First leatherback nest in years hatches on Sanibel
By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers com
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that the first sea turtle nest documented on the islands for the 2024 season which was laid by a leatherback hatched last week.
See LEATHERBACK, page 19
A leatherback sea turtle nest the first nest documented on the islands for the 2024 season and the first of its kind on Sanibel in four years hatched last week, with 40 hatchlings emerging.
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Workshop to gather public feedback on resiliency and more
By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers com
The island community will have an opportunity to share its ideas on how Sanibel can build back stronger and more resilient and with enhanced connectivity during two events this week
Part of the Coastal Florida Recovery a n d R e s i l i e n c
Workshop will take place today, July 10, and July 11-12 at The Community House on Sanibel R
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
strategies
The workshop will entail the following events:
∫ Today, July 10: Community Input Session from 6 to 8 p m
The meeting will include a short presentation to introduce the R2P2 project,
improvements on Sanibel can increase resiliency and quality of life Ideas for enhanced citywide connectivity will be explored, including potential opportunities in the Town Center and Sanibel Island Golf Course and improvements to canal seawalls and a new barge landing It will be followed by an open house format where community members can review b
“starter” design idea sketches and talk
See WORKSHOP, page 20
Tax roll valu es on Sa nibel rise for an increa se
By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com
Preliminary property tax valuations for both islands have increased over the earlier estimates
its 2024 preliminary tax roll val-
which now indicate a 1% rise for
with a 12 80% jump for Captiva as part of unincorporated Lee County The valuations for both islands' fire district also increased this time C
Caldwell attributed the upward shift to recovered properties that continue to be brought back on the tax roll following
Captiva still sees jump with county
Matt Caldwell
SPD: Remains of missing teen swimmer found
By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com
The body of a local teen, who went missing last week while swimming at Blind Pass on the islands, was recovered by authorities following a two-day search that involved multiple area agencies
The Sanibel Police Department identified the victim as Isaac Breese, 17, of Cape Coral
“On Thursday afternoon, the Sanibel Police Marine Patrol Unit recovered remains of the young man who went missing at Blind Pass after entering the water late Tuesday morning,” Police Chief William Dalton said in a statement on July 5 “With the assistance of the State District 21 Medical Examiner and the Lee County Sheriff's Office, the young man's remains were positively identified this evening ”
Captiva Island Fire Control District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul reported that the call came in on July 2 at about 11:47 a m for three swimmers in distress at Blind Pass
The Captiva crew responded via rescue boat, and a crew from the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District responded via land as its station is closer
LWVLee to hold forum for local candidates
The League of Women Voters of Lee County will host a Combined Candidate Forum on July 11 from 6 to 8 p m at the Alliance for the Arts, at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers, as well as virtually
When the Sanibel crew arrived, a rescue swimmer swam out and secured two victims a boy and a girl, both about 17 years old and both local residents The Captiva crew got all three onto the boat
“It was a miraculous job to be able to swim out in those rough conditions and be able to save two victims at one time,” Pawul said on July 5 “It's very unfortunate we weren't able to get to the third ”
Informed that Isaac had also entered the water, emergency responders immediately commenced a search-andrescue operation for the missing teen The island fire districts and SPD were joined by the LSCO, United States Coast Guard and additional partner agencies, including
Department and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
“We had multiple agencies We had boats in the water, we had drones in the air,” Pawul said, adding that the LCSO deployed its helicopter and the U S Coast Guard brought in its plane for the search
On July 4, Dalton reported that the operation had moved into a search-and-recovery
“It's been 48 hours since the swimmer who entered the water at Blind Pass has gone missing,” he said in a statement “The thoughts of the entire Sanibel community are with the family and friends of the young man during this difficult time ”
With the announcement of the recovery, Dalton thanked the agencies that responded
“I want to thank all the agencies who assisted with the search for Isaac,” he said “On behalf of all the first responders involved, I ask that you keep him and his family in your prayers ”
The SPD asked that the public respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Pawul said “We're all thinking of them ” A
Recruiting website, Isaac attended North Fort Myers High School and he played soccer. He was a starter on the varsity team in both 2023 and 2022
It also states that Isaac was on the A/B Honor Roll and involved with the Model UN
District summer school helping thousands of students
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
More than 7,500 students are participatin in one of the many summer school programs the School District of Lee County is offering to continue learning
“The total number of Pre-K-12 students is 7,533 The top three programs are high schoo credit recovery, grade 3 reading camp and K summer expanded learning,” district spokespe Rob Spicker said “I can say for sure that 1,940 are in elementary I can say for sure 4,000 of the 7,533 are in middle or high school ”
grams for elementary-aged students One of the proms includes voluntary VPK, a summer proram for 4-year-old children starting kindergarten in the 2024-25 school year who had not participated in a VPK program in the current school year Other programs include: extended year for ESE students; grade 3 readn g c a m p f o r i n
cience camp and ELL Language camp for stus receiving services in the ESOL program
l o s o p h y a n d p o s i t i o n s p r i o r t o t h e P r i m a r y E l e c t i o n o n A u g 2 0 A l l e l i g i b l e v o t e r s , i n c l u d i n g t h o s e
w i t h o u t a p a r t y a f f i l i a t i o n , m a y v o t e i n t h e e l e c t i o n
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o r e g i s t e r , v i s i t
h t t p s : / / w w w e v e n t b r i t e c o m / e / l w v l e e - c a n d i d a t e -
f o r u m - f o r - c o m m i s s i o n - s c h o o l - b o a r d - a n d - f o r t -
m y e r s - t i c k e t s - 9 3 0 4 0 5 3 4 6 4 3 7
T h e L W V L e e r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e P r i m a r y E l e c t i o n b a l l o t s w i l l i n c l u d e n o n - p a r t i s a n r a c e s f o r s c h o o l
b o a r d , C a p e C o r a l , F o r t M y e r s , j u d g e s , p r o p e r t y
a p p r a i s e r a n d s u p e r v i s o r o f e l e c t i o n s T h e b a l l o t s f o r v o t e r s w i t h a p a r t y a f f i l i a t i o n w i l l a l s o i n c l u d e
t h e i r p a r t y ' s c a n d i d a t e s
T h e d e a d l i n e t o r e g i s t e r t o v o t e a n d c o n f i r m
a d d r e s s a n d p a r t y a f f i l i a t i o n i s J u l y 2 2 T h e d e a dl i n e t o r e q u e s t a V o t e - b y - M a i l B a l l o t i s A u g 8 F o r
m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t L e e C o u n t y E l e c t i o n s a t
w w w l e e v o t e o r c a l l 2 3 9 - 5 3 3 - 8 6 8 3
C r e a t e d b y t h e L e a g u e o f W o m e n V o t e r s
E d u c a t i o n F u n d , V O T E 4 1 1 o f f e r s n o n - p a r t i s a n
e l e c t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n , r e s o u r c e s a n d v o t e r g u i d e s , i n c l u d i n g p r o p o s e d F l o r i d a A m e n d m e n t s
C a n d i d a t e i n f o r m a t i o n w i l l b e a v a i l a b l e i n m i d -
J u l y . F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t
w w w V o t e 4 1 1 o r g
I n f o r m a t i o n a n d a s s i s t a n c e r e g a r d i n g R e t u r n i n g
C i t i z e n s V o t i n g R i g h t s R e s t o r a t i o n i s a v a i l a b l e
f r o m t h e L e a g u e o f W o m e n V o t e r s o f F l o r i d a b y c o n t a c t i n g 4 0 7 - 7 1 0 - 5 4 9 6 o r c a n i v o t e @ l w v f l o r g F o r V o t e r I d e n t i f i c a t i o n A s s i s t a n c e , v i s i t
V o t e R i d e r s o r g o r c a l l 8 6 6 - 4 3 2 - 8 6 8 3
T h e L W V L e e e n c o u r a g e s i n f o r m e d a n d a c t i v e p a r t i c
One of the many options for elementary-aged students is the iReady Summer Program, which has 1,298 students registered For the program, students are expected to put in 45 minutes a week in reading and 45 minutes a week in math with a 70% pass rate on their lessons
“The learning paths are adaptive to better meet each student’s individual needs, so the lessons will increase or decrease in difficulty based on each student’s data with the program,” he said “Families will receive weekly communication to help parents gauge their children’s progress An administrator is monitoring the data and contacting students/parents when data indicates a need to intervene ”
The Scholastic Summer Reading Program is another option for elementary students Spicker said they had 230 students join and interact with teachers virtually to read and discuss the different books of the week in the first two weeks, as well as work through their Scholastic Weekly Reader: Summer Express workbook
The district also offers many face-to-face summer pro-
One of the middle school in-person options includes credit recovery He said the summer program is for eighth-grade students who need credit recovery for promotion Sixth- and seventh-grade students may attend All students must have attended a Lee County school in the 2022-23 school year
A few other in-person options include extended year for ESE, ELL Science Camp and ELL Language Camp for students receiving services from the ESOL program. There is also a credit recovery option for high school students, which was offered for ninth through 12th-grade students
Spicker said they also offer a graduation bootcamp, a summer program for students who need additional support in preparation for applicable EOC or state ELA FAST
“Students will take the EOC/FAST/Concordant Test during the summer state testing window,” he said High schoolers also have the opportunity to participate in a summer enrichment program, SOS, which offers exceptional learning opportunities through the arts, leadership and career enrichment activities
F.I.S.H. designated as cooling station for islands
record, prompting Lee County, in collaboration with the United Way, to establish cooling stations at various locations to assist those unable to escape the heat
.
s
The county will activate and open the stations from 11 a m to 4 p m when the National Weather Service issues a heat watch or warning, indicating temperatures exceeding 103 degrees or a heat index above 108 degrees
temperatures increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration and breath-
“According to the CDC, higher
See F I S H , page 22
Web Poll
Previous Web Poll Question
Are you taking part in the events for the new Love Sanibel businesses back?
∫ Yes, 43%
∫ No, 57%
Current Web Poll Question
Who do you think won the first presidential debate held on June 27?
∫ Joe Biden
∫ Donald Trump
∫ Did not watch it Share your opinion at captivasanibel com
s i n g b i l l s t h a t t h r e a t e n o u r m i s s i o n t o p r o t e c t a n d c a r e f o r
S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a ' s c o a s t a l e c o s y s t e m s
T h e a c t i o n s o f S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a
C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n s u p p o r t e r s r e s u l t e d i n 1 2 , 0 3 1 c o n t a c t s t o l e g i s l a t o r s a n d t h e G o v e r n o r ’ s O f f i c e o n b e h a l f o f t h e e n v i r o n m e n t a n d o u r c o a s t a l c o m m u n i t i e s
T h e f o l l o w i n g i s a n u p d a t e o n t h e b i l l s t h a t t h e S C C F f o l l o w e d d u r i n g t h e s e s s i o n :
Wate r qual i ty
∫ V e t o e d : H B 1 6 5 S a m p l i n g o f
B e a c h W a t e r s a n d P u b l i c B a t h i n g S p a c e s w a s d e s i g n e d t o i m p r o v e p u b l i c n o t i f i c at i o n o f p o t e n t i a l h a z a r d s a s i t r e l a t e s t o
s w i m m i n g a t b e a c h e s a n d “ p u b l i c b a t h i n g p l a c e s ” T h e S C C F s t r o n g l y s u p p o r t e d t h e
b i l l a n d w i l l w o r k w i t h t h i s y e a r ’ s b i l l
s p o n s o r s t o r e a d d r e s s t h e c r i t i c a l n e e d f o r
t h e w a t e r q u a l i t y a n d p u b l i c h e a l t h p r o t e ct i o n s i n c l u d e d i n t h e b i l l
∫ F a i l e d : T h e S C C F s t r o n g l y o p p o s e d
S B 7 3 8 / H B 7 8 9 E n v i r o n m e n t a l
M a n a g e m e n t , w h i c h i n c l u d e d t h e p r e v a i l -
i n g p a r t y ’ s a t t o r n e y ’ s f e e s f o r a c t i o n s t a k e n
b y t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f
E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n a n d t h e s t a t e ’ s w a t e r m a n a g e m e n t d i s t r i c t s I t w o u l d h a v e
d i s c o u r a g e d c i t i z e n c h a l l e n g e s a s i t h a s
w i t h p r e v i o u s l a w s t o a d d t h a t s a m e p r o v i -
s i o n t o l o c a l z o n i n g a c t i o n s a n d c o m p r e -
h e n s i v e p l a n c h a n g e s T h i s b a d p r o v i s i o n
w a s r e m o v e d a s a r e s u l t o f p u s h - b a c k f r o m
i n d i v i d u a l s l i k e y o u . A n o t h e r b a d p r o v i -
s i o n i n t h e b i l l w o u l d h a v e s h i e l d e d l a r g e -
s c a l e p o l l u t e r s f r o m l i a b i l i t y o n p r o j e c t s t h a t r e c e i v e d s t a t e a p p r o v a l A n e x a m p l e
o f s u c h a p r o j e c t w o u l d b e t h e m a s s i v e l e a k
o f p o l l u t e d w a s t e w a t e r f r o m t h e P i n e y
P o i n t p h o s p h a t e g y p s u m s t a c k n e a r T a m p a
B a y T h e b i l l d i e d l a t e i n t h e s e s s i o n d u e t o
s t a k e h o l d e r o u t c r y , a n d t h e S C C F w i l l
w a t c h f o r t h e p r o v i s i o n s t o r e a p p e a r i n
f u t u r e b i l l s ∫ F a i l e d : S B 1 2 1 0 / H B 9 5 7 E s t e r o
B a y A q u a t i c P r e s e r v e w o u l d h a v e r e m o v e d a l a r g e s e c t i o n o f t h e w a t e r s a n d s u bm e r g e d l a n d s a r o u n d S a n C a r l o s I s l a n d f r o m t h e a q u a t i c p r e s e r v e ' s p r o t e c t i o n T h e
b i l l r e c e i v e d a l o t o f a t t e n t i o n l o c a l l y a n d
s t a t e w i d e a s i t w o u l d h a v e s e t a d a n g e r o u s
p r e c e d e n t f o r r e m o v i n g p r o t e c t i o n s f r o m
a n a r e a o f i m p o r t a n t e c o l o g i c a l s i g n i f i -
Commentary
c a n c e T h e S C C F w o r k e d t o c l a r i f y t h e
n e e d f o r t h e b i l l a n d a n t i c i p a t e s t h a t t h e
b i l l w i l l r e t u r n n e x t y e a r , p o t e n t i a l l y w i t h
a n a m e n d e d a r e a o f t h e p r e s e r v e t o b e
a d d r e s s e d
∫ S i g n e d i n t o l a w : R e l e a s e o f B a l l o o n s
G o v R o n D e S a n t i s s i g n e d H B 3 2 1 i n t o
l a w o n J u n e 2 4 T h e l a w p r o h i b i t s t h e
i n t e n t i o n a l o u t d o o r r e l e a s e o f b a l l o o n s , a n d
a n y a c t i o n w i l l n o w r e s u l t i n a n o n c r i m i n a l
l i t t e r i n g i n f r a c t i o n . I n F l o r i d a , b a l l o o n s
c a n e a s i l y e n d u p i n t h e o c e a n o r o n s h o r e s , w h e r e t h e y b e c o m e p l a s t i c p o l l u t i o n a n d
c a n c a u s e s e v e r e i m p a c t s t o w i l d l i f e , i n c l u d i n g s e a t u r t l e s a n d s h o r e b i r d s , t h a t
m i s t a k e n l y i n g e s t t h e m ∫ S i g n e d i n t o l a w : R a t i f i c a t i o n o f
S t o r m w a t e r R u l e s S B 7 0 4 0 w a s
s i g n e d i n t o l a w b y t h e g o v e r n o r o n t h e l a s t b u s i n e s s d a y b e f o r e t h e n e w f i s c a l y e a r
S e n G a y l e H a r r e l l i n t r o d u c e d t h e b i l l b y
s a y i n g t h e r u l e - m a k i n g p r o c e s s w a s o r i g i -
n a l l y r e q u i r e d b y t h e s w e e p i n g 2 0 2 0 w a t e r
q u a l i t y b i l l S B 7 1 2 T h r e e y e a r s l a t e r , t h e
u p d a t e d s t o r m w a t e r r u l e s w i l l o n l y a d d r e s s
d i s c h a r g e s f r o m n e w d e v e l o p m e n t s , n o t
e x i s t i n g d e v e l o p m e n t s T h e u p d a t e d r u l e s w i l l a l s o n o t r e q u i r e p o s t - c o n s t r u c t i o n m o n i t o r i n g a s s o m e w a t e r q u a l i t y a d v oc a t e s h a d s u p p o r t e d H a r r e l l s t a t e d t h e
i m p o r t a n c e o f t h e r u l e m o v i n g f o r w a r d a s
4 0 % o f o u r s t a t e ’ s w a t e r s a r e c u r r e n t l y t o o
p o l l u t e d f o r s w i m m i n g o r f i s h i n g T h e g e n -
e r a l c o n s e n s u s o f t h e c o m m i t t e e w a s t h a t i t i s b e t t e r t o s t o p p o l l u t i o n a t t h e s o u r c e , r a t h e r t h a n e n g a g i n g i n e x p e n s i v e c l e a n - u p
a f t e r w a r d s E n v i r o n m e n t a l s c i e n t i s t s a n d
w a t e r q u a l i t y a d v o c a t e s p u s h e d f o r
s t r o n g e r r u l e s , b u t l e g i s l a t o r s s a i d t h a t w i t h
t h e u p d a t e d r u l e s , s o m e p r o t e c t i o n i s b e t t e r
t h a n n o n e
Ene rg y
∫ S i g n e d i n t o l a w : S B 1 6 2 4 E n e r g y
R e s o u r c e s , w h i c h r e m o v e s t h e c l e a n i n f r a -
s t r u c t u r e g o a l s i n t h e s t a t e ’ s e n e r g y p o l i c y , r e p e a l s t h e F l o r i d a E n e r g y a n d C l i m a t e
P r o t e c t i o n A c t t h a t a d m i n i s t e r s r e n e w a b l e
e n e r g y g r a n t s , p r e e m p t s l o c a l c o m m u n i t y
p l a n s r e g a r d i n g t h e p l a c e m e n t o f n a t u r a l g a s f a c i l i t i e s a n d b a n s o f f s h o r e w i n d f a c i l -
i t i e s T h e S C C F o p p o s e d t h e b i l l a s a l a r g e
s t e p b a c k w a r d i n r e a c h i n g t h e s t a t e ' s p r e v i -
o u s l y a p p r o v e d r e n e w a b l e a n d c l e a n e n e r -
g y g o a l s
Lo c al g o v e rnme nt pre e mpti o n
∫ F a i l e d : S B 1 1 2 6 / H B 1 6 4 1
R e g u l a t i o n o f A u x i l i a r y C o n t a i n e r s p r ee m p t e d l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t s f r o m r e g u l a t i n g r e u s a b l e o r s i n g l e - u s e p l a s t i c s o r p a c k a gi
State budget
D e S a n t i s s i g n e d t h e $ 1 1 6 5 b i l l i o n s t a t e b u d g e t f o r 2 0 2 4 - 2 5 o n J u n e 1 2 a f t e r v e t oi n g $ 9 5 0 m i l l i o n f r o m t h e o r i g i n a l $ 1 1 7 4 b i l l i o n b u d g e t , w h i c h w a s p a s s e d b y t h e L e g i s l a t u r e i n M a r c h T h e s t a t e b u d g e t a u t h o r i z e d f u n d i n g f r o m t h e S e m i n o l e g a m i n g c o m p a c t t h r o u g h S B 1 6 3 8 F u n d i n g f o r E n v i r o n m e n t a l R e s o u r c e M a n a g e m e n t t o c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e s t a t e ' s o v e r $ 1 . 5 b i l l i o n e n v i r o n m e n t a l b u d g e t t h i s y e a r
E n v i r o n m e n t a l f u n d i n g h i g h l i g h t s i n c l u d e :
∫ $ 7 4 0 m i l l i o n f o r E v e r g l a d e s r e s t o r a -
t i o n ( a n d r e l a t e d w a t e r p r o j e c t s )
∫ $ 3 4 6 m i l l i o n t o i m p l e m e n t H o m e
E n e r g y R e b a t e P r o g r a m s
∫ $ 1 3 5 m i l l i o n f o r w a s t e w a t e r g r a n t s
∫ $ 1 0 8 m i l l i o n f o r t h e B l u e / G r e e n
A l g a e T a s k F o r c e
∫ $ 2 5 m i l l i o n t o F l o r i d a G u l f C o a s t
U n i v e r s i t y ' s W a t e r S c h o o l t o i d e n t i f y , a n a -
l y z e a n d d e t e r m i n e r o o t c a u s e s o f i m p a i rm e n t t o w a t e r b o d i e s
∫ $ 1 0 0 m i l l i o n e a c h i n r e c u r r i n g f u n d s f o r F l o r i d a F o r e v e r a n d R u r a l a n d F a m i l y
L a n d s - l a n d a c q u i s i t i o n p r o g r a m s T h a n k y o u f o r y o u r w o r k a n d y o u r i n p u t d u r i n g t h i s a n d p r e v i o u s l e g i s l a t i v e s e ss i o n s Y o u r a d v o c a c y h a s m a d e t h e S C C F a t r u s t e d v o i c e i n T a l l a h a s s e e , a n d w e h o p e t h a t y o u w i l l c o n t i n u e t o m a k e o u r c o l l e ct i v e v o i c e e v e n s t r o n g e r i n t h e n e x t l e g i s l at i v e s e s s i o n .
F o u n d e d i n 1 9 6 7 , t h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n ' s m i s s i o n i s t o p r o t e c t a n d c a r e f o r S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a ’ s c o a s t a l e c o s y s t e m s F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w s c c f o r g
New LCSO academy provides in-house training
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
S
On June 26, Lee County
announced that the office now has its own academy, which will allow the agency to put more boots on the ground and lower response times.
“It’s an iconic day for Lee County and the Lee County
Sheriff’s Office,” he said at a press conference “What you see today sets the pace and tone for decades moving forward We have always worked with our amazing partners of the
Justice Academy; we continue to work with them, but now have our own academy ”
Florida Criminal Justice Academy did a great job, it was limited, as the academy served five counties, leaving not many the LCSO could hire, Marceno said The new academy is a game changer because it will continuously be putting more boots on the street
“Today is a huge, huge win for not just the sheriff’s office, but for the entire community,” he said Covering unincorporated Lee including
participants share a collaborative project poster on their values and goals as an educator
School foundation hosts annual Collegium on island
In partnership with the School District of Lee County, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools spent a week at 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva from June 1015 for the 35th Annual Collegium for the Advancement of Education
Twenty-five teachers representing several county public schools, the six 2024 Golden Apple Teachers, a current district administrator and two previous Golden Apple teachers attended The week was packed with learning, collaborating and teamwork
The foundation reported that the purpose was to celebrate and appreciate the hard work and dedication of the community's teachers, while also giving them an opportunity to learn about and acquire new skills and strategies to better engage their students in the learning process The participating educa-
Collegium participants make connections and build relationships to allow for the sharing of ideas and classroom strategies.
tors had opportunities to network and share best practices with other teachers and business partners
“Once again the teachers attending Collegium participated in learning new strategies, sharing best practices and networking This group also demonstrated their resiliency by not letting the weeklong storm dampen their spirit,” foundation
President and Chief Executive Officer Marshall T Bower said “Our public school teachers are the best and their love of our community's greatest asset, our students, shines through ” Each attendee received 40 hours of service learning to be applied to their professional development requirements In addition, they spent their evenings enjoying the beach, socializing at the pool and being wined and dined at restaurants,
Captiva, the LCSO is one of seven to have an academy in the state The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will continue with curriculum, overseeing the program and training people to custom fit the LCSO
“We have the ability now to continuously run classes to custom tailor the training of what we want for our agency,” Marceno said
See LCSO ACADEMY,
Captiva library, county system offer programs
System, the Captiva Memorial Library is offering the following free programming:
Adult programs
∫ Today, July 10: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last ∫ July 12: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)
By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers com
Jensen's Twin Palm Resort and Marina on Captiva recently provided an update on its reopening
“A little setback makes the comeback even better,” the resort shared “Due to circumstances beyond our control, the reservation date has changed to Aug. 1.” Royal Shell originally reported that reservations for stays would open in late June
“ W
u r charming cottages and marina, and we can't wait to welcome you back to experience the magic of Captiva,” it shared at the time “Book your dream cottage today and start counting down the days to your island bliss ”
For more information and reservations, visit https://ow.ly/rwxR50RyYcz or call 866-341-7799
Jensen's Twin Palm Resort and Marina is at 15107 Captiva Drive, Captiva
Sheriff Carmine Marceno
THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Participants at the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva during the 35th Annual Collegium for the Advancement of Education
Collegium
Collegium for the Advancement of Education attendees Sarah Thornburg, Michelle Smith, Jessica Lisi, Jill Klausing, Sara Kizzire and Christine Bartz
LCSO academy
The police academy is being paid for within the existing budget
“This building was refurbished and in our budget,” he said “We use our budget money to pay for academy classes now and sponsor individuals Right now, we have over 58 in law enforcement and over 20 in corrections ”
The instructors are top notch and have been around for decades, Marceno said
“They come from all over corrections, investigation, SWAT, and now with their knowledge they will get that knowledge to our new recruitments who will soon be
School foundation
in clu d in g C an tin a C ap tiv a, K ey Lime Bistro, RC Otter's Island Eats and The Mucky Duck Thanks to the courtesy of Sanibel Carts, the educators were transported around the island, even in the rain
Due to unforeseen circumstances, they were also welcomed last-minute for a m e a l a t t h e C a b b a g e K e y I n n a n d Restaurant on Cabbage Key
“I'm in awe of the amazing educators who gave up a week of summer break to develop their craft further We were an eclectic group who took each challenge with stride. The weather helped bond us
Captiva library
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last
∫ July 15: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last
∫ July 17: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last
Teen programs
∫ Today, July 10: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last.
∫ July 12: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last
∫ July 15: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last.
∫ July 17: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last
Children programs
∫ Today, July 10: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last
∫ July 12: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities,
graduating,” he said.
The academy gives the LCSO the ability to provided hands-on personalized training so recruits know exactly what and how they do things at the agency Their four phases now turns into one because they already know most of what they do locally
Marceno said the community will see more police presence
“We want people from all over knowing that Lee County is a safe place for people to live,” he said
Last year over 80,000 people moved to the county,
From page 6
further together,” Golden Apple recipient and high school teacher Michelle Smith s
friendships I walked away with will be
Schools for valuing our education system and seeing us educators for all we do
Cindy McClung was the lead trainer for
Teacher, she has over 30 years of experi-
From page 6
which Marceno said is because there is safety, security and law and order With that many people moving into the area, there are more calls of service than ever
“We deliver a concierge level of service and that is an absolute must What an amazing, dedicated profession in a world where common sense is gone,” he said “We have people lined up to wear the uniform to serve others before themselves This is a great place to live, and it is filled with great, amazing residents We are going to continue to keep people safe ”
framework and Glasser's Choice Theory into the workplace.
opportunity for talented teachers from across the district to come together to learn, reflect and grow professionally Working with these educators, who represent the best of Lee County, is truly a pleasure Their commitment to their students and to this community is evident in the passion they bring to their work,” she said “This learning experience would not be possible without the foundation and the support of our local business community,
whose dedication to education is unwavering. This partnership benefits everyone our teachers, our students and, ultimately, the future of our community ”
The week ended with a celebratory
Academy of Teachers and acknowledging the hard work of all the Collegium attendees
The foundation extended its thanks to the sponsors for making the week possible
while supplies last
∫ July 15: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last
∫ July 17: Summer Reading Program Crafts
(daily during operating hours)
Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last
Wednesdays and Fridays from 10
to 12:30 p m and 1 to 4 p m
For more information about a program or to register, call 239-533-4890
In addition, the library system is offering the following free virtual programming:
Conversation Club from 6 to 7 p m
Are you ready to take your Spanishspeaking skills to the next level? Improve your fluency by chatting with adults. Practice speaking Spanish with others on
Intermediate to advanced Spanish-speaking skills are recommended in order to get the most out of the session Registration is required before July 11 at 6 p m
∫ July 16: Online Author Event with Max Brallier from 2 to 3 p m
Join us to talk with New York Times
“The Last Kids on Earth,” the book series and the animated Netflix series He will share how he came up with the different monsters and villains, as well as the unique ways that Jack and his friends figure out to defeat them. Registration is required
Download books, stream video and o t h
a t www leelibrary net The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva
LEE COUNTY
BUSINESS
City taking applications for advisory committee
The Sanibel City Council is accepting applications for a citizen to be appointed as the city representative to the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO) Citizen Advisory Committee
The MPO's vision is to have a multi-jurisdictional, integrated multi-modal transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods to, through and within the area and that enables Lee County and the surrounding areas to flourish in the global marketplace
The purpose of the committee is to assist the MPO in conducting effective public information and participation programs and to act as a representative panel for the purpose of advising the MPO of public opinion on policy issues to be considered by the MPO
Functions of the committee include the following:
∫ Advising the MPO staff on the development, refinement and implementation of the Public Involvement Plan, including the planning of public information and involvement efforts during the development or amendment of the Long-Range Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program, and prior to soliciting proposals for funding of transportation enhancement activities
∫ Assisting the MPO in identifying transportation needs and issues, in formulating goals and objectives for the transportation planning process, and in setting priorities
∫ Providing opportunities for community organizations, special interest groups and the general public to comment on alternatives and proposals under consideration by the MPO
∫ Advising and assisting the MPO staff in maintaining a mailing list of organizations, interest groups, and news media and their spokespersons or contacts.
The deadline for submissions is July 19 at 5 p m
The city council will make the appointment at its Aug 20 meeting
The first committee meeting to attend will be on Sept 5 from 3 to 4:30 p m in Conference Room A200 at the City of Cape Coral Annex Building, at 815 Nicholas Parkway East, Cape Coral
For the 2024 meeting schedule, visit https://leempo com/wp-content/uploads/2024-Meeting-ScheduleApproved-Updated-051324 pdf
To view the committee's by-laws, visit LeeMPO com or https://files.constantcontact.com/97af97e6001 /75f2f855-7d98-465c-9d63-30cc76f2d37c pdf
To download the application, visit https://mysanibel granicus com/boards/w/8462bb7f13e817f6/boards/ 48112
For more information, contact the City Clerk's Office at 239-472-3700
ABOVE:
The SanCap Chamber held a ribbon-cutting on June 28 for Captiva Curio Cottage on Sanibel
LEFT: A celebration on June 25 for the VCA Sanibel Animal Hospital on Sanibel marked the SanCap Chamber's 100th post-Hurricane Ian ribbon-cutting
SANCAP CHAMBER
Chamber ribbon-cuttings surpass 100 milestone
The SanCap Chamber hosted a celebration on June 25 for the return of the VCA Sanibel Animal Hospital on Sanibel and one on June 28 to welcome new Captiva Curio Cottage to the island
Occupying the former location of a Sanibel Captiva Community Bank branch in a historic island bungalow, Captiva Curio Cottage carries a range of products including all-natural beauty produces, holistic and metaphysical products, pet goods, educational and entertaining toys,
clothing and accessories, cards, books, coffees, teas and tinctures
The Suarez family opened and operates the shop and hopes to contribute to the island’s growth while providing a distinct retail destination for residents and visitors. The family moved to Sanibel two years ago after many visits See RIBBON-CUTTINGS, page 10
BIG ARTS awards annual arts scholarships
B
Scholarship recipients
This year, the program awarded a total of $25,000 to six local students, recognizing their outstanding dedication and artistic promise The recipients were recognized at the Annual Art Vibe on June 15 “ W
Executive Director Lee Ellen
From left, BIG ARTS Gallery Director Wilson McCray, 2024 scholarship recipients Cole Ellis, Sarah Conley, Evan Carville, Zachary Yoshida and Hazel Fitzpatrick, and Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder
BIG ARTS
Pfeifer Realty presents top producers for month
The Pfeifer Realty Group recently named its top producers for the month of June
Wendy Kirschner was the top volume sales consultant and top selling agent A Florida resident since 2009, she joined Pfeifer Realty in 2018 A Realtor, Kirschner holds the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist designation She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University and a master's degree from Arizona State University
Kerri Maw was the top listing agent A full-time, real estate professional and Realtor, she moved to Sanibel in 2 0 0 3
M
Specialist designation in 2017, and she has closed over $6 million in residential properties
For more information, call 239-472-0004 or visit www mysanibelrealestate com
The Pfeifer Realty Group is at 1630 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Scholarships
From page 8
Harder said “Their passion and talent inspire us, and we are excited to see how they will contribute to the arts in the future ”
This year's recipients are:
∫ Evan Carville, University of Central Florida, pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education
Interactive guide to open island businesses
The SanCap Chamber has a list available of businesses back in operation on Wander: Maps & Navigation The GPS-enabled interactive map also pinpoints beach accesses, bike parking areas and the user's relative location Points of interest can be filtered by seven categories Users can download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play They can also access the map online at tinyurl com/sancapwandermap
∫ Sarah Conley, Lynn Conservatory of Music, pursuing a Bachelor of Music
Music, pursuing a Bachelor of Music
Central Florida, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in music
Ribbon-cuttings
From page 8
“How refreshing and delightful to welcome a new retail shop on the islands,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said “Captiva Curio Cottage bolsters our reputation for unique, independently owned and small businesses in the best way possible ”
Since Hurricane Ian, the chamber has steadily hosted ribbon-cuttings to celebrate the comeback of community businesses and organizations. The animal hospital celebration marked its 100th one
“The convenience and comfort of having pet care facilities right on island once again takes a giant step
islanders and even visitors who bring their pets along on vacation,” Lai said “We welcome such a professional and state-of-the-art operation to our servicefocused community of businesses ”
Captiva Curio Cottage is at 1037 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
The VCA Sanibel Animal Hospital is at 1509 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
College, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts
∫ Zachary Yoshida, Art Institute of Chicago, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts
Since 1998, the scholarship program has supported high school and college students from Lee County in their pursuit of higher education in the visual and performing arts Each recipient exemplifies
the commitment to excellence and creativity that BIG ARTS aims to foster in the community. Applications for the 2025 scholarships will open on Jan 1 F
https://bigarts org/programs/scholarships2/ for information and details
Wendy Kirschner Kerri Maw
SANCAP CHAMBER
PRESERVING PARADISE
Kingston development files for federal permit
The proposed 10,000-home Kingston development project in eastern Lee County has filed for a federal Clean Water Act Section 404 permit, necessary for any wetland “dredge and fill” actions that will occur during the construction T
e S
reported it is the second time the project has had to apply for the permit, which was previously granted by the state before it was rejected by a federal judge in February due to the development’s impacts to the endangered Florida panther The decision now rests in the hands of the U S Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies
According to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Kingston development would:
∫ Destroy more than 3,330 acres of primary and secondary zone Florida panther habitat and fragment additional habitat
∫ Add than 10,000 homes and associated development next to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW)
∫ B e l o c a t e d w i t h i n t h e D e n s i t y Reduction/Groundwater Recharge (DR/GR) area of Lee, which should remain largely rural to safeguard drinking water supplies
∫ Add an estimate 95,000 additional vehicle trips per day onto surrounding roadways, when vehicle collisions are one of the panthers' top sources of mortality
“Fortunately, the federal permitting process allows for public input and greater scrutiny of the environmental impacts of the project,” SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis said.
To voice concerns and request a public hearing from federal decision makers, visit https://secure conservancy org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction &id=191
“ O u r p a r t n e r s a t t h e C o n s e r v a n c y h a v e b e e n embroiled in this issue and are seeing their hard work pay off as they continue to push back against this dangerous development in the Western Everglades,” he said
Public comments regarding the proposed work will be accepted until July 14
They should be submitted in writing to Attn: District Engineer, U S Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, 1520 Royal Palm Square, Suite 310, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation wildlife biologists are asking for the public's help in continuing to investigate the presence of pig frogs on Sanibel
The SCCF reported that the pig frog (Lithobates grylio) has been a popular topic of conversation over the last year First, it was suspected that it may have been lost due to Hurricane Ian's storm surge Then, two or three of the frogs were discovered during frog call surveys on the west end of Sanibel in the fall
That verification was followed by the lack of detection of pig frogs during frog call surveys in June, when every other species on the island was heard
“There is still concern about the continued existence of this species on Sanibel,” SCCF Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz said “We would really appreciate the help of islanders and visitors with keen ears to let us know if they hear them we want to know where they are, but we can’t be everywhere at once ”
How to identify its call
Many people who grew up or vacation on the island frequently during the rainy season consider the grunt of the pig frogs to be a staple sound of the summer months Their call or grunt is usually repeated two or three times, reminiscent of a pig, which is how it received its name. Many hear the sound and mistakenly think it is an American alligator
To hear a recording, visit https://sccf org/blog/2024 /06/26/have-you-heard-grunts-of-pig-frog/
If you hear the grunts of a pig frog, contact Lechowicz at clechowicz@sccf org to let him know the location If you are able to record the sound with a smartphone, email that to Lechowicz as well
Histor y of pig frogs on island
The SCCF reported that the history of the species on Sanibel is interesting, as it was not known to exist until 1952. Even though it is a native frog found throughout most of Florida, including Fort Myers, it was never documented on the island The pig frog is a true frog, meaning it is a resident of permanent freshwater bodies, which the island was lacking historically
Mosquito Control District in the 1950s to control the saltwater mosquito populations, the island was a relatively dry place over the winter months,” he said
Most years, very little freshwater remained in most areas as wildlife such as American alligators and various
Injured bald eagle admitted to CROW euthanized
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife reported that a bald eagle admitted on June 30 after being rescued in North Fort Myers had to be euthanized due to the severity and extent of its injuries
“A neurologic exam revealed the eagle was unable to move or feel its legs,” staff veterinarian Dr Robin B
swelling near the base of its spine
g wounds, on its wings and feet consistent with dragging itself across the road ”
The bird was anesthetized for Xrays, which confirmed spinal damage
“We took radiographs, and those images confirmed severe damage at the base of the spine near the pelvis,” she said “Unfortunately, this has
caused irreversible paralysis for this eagle
”
CROW reported that given the severity of the damage to its spinal cord and permanent paralysis, the eagle was not a candidate for placement as a captive bird in an educational zoological facility
“Given the extent of damage to the spinal cord, euthanasia was the only humane treatment option for this eagle,” Bast said “This case was reported to U S Fish and Wildlife Service in accordance with federal regulations ”
The eagle was suspected to be a male based on its body size and Xray images
“We are unable to specifically identify this eagle since it is not banded,” she said. “However, it was found several miles outside the typical territory of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam nest
” CROW reported that the U S Fish and Wildlife Service has instructed that the eagle's remains be sent to the National Eagle Repository as part of the Native American eagle feather program
If you find an animal in distress, contact CROW at 239-472-3644, ext. 222.
CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE
Islanders hunt pythons in Glades
In June, Sanibel residents Tom Uhler and Geoff Roepstorff spent time hunting i n v a s i v e B u r m e s e p y t h o n s i n t h e Everglades Uhler spotted both pythons that the team caught It marked the 10th catch for him while on about 15 hunts with Roepstorff A lifelong environmentalist, Roepstorff sought out ways to become a licensed python contractor for
Pig frogs
From page 12
aquatic turtles would congregate in the low muddy areas of the slough known as alligator holes to wait out the remainder of the dry season
D u r i n g e x t r e m e t r o p i c a l s t o r m s o r heavy rain events over the summer back then, excess freshwater would exit the island, naturally, in three main areas
“Following the alteration, or ditching, of the slough and the creation of the Tarpon Bay Weir, freshwater has been artificially held on the island to reduce the b r e e d i n g o f t h e s a l t w a t e r m o s q u i t o , ”
Lechowicz said “This benefitted many forms of wildlife such as alligators, freshwater turtles, freshwater game fish that w e r e r e l e a s e d i n 1 9 6 1 , f r e s h w a t e r m a c r o i n v e r t e b r a t e s , a n d e s p e c i a l l y p i g frogs ”
How pig frogs ended up on island
In 1952, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Manager Tommy Wood caught 49 pig frogs at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and released them on Sanibel at the Bailey Tract and Stewart Pond near the Chateau Sur Mer development
“From there, the pig frog established a c r o s s t h e i s l a n d , e s p e c i a l l y w i t h t h e increase of freshwater habitat across the island in the late 1950s,” he said “It has been considered a common frog species on Sanibel ever since.”
the South Florida Water Management District In time, he included his family and close friends in his work Burmese pythons are large constrictors that pose threats to native wildlife, such as marsh rabbits, deer, wading birds and even alligators They deprive native predators, such as panthers, raptors, alligators and bobcats, of their food sources
The SCCF noted that native wildlife, such as alligators and raptors, benefitted from having a larger aquatic prey source on the island Some residents back then also learned to catch and eat them with a technique called “gigging” as they are known as a great source for frog legs
Impacts of hurricane
The inundation of the freshwater bodies by saltwater from Ian wiped out pig frogs in many areas, among other species. Pig frogs do not have a high salt tolerance, especially the aquatic tadpoles that take a long time to metamorphize into f r o g s P r i o r t o t h e h u r r i c a n e , m a n y impounded lakes throughout the residential areas had large populations of the frogs and most, if not all of these, became too salty for amphibians and other forms of wildlife following the intense storm surge
“We were lucky enough to hear them on the far west end last fall, which is the oldest and highest part of the island that had the least number of effects of the storm,” Lechowicz said “We were surprised to not hear them during our survey earlier this month that occurred at the optimum time for frog breeding heavy rains after a long drought ”
The wildlife teams hope to document the call of the pig frog during surveys this summer
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Tom Uhler holds his 10th invasive, B u r m e s e p y t h o n c a t c h i n t h e Everglades.
Geoff Roepstorff holds one of pythons caught on a recent hunt with Tom Uhler.
Isl and lIvIng
SPD releases weekly blotter
As Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued on Tuesday that will include real time information about law enforcement response to criminal activity
Arrest repor ts
∫ Dixon Edgardo Vazquez Jr , 32, of 1749 Alison Drive, West Palm Beach, was charged on June 30 with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill
Other enforcement actions
∫ On June 27, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver was subsequently issued notice to appear for unlawful speed
Enforcement operations statistics
From June 25 to July 1:
∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 6
∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 20
∫ Traffic crashes: 4
∫ Radar details: 41
∫ Traffic stops: 38
Citations issued: 11
Written warnings issued: 1
Verbal warnings issued: 27
∫ Residential area checks: 375
∫ Business area checks: 231
∫ Total area checks: 1,073
∫ Reported burglaries: 0
∫ Reported thefts: 1
∫ Total CAD calls: 1,296
June 2024:
∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 37
∫ Non-emergency calls: 77
∫ Traffic crashes: 7
∫ Radar details: 187
∫ Traffic stops: 190
Citations issued: 54
Written warnings issued: 9
Verbal warnings issued: 137
∫ Residential area checks: 1,564
∫ Business area checks: 987
∫ Total area checks: 4,452
∫ Reported burglaries: 0
∫ Reported thefts: 2
∫ Total CAD calls: 5,426
Impor tant reminders
Roadside parking is not allowed on Sanibel and is enforceable with a $150 fine
When leaving Sanibel, motorists are encouraged to travel east on Periwinkle Way In order to minimize the number of vehicles driving through residential neighborhoods and increase traffic flow, priority is being given to vehicles eastbound on Periwinkle Motorists using Bailey Road southbound, Lindgren northbound and Periwinkle westbound may experience additional delays as traffic flows are adjusted for efficiency
The 2024 Annual Beach Parking Permits are available at the Sanibel Recreation Center and are valid from the date of purchase through Nov 30 The 2023 permits have expired and are no longer valid Information for the Sanibel Boat Ramp:
∫ Parking and boat launching fee is $40 per day.
page
Sanibel library offers range of programs and topics
The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children
W
Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders The next one will take place on July 16 at 2 p m with New York Times bestseller Max Brallier, author of “The Last Kids on Earth ” He will talk about the book series and the animated Netflix series Brallier will also share how he came up with the monsters and villains, as well as the ways that Jack and his friends figure out to defeat them.
He is the author of over 50 books, including the middle-grade series, “The Last Kids on Earth ” Under the pen name Jack Chabert, Brallier is the author of the “Eerie Elementary” series and the New York Times bestselling graphic novel “Poptropica: Mystery of the Map ” He has
, Adventure Time, Regular Show, Steven Universe and Uncle Grandpa Brallier has written for adults as well, including the pick-your-own-path series “Can YOU
on July 16
Survive the Zombie Apocalypse?” and an entry in the zombie anthology “Nights of the Living Dead ” A question-and-answer session with the author will follow
See LIBRARY, page 15
SPD issuing new hurricane re-entry passes
The city of Sanibel reported that the Sanibel Police Department is issuing the residential and commercial hurricane re-entry passes for 2024 Passes from prior years are now invalid
The residential (green) permit is for residents and property owners on Sanibel and Captiva They can be obtained with a valid ID with one's island address or a valid ID with another proof of residence, which are listed on the application To access
tent/download/32319/file/2024%20
Application%20Residential%20Pas s%20%283%29 pdf
The commercial (red) permit is for businesses with a physical loca-
Captiva They can be obtained with the required documentation that are listed on application To access the
tent/download/32320/file/2024%20
Applicaton%20Commercial%20Pas s pdf
along with the required documentat
com They can also be dropped off at the SPD at City Hall, at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel The permits may be picked up on
Monday through Friday from 8 a m to 4 p m at the SPD For more information, contact the SPD at 239-472-3111
CITY OF SANIBEL
SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk
with Max Brallier.
T o r e g i s t e r f o r t h e a u t h o r
https://libraryc org/sanlib/upcoming
Additionally, the library has the following programs scheduled:
Crafternoon will be held today, July 10, from 3 to 4:30 p m The project will be “Map Coasters and Luggage Tags ” Open to ages 3 and older, make a work of art A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance
On July 11, All Ages Creative Writing Program will take place from 1 to 2 p m All experience levels are welcome The program is open to any genre and writing form Prompts will be given to inspire participants' writing There will also be some time to discuss any current or potential projects.
Part of the Summer Reading Program, Become a Birding Expert in 30 Minutes will be held on July 11 from 3 to 3:30 p m Local birdwatching expert Ken Burgener will share insights with aspiring young birdwatchers His background includes serving as a park ranger, field trip leader for Audubon and Road Scholars, and leader of cruise ship-based birdwatching tours
On July 11, DIY Spa Workshop will take place from 5 to 7:30 p m as part of the Summer Reading Program Open to tweens and teens, participants will make all natural lip balm, soap and bath bombs, and salts to take home. Pizza, drinks and dessert will be provided.
Family Storytime for ages 5 and under be held on July 12 from 10:30 to 11 a m Sing, read, question and move around during the stories, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, motor skills and creativity The
Blotter
From page 14
∫ P a r k i n g a n d b o a t l a u n
n g o n weekends and holidays is with AC/BC permit only
∫ Commercial use is prohibited
∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $500
Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Become a Birding Expert in 30 Minutes will take place on July 11 at the Sanibel Public Library
program will include an art/craft center
On July 12, Family Film Friday will take place from 1 to 3 p m as part of the Summer Reading Program Get out of the summer sun and watch “Finding Dory.”
Baby & Toddler Storytime and Playdate will be held on July 16 from 10:30 to 11:30 a m Open to ages 3 and under, babies and their caregivers will take part in a short story time, sensory play, literacy activities and more
On July 16, Sanibel Firefighters Visit will take place from 3 to 4 p m as part of the Summer Reading Program
Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel com or use Tip411
Repor
ting suspicious activity
Anonymous tips regarding crimes or
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District will give a fire truck presentation in the parking lot
Part of the Summer Reading Program, Edison and Ford Estates Present the Phonograph will be held on July 17 from 11 to 11:45 a m Estates historians will share what they know about Thomas Edison's favorite invention, the phonograph
On July 17, Crafternoon will take place from 3 to 4:30 p m The project will be “Car Charms, Bracelets, and Key Chains ” Open to ages 3 and older, make a work of art A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance
For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at https://sanlib org/
Pick up an Adult Summer Bingo card and keep track of read books from now through Aug 31 Open to ages 16 and older, those who complete a Bingo on their card will be entered into a lottery for a chance to win a Book Bundle, which will include a library tote bag filled with themed books Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee
The Sanibel Public Library is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a m to 8 p m , Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a m to 5 p m and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit https://sanlib org/
The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:
∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411
∫ W e b t i p s c a n b e s u b m i t t e d a t https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert g roup id=22450
∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device The SPD's non-emergency line is 239472-3111 F i n d t h e S P D o n F a c e b o o k a t https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice
SANIBEL
SPORTS
Sit in on Insect Insanity on Saturdays at 2 p m at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
DDWS reports on refuge programming and more
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge provided the following updates for the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel:
∫ The refuge is offering Free Summer Programs from now through July 31
∫ P h o t o g r a p h e r - a r t i s t N i k i B u t c h e r ' s “Daydreaming” exhibition kickoff has been postponed until the late fall
∫ Wellness in Nature is planned for January
∫ Go Wild for “Ding” is set for Feb 12, with the theme “White Pelicans ”
∫ The “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival is tentatively scheduled for April 26 at Lakes Park in Fort Myers
∫ The 13th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament will take place on May 9
Rec center provides update on activities, events
The Sanibel Recreation Center reported on upcoming programs and activities
The fall trimester After School Program will take place on Aug 12 through Nov 1 Available to those in kindergarten through eighth grade, the program will run Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 5 p m Youth will participate in athletic games, arts and crafts, pool time, and other counselor-led activities The cost is $390 for members and $490 for non-members; the Financial Assistance program is available to qualifying families Registration will open on July 15
A Summer Youth Volleyball Clinic will be held from July 15-19 from 2 to 5 p m Open to children entering 68 grades in the fall Participants will learn skills like passing, setting, serving and other fundamentals. The cost is $32 for members and $40 for non-members
A Summer Youth Basketball Camp will take place on July 23, 25 and 30 and Aug 1, 6 and 8 from 4:30 to 6 p m Open to children entering 6-8 grades in the fall All skill levels are welcome Participants will learn the fundamentals of basketball and skills, such as dribbling, shooting, passing and defense The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members
New and current members can call 239-472-0345 or stop by the front desk for assistance with setting up their CivicRec account
A variety of memberships, passes and punch cards are available
Dunes to host family golf scramble
The center is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a m to 7 p m , Fridays from 7 a m to 5 p m and Saturdays from 8 a m to 5 p m T
https://secure rec1 com/FL/sanibel-fl/catalog
For questions, call 239-472-0345
The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel CITY
Sanibel FlyFishers to hold event
The Sanibel FlyFishers will hold a Fly Tying Night today, July 10, from 6 to 8 p m at Sanibel Fly Outfitters, at 2240 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Experienced tiers are asked to bring their vises, tools and materials; the club will provide equipment for those who do not have their own Pizza and drinks will be available The event is open to the public Those planning to attend are asked to contact Pete Squibb at P s q u i b b 6 1 @
https://www sanibelff org/
The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club will host a Parent Child Scramble on July 13 at 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel; tee times will start at 8 a.m. Open to all ages, it will feature nine- and 18-hold divisions Golf fee and entry is $10 per team, plus $28 for members and $50 for non-members; youths are free Lunch will be available afterward, but it is not included in cost For more information or to sign up, contact golfproshop@theinnsofsanibel com or 239-472-3355
Young campers lear n about mollusks
Sanibel Sea School's Sea Squirts (ages 4-6) discovered periwinkle snails nestled
Sanibel's shores during a recent summer camp The tiny snails, no bigger than a penny, thrive in the intertidal zone From beachcombing to snail races, the young explorers learned all about the mollusks Spots are available for the Island Skills camp on Aug 19-23; all others are on a waitlist For more information or to regis-
SANIBEL
Red snapper season open, snook season closed
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that the 2024 Gulf red snapper recreational season opened on June 1 and will continue through July 31
Those fishing from private recreational vessels or charter vessels are able to participate
If you plan to fish for red snapper in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida com
Find more on recreational snapper regulations at MyFWC com/Marine
Recreational snook
The recreational harvest of snook in the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor and Southwest management regions closed on May 1. It includes all state and inland waters, as well as adjacent federal waters within each management region
The recreational harvest of snook will reopen on Sept 1 in the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay regions and it will reopen on Oct 1 in the Charlotte Harbor and Southwest regions
Charlotte Harbor
∫ Open season: March 1 through April 30 and Oct 1 through Nov 30
∫ Closed season: Dec 1 through February and May 1 through Sept 30
∫ Bag limit: One fish per person per day
∫ Slot limit: 28-33 inches total length
∫ Boundaries: The northern coastal boundary is at 27°04 727’ north latitude, near the Venice Municipal Airport, and the region extends south to 26°15 227’ north latitude, near Vanderbilt Beach Road in Collier County Includes all inland waters of the area colored yellow on the map Includes all waters of the Caloosahatchee, Myakka and Peace rivers and their tributaries Does not include Lake Okeechobee
The FWC reported that the regions and regulations are part of its holistic management approach for Florida's most popular inshore fisheries Through this approach, seven metrics are used to evaluate the fishery by region, adding a holistic perspective to management decisions and allowing the FWC to be more responsive to regional concerns
For more information on recreational snook regulations, visit MyFWC com/Snook
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Charlotte Harbor map for the recreational harvest of snook.
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
The public can help to protect nesting sea turtle females and their hatchlings by keeping the beaches on Sanibel and Captiva clean, flat and dark
Leatherback
From page 1
It was the first nest on Sanibel from a leatherback in four years
Its hatching marked the beginning of a cascade of loggerhead nests that are hatching on Sanibel and Captiva During an inventory of the leatherback nest, SCCF biologists and permitted volunteers documented 113 eggs, including 40 emerged leatherback hatchlings
A s o f J u l y 2 , t h e t o t a l n e s t s a n d emerged hatchlings for the islands were:
∫ 646 loggerhead nests
∫ 243 emerged loggerhead hatchlings
∫ One leatherback nest
∫ 40 emerged leatherback hatchlings
The SCCF noted that total nest counts include nests that have already hatched or been lost
The public can help to protect nesting
females and hatchlings by keeping the beaches clean, flat and dark through the following measures:
∫ Turn off lights and flashlights on and near the beach after 9 p m Artificial lights disorient hatchlings and may deter nesting females
∫ Fill in holes, flatten sandcastles and remove beach furniture These can all create obstacles to both hatchlings and nesting sea turtles.
∫ Properly dispose of food and trash
To report issues with nests, hatchlings, sea turtles, or lighting or furniture compliance, contact the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663
For more ways to protect and care for sea turtles, visit https://sancaplifesavers org/
Governor ’s
o u t o t h o s e w h o s e n t m e s s a g e s t o t h e g o v e r n o r ' s o f f i c e i n s u p p o r t , e v e n t h o u g h t h e o u t c o m e i s t h o r o u g h l y d i s h e a r t e n i n g t o m a n y o f u s . T h i s l e g i s l a t i o n a i m e d t o e s t a b l i s h a n d e n f o r c e m o r e c o n s i s t e n t r e g u l a t i o n s t o s a f e g u a r d t h e h e a l t h , s a f e t y a n d w e l f a r e o f i n d i v i d u a l s u t i l i z i n g b e a c h w a t e r s a n d p u bl i c b a t h i n g a r e a s a f f e c t e d b y f e c a l c o n t a mi n a t i o n T h e b i l l p a s s e d u n a n i m o u s l y i n t h e
Hurricane Ian, which hit in September of 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 a storm-damaged property, adding that it is put back on once it is repaired “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 ”
According to the new valuations, the city's taxable value climbed about $46 02 million from $4.61 billion 1% to $4 66 billion Assessed value rose 1 07% to $4 99 billion, up $52 69 million from $4 93 billion Just value dropped 8 95%
F l o r i d a H o u s e a n d S e n a t e , w i t h v o t e s o f
4 0 - 0 i n t h e S e n a t e a n d 1 1 3 - 0 i n t h e H o u s e
T h e g o v e r n o r ' s l a s t - m i n u t e v e t o n e g a t e s t h r e e y e a r s o f p e r s i s t e n t e f f o r t a n d m u l t i p l e l e g i s l a t i v e s e s s i o n s d e d i c a t e d t o t h i s c a u s e , c h a m p i o n e d b y c l e a n w a t e r e x p e r t s T h i s i n c l u d e d a d v o c a c y w o r k b y t h e C a l u s a
W a t e r k e e p e r , W a t e r k e e p e r s F l o r i d a ,
S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n ,
S u r f r i d e r F l o r i d a a n d m a n y o t h e r o r g a n i z a -
t i o n s a n d l e g i s l a t i v e t e a m s
T h e C a l u s a W a t e r k e e p e r v i e w s t h e g o v -
e r n o r ' s d e c i s i o n a s a t r o u b l i n g i n s t a n c e o f
p r i o r i t i z i n g t o u r i s m r e v e n u e o v e r s c i e n t i f i c
e v i d e n c e a n d p u b l i c h e a l t h c o n c e r n s . A n d
s o i t w i l l r e m a i n a n o p e n q u e s t i o n o n w h y
l o c a l e l e c t e d o f f i c i a l s s h o u l d s u p e r s e d e t h e
to $5.96 billion, down $585.37 million from $6 54 billion
Also for Sanibel, taxable new construction increased from approximately $1 73 million to $19 34 million In addition, just new construction saw a climb from $1 73 million to $189 58 million County valuations, including Captiva, saw about a $15 43 billion jump in taxa b l e v a l u e f r o m $ 1 2 0 5 8 b i l l i o n 12 80% to $136 01 billion Assessed value increased 11 65% to $157 17 billion, up $16.40 billion from $140.76 billion Just value rose 5 86% to $215 97 billion, up $11 96 billion from $204 billion
a u t h o r i t y o f t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f
H e a l t h , t h e a g e n c y v e s t e d w i t h p r o t e c t i n g t h e h e a l t h o f a l l F l o r i d i a n s ?
R e s t a s s u r e d t h i s w i l l n o t b e t h e e n d o f t h e S a f e W a t e r w a y s A c t a n d t h i s e f f o r t T h e a d v o c a t e s a n d l e g i s l a t o r s i n v o l v e d w i l l b e p r e p a r e d t o t a k e o n t h i s i s s u e a g a i n i n t h e n e x t F l o r i d a l e g i s l a t i v e s e s s i o n
C a p t . C o d t y P i e r c e i s t h e C a l u s a W a t e r k e e p e r f o r t h e C a l u s a W a t e r k e e p e r T h e n o n p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n i s d e d i c a t e d t o t h e p r o t e c t i o n o f t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e R i v e r a n d E s t u a r y i n S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / c a l u s a w at e r k e e p e r o r g /
Also in the county, taxable new construction increased from approximately $2 86 billion to $4 48 billion Just new construction rose from $3 28 billion to $5 99 billion As for the preliminary taxable school value for Lee, it climbed $12 76 billion to $160 48 billion, up 8 64% from $147 72 billion
In addition, values for the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District and Captiva Island F i r e C o n
l D i s t r i c t , p l u s t h e U p p e r Captiva Fire District, increased year-overyear, according to the new valuations.
The Sanibel fire district experienced a 1% rise to about $4 66 billion, up $45 99 million from $4 61 billion The Captiva fire district saw a 10 53% increase to $1 52 billion, up $144 50 million from $1 37 billion Upper Captiva fire rose 8 88% to $323 33 million, up $26 36 million from $296 97 million
Workshop
“The release of the tax roll values starts the process that allows jurisdictions and other taxing authorities to hold public hearings and set proposed ad valorem tax rates that will apply to property in Lee County,” the property appraiser's office reported I
Property Taxes, or TRIM notices, will go out in mid-August
“If anyone has any questions about their property, feel free to contact us,” Caldwell said. “You don't have to wait until (you get your) TRIM notices ” T h e f i n a l f i g u r e s w i l l b e s e n t t o Tallahassee for approval
For more information or questions, c
6100
Meghan Bradbury contributed to this article
From page 1
with the planning team ∫ July 11-12: Open Design Studio from 10 a m to 3 p m
The community will have an opportun i t y t o r e v i e w b a s e m a p s , p r e c e d e n t imagery and “starter” design idea sketches and share feedback Drop in any time to see the work underway and talk with the planning team Community members can also drop in for discussions about the following focus areas: Town Center: July 11 at 12:30 p m Sanibel Island Golf Course: July 11 at 2 p m
Canal Seawalls: July 12 at 10 a m
Barge Landing: July 12 at 11 a m Citywide Connectivity: July 12 at 1 p m
sanibel
For questions about the workshop, contact EPA Region 4 Disaster Mitigation and Recovery Coordinator Drew Parker at parker william@epa gov
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
WWII and Korean War vets to be honored
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 commemoration continues this year now dubbed as “Saluting our Heroes '45 & '53” and organizers are seeking veterans to participate As the number of World War II veterans has steadily declined, organizers decided to include veterans of “America’s Forgotten War” fought between 1950-53
Event co-chairs 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 re-establishment of the Lee County Veterans Advisory Committee; and military supporter Kim Gaide
Organizers are hopeful that any Lee County WWII 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 me and called me ‘baby killer’ so that
American Legion
American Legion Post 123 reported that it is open on Fridays from 4 to 8 p m and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p m It serves burgers, hotdogs and other specials There are TVs available for sports The Post is open to the public Membership applications are also available For more information, call 239-579-0130 or visit American Legion Post 123 Sanibel Florida on Facebook Post 123 is at 4249 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
was my welcome home after a year in Vietnam.”
The Saluting Our Heroes event will be held on Aug 11 from 4:15 to 7:15 p m at the Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers The event is free for WWII 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 p m , followed by the veteran tribute and ceremony from 5:15 to 7:15 p m 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 to thank our veterans,” Zacovic said “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 presentation of National Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem; POW/MIA service (missing man table), wreath ceremony; WWII and 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 ”
“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,” Epkins added
Zacovic said for any military supporters who are not veterans in the community, the event is cannot-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
Business Notes
San Cap Community Bank promotes Brosy
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank announced the promotion of Carla Brosy to residential loan officer
She will be based in the Gateway Branch in Fort Myers
Carla Brosy
Brosy joined the bank in 2014 as a loan processor in the residential lending division In 2015, she was promoted to residential loan operations manager, responsible for leading and managing the bank’s residential mortgage processing and closing departments
She has more than 15 years of experience in the mortgage and banking industries
“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 the event possible, and organizers are seeking assistance to ensure the event can take place The “Sponsor-A-Vet” program will cover the cost of a veteran’s meal The sponsor’s name, or the name of a
eran, will be listed in the program
Reservations must be made by Aug 1 and tickets must be paid for by Aug 6
To make a reservation or for more information, contact Gaide at kimgaide@aol com or 239-209-6160 Once reservations have been made, a check or money order should be made payable to VFW District 13.
The Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club is at 10420 Washington Palm Way, Fort Myers
What is a false crawl from a sea turtle?
If you have ever walked the beach in the morning and discovered a set of sea turtle tracks in the sand, only to return later to find no nest area staked off or any trace of a sea turtle's presence at all, you may have encountered a non-nesting emergence, or “false crawl ”
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that a false crawl is when a female sea turtle comes ashore but does not lay eggs It is a common occurrence with hundreds to thousands of false crawls documented per season on the islands but the frequency at which false crawls occur varies from year to year
As of June 24, there had been 1,142 false crawls on Sanibel and Captiva In 2023, there were over 3,400 false crawls over the entire season, while in 2022, there were only about 1,000
“It’s not always understood why a sea turtle false crawls,” SCCF sea turtle biologist Jack Brzoza said “It can happen naturally, likely a result of the beach conditions, or be caused by some external disturbance, such as artificial lighting, human presence or some other physical disruption ”
ing problems, particularly for those with disabilities and chronic health c o n d i t i o n s , ” F I S H D i s a s t e r
Administrative Director Manuela Martinez said “We are committed to providing relief to those who need it and will be checking on our senior residents and families with young children to ensure they are staying cool and healthy ”
S h e n o t e d t h e N a t i o n a l
Some studies have looked at why turtles “choose” to lay their eggs in some areas over others, and it is possible false crawls may happen if certain cues are missing to signal a suitable nesting site, such as sand moisture content, slope, elevation or wave exposure
Types of false crawls
There can be several different types of false crawls, categorized by how much nesting effort the sea turtle displays A turtle might barely come up onto the beach before turning around, or she might begin the nesting process all the way up to digging a partial egg chamber before ultimately false crawling
“An egg chamber might have been abandoned on a false crawl because the turtle encountered thick roots, debris, loose dry sand that caves in or some other deterrent that inhibited digging However, sometimes, there’s nothing obvious the turtle encountered while digging that would cause her to abandon the nesting attempt,” he said “Generally speaking, when an adult female sea turtle comes onto the beach, there is a strong biological drive to lay eggs, so if
adults, people experiencing homelessness, people with pre-existing conditions, people with disabilities, indoor and outdoor workers, emer-
g e n c y r e s p o n d e r s , l o w - i n c o m e communities, pregnant people, athletes and more.
crawl, she will
within the next day or two.”
ally late afternoon ” F I S H reminded the community to never leave children, seniors or p e t s i n a p a r k e d v e h
e n briefly If someone shows signs of
Integrated Heat Health Information System's findings that the groups most at risk include children, older
medical help immediately For updates on the cooling station and additional safety tips, follow F I S H on social media F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t F I S H , visit https://www fishofsancap org/ F.I.S.H. From page 2
“We urge everyone to monitor temperatures and stay indoors in air-conditioned environments when it's particularly hot,” Martinez said “Stay hydrated, especially when outdoors, and avoid being outside during the peak heat of the day, usu-
ect, which has
since 2016, has supported this “ F
information that
vidual turtles, we have seen turtles false crawl multiple times before successfully nesting later that night or within a few nights later,” Brzoza said
The alligator uprising
Sanibel Island is a veritable paradise: miles of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a delightful array of wildlife But recently, there's been talk in the
a l l i g a t o r c o m m u n i t y
a b o u t p a c k i n g u p a n d leaving Yes, you heard that right the alligators of Sanibel are contemplating a move Why would these ancient reptiles con-
s i d e r a b a n d o n i n g t h e i r
s u n n y h a v e n ? H e r e a r e some of the reasons.
First and foremost, it’s
t h e t o u r i s t s I m a g i n e you’re an alligator, basking in the sun, when a family of four decides to get a little too close for c o m f o r t C l i c k , c l i c k , click cameras everywhere, and not a single paparazzo in sight These poor alligators have had enough of their private lives being turned into a public spectacle “I can’t even enjoy a quiet afternoon without someone trying to take a selfie with me,” grumbled one particularly irate gator “It’s like living in a zoo, but without the perks of regular feeding times ”
Then there's the issue of fashion Alligators are known for their sleek, timeless look, but Sanibel's residents have taken it to the next level Gator skin handbags, shoes, belts you name it, they’ve seen it It’s like living in a perpetual runway show, and frankly, it’s exhausting “Every time I see someone flaunting a pair of gator boots, I feel a little bit of my soul shrivel,” confessed a fashion-forward alligator “I mean, who wore it better? Clearly, me!”
The housing market on Sanibel has also become a hot topic With real estate prices skyrocketing, even alligators are feeling the pinch Gone are the days when they could simply carve out a cozy den by the water Now, it’s all about prime waterfront property, and the competition is fierce “I had a nice little nook picked out,” lamented one displaced gator, “but then a family of otters moved in and turned it into a timeshare What’s an alligator got to do to get some peace around here?”
And let's not forget about the food Sanibel's oncebountiful fish supply has dwindled, thanks to overfishing and an influx of new predators The alligators are tired of competing for their supper “It used to be you could snatch a fish with one snap,” said a frustrated gator “Now, I have to actually put in effort It's a nightmare!”
There’s also the question of climate change Rising sea levels and changing weather patterns have thrown the alligator community into disarray What used to be predictable seasons of wet and dry have turned into an unpredictable rollercoaster. “I can’t tell if I should be digging a deeper hole or investing in some floaties,” joked an alligator with a knack for gallows humor “One day it’s sweltering, the next it’s a monsoon Mother Nature needs to make up her mind!”
But perhaps the most compelling reason of all is the allure of urban life Word has spread among the alligator ranks about the perks of city living: Central Park, Florida's swanky retirement communities, and even the occasional stroll down a Miami beach “I hear they have these things called 'food trucks,'” said an alligator with a twinkle in his eye “Imagine, meals on wheels just rolling up to you. It’s like a dream!”
In the end, the alligators of Sanibel are facing the same dilemma many of us do: the search for a better life Whether it’s the tourists, the fashion faux pas, the competitive housing market, the dwindling food supply, the effects of climate change, or the siren call of city lights, these gators are seriously considering making a move
See UPRISING, page 25
Exhibition opens at shell museum
By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers
Aquarium on Sanibel recently unveiled a new exhibit
“The Search for Something Different: Photographs of
exhibition by photographer and conchologist Amy Tripp, opened on July 2 to the public
Co-curated by her and museum curator and Science Director Dr José H Leal, it presents some of Tripp's most surprising finds on the beaches of Southwest Florida from over 20 years of exploration From the ocean, to mud flats and oyster beds, her lens captures the science, beauty and interplay of mollusks at all stages of life, plus their surrounding ecosystems, in ways that educate and delight
“I started taking pictures of shells and other sea life I could not collect because they were alive The first time I saw the eyes of what could be called a face on a mollusk, I was hooked One of the great things is the search for something different,” Tripp said “Looking at all the images I took every day was the emphasis that compelled me to continue photographing mollusks ”
The museum reported that she has a unique curiosity, vision and gift for discovering moments of rarity and wonder in the sometimes-obscured world of the region's mollusks. As a photographer, Tripp captures the moments vividly, providing the viewer uncommon and compelling records of the biology, behavior and habitats of the animals that create some of the beloved seashells in the Gulf of Mexico
“The museum has been a long-time admirer of Amy's photographs, which are superb teaching instruments, as well as great pictures,” Executive Director Sam Ankerson said “Her work is well known to shell enthusiasts in Southwest Florida, and we're excited now to share it with a wider audience ”
According to an artist statement provided by Tripp:
“When my husband and I retired in December 1999 we became snowbirds spending fall and winter on Marco Island We towed a boat down to enjoy the 10,000 Islands beaches and wildlife The first winter we enjoyed exploring and picking up shells, but I wanted to know the names and wondered about all the other interesting things we found on the beaches
“I saw an article in the local paper about a shell club on the island and took some shells in to get identified and ended up joining the club and entering shell shows We
met so many interesting people, and the fellowship among the shelling community is great People want to share what they experience, and you learn and have so much fun ”
The exhibits is open during regular hours with paid admission
In addition, “Adorned by the Sea: Shells in Fashion” is currently on display at the museum.
From expensive purple dyes made with snails to conceptual catwalk fantasies made of razor clams and mussels, with works spanning centuries and including a variety of designers from unnamed indigenous artists to Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Gucci, the photography exhibition offers an overview of how humans have amplified our own image by borrowing from the wonders of marine life
“Throughout time and around the world, shells have been used to elevate and adorn From ancient cultures to contemporary runway couture, using shells as decorative motifs, carving them into ornamental shapes and even attaching them in their natural form has transformed ordinary textiles into extraordinary garments Shells have been used to represent value, nature and even faith,” the museum reported “'Adorned by the Sea: Shells in Fashion' examines the diverse uses of sea shells and mollusks to enhance our appearance and dress ”
The exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Cornelia T Bailey Foundation and a gift from Mark and Kathy Helge
For more information, visit https://www shellmuseum org/special-exhibitions
T h e B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l M u s e u m & Aquarium is at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
Art Stevens Shell Shocked
ALL PHOTOS BY AMY TRIPP
“Neosimnia uniplicata”
“Horse conch eggs”
Alliance for the Ar ts to host decades par ty
The Alliance for the Arts will present
t h e U l t i m a t e 8 0 s v s 9 0 s D a n c e & Karaoke Party on July 13 from 8 to 11 p m at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers DJ Joe Wisdom will spin tunes in the Main Gallery, with karaoke hosted by
D y i n g C a t s K a r a o k e i n t h e F o u l d s
Theatre An event highlight will be a per-
f o r m a n c e b y A i r G u i t a r W o r l d C h a m p i o n s h i p f i n a l i s t J o h n “ C r u s h e r ” Healy, who competed in Finland He will
Lee Health to offer
give a sneak peek performance of his latest routine and invite attendees to join in an air guitar band performance There will also be special surprises and themed activities All ages are welcome Attendees are encouraged to don their best retro attire Tickets are $12 for members and $15 for non-members For more information or t i c k e t s , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w a r t i n l e e o r g / e v e n t / 8 0 s - v s90s/
self-management programs
Lee Health's “It’s All About You” a self-management resource program with the SMRC is offering the following research-based programs for free to the community:
Chro ni c Pai n S e l f - Manag e me nt Program
Would you like to learn how to better manage chronic pain conditions such as a r t h r i t i s , f i b r o m y a l g i a , b a c k p a i n , headaches and more? Information presented in the program can help participants become empowered to improve their quality of life Learn how to more easily
Uprising
From page 24
So, if you happen to visit Sanibel I s l a n d a n d f i n d t h e w a t e r s s t r a n g e l y devoid of alligators, don’t be too surprised They might just be lounging poolside at a Miami resort, sipping on gatorade, and reminiscing about the good old days Or perhaps they’ve taken up resid e n c e i n C e n t r a l P a r k , e n j o y i n g t h e
manage medications; understand the benefits of exercise; manage symptoms of stress, pain and fatigue; and make smarter decisions related to health eating
The program will be offered virtually on Tuesdays starting on July 16 from 1:30 to 3:30 p m
Participants will meet weekly for six weeks
They will also receive a copy of the book “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain ”
For more information or to register, call 239-424-3121
anonymity that only New York City can provide One thing's for sure: wherever they go, they’ll be missed
Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander His tonguein-cheek humor is always offered with a smile
Shell Find Junonia found on Captiva
Hayden Hege, 17, of
around sunset on June 25 north of Blind Pass
that her son was snorkeling for shells about 10 feet out in the water, thought it was a cone stuck in some seaweed
junonia “We have been vacationing in Captiva for about 12 years as a family,” she said “We have yearly shell com-
points, but of course the junonia is a game winner!” Hege added that this year was special as Hayden is leaving for college in the fall and they are hoping that he will still join the family on future trips To report
PHOTO PROVIDED
ISL AND HOME islander
F.I.S.H. hosting annual drive for school supplies
F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva is holding its Back-to-School Supplies Drive for the 202425 year
The new school year for Lee County begins on Aug 12 and many families cannot afford essential items F I S H helps families in need with
clothing to begin the year
choices between rent versus utilities, food versus medi-
Administrative Director Manuela Martinez said “The cost of basic household essentials keeps rising, and families are prioritizing where they spend and what they spend on as it relates to back-to-school supplies and clothing ”
From now through July 22, the community can drop off basic supplies during normal business hours at the: Bank of the Islands, at 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors, at 2353 Periwinkle Way, Suite 201; and Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
The areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) is considered one of the most popular screening plants for privacy in residential and commercial landscape It is hard not to admire its soft finetextured fronds that are full and dense in appearance Even though the areca palm is commonly used for privacy, it is also utilized as a great accent or backdrop in the l a n d s c a p e T h e a r e c a palm is also known as the “butterfly palm ” It gets that name due to fact that its multiple stems curve upward creating a butterfly look
The areca palm is adaptable and grows in the sun or partial shade. It is considered a moderate growing palm that can reach up to 20 feet tall Therefore, it is important to make sure there is ample space for them to grow and in addition not to plant other plant varieties too close to them Areca palms are commonly maintained without much trimming in order to maintain a full to the ground look However, if planted as a specimen, they can be thinned out to expose and accent the multiple trunks
The areca palm is also sold as an indoor plant or for the pool area in pots Even though it can tolerate some shade, it will thrive when there is direct sunlight. In general, the areca palm used as an indoor plant is short lived and prefers to be planted outdoors Many homeowners will transplant their areca into their outdoor landscape in a suitable area to give it enough space to grow to its full potential
It is important to fertilize them at regular intervals to keep them at optimum health and to address any issues that can arise if not properly maintained Overall, the areca palm is reliable as a privacy buffer plant, as well as an accent palm, and continues to be a favorite choice among landscapers and gardeners
In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local g a r d e n c
, Sanibel For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden
Through July 31, items may also be dropped off from 10 a m to 3 p m at F I S H , at 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel It is also accepting monetary donations to ensure that enough supplies are available
sticks, pens, pencils, rulers and notebooks for grades K12 are requested
In addition, F I S H will provide socks, undergarments and gift cards for clothing and backpack purchases to qualifying households For more information, contact Merari Salinas at 239-472-4775 or merari@fishofsancap org
The 2023 drive assisted 217 students, and F I S H expects an increase in requests this year. Most of those seeking assistance cited reduced work hours or loss of employment, as well as unexpected financial hardships and the inability to “catch up” from the hurricane as the top reasons for financial struggle
“With cost-of-living increases and lingering hurricane recovery expenses, our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet,” Martinez said
Distribution to households that live or work on the islands with children in grades K-12 will take place from Aug 5-7 from at 11 a m 3 p m at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle, Sanibel
Additional financial assistance for specialized equipment, scientific calculators, SAT prep books, instruments, clothing and school uniforms may be available to those showing a financial need For more information, contact F I S H at 239-472-4775
City provides storm guidance for R/V, trailer owners
they have time to move their R/V or trailer off island prior to the arrival of storm winds, which make evacuating more difficult
If Sanibel is within the 72-hour or three-day hurricane landfall prediction cone, it is important to begin the process of evacuating as soon as possible Residents should ensure that
The city provided the following steps for evacuating a R/V or trailer:
∫ Electrical and water service must be turned off
∫ Sewer lines must be capped
∫ Move the R/V or trailer to a
safe location off island to protect your property and neighbors' property from damage
For more information or questions, contact Jacklyn L'Archevesque at the Planning Department at jacklyn larchevesque@mysanibel com or 239-472-4136, ext 2
SANIBEL CAPTIVA COMMUNITY BANK
From left, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer John Wright, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Elisha Baird and bank President and Chief Executive Officer Kyle DeCicco.
County
F.I.S.H. to hold distribution event
In partnership with the United W
S H of Sanibel-Captiva contin-
Hurricane Ian Point of Distribution (POD) program The next event will take place on July 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Walk-In Center, at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel The pro-
gram is available to Sanibel and Captiva residents and workers; recipients must show proof of residency or employment Bring a vehicle large enough for the items and some extra hands to lift them For more information, contact Disaster Administrative Director Manuela Martinez at 239472-4775 or manuela@fishofsancap org
PHOTO PROVIDED
Areca palm
Recipe of the Week: Mixed Greens Salad with EVOO Lemon Dressing
By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI
A refreshing salad filled with a variety of spring g r e e n s A r u g u l a , f r i s e e , m a c e ,
spinach and kale tossed in a light lemon dressing will be a burst of spring flavors It will be the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Serves eight. (Chef tip: Check the expiration date on olive oil before you buy it Remember that olive oil only lasts one year Store it in a dark cool place )
6 cups mixed baby greens, washed and dried
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
EVOO lemon dressing: 1/4 white balsamic vinegar
Loretta Paganini
CROW Calendar
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:
∫ Today, July 1 0
Program of the Week at 11 a m
The presentation will be the presenter’s choice
∫ Thursday, July 1 1
Program of the Week at 11 a m
The presentation will be “A Day In The Life ”
∫ Friday, July 1 2
Program of the Week at 11 a m
The presentation will be “If You Care, Leave it There ”
∫ Monday, July 1 5
Program of the Week at 11 a m
The presentation will be “A Day In The Life ”
∫ Tuesday, July 1 6
Program of the Week at 11 a m
Last week we commemorated another Fourth of
J u l y i n o u r n a t i o n A n d throughout the week, there were countless Americans,
h e r e i n F l o r i d a a n d
t h r o u g h o u t t h e n a t i o n , wearing T-shirts with one word in common on them:
F r e e d o m T - s h i r t s w i t h “freedom” on them were everywhere And of course there were Because at this particular time of year we
e s p e c i a l l y r e m e m b e r a n d celebrate living in a country in which we have so much freedom freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly
a n d s o m u c h m o r e . A l l great
The presentation will be “Wildlife Of Southwest Florida ”
∫ Wednesday, July 1 7
Program of the Week at 11 a m
The presentation will be “A Day In The Life ”
Admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, $7 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under
In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Mondays through F r i d a y s a f t e r t h e d a i l y p r e s e n t a t i o n
Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older. The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required To register, contact 239-4723644 ext 229 or reservations@crowclinic org
/ www crowclinic org/ or call 239-4723644
But where were the other T-shirts? The ones with a different word on them:
Responsibility
I wondered that during the days surrounding July 4th this year because it seems as if more and more Americans more and more confuse freedom with license believe that freedom means, or should mean, “no limits,” “no restrictions ” It’s an interpretation of freedom as being able to do whatever one wants, whenever, however and wherever one
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 lemon)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
To make dressing, combine garlic, ginger, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper and mustard in work bowl of food processor or blender
With the motor running, slowly pour in the oil in a steady stream Continue blending until you have an emulsified dressing Taste dressing and correct seasonings by adding more salt, pepper or lemon juice, as desired
Wash and trim greens and place on a large platter, toss with dressing and serve topped with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
Island Worship
∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands
2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer
Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m and via Zoom For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail com
∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea
11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea
Rev Dr Doug Dortch
Services will return for season in November Videos of services from the past season can be found on the chapel's website and Facebook page.
∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida P O Box 722, Sanibel, www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org
Shabbat service on Friday at 7:30 p m Torah Talk on Tuesday at 7:30 p m
There are also speakers, discussions and informal “schmoozes ” For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail com
∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch com/, https://www facebook com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne
Sunday service at 10 a m in the Sanctuary Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel
wants, with little to no concern for others' beliefs or well-being
B u t a s t h e e a r l y
C h r i s t i a n l e a d
well understood, that inter-
deeply flawed Writing to an early Christian church in the ancient Greek city of
C o r i n t h w h i c h w a
rounded by a culture that, as one historian described it, “had a reputation for license which was conside
n that time,” Paul makes it clear that confusing freed
nothing to benefit or build
community For Paul, freedom cannot be divorced from responsibility to others and to the common good
That flawed understanding of freedom, contrary to what we might think, also
m a k e s u s l e s s h a p p y a n d l e s s f r e e
Regarding the former, the renowned sociologist Emile Durkheim recognized 125 years ago that “When there are no restrictions, no responsibility toward others, people become more alienated and sad ”
And as for the latter, the contemporary Trappist monk and writer Erik Varden
∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www sanibelucc org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/
Senior Minister Rev Dr Mark Boyea
Sunday service at 10 a m in the Sanctuary
∫ Saint Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www saintisabel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Edward Martin
Friday Mass at 9 a m Saturday Vigil Mass at 5 p m Sunday Mass at 10 a m
∫ Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www saintmichaelssanibel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev William “Bill” Van Oss
Saturday service at 5 p m in the Sanctuary, with a social to follow Sunday service at 9:30 a m , with a coffee hour to follow; service is available via livestream and the link on the website
claims that “The unhindered pursuit of our inclinations is not freedom. It is enslavement ”
For Varden, when freedom is understood as having no limits, as requiring no responsibility to others and the common good, it eventually makes us captive to the t h i n g s w e i n s i s t o n h a v i n g w i t h o u t restraint, whether it's speech, sex, guns or our particular religious or political allegiances It makes us less free, as well as more open to the temptation to make others less free, more willing to take away others' freedoms and rights when they don't believe what we believe or live the way we live And sadly, that is far too often pro-
posed or carried out in the name of the God who we, in the Christian spiritual tradition, claim loves and values all of us equally
The Fourth of July has once again come and gone But the freedom we commemorate at this time of year is meant to be celebrated and cherished every time of year However, as Paul tells us, it must be freedom with responsibility, not absent it Otherwise, it's nothing more than license
As Paul grasped, we need to wear both T-shirts
The Rev Dr Mark Boyea is senior minister at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ
Cheeburger Cheeburger, 1975 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
MudBugs
Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
islandBEAT islander
Santiva Islanders Calendar
The Santiva Islanders will present the following:
Cardio & Strength
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength today, July 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members
Social Mahjong
Social Mahjong will be held on July 11 from 1 to 3:30 p m in the library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel C o s t i s $ 5 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t B e t h Funderburg at bfundy4648@gmail com
Coffee & Conversation
Coffee & Conversation will be held on July 12 from 9:30 a m to noon in the library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Volunteers will be available to answer ques-
The Community House Calendar
The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:
Shellcrafters
The Shellcrafters will meet on July 15 from 10 a m to 1 p m in the lobby A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a.m.; it is free and supplies range from $5-10 Items will be available for sale All sales benefit the operations of TCH
Shell Critter Kits are available for purchase in a variety of different options. Cost is $5 per kit with all of the supplies included, except for glue Order them in-person at TCH or call 239-472-2155
TCH office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a m to 1 p m
For more information, visit www sanibelcommun i t y h o u s e n e t o r c o n t a c t 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 2 1 5 5 o r info@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.
tions, register new members, sign up for activities and more
Cardio & Strength
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength on July 12 from 10 to 11 a m in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members
Sunday Brunch at Rosalita’s
Sunday Brunch on July 14 from noon to 1:30 p m at
Attendees will order and pay individually Reservations required by July 12 To reserve a spot, visit https://santivaislanders org/events/sunday-brunch For more information, contact Beth at 937-673-8494
Cardio & Strength
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength on July 15 from 10 to 11 a m in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members
Happy
Hour
Happy Hour will be held on July 15 from 4 to 6 p m at Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, at 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials Attendees will order and pay individually
Leisure Lunch
A Leisure Lunch will be held July 16 from noon to 1 p m at BRGR Kitchen & Bar at the Sanibel Island Beach Resort, at 1231 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel Attendees will order and pay individually For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Deborah Butler at deborahpbutler@comcast net
Cardio & Strength
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength on July 17 from 10 to 11 a m in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is
required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members
The Santiva Islanders serve all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age The cost is $25 for an annual membership The Island Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities
F o
islanders org/ or contact santivaislanders@gmail com
‘Blue
Staring Out At Me’
(Inspired by Pam Brodersen)
Blue Eye, staring out at me
Probing my thoughts and memory Whose blue eye could you be?
Blue Eye, blaring out to me
A Blues of unheard harmony, Calling in silent symphony
The inner eye we cannot see
Blue Eye, flaring out at me, Full of fire and jealousy, What sight too bright for me to see Is fused within your mystery?
Blue Eye, glaring out at me, Goddess of vision and prophecy, What daring truth can wake and free The blue adventure of your sea?
Blue Eye, staring out at me, Haunting my thoughts and memory Whose blue eye could you be?
The Mucky Duck, 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva
Rosalita's Cantina, 975 Rabbit Road, Sanibel
Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Eye,
Joe Pacheco Poetic License
Residents Reception in June at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel Residents, neighbors and friends were invited to gather to celebrate the strength and unity of the community “It was truly a memorable afternoon
The Magic
Ellen Lai, Sanibel Vice Mayor Mike Miller, the Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss, and Linda and Nick Linsmayer
SUE VAN OSS
owners
and
Tuttle’s
Community event suppor ts island businesses
Love Sanibel Businesses Back took place on June 25 at The Magic Bus Ice Cream & C
, EmOceans Coastal Wear, Lighthouse Surf Shop and Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant on Sanibel. Launched by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, the initiative offers a chance to support island businesses and services with mix and mingle events For more
where we came together to celebrate each other and the b o n
C H R Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale said “We are immensely grateful for the support and sense of togetherness that defines us as a community ”
MACC to present songs showcase
The Music & Arts Community Center will host “High Lonesome Sound: Songwriter Round” on July 11 at 7 p.m. at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. Led by local musician Claire Liparulo, it brings together an array of singer-songwriters, showcasing the rich tapestry of musical expression in the community This session will feature Jay Goodchild, Liparulo, Adriana McDonald and Thomas O'Brien Tickets are $25 For more information or tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/
DIANA TAYLOR
Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine
Elke
Amanda Podlasek with Linda and Jerry Davenport
DIANA TAYLOR
Seahorse Shell Shop owner Bob Tuttles.
