VolumE 48, NumbEr 11
Celebrating Pine Islanders: Jay Johnson
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com
If you’ve ever been at the turquoise building at the four-way, you may have met Jay Johnson of Island Exchange Realty He said he would describe himself as a Pine Island real estate broker He is also one of the former presidents of the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, which he took on after serving for several years on the board of directors
Johnson said he grew up in Fort Myers, only after his Michigan parents began spending winters in Florida, which began around 1952
“When I was in the first grade, they (his parents) started to come down south in the winter They would lease restaurants, because back in the 1950s a lot of restaurants would close down for the summer months and then open back up in the winter months for all the tourists,” Johnson
became more common
made a permanent move to Fort Myers when he was in his sophomore year in high school
“
school in Fort Myers Beach in the winter months and then
School and graduated and then graduated Edison College and Florida Atlantic University,”
Johnson said
He bought his first property on Pine Island in 1981, through high school friends that were in real estate, he
Manatee rehabilitated at Sea World released in Matlacha
Second sea cow returned to the wild the same day in Pineland
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com
Matlacha Civic Association President Carol Scott reported last week that Matlacha residents Dave and Sherry Howardson found a manatee floating in their
c a n a l o f f I s l a n d A v e n u e b a c k i n A p r i l D a v e Howardson called Florida Fish and Wildlife with concerns about the manatee, who some locals have named “Lacha” after Matlacha
“I noticed the back of the manatee out of the water
early in the morning and then it stayed in the same spot until she was in distress of some sort,” Howardson said
His call to the FWC was returned promptly, and he
See MANATEE, page 12
said Years later, at a party one night in Captiva, some of Johnson’s friends were talking about properties they’d developed in the area, to which, Johnson said, if there was an opportunity to get involved, he would be interested
“I got a call about 6 months later, they said they found this property on Pine Island and they were going to develop it into condos, so I said ‘count me in ' That’s sort of how I ended up on Pine Island,” Johnson said
It was around 1990 when he made the move to St James City, where he resided until Hurricane Ian.
Johnson said he knew Pine Island was a special place as early as the 1960s, when he would come to Matlacha to buy oysters
“We’d put the oysters on a grill basically it was a
See JAY JOHNSON, page 16
Works of Pine Island Art Association members on display at Cape Coral
Library
The walls of the expansive art gallery in the Cape Coral Library, located at 921 S W 39th Terrace, are featuring the artwork by seven artists who are all members of the Pine Island Art Association and have taken classes at PIAA over the years
They also happen to be friends and have decided to team up for this exhibit that will run from July 3 through Aug 24 The result is an exciting mix of painting media, subjects and different styles
■ Kay Atwood works in watercolor Her favorite subjects are Italian villas and Florida scenes, especially sunsets on the beach She enjoys employing vivid colors and doing abstract artwork
■ Lisa Burke came to Cape Coral almost 15 years ago and soon discovered “the wonderful world of watercolors ” Moving forward in time, she is now teaching class-
See PIAA, page 8
Jay Johnson
PHOTO PROVIDED One of PIAA member Lisa Burke’s watercolors on display at the Cape Coral Library.
Above, FWC volunteers and Sea World staff releasing Lacha the manatee in Matlacha PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CAROL SCOTT
‘Saluting our Heroes ‘45 & ‘53’
World War II and Korean War vets to be honored; sponsors sought
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com
An annual event celebrating veterans has been rebranded this year to include not just World War II, but also Korean War veterans
Formerly the “Spirit of ’45” the comm e m o r a t i o n c o n t i n u e s t h i s y e a r n o w dubbed “Saluting our Heroes ’45 & ’53” and organizers are seeking veterans to participate
A s t h e n u m b e r o f W o r l d W a r I I Veterans has steadily declined, organizers decided to include Veterans of “America’s Forgotten War” fought between 1950 and 1953
Co-chairs of the event are Bill Zacovic, an Army veteran who was involved with previous recognition events; Steve Epkins, a retired Army colonel who, along with Zacovic, is heavily involved in JROTC in the area, and recently spearheaded the r e e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f t h e L e e C o u n t y Veterans Advisory Committee; and military supporter Kim Gaide
Organizers are hopeful that any Lee County World War II and Korean War veterans who have not attended the event in past years, as well as previous participants, will take part in what they hope is a meaningful celebration of their service
“The Korean War veterans always felt they were the forgotten war,” Epkins said “We all saw the World War II videos and how happy everybody was, and all the parades and how they were welcomed back And I can tell you the Korean War
“We should never miss an opportunity to thank our veterans Especially those who fought World War II and Korean War conflicts were worthy of remembering The people who participated in them deserve all of our respect and remembrance It can be as simple as that We should never miss an opportunity to thank them and to honor them for what they did.”
veterans got no welcome home And even me as a Vietnam veteran, when I retired, at the San Francisco airport they spat upon me and called me ‘baby killer’ so that was
Vietnam ”
The Saluting Our Heroes event will be held from 4:15 to 7:15 p m on Aug 11 at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers. The event is free for World War II and Korean War veterans and their guest Tickets are $50 per person for all other attendees, as the event is open to any and all
Dinner will be served from 4:30 to 5:15, followed by the veteran tribute and ceremony from 5:15 to 7:15 Valet parking will be available Veterans who attend will be adored with red, white and blue ribbons, and a commemorative coin is being created
“We should never miss an opportunity to thank our veterans,” Zacovic said “Especially those who fought World War II and Korean War conflicts were worthy of remembering The people who participated in them deserve all of our respect and remembrance It can be as simple as
Bill Zacovic, event co-chair
that We should never miss an opportunity to thank them and to honor them for what they did.”
The ceremony will include a presenta-
POW/MIA service (missing man table),
Korean War videos and speeches, flag folding ceremony; Pipes and Drums to include “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes; honor guard/firing party for three volleys; echo taps and patriotic songs
“The event helps the community keep the memory of what these men and women did alive,” Zacovic said. “We should never forget what they had to do, and this event honors them and contributes to that The veterans who are there, feel special and appreciate the community saying thank you to them one more time ”
Epkins added, “Thank God we had a great military that answered the call of duty, and the sacrifices that they made and the sacrifices their families made while they were off to service ”
Zacovic said for any military supporters who are not veterans in the community, this event is can’t-miss. Veterans will share tables with members of the public
“It’s an intimate setting, where the folks who are with them at that table, can be a part of living history,” he said “They can listen to stories They can ask them
questions I don’t know who would want to miss that opportunity World War II veterans that are passing at an alarming rate, this could be their last opportunity to share their stories, and for people to hear their stories live.”
Sponsorships are what make this event possible, and organizers are seeking assistance to ensure the event can take place
The “Sponsor-A-Vet” program will cover the cost of a veteran’s meal The sponsor’s name, or the name of a veteran, will be listed in the program
Sponsorship opportunities include:
■ Half Page Ad in Program $100 OR Full-Page Ad in Program: $200
■ Underwrite a Veteran Program A $50 donation will provide a Veteran’s meal Your name will be listed in the Program
■ A table of 8 to dinner/ceremony: $400
■ Two Tickets to dinner/ceremony and a half-page ad in program: $250
■ Two Tickets to dinner/ceremony and a full-page ad in program: $300
■ Four Tickets to dinner/ceremony and a half-page ad in program: $550
■ Four Tickets to dinner/ceremony and a full-page ad in program: $800
■ Six Tickets to dinner/ceremony and a full-page ad in program: $1,000
Reservations must be made by Aug 1 and tickets must be paid for by Aug 6
To make a reservation or for more information, email Gaide at kimgaide@ ao l co m o r call 2
- 2
9 - 6 1 6 0 O n ce reservations have been made, a check or money order should be made payable to VFW District 13
Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club is at 10420 Washington Palm Way in Fort Myers.
Calusa Waterkeeper to hold Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop July 27
Calusa Waterkeeper invites the public to sign up for its Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop scheduled for Saturday, July 27, from 2-3:30 p m , at the Historic Iona House at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers This popular community outreach initiative is part of Calusa Waterkeeper’s ongoing efforts to restore water quality in Southwest Florida, a need that has become critical due in part to climate change, increased pollution and harmful algae blooms
Oysters play a critical role in maintaining healthy estuarine ecosystems They create habitats for a variety of marine life, support shoreline protection by providing a base for mangroves and serve as a vital food source for fish, birds, crabs and other animals Remarkably, each oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, significantly improving water quality
The VOG project involves educational and hands-on instruction to create DIY vertical hanging oyster gardens using recycled oyster shells from local restaurants that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. These shells are strung onto wires and suspended from docks, providing surfaces for juvenile oysters to attach and grow Prior to stringing, the recycled shells are stored outdoors at the FGCU
Food Forest for several months to eliminate any pathogens
Space is limited to the first 30 regist r a n t s A t a x - d e d u c t i b l e d
o n t o Calusa Waterkeeper of $25 per participant is requested to cover the cost of time and materials Each guest will get to take their VOG home to hang from their dock. Additional oyster gardens may be purchased at the event for $25 each while supplies last To register, visit calusawaterkeeper org/vogworkshop
For more information about Calusa Waterkeeper, to donate or volunteer, call 239-899-1440, email info@calusawaterkeeper org or visit calusawaterkeeper org
About Calusa Waterkeeper
Calusa Waterkeeper Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, conservation and restoration of the Caloosahatchee River and its watershed CWK’s jurisdiction covers four counties in Southwest Florida and encompasses 1 , 0 0 0 s q u a r e m i l e s o f w a t e r w a y s Through advocacy, education, community engagement and science-based programs and research, Calusa Waterkeeper strives to ensure clean water for current and future generations that is drinkable, fishable and swimmable
OPINIONS
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The stakes are high: Two
Two years ago, the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade marked a seismic shift in American reproductive rights
T h e r e p e r c u
severe, with sweeping changes that jeopardize the health and autonomy of countless individuals As we navigate the post-Roe landscape, the stakes could not be higher.
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision, nearly half of the states in the U S have enacted strict abortion bans or severe restrictions States such as Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and 11 other states have implemented near-total bans, effectively cutting off access to abortion care for millions of people These laws have created a patchwork of reproductive healthcare access, where the l e g
determined by geographic location rather than personal choice and medical need. This inconsistency forces many to travel long distances, often at great personal and financial cost, to seek the care they need At the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project, we have noticed 54% of patients are traveling this year to another state for care
One of the critical fronts in the war against reproductive rights is the battle over mifepristone, a medication used in over half of all abortions in the U S Mifepristone, combined with misoprostol, and approved by
F D A
method for medication abortion for decades However, while the recent SCOTUS ruling is a victory, it only addressed the issue of “standing,” leaving the abortion pill still under threat Anti-abortion legislators and activists have targeted mifepristone with the aim of limiting its distribution or banning it altogether This would have devastating consequences, further reducing access to safe abortion care and disproportionately affecting those in marginalized communities who already face significant barriers to healthcare
Web Poll
Previous
years
after the fall of Roe
■ Early at the polling places
■ By mail ballot
■ At the polls on Election
■ I don’t vote
Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle com
Clean water is Florida’s lifeline
To the editor:
Clean water is fundamental for the wellbeing of both humans and the environment
With its extensive coastal areas, wetlands, and diverse ecosystems, Florida heavily relies on clean water for drinking, agriculture, tourism, and wildlife conservation
Ten ways in which water quality is important:
1 Drinking water: Access to high-quality drinking water is essential to protect against
The fall of Roe has also emboldened efforts to restrict or ban other aspects of reproductive health, including IVF and contraception Legislative attempts to define personhood at the moment of fertilization
couples struggling with infertility
once considered a settled issue,
Proposals to ban certain forms of contraception, such as emergency contraception and IUDs, are gaining traction. These efforts threaten to roll back decades of progress in reproductive health and autonomy, potentially leading to higher rates of unintended pregnancies and further exacerbating social and economic inequalities
Perhaps most alarming is a national abortion ban Project 2025, a comprehensive plan put forth by conservative activists, outlines a strategy to implement nationwide restrictions on abortion This plan, if enacted, would override state laws that protect abortion rights and impose a uniform ban across the country Such a move would represent an unprecedented federal intrusion into personal healthcare decisions and fundamentally alter the landscape of reproductive rights in America
In addition to restrictive laws, there is a g
patients, and anyone who assists individuals seeking abortion care These punitive measures not only create a climate of fear but also
care endangers both the providers and the
Letters to the Editor
waterborne illnesses and safeguard public health
2 Recreation: Clean water supports recreational activities like swimming, boating and fishing
3 Ecosystem health: For rivers, lakes and oceans to thrive and remain strong, they depend on clean water being available
4 Housing development: Poor water quality leads to lower home values.
5 Economic growth: Industries rely on water for manufacturing, energy production
The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be mailed to: Pine Island Eagle, 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60, Bokeelia, FL 33922; e-mailed to pineisland@ breezenewspapers com; posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com or faxed to 283-0232. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: pineisland-eagle com
practice and further reducing access to safe abortions
The implications of these d
beyond those directly seeking abortion care The erosion of reproductive rights is a threat to the fundamental principle of bodily autonomy, a corner-
and dignity When the state can dictate whether and when
dren, it undermines the abili-
their lives and futures
Moreover, these restrictions disproportionately impact marginalized communities, including people of color, low-income individuals, and LGBTQ+ individuals These groups often face the highest barriers to healthcare and are least able to travel long distances or navigate complex legal landscapes to obtain care As such, the ongoing assault on reproductive rights exacerbates e
entrenching systemic injustices even further In this critical moment, it is imperative to recognize that reproductive rights are human rights. The fight to preserve and expand access to abortion, contraception, and other reproductive health services is not just a women’s issue it is a human issue The ability to control one’s reproductive destiny is fundamental to achieving equality and justice for all
We must resist efforts to impose draconian restrictions on reproductive healthcare and work towards policies that ensure everyone has the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions This means supporting
See FALL OF ROE, page 7
and other commercial activities
6 Agriculture: Quality water is essential for irrigation and livestock watering to sustain productivity and prevent contamination of food crops
7 Biodiversity: Water quality impacts the diversity of aquatic life by providing suitable habitats for various species
8 Natural resource management: Water quality plays a key role in managing natural
wildlife habitats
9 Climate regulation: Water influences weather and climate by storing and releasing heat
10 Environmental protection: Preserving water quality is essential to protect the overall environment, including soil, air and biodiversity
In Florida, clean water isn’t just a necessity but a lifeline Ensuring clean water is crucial to protect public health, support our economy and preserve our state’s natural beauty Let’s join forces to prioritize clean water by adding your signature to the petition at floridarighttocleanwater org
Michiale Schneider North Fort Myers
Sylvia Ghazarian Guest Commentary
We must protect veterans’ access to mental health treatments
As a nation, we have a sacred duty to support the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms That responsibility doesn’t end when their s e r v i c e d o e s O n c e m i l i t a r y m e m b e r s return home, we must ensure they have the health care they need to live their best lives including treatments for mental health conditions
Bipartisan majorities in Congress have made a priority of this issue, notably with t h e i r o v e r w h e l m i n g s u p p o
Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019
Unfortunately, though, a single provision in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act threatens to undermine this progress The l a w i s i n a d v e r t e n t l y d i s c o u r a g i n g t h e development of next-generation psychiatric medications that could benefit countless veterans The good news is that an easy, bipartisan fix is now in the works Mental health challenges remain heartbreakingly common among our nation's heroes Rates of PTSD are higher among veterans than civilians Sadly, it is estimated that 17 veterans die by suicide
every day, and over half of veterans living with mental i l l n e s s a r e n ’ t r e c e i v i n g treatment ,
These painful statistics reflect the unique stresses
family separation, reintegration into civilian life each can take a heavy psychological toll.
Drug researchers have responded to mental illness with an expanding arsenal of treatment options The United States is currently responsible for about half of all new medications developed worldwide
Anthony
Principi
Guest Commentary
But affordability is also an important
Medicare the authority to negotiate with drug makers for lower prices To help ensure pharmaceutical developers have time to recoup their investment costs, lawmakers wisely granted newly approved medicines a period of exemption from
price negotiations
But oddly, this exemption period isn’t the same for all drug types Under the law, new “large molecule” b
price negotiations for 13 years after FDA approval,
years of exemption.
Unsurprisingly, this disp
drug companies to deprioritize or abandon small-molecule treatments In a recent survey of over two dozen prominent biopharmaceutical firms, 63% said they plan to shift investment away from small molecules because of the IRA
This alarming trend could have serious consequences for veterans seeking treatment options for mental illness Small molecules have a key advantage when it comes to treating mental health conditions: they’re tiny enough to cross the blood-brain barrier That’s why small
molecules make up virtually all psychiatric medications, from antipsychotics to antidepressants
The IRA’s bias against small molecules will also worsen existing inequities in care access Small-molecule medications usually come as easy-to-use pills, while biologics typically require injections or IVs administered by a healthcare professional.
Thankfully, a straightforward, biparti-
Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act would align price negotiation timelines for small molecules and biologics, giving each category 13 years of postapproval protection
As millions of veterans struggle with mental health or behavioral conditions, we need to protect their access to innovative therapies That starts with passing the EPIC Act
Anthony Principi served as Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2001-2005 This
Stripes
Hookers Pine Island Elementary School Supply Drive runs through July 27
The Matlacha Hookers Pine Island Elementary School Supply Drive started July 1 and runs through July 27
The "Wish List" for PIE teachers and staff includes: copy paper ("we would really appreciate this one!"), backpacks, notebook paper, composition notebooks, spiral notebooks, headphones and earbuds, #2 pencils, erasers (large pink rectangle and cap), electric pencil sharpeners, Expo dry erase markers, glue sticks, pens (black, blue and red), Wite-Out cor-
r e c t i o n t a p e , p o c k e t f o l d e r s w i t h brads/prongs (green, yellow, blue, red), C r a y o l a m a r k e r s ( w a s h a b l e ) , C r a y o l a crayons, Crayola colored pencils, Scotch Tape, highlighters, 9V and AA batteries (for microphones and computer acces-
s o r i e s ) , f a c i a l t i s s u e w i t h a l o e / l o t i o n , stickers, Post-It notes, bandages (large and small), disinfectant wipes, paper towels and hand sanitizer
School supplies may be dropped off at t h e f o l l o w i n g p a r t i c i p a t i n g businesses through July 27: in Matlacha- the Post Office, The Perfect Cup, Blue Dog Restaurant, Trader’s Hitching Post, CW Fudge Factory, Yucatan Waterfront and Miceli’s Restaurant; at the Center -Ace Hardware, Pine Island First Baptist
Church and Pine Island United Methodist Church; in Bokeelia -- Salty Girls Island Cafe, Spots Ice Cream and Crepes, the Pine Island Library, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church and the Bokeelia Post Office; in St James City -- Moose Lodge, Winn-Dixie, Centennial Bank, Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, P i n e I s l a n d C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h , P
Island Auto Care and First Baptist Church of St James City
The Hookers are, once again, counting on the generosity of the island residents There are many families on Pine Island still struggling to make ends meet The 2024-2025 school year starts on Aug 2 for teachers and Aug 12 for students These supplies will go a long way to ensure they get off to a great start for a successful year
This Matlacha Hookers program helps ensure PIE teachers don’t have to use their own money for these items, in order to ensure the island school continues its program of excellence Both product and monetary donations are welcome and will p
Elementary
Monetary donations can be made by
Hookers, PO Box 111, Matlacha, FL 33993 Be sure to write "school supplies" into memo area Donations can also be m a d e o n l i n e a t h t t p s : / / w w w m a
hookers org/ Click the "Donate Now" button and select “School Supplies” in the drop down box PIE students, teachers and staff, as well as the Matlacha Hookers, greatly appreciate islanders’ generosity and willingness to help If you have any questions, please c
Supply Drive Co-Chairs Christy Rau at 513-703-7433 and Joyce Boyer at 3144 0 1 - 9 3 5 4 ,
ers@matlachahookers org
F.I.S.H. Basket Brigade Clothes for Kids drive underway
The 24th Annual Pine Island F I S H Basket Brigade Clothes for Kids drive is currently in progress, offering assistance to families in need to ensure the children of Greater Pine Island have new clothing for the start of the school year FISH needs donations and/or volun-
t
Others are needed onsite to either sharing services with our families or to provide samples or discount coupons for each student’s gift bag Personal care and groom-
designed to help island children prepare for school would be welcome. Last year there were 198 students and similar numbers are expected this year in this pro-
Saturday, Aug 3, from 10
to noon
Church parking lot, at 5701 Pine Island Road, at The Center by Fire Station 1
This will give parents almost a week before school starts to make exchanges and purchases, as needed
Some portions of the event may be inside to take advantage of the quiet and electricity
This year, FISH will be giving children 5-11 years of age, two tops, two bottoms, one package of underwear and a $40 gift card to purchase gym shoes and
socks so they can take part in gym or recess Children 12-18 years of age will each receive $100 in gift cards designated as $60 for clothes and $40 for gym shoes and socks A motivational note will be included in each child’s gift bag indicating what the gift cards are for and encouraging them to have a great school year
Donations can be made online at Pine Island FISH website or by check, made
out to Pine Island FISH Please note “Basket Brigade” in the memo section F
contact Darcy Conner, Pine Island FISH Basket Brigade Chair, at 954-816-9779
Pine Island FISH
Pine Island FISH (Fellow Islanders Sending Help), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all-volunteer association of neighbors organized to help those living in the Matlacha and Pine Island communities The organization is currently seeking volunteers in a number of areas
visit
ECHO to host course on tropical food forests, garden design and planning
ECHO, a leading advocate for sustainable agriculture and food security, will host a week-long course focusing on food forests and garden design this fall at its
North American Regional Impact Center
Development II: Food Forests, Garden Design and Planning” will take place
MCA hosts July 4 celebration
The Matlacha Civic Association hosted a successful and fun-filled Potluck Picnic for the community celebrating July 4 It was held at the Matlacha Park, where everyone enjoyed grilled hot dogs and potluck sides while a cornhole t o u r n a m e n t a n d a c c u r a c y f i s h casting contest took place. The Yucatan Restaurant raffled off gift cards and the lighted parade was held at 8:30 p m PHOTOS PROVIDED
from Monday, Sept 16, to Friday, Sept 20
By taking this course, attendees will learn how to design and start a food forest
in their own backyard They will also learn practical ways to start a garden anywhere using items such as old tires, milk cartons and swimming pools P
design process with professional designers, starting from setting goals, surveying the land, building a base map, considering
around constraints
Attendees will be able to see and apply these principles to a small garden or a large plot of land This training is also beneficial for missionaries to be able to help individuals in food insecure areas around the world have a foundation to bring nutrition into their lives from their own backyard Registration costs include lodging at the ECHO campus, three meals per day and the week-long course fee Early-bird registration now through Aug 1 is $695 Regular registration is $750 and closes on Sept. 8. Spouse registration fee is $495. To register visit https://bit ly/45V10Mx
It was a typical summer week on the water
A n o t h e r t y p i c a l s u m m e r week with little wind and hot days Many days African dust kept the sun covered up, but it was still hot and humid
storms
Inshore, as usual for summer, the best bite was over the morning hours As the d
headed for air conditioning
C
bars and island points with moving water Snook action was also reported along the eastern and western walls of Charlotte Harbor
Spotted seatrout from little guys to over 20 inches were caught over grass flats south of Picnic Island, between the powerlines and Buck Key, and between Useppa and Part Islands Baits included silver or gold spoons, Gulp shrimp and live pinfish or cut ladyfish fished under
Spanish macker-
hooked as well F
turned up redfish
Fall of Roe
their limit of snapper in
, around Captiva and Blind Pass and around St James City in the long Cut Area Offshore, beginning at around 140 feet out to near 200, boats are boxing limits of nice American red
s n a p p
A
k y anglers also boated black
p g
u s African pompano B y m i
m
n i n g , i
s hot on the water Shade and drinking fluids are two things that makes the day more enjoyable It doesn’t take much for shade, often something as simple as an umbrella is a good way to get out from under the sun for a few minutes. Drink, drink, drink and not beer to stay hydrated Water or drinks with electrolytes are best to keep you going It’s our hottest time of year, take a few precautions and you can still have an enjoyable day on the water Keep up to date with fishing regulations and seasons in the area you fish, as
state and federal regulations Also, you can upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish
If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service at (239) 410-
From page 4
WRRAP, advocating for laws that protect reproductive rights, and voting for leaders who are committed to upholding these fundamental freedoms This November, two years after the overturning of Roe v W
enshrine abortion access into their consti-
tution with Amendment 4, Florida Right
Several other states are also working to protect abortion rights through their state constitutions
The stakes are high, but we cannot afford to be complacent The future of
Little man with big fish
Owen with his first black grouper, and a big one, that he caught fishing with his dad, Capt Scotty Darna out of Jug Creek Marina
8576, on the web at www.fishpineisland com or email: gcl2fish@live com
Have a safe week and good fishin’
As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and
fight for human dignity and equality depends on our collective action Now more than ever, we must stand together to protect the right to safe, legal, and accessible reproductive healthcare for all Sylvia Ghazarian is executive director
Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters a r o u n d P i n e I s l a n d a n d S o u
h w e s t Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years
Assistance Project, WRRAP, a nonprofit a
s f i n a
a l assistance on a national level to those seeking abortion or emergency contraception She is an active Council member on the California Future of Abortion C o u n
Commission on the Status of Women
Capt. Bill Russell On the Water
PHOTO PROVIDED
Islander Saddler credits PIAA for helping improve her artworks
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com
Bokeelia resident Connie Saddler said she has not been painting for too long, but took it up after retiring 5 years ago She is pleased, not only by how dramatically taking painting classes offered at the Pine Island Art Association has improved her artwork, but also by the friendly and encouraging attitudes of those at the PIAA
“The members of the class have been some of them have been taking classes for decades and I walked in this newbie and they could not have been nicer I couldn’t be happier with the association, or the progress with the classes,” Saddler said
Saddler said she moved from Orlando to Bokeelia at the end of 2019, just before the global pandemic, when many things were shut down for safety reasons. Having only known two or three people here made it a difficult way to begin in a new neighborhood
“I walked in (the PIAA) in 2022 and they could not have been nicer or more welcoming to a newcomer and a new artist,” Saddler said
For her learned technique as a painter, Saddler greatly credits her PIAA acrylic painting teacher Betty Wedeles, and also Lisa Burke, who teaches Saddler water color painting, and has work in this Cape Coral show as well
From page 1
es in her favorite medium
■ Laura Kelly-Bestor loves the spontaneity of watercolor paint that allows her to work loosely - and often finds the results surprising She and her husband have owned a house barge in France for two decades, and the scenery along the water has inspired much of her artwork.
■ Karen Mesch works in watercolor and acrylic and says, “My pictures are all about Florida and the beautiful colors all around me ”
■ Connie Saddler paints in watercolor and acrylics Birds are her favorite artistic theme, but she is also captivated by old houses and buildings and employs those images for her paintings
■ Norma Jean Sass has explored different mediums, but is especially fond of working in watercolor and acrylic While people are a favorite subject, she especially loves painting animals and has won awards for her watercolors of animals.
■ Virginia “Ginny” Simms enjoys painting many subjects, but especially loves capturing images of flowers
She works in watercolor as well as acrylic
The lighted display cases of the Cape Coral Library will hold carvings and pottery by two award-winning artists from July 3 through Aug 24 As with most of the artwork that is exhibited in the library, these creations will be available for purchase by contacting each artist directly.
■ Ken Yacavone’s carvings of birds will be on display in one of the lighted cases He draws his own patterns and carves most of his creations by hand with little use of power tools He generally works in white pine and paints in artist oils After years of cleaning up beaches, he saw an opportunity to combine his artistic abilities with his concerns about the environment and began incorporating plastic pollution recovered from the ocean in his carvings One of his duck beach pollution statement pieces is housed at “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge for use in educational programs about plastics in the environment. He’s also donated beach pollution carvings to refuges in Hawaii and Ohio
■ Suzanne Sherwin’s pottery will be on display in
An example of Suzanne Sherwin’s
creations. Her works are on display in the lighted display cases at the Cape Coral Library,
another case. After trying different media in the past, her love of clay began a decade ago She slab builds and also throws on a potters wheel She’s experimented with sculpting, raku, carving techniques such as sgraffito and Mishima, silkscreen, making tools, making underglaze transfers, making texture and many more techniques “It gives me such joy to see a piece through from a lump of clay to bisque to finished, through a minimum of 3 kiln firings,” Sherwin said “It is almost like Christmas morning to open that kiln after the final firing and see the result of all my creativity and effort ” She often incorporates nature and sea life into her art and enjoys making distinctive and unique mugs.
Changing exhibits in the library’s gallery are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and are designed to afford local artists and artisans the opportunity to share their work in this public forum For information contact Monica Rahman, art gallery chairperson a
friends org Follow “Friends of the Cape Coral Library” on Facebook
PHOTO PROVIDED
This Connie Saddler watercolor is on display at Cape Coral Library.
PHOTO PROVIDED
pottery
Lee School’s Back to School Rush to be held Saturday
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
The School District of Lee County will hold a Back to School Rush event again this year for students new to the district who have not received their physical, or completed their enrollment for the upcoming school year
“Back to School Rush is an opportunity to knock down barriers that can prevent some students from being ready for the start of school We bring together the services families need, in one place at one time, so they can have their child in a classroom on the first day of school,” district spokesperson Rob Spicker said “For instance, we know there are about 2,600 students entering seventh grade that don’t have the state required Tdap vaccine They will be turned away from attending school until they have it and getting an appointment right now is difficult The Health Department will be on site to provide them, no appointment necessary ”
The Back to School Rush event will be held from 9 a m to 2 p m Saturday, July 20, at the Lee County Public Education Center, 2855 Colonial Blvd
The first rush was held in 2019 before it resumed again last year
“Last year we had more than 300 people in attendance,” Spicker said “One hundred and sixty-four students were given a free school physical This year we anticipate higher attendance, and more than 200 students will be given a free school physical exam ”
He said Student Enrollment helps new students complete their enrollment, and Lee Health provides back to school physicals
There are a host of other organizations that provide a helping hand at the event
“The Health Department provides the Tdap vaccine Kidscare is there for access to health insurance The United Way can connect families to available resources
Project Access supports homeless students Lee Virtual School is meeting potential students, and our recruiters are engaging with potential employees,” Spicker said There is no cost for the vaccines and no registration is necessary to take part in the event
“Parents should know the back-to- school physical being offered is not the same as a sports physical that students need to participate in athletics What is being provided at the Back to School Rush meets the state requirements to attend school Students who want to participate in athletics must see their pediatrician, or a attend a school-sponsored sports physical event for the proper exam and necessary paperwork,” Spicker said “The Health Department will also not be able to transfer out of state records to Florida at the Back to School Rush Parents who need that service must visit the Health Department during the week ”
School-based BreakSpot locations to close Thursday, ‘rural sites’ on July 31
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
The majority of the School District of Lee County’s school-based BreakSpot program locations will close for the summer next Thursday while the other summer feeding locations will end on July 31
The eight rural sites that were added to the list this year, providing grab-and- go meal options, had a great turnout
Church, Alva and Summit Church in Gateway
Spicker said participating do not have to be present at the eight sites It is required that parents and guardians confirm that they are picking up a meal for the child and taking it to them
The community participation at the non-congregated feeding sites are about the same as last year, he said
The rural locations include Buckingham Community Park, Fort Myers; Harns Marsh Middle School, Lehigh Acres; Palms at Pine Island, Pine Island; Phillips Park, Pine Island; All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church, North Fort Myers; Alva Community Park, Alva; Olga Baptist
“We are pleased with the turnout so far, with some sites serving as many as 300 meals a day,” district spokesperson Rob Spicker said. “On average, about 570 children are receiving a grab-and-go breakfast or lunch every day Those that come on Friday also get breakfast and lunch for the weekend ”
SummerBreakspot org before going to a site for updated information
There are no income requirements, or registration Anyone 18 or younger may receive a meal
Single lane of traffic to continue on Pine Island Road for bridge construction
BARTOW, Fla – This weekly report was prepared by the Florida Department of Transportation to inform the public about upcoming road work in Southwest Florida
Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge Permanent Repairs
Construction project: As part of the Emergency Restoration of the Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge, crews will be working in the project boundaries
R E / M A X S u
Realtors Brian and Lisa VanderBleek have earned the No 2 rank in the entire state of Florida for RE/MAX agents
T h e V
n t l y d e l i v e r e d results for their clients They were responsible for bringing the buyer to the highest recorded sale in Cape Coral of $5 8 million that closed last year and are currently working on a $7-plus million sale of a singlefamily residence
“We could not be prouder and are thrilled to congratulate Brian and Lisa VanderBleek on this incredible achievement,” said Char Seuffert, broker/ owner of RE/MAX Sunshine. “Their hard work, professionalism, and deep understanding of the market have set a benchmark in our industry This #2 ranking in Florida is a testament to their exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to their clients ”
With a combined 14 years of experience, the VanderBleeks have built a reputation for providing personalized service and achieving optimal results for buyers and sellers throughout Lee County
For more information or to schedule an interview with the VanderBleeks, please contact them directly: Lisa VanderBleek at 309-269-1869 and/or Brian VanderBleek at 309-292-7439
RE/MAX Sunshine has offices in Cape Coral at 814 S W Pine Island Road (239-297-1222) and Matlacha at 4574 Pine Island Road (239-790-1177)
along CR 78 Pine Island Road from west of Little Pine Island Bridge (Bridge No 120111) to west of Shoreview Drive
■ Phase 1 of construction on Little Pine Island Bridge has begun The bridge is reduced to one lane as part of the Phase 1 construction plan The bridge will remain one lane through the duration of Phase 1 Temporary signals are placed on both ends of the bridge and variable message signs are in place to alert drivers
■ Motorists can expect occasional lane closures on the causeway for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment as crews perform work on the south side
■ Please be alerted to construction equipment in the
construction zone To maintain safety, motorists should find alternate parking areas
■ Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted within the construction zone
■ Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway
■ Noise from construction equipment in the area is to be expected
Please be patient and plan for additional travel time as it may be slower than usual in the area
Travelers can visit www.FL511.com or dial “511” from their phone to learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state
Lee County accepting concessionaire, vendor inquiries for Southwest Florida Ag Expo 2025
B y M E G H A N B R A D B U RY
n e w s @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m
P r e p a r a t i o n s a r e c u r r e n t l y u n d e r w a y f o r t h
Lee VCB’s Savor the Shore campaign returns, encourages residents to support local restaurants
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau has brought back the Savor the Shore awareness campaign to encourage residents to enjoy access to local restaurants during the off-season
The off-season is a great time for residents to escape the routine and enjoy an evening out in the Fort Myers area. Savor the Shore is happening now though through Aug 11 and spotlights Lee County’s unique, diverse neighborhoods and restaurants
Savor the Shore’s multimedia campaign poses the question, “What’s for dinner tonight?" and inspires locals to “See what’s cookin’!” at restaurants throughout Lee County
Launched in the summer of 2023, Savor the Shore is
part of the VCB’s efforts to help local restaurants recover from the effects of Hurricane Ian in September 2022
The VCB is committed to supporting the tourism industry by creating awareness and encouraging locals to support hometown businesses
The VCB is running a multi-week advocacy cam-
paign, which includes print, social, email, radio and television promotions Here’s a link to two TV spots that feature all seven neighborhoods: https://www visitfortmyers com/lee-vcb/savor-shore-campaign#gallery
For additional information about the campaign, please go to leevcvb com
Community Cooperative mobile food pantry to visit PIUMC Friday
Community Cooperative recently released its July mobile food pantry schedule With a commitment to serve the community, they have adjusted their operating hours to better accommodate the summer weather
A number of food distributions have been held across the county since the first of the month Community Cooperative’s mobile food pantry’s schedule for the rest of the month includes:
Wednesday, July 17
VA Healthcare Center, 2489 Diplomat Parkway, E , Cape Coral Use Corbett Road Entrance (For veterans and veteran families only) 9-11 a m
Thursday, July 18
Lehigh Senior High School, 901 Gunnery Road, N , Lehigh Acres 10-11:30 a m
Friday, July 19
Pine Island United Methodist Church, 5701 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia 10-11:30 a m
Tuesday, July 23
Veterans Park Lehigh Acres, 55 Homestead Road, S , Lehigh Acres 3-5 p m
Wednesday, July 24
North Fort Myers High School, 5000 Orange Grove Blvd , North Fort Myers 10-11:30 a m
Thursday, July 25 Island Coast High School, 2125 De Navarra Parkway, Cape Coral 10-11:30 a m
SJCCA Schedule
The St James City Civic Association has announced the schedule for its upcoming activities:
Thursday, July 18
Ping Pong, 9-11 a.m.
Tuesday, July 23 ■ Ping Pong, 9-11
Cat of the Week
Pickles
Poor Pickles was returned to us when his owner left him behind in her dorm room, and her roommates were unable to keep him He's only a year old and desperately looking for someone to love him. Like any young cat, Pickles loves to play. He also likes to help with the dishes - anything involving the sink intrigues him. Please give him another chance at a furever home!
for more information If you’d
Parkway E, Unit D, St James City, FL, 33956, or there’s
sanctuary.com
Manatee
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was told other calls had come in regarding a local manatee in distress, that may or may not have been the same animal.
“She was tracked and eventually found in July," Scott said "Once FWC found her, she was taken to Sea World for rehabilitation ”
L a s t W e d n e s d a y , J u l y 1 0 , F W C released Lacha back in Matlacha in the canal behind D & D Bait and Tackle Shop
“They just called me three days ago (Tuesday, July 9) to say they were coming
to put it back in the water after rehabilitating it," Howardson said "Apparently, the Sea World folks had another one in the same truck that they were taking through to Pine Island to release ”
Scott reported that the second manatee w
released
“I never attended this before it’s very cool Once she was in the water, Lacha took off,” Scott said
With a crowd of islanders looking on, at left, FWC volunteers and staff from Sea World prepare to release Lacha in the waters in Matlacha. At right, the group of FWC volunteers and Sea World staffers with the truck used to transport the manatees back to the islands
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY
CAROL SCOTT
Lee County Elections begins mailing Vote-By-Mail Ballots for 2024 Primary Election
Lee County Elections was set to the initial mailing of domestic Vote-by-Mail B
Tuesday, July 16
A
Mail Ballots will be mailed to voters who requested one for the Aug. 20 Primary Election
V
Vote-by-Mail request to the office since
the 2022 General Election will need to submit a new request to receive a Voteby-Mail Ballot for the 2024 elections Requests for Vote-by-Mail Ballots can be made by calling 239-533-8683 or online at www lee vote
The deadline to request a Vote-byMail Ballot is 5 p m , Thursday, Aug 8,
The deadline to return a Vote-by-Mail Ballot is 7 p m , Election Day, Tuesday,
Aug 20
If you plan to return your ballot in the mail, the Elections Office suggest you do so no later than Tuesday, Aug 13
dropped off at any of the Lee County
Friday, from 8:30
to 5 p
, or on Election Day, Aug 20, from 8:30 a
to 7 p m
returned at an authorized
Intake Station, located at every Early Voting site during Early Voting dates and times Click here for Early Voting dates, times, and locations
Voters can track the status of their Vote-by-Mail Ballot at the Lee County Elections office website at www lee vote
Lee County Tax Collector hosting back-to-school supply drive for teachers
The Lee County Tax Collector’s Office is holding a back-to-school supply drive From July 8 – July 19, customers are encouraged to drop off school supplies at any of its six service center locations
Basic supplies like notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, erasers, glue sticks, crayons and dry erase markers are welcome Drop boxes will be conveniently located at all our service centers For a list of locations, please visit LeeTC com/Locations
Jay Johnson
piece of cheap metal, on top of a fire and they would pop open and we’d eat them,”
Johnson said
All in all, Johnson has always felt at home here, saying his love for the island is found in his love for its people, its community … and fishing, he added with a chuckle His being president of the chamber when it burnt down, lent a hand to his help in rebuilding it
Johnson said, if he were to meet some-
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one who’d never heard of the island he would describe it like the Florida Keys
“It’s somewhat rustic with good downto-earth people and great seafood You can be in one of the restaurants or bars on Pine Island and you could be sitting next to a fisherman or a multimillionaire you’d never know, because they wouldn’t be that much different, and the fishermen have a great deal of knowledge about the area,” Johnson said
Resource Center at The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, which aims to support local teachers by ensuring they have the necessary resources, at no cost, to provide a quality education to their students
“We are thrilled to partner with the Foundation for this important cause,” said
Collector and FLCPS Executive Board
member “We know how much of their own money teachers spend on classroom supplies Supporting our teachers means investing in our children and our community ”
For those who cannot make it into an office to drop off supplies, the foundation has an Amazon Wishlist where items can be purchased and directly shipped to the Education Resource Center
Mahjongg Scores
W e h a d t w o t a b l e s o f f o u r f o r
mahjongg July 11 Top scorers were Peggy Finley and Terry Wilbur, who tied in first place with 165 points, closely followed by Kathy Richardson with 140 Good scores ladies!
Obituaries
If you want to join the fun, we play every Thursday from 1-4 p m at the St James City Civic Center, located at the corner of Lemon Street and 4th avenue For more information, call Carolyn at 239-233-7682
