i n g t o t h e S u n s h i n e S t a t e
e a c h d a y T h e r e a r e 9 0 0 , 0 0 0 a c r e s o f u n p r o t e c t e d , h i g h - p r i o r i t y v u l n e r a b l e
a r e a s l e f t i n t h e c o r r i d o r 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 o f t h o s e a c r e s a r e p r o j e c t e d t o b e l o s t b y
2 0 3 0
A s f o r w h y t h e S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a r e g i o n w a s p i c k e d n o w , F r e e z e s a i d , “ S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a h a s s o m e o f t h e h i g he s t d e v e l o p m e n t p r e s s u r e s i n t h e e n t i r e
s t a t e I t ’ s a r e a l l y i d e a l p l a c e f o r p e o p l e t o m o v e W e a r e n o t a n o r g a n i z a t i o n t h a t i s a n t i - d e v e l o p m e n t , w e j u s t w a n t t o d e v e l o p s m a r t a n d f i g u r e o u t h o w c o m -
m u n i t i e s c a n b e b u i l t w h i l e m a i n t a i n i n g c o r r i d o r c o n n e c t i o n W e h a v e a v i s i o n f o r b e i n g a b l e t o s p e a k t o a n d p r o v i d e r e s o u r c e s t o p e o p l e t o d e v e l o p C o r r i d o r c o m p a t i b l e c o m m u n i t i e s “ T h e S o u t h
From page 1
“It was incredibly comforting and warming and soothing,” Morris said of Tuesday’s remembrance “We all share the same love of Candace, and how we all admired her And to be in a room full of people who felt so deeply about another person, evokes an incredible amount of emotion -- and that’s a good thing We were all able to be emotional together Be joyous together Be a little bit sad together, but, you know, know that we all feel so strongly about an incredible woman that has touched every single one of us in so many amazing ways ”
Smith, who passed away on June 17 at the age of 61, began her career with Lee Health in 2020 as the Vice President of Operations & Chief Nurse Executive at Cape Coral Hospital She, along with her team, guided CCH through the pandemic and Hurricane Ian Before Lee Health, she was the Chief Nursing Officer at UHS Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, where she is from. In addition to her role at CCH, Smith taught at FGCU and Nova Southeastern University
Morris described Smith as “full of energy” and someone that could multitask with the best of them
“As far as to work with, I have learned so much,” Morris said “She was always open to hearing my ideas and working with those She was incredibly fun to work with She was so good at what she did She never made you feel that you didn't have something to contribute She really managed people up, she mentored us, it was just a really, really nice way to work with someone ”
Smith served on the boards of the Southeastern FloridaAmerican College of Health Care Executives, Florida organization of Nurse Leaders, and chaired the State Chief Nursing Officer Council as well as the Florida Nursing Consortium
She wrote a book entitled “Chapter Leader’s Guide to Provision of Care: Practical Insight on Joint Commission Standards” and is also a nationally known speaker on topics of clinical excellence, speak up, and exemplary leadership Smith was an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University, where she taught Quality Management and Transforming Care in Complex Health Systems and also published a textbook, “Healthcare Quality Management: A Case Study Approach,” with two other colleagues Smith loved dancing and has always been a lover of music, as her favorite saying was: “This is my favorite song ” Every song was her
favorite Morris, along with Chief Nursing Officer Jennifer Higgins and System Director Patient Throughout and Flow, Rebecca Huff, spoke to those in attendance at the memorial service
about the impact Smith had on their lives, and so many others
Huff, who had worked alongside Smith for more than a decade and was one of her best friends, told fond stories about their time together from when they were colleagues working for Medline in Illinois, to Manatee Memorial in Bradenton, to Lee Health The pair even joint-authored a book on fall prevention
“You could really feel the love in the room,” Huff said “She’s always been a mentor to me and offered a lot of guidance, a lot of help
“Candace has impacted the entire Lee Health system. She really has brought it to the forefront on educating nurses and building relationships, and really whenever there’s a wall that you’re facing, how do you bring that down together and have great results?
“She was also a mentor for 400, 500 nurses I would imagine She mentored through her teaching at some of the colleges, as well as at the hospital, so she's impacted a lot of lives ”
Huff said when Smith walked into a room, she met everyone in a friendly way and made everyone feel comfortable -like you had known her all your life
“Just brought a lot of happiness,” Huff said “She was very positive. Had such a good outlook on life, on healthcare, and you just felt very encouraged being around her ”
Following the speeches from Morris, Higgins and Huff, a stone ceremony took place where those in attendance could come to the front of the room and place a stone in a vase of water As each stone was placed, individuals reminisced about Smith and her influence As stones continued to enter the water, it began to overflow the vase, signifying Smith’s outpouring of love and spirit to all she knew
One of the most recent times of tumult for CCH and the entire Southwest Florida community was when Hurricane Ian hit Smith stayed the course and never left her post, ensuring that care would continue to those already in the hospital as well as new patients
‘It was hard for so many people during the hurricane,” Morris said “We had our priority to take care of the facility and the patients in it, and potential new patients that were
Cape Coral Hospital remembered one of its own Tuesday, Candace Smith, who began her career with Lee Health in 2020 as the Vice President of Operations & Chief Nurse Executive at Cape Coral Hospital.
Remembers: Lee Health, Cape Hospital, leader extraordinaire honored with memorial ceremony
From page 36
coming And you had to be really focused on that, but also very flexible in bending to what was going on in the situation And (Smith) never lost her cool I think there were so many of us worried about our family members and what was happening outside our walls, and Candace never lost that at all She always stayed very focused and pushed hard when she needed to push hard to get things that we needed, like water She would be the one that you would want to be with if you were shipwrecked or in another disaster ”
Following the stone ceremony, members of the Southwest Florida Nurse Honor Guard, dressed in their traditional white uniform with a blue and red cape, came in and placed white flowers around a picture of Smith They then invited all of the nurses in attendance to stand and recite the nurse's code, a reminder of what they do, who they do it for, and why The honor guard also called Smith for duty one last time before releasing her
Nurses and Founders of the Southwest Florida Nurse Honor Guard, Connie Girgenti and Tonya Raldiris, helped lead the ceremony with other honor guard members
"It's an absolute privilege to be able to represent our profession, and nurse leaders like Candace, as well as other nurses in the Southwest Florida region," Girgenti said Raldiris added, "We're honored to honor Candace She was an amazing nurse And also just to honor her family and to thank them for loaning us Candace for her role as a nurse It's hard She spent a lot of time with Lee Health and appreciate what she gave to the nursing profession "
The Southwest Florida Nurse Honor Guard conducts tributes for nurses throughout Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties
"It's an honor to be a nurse And like our tribute says, it is a calling," Raldiris said "Just to bring honor to the profession of nursing while we honor that nurse that spent her life and duty to others Many nurses devote their whole lives to caring for others
When I wear the uniform, it reminds me of that calling "
Smith was the loving wife and best friend of 32 years to Bill Smith; mother of Katelyn Forcucci, Kristin Kopp, Will Smith, and Tracy Robert; and grandmother
As for what they'll miss most about Smith, Morris said:
Members of the Southwest Florida Nurse Honor Guard, dressed in their traditional
with a blue and red cape, place white flowers around a photo of Candace Smith This followed
stone ceremony where those in attendance could come to the front of the room and place a stone in a vase of water As each stone was placed, individuals reminisced about Smith and her influence As stones continued to enter the water, it began to overflow the vase, signifying Smith’s outpouring of love and spirit to all she knew
"I'm going to miss our friendship the most I know that whenever I needed Candace, that she would always be there for me Whether I called her at 5 in the morning or I had to text her on Sunday afternoon -- if it was work or personal -- I could always count on Candace being there for me in every situation She was just there for you all the time "
Huff said, fighting through tears, "I think the thing that I'm going to miss the most is just not seeing her working with our teams, because she was very visible. She would go up and talk
to everyone, whether you were the housekeeper or you were the executive She knew your name She knew your kids’ names She knew all the stories if you shared with her She never forgot I'm really going to miss that
"She looked out for us and was so helpful to everyone She was never above anything She was very humble and grateful Always found the good in a bad situation Always took the time to teach people I'm going to miss her smile, her teaching, and her interacting with people."
CJ HADDAD
white uniform
a
SPORTS
July brings hot, humid days with thunderstorms
July is the month summer weather settles in bringing hot humid days, often with little wind until early afternoon as a sea breeze kicks in, followed by thunderstorms Most anglers opt for an early start to take advantage of calm seas and avoid the mid-afternoon heat and storms
b
F
m a n g r o v e s n a p p e r i s a good choice through the summer No need to make
a
s n a p p e r a r e c a u g h t throughout the inshore and nearshore waters Fish for s n a p p e r u n d e r d o c k s , bridges, piers or about any
t y p e o f s t r u c t u r e M a n y anglers do very well from shore without the expense of a boat fishing locations
l i k e t h e M a
c h a Drawbridge and Bokeelia Pier From boat, fish under d e e p e r m a n g r o v e s h
Capt. Bill Russell On the Water
l i n e s , o y s t e r b a r s , s a n d potholes and rock ledges or structure in and near the Gulf passes Mangrove snapper is one of our tastier fish and fight hard for their size They make a great summer target Often leader and hook shy if the water is clear, it’s often necessary to lighten the tackle. Inshore, I go with three or more feet of 12 to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0 circle hook
Redfish and seatrout are caught throughout the summer High tides give the best opportunity for redfish as they are foraging under the shade of mangrove shorelines Seatrout often run in schools with the best bite often coming over the morning incoming tides as cooler water moves over grass flats Grass flats with clear or clean water in 4 to 8-foot depths are favored areas
Calm summer mornings give good opportunities to run offshore American red snapper season is open in Gulf waters for recreational anglers through the month of July for those willing to spend the fuel money for a long run offshore Not sure of the reason but both gag and red grouper seasons are closed To get updated g r o u p e
to www myfwc com or download the Fish Rules app
Closer in, within sight of land, reefs and wrecks can be productive with everything from snapper to goliath grouper You will not hook any big red snapper, but you can fill a cooler with tasty filets and save a lot of fuel money Anchoring up current of structure with a fresh chum bag is preferred A variety of baits is a good idea
Camp highlights
A young camper, left, sidesteps a blocking dummy Below, foundation president and former NFL player Tommy Bohanon helps a camper with blocking techniques.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Bohanon Foundation football camp attracts 300 youths
The annual Tommy Bohanon Foundation Youth Football Camp attracted a record number of participants to North Fort Myers High School recently
Three hundred youths took part in the free one-day event for student-athletes in first through eighth grades
P
expand their love and knowledge of football with the help of experienced football coaches The team of coaches provided hands-on training by guiding participants through NFL-style drills that lay a solid foundation for good sportsmanship.
L
Sheriff’s Office ice cream truck provided sweet treats for all participants at the end of the camp
“This is one of our biggest events of the year,” said foundation president Tommy Bohanon “It’s always great to see the young kids out on the field laughing and having a good time while both learning the game and acquiring some valuable life lessons ”
About the Tommy Bohanon Foundation
Sponsors for the camp included Extreme Florida Roofing, Advanced Seamless Gutters, Arthur Printing, Barry Goettemoeller Remax, Custom Pools by Design,
Prevatt & Sons Paving, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee Drywall, Nor-Tech Hi Performance Boats, Patriot Storm Shutters, Personal Touch Banquet & Catering, Potts’ Sports Cafe, Priority Marketing, Specific Care Chiropractic, Rue Homes, Taylor Carpet One, Thomas Family Foundation and Tropical Smoothie Cafe
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes reach their highest potential on and off the playing field Former NFL fullback Tommy Bohanon returned to his hometown in Southwest Florida to pursue his vision of ending generational poverty for at-risk youth
The foundation funds annual scholarships, sports equipment grants to local high schools, youth football camps, seminars and programs, as well as funding for other local nonprofits For more information about the Tommy B o h a n o n F o u n d a t i o n , v i s i t T o m m y B o h a n
n F o u n d ation org or call 239-671-0441
Bove to be inducted into Southwest Florida Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame
Killebrew Root Beer and the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels have announced Russ Bove as the 2024 inductee into the Southwest Florida Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame
Bove will become the 19th member of “The Wall” inside of Gate 2 at the Lee Health Sports Complex His induction ceremony will take place prior to the Mighty Mussels’ game on Friday, Aug 16
“It’s certainly an honor to be a part of some of the alltime great scouts,” Bove said “Most of the guys (in the Hall of Fame) I’ve either worked with or know fairly well. Just to be part of the group is a big-time honor ” Bove (pronounced Bo-VAY) has spent over four
decades in scouting, moving to Florida in 1986 to work for the Major League Scouting Bureau He is currently in his second season as special assistant to the general manager for the Houston Astros
With each of his stops, he spent considerable time working in his home state of Florida – scouting both amateur and professional baseball players across the west coast
“Southwest Florida was always a very productive area,” Bove said “There were times that you couldn’t go to a Big League game without there being a player from Tampa The best thing about living in Florida as a scout, is that there’s always reasons to come home Florida is where it’s at There’s always something going on ”
Cape Coral Library: Galleries and showcases now featuring some
From page 19
favorite medium
■ Laura Kelly-Bestor loves the spontaneity of watercolor paint that allows her to work loosely - and often finds the results surprising She and her husband have owned a house barge in France for two decades, and the scenery along the water has inspired much of her artwork
■ Karen Mesch works in watercolor and acrylic and says, “My pictures are all about Florida and the beautiful colors all around me ”
■ Connie Saddler paints in watercolor and acrylics Birds are her favorite artistic theme, but she is also captivated by old houses and buildings and employs those images for her paintings
■ Norma Jean Sass has explored different mediums, but is especially fond of working in watercolor and acrylic While people are a favorite subject, she especially loves painting animals and has won awards for her watercolors of animals
■ V i r g i n i a “ G i n n y ” S i m m s e n j o y s painting many subjects, but especially loves capturing images of flowers She works in watercolor as well as acrylic
A watercolor by Laura KellyBestor Her works are on display in the art gallery at the Cape Coral Library
PHOTO PROVIDED
The lighted display cases of the Cape Coral Library will hold carvings and pottery by two award-winning artists from July 3 through Aug. 24. As with most of the artwork that is exhibited in the library,
PHOTOS PROVIDED
At left is an example of Suzanne Sherwin’s pottery creations. He works are on display in the lighted display cases at the Cape Coral Library, along with the carvings of Ken Yacavone. Above is one of Connie Saddler ’s watercolors She specializes in paintings of old houses and buildings, however, her favorite theme is birds Her works are featured on the walls of the art gallery at the Cape Library
these creations will be available for purchase by contacting each artist directly
■ Ken Yacavone’s carvings of birds will be on display in one of the lighted cases He draws his own patterns and carves most of his creations by hand with little use of power tools He generally works in white pine and paints in artist oils After years of cleaning up beaches, he saw an opportunity to combine his artistic abilities with his concerns about the environment and began incorporating plastic pollution recovered from the ocean in his carvings One of his duck beach pollution statement pieces is h o u s e d a t “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l Wildlife Refuge for use in educational programs about plastics in the environment He’s also donated beach pollution carvings to refuges in Hawaii and Ohio
■ Suzanne Sherwin’s pottery will be on display in another case After trying different media in the past, her love of clay began a decade ago She slab builds and also throws on a potters wheel. She’s experimented with sculpting, raku, carving
techniques such as sgraffito and Mishima, silkscreen, making tools, making underglaze transfers, making texture and many more techniques “It gives me such joy to see a piece through from a lump of clay to bisque to finished, through a minimum of 3 kiln firings,” Sherwhin said “It is almost like Christmas morning to open that kiln after the final firing and see the result of all my creativity and effort ” She often incorporates nature and sea life into her art and e n j o y s m a k i n g d i s t i n c t i v e a n d u n i q u
mugs
gallery are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and are designed to afford local artists and artisans the opportunity to share their work in this public forum For information contact Monica R
www capefriends org Follow “Friends of the Cape Coral Library” on Facebook.
Water safety: Some drowning prevention tips for residents and visitors of all ages
From page 20
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 neur o l o g i c a l f u n c t i o n
n
i l E m e r g e n c y 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
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 d r o w n i n g p r e v e n t i o n , p l e a s e v i s i t www leehealth org
Tina Fleming is injury prevention specialist and child advocate at Golisano Children’s Hospital
Rain lilies: A real summer treat for gardens around our Southwest Florida homes
From page 19
■ Saturday, July 27, 10 a m , Rain Barrel Workshop
■ Saturday, July 27, 9 a m to 1 p m ,
July
:
Anglers
From page 38
Native Plant Sale. Shop from a variety of native trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, butterfly plants and tropical edibles, too
Plant experts will be on hand to answer questions and help you choose the right
can expect
as well as an arsenal of rods rigged and ready from light to heavy action
Keep a look out for speedsters such as bonito, Spanish and king mackerel harassing bait schools in depths from 20-90 feet
Small spoons or Tuna Jets in various colors can bring instant hookups when trolled around feeding activity Watch for birds and surface commotion to locate the fish
If you have a well full of live bait fish, a little chumming may quickly get the action started Artificial reefs are a natural attractant for bait fish followed by predators C
plant for the right place. Come early for the best selection
Happy summer gardening!
Sherie Bleiler volunteers at the Cape
Coral Library Butterfly Garden and is past president of the Garden Club of Cape Coral Visit www gardenclubofcapecoral com Also, please like us on our Facebook page
hot and humid days with afternoon thunderstorms likely
strong through the summer Large females are up and down the coast surrounded by smaller males as they are in their summer mating rituals Often the best fishing happens in the surf along the gulf beaches
Snook will swim parallel to the beach, often just a few feet from shore in search of their next meal This offers great sight fishing possibilities for both conventional and fly anglers They can be located anywhere along the beaches, but if you find some type of structure in the water, such as a tree branch or rocks, they often congregate near it S
inshore and off. While they are a nuisance for some, many anglers target them for t h e i r f i g h t i n
i t y S h a
a y a n important role in our ecosystem; please make every effort to quickly release them unharmed Every kid loves to catch a shark of any size and now is a good time, just make sure and do it safely for both the angler and the shark
Keep up to date with fishing regulations and seasons in the area you fish, as t h e y c h a n g e
n Y o u c a n visit www myfwc com for all current state and federal regulations
Also, you can upload the Fish Rules
app on your phone It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish
If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service at 239-410-8576, on the web at www fishpineisland com or email: gcl2fish@live.com
Have a safe week and good fishin’
As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters a r o u n d P i n e I s l a n d a n d S o u t h w e s t Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years
Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest).
