Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

Cape outlines actions to address algal blooms

B y C J H A D D A D

c j h a d d a d @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m

B l u e - g r e e n a l g a l b l o o m s c o n t i n u e t o p o p u p a r o u n d C a p e C o r a l a n d o t h e r p o c k e t s o f w a t e r a l o n g t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e R i v e r w i t h t h e c i t y t a ki n g s t e p s t o m o n i t o r a n d m i t i g a t e t h e o u tb r e a k

A c c o r d i n g t o 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 l g a l B l o o m D a s h b o a r d , 2 4 9 s a m p l e s w e r e c o l l e c t e d o v e r t h e p a s t 3 0 d a y s t o t e s t f o r

“We will continue monitoring affected areas across the city and hope to work with our state partners to treat areas a little bit closer to the river ” Kaitlyn Mullen, city spokesperson, who addressed city efforts at a press conference Thursday

b l o o m s P o s i t i v e t e s t s o v e r t h e l a s t w e e k w e r e p r e s e n t a t l o c a t i o n s f r o m M o o r e H a v e n a l o n g t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e d o w n t o

J a y c e e P a r k i n C a p e C o r a l D a t a f r o m t h e F D E P s h o w s s i x p o s it i v e t e s t s f o r a l g a l b l o o m s i n C a p e C o r a l

State nod received; application may advance to National Register

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

33-34

The Cape Coral Yacht Club is eligible to apply for registration as a nationally recognized historic site

Former Cape Coral City Council member Gloria Tate, who submitted an application packet to the Florida Department of State to begin the process of having the historic ballroom building placed on the National Register of Historic Places, told Council Wednesday that the application has cleared its first hurdle

She said she received a letter from Kyra Lucas

saying the state has determined the community center that dates back to the founding of the city is potentially eligible for listing in the national

See YACHT CLUB, page 6

Last month, City Council voted to move forward with the demolition of the Yacht Club despite pleas from the public The s t a t e h a s n o w s a i d t h e 6 1 - y e a r - o l d Ballroom building, built by the city’s d e v e l

/Valarie Harring

s i n c e J u n e 1 2 , w i t h m o r e i n t h e N o r t h

F o r t M y e r s a r e a , a n d e v e n m o r e i n t h e s u r r o u n d i n g a r e a I n t h e C a p e , p o s i t i v e t e s t s f o r b l u e - g r e e n a l g a e w e r e i d e n t i f i e d a t J a y c e e P a r k o n J u n e 2 6 , J u l y 6 a n d

1 3 ; a t C o r a l P o i n t e D r i v e o n J u l y 5 a n d 1 3 ; a c a n a l a t t h e e n d o f S o u t h e a s t 1 3 t h A v e n u e o n J u l y 5 ; R u b i c o n d C a n a l o n J u n e 2 8 ; a n d R i v e r s C o n d o o n J u n e 2 9 D O H o f f i c i a l s f r o m

See BLOOMS, page 12

Residents set up public meeting on Redfish Pointe development

Concerns expressed on mixeduse proposal near Rotary Park

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers

com

A grassroots public meeting to discuss a proposed development on what critics say i s C a p e C o r a l w e t l a n d s i s s l a t e d f o r Saturday morning at Rotary Park

The 350-acre site is called Redfish Pointe, and sits just east of Tarpon Point, boasting more than 4,500 linear frontage along the Caloosahatchee River

A Future Land Use text amendment, the “ R e d f i s h P o i n t e M i x e d U s e P r e s e r v e District” has been submitted to the city of Cape Coral Developers state the amendment would establish 110 22 acres for development and improvements, approximately one-third of the property, while continuing to preserve the remaining twothirds Plans for the development feature a 90 37-acre mixed use site to include 800 residential units, resort hotel, restaurants, retail shops, office space, parking garage, and possibly boat slips

The developer is ZZW Development, LLC

Other features would include a 20-footwide boardwalk and 120-spot public parking area, 75-foot-wide landscaping/natural

See REDFISH, page 22

city manager gets vote of confidence

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

Interim City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn received a double bid of support Wednesday, receiving kudos from community members and a vote of confidence from the Cape Coral City Council

The elected board voted unanimously to hold off starting a nationwide search for a new city manager, opting to see how Ilczyszyn handles the ongoing task of putting together the 2024 city budget

Mayor John Gunter added the item to the agenda to see if Council wanted to advertise the position and whether the city should solicit bids from search firms to start a hiring process

Councilmember Bill Steinke motioned to hold off on advertising the position as Council seemed satisfied in the job Ilczyszyn has done since he was appointed in the wake of Council’s vote to terminate its contract with former city manager Rob Hernandez without cause

Several residents stepped forward during citizens input to show their support for Ilczyszyn, who they said got the job done following Hurricane Ian and who knows the city well, having lived here his entire life

“You have a man with deep roots in the city The mistake the city has made is looking for people from c o m p a r a b l e l a r g e c i t i e s , ignoring they had no love f o r C a p e C o r a l , ” s a i d Kevin McGrail, a former city council member “He has the respect of the citizens, your employees, and deserves the respect of this Council He’s not going to call you racist and homophobic on his way out the door ”

There were at least two c o u n c i l m e m b e r s w h o wanted to see Ilczyszyn tapped now to fill the city’s top administrative post

Michael Ilczyszyn

Councilmember Patty Cummings said Ilczyszyn has been essential in teaching her the ropes regarding city government.

“He has educated me on items I was not familiar with He took time and explained it to me Anything needed by residents who contacted me, he was on it instantly,” Cummings said “Helping things happen that we promised on the campaign trail is huge ”

“He’s been here (as a city employee) for 20 years I don’t think he needs to prove himself anymore He has the

skillset needed for this city when it comes to building relationships,” Councilmember Dan Sheppard said

Councilmember Tom Hayden said he wanted to see how Ilczyszyn performs on a primary task at hand

“I want to see how he handles the most important thing we do and that’s to adopt a budget This will be a complicated budget If he validates that performance like he has through everything else, I will fully endorse him,” Hayden said

Council voted unanimously to not advertise for the position, for which Ilczyszyn was grateful

“I thank you for the recognition for my last four months of work and not moving forward with an advertisement I’m confident you will see at the end of this budget process that you will get the same thing over the next two months,” Ilczyszyn said “It won’t be the first budget I’ve prepared nor will it be my last ”

Ilczyszyn most recently served as the city’s Public Works director

He started his career with the city in 2002 as a Water Treatment Plant operator He also served as business manager within the Public Works Department before moving into the City Manager’s Office as the business manager for the city

According to his bio on the city website, he is a Mariner High School graduate with a Magna Cum Laude in Environmental Studies and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University

Ilczyszyn also is a Navy Veteran who served on the USS Yorktown

Residents unhappy with permit approval that allows

portion of Mast Canal to be filled

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Approval to fill the end of a Cape Coral canal to make way for a car wash has drawn ire from local residents

Tommy’s Car Wash, to be put in on the corner of Santa Barbara Boulevard and Kamal Parkway, is set to be built in front of the Mast Canal, where nearly 80 feet of the waterway will be filled to accommodate its construction

The Army Corps in February approved the permit, much to the dismay of residents who touted environmental protection and said there would be a negative impact on home values

Homeowners nearby were especially caught off guard, as the property was zoned as commercial/professional until 2011, when it was changed to commercial

The previous owners, RE/MAX, were to build an office at the location, but sold the site to Sundream, Inc that will now put in the car wash

Cary Richardson, who lives at in the 100 block of Southeast 28th Terrace, said he knew the property was zoned for commercial use when he purchased his home in October of 2021

“We pulled the permits from the city and it was zoned as a professional commercial property designation and was in the process of being sold to RE/MAX as a Realtor building with filling in 8 feet with a seawall and a boat dock to t a k e p r o s p e c t i v e b u y e r s d o w n t h r o u g h t h e c a n a l , ”

“We requested a new survey be done and the city and Army Corps refused Manatees are very active at this end of the Mast Canal and we have multiple videos of the mating and swimming with the babies after they give birth here and have submitted them to various agencies to no avail ”

neighbor Maggi Crouthamel, who questions the validity of an environmental study she says is more than 7 years old

Richardson said “Since we checked with both the city and listing agent, we bought our house ”

Three weeks later he was shocked when a reporter knocked on his door asking him about the car wash that was coming “ A b s o l u t e l y c a u g h t o f f g u a r d , ” R i c h a r d s o n s a i d “That’s when I, with multiple neighbors, started to dig into everything. I met with multiple council members. We conducted petitions against the car wash and brought our concerns to the city Every member was sympathetic and recognized that my property value would plummet, but the answer was the same, ‘We are so sorry, but there is nothing we can do ’ The recommendation from (council members) was to sell my boat and get a smaller one to a c c o m m o d a t e t h e c a r wash ”

The city approved the permit to fill in the 80-foot portion of the canal and sent it to the Army Corps of E n g i n e e r s f o r f i n a l approval, which was given on Feb 21

An environmental canal fill survey had been conducted in February of 2016 by W Dexter Bender & Associates

Another resident, Maggi Crouthamel, feels because the survey is more than 7 y e a r s o l d , i t s h o u l d n o longer be valid

MAST CANAL, page 26

a

CAPE CORAL BREE ZE

RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher

VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor

Loop the public in on Yacht Club P3 option

Flying beneath the radar is a gaining-traction proposal for the Cape Coral Yacht Club park that would replace the “park” aspect of the riverfront complex with privately operated commercial amenities

With demolition of the historic Yacht Club Ballroom, Tony Rotino Senior Center and other structures on track for as early as October, city officials are talking about a full-complex public-private partnership model among options to rebuild postIan

The concept has long had a toe-hold there, previously with a small food concession, now with the popular Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, which just reopened Monday City Council has publicly discussed offering space for an additional restaurant or two within the lease arrangement with the idea now running through City Hall channels to possibly enter into similar arrangements for other amenities, which include a multi-story pay-to-park parking garage and a new two-story “meeting venue” to replace the Ballroom community center and pool

Public-private partnerships, also called P3s, are neither atypical nor “bad ” The city, in fact, opted to enter into this type of contract for operation of Sun Splash Family Waterpark a few years ago The results have been positive so far, with the private operator providing upgrades at its expense

The Cape Coral Yacht Club which offered the city’s only waterfront beach, only community center, only public marina and, until Ian, only public pier, is a wholly different type of facility

It was designed and built by the developers who founded Cape Coral more than 60 years ago as the then-fledgling community’s first public amenity with free membership and open to all The public was the priority

The public-private partnership option under discussion for the Yacht Club would place the emphasis on the second P in the P3, offering “a destination” comparable to privately developed “destinations” such as Cape Harbour and Tarpon Point

The question is, do we, the residents, want this rare waterfront park site and its public-purpose amenities supplanted with land leases and public-access commercial venues?

If so, to what degree?

The answer?

We don’t know

And neither does city staff or City Council

While various options for a revised Yacht Club park have been the subject of sometimes passionate public debate, open discussion on a full P3 option for redevelopment has been lacking.

We urge Council to correct that

Get this on a Council workshop agenda ASAP

Breeze editorial

Agree? Disagree? Weigh in! Letters, guest opinions, comments welcome

The v i e w s e x pre s s e d o n the Opi ni o ns pag e s are jus t that o pi ni o ns The s e pag e s are i nte nde d to c o nv e y a rang e o f v i e w po i nts ; o pi ni o ns pri nte d o n thi s pag e do no t ne c e s s ari l y re f l e c t the v i e w s o f thi s ne w s pape r. Oppo s i ng v i e w s are w e l c o me . Le tte rs to the e di to r o r g ue s t c o l umns may be emai l e d to v harri ng @ bre e z e ne w s pape rs . c o m. A l l l e tte rs and g ue s t o pi ni o ns mus t be s i g ne d and mus t i nc l ude a pho ne numbe r f o r v e ri f i c ati o n purpo s e s Re ade rs are al s o i nv i te d to c o mme nt o n any l e tte r o r e d i t o ri a l o p i n i o n o n l i n e a t : c ape c o ral bre e z e . c o m.

Much for which to be thankful

As we closed out the 2022-2023 school year, there was so much to be thankful for We celebrated the graduating class of 2023 who earned millions of dollars in scholarships

Many have plans to attend colleges and universities, or join the work force or military

Not only our seniors, but our entire student population worked hard to succeed during this past school year.

Our students and staff persevered despite the struggles that resulted from Hurricane Ian Nearly 10 months later, recovery continues While most of our students are back at their home schools, Hector Cafferata Elementary is still working out of portable on Cape Coral Tech property until a new campus is built Fort Myers Beach Elementary students and staff will remain at San Carlos park until their campus renovations are completed this November

Debbie Jordan

Through the tragedy and recovery, we witnessed community members reaching out to one another extending a helping hand during the most trying of times. For the School District of Lee County, the education and safety of our students remains the top priority as we continue our own recovery and plan for the upcoming school year Our team at the District continues to work hard for all of our students and families and have learned to be flexible and adapt to the ever-changing world we live in I thank each and every one of our employ-

ees, from our food service workers, to bus drivers, teachers, support staff, and administrators

They each play an important role in the success of our students

The education work continues throughout the summer Right now, we have thousands of students involved in District-sponsored summer school, camps, and programs We offer a wide variety of educational opportunities in science, reading and math to encourage our students to stay active during the summer We also have a number of high schoolers currently participating in the Support our Students (SOS) program, which offers them exceptional learning opportunities, cultural arts, career enrichment activities, and work experience In addition, we continue to offer the Summer Break Spot program that offers free meals to anyone 18 years old and younger

As the upcoming school year approaches, make sure to seek opportunities to engage with your child’s school staff and programs. This is a great way to stay informed as well as support the education of your child The first day of school on Aug 10 will be here before you know it

Enjoy the rest of your summer break

Debbie Jordan represents District 4 on the Lee County School Board

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Disrespecting our countr y’s laws disrespects veterans who ser ved

To the editor:

It is truly a sad time in the United States of America when undocumented, illegal and those who fraudulently falsify documents for working in my country march and protest that their rights are being violated It is also truly sad that we have some American citizens symphonizing and supporting these unlawful acts of illegal immigration Unfortunately, those American citizens have no idea what sacrifices of No Greater Love were made by some of us and our forefathers to protect our nation’s freedom and laws

I was truly appalled in watching the local news when during this recent protest march a Mexican flag was waved and there were a shouts of Viva Mexico Law enforcement, local and federal, should have made arrests and started deportation procedures of those illegally in violation of our laws

I read the letters to the editor from many who condemn the laws and governor of Florida All I ask of your knowledge from divine intervention is to provide, along with your condemnations, a brief Bio of your personal sacrifice (not your father’s or relatives) in contributing to nation building and our freedoms Always remember, I have heard all the excuses of why you did or could not serve your country It is easy to present an opinion on pen and paper No Greater Love and Sacrifice means writing a check to the United States of America for up to including your life

How sad that this nation built on sacrifice and love has fallen prey to crime out of control and no accountability

May God Bless my America For those of us who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know

Jack Wagner Cape Coral

Do not repeal Climate Policy

To the editor:

The Climate policy must not be repealed, and House Republicans have passed a bill rolling back clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act as part of the debt ceiling debate While the proposal would be dead on arrival at the Senate, this is an important opportunity to push back on any plans to dilute or discard climate policy

We must get our House representatives by name and thank them or express disappointment with their vote on the bill Climate policy boosts the economy with the U S seeing $40 billion in clean energy investment There are more than 100,000 climate-friendly jobs in the first three

months after the IRA became law Applaud any local clean energy investments to make sure we have what it takes to fight for climate justice and better air quality for everyone to live on planet Earth

It’s fiscally irresponsible to roll back climate policy: In 2022, the U S endured 18 separate billion-dollar disasters and extreme weather events cost the U S $165 billion If lawmakers are genuinely worried about the national debt, they should keep the climate provisions of the IRA in place and take further climate action to mitigate the effects of global warming and improve the lives of their constituents We need to make change for the better of the world with more clean energy and allow more people to admire to places they live in after what’s happening with the wildfires and smoke coming from Canada to the U S We must reduce carbon emissions and help conserve more energy for all of us for the better of the world we live in Ashrith Varidhireddy Fort Myers

This week’s poll question:

Are you concerned about student test scores?

∫ Yes, the drop in the number of students on grade level in language arts and math is concerning

∫ Given the impact of COVID and Hurricane Ian on student learning, I think students are doing as well as can be expected I believe they can catch up

∫ No

Previous poll question

Does the city of Cape Coral’s vision for its waterfront match what you would like to see?

∫ Yes, I would like to see more amenities in the parks and any privately owned parcels appropriately developed, hopefully to include public spaces 22 5%

∫ I would like to see additional passive recreation amenities in the parks but say no to commercialization and no to any development in environmentally sensitive areas 59.8%

∫ No

17.65%

Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate Vote at capecoralbreeze com

Yacht Club park amenities remain closed

The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill reopened at the Cape Coral Yacht C l u b c o m p l e x o n D r i f t w o o d

P a r k w a y M o n d a y b u t a l l o t h e r amenities at the city park, including the beach, remain closed

Hurricane Ian, a near Category-5 h u r r i c a n e t h a t m a d e l a n d f a l l o n Cayo Costa on Sept. 28, damaged much of the park’s facilities including the pier (at left) which was a near total loss, as was the playg r o u n d a n d n e a r b y s t r u c t u r e s , including the restrooms (below), which were lifted and compromised out from below

Yacht Club: Former council member suggests relocating the building

From page 1

registry due to its architecture and is role in the community’s development

Applying for a potential Cape Coral Historic District that would encompass the area’s core buildings, businesses and residences was also recommended

Tate began her effort to have the Yacht Club Ballroom placed on the National Register after the city, citing damage from Hurricane Ian, moved forward with plans to have the building demolished Tate, and others, have maintained that is not necessary

A city of Cape Coral insurance claim puts hurricane-related damage to the city’s f i r s t c o m m u n i t y c e n t e r a t j u s t u n d e r

$25,000

The building, opened in 1962, incurred no storm surge into the structure, the Feb 8 claim document to the city from Florida Municipal Insurance Trust states Damage to the building came from rainwater that entered through windows broken by wind from Hurricane Ian There was also wind damage to metal roof facia and the roof edge of the club house; wind dam-

age to the wood fence that surrounds the outside air-conditioning units; gutter damage on the attached locker room building caused by a fallen tree and wind damage to the portico at the front of the building

The adjustment letter states that the main roof had incurred damage from an earlier storm and was already tarped over some portions and that support beams showed age-related stress cracks that may have been exacerbated by Ian but that damage was not determined to be permanent

The detailed evaluation report prepared by Maxwell ■ Hendry ■ Simons, a real estate appraisal and consulting firm, cites a number of deferred maintenance issues.

Those issues, based on an April 4, 2022 facility conditional assessment provided by the city, include water leakage, requires reroof; insufficient gutters and downspouts; the need to replace the electrical system, the plumbing distribution system, two HVAC units and the east hall ceiling It also states the exterior was not “not compliant with current hurricane standards ”

The city has since conceded that most of

the repairs needed are due to maintenance it failed to perform but said the cost of bringing the building up to current code requirements is still too expensive.

A second letter Tate received states that since the building is publicly owned, the city could move forward with the national application on its own It was strongly recommended, however, that city officials work with the community to gather support for the nomination

Whether these efforts can actually help prevent the ballroom’s demolition, possibly as early as October, remain to be seen:

L i s t i n g t h e b a l l r o o m o n t h e N a t i o n a l Register cannot force the city to preserve it or prevent its demolition.

Tate said the public is entitled to a cost accounting, at minium

“This is a public building owned by the people If the plan is to demolish the building, the public should know the cost of the project, how it will be paid for and what will be in its place,” Tate said

Tate recommended leaving the exterior walls of the ballroom and getting an engineer to reconfigure and reconstruct the

space, including a second story if desired

As an alternative, she suggested moving the building to Cultural Park so it could become part of an historic area that would honor those who financed and rebuilt the building

Last month, the city council voted 6-1 to seek bids to demolish the Yacht Club despite pleas from the public

The city could decide on a more “surgical approach” that would remove and preserve certain historic elements from the building before tearing it down but the cost would be much higher

Meanwhile, the city has been discussing options for a rebuild of the riverfront park on Driftwood Parkway that, in addition to the community center, included a senior center, a public pool, a beach area with pavilion and playground, a fishing pier, marina, boat ramp and tennis courts

Depending on the option selected, cost estimates have been as high as $100 million to include an upgrade two-story event venue, multi-story parking garage, wholly revamped marina, new seawalls and more

VALARIE HARRING

“No trespassing” and “beach closed” signs line Driftwood Parkway within the Cape Coral Yacht Club Parking is open and available for the Boathouse, which is open. The city is hoping to re-open the beach next month.

Author receives community award

from the city of Cape Coral

C a p e C o r a l C i t y C o u n c i l p r e s e n t e d a c o m m u n i t y r e c o g n i t i o n a w a r d t o A n t h o n y L o n g s t r e e t , a C a p e C o r a l H i g h S c h o o l g r a d u a t e w h o i s a N o 1 b e s t - s e l li n g a u t h o r .

H i s c h i l d r e n ’ s b o o k “ I ’ m P r o u d t o b e D i f f e r e n t , ” i s a b o u t a b o y w i t h a u t i s m , w h o l e a r n s t h a t e v e r y o n e i s d i f f e r e n t i n t h e i r o w n w a y

CHUCK BALLARO

Interim City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn with author Anthony Longstreet, who received a community recognition award at Wednesday’s Cape Coral City Council meeting for a children’s book he wrote about autism.

Lee student test scores drop again

FAST results show declines in number of students reading on-grade level

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Lee County students continue to lag behind in English Language Arts, according to recent data from the new Florida Assessment of Student Thinking FAST scores

ELA results demonstrate decreases in overall proficiency in six of the eight grade levels tested

FAST is administered to students three times a year, with the May 2023 scores providing an end-of-of-year summative assessment to measure student mastery of benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (BEST) Standards

There were both increases and decreases in ELA compared to 2022 results of the Florida Standard Assessment (FSA )

■ Grade 3: 6 points lower

■ Grade 4: 4 points higher

■ Grade 5: 2 points lower

■ Grade 6: 5 points lower

■ Grade 7: 2 points lower

■ Grade 8: 3 points lower

■ Grade 9: 4 points lower

■ Grade 10: 1 point higher

FAST replaces the one-test annual FSAs, which also measured whether students attained grade level proficiency

“This is raw data with first time test takers,” said School District of Lee County District spokesperson Rob Spicker “Every student took the test for the first time and some are in a better position that others ”

Two things have impacted student learning and so student progress, he said

“Then we spent two to three weeks as students returned focusing on students, family and staff's well-being with a reintroduction to learning Students came back to a very different structure and learning intensity There was a gradual reintroduction to the learning process after Hurricane Ian. We were back to where we should be (post COVID) then bam it all got interrupted. It’s not that we want to use it as an excuse. We know it had an impact.”

District teachers strive to help students meet benchmarks and that includes interventions for those lagging, including individualized small group instruction

Small groups provide an opportunity to go deeper and provide instruction on specific areas of instruction based on student progression

That group instruction, though, has been interrupted since Spring 2020 when the pandemic impacted schools, Spicker said, adding students had their learning foundations interrupted, which is impacting their learning now

“That foundation of learning was interrupted for a year and a half,” Spicker said, adding that impacted older students as well

With that said, last year, 2022-2023 school year, small group instruction recommenced, but was again interrupted when Hurricane Ian swept through the county

“Intense more focus is really how you improve student scores,” Spicker said

Students lost 17 days of instruction after Hurricane Ian

“Then we spent two to three weeks as stu-

dents returned focusing on students, family and staff's well-being with a reintroduction to learning Students came back to a very different structure and learning intensity There was a gradual reintroduction to the learning process after Hurricane Ian We were back to where we should be then bam it all got interrupted It’s not that we want to use it as an excuse,” Spicker said of the lost instruction, as the focus was on the well-being and getting back into learning, which was a new environment for many students with a different intensity “We know it had an impact ”

Spicker said the district will take the raw data that was provided with the FAST test scores and identify the areas of needs for students and then develop strategies to help the students make improvements

“Our goal is to look into the data, understand the trends and use that information to better instruct our students,” Spicker said

There were other challenges as well

Students who had lower scores may have had more substitute teachers, newer or less experienced teachers, or may have been out of school for a certain amount of time

“That is where we dive into the data, as we look to trends to identify areas of need and develop the individual strategies,” Spicker said

The district also has larger initiatives, districtwide to help ELA scores with such areas as virtual summer school reading programs, elementary students receiving free books for the summer and reading coaches dedicated to third grade students

There also were declines in student performance in other subject areas with a decrease of four points lower for both the Civics end-of-course exam, and U S History EOC

Spicker said in Civics, primarily seventh grade students take the test with some eighth graders as well Eighth graders performed low on some of the other areas and therefore brought Civics down

Again, the district will dive into the data and look at such trends as what the school situations may have been, and the home life of a student due to hurricane damage

There were also some highlights with the FAST scores, as the district saw significant growth in science proficiency

Spicker said the schools and district staff had a strong collaboration in making instructional efforts in science

“When you look at this year’s schools, the science standards were the same,” he said, adding there was a familiarity in standards to be taught “The standards were the same emphasis That really helped the results grow in a positive direction ”

See FAST, page 22

School District of Lee County District spokesperson Rob Spicker

Heat index pushing local temps into triple digits

B y C J H A D D A D

c j h a d d a d @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d i a n s a r e n o s t r a n g e r s t o t h e h e a t , e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e s u m m e r B u t r e c e n t s u s t a i n e d w e s t e r l y w i n d s h a v e f l i p p e d t h e h u m i d i t y s w i t c h , b r i n g i n g r e g u l a r “ r e a l f e e l ” t e m p s t o 1 0 0 - p l u s d e g r e e s H e a t i n d e x v a l u e s f o r L e e C o u n t y a n d C a p e C o r a l h a v e r e g u l a r l y c l o c k e d t r i p l e - d i g i t f i g u r e s , w i t h a 1 0 4 - d e g r e e m a r k f o r T h u r s d a y W h i l e a n i n d e x l e v e l o f 1 0 8 o r g r e a t e r w o u l d c a u s e a h e a t a d v i s o r y , t h e C a p e h a s , a n d w i l l c o n t i n u e t o t e e t e r t h a t l i n e i n t h e c o m i n g d a y s M e t e o r o l o g i s t w i t h t h e N a t i o n a l W e a t h e r S e r v i c e T a m p a B a y , P a u l C l o s e , s a i d m a x i m u m h e a t i n d e x l e v e l s a r e e x p e c t e d t o r e a c h 1 0 5 d e g r e e s d u r i n g t h e a f t e r n o o n o v e r t h e w e e k e n d T e m p e r a t u r e s o b s e r v e d a t t h e c l o s e s t o f f i c i a l o b s e r v a t i o n s i t e , P a g e F i e l d i n F o r t M y e r s , h a v e b e e n n e a r r e c o r d - h i g h s , b u t n o o f f i c i a l r e c o r d s h a v e b e e n l o g g e d “ H o w e v e r , o v e r t h e l a s t f e w w e e k s t h e r e h a v e b e e n s e v e r a l r e c o r d h i g h m i ni m u m s s e t o r t i e d , o r a n o t h e r w a y t o s a y i t i s t h a t t h e r e h a v e b e e n s e v e r a l d a y s t h a t s e t o r t i e d t h e h i g h e s t l o w t e m p e r at u r e f o r t h e d a t e , ” C l o s e s a i d , a d d i n g t h a t t o d a t e t h i s y e a r , F o r t M y e r s i s a v e r a g i n g

7 7 5 d e g r e e s , w h i c h i s t h e w a r m e s t d u ri n g t h e J a n 1 t o J u l y 1 3 t i m e f r a m e s i n c e

H e a t i n d e x v a l u e s f o r L e e C o u n t y a n d C a p e C o r a l h a v e r e g u l a r l y c l o c k e d t r i p l e - d i g i t f i g u r e s , w i t h a 1 0 4 - d e g r e e m a r k f o r T h u r s d a y. W h i l e a n i n d e x l e v e l o f 1 0 8 o r g r e a t e r w o u l d c a u s e a h e a t a d v i s o r y, t h e C a p e h a s , a n d w i l l c o n t i n u e t o t e e t e r t h a t l i n e i n t h e c o m i n g d a y s

r e c o r d s b e g a n i n 1 9 0 2 “ T h i s i s a h e a d o f 2 0 2 0 w h i c h w a s 7 6 3 d e g r e e s a n d 2 0 2 2 , w h i c h w a s 7 6 1 d e g r e e s d u r i n g t h i s s a m e t i m e f r a m e , ”

C l o s e s a i d S o , w h y i s i t s o m u g g y ? “ T h i s s u m m e r w e h a v e s e e n m a n y d a y s a b o v e n o r m a l a n d t h i s h a s b e e n a r e s u l t o f t h e a t y p i c a l w e s t e r l y f l o w , o r w i n d f r o m t h e w e s t , w e ’ v e h a d a c r o s s t h e r e g i o n , ” C l o s e s a i d “ T h i s i s n o t t o s a y t h a t w e d o n ’ t s e e w e s t e r l y f l o w d u r i n g t h e s e m o n t h s , j u s t t h a t i t u s u a l l y o n l y l a s t s a f e w d a y s a n d t h e n t h e m o r e t y p ic a l e a s t t o s o u t h e a s t f l o w r e t u r n s a l o n g w i t h t h e a f t e r n o o n a n d e v e n i n g t h u n d e rs t o r m s a l o n g t h e w e s t c o a s t s e a b r e e z e c o l l i s i o n T h e w e s t e r l y f l o w h a s t a k e n m u c h o f t h e s h o w e r s a n d t h u n d e r s t o r m s f u r t h e r e a s t t h i s s e a s o n t h u s a l l o w i n g f o r m o r e s u n s h i n e a n d t h e r e f o r e w a r m e r t e m p e r a t u r e s ” I t ’ s a p a t t e r n t h a t ’ s s e t t o c o n t i n u e ,

o n e t h a t r e a l l y i s n ’ t t o o f a r o u t o f t h e n o r m f o r t h i s t i m e o f y e a r “ I f w e s e e t h e w i n d s s h i f t t o a m o r e e a s t o r s o u t h e a s t d i r e c t i o n , w e s h o u l d s e e m o r e s h o w e r s a n d t h u n d e r s t o r m s r e t u r n a n d t h e r e f o r e t e m p e r a t u r e s b a c k c l o s e r t o n o r m a l , ” C l o s e s a i d “ T h e h e a t u s u a l l y l a s t s t h r o u g h S e p t e m b e r , a n d i n t o O c t o b e r s o m e y e a r s W e c a n g e t a d e c e n t r e p r i e v e f r o m t h e h e a t f o r a f e w d a y s d u r i n g O c t o b e r , b u t w e d o n ' t u s u a l l y s e e t h e c o o l e r d r i e r a i r r e a l l y s e t t l e i n t o t h e a r e a u n t i l N o v e m b e r ” D a t a f r o m t h e N W S s h o w s t h a t t h e a v e r a g e t e m p e r a t u r e f o r e a c h m o n t h t h u s f a r i n 2 0 2 3 i s a n a b o v e - a v e r a g e m o n t h , w i t h F e b r u a r y s h o w i n g t h e l a r g e s t j u m p w i t h a 6 3 - d e g r e e a v e r a g e i n c r e a s e , f o ll o w e d b y M a r c h w i t h a 5 - d e g r e e i n c r e a s e L a s t m o n t h , J u n e s a w a 1 3d e g r e e a v e r a g e i n c r e a s e , w i t h a t e m p e r at u r e o f 8 3 5 d e g r e e s C l o s e s a i d i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t o s t a y s a f e

i n t h i s k i n d o f h e a t “ H e a t i s o n e o f t h e l e a d i n g w e a t h e rr e l a t e d k i l l e r s i n t h e U S , r e s u l t i n g i n h u n d r e d s o f f a t a l i t i e s e a c h y e a r , ” h e s a i d “ D u r i n g e x t r e m e l y h o t a n d h u m i d w e a t he r , y o u r b o d y ' s a b i l i t y t o c o o l i t s e l f i s c h a l l e n g e d A b o d y h e a t i n g t o o r a p i d l y , o r l o s i n g t o o m u c h f l u i d o r s a l t t h r o u g h d e h y d r a t i o n o r s w e a t i n g , c o u l d r e s u l t i n d e a t h o r p e r m a n e n t d i s a b i l i t y E v e r y o n e c a n b e v u l n e r a b l e t o h e a t , b u t s o m e m o r e s o t h a n o t h e r s I n f a n t s , c h i l d r e n , t h e e l d e r l y , t h e c h r o n i c a l l y i l l , a n d p r e g n a n t p e o p l e a r e e s p e c i a l l y v u ln e r a b l e D e a t h c a n o c c u r i n a s l i t t l e a s 1 0 m i n u t e s E v e n m o d e r a t e h e a t c a n p o t e nt i a l l y b e d a n g e r o u s ” O t h e r h e a t s a f e t y t i p s i n c l u d e : ■ N e v e r l e a v e a n y o n e ( o r p e t s ) a l o n e i n a l o c k e d c a r , e v e n i n t h e w i n t e r ■ D u r i n g e x c e s s i v e h e a t , a v o i d h e a v y a c t i v i t y a n d d i r e c t s u n l i g h t ■ S t a y h y d r a t e d , f i n d a c o o l i n d o o r p l a c e , a n d c h e c k o n c h i l d r e n , t h e e l d e r l y , a n d p e t s ■ P r o t e c t y o u r s e l f o u t s i d e b y w e a ri n g l i g h t , l o o s e - f i t t i n g c l o t h e s , s t a y i n g h y d r a t e d , a n d s p e n d i n g t i m e i n t h e s h a d e C u r r e n t o u t l o o k s s h o w C a p e C o r a l w i t h a h i g h t e m p e r a t u r e o f 9 3 d e g r e e s ( n o t i n c l u d i n g h e a t i n d e x ) t h r o u g h M o n d a y , w i t h t h e b e s t c h a n c e o f s h o w e r s c o m i n g S a t u r d a y

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v i s i t e d 3 1 s i t e s a n d c o l l e c t e d 2 9 s a mp l e s , w i t h a l g a l b l o o m c o n d i t i o n s o b s e r v e d b y s a m p l e r s a t 2 0 o f t h e s i t e s O f f i c i a l s s a i d s a t e l l i t e i m a g e r y o f L a k e O k e e c h o b e e f r o m J u l y 6 s h o w s “ l o w t o h i g h ” b l o o m p o t e n t i a l o n r o u g h l y 2 5 % o f t h e l a k e O f f i c i a l s a d d e d t h a t i m a g e r y o f t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e a n d S t L u c i e e s t ua r i e s s h o w s “ n o b l o o m p o t e n t i a l o n v i s ib l e p o r t i o n s o f e i t h e r e s t u a r y h o w e v e r , t h e r e w e r e n u m e r o u s h a r m f u l a l g a l b l o o m ( H A B ) r e p o r t s f r o m 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 r e s i d e n t i a l c a n a l s i n C a p e C o r a l a n d F o r t ( M y e r s ) a r e a t h i s p a s t w e e k ” C i t y s p o k e s p e r s o n K a i t l y n M u l l e n a d d r e s s e d b l u e - g r e e n a l g a l b l o o m s a t a p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e T h u r s d a y , s t a t i n g t h e c i t y r e g u l a r l y m o n i t o r s f o r t h e p r e s e n c e o f h a r m f u l a l g a e a n d p o t e n t i a l t o x i n s w i t h i n t h e c i t y ’ s w a t e r w a y s u s i n g a p r iv a t e c o n t r a c t o r , a s w e l l a s i n f o r m a t i o n f r o m c o u n t y a n d s t a t e p a r t n e r s M u l l e n s a i d s t a r t i n g W e d n e s d a y a t t h e R u b i c o n d C a n a l , c r e w s w e r e “ t r e a t i n g t h e a r e a ” S h e s a i d a s o f T h u r s d a y , n e a r l y 7 0 a c r e s o f c a n a l s w e r e t r e a t e d u s i n g a n “ e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y f r i e n d l y h y d r o g e n p e ro x i d e - b a s e d a l g a e c i d e ” M u l l e n a d d e d t e s t s w e r e d o n e b e f o r e a n d a f t e r t r e a tm e n t t o s e e h o w e f f e c t i v e t h e y w e r e , w i t h r e s u l t s e x p e c t e d i n t h e c o m i n g w e e k s “ W e w i l l c o n t i n u e m o n i t o r i n g a f f e c te d a r e a s a c r o s s t h e c i t y a n d h o p e t o w o r k w i t h o u r s t a t e p a r t n e r s t o t r e a t a r e a s a l i tt l e b i t c l o s e r t o t h e r i v e r , ” M u l l e n s a i d 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 E n v i r o n m e n t a l P o l i c y D i r e c t o r M a t t D e P a o l i s s a i d t h e r e s h o u l d b e c a u s e f o r c o n c e r n w i t h a l g a l b l o o m s

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s h o w i n g u p i n w a t e r w a y s a l o n g C a l o o s a h a t c h e e , e s p e c i a l l y d u e t o t h e f a c t r e l e a s e s f r o m L a k e O k e e c h o b e e h a v e n ’ t b e e n a r e g u l a r o c c u r r e n c e . T h a t i s a l l s e t t o c h a n g e , t h o u g h , a s r e l e a s e s d i d s t a r t o n W e d n e s d a y “ I t ’ s r e a l l y i m p o r t a n t t o u n d e r s t a n d

t h a t w e h a v e n ’ t b e e n g e t t i n g l a k e r e l e a s e y e t , f o r t h e m o s t p a r t , ” D e P a o l i s s a i d

“ ( T h e r e l e a s e W e d n e s d a y ) w e r e s o m e o f t h e f i r s t t h a t w e ’ v e s e e n S o a l l t h i s a l g a e i n t h e c a n a l s a n d m o r e d o w n - s t e a m l o c k s o n t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e , a r e a l l f r o m o u r o w n b a s i n r u n o f f “ W h a t w e ’ r e s e e i n g i s t h a t t h i s i s o n l y g o i n g t o b e c o m p o u n d e d w h e n t h o s e r e l e a s e s e v e n t u a l l y s t a r t ” A s o f J u l y 1 2 , t h e w a t e r l e v e l a t L a k e O k e e c h o b e e w a s p u s h i n g 1 5 - f e e t , s i t t i n g a t 1 4 8 8 “ T h a t ’ s m o r e t h a n a f o o t h i g h e r t h a n w h e r e i t w a s a t t h i s t i m e l a s t y e a r , ” D e P a o l i s s a i d “ W h e n w e ’ r e t a l k i n g t h i s e a r l y i n t h e r a i n y s e a s o n w e h a v e n ’ t h a d a n y s i g n i f i c a n t s t o r m s w e ’ r e t a l ki n g a b o u t a n E l N i n o t h a t h a s t h e p o t e nt i a l t o m a k e o u r d r y s e a s o n r e a l l y w e t T h e l a k e i s a l r e a d y a t t h i s e l e v a t e d l a k e s t a g e . I t ’ s n o t r e a l l y a m a t t e r o f i f t h e l a k e r e l e a s e s s t a r t , i t ’ s w h e n “ W e ’ r e n o w h e r e n e a r t o t h e d a m a g i n g b l o w s w e w o u l d e x p e c t t o s e e o n c e t h e A r m y C o r p s ( r e l e a s e s ) t o f l o o d c o n t r o l ” A s t o h o w t h e s e b l o o m s s t a r t e d w i t ho u t r e l e a s e s f r o m L a k e O k e e c h o b e e , D e P a o l i s s a i d i t ’ s a c o m p o u n d i s s u e F r o m f e r t i l i z e r f r o m h o m e o w n e r s a n d a g r i c u l t u r e , t o s e p t i c s y s t e m s , t o w a t e ri n g y o u r l a w n a n d w a s h i n g y o u r c a r F e r t i l i z e r b a n s f o r p r o d u c t s c o n t a i n i n g p h o s p h o r u s a n d n i t r o g e n a r e i n e f f e c t t h r o u g h o u t t h e c o u n t y t h a t s t a r t e d J u n e 1 a n d e n d s S e p t 3 0

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E v e n r e c l a i m e d w a t e r u s e d f o r i r r i g a -

t h e s e n u t r i e n t s a n d s t o p t h e s e b l o o m s b e f o r e t h e y e v e n s t a r t ” D e P a o l i s s a i d b e i n g v o c a l t o e l e c t e d l e a d e r s , w r i t i n g l e t t e r s , a n d p u t t i n g t o g e t h e r a u n i t e d f r o n t w i l l b e k e y t o t h e f u t u r e o f w a t e r q u a l i t y i n t h e S u n s h i n e S t a t e “ I t h i n k w e ’ r e i n a g r e a t p o s i t i o n r i g h t n o w w h e r e w e h a v e t h e c o n s c i o u s n e s s i n t h e c o m m u n i t y t h a t t h i s i s a n i s s u e , ” h e s a i d “ W e h a v e p e o p l e t h a t a r e s e e i n g a n d l i v i n g t h i s e v e r y d a y w i t h b l o o m s p o p p i n g u p A n d w e h a v e a h u g e p o t o f m o n e y t h a t h a s b e e n g i v e n t o t h i s c o u n t y p o s t H u r r i c a n e I a n i n t h e n a m e o f m a ki n g t h e c o u n t y m o r e r e s i l i e n t . A n d I t h i n k w a t e r q u a l i t y i s i n t e g r a l l y t i e d t o t h e r e s i l i e n c e o f o u r c o u n t y ” A c c o r d i n g t o 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 , b l u e - g r e e n a l g a e , o r c y a n o b a c t e r i a , o c c u r s f r e q u e n tl y i n F l o r i d a ’ s f r e s h w a t e r e n v i r o n m e n t s “ B l u e - g r e e n a l g a e a r e m i c r o o r g a ni s m s t h a t f u n c t i o n l i k e p l a n t s i n t h a t t h e y u s e l i g h t e n e r g y f r o m t h e s u n a n d n u t r ie n t s a c q u i r e d f r o m t h e e n v i r o n m e n t t o h e l p t h e m g r o w , ” D E P o f f i c i a l s s t a t e B l o o m s o c c u r w h e n r a p i d g r o w t h o f a l g a e r e s u l t s i n a n a c c u m u l a t i o n o f i n d iv i d u a l c e l l s t h a t d i s c o l o r w a t e r , c a n p r od u c e f l o a t i n g m a t s t h a t g i v e o f f u n p l e a sa n t o d o r s , a n d m a y n e g a t i v e l y i m p a c t a q u a t i c l i f e a n d t h e e c o s y s t e m S o m e e n v i r o n m e n t a l f a c t o r s t h a t c o nt r i b u t e t o b l u e - g r e e n a l g a e b l o o m s a r e “ s u n n y d a y s , w a r m w a t e r t e m p e r a t u r e s , s t i l l w a t e r c o n d i t i o n s a n d a p l e n t i f u l s u pp l y o f n u t r i e n t s ” O f f i c i a l s s t a t e t h a t r e d u c i n g t h e s u pp l y o f n u t r i e n t s , n i t r o g e n a n d p h o s p h o r u s i n p a r t i c u l a r , c a n h e l p d e c r e a s e t h e i n t e npage 1

t i o n h a s a h i g h n u t r i e n t l e v e l , D e P a o l i s s a i d “ T h e r e ’ s a m i l l i o n t h i n g s t h a t c o mp o u n d t h i s i s s u e , ” h e s a i d “ B u t a l s o , i t ’ s u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h a t w e n e e d t o e n g a g e a n d h o l d o u r l e a d e r s a c c o u n t a b l e t o m a k e t h e c h a n g e s n e c e s s a r y t o s t o p t h e s e p r o bl e m s I t ’ s n o t g o i n g t o b e a m a t t e r o f e n o u g h p e o p l e s w i t c h i n g t h e i r g a r d e n t o n a t i v e p l a n t s t o m a k e t h i s p r o b l e m g o a w a y W e n e e d l a r g e , o r c h e s t r a t e d e f f o r t s a n d m e s s a g e o f a t t a c k b y o u r l e a d e r s t o f o c u s o n t h i s p r o b l e m T h e r e ’ s n o o n e y o u c a n t a l k t o i n F l o r i d a w h o w i l l s a y , ‘ w a t e r q u a l i t y i s n o t a n i s s u e ’ E v e r y o n e u n d e r s t a n d s t h a t w a t e r q u a l i t y i s v e r y i m p o r t a n t t o o u r e c o n o m y , o u r e c o l o g y , a n d o u r w a y o f l i f e , e s p e c i a l l y i n c o a s t a l F l o r i d a A l l o f S o u t h F l o r i d a n e e d s g o o d , c l e a n w a t e r t o p r o t e c t h o w w e l i v e ” W h e n i t c o m e s t o t r e a t m e n t o f t h e w a t e r , D e P a o l i s s a i d h y d r o g e n p e r o x i d eb a s e d p r o d u c t s o n l y d e a l w i t h h o w t h e w a t e r l o o k s , n o t n e c e s s a r i l y r e m o v i n g t o x i n s t h e y c a r r y “ T h e t r e a t m e n t f o r t h e b l o o m i s n ’ t n e c e s s a r i l y t r e a t m e n t f o r t h e t o x i n , ” h e s a i d “ T h a t t o x i n i s s t i l l i n t h e e c o s y s t e m , y o u j u s t h a v e d e a d a l g a e n o w t h a t i s r e l e a s i n g t h a t t o x i n W e d o n ’ t e v e n f u l l y u n d e r s t a n d t h e o u t c o m e s o f d o i n g s o m e o f t h e s e a c t i o n s T h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t t h i n g w e c a n d o i s s o u r c e c o n t r o l f o r

See BLOOMS, page 21

Local students receive scholarships from Valerie’s House

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Six students received scholarships this year from Valerie’s House, a nonprofit that helps children grieve their loss of a loved one

This is the second year the organization has provided scholarships, which range from $1,000 to $2,500 per year for four years So far, Valerie’s House has awarded $ 5 4 , 0 0 0 i n c o l l e g e s c h o l a r s h i p s T h e scholarship can be used for classes, materials, or anything the student needs during the school year

“We are hoping to be able to do this every year,” Valerie’s House founder and CEO Angela Melvin said “We try to give a scholarship in some shape and form to every Valerie’s House senior going off to college and trade school There were six that were graduating this year and had plans already ”

Students who were chosen this year wrote an essay about their personal grief story and how their loss shaped them into the person they are today, as well as the person they want to become

“For the seniors that had made the decision that they are moving onto college, or secondary education, we provided at the very minimum $1,000 The goal is $2,500 for each student," Melvin said.

■ Jason Bishop graduated from Bishop Verot High School and plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University

Locals receive degrees at University of Tampa's May 2023 commencement

TAMPA -- The University of Tampa hosted a commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 6, to honor the 1,525 degree-seeking candidates at the university's 156th commencement

The event was attended by the students, their family members and friends, UT faculty and staff members, and the general public

Students from Cape Coral receiving their degrees included:

■ Hunter Zanni, graduated with a bachelor of science in cybersecurity

■ Matthew St John, graduated with a bachelor of science in marketing

■ Nicholas Mullaney, graduated with a bachelor of science in marine science-biology

■ Samantha Diaz, graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology

The University of Tampa is a private, comprehensive university located on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa

The university has about 200 programs of study and serves approximately 11,000 students from 50 states and most of the world's countries

Back to School Rush set for July 22

The School District of Lee County is welcoming all new students to the Back to School Rush Saturday, July 22 The event is an opportunity for new students to either complete their enrollment or receive required medical screenings

Free physicals will be provided by local doctors on a first-come, first-serve basis

The Florida Department of Health will also

■ Jacob Jordan graduated from North Fort Myers High School and plans to attend FGCU

■ Bailey Spotz graduated from Cape Coral High School and plans to attend FGCU

■ Kaitlyn McCormack, graduated from Barron Collier High School and plans to attend Florida SouthWestern State College

■ Sam Mejia graduated from Lorenzo Walker Technical High School and plans to attend FGCU

■ Kendall Sulmasy graduated from The Village School in Naples and is as yet undecided as to which college to attend

For those seniors who were indecisive of what to do next, they can apply the following year when they make their decision

The students are asked to check in each college semester to share a challenge, and s o m e t h i n g t h e y w o r k e d t h r o u g h w i t h Valerie’s House, as well as something great they might have accomplished

A loss, Melvin said, does not mean dreams have to be eliminated She said they do not just focus on today and the healing, but how they can take what has happened and go on and live a fulfilling life, which the scholarship represents

“We don’t want financial struggles to be a barrier,” Melvin said “They can still achieve those dreams ”

They are proud of the recipients for how far they have come and Melvin said when she provides the scholarships there are lots

of hugs and tears shed

“I often walk with these kids for years seeing them in dark moments To see them graduate, smile and see hope for the future is an honor to be a part of and help in a small way,” she said

The impact of what happens to the family when someone passes away is a catastrophic loss it impacts everything and certainly can contribute to a financial hardship that may not have been there before

“The economic impact of grief is front and center with many families,” Melvin said

She said the children do see success for themselves, as they see hope for the future

field,” Melvin said, adding that they can live for the person who died, or go on to help others “The grief and loss of a person w i l l f o r e v e r i m p a c t t h e m a n d c h a n g e them ”

On Jan 11, 2016, Valerie’s House first opened its doors to 20 children and their caregivers in a small Downtown Fort Myers home Since that first evening, Valerie’s House has helped more than 2,000 children and expanded to three locations including Naples and Punta Gorda

The 1762 Fowler Street home provides a safe, comfortable space for children and their families to heal together following the death of someone they love

Before the age of 25, one in seven Florida children are predicted to lose a parent, or sibling, according to the 2021 C h i l d h o o d B e r e a v e m e n t E s t i m a t i o n Model

For more information, or to donate, visit www valerieshouse org

Melvin said they are looking for supporters, donors and philanthropists who believe in scholarships and want to provide children with the opportunity to go on without having to take out student loans She said she would be happy to talk to individuals about starting a scholarship to honor someone

For more information email Melvin at angela@valerieshouse com

be on site to provide Tdap vaccines for incoming 7th graders

The Back to School Rush is from 9 a m until 1 p m , July 22, in the Lee County Public Education Center at 2855 Colonial Blvd in Fort Myers Families in attendance can also learn more about Lee Virtual School class offerings and employment opportunities with the School District

University of Tampa honors dean's list

students for the Spring 2023

TAMPA -- The University of Tampa has honored 2,007 students who were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2023 semester Students must maintain a GPA of 3 75 or higher to be eligible for the dean's list

The following students from Cape Coral were named to the dean's list:

■ Josiah Meza, a sophomore majoring in economics BS; and Casey Perna, a sophomore majoring in allied health BS

The University of Tampa is a private, comprehensive university located on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa Known for academic excellence, personal attention and real-world experience in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the university has about 200 programs of study and serves approximately 11,000 students from 50 states and around the world

For more about the university, visit https://www ut edu/

Student from

School

of Rock Fort Myers earns 'AllStar' recognition, to participate in nationwide tour

Tommy Firriolo, a student from School of Rock Fort Myers, has been selected to perform in the School of Rock AllStars

“They are able to imagine themselves beyond the painful moment We see a lot of c h i l

i n g i n t o t h e m e n t a l h e a l t h

EDUCATION NOTES

music program tour in 2023 From July 21 through Aug 6, the tour will feature School of Rocks' most elite musicians, allowing audiences the opportunity to witness the next generation of musical stars as they perform on various stages across the country

The AllStars represent the highest level of achievement for School of Rock students Fewer than 1% are chosen each year from over 62,000 School of Rock Performance Program students Students will have an authentic touring experience, including traveling on a tour bus, doing tour publicity, and starring in nightly performances at famous venues and festivals during a two-week tour

The tour serves a dual purpose, aiming not only to provide students with a musical and educational experience they’ll never forget, but also to raise awareness for mental health. School of Rock has partnered with the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide to promote healthy practices on the road as a touring musician A portion of the ticket sales and donations collected during the tour will support SPTS, an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma around discussing suicide and empowering teens, parents and educators with the skills needed to help youth in crisis

For additional information on the School of Rock Fort Myers, please visit https://www.schoolofrock.com/locations/fo rtmyers Access the full tour schedule by visiting the official AllStars Events page at h t t p s : / / w w w s c h o o l o f r o c k c o m / a l l s t a r sevents-2023

School of Rock Fort Myers opened in March 2020 and helps aspiring musicians master skills, unleash creativity, and develop tools they need to thrive in life School of Rock Fort Myers offers a wide variety of

music lessons, including guitar lessons, singing lessons and piano lessons to students as young as 3 and has an adult program as well The company also sells musical instruments and music gear through its GearSelect program

24th Annual Big Backpack Event July 30 at the Skatium

As families continue to rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Ian, many are in need of assistance in providing their children with the necessary supplies to begin the school year For the 24th consecutive year the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida will be there to help at the annual BIG Backpack Event on Sunday, July 30, from 11 a m to 2 p m , at the Fort Myers Skatium at 2250 Broadway To make it easier for families, the first 2,000 students ages 5 to 12 will receive new backpacks, school supplies and groceries as they drivethru curbside

Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson has been named the 2023 Honorary Event Chair Leonardo Garcia, the founder of the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida, will serve as event Co-Chair alongside Yadiris Perez-Luna

More than 200 volunteers are needed to stuff backpacks and grocery bags on Saturday, July 29, from 2-6 p m , and the day of the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers are asked to sign up online

The event is made possible thanks to the generosity of corporate and individual sponsors and donations Neal Communities has once again stepped up to be the presenting sponsor

For more information about the event, sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, visit www multicultural-centre org or email info@multicultural-centre org

We e k ly B R E E Z E R e c ap

Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill at Yacht Club reopens

By VALARIE HARRING vharring@breezenewspapers com

For Blaise Adams and David Barden, the reopening of the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill meant two things: some long-awaited breakfast favorites and the return of a weekday tradition

Seated at a table on the deck overlooking the river where the Cape Coral Yacht Club pier previously dominated the waterfront, the two chatted with server Kayla Sallee, just one of the attentive crew who looked as happy as customers heralding the restaurant's return following months of repairs in the wake of Hurricane Ian

Adams ordered French toast, “as always ” Barden had the breakfast burrito

“I just posted to Instagram,” Adams said when asked what he ordered Tuesday morning, the day after the grand reopening this week “I put, ‘286 days we waited for breakfast ’ We come here every Tuesday ”

“We love it,” Barden said

Cathy Zellers, a regular who has a family member among the returning staff, was also enjoying some breakfast as well as the unobstructed view offered at seats along the rail

“It's gorgeous,” she said of the effort to restore the open-air eatery, once featured on the Travel Channel's “Food Paradise,” to its pre-storm glory

She gazed out to where the pier, built by the city's founders, stood for more than 60 years before storm surge from Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc along the Cape's Gold Coast, flooding homes and scattering boats from docks and the Yacht Club's marina slips like so many kiddy tub toys

“It's beautiful, but it's sad to look at that,” Zellers said of the pier pilings and wreckage breaking the surface of the Caloosahatchee “They did an awesome job fixing this up ”

Monday's reopening was the best “first day” of which he's ever been a part, said Boathouse General Manger Jay Collins, who added it took a lot of effort to get there

Not only were there extensive repairs to be made to the building and restaurant's sandy bit of beachfront, but a team to

rebuild among returning and new staff members as well as some menu tweaks

Perhaps the greatest challenge, though, may have been the location as the Yacht Club complex, with the exception of the leased restaurant site and some parking, remains closed

Collins thanked the city for its efforts in helping get the business get back open

“I'd classify it as a great success,” Collins said of the months-long effort to repair and re-open in the wake of the Sept 28 Category 5 hurricane “A few bumps

Marching for Haiti

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the world There is hunger, little employment, guns being smuggled into the country and corruption by the government, making for an unsafe environment

On Sunday, more than 1,000 HaitianAmericans marched from City of Palms Park to Centennial Park in Fort Myers to bring awareness to their people’s plight and to demand the U S government do what it can to help

Similar marches were held in all 50 states and in France, Haiti and Canada Around 200,000 people were expected to attend the various events

Beatrice Jacquet-Castor, who helped organize the local event, said they were marching for freedom and asking the U S to get control of the situation in Haiti

“We need them to take the guns out of Haiti and stop them from getting into the country and seize the people responsible for Haiti's problems,” Jacquet-Castor said

There were three main issues for which the event sought to raise awareness: To urge the U S Senate to pass the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act (S 396), where the State Department will list the people who are the bad actors, to

continue the humanitarian parole program that allows Haitian nationals and people from other countries to come to the country legally, and for freedom

“There will be hundreds of people from all over the area and we want to bring awareness that we can make a difference in the 2024 presidential elections,” Jacquet-Castor said

Her daughter Abigail Castor, 15, felt the need to support Haiti even as she has lived her entire life stateside

“I feel sad when I see what’s happening in Haiti and I want to help them as much as I can,” Castor said “I think it will bring awareness to organizations and wake up the community about what’s going on ”

There was chanting and demands that action be taken, as people waved cardboard signs asking for help, flew the Haitian flag and sang the county’s anthem

Vilboeeur Byssainthe said he wanted to ask the governments from around the world to stand with Haiti

“We need people to support Haiti for all it has gone through The people of Haiti worldwide are united as one and we need support for the Haitian movement so we can get some relief,” Byssainthe said

“I want everyone to come out and support us, and I appreciate Pastor Gregory Toussaint for being a strong leader in the Haiti community and having us all come together from around the country to make this movement for change,” said Vilbruna Byssainthe

At Centennial Park, Dr Phil Phillips, regional coordinator for the International March for the Relief of Haiti, told the

along the way, but we did good.”

He was asked how much the effort cost

“A lot,” he said “It's a big number, a lot of zeros ”

The city is looking at a big number as well, as officials have deemed the rest of the historic complex too costly to repair

On June 14 the elected board voted 6-1 in favor of a resolution that states “Due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian to existing facilities at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, the City will be demolishing all existing structures and site features onsite.”

Council authorized $263,000 for additional design services for the "deconstructive preservation of the buildings" as well as for replacement design for the fuel tanks that service the marina and boaters that use park facilities

According to the city website, "deconstructive preservation" means "the city plans to proceed with plans to deconstruct the Yacht Club Ball Room building while saving elements for reuse in the new facilities "

Demolition is expected to begin in October

Meanwhile, the still-closed Yacht Club Beach has a planned re-opening date of Aug 31, pending state and federal permitting The existing restrooms, two pavilions and the playground will be removed

The public boat ramp, the marina and all other Yacht Club Community Park amenities will remain closed

The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill is at 5819 Driftwood Parkway

Visit theboathouseusa.com for hours, menu and more information

for island nation

crowd in English and Haitian, that they are hard-working people who have been marginalized by some

“We are great people We are not lazy We are not beggars We are not poor We were made poor when the French stole our riches We are here today to demand a different attitude towards us,” Phillips said, who alternated languages throughout his speech “We are here to say enough is enough ”

Phillips said the community showed what kind of force it has, especially with the 2024 elections a year away

“Haiti has been struggling for years and we realize we have to stand up for the change in relief that’s needed,” Phillips said “We’ll know who voted for it or against it Our voices will be heard in the voting booth, so listen to us ”

On the way back home, people were saying they were happy to have their voices heard

Jeanette Osselin said hey were asking for justice and safety for Haiti

“They are bringing guns into Haiti, and we ask for that to stop We are the first black country that has freedom, we want people to understand that,” Osselin said “We are good people We work hard, go to school and do the right things ”

Rallies held in Fort Myers, across the U.S., around the world seeking aid

VALARIE HARRING

CHUCK BALLARO

Dr. Phil Phillips, regional coordinator for the International March for the Relief of Haiti, speaks to the crowd during the march.

REAL ESTATE

Home buyer concerned about FIRPTA taxes

Dear Mr. Feichthaler:

I plan to purchase a home that is owned by a foreign seller I have read a little about FIRPTA taxes on the seller, and I wasn’t sure if I should have concerns Should I?

Nicholas A

Cape’s first half luxury condo sales fall compared to 2022

Dear Nicholas:

Great care should be e x e r c i s e d i n w o r k i n g w i t h f o r e i g n s e l l e r s

Although the standard contract does address this issue, it is not done with enough detail to protect buyers FIRPTA stands for “Foreign I n v e s t - m e n t i n R e a l P r o p e r t y T a x A c t ” This is not a separate tax, rather a withholdi n g a g a i n s t p o t e n t i a l t a x e s o w n e d b y t h e seller Generally, 15% of the sales price must be withheld by the law firm or title company handing the title transaction, and sent to the IRS

Eric P. Feichthaler Real Estate Law

The IRS also offers sellers a mechanism to reduce or eliminate withholding through an application for a withholding certificate The idea is that the seller shows the IRS that little or no tax will be actually due, so the IRS states that no funds need to be sent Historically, the title company would hold the funds and send them either to the IRS or seller, within 90 days Ninety days was the IRS deadline

However, in the past three years 90 days is but a mere memory Take your pick of excuses (COVID, lack of funding to IRS, etc ), but the IRS now routinely takes over a year to address these requests Logically, this should not impact you as the buyer, since you don’t owe the tax, right?

Well, the answer is a resounding NO As buyer, YOU are legally obligated to ensure the timely and correct payment of FIRPTA withholding to the IRS This is why, at this time, I recommend that buyers require in the contracts that the withheld funds SHALL be sent to the IRS within 5 days of the closing transaction date, and that all costs of FIRPTA be borne by the seller It is also very important to confirm the law firm or title agent has a strong background in collecting and remitting FIRPTA funds. If mishandled, you could be re-sponsible for interest, penalties and possibly the entire withholding itself That amount could easily be $100,000 or more!

As buyer, it is vital you protect yourself That starts with the contract, and making sure the home is everything you believe it is By addressing these issues at the outset, you will be much more likely to have a smooth, worry-free transaction with no surprises later Care should be taken with any real estate purchase, but especially those involving foreign sellers

Eric P Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D C , he

See FIRPTA, page 17

This week we will examine the perf o r m a n c e o f t h e C a p e C o r a l l u x u r y condo market for the first half of 2023 in our mid-year salute to Robin Leach, the late great host of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous ” For the record, we define the Cape’s luxury condo market as units selling for $500,000 and above, and based on the slowdown in the number of closed sales in this segment in the first half of this year, there is a little bit less in the way of champagne wishes and caviar dreams being spread around However, this is not overly surprising given that one year ago we were coming out of a red hot real estate market as the Federal Reserve was launching its war on inflation by jacking up interest rates The impact from Hurricane Ian also affected our prime saltwater canal and riverfront locations at the heart of our luxury condo market

Bob and Geri Quinn Homing In

Despite the negative influences from the actions of the Federal Reserve and the impacts from Ian on our real estate market in general, we would say our luxury condo market has been knocked down, but not completely out as it searches for its new equilibrium

In the first half of 2023, there were a total of 31 closed sales for luxury condominiums priced at $500,000 and above in Cape Coral, including 5 sales ranging from $1 55 million to $2 million There was a sharp drop-off to the sixth highest sale, which was at $830,000 Of note is the fact that the most recent million dollar-plus condo sale in the Cape closed on March 24 of this year at $1 7 million, with the highest-priced closed condo sale since then in the first 6 months of this year coming in at $740,000 on April 6

Several other interesting points from the first half of this year were that the five highest-priced sales were all higher than the highest-priced condo sale in the first half of last year, which was for $1 5 million, while the median sales price in our luxury condo market was down 5 8% to $600,000 this year versus $637,000 last year

Looking back at the numbers in the first half of last year, there were 42 closed luxury condo sales in Cape Coral at $500,000 and above, including 9 sales from $1 million to $1 5 million Three of these million dollar-plus sales occurred in the first quarter of 2022, and six sales in this price range were posted in the second quarter of last year To help illustrate how much our market has changed

since the first half of last year, the highest priced condo sale in 2022 was listed for sale at $1 25 million on March 9, and it went under contract with the buyer two days later on March 11 The cash sale of this unit, located in Tarpon Landings, closed on May 20, 2022, at $1 5 million, which was $250,000 or 20% above the list price

By comparison, as mentioned above, the most recent million dollar-plus condo sale in the first half of this year closed on March 24 It actually went on the market as a new listing for $2 195 million back on Nov 4, 2022, and following two price reductions it went under contract with a buyer as a pending sale at $1 795 million on Feb 21 of this year This cash sale ended up closing for $1 7 million, which was $495,000 or 22 6% less than the initial list price What a difference a year makes!

Shifting back to our current market conditions, as of Tuesday, July 11, there were 282 condos in the Cape listed for sale in the MLS at prices ranging from $150,000 to $3 9 million The median list price was $325,000 and there were 58 luxury condos on the market at $500,000 and above, including 14 units priced above $1 million About one year ago on June 28, 2022, there were only 118 active condo listings in the Cape through a Realtor, with the median list price at $299,900 At that time, there were 11 condos listed at $500,000 and above, including only 2 units priced above $1 million

We currently have a total of 50 condos under contract with buyers as pending sales in the Cape at prices ranging from $169,000 to $749,000 The current median pending sales price for condos is $279,900 and there are only 3 units pending at $500,000 and above About one year ago on June 28, 2022, there were 80 condos in the Cape in the pending sales pipeline at prices ranging from $169,700 to $2 2 million, including 12 condos that were pending at $500,000 and above, with two of those units under contract above $1 million

In summary, the total number of closed luxury condo sales in Cape Coral during the first half of this year came in 26 2% lower than a year ago, and the number of million dollar-plus condo sales is down by 44 4% versus last year, with the million dollar-plus market segment currently in a

See LUXURY CONDO SALES, page 17

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

SVN Commercial Par tners adds to staff

John Albion, a former Lee County commissioner from 1992 to 2006 and industry veteran, recently joined the Fort Myers office of SVN Commercial Partners to partner with his wife, Lauri Albion

h a s e d b y B e s t S u p p l y P r o p e r t i e s L L C B e s t S u p p l y i s a l e a d i n g s u pp l i e r o f c o m m e r c i a l a n d r e s i d e n t i a l i n t e r i o r b u i l d i n g p r o d u c t s T h i s w i l l b e t h e i r 1 5 t h l o c a t i o n i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , a n d t h e i r f i r s t i n S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a

C h a s e M a y h u g h , S I O R , C C I M a n d J u s t i n A n k n e y ,

C C I M o f M a y h u g h C o m m e r c i a l A d v i s o r s h a n d l e d t h e t r a n s a c t i o n

M a y h u g h C o m m e r c i a l A d v i s o r s a n d i t s t e a m o f c o mm e r c i a l r e a l e s t a t e p r o f e s s i o n a l s s p e c i a l i z e i n b r o k e r a g e a n d c o n s u l t i n g , p r o p e r t y a c q u i s i t i o n , p r o p e r t y d i s p o s it i o n , l a n d l o r d r e p r e s e n t a t i o n , p r o p e r t y m a n a g e m e n t , t e n a n t r e p r e s e n t a t i o n a n d m a r k e t i n g a n d s u p p o r t F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l 2 3 9 - 2 7 8 - 4 9 4 5 o r v i s i t

Donovan Mackey, a 25-year commercial real estate veteran, recently joined the Boca Raton office for SVN Commercial Partners Mackey will specialize in net-leased investments on a national level, specifically industrial real estate assets and land development

Brandon Bollig will also join the Boca Raton office focusing on investment assets in the Palm Beaches and Greater Fort Lauderdale markets Bollig previously spent eight years in the National Hockey League, most notably winning the Stanley Cup in 2013 while a member of the Chicago Blackhawks S

Southeast and Southwest Florida, is a commercial real estate services firm dedicated to providing expertise to investors and occupiers of commercial real estate It provides a full menu of services to clients in the Southeast and

See REAL ESTATE BRIEFS, page 17

Massage therapist joins Dr. Mel’s Wellness Spa

D r M e l Y o u n g s , D C , P A , h a s announced that Dani Ibarra, licensed massage therapist, has joined her team Ibarra has been a massage therapist since 2018 and has the experience and skills to help patients with a variety of health problems. She is trained to relieve headaches, muscle tension, back and neck pain and more She specializes in deep tissue massage, reflexology, prenatal massage and more

Ibarra is an integral part of the highly skilled licensed massage therapist team at Dr Mel’s Chiropractic Office & Wellness Spa, conveniently located in downtown Cape Coral and is open five days a week

For additional information, please call

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

From page 16

Southwest Florida regions in addition to serving its national client base. All SVN offices are independently owned and operated To learn more about S V N C o m m e r c i a l P a r t n e r s , g o t o svncp com

Laura Ray named Florida State Advocacy Captain for AIME

Laura Ray, resident of North Fort Myers, has been appointed as the Florida State Advocacy Captain for the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts

In this role, Ray, CFO and MLO of Liberty Mortgage Lending Group Inc , will represent and advocate for the mortgage industry

T h e m i s s i o n o f A I M E i n t h i s endeavor is “Thousands of members Dedicated champions in each state One powerful voice ”

The benefits of this new partnership include:

∫ Mortgage brokers and consumers get fast help for legislation that affects lending in Florida

∫ AIME’s advocacy outreach with the State Captain Program gives a local voice to Florida

∫ Connects members in Florida to amplify a strong voice in advocacy of the mortgage industry

For more about AIME, please visit https://aimegroup com/

www dryoungs com

LadyCakes teams with Our Mother's Home for fundraiser

Our Mother's Home has partnered with LadyCakes for a fundraiser Now until Aug 10, LadyCakes will be accepting orders and delivering cupcakes to benefit

Our Mother's Home Delivery dates are available between July 17 and Aug 18

Prices for the special fundraiser range from $35 for four cupcakes to $100 for 16 cupcakes

All proceeds go directly towards helping Our Mother's Home continue its mission to empower young mothers in the foster care and human trafficking systems to break the generational cycle for themselves and their children

This fundraiser was created to help Our Mother's Home finish its goal to move to a larger location and expand services to more young mothers in the community

For additional information about the fundraiser and to purchase cupcakes for the cause, visit https://ourmothershome networkforgood com/events/59272-sunshinea n d - s u r p r i s e s ? u t m c a m p a i g n = d m s email blast 2683282

Jennifer's hosts back to school collection drive for Eva's Closet and Foundation

Jennifer's women's boutique is hosting a school supply drive for Eva's Closet and Foundation from July 20-28 Jennifer’s is collecting backpacks, school supplies and new children’s socks and underwear

Donors will receive a $25 gift certificate from Jennifer’s valid for a future purchase

T h e m i s s i o n o f E v a ' s C l o s e t a n d

Foundation is to assist people in need, regardless of situation or circumstance, without judgment Eva's Closet serves more than 1,500 individuals each month

suffering from homelessness, poverty, and other risk factors in Southwest Florida ECF provides necessities to clients at no cost, including, but not limited to, clothing, shoes, hygiene items, baby supplies, food, household supplies and school supplies, with grace, honor and respect

After Hurricane Irma, Eva's Closet & Foundation provided disaster relief assist a n c e t o s e v e r a l h u n d r e d f a m i l i e s i n Southwest Florida

J e n n i f e r W i l l i a m s o p e n e d h e r F o r t Myers boutique in November 1983 Her unique and timeless sense of style and personalized service has created a loyal following

Jennifer's is located in The Design Center at 13251 McGregor Blvd , near the intersection of Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers, and is open from 10 a m until 5 p m , Monday through Saturday Call 239481-8582, text 239-223-8512, or visit Jennifer's online at jennifersfortmyers com or on Facebook or Instagram

Luxury condo sales: Totals down compared to 2022

From page 16

The number of currently pending luxury condo sales in the Cape is down by 75% compared to a year ago The median pending sales price is currently 13 9% below the current median list price, indicating a continued downward pressure on sales prices that has been compounded by the complete evaporation of condo sales above $1 million since March 24. And the number of active listings in our luxury condo market have spiked higher by 427% compared to a year ago

deep freeze

through a conventional loan The sellers bought this 12th floor unit with 3,048 square feet of living area back in October 2017 for $740,000 and did extensive remodeling, along with selling the unit “Turnkey

Recession The property was never occupied before the current sellers bought it for $740,000 in 2017, as noted above

We will wrap up with a closer look at the highest-priced condo sale in Cape Coral during the first half of this year, which will also provide a bit of market history Our highest priced condo sales tend to be in the riverfront high-rise Tarpon Landings buildings located in the Tarpon Point Marina complex in the southwest Cape This particular unit came on the market as a new listing on Nov 14, 2022, at $2 195 million and it went under contract with a buyer on Dec 8, before closing for $2 million

Along with the expansive river views, this condo features three en-suite bedrooms plus an additional half bathroom and a den It has a chef’s kitchen with three ovens, stone countertops, a bar area and a private elevator Additional features include a Savant home automation system, motorized blinds and a water softener with a water leak stop The unit also came with a finished pool-side cabana, a golf cart and a three-car garage, along with amenity areas including 3 swimming pools, 2 fitness centers, tennis and bocce courts, a sauna and more

According to the records, this property was originally built back in 2007 with the first owner buying it for $1,073,800 on March 23, 2007 This was when our real estate market was in the early stages of the market collapse that led into the Great

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla , as of July 9, 2023, unless otherwise noted It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral condominiums, townhouses, and villas, and it does not include any single-family homes, short sales or foreclosures The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral They have lived in Cape Coral for over 43-years Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014 Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots

FIRPTA: Taxes when buying home from foreign owner

From page 16

returned to Southwest Florida to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, Cape Coral Museum of History, and Cape

Coral Kiwanis He has been married to his wife, Mary, for over 20 years, and they have four children together He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law f r o m t h e F l o r i d a B a r H e i s A V Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit

Civil Mediator He can be reached at e r i c @ c a p e c o r a l a t t o r n e y c o m , o r 2 3 9542-4733

This article is general in nature and not i n t e n d e d a s l e g a l a d v i c e t o a n y o n e I n d i v i d u a l s s h o u l d s e e k l e g a l c o u n s e l before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations

Blooms:

From page 12

s i t y a n d d u r a t i o n o f b l u eg r e e n a l g a l b l o o m s W i t h a l g a l b l o o m s c o m e c a u s e o f c o n c e r n w h e n i t c o m e s t o y o u r h e a l t h S e v e r a l s i d e e f f e c t s c a n c o m e f r o m b e i n g a r o u n d a b l o o m o r i n a l g a e w a t e r s , s u c h a s n a u s e a a n d h e a d a c h e R e s e a r c h h a s b e e n o n g o i n g w h e n i t c o m e s t o p o t e n t i a l l o n gt e r m e f f e c t s a n d l i n k s t o n e u r o d e g e n e r a t i v e d i s e a s e s u c h a s A L S 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 r e l e a s e d t h e f o ll o w i n g f o r r e s i d e n t s a n d v i s i t o r s t o i m p l e m e n t t h e s e p r e c a u t i o n s : ■ Y o u s h o u l d n o t d r i n k , s w i m , w a d e , w a t e r s k i o r e n g a g e i n a c t i v i t i e s t h a t m a y c a u s e y o u t o c o m e i n d i r e c t c o n t a c t w i t h w a t e r s w h e r e t h e r e i s a v i si b l e b l o o m ■ E x e r c i s e c a u t i o n w h e n u s i n g p e r s o n a l w a t e r c r a f t o r b o a t i n g , t o a v o i d s t i r r i n g u p o r c o nt a c t i n g t h e a l g a e o r t h e a f f e c t e d w a t e r ■ A v o i d g e t t i n g a f f e c te d w a t e r i n y o u r e y e s , n o s e o r m o u t h ■ W a s h y o u r s k i n a n d c l o t h i n g w i t h s o a p a n d w a t e r i f y o u h a v e c o n t a c t w i t h a l g a e o r d i s c o l o r e d o r s m e l l y w a t e r ■ Y o u s h o u l d k e e p p e t s a n d l i v e s t o c k a w a y f r o m t h e w a t e r s i n t h i s l o c a t i o n ■ E a t i n g f i l l e t s f r o m h e a l t h y f i s h c a u g h t i n f r e s h w a t e r l a k e s e x p e r ie n c i n g b l o o m s i s s a f e R i n s e f i s h f i l l e t s w i t h t a p o r b o t t l e d w a t e r , t h r o w o u t t h e g u t s a n d c o o k f i s h w e l l ■ Y o u s h o u l d n o t e a t s h e l l f i s h f r o m t h i s l o c at i o n . T o r e p o r t a b l o o m t o D E P , c a l l t h e t o l l - f r e e h o tl i n e a t 8 5 5 - 3 0 5 - 3 9 0 3 o r a t w w w f l o r i d a d e p g o v T o r e p o r t f i s h k i l l s , c o n t a c t t h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e R e s e a r c h I n s t i t u t e a t 1 - 8 0 0 - 6 3 60 5 1 1 R e p o r t s y m p t o m s f r o m e x p o s u r e t o a h a r m f u l a l g a l b l o o m o r a n y a q u a t i c t o x i n t o t h e F l o r i d a P o i s o n I n f o r m a t i o n C e n t e r , c a l l 1 -

8 0 0 - 2 2 2 - 1 2 2 2 t o s p e a k t o a p o i s o n s p e c i a l i s t i m m ed i a t e l y

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2 3 9 - 6 9 0 - 2 1 0 0

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n S C C F , v i s i t w w w S C C F o r g

r e e z e

Redfish Pointe: Group of Cape Coral residents look to preserve area

From page 1

area buffer, conveyance of 54 02 acres of high-quality wetlands, and a 2 26 acre, 100-foot-wide access road connection from Rose Garden Road to the internal roadway, including bike and pedestrian paths and landscaped median

Some Cape residents have voiced opposition, as the land is currently marked for preservation They state the wetlands provided a safety cushion, or buffer, from Category 4 Hurricane Ian, and will for other storms in the future

This group maintains storm damage from Hurricane Ian would have been worse for residents in the southwest part of the city if not for hundreds of acres of wetlands, including mangroves, which lie immediately south of Rotary Park

Resident Paul Bonasia, who put together a website dedicated to helping preserve the wetland area, was one of a number of residents spoke at a City Council meeting Wednesday

“I was flooded during Hurricane Ian, as were many of my neighbors,” he said. “There are 3,500 residents that are directly impacted by this proposed project ”

He added he opposes the project because, “The loss of

critical wetlands that buffer the city from storms would raise the risk of flooding in adjacent and residential areas Lesser storms than Ian can cause the same level of flooding

“The impact on all of the wildlife that call the area home would be devastating The development will impact migratory and non-migratory birds, bobcats, coyotes, and a variety of other species ”

Recently, Lee County Commissioners unanimously rejected the Eden Oak proposal that would require 30 acres of mangroves to be destroyed for a development after hearing city staff, experts, and citizens testify to the value of storm protection provided by the mangroves, and the heightened risk to life and property if the project were approved and the mangroves removed Residents hope a similar action will play out with this property

Other reasons of concern for critics include an alleged violation of the intent of a Conservation Easement established in 1991 between the City of Cape Coral and the State Department of Environmental Regulation They state the development would destroy critical habitat for Cape Coral wildlife including protected species, would substantially and permanently increase traffic, destroy the peaceful character of the community, especially during the long construction phase, would significantly impair the natural

character and appeal of Rotary Park, and place excessive burden upon city infrastructure

The open-to-the-public meeting is scheduled for July 15 at 9 a m

Speakers will be:

■ E l m e r T a b o r : P r e s i d e n t W o n d e r l a n d R e a l i t y ;

Founding member Of Rotary Park; Member Cape Coral Rotary Club; Philanthropist

■ J o s e p h B o n a s i a : S W F L R e g i o n a l D i r e c t o r

FloridaRightToCleanWater org; Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Volunteer Liaison to Senator Rick Scott’s office

■ Cheryl Anderson: Conservationist; Board member of Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and Cape Coral Wildlife Trust

■ Daniel D Read: Owner Land Brokers Inc; Former chair of Cape Coral Planning and Zoning Committee; home builder and developer of multi-family and commercial projects

Rotary Park is at 5505 Rose Garden Road

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e d e v e l o p m e n t , v i s i t www redfishpointe com

Residents interested in learning more and getting involved in environmental protection locally can visit www protectourwetlandsincapecoral org

FAST: Improvements seen in some schools and in some subjects

From page 8

According to the district, fifth grade students demonstrated a 2 percent increase in the percentage of students scoring at Level 3, proficient, or above on the Statewide Science Assessment Eighth grade students also achieved a 2 percent growth in science proficiency, which is measured by the combined results of the Statewide Science and Biology

1 EOC assessments The Biology 1 EOC scores also had a 3 percent increase compared to the previous year

“These results highlight the significant work of our students and the effectiveness of our science curriculum and the efforts of our talented teachers in providing a strong foundation in scientific knowledge,” Dr Christopher Bernier, Superintendent of Schools, said in a prepared statement “We remain committed to fostering a love for science and empowering our students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers in this rapidly advancing world ”

There were two schools that had notable achievements

The Sanibel School showed a 15 point increase with eighth grade science results, the highest in the district.

Edison Park Creative Center for the Arts, also had an increase with their fifth grade NGSSS Science scores overall by 15 points from the 2022 test results to 2023 results, which was the highest for grade 5 science

Other tests:

Student Performance in Mathematics

B E S T End of Course exams for Algebra and Geometry compared to 2022 FSA

■ Algebra 1 EOC, first-time test takers in grades 12 and below, 2 points lower

■ Geometry EOC, first-time test takers in grade 12 and below, 3 points higher

Mathematics, Grade 8, outperformed the state average by 5 points

■ Grade 3: 3 points higher

■ Grade 4: 2 points higher

■ Grade 5: 1 point higher

■ Grade 6: 19 points higher

■ Grade 7: 6 points higher

■ Grade 8: 11 points higher

Florida provides much of the nation’s winter strawberry crop

Plant innovations from UF

By CATHY DUNN news@breezenewspapers com

Baptism to highlight 2nd day of Jehovah’s Witnesses convention at Hertz Arena

Caleb Romero of Cape Coral is eagerly anticipating July 15, the day he will step into the pool on the arena floor of the Hertz Arena to get baptized

“I’m excited and really looking forward to making this important decision,” said Romero, who studied the Bible for 3 years before making this decision

Thousands will look on as Romero joins other congregants who will also be fully immersed in the baptismal pool, highlighti n g t h e s e c o n d d a y o f t h e t h r e e - d a y

“Exercise Patience”! Regional Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses The morning session begins at 9:20 a m and culminates with a talk preceding the baptism event Another highlight of the convention’s second day will be the first of a two-part prerecorded feature Bible drama.

GARDEN CLUB OF CAPE CORAL

Did you know that plant breeders and researchers at the University of Florida manage one of the most innovative plant breeding programs in the world? Their efforts have resulted in the largest variety of genetically improved crops which can be grown not o n l y i n F l o r i d a , but throughout the world! More than 50 crops used for food, feed, fiber, fuel, shelter, lands c a p e b e a u t i f i c ation and eco-systems services have b e e n i m p r o v e d t h r o u g h a p p l i e d s c i e n c e a t t h e

University of Florida The faculty members involved in these projects are located throughout Florida, and the plant varieties they have developed dominate the Florida blueberry, forage, peanut and strawberry industries And these crops aren’t just grown in Florida but are cultivated in over 60 countries worldwide The University of Florida has trained more than 60 plant breeders in the last 10 years who are spreading this knowledge throughout the world In addition, UF professors are also working with genome editing and AI to produce superior crops

Let’s take a look at some of the innov a t i o n s t h a t h a v e b e e n d e v e l o p e d through the University of Florida

Strawberries are a favorite treat, with $2 2 billion in sales annually in the United States; Florida provides most of the nation’s winter strawberry crop, worth more than $400 million annually

Improving the taste of strawberries has been a goal of growers for many years, and the genes that control flavor and aroma are closely connected

University of Florida scientists have studied more than 100 chemicals that influence a strawberry’s aroma, and by sequencing the approximately 100,000 genes in each strawberry, they have identified the genes of several dozen aromatic chemicals and the regulators that turn these genes "on" as the fruit ripens The scientists are now developing tools such as DNA markers so that strawberries can be bred more efficiently for flavor

Florida is the nation’s leading producer of begonias, which are among the top five most popular plants found in

“The Saturday program at our annual conventions is always a highlight of the t h r e e d a y s , ’ ” s a i d J u a n R o d r i g u e z J r , spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses “The significance of the baptism and the powerfully compelling drama in the afternoon make quite an impact on those attending ”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers and theaters around the world for more than 100 years prior to April 2020, when the organization canceled all its in-person events around the world After resuming smaller in-person meetings and its public ministry during 2022, the summer of 2023 marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events around the world

The convention is open to the public and no collection is taken For more information on the program or to find other convention locations and dates, please go to jw org and navigate to the “About Us” tab

Women of the Moose to host child ID event this Sunday

This Sunday, July 16, the Women of the Moose from Cape Coral Moose Lodge 2199 and Fort Myers Lodge 1899 are hosting an outdoor event free to all children

At the Safe Surfin' Child ID event, children can be fingerprinted and given information on how to stay safe while online or in their daily routines

On hand will be a fire truck for the children to explore and an officer with the Lee County Sheriff's with a canine deputy There will also be a dunk tank, crafts and games with prizes

Hot dogs and snacks will be provided to the children The event is open to the public

The Safe Surfin' Child ID event will be held from 11 a m to 3 p m at Moose Lodge #2199, 155 N Santa Barbara Blvd , Cape Coral Contact the lodge at 239-458-8708

UF/IFAS PHOTO

PHOTO PROVIDED

Caleb Romero of Cape Coral on the floor of Hertz Arena during the Jehovah’s Witness Convention

Try your luck with bass or tarpon

Florida’s FWC is proud to announce that three of the state’s big bass factories -- Lake O, Stick Marsh and Orange Lake -- received national recognition as part of the Top Ten Bassmaster picks for best largemouth bass lakes in the nation

Looking to bag your own trophy-sized Cape largemouth?

You’ll find me ultra-slow trolling a big shiner in the early morning or bug suited for stealthy night duty using only one lure: a black, musky-sized Arborgast Jitterbug, fished very slowly near cover. I’ve been trying to find out if there is a Cape largemouth record and size

Please share any info you might have

The 75-mile mark makes a good starting point for big red snapper and red grouper fishing along with some big mangroves

Snook still crowd the beaches and sharks of all sizes wait to challenge you

Currently the world's, or at least my angling world’s, most frustrating fish to hook are rolling and lazily feeding sometimes six feet from the seawall taunting me as I make cast after cast to them, usually with no takers If you want to try the ultimate inshore challenge, take up the sport of big game tarpon fishing If you want to drive yourself crazy, take up little game tarpon fishing Yes, those 2 to 20-pound canal ghosts that mystically appear then suddenly disappear or that never seem to be hungry when I’m around will humble the best lure or fly angler If you’re a “I only use lures” purist but just can’t make it happen, then small baitfish, shiners, minnows or shrimp sometimes work sometimes

I’ve only had success using the smallest of jigs and flies; lite 8-pound test braid; and long, 15-pound class, fluorocarbon leaders A 6 5 to 7-foot ultra-lite spin or 6-weight fly rod will do nicely If you see bigger fish rolling, double the end of your lite braid with a Bimini Twist or Spider Hitch to give added shock protection to your main line.

If you can’t connect on early morning canal walkabouts, then hit the lit docks at night to up your odds Fish very quietly and you’ll often be amazed at what suddenly appears from the darkness -- as in huge tarpon and sharks Finally, if you walk and fish the canal banks and edges on early mornings, never forget that you are in toothy dinosaur territory

Meanwhile, Boca Grande has slowed but still the party spot for our migrating tarpon with coastal fishing taking second place Find those fish in close or two to three miles off the beach Others reported in Captiva Pass, near the fishing shacks in Pine Island Sound, or the deep holes in Charlotte Harbor

With spawning chores winding down, the main body of fish will move into Charlotte Harbor, eating and relaxing for the duration of the summer, which with the current record temps may last till Christmas

If you can’t stand the day heat, then hit the bridges at night for big tarpon fun Live pinfish, mullet and ladyfish or dead on the bottom will put you in business Single hookequipped hard minnow baits and a variety of soft plastics work for casters

“Bridging” is definitely a two-man team sport requiring constant communication and quick boat responses, especially when the fish decides to go through the bridge with the angler and captain knowing full well that one touch of the taunt line or leader to the concrete structure usually means a lost fish These battles are often won or lost in the first few minutes of the game so carefully work out your game plan beforehand so you’re both on the same page when the big bite happens, otherwise it might be over rather quickly Make sure you’re wearing your life vests as an over excited throttle man could easily eject you from a small skiff while fighting your big fish

Capt George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide You can contact him at 239-282-9434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol com

T HE BREE ZE

Lee County Achers welcome Boca Raton teens for introduction to archery

Archery, a rapidly growing sport that is attracting both young and old alike, was recently introduced to a group of teens who made a day trip from Boca Raton, Fla , to visit the Lee County Archers range and membership club

L e e C o u n t y A r c h e r s ’ p r o m i n e n t m e m b e r s J o h n Lackey (Florida Archery Hall of Fame member) and Ben Brown (distinguished archery instructor) introduced the teens to the world of bows, arrows and precision shooting

Located within the picturesque Nalle Grade County Park, on Bayshore Road, Lee County Archers has become a haven for archery enthusiasts of all skill levels

Open to the public every Thursday and Saturday from 26 p m , the club and target range provides a site for visitors to practice the art of archery

Thursday proves to be the ideal day for budding archers to visit the range as it provides an opportunity to engage with Lee County Archers members, glean valuable insights and receive a comprehensive explanation of the range rules Lee County Archers prides itself on fostering a vibrant community where active members participate in a wide range of archery categories, spanning from traditional longbow to compound/freestyle Moreover, prospective members are guided by certified instructors f r o m t h e N a t i o n a l F i e l d A r c h e r y A s s o c i a t i o n a n d National Archery Association, ensuring a safe and rewarding introduction to the sport

The diverse range of facilities at Lee County Archers ensures an exceptional archery experience for all The sizeable 28-target Field Range, complemented by 40 lanes of earthen berms for 3-D target shoots, offers a r c h e r s a c h a l l e n g i n g a n d i m m e r s i v e e n v i r o n m e n t Additionally, the club boasts a well-lit 20-yard pavilion range, perfect for refining skills in a controlled setting, and a lighted 30 to 70-yard range, catering to archers seeking to test their abilities over longer distances

“Our primary mission is to provide membership

opportunities to all archers who express interest, deliver instruction to anyone seeking to enhance their proficiency, and establish a welcoming social forum and practice site for all members,” said Chick Richards the club’s president By embracing this inclusive approach, Lee County Archers has nurtured a close-knit community that fosters the growth and camaraderie of archers from all walks of life

The recent visit by the group of teens from Boca Raton exemplifies the appeal and rising popularity of the sport of archery As more individuals, young and old, discover the joy of this ancient sport, Lee County Archers stands as a beacon of excellence and a sanctuary for archery enthusiasts in the Southwest Florida area

To learn more about Lee County Archers, its offerings a n d m e m b e r s h i p o p p o r t u n i t i e s , p l e a s e v i s i t www LeeCountyArchers com or contact Chick Richards leecountyarchers@outlook com

FWC to meet July 19-20 in St. Petersburg

T h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n Commission will meet in person Wednesday and Thursday, July 19-20, at the Hilton St Petersburg Bayfront, 333 First Street, S E , St Petersburg, FL 33701 The meeting begins at 8:30 a m each day and is open to the public

The FWC is committed to providing opportunities for public input There are several opportunities prior to the commission meeting to provide comments Also, time is allotted for public speakers at the commission meeting

Additionally, at the end of the second day, July 20, the commission will provide time for public comment

on subjects not on the agenda. Those people who wish to offer comments during this period will be asked to ensure their comments are not related to any agenda item The deadline for registration to speak on items not on the agenda is 9:30 a m on July 20

For the full July 19-20 agenda and links to background reports, go to MyFWC com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings ” Those who cannot attend can follow coverage at Twitter com/MyFWC ( @ M y F W C ) a n d s i g n u p f o r n e w s u p d a t e s a t MyFWC com Check the Florida Channel for possible live video coverage at TheFloridaChannel org

2023 manatee and sea turtle decals available

T h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n Commission is unveiling its new 2023 manatee and sea turtle decals New editions of these high-quality collectible stickers are released every July and are available with a $5 donation at your local tax collector’s office. All proceeds from the decals help fund manatee and sea turtle conservation efforts

The high-quality waterproof stickers feature original artwork and are designed to look appealing on a vehicle’s bumper or the side of a boat They can also be seen on laptops, water bottles and coolers throughout the state and around the world Collecting them is a fun way for people to support the research, rescue and management efforts that conserve these species and spread the word about the challenges they face

The decals also spotlight important conservation issues:

The “Healthy Manatees Need Healthy Habitat” decal displays a manatee mom and calf resting in a

thriving submerged aquatic vegetation bed Manatees depend on available forage as they are herbivores that consume a variety of submerged, emergent and floating plants While boating in Florida’s waterways, you can protect manatee habitat by avoiding shallow grass beds

The “Healthy Turtles Need Healthy Habitats” decal features a green sea turtle in a lush green seagrass bed Green turtles depend on vegetation such as sea grasses and sea weeds as a primary food source These plants need clear, clean water to grow in Florida’s estuaries and lagoons When on the water or at the beach, you can help keep coastal waters clean and clear by stashing your trash and disposing of it

You can also support these species by purchasing a “Save the Manatee” or “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” license plate at your local Tax Collector’s office For additional information about how to get involved, you can also visit the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s website at widlifeflorida.org.

Capt George Tunison

PHOTO PROVIDED Lee County Archers instructors with the visiting teens from Boca Raton.

Plant innovations: Research continues at the University of Florida

From page 23

gardens and landscapes The two major factors that stress begonias are heat and humidity, and while growers can control these factors during production, the plants will not respond well to heat once outside the greenhouse and in the landscape A joint grant from the USDA and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is helping UF scientists to find a begonia that can withstand the pressures of our changing climate Identifying new begonia varieties that will respond better to heat and humidity will allow growers to use less energy for cooling, and less water and fungicides in production, and will minimize environmental impacts while maximizing profits

More than 20 UF scientists across the state of Florida have been working on development regulators, which are genes that regulate plant growth and development One of the genes that the scientists have discovered helps deliver DNA into a plant to stimulate growth, resulting in plants that can grow from the cellular level to adulthood more quickly and efficiently Breeding programs will eventually use this technology to create desirable traits in plants and develop new cultivars, including new varieties of citrus, tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, peanuts, sugarcane and ornamental plants.

You’ve undoubtedly heard lots about artificial intelligence (AI) recently, and Dr Charlie Messina, a new UF/IFAS professor of Horticultural Sciences, is using AI to h e l p p l a n t b r e e d e r s T h i s s p r i n g , D r

Messina collaborated with plant breeders to develop a graduate level course titled “Survey of Breeding Tools and Methods ”

This course introduced advanced concepts in AI that can be used to transform technology in agriculture

Dr Messina will be teaching a modeling course this fall that will enable students to use AI to enhance their work with agricultural data Through his efforts, Dr Messina is educating the next generation of AI developers who will use this technology in conjunction with plant breeders to provide farmers with optimal crops

These are just a few of the exciting projects currently underway to improve agriculture in our state, led by the scientists at the University of Florida. Ultimately their work will make agriculture more ecologically efficient and result in superior crops that bring additional revenues into our state economy The University of Florida and its p r o f e s s o r s a r e h e l p i n g t o d i s t i n g u i s h Florida as a leading agricultural innovator, and in turn they are also providing a great

return on our tax dollars! Cathy Dunn is a Lee County Master

CAPE CORAL ANIMAL SHELTER

Looking for a loving home

Firelight is a 6-month to 1-year-old male who is a young and energetic big puppy He loves life and every person he meets on his daily adventures here at the shelter

Kali is a 5 to 7-year-old female cat who is waiting for a quiet place to call home She would prefer to be the only kitty in the home as she wants all the attention on her But with her good looks, who wouldn't blame her!

If you are interested in meeting any of the animals available for adoption at The Cape Coral Animal Shelter, please visit its website at www.capecoralanimalshelter com for more information

The shelter is located at 325 S W 2nd Ave , Cape Coral, and hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p m , and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p m

Firelight Kali

UF/IFAS PHOTO

UF is also conducting research on the begonia

All vote-by-mail ballot requests expired December 2022

L e e C o u n t y S u p e r v i s o r o f E l e c t i o n s T o m m y D o y l e w a n t s v o t e r s t o b e a w a r e t h a t a l l p r e v i o u s V o t e - b y - M a i l B a l l o t r e q u e s t s e x p i r e d a s o f D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 2 d u e t o a c h a n g e i n F l o r i d a l a w A s a r e s u l t , v o t e r s w h o p l a n t o v o t e b y m a i l i n 2 0 2 4 m u s t s u b m i t a n e w r e q u e s t t o t h e o f f i c e “ T h e c h a n g e i n t h e l a w m a r k s a n

u n p r e c e d e n t e d e v e n t f o r o u r o f f i c e W e h a v e a s i g n i f i c a n t l y l o w n u m b e r o f V o t eb y - M a i l r e q u e s t s c o m p a r e d t o p r e v i o u s y e a r s , ” D o y l e s a i d i n a p r e p a r e d s t a t em e n t “ O u r o f f i c e b e g a n a p r o a c t i v e c a m p a i g n e a r l i e r t h i s y e a r a h e a d o f t h e 2 0 2 4 e l e c t i o n c y c l e i n o u r e f f o r t t o i n f o r m v o t e r s o f t h i s c h a n g e a n d e n s u r e v o t i n g a c c e s s i b i l i t y f o r a l l ”

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

V o t e r s a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o a c t n o w a n d s u b m i t t h e i r V o t e - b y - M a i l r e q u e s t s

l o c a t i o n s N e w r e q u e s t s a r e v a l i d t h r o u g h D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 4

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e f o r e t h e 2 0 2 4 e l e c t i o n c y c l e t o e n s u r e t h e i r v o i c e s a r e h e a r d !

V o t e - b y - M a i l B a l l o t r e q u e s t s c a n b e m a d e o n l i n e , b y m a i l , e - m a i l , f a x , o r i n p e r s o n a t a n y o n e o f o u r b r a n c h o f f i c e

T h e m i s s i o n o f t h e L e e C o u n t y S u p e r v i s o r o f E l e c t i o n s i s t o d e l i v e r s u p e r i o r e l e c t i o n s e r v i c e s t o t h e v o t e r s o f L e e C o u n t y

Mast Canal: Neighboring property owners continue to have concerns

From page 2

“We requested a new survey be done and the city and Army Corps refused,” Crouthamel said, adding that the study didn’t designate manatees in the area, which she said is not the case “Manatees are very active at this end of the Mast Canal and we have multiple videos of the mating and swimming with the babies after they give birth here and have submitted them to various agencies to no avail,” Crouthamel said Crouthamel and Richardson also maintain they did not receive proper notice from the ACOE, and found out the permit was approved after the 21-day window for a citizen’s right to appeal

A c c o r d i n g t o A C O E s p o k e s p e r s o n David Ruderman, the ACOE Fort Myers section chief stated that adjacent property owners were notified by mail that a Public Notice was issued and could be found on the Jacksonville District website

“

T h e C o r p s m a d e a p p r o p r i a t e announcements and followed its required process,” Ruderman said via email.

Richardson, who has two boat docks on his property with a large boat, said with the

According to Army Corps of Engineers spokesperson David Ruderman, the ACOE Fort Myers section chief stated that adjacent property owners were notified by mail that a Public Notice was issued and could be found on the Jacksonville District website

“The Corps made appropriate announcements and followed its required process,” he said via email.

80-foot fill in, both he and his neighbor across the canal will have a real struggle to get their boats out of our docks

“And again, the city’s recommendation is to sell and buy a smaller boat so we can accommodate this new carwash ”

Residents are also concerned about traffic they say the car wash will create The city has approved plans to have entrances on both residential side streets of Southeast 2 8 t h T e r r a c e a n d K a m a l P a r k w a y Richardson said the entrance will not only block his driveway, but multiple neighbors on Santa Barbara Parkway, Santa Barbara Place, Southeast 28th Terrace and Kamal Parkway would be impacted as well

“We requested a traffic study in the city meeting with a direct request to the city

manager which was all denied and deemed not needed,” Richardson said A letter to Cape Coral Community Development Director Vince Cautero from Avalon Engineering states:

“As the project creates less than 300 vehicle trips, peak hour of the generator, a traffic impact statement will not be necessary ” With 17 vacuum cleaner devices set to be less than 50 feet away from his home separated by a chain link fence, Richardson said noise volumes will exceed the city ordinance on decibel levels He conducted meter readings of the Tommy’s Car Wash in Fort Myers, where he said 30 feet was approximately 160-170 decibels outwards to 50 feet at 135 decibels.

He alleges the owner’s response to a $50 daily fine was that it was the price of doing business

Richardson said he and a group of residents offered to buy the property back with all expenses incurred, but the owners refused

“We also tried to convince the owners of building the smaller franchise car wash and build the 1.2 acre facility in a more commercial driven area so that the smaller version wouldn’t have to fill in the canal, would be closer to the Santa Barbara Parkway and provide more space for noise to dissipate before reaching the neighbors O w n e r s r e f u s e d t o a c k n o w l e d g e t h a t offer,” Richardson said

There is also concern with the precedent of filling in a canal Crouthamel wonders if this project has been approved to fill in a canal, what other could be next?

D i s t r i c t 4 C o u n c i l m e m b e r P a t t y C u m m i n g s , C a p e C o r a l M a y o r J o h n

G u n t e r , a n d S u n d r e a m , I n c d i d n o t r e s p o n d t o c o r r e s p o n d e n c e r e q u e s t i n g comment as of press time

Fill

in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest).

Death Notices

Death Notices