Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

Fund and memorial or ganized for islander, teacher

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers com

A remembrance gathering is planned for an island teacher and resident who passed away unexpectedly earlier this month, and a fund has been set up to help her family with the funeral expenses and associated costs

Lauren E Stahowiak, 32, of Sanibel, passed on July 1 Born in Warwick, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of Robert E Stahowiak and wife Lesley and Pamela A (Garganese) Stahowiak, of Warwick

Stahowiak was a fifth-grade teacher at The Sanibel School and past Golden Apple Teacher nominee

“Lauren was very close to her family and absolutely loved being a fifth-grade teacher,” the family shared in her obituary “She was very devoted to her job and looked forward to seeing and teaching her 'kids' every day, and Lauren went above and beyond by tutoring in the afternoons after school ”

Stahowiak is survived by: her parents; sisters, Megan N (Austin) Alvares of Warwick and Olivia M. Stahowiak of Warwick; stepbrother, Nicholas Galego of Riverside, Rhode Island; and nephew and niece, Camden and Avery Alvares

See FUND, page 20

Island resident and The Sanibel School fifth-grade teacher Lauren Stahowiak, center, passed away on July 1. Close friends have helped her family set up a GoFundMe to help with costs and a Celebration of Life is planned for Aug 3 on Sanibel Pictured with Stahowiak are Jamie Wilson, left, and Ali Suarez /PHOTO PROVIDED

County re-establishes veterans advisory committee

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers

After being presented with the city's draft budget by staff, the Sanibel City Council approved the not-to-exceed millage rate and first budget hearing for fiscal year 2024-25 during its recent meeting

On July 16, the council voted unanimously 5-0 on a resolution to advise the Lee County property appraiser of a proposed operating millage rate of 2 500 mills the same as the current fiscal year as well as a rolled-back rate of 2 4848 mills and a proposed aggregate millage rate of 2 6369 mills

It included a millage levy for the sewer voted debt service of 0 0169 mills and a millage levy for the recreation center

$11,650,054

The millage rate can be lowered during the upcoming budget process but not raised

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See COMMITTEE, page 20

Lee GOP officials attending RNC comment on shooting

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a f t e r m a t h o f t h e a s s a s s i n a t i o n a t t e m p t : “ I w a n t t o t h a n k T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s S e c r e t S e r v i c e , a n d a l l o f L a w E n f o r c e m e n t , f o r t h e i r r a p i d r e s p o n s e

Clarification

In the July 17, 2024, issue of the Island Reporter, it was reported that the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel will kick off its new Daycation Resort Day Pass program beginning on July 25

Last week, the resort provided an update that the program will require approval from the Sanibel City Council It is scheduled to discuss and consider the item during a special meeting on July 30

o n t h e s h o o t i n g t h a t j u s t t o o k p l a c e i n

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p l a c e i n o u r C o u n t r y N o t h i n g i s k n o w n a t t h i s t i m e a b o u t t h e s h o o t e r , w h o i s n o w d e a d . I w a s s h o t w i t h a b u l l e t t h a t p i e r c e d t h e u p p e r p a r t o f m y r i g h t e a r I k n e w i m m e d i a t e l y t h a t s o m e t h i n g w a s w r o n g i n t h a t I h e a r d a w

o n l i n e a t t i p s f b i g o v o r c a l l 8 0 0 - C A L L - F B I ∫ W h i l e t h e i n v e s t i g a t i v e w o r k c o n t i n u e s , F B I v i ct i m s e r v i c e s p e r s o n n e l h a v e o f f e r e d a s s i s t a n c e t o t h e v i c t i m s o f S a t u r d a y ’ s i n c i d e n t

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c o n d u c t e d n e a r l y 1 0 0 i n t e r v i e w s o f l a w e n f o r c e m e n t p e r s o n n e l , e v e n t a t t e n d e e s , a n d o t h e r w i t n e s s e s . T h a t w o r k c o n t i n u e s . ∫ T h e F B I h a s r e c e i v e d h u n d r e d s o f d i g i t a l m e d i a t i p s w h i c h i n c l u d e p h o t o s a n d v i d e o s t a k e n a t t h e s c e n e , a n d w e c o n t i n u e t o r e v i e w i n c o m i n g t i p s W e e n c o u r a g e a n y o n e w i t h i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t m a y a s s i s t w i t h t h e o n g o i n g i n v e s t i g a t i o n t o c o n t i n u e t o s u b m i t i t

F B I o f f i c i a l s s t a t e d t h a t t h e f i r e a r m u s e d i n t h e s h o o t i n g w a s p u r c h a s e d l e g a l l y , a n d t h a t C r o o k s w a s “ n o t k n o w n t o t h e F B I p r i o r t o t h i s i n c i d e n t ” “ W h a t w e w i t n e s s e d y e s t e r d a y w a s n o t h i n g s h o r t o f a n a t t a c k o n d e m o c r a c y a n d o u r d e m o c r a t i c p r o c e s s A n a t t e m p t t o a s s a s s i n a t e a p r e s i d e n t i a l c a n d i d a t e c a n o n l y b e d e s c r i b e d a s a b s o l u t e l y d e s p

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A l s o i n a t t e n d a n c e a t t h e c o n v e n t i o n w e r e L e e

C o u n t y R e p u b l i c a n P a r t y C h a i r m a n M i c h

OPINIONS

Web Poll

Previous Web Poll Question

Who do you think won the first presidential debate held on June 27?

∫ Joe Biden, 19%

∫ Donald Trump, 78%

∫ Did not watch it, 3%

Current Web Poll Question

What is your preferred method for voting?

∫ Early at the polling sites ∫ By mail ballot ∫ Election Day at the polls ∫ I do not vote

We must protect access to mental health treatments for U.S. veterans

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Anthony Principi Guest Commentary

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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

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m e n t a l i l l n e s s a r e n ’ t r e c e i vi n g t r e a t m e n t

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

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M e d i c a r e t h e a u t h o r i t y t o n e g o t i a t e w i t h d r u g m a

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e n s u r e p h a r m a c e u t i c a l d e v e l o p e r s h a v e t i m e

Stakes are high: Two years after fall

s e i s m i c s h i f t i n A m e r i c a n r e p r o d u c t i v e r i g h t s T h e r e p e r c u s s i o n s h a v e b e e

j e o p a r d i z e t h e h e a l t h a n d a u t o n o m y o f c o u n t l e s s i n d i v i d u a l s A s w e n a v i g a t e t h e p o s t - R o e l a n d s c a p e , t h e s t a k e s c o u l d n o t

b e h i g h e r

I n t h e a f t e r m a t h o f t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t ’ s

d e c i s i o n , n e a r l y h a l f o f t h e s t a t e s i n t h e

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s t a t e s h a v e i m p l e m e n t e d n e a r - t o t a l b a n s ,

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h a v e c r e a t e d a p a t c h w o r k o f r e p r o d u c t i v e

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c h o i c e a n d m e d i c a l n e e d T h i s i n c o n s i s t e n -

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t o s e e k t h e c a r e t h e y n e e d A t t h e W o m e n ’ s R e p r o d u c t i v e R i g h t s A s s i s t a n c e P r o j e c t , w e h a v e n o t i c e d 5 4 % o f p a t i e n t s a r e t r a ve l i n g t h i s y e a r t o a n o t h e r s t a t e f o r c a r e

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

o v e r m i f e p r i s t o n e , a m e d i c a t i o n u s e d i n

o v e r h a l f o f a l l a b o r t i o n s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s

M i f e p r i s t o n e , c o m b i n e d w i t h m i s o p r o s t o l , a n d a p p r o v e d

b y t h e F D A h a s b e e n a s a f e

a n d e f f e c t i v e m e t h o d f o r

m e d i c a t i o n a b o r t i o n f o r

d e c a d e s H o w e v e r , w h i l e t h e

r e c e n t S C O T U S r u l i n g i s a

v i c t o r y , i t o n l y a d d r e s s e d t h e i s s u e o f “ s t a n d i n g , ” l e a v i n g

t h e a b o r t i o n p i l l s t i l l u n d e r

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t o r s a n d a c t i v i s t s h a v e t a r -

g e t e d m i f e p r i s t o n e w i t h t h e

a i m o f l i m i t i n g i t s d i s t r i b u -

t i o n o r b a n n i n g i t a l t o g e t h e r

T h i s w o u l d h a v e d e v a s t a t i n g

c o n s e q u e n c e s , f u r t h e r r e d u ci n g a c c e s s t o s a f e a b o r t i o n

c a r e a n d d i s p r o p o r t i o n a t e l y

Sylvia Ghazarian

a f f e c t i n g t h o s e i n m a r g i n a l i z e d c o m m u n i -

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

h e a l t h c a r e .

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r e p r o d u c t i v e h e a l t h , i n c l u d i n g I V F a n d

c o n t r a c e p t i o n L e g i s l a t i v e a t t e m p t s t o

d e f i n e p e r s o n h o o d a t t h e m o m e n t o f f e r t i li z a t i o n c o u l d s e v e r e l y i m p a c t I V F t r e a t -

m e n t s S u c h m e a s u r e s c o u l d d r a s t i c a l l y

l i m i t t h e o p t i o n s f o r i n d i v i du a l s a n d c o u p l e s s t r u g g l i n g w i t h i n f e r t i l i t y M o r e o v e r , c o n t r a c e p t i o n , o n c e c o n s i d e r e d a s e t t l e d i s s u e , i s n o w u n d e r s c r u t i n y P r o p o s a l s t o b a n c e r t a i n f o r m s o f c o n t r a c e p t i o n , s u c h a s e m e r g e n c y c o n t r a c e p t i o n a n d I U D s , a r e g a i n i n g t r a ct i o n T h e s e e f f o r t s t h r e a t e n t o r o l l b a c k d e c a d e s o f p r o g r e s s i n r e p r o d u c t i v e h e a l t h a n d a u t o n o m y , p o t e nt i a l l y l e a d i n g t o h i g h e r r a t e s o f u n i n t e n d e d p r e g n a n c i e s a n d f u r t h e r e x a c e r b a t i n g s o c i a l a n d e c o n o m i c i n e q u a li t i e s P e r h a p s m o s t a l a r m i n g i s a n a t i o n a l a b o r t i o n b a n P r o j e c t 2 0 2 5 , a c o m p r e h e n s i v e p l a n p u t f o r t h

CCP talks about expiring terms, hears updates

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Captiva Community Panel discussed the seats expiring at the end of the year and formation of a nomination committee during its monthly meeting, as well as was updated on ongoing initiatives

O n J u l y 9 , P r e s i d e n t J a y B r o w n explained that the panel is made up of 11 members Five seats are appointed by the Captiva Property Owners Association,

four are voted on by the sitting panel and two are picked by the Captiva Civic Association The terms for three members expire at the year's end

He reported that Panel Member Ken Gill is a CPOA appointee and is eligible for another three-year term and Vice P r e s i d e n t D a v i d M i

s a p a n e

appointee and also eligible for three more years

“He wants to be on for another three

Captiva library, county system providing programs

Part of the Lee County Library System, the Captiva Memorial Library is offering the following free programming:

Adult programs

∫ Today, July 24: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

∫ July 26: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

∫ July 29: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

∫ July 31: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

Teen programs

∫ Today, July 24: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

∫ July 26: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

∫ July 29: Summer Reading Program Crafts

(daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

∫ July 31: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

Children programs

∫ Today, July 24: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

∫ July 26: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

∫ July 29: Summer Reading Program Crafts (daily during operating hours)

years,” Brown said of Mintz. He continued that his own seat also expires at the end of the year, but he will have served two continuous terms six years so he is not eligible for another He must take at least a year off Brown explained that a nomination committee must be formed, consisting of one panel member and two community members who are not on the panel They

See CCP, page 7

Lee County Parks and Recreation will offer free pool admission and free parking on July 27-28 in celebration of National Park and Recreation Month

The sites offering free swimming and parking will include:

∫ Parks: Lakes Park, Manatee Park, H

k , Caloosahatchee Regional Park and Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

∫ Beach sites: Bonita Beach Accesses

Memorial Park, San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, Bowman's Beach and Turner Beach (north side of Blind Pass)

announced the opening of Provisions in The Shops at South Seas.

grocery and beverage selections, South Seas apparel and sundries.

“

become easy with specialty items available Once a guest has made it to Captiva Island, we are proud to have an elevated offering to make their stay complete or fill in what may have been left behind,” General Manager Shawn Farrell said in a prepared statement “This type of shopping experience is just one of the many ways we are proud to be back and better than ever ”

will decide on the best person to serve on the panel and will make a recommendation to the panel The panel will then vote at its October meeting.

Panel Member John Jensen agreed to serve as the committee chair

Also at the meeting, Brown provided an update for the panel's Wastewater Committee as its chair

He reported that the panel has applied for grant funds for the potential construction of a sewer collection system on Captiva, while the city of Sanibel has applied to cover a new deep injection well to handle the increased

Library

From page 6

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

∫ July 31: Summer Reading Program Crafts

(daily during operating hours)

Enjoy a variety of Summer Reading Program table-top crafts and activities, while supplies last

County

From page 6

∫ Boat ramps: Alva, Davis, Imperial River, Lavender's Landing, Matlacha and Pine Island Commercial Marina

∫ Pools: Lehigh Community Pool, North Fort Myers Community Pool, Pine Island Community Pool and San Carlos Community Pool

wastewater from its sister island if the septic-to-sewer project proceeds

“So that would at least cut it (project cost) in half if we were to get those grant funds,” Brown said He anticipates that they will learn in December if they are approved

In other news

∫ Panel Member John Jensen reported that the Captiva Erosion Prevention District's commission is exploring possibly funding Captiva's iguana control serv-

Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a m to 12:30 p m and 1 to 4 p m

For more information about a program or to register, call 239-533-4890

In addition, the library system is offering the following free virtual programming:

∫ July 30: Online Author Event with

Other recreational sites within Lee that are owned or maintained by other government entities are not included in the free swim/parking weekend. They include: Barefoot Beach, beach access points managed by the town of Fort Myers Beach and city of Sanibel sites, including the south

New marketplace

Provisions features signature offerings, such as chilaquiles and smoothie bowls, along with freshly-baked goods of muffins, croissants and pastries There are made-toorder sandwiches and salads from the deli counter, build-your-own snack trays and all-natural, antibiotic-free, whole jerk sea-

Tax rate From page 1

From page 6

soned and lemon pepper rotisserie chickens. The ready-to-eat and quick pick-up options also include barbecue ribs, salads, overnight oats and poke bowls

A selection of wine and craft beer and canned and bottled cocktails are available, along with frozen dessert options from ice

Prior to the council's discussion and vote, Deputy City Manager and Finance Director Steve Chaipel presented the draft budget as prepared by staff using the same 2 500 for the operating millage He noted that the rolledback the rate needed to bring in the same revenue as this year's 2.500 is 2.4848.

Chaipel explained that the draft budget is just over $233 million, which is an increase of about 28% from this year at just over $182 million However, when the city subtracts the federal and state grants received due to Hurricane Ian, along with all of the loans, the budget stands at just over $84 million

“Which is almost exactly where we were pre-storm,” he said of the adjusted figure “There's a clear indication of the way the budget is being driven right now It's certainly the recovery of Hurricane Ian ”

Chaipel reiterated that a hurricane fund was created to hold and track all revenues and expenses.

He continued that at the 2 500 rate, the draft budget provides for reserves funded back at the $5 9 million for disaster reserves in the general fund, it sets aside $1 million in reserves for disaster recovery in the sewer fund, and provides reserves for additional operational support and end fund balances

Chaipel also noted the positive 1% increase in the preliminary property valuations

“So there is some indication in recovery of values,” he said

“We still see some significant segments that are still not experiencing the increase in value recovery as some others are,” Chaipel added “Namely condominiums, for example, as compared to single-family homes ”

Asked by council, staff reported that it was comfortable with a 2 500 not-to-exceed

In addition, council expressed consensus in using the same starting number, pointing out it is a cap

“This is the highest that we can go,” Mayor Richard

Dan Santat from 2 to 3

ices, so the panel no longer has to do it

∫ Brown reported that he spoke with Verizon about the new cell towers and coverage.

“They said they are almost done with the improved cell phone service throughout the island,” he said, adding that Verizon representatives expect everything to be finished and operational by October

∫ Lee County Sheriff's Office Sgt Rich Zeltman reported that there has been positive feedback from the community about the temporary cameras at Turner Beach, so permanent ones will be going in

The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva

side of Blind Pass

T h e c o u n t y n o t e d t h a t t

pool/parking weekend happens annually

On June 18, the Lee County Commission voted to approve a resolution designating July as National Park and Recreation Month

cream sandwiches to fresh fruit popsicles

The marketplace also includes convenience items like dairy, snacks and paper g o o d s I n a d d i t i o n , l o c a l l y - m a d e a n d

Florida-inspired products, handpicked to showcase the best of the local culinary landscape, are available

Johnson said “We can always come down, but we can't go above 2 5 (mills) ”

The budget hearings will be held on Sept 9 and Sept 23 at 5:30 p m

Originally a workshop, the council has a special meeting set for July 30 at 5:30 p.m.

Initial assessments

Also at the meeting, the council voted 5-0 to approve a resolution relating to the 2024-25 special service assessment for the collection and disposal of solid waste, recyclables and horticultural waste.

A public hearing was set for Aug 20 at 9:10 a m on the estimated assessment

It also voted 5-0 on a resolution approving the solid waste rate structure, establishing solid waste, recyclables and horticulture waste rates for residential, commercial and multi-family properties, and approving the solid waste franchise fee and solid waste disposal surcharge

Additionally, the council voted 5-0 to approve a resolution relating to the 2024-25 special service assessment for the Shell Harbor and Sanibel Estates Canal Area Dredging Assessment District

A public hearing was set for Aug. 20 at 9:10 a.m. on the proposed assessment

In other news

∫ The council voted 4-0 on an ordinance to amend the Land Development Code standards to revise the master development plan for the Bailey's Shopping Center property's Planned Unit Development

As an owner of Bailey's, Johnson recused himself from the discussion and vote

∫ The council voted 5-0 on a resolution to amend previous resolutions by extending the temporary waiver or discount on certain emergency repair permit fees, first reinspection fee for emergency repair permits and develop-

www leeparks org or contact 239-5337275 or leeparks@leegov com

People can also visit leeparksandrec reation on Facebook and Instagram

Provisions is open daily from 8 a m to 4 p.m. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www southseas com/ or call 800237-6000

The Shops at South Seas is at 14830 Captiva Drive, Captiva

ment permit demolition of a structure fee and adding the d is co u n t to b u ild in g an d d ev elo p men t p er mit f ees charged for new construction

∫ The council voted 5-0 to approve a contract with All Star Sports Surfacing in the amount of $458,000 for the Periwinkle Way and Palm Ridge Road Shared Use Path (SUP) Project, along with a proposal from Haley Ward to provide construction administration services in the amount of $10,500

∫ The council voted 5-0 to approve a proposal from Weston & Sampson Engineers to provide professional engineering services in the amount of $63,700 for hurricane-related Sanibel Boat Ramp dock replacement The city received a $250,000 Volunteer Florida grant to fund the design and construction services for the replacement of the ramp's wood dock structure

∫ The council voted 5-0 to approve a Holiday Tree Lighting on Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Park, as proposed by the 50th anniversary workgroup, along with a contract from Blingle Premier Lighting in the amount of $23,846 for the event

∫ The council voted 5-0 to approve the following

Development Council: Beach Park Facility Maintenance in an amount not to exceed $2,497,374 and Beach and Shoreline Erosion Monitoring in an amount not to exceed $50,000

∫ The council voted 5-0 on a resolution approving a n d

Management, of Fort Myers. It is a five-year agreement, with the option for two two-year renewals

∫ The council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the Code regarding buildings and building regulations related to mandatory inspection milestone inspection of aging condominium and cooperative buildings The second reading is set for Aug 20

See TAX RATE, page 19

BUSINESS

Chamber to host business luncheon

T h e S a n C a p

Chamber will hold its next business luncheon on Aug 1 from 11:30

a m to 1:30 p m at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, at 1501 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel

w

P

The guest speakers

e s i d e n t a n d C h i e f Executive Officer Dr

V

Government Relations

Michael Nachef They will present an update on the medical system.

T h e l u n c h e o n w i l l begin with a ribbon-cutt

Hurricane Ian reopening, which will be held at the bottom of the front steps

M H K A r c h i t e c t u r e is sponsoring the luncheon

O p e n t o m e m b e r s and the public, the cost is $35 to attend

Registration is required by July 26 at 5 p m at sanibel-captiva org or by contacting Aaron Walton at a a r o n @ s a n i b e l - c a p t i v a o r g o r 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 8 7 5 9

Payment is due at the time of registration

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ROTARY CLUB

From left, outgoing Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club President Don McDonald and incoming President Rachel Tritaik Rotar y announces new president

T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v

Rachel Tritaik as its 2023-24 president

O u t g o

passed the gavel to her for the new year

A Sanibel resident since 2008, Tritaik is owner and manager of the Island Therapy Center She is a member of the Sanibel Captiva Business Women's

Association

Comcast completes project to strengthen network access

Comcast reported that Sanibel's internet access is now more resilient, robust and secure thanks to a major investment It recently completed over $72 million in work to restore connectivity and fortify its Xfinity network in Southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian's impact

T

destroyed the Xfinity network Within 48 hours of Ian's passing, Comcast initiated the rebuild to restore service, enabling customers like the Tower Gallery to get back online President Marianne Ravenna credited the internet with keeping the gallery in business

“When Hurricane Ian hit, we had to close for almost five months The internet is what saved us,” she said in a Comcast news release “It truly helped us stay connected and available to our customers ”

The recently completed project comprises of over 70 miles of new lines rebuilt across the island, including the installation of a 10-mile underground fiber line from the mainland to Sanibel The new fiber allows Comcast to provide network redundancy, making sure there is a back-up connection

“Our commitment to this vibrant community runs deep,” Comcast Florida Regional Senior Vice President Jeff Buzzelli said “This network infrastructure is a big

Arensman

Lions Club

deal and we’re proud to be actively investing in Sanibel and other parts of Southwest Florida The new fiber line and its strategic installation should bring a sense of comfort to those on the island ”

Comcast reported that network redundancy means there are separate fiber paths connecting Sanibel and the mainland If one of them is down, services will most likely not be impacted because the other fiber path will take over and provide connectivity The network could still be impacted by other factors, however, the redundancy makes the network stronger and better positioned to provide connectivity

“Rebuilding their entire network so businesses and residents could get back online was a monumental task,” Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson said “Having access to fast, reliable internet is a must nowadays The completion of this infrastructure project is not only going to help us stay connected, but also ready for the future.”

“It’s encouraging to see a technology leader like Comcast work to ensure business and residential customers can stay online even when severe weather impacts us,” SanCap Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai added “That is just another way they are showing up as a great partner to our community ”

announces scholarship recipient

T h e S a n i b e l C a p t i v a

Lions Club announced the awarding of the Francis Bailey Scholarship

The recipient is Sanibel r e s i d e n t B e n A r e n s m a n He will be a senior in the fall at the University of

Arensman is majoring in business with a minor in

Kiwanis holds meeting with speaker

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club welcomed Ken Burgener as its guest speaker at a recent meeting A club member and bird enthusiast, he shared his knowledge about Sanibel's bird population and educated the club members about its significance The club meets on Tuesdays at 8 a m at The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, at 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel For more information, visit www sanibelkiwanis org

From left, bird enthusiast Ken Burgener and Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club President Jeff Blackman /SANIBEL-CAPTIVA KIWANIS CLUB

real estate and he has maintained an outstanding GPA

“We wish him luck in his future endeavors and ar e p leas ed th at w e can assist him in achieving his goals,” the club reported

T h e s c h o l a r s h i p p r ogram was created in honor of Francis Bailey, who was one of the club's founders and a longtime member

T h e s c h o l a r s h i p s a r e awarded annually to students who lived or worked on Sanibel or Captiva and are pursuing post-secondary education

For more information, v i s i t w w w s a n i b e l c a p t ivalionsclub com and click o n t h e “ F r a n c i s B a i l e y Lions Scholarships” tab

Rotar y Club holds meeting with speaker

The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club welcomed Community Housing & Resources Community Relations Director Kate Stone Pujol as its guest speaker at a recent meeting She shared valuable insights with the club and fostered community connections The club meets on Fridays at 8 a m at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and via Zoom For more information, visit sanibelrotary org

C o m m u n i t y H o u s i n g & R e s o u r c e s C o m m u n i t y R e l a t i o n s

Director Kate Stone Pujol was the guest speaker for a recent Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club meeting./COMMUNITY HOUSING & RESOURCES

Dr. Larry Antonucci

Michael Nachef

Ben

From page 8

Tritaik grew up in England and Canada, and she graduated from Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

SHE SELLS SEA SHELLS

From left, Conchologists of America Board

P

Achievement Award recipient Anne Joffe Joffe recognized at COA convention

Anne Joffe received the Lifetime Achievement Award

a t t h e C o n c h o l o g i s t s o f A

a ' s 2 0 2 4 C O A Convention on June 12-16 at the Hilton Melbourne in Melbourne

The award honors COA board members who have served for an extended period of time Their devotion has contributed to the successful operation of the COA as it operates mainly with the support of volunteers It was the third time that the prestigious award has been presented

Founder and owner of She Sells Sea Shells on Sanibel, Joffe has contributed to the COA for over 45 years She has served as president and has held numerous board positions over the years

Business Notes

Kiwanis Club inducts new member

Kiwanis Club recently welcomed a new member

Community Housing & Resources reported that its

Haskins, was honored to be inducted into the club

S he looks forw ard to further extending her com-

while contributing to and

Sanibel and Captiva

about the club, visit www sanibelkiwanis org

San Cap Bank hires Flores, Laurore

Flores has joined the team as a senior credit analyst

joined as an information technology assistant at the

Myers

Flores is responsible for analyzing financial state-

appropriate loan structures

She will also collaborate with loan officers and senior management to ensure that lending decisions align with the bank's risk management policies and regulatory requirements

Flores has nearly 20 years of experience in commercial and residential underwriting and credit analysis Before joining the bank, she held a senior credit analyst position at a regional financial institution in Southwest Florida

Flores graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Science, double majoring in finance and financial services

L a

p

y responsibility is to assist in the implementation, operation and maintenance of the bank's computer and communication systems He will a

support for employees

Laurore graduated from Florida SouthWestern State College with a Bachelor of Science in information systems technology

Jhamb named CIO for trust company

Trust Company announced

Manager Kristian R Jhamb has been promoted to chief investment officer

H

investment committee that directs overall firm portfolio strategy and analysis Jhamb will continue to be responsible for monitoring client portfolios, analyzing

See BUSINESS NOTES, page 18

Tracy Haskins

Rachel Flores

Mac Laurore

Kristian R Jhamb

PRESERVING PARADISE

SCCF records third leatherback hatching on islands

On June 28, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's sea turtle team documented the hatching of a rare, endangered leatherback nest on Sanibel's west end During the inventory of the nest, SCCF biologists and permitted volunteers documented 113 eggs, including 40 emerged hatchlings

The SCCF reported that it has only recorded leatherback nesting in three previous years: 2009, 2015 and 2020 Leatherback nesting on the Gulf coast of Florida is rare and mostly sporadic on average representing only a few of more than 1,000 nests laid per year in the state

“Most leatherback nesting occurs on the east coast of Florida, primarily in Martin and Palm Beach Counties,” Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan said

Shell museum provides update on project

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum recently reported that Snail Search of Lee County, its citizen science project, has reached over 150 observations To date, the most documented species are the Southern flatcoil, Cuban brown snail and ghost Bulimulus The museum thanked the 70 citizen scientists who have submitted photos of 12 land snail species via the iNaturalist app The project aims to gather more information about the biodiversity of local land and tree snails With the data, staff are hoping to learn more about the populations of common and rarely spotted species and introduced and invasive species To contribute sightings and help document biodiversity in the county, download the iNaturalist app at ShellMuseum org/snailsearch

BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM & AQUARIUM

City seeks input on recovery and rebuilding via survey

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the city of Sanibel is seeking community input through the Coastal

Partnership Project (R2P2)

R2P2 is a community-focused

Also in 2020, the first leatherback was satellitetagged on the Gulf coast in partnership with Florida Leatherbacks Inc It was given the name “Juniper ” By the time Juniper was tagged during night survey work, there were already three leatherback nests on the islands After her tagging, the team was able to confirm that she nested several more times on Sanibel, Captiva and Cayo Costa

In 2020, Captiva’s first leatherback nest was documented and inventoried, with 51 hatchlings successfully emerging out of 89 eggs total It was the only one of the six nests that successfully hatched on the islands The six nests had a combined total of 504 eggs, but no emerged hatchlings were documented from the other five nests

The SCCF noted that compared to the other six sea turtle species, leatherbacks tend to have lower average hatch success, and the variables associated with it are a continued topic of research statewide

After her last nest on June 17, 2020, Juniper was tracked wandering up and down the Gulf coast, traveling about 2,300 miles Her tracker stopped sending a signal shortly after that

providing technical assistance to support long-term resiliency through public engagement, design concepts and implementation

with draft sketch concepts to help the city and community imagine the

https://www coastalflr2p2 com/cityof-sanibel

The site also includes an online survey for the public to provide feedback

“We want to know what you think of the ideas, so that future recovery and rebuilding activities can continue according to the community vision,” the city reported

The survey will be open through the end of July F

https://www coastalflr2p2 com/cityof-sanibel

Volunteers sought for planting

Coastal Watch is signing up volunteers for a Pollinator Garden Planting on Aug 2 from 8 to 10 a m at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Puschel Preserve along Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. For more information or to register, visit https://dash pointapp org/e vents/154797 For questions, contact Director Kealy Pfau at coastalwatch@sccf org

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

AUDREY ALBRECHT Cuban brown snail

TOM OBROCK Ghost Bulimulus

CHRIS WHITT Southern flatcoil

COASTAL WATCH

FDOT provides update on causeway project

E a s t f ro m t o l l p l a z a ∫ B e g i n n i n g l a t e t h i s w e e k , m o

f l y i n g c l o s e t o t h e r o a d w a y . ∫ M o t o r i s t s s h o u l d e x p e c

i n

m e n t c o n t i n u e t o e n t e r / e x i t t h e s t a

Leatherback From page 12

Third leatherback nest hatching

With an average of 700 loggerhead sea turtles nesting on Sanibel and Captiva from May to October, t

marked only the third time that the S C C F

leatherback hatchlings on the island's beaches.

In 2009, the SCCF documented the hatching of a leatherback nest on Sanibel’s east end It was the first known leatherback nest in all of Lee or Collier counties Ninety hatchlings successfully emerged from a

Vegetation trimming on San-Cap Road

The vegetation along Sanibel-Captiva Road on both sides of the road, including the Shared Use Path, will be trimmed from now through Aug 2 from 8 a m to 5 p m , weather permitting

The city of Sanibel reported due to the nature of the work, one lane of the road may be intermittently closed to traffic Be prepared to expect delays Drivers and pedestrians are asked to proceed slowly and cautiously through the area when workers are present

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 239-472-6397

total of 106 eggs

The leatherback nest laid on the west end of Sanibel in 2015 did not hatch after washing over nine times The nest inventory found a total of 57 unhatched eggs and six spacer eggs

Isl and lIvIng

SPD releases weekly blotter

As Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued on Tuesday that will include real time information about law enforcement response to criminal activity

Arrests

∫ Tyler John Steger, 21, of 905 S W 31 St , Cape Coral, was charged on July 9 with one count of larceny grand theft $750 less than $5,000

Other enforcement actions

∫ On July 10, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle towing a trailer with no working lights The driver was subsequently issued a warning for defective equipment and a notice to appear for driving with a suspended license A licensed driver removed the vehicle from the scene

∫ On July 12, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for expired driver’s license more than six months and a verbal warning for unlawful speed The vehicle removed by a licensed driver

Enforcement operations statistics

From July 9-15:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 12

∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 19

∫ Traffic crashes: 2

∫ Radar details: 72

∫ Traffic stops: 50

Citations issued: 20

Written warnings issued: 0

Verbal warnings issued: 30

∫ Residential area checks: 362

∫ Business area checks: 185

∫ Total area checks: 996

∫ Reported burglaries: 0

∫ Reported thefts: 2

∫ Total CAD calls: 1,252

July 2024 to date:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 21

∫ Non-emergency calls: 47

∫ Traffic crashes: 4

∫ Radar details: 121

∫ Traffic stops: 90 Citations issued: 32

Written warnings issued: 0

Verbal warnings issued: 60

∫ Residential area checks: 828

∫ Business area checks: 416

∫ Total area checks: 2,131

∫ Reported burglaries: 0

∫ Reported thefts: 2

∫ Total CAD calls: 2,655

Impor tant reminders

Roadside parking is not allowed on Sanibel and is enforceable with a $150 fine

When leaving Sanibel, motorists are encouraged to travel east on Periwinkle Way In order to minimize the number of vehicles driving through residential neighborhoods and increase traffic flow, priority is being given to vehicles eastbound on Periwinkle Motorists using Bailey Road southbound, Lindgren northbound and Periwinkle westbound may experience additional delays as traffic flows are adjusted for efficiency.

Sanibel library offers range of programs and topics

The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children

Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders The next one will take place on July 30 at 2 p m with National Book Award for Young People's Literature

Everything ” His talk will inspire tweens and teens to draw their own stories, as well as give them practical tips on the creation of graphic novels

Santat is also a Caldecott Medal winner and New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of over 100 books His artwork is featured in numerous picture books, chapter books and middle-grade novel, and he created the animated television show, “The Replacements ” Santat began drawing as a young boy and although he first studied microbiology, he pursued his passion in illustration He spent many hours as a child and teenager teaching himself to draw by copying illustrations from comic books until he developed his unique recognizable style

A question-and-answer session with the author will follow.

https://libraryc org/sanlib/upcoming

Additionally, the library has the following programs scheduled:

Crafternoon will be held today, July 24, from 3 to

4:30 p m The project will be “Snowglobes ” Open to ages 3 and older, make a work of art A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance

Today, July 24, After Hours Dinner and Game Night will take place from 5 to 7 p m as part of the Summer Reading Program Participants will eat dinner, play games and explore the library after closing Led by staff, it is open to tweens and teens ages 11-18.

Storyteller Windell Campbell will be held on July 25 from 3 to 4 p m He incorporates the art of puppetry with the art of storytelling

See SANIBEL LIBRARY, page 15

American Legion and Auxiliary

American Legion Post 123 and

123 reported that they welcomed

Department of Florida District 13 on July 17 for their 2024-25 installation ceremony The head officers i

Randy Carson, Auxiliary President

received many accolades, including possibly being recognized nationally for its Red Shirt Friday Campaign, which remembers those who are deployed

The Post is open on Fridays from 4 to 8 p m and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p m It serves burgers, hotdogs and other specials There are TVs available for sports The Post is open to the public Membership applications are available Post 123 is at 4249 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

Education Notes

Sanibel Public Meetings

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on July 30 with Dan Santat.

Sanibel library

On July 26, Family Storytime for ages 5 and under will take place from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Sing, read, question and move around during the stories, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, motor skills and creativity The program will include an art/craft center

Part of the Summer Reading Program, Family Film Friday will be held on July 26 from 1 to 3 p m Get out of the summer sun a n d w a t c h “ C h r o n i c l e s o f Narnia.” Snacks will be provided.

On July 27, Teen Book Club will take place on July 27 from 11 a m to noon This month's read is “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins Staff will lead the discussion with related activities and snacks

Part of the Summer Reading Program, Bedtime Storytime & Stuffed Animal Campout will be held on July 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children are invited to come dressed in their pajamas,

Blotter

page 14

with a blanket, and bring a stuffed animal to leave overnight or use one of the library's. They will make a special tent and sleeping bag for their friends Participants then come back the next morning at 10 a m to reunite, see pictures of their friends' adventures and enjoy some breakfast and cartoons

On July 30, Cartoon Breakfast will take place from 10:30 a m to noon as part of the Summer Reading Program Children can pick up their furry friends from the night before and enjoy cartoons and breakfast snacks

Crafternoon will held on July 31 from 3 to 4:30 p m The project will be “Lanterns ” Open to ages 3 and older, make a work of art A variety of craft supplies

w

examples and guidance

For the most up-to-date inform a t

https://sanlib.org/.

From page 14

Recreation Center and are valid from the date of purchase through Nov 30 The 2023 permits have expired and are no longer valid

I n f o r m a t i o n f o r t h e S a n i b e l B o a t

Ramp:

∫ Parking and boat launching fee is $40 per day

Bingo card and keep track of read books from now through Aug 31. Open to ages 16 and older, those who complete a Bingo on their card will be entered into a lottery for a chance to win

library tote bag filled with themed books

Library cards are available to

library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.

The Sanibel Public Library is

from 9 a m to 8 p m , Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a m to 5 p m and Saturdays from 9 a m to 1 p m It will be closed on July 25 from 11 a m to 1 p m for staff training

https://sanlib org/

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

weekends and holidays is with AC/BC permit only

∫ Commercial use is prohibited.

∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $500

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel

Please share any photos of solicitation

Rec center provides update on activities and events

Center reported on upcoming programs and activities

T

complimentary blood pressure screenings on July 29 from 9 and 11 a m in the lobby

The fall trimester After S

place on Aug. 12 through Nov 1 Available to those in kindergarten through eighth grade, the program will run Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 5 p m Youth will participate in athletic games, arts and crafts, pool time, and other counselor-led activities The cost is $390 for members and $490 for non-members; the Financial Assistance program is available to quali-

hang tags to police@mysanibel com or use Tip411

Repor ting suspicious activity

Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411

fying families

New and current members can call 239-472-0345 or stop by the front desk for a

p their CivicRec account

A variety of memberships, passes and punch cards are available

T h

n Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 7 a m to 5 p m and Saturdays from 8 a m to 5 p m

To register or for more

https://secure rec1 com/FL/s anibel-fl/catalog For questions, call 239472-0345

T h e S a

n Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel.

https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert g roup id=22450

∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device. The SPD's non-emergency line is 239472-3111

Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice

SPORTS

FOROS reports on results of annual Road Rally

The Friends of Randy of Sanibel announced the winners of the 44th annual 4th of July Road Rally, which was held on July 4 starting out from the Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market on Sanibel

The top placing teams, and additional winners, were as follows:

∫ First place: Founding Fathers

∫ Second place: Caddy Issues

∫ Third place: Karas Kruisers

∫ Coveted last place: Tips and Toez

∫ Best Decorated Car: Founding Fathers

First place won a fishing charter, courtesy of Whitney’s Bait & Tackle; second place won a Weber travel grill, courtesy of Forever Green Ace Hardware; third place won $200 in gift certificates or cards, courtesy of MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, Rosalita's Cantina and The Lighthouse Cafe; last place won a free entry for next year's rally; and the best decorated won a gift card, courtesy of the Over Easy Cafe

The rest of the teams in the rally came in as follows:

∫ Fourth place: Mermaid Mafia

∫ Fifth place: Lost in Pace

∫ Sixth place: Santiva Sunshines

∫ Seventh place: Emeril Explorers

∫ Eighth place: Get a Clue

∫ Ninth place: Belding Babes

∫ 10th place: Witches of East Lake

∫ 11th place: Rip Tide

∫ 12th place: Chicka Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

∫ 13th place: Gateway 4

∫ 14th place: Hooligans

∫ 15th place: Papa's Peeps

∫ 16th place: On Island

∫ 17th place: Mockingbird Mob

∫ 18th place: Carter Clan

∫ 19th place: Big Dumb Truck

∫ 20th place: Bailey's Moon's Team

∫ 21st place: Lost Cheeseburger in Paradise

∫ 22nd place: Day Dinkers

∫ 23rd place: Wineaux

∫ 24th place: Seagals

∫ 25th place: Sanibel Supers

∫ 26th place: Sanibel Misfits

∫ 27th place: Long Shots

∫ 28th place: Sanibel Serenity

∫ 29th place: Good Sunsations

∫ 30th place: Murex Maniacs

∫ 31st place: Team Barbie

∫ 32nd place: Red Rocket

∫ 33rd place: Seaway Samaritans

∫ 34th place: Dinkin' Buddies

∫ 35th place: The Poodles

∫ 36th place: Pine Tree Drive

∫ 37th place: Cabbage Palm Kids

∫ 38th place: Fishing for Freedom

∫ 39th place: 6 Loose Screws

∫ 40th place: The Gateway Four

The 50/50 raffle winners, Kevin and Joie Steele, donated their $500-plus winnings back to the cause

The proceeds raised this year will benefit F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva Also, a donation will be made to Community Housing & Resources' families for help with back-to-school supplies

F.I.S.H. race attracting global participation

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva reported that Sanibel will welcome runners from around the world in December for its 10K/5K race a highlight of its fundraising event, JOG N JAM

Last year's event drew 530 runners, with a majority from Florida and others coming from various U S states, as well as Germany and the United Kingdom.

“We are thrilled that our race receives both national and international attention,” F I S H Race Committee Co-Chair Leah Winkler said “We excitedly anticipate this year's turnout and look forward to welcoming runners of all ages and backgrounds to our annual event ”

Registrant Louise Rushmer will join the 10K runners to take part in her first U S race

“I'm excited to participate in the 10K event Sanibel is my favorite place I honeymooned there when my uncle had a place on the island,” she said

A runner for 20 years, Rushmer visits when she can to see her cousin, who also has a Sanibel home.

“Supporting the rebuilding of our paradise island, while doing something I love, is wonderful I've never raced in the U S , so I'm very excited,” she said “I recently ran our village 10K in Horndon on the Hill, east of London, in 52 minutes the same time as 20 years ago Now at 58, I'm quite

pleased with that time ”

Set for Dec 7, the JOG N JAM will begin with the 10K and 5K races at The Community House, followed by a kids' fun run for ages 10 and under at the Sanibel Community Park Later that afternoon, a concert featuring the band Funk You will be held at the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva, complete with fireworks on the beach.

Fees for runner registration are tiered, starting at $45 through Sept 30 The fees will increase through Dec 7 The kids' fun run for ages 10 and under is free, however, all participants must still register

The concert tickets are tiered, starting at $75 through Sept 30 The cost will increase through Dec 7

The JOG N JAM will benefit F I S H The islands' only human services organization, it is focused on “neighbors helping neighbors ” Its mission is to enrich the lives of all people on Sanibel and Captiva by neighbors helping neighbors with social services, education and assistance

Support for this year's event is made possible through sponsorships and merchandise sales

To register or to purchase tickets or merchandise, visit https://www fishofsancap org/jog-n-jam/

For information about sponsorships, visit online or email events@fishofsancap org

F I S H OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

FRIENDS OF RANDY OF SANIBEL

Team Founding Fathers won first place at the 44th annual 4th of July Road Rally on Sanibel

Team Caddy Issues took second place at the 44th annual 4th of July Road Rally on Sanibel

Team Tips and Toez earned last place at the 44th annual 4th of July Road Rally on Sanibel

Team Founding Fathers won Best Decorated Car at the 44th annual 4th of July Road Rally on Sanibel

Event to suppor t local businesses

The next Love Sanibel Businesses Back will be held on July 25 at 11:30 a m at The Lighthouse Cafe, along with the Rachel Pierce Art Gallery and Outdoor Market, on Periwinkle Way on Sanibel The first 50 people will receive a Love Sanibel Back button

Launched by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, the initiative offers a chance to support island businesses and services with mix and mingle events For more information, visit www saintmichaels-sanibel org

Business Notes

From page 10

and advising his clients on strategies to help them meet their financial goals.

Jhamb is an experienced financial professional with more than 20 years of domestic and international investment expertise, conducting research across sectors, cycles, asset classes and geographies

Prior to joining the company, he served as portfolio manager and senior strategist for Lone Star Capital in Hong Kong and an equity analyst researching large cap banks at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods of San Francisco and New York Earlier, Jhamb was an equity research analyst responsible

for the consumer and media sectors at J P Morgan. He began his career in fixed income research and proprietary trading at Bank of America in New York on the high yield desk

Jhamb holds a Master of Business Administration in finance, accounting and e c o n o m

t y o f Chicago’s Booth School and a Bachelor of Arts in economics following studies at Dartmouth College He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation His office is in Naples at The Naples Trust Company, a division of the trust company

Class on property assessments, collections and disputes set

Lee County Clerk and Comptroller Kevin Karnes, Property Appraiser Matt

Branning will hold a free presentation on the property assessment, collection and dispute process on July 31 from 2 to 3 p m at the Northwest Regional Library in Cape Coral

explain their portion of the process to

property value is assessed; Branning will review the tax collection process for the property; and Karnes will explain how to

contest the property assessments, as well as how to help safeguard the property with the free Property Fraud Alert service

Following the presentations, there will be a question and answer session so attendees can ask the presenters any questions they may have about the property assessment, collection and dispute process

While the class is free, registration is required

For more information or to register, visit www leeclerk org/events

The Northwest Regional Library is at 519 Chiquita Blvd N , Cape Coral

County seeking public input to improve parks and rec

Lee County Parks & Recreation is asking the public to help improve its services and amenities offered by participating in a biennial needs assessment survey

The survey is important to anyone who uses the county parks or other recreational sites because it allows the public to provide feedback on what the department is doing well and where it can improve

People who complete the survey have the option to enter a drawing for a chance to win a family four-pass to the 2025 SWFL Ag Expo, a Lee County Parks & Recreation annual parking sticker or an annual pool pass

The survey will remain online until

July 31

It is available at www leeparks org and on Parks & Recreation's social media pages

Those without internet access may take the survey in person at any of the following locations:

∫ Estero Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd , Estero

∫ North Fort Myers Recreation Center, at 2000 North Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers

∫ Veterans Recreation Center, at 55 Homestead Road S , Lehigh Acres

∫ Terry Park, at 3410 Palm Beach Blvd , Fort Myers

At its meeting on July 16,

The Sanibel City Council presented the city's Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarship Award to Caroline Dillon, Analise Gingerich, Colin Menzel and Kaia Miller at its meeting on July 16

CITY OF SANIBEL

Police Department Police Aide Supervisor Kevin Kloesz as the Employee of the Third Quarter at its meeting on July 16

the Sanibel City Council recognized Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton for 30 years of service to the city.

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , J u l y 2 4 , 2 0 2 4 n P a g e 2 0

Her funeral service and burial were held on July 11 in Warwick

Locally, Stahowiak's close friends have assisted the family in creating a GoFundMe to help with the funeral arrangements and related costs, with any additional donations to be used to honor her memory

Colonial Elementary assistant principal and former intervention specialist at the Sanibel school, Michelle Heuck organized the “Help Bring Lauren Home: Funeral Support” on behalf of Stahowiak's mother, Pamela The fund has a goal of $25,000 and about $9,600 had been raised as of July 20

“To know Lauren was to love her! She was always making someone laugh even in the toughest times,” she shared, calling Stahowiak one of her best friends. “She cherished her family and adored her niece and nephew ”

“Lauren enjoyed going to the beach, cooking and finding things to create off Pinterest In her spare time, you would often find her tutoring and supporting children,” Heuck added “As an amazing teacher, she truly loved her students and will be forever missed ”

Additionally, close friend and island first-grade teacher Jamie Wilson has organized a “Celebration of Life in Remembrance of Lauren Stahowiak” on Aug 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p m at the Gulfside City Beach Park on Sanibel. The community is invited to celebrate Stahowiak at her favorite place at sunset

“We want to celebrate her and remember all of the light she brought into our lives,” she shared

Committee

From page 1

T h e L e e C o u n t y V e t e r a n s A d v i s o r y

C o m m i t t e e i s m a d e u p o f :

∫ C h r i s C a m m a r o t a , w h o s e r v e d i n

t h e U S N a v y

∫ R e t i r e d N a v y C a p t T i m C o o k

∫ F l o r i d a A r m y N a t i o n a l G u a r d

C a p t . J o s e p h D u h a i n

∫ R e t i r e d A r m y C o l S t e v e E p k i n s

∫ V F W P o s t 8 4 6 3 C m d r G e r r y

I s l a n d R e p o r t e r

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C o r p s

“We encourage you to wear bright colors,” Wilson added

She explained that she met Stahowiak when she began her student teaching internship at the school, where Stahowiak was working as a paraprofessional at the time They were hired for their first “official” teaching positions together for the next year Wilson shared that they became close friends while preparing each other for the interviews and then shopping for and decorating their classes

“Since we were both brand new teachers, we had to attend a 'summer school' program to train for our positions We spent pretty much every weekday of that summer together, and Lauren made every training so much fun,” she said. “It was really great having a friend to lean on during that time in our lives since we both knew what the other was going through ”

Wilson explained that she was in shock when Heuck called about Stahowiak's passing

“I still am I couldn't process the news as I had just been texting with her an hour before I got the call,” she said “It doesn't make sense to any of us ”

“Going back to school is going to be very hard for everyone, but we are so lucky to have the most supportive admin and staff,” Wilson added “We are all going through this loss together, and I am just thankful to have them.”

She shared that Stahowiak was the funniest person one could ever meet and that she cared so much about her students and doing right by them Stahowiak celebrated

∫ A r m a n d o H e r n a n d e z , w h o s e r v e d i n t h e U S M a r i n e C o r p s

Mental health

b r a i n b a r r i e r T h a t ’ s w h y s m a l l m o l e -

c u l e s m a k e u p v i r t u a l l y a l l p s y c h i a t r i c m e d i c a t i o n s , f r o m a n t i p s y c h o t i c s t o a n t i d e p r e s s a n t s . T h e I R A ’ s b i a s a g a i n s t s m a l l m o l e -

c u l e s w i l l a l s o w o r s e n e x i s t i n g i n e q u i t i e s i n c a r e a c c e s s S m a l l - m o l e -

From page 4

f u n d a m e n t a l l y a l t e r t h e l a n d s c a p e o f r e p r o d u c t i v e r i g h t s i n A m e r i c a . I n a d d i t i o n t o r e s t r i c t i v e l a w s , t h e r e i s a g r o w i n g t r e n d t o c r i m i n a l i z e d o ct o r s , p a t i e n t s , a n d a n y o n e w h o a s s i s t s i n d i v i d u a l s s e e k i n g a b o r t i o n c a r e T h e s e p u n i t i v e m e a s u r e s n o t o n l y c r e a t e a c l i m a t e o f f e a r b u t a l s o d e t e r h e a l t hc a r e p r o v i d e r s f r o m o f f e r i n g e s s e n t i a l s e r v i c e s C r i m i n a l i z i n g a b o r t i o n c a r e e n d a n g e r s b o t h t h e p r o v i d e r s a n d t h e p a t i e n t s , d i s c o u r a g i n g t h e p r a c t i c e a n d f u r t h e r r e d u c i n g a c c e s s t o s a f e a b o rt i o n s . T h e i m p l i c a t i o n s o f t h e s e d e v e l o pm e n t s e x t e n d f a r b e y o n d t h o s e d i r e c t l y s e e k i n g a b o r t i o n c a r e T h e e r o s i o n o f r e p r o d u c t i v e r i g h t s i s a t h r e a t t o t h e f u nd a m e n t a l p r i n c i p l e o f b o d i l y a u t o n o m y , a c o r n e r s t o n e o f p e r s o n a l f r e e d o m a n d d i g n i t y . W h e n t h e s t a t e c a n d i c t a t e

∫ S t e p h a n i e N e u r o c k , w h o s e r v e d i n

t h e U S A r m y

∫ R e t i r e d U S M a r i n e C o r p s

G u n n e r y D a l e S p a i n

∫ R e t i r e d A r m y L t C o l J o h n

T h o m a s

∫ R e t i r e d N a v y R e a r A d m R o g e r

T h r i f t s h a u e r

E p k i n s s a i d t h e c o m m i t t e e i s s t i l l s h a p i n g e x a c t l y w h a t i t s g o a l s w i l l b e

m o v i n g f o r w a r d

From page 4

c u l e m e d i c a t i o n s u s u a l l y c o m e a s e a s yt o - u s e p i l l s , w h i l e b i o l o g i c s t y p i c a l l y r e q u i r e i n j e c t i o n s o r I V s a d m i n i s t e r e d

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

t i s a n f i x h a s a l r e a d y e m e r g e d T h e

E n s u r i n g P a t h w a y s t o I n n o v a t i v e C u r e s

w h e t h e r a n d w h e n i n d i v i d u a l s c a n h a v e c h i l d r e n , i t u n d e r m i n e s t h e a b i l i t y o f a l l p e o p l e t o m a k e e s s e n t i a l d e c i s i o n s a b o u t t h e i r l i v e s a n d f u t u r e s . M o r e o v e r , t h e s e r e s t r i c t i o n s d i s p r op o r t i o n a t e l y i m p a c t m a r g i n a l i z e d c o mm u n i t i e s , i n c l u d i n g p e o p l e o f c o l o r , l o w - i n c o m e i n d i v i d u a l s , a n d L G B T Q + i n d i v i d u a l s T h e s e g r o u p s o f t e n f a c e t h e h i g h e s t b a r r i e r s t o h e a l t h c a r e a n d a r e l e a s t a b l e t o t r a v e l l o n g d i s t a n c e s o r n a v i g a t e c o m p l e x l e g a l l a n d s c a p e s t o o b t a i n c a r e A s s u c h , t h e o n g o i n g a s s a u l t o n r e p r o d u c t i v e r i g h t s e x a c e rb a t e s e x i s t i n g s o c i a l a n d h e a l t h i n e q u i t i e s , e n t r e n c h i n g s y s t e m i c i n j u st i c e s e v e n f u r t h e r I n t h i s c r i t i c a l m o m e n t , i t i s i m p e r at i v e t o r e c o g n i z e t h a t r e p r o d u c t i v e r i g h t s a r e h u m a n r i g h t s T h e f i g h t t o p r e s e r v e a n d e x p a n d a c c e s s t o a b o r t i o n , c o n t r a c e p t i o n , a n d o t h e r r e p r o d u c t i v e h e a l t h s e r v i c e s i s n o t j u s t a w o m e n ’ s i s s u e i t i s a h u m a n i s s u e T h e a b i l i t y t o c o n t r o l o n e ’ s r e p r o d u c t i v e d e s t i n y i s

her students' every win, and she was always planning new ways to make learning fun for them

“She was kind to everyone she met but also unapologetically herself Once she moved to the island, she went to the beach every night to watch the sunset,” Wilson said “She would never miss the opportunity to talk about her family She loved sharing pictures, videos and stories with us and took any chance she could to go see them ”

“There are so many wonderful words to be said about Lauren, but I would say one of my favorite things, and the thing I will miss most about her, is how true of a friend she was,” she added “If you were lucky enough to truly know her, you know that she would do anything for you and would never leave you ”

The community is invited to attend the gathering and to consider donating to the fund

“Our community on the island is so special, and it is so amazing to see so many people donating,” Wilson said “Keep sharing her GoFundMe to help her family We are all constantly thinking and praying for her family and just hope that helping with these costs can make things easier on them ”

To donate, visit https://www gofundme com/f/helpbring-lauren-home-funeral-support

For those planning to attend the celebration of life, it is advised that they plan their transportation in advance because of minimal available parking. Walking, biking, carpooling and drop off is encouraged

The Gulfside City Beach Park is at 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel

I t w i l l m e e t o n c e e a c h m o n t h , a n d t h e

n e x t m e e t i n g i s A u g 1 4

One of the ideas he proposed was a book for veterans with information on how and where they can receive assistance

“ T h e r e a r e a n s w e r s o u t t h e r e , a n d

p e o p l e k n o w t h o s e a n s w e r s , b u t t h e r e

a r e t h o s e t h a t d o n ’ t k n o w w h e r e t o f i n d

t h e m o r t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n s t h a t d o c e r -

t a i n t h i n g s , ” E p k i n s s a i d “ S o m e k i n d o f

b o o k j u s t f o r v e t e r a n s , s o w h e n ( a v e t e ra n ’ s ) c a r w o n ’ t s t a r t a n d t h e y n e e d a s s i s t a n c e a n d d o e s n ’ t h a v e t h e m o n e y , w h e r e c a n t h e y g o ? O r i f t h e y ’ r e h o m el e s s , w h a t d o t h e y d o ? ” O t h e r i d e a s i n c l u d e d a q u a r t e r l y v e te r a n c a l e n d a r a n d n e w s l e t t e r t h a t i n c l u d e s a l l o f t h e l o c a l v e t e r a n e v e n t s t a k i n g p l a c e o v e r t h o s e m o n t h s . “ T h i s n e x t u p c o m i n g m e e t i n g , w e ’ l l s t a r t w o r k i n g o n d e f i n i t i v e p l a n s a n d t a l k i n g a b o u t t h i s s t u f f , ” h e s a i d R e a d t h e f u l l a r t i c l e f o r f r e e o n l i n e b y v i s i t i n g w w w c a p t i v a s a n i b e l c o m

( E P I C ) A c t w o u l d a l i g n p r i c e n e g o t i a -

t i o n t i m e l i n e s f o r s m a l l m o l e c u l e s a n d

b i o l o g i c s , g i v i n g e a c h c a t e g o r y 1 3

y e a r s o f p o s t - a p p r o v a l p r o t e c t i o n .

A s m i l l i o n s o f v e t e r a n s s t r u g g l e w i t h

m e n t a l h e a l t h o r b e h a v i o r a l c o n d i t i o n s , w e n e e d t o p r o t e c t t h e i r a c c e s s t o i n n ov a t i v e t h e r a p i e s T h a t s t a r t s w i t h p a s si n g t h e E P I C A c t

f u n d a m e n t a l t o a c h i e v i n g e q u a l i t y a n d

j u s t i c e f o r a l l . W e m u s t r e s i s t e f f o r t s t o i m p o s e d r ac o n i a n r e s t r i c t i o n s o n r e p r o d u c t i v e h e a l t h c a r e a n d w o r k t o w a r d s p o l i c i e s t h a t e n s u r e e v e r y o n e h a s t h e f r e e d o m t o m a k e t h e i r o w n h e a l t h c a r e d e c i s i o n s T h i s m e a n s s u p p o r t i n g l o c a l a n d n a t i o na l o r g a n i z a t i o n s l i k e t h e W o m e n ’ s R e p r o d u c t i v e R i g h t s A s s i s t a n c e P r o j e c t ( W R R A P ) , a d v o c a t i n g f o r l a w s t h a t p r o t e c t r e p r o d u c t i v e r i g h t s , a n d v o t i n g f o r l e a d e r s w h o a r e c o m m i t t e d t o u p h o l d i n g t h e s e f u n d a m e n t a l f r e e d o m s . T h i s N o v e m b e r , t w o y e a r s a f t e r t h e o v e r t u r n i n g o f R o e v W a d e , F l o r i d i a n s g e t t h e c h a n c e t o e n s h r i n e a b o r t i o n a c c e s s i n t o t h e i r c o n s t i t u t i o n w i t h

A m e n d m e n t 4 , F l o r i d a R i g h t t o

R e p r o d u c t i v e F r e e d o m I n i t i a t i v e

S e v e r a l o t h e r s t a t e s a r e a l s o w o r k i n g t o

p r o t e c t a b o r t i o n r i g h t s t h r o u g h t h e i r

s t a t e c o n s t i t u t i o n s

A n t h o n y P r i n c i p i s e r v e d a s S e c r e t a r y o f V e t e r a n s A f f a i r s f r o m 2 0 0 1 - 0 5 T h i s c o l u m n f i r s t a p p e a r e d i n S t a r s a n d S t r i p e s

T h e s t a k e s a r e h i g h , b u t w e c a n n o t a f f o r d t o b e c o m p l a c e n t . T h e f u t u r e o f r e p r o d u c t i v e r i g h t s a n d t h e b r o a d e r f i g h t f o r h u m a n d i g n i t y a n d e q u a l i t y d e p e n d s o n o u r c o l l e c t i v e a c t i o n N o w m o r e t h a n e v e r , w e m u s t s t a n d t o g e t h e r t o p r o t e c t t h e r i g h t t o s a f e , l e g a l , a n d a c c e s s i b l e r e p r o d u c t i v e h e a l t h c a r e f o r a l l . S y l v i a G h a z a r i a n i s e x e c u t i v e d i r e ct o r o f t h e W o m e n ’ s R e p r o d u c t i v e R i g h t s A s s i s t a n c e P r o j e c t ( W R R A P ) S h e i s a n a c t i v e c o u n c i l m e m b e r o n t h e C a l i f o r n i a F u t u r e o f A b o r t i o n C o u n

FRANK BRINKER

Car sickness on Sanibel

I drove my car into a gas station one day and asked the attendant to fill the tank up. If that’s all that had happened, there would be no story to tell, no fingers pointed at anyone and no near heartbreak to follow

B u t a s l u c k w o u l d h a v e i t , t h e a t t e n d a n t asked me if I wanted to h a v e m y o i l c h e c k e d What the heck, I thought

t o m y s e l f , w h y n o t ? I wasn’t in any hurry

So he opened the hood

a n d s t a r t e d t o l o o k around He probed into the nether regions of the world under a car’s hood for what seemed like an eternity He gave out a l o n g l o w w h i s t l e a n d ambled back to the driver’s side of the car

“Oil and radiator are okay But it looks like your Finnegan pin is corroded If you’ve got five minutes, I can replace it in a jiffy,” he said.

Being among the literati and not the autoati, I said, “What’s a Finnegan pin?”

“It’s that dojig that connects the manifold to the universal If it snaps on you, goodbye car Better safe than sorry ”

He sounded convincing and I agreed to the minor operation He asked me to wait in the tiny office while he put the car up on the rack He continued to assure me that the whole procedure would take no more than five minutes

I waited patiently in the office and passed the time counting bicycle riders on the shared path outside. Five minutes passed quickly Then another ten Then another twenty Finally, he appeared in the office looking greasy, sweaty and worried

“Complications, I’m afraid,” he said “Everything was going fine when the car went into shock The oil pressure started dropping rapidly and the front wheel drive is hyperventilating We’ll need some oil donors right away You’ll have to call some friends and get their cars here in a hurry Make sure their oil type is the same as your car Hurry ”

Stunned, I sprung into action I called friends, neighbors and the entire editorial staff of the SanibelCaptiva Islander, all five members of the Sanibel City Council, and all the waitresses at Doc Ford’s everyone I could think of

Twenty cars showed up within fifteen minutes and the delicate oil transfusion process began

Friends sat in vigil with me as I prayed for a speedy recovery for my poor, dear innocent car which a h a l f h o u r e a r l i e r h a d b e e n h u m m i n g a l o n g Periwinkle Way in seemingly perfect health

A long half hour passed and the attendant finally emerged from the car emergency room He looked even grimmer than before.

“Your car is in intensive care right now The oil transfusion is complete, but the car’s in a coma The vital signs are weak The radiator temperature is high and the radio antenna is not responding We’re flying a team of specialists over immediately Pray like you’ve never prayed before ”

Tears welled up in my eyes “Can I see it now? Maybe if I hold its steering wheel in my hands for a few minutes it’ll know it’s me and respond ”

“No visitors now,” he said “It’s too touch and go We’ve diagnosed it as car sickness ” He said that the car was hooked up to oil pressure gauges, gas support systems and carburetor monitoring devices I felt helpless

A few minutes later a helicopter landed and out stepped Elon Musk and a team of automotive specialists Musk emerged holding a black valise Once

See CAR SICKNESS, page 27

DDWS, refuge open submissions for annual amateur photo contest

By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The submission process recently kicked off for the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's annual contest for amateur photographers who enjoy capturing shots of nature and wildlife

Sponsored by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge, the 32nd annual “Ding” Darling Amateur Photo Contest opened on July 15 to non-professional photographers

All entries must be submitted electronically

The cash award prizes are $300 for first place, $225 for second place, $175 for third place and $25 for honorable mentions

The complete contest rules are as follows:

∫ There is a $25 per person entry fee that provides you with a membership to the DDWS and is used to defray the cost of the contest One fee covers two entries per person.

∫ Only amateur (all ages) photographers are eligible to enter (may not possess a professional photographer tax identification number for the sale of photographs)

∫ Photos must be taken at the refuge and have been taken within two years of entry date.

∫ Each person may enter up to two photos but is eligible to win only one award

∫ Photos must be submitted electronically via email to ddamateurphotocontest@dingdarlingsociety org Each photo must be a JPEG file of at least 3000 x 2400 or four megabytes Panoramic photos are not allowed

∫ Photos that have won awards in previous DDWS photo contests may not be resubmitted

∫ Judging will be anonymous Please do not put your name or anything that will identify you on your photograph

∫ Judging criteria: Technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition and exposure); originality/creativity; interest; and ability to be reproduced for publication

∫ Only limited image modifications are permitted Minor manipulation should be used only to produce a more natural looking photograph Cropping is allowed but adding any elements not existing in the original scene will not be accepted Judges, at their discretion, will dis-

PHOTO PROVIDED

Junonia found on Sanibel

Todd Aber, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, found a junonia on July 1 at about noon on Bowman's Beach on Sanibel He was on vacation and shelling with his family when he spotted it Aber has been visiting the islands since his parents were children It is his first junonia after almost 50 years! Shelling is a tradition for the family Aber's twin brother, Craig, found a junonia when they were 16, so now they both have found one To report a s h e l l f i n d , c o n t a c t 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 1 5 8 7 o r trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.

qualify any photos that appear to be manipulated beyond these guidelines

∫ All photo files will become the property of the DDWS Photos may be used by the DDWS in any way with appropriate credit given to the photographer

∫ First, second and third place winners and honorable mentions will be formally announced in late October

∫ The contest's three judges will include a refuge staff person, professional photographer and member of the Sanibel community.

For an entry form and more information, visit dingdarlingsociety org/photo-contests

Entries must be emailed by Sept 15

Entrants can pay by sending a check made out to the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, P O Box 565, Sanibel, FL 33957, with a memo “for photo contest" or online at tinyurl com/dingphotofee

Holiday parade winners announced

The 31st Annual Independence Day Parade took place on July 4 on Sanibel. Organized by the volunteer group called Friends of Don, this year's theme was “Stronger Together ” The parade winners were as follows: Bank of the Islands and The Sanibel Sprout f

Community Association for Best Float Not-ForProfit; Divine Intervention for Best Original Design; Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club for Most Patriotic; and Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club with The Sanibel School for Best Music The floats were judged by a panel and the winners received plaques

Art Stevens Shell Shocked

KATHLEEN COLLIGAN Third place last year went to Kathleen Colligan, of Pennsylvania, for “Mangrove Tree Crab.”

SUE HARRISON

Friends of Randy of Sanibel

President

Randy Carson and F I S H

Executive Director Maria Espinoza

FOROS hosts annual road rally

Marking its 44th year, the annual 4th of July Road Rally was held on July 4 on Sanibel Hosted by the Friends of Randy of Sanibel, it was a visual scavenger hunt for clues along a predetermined route, which started and finished at event sponsor Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market and The Sanibel Grill The proceeds from this year benefitted F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva, with a donation to Community Housing & Resources to help CHR's families with back-to-school supplies FOROS reported that the rally was a success with two goals met: good funds raised and many people saying that they had fun

Junonia found on Sanibel

Thomas Vaughn, of Frankfort, Kentucky, found a junonia on July 8 at about noon on Tarpon Bay Beach on Sanibel. His family has been coming to the island for 10 years “My wife and I are avid shell hunters and we spend hours every day we are on Sanibel looking for shells and hoping for a junonia, and this year we finally found it!” Vaughn said To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers com

ISL AND HOME islander

PHOTO PROVIDED Seabreeze bamboo

Seabreeze

bamboo offers multiple uses

Seabreeze bamboo (Bambusa Malingensis) is an excellent choice to create a natural, living green privacy screen in your garden A non-invasive clumping bamboo, it does not produce runners that spread

a c r o s s t h e g a r d e n Seabreeze is a salt toler-

a n t v a r i e t y , g r o w s t o about 35 feet and will stand cold temperatures down to the 20s This

v a r i e t y c o m e s f r o m southern China, and it grows in full sun and partial shade conditions

T h e t h i c k , t i g h t l y w

e n s t e m s a r e 2 - 3 inches in diameter, and the growth pattern of the stems produce a natural security barrier as it is hard to walk through The more sun this variety gets, the thicker and higher it will grow It can easily be trimmed of larger stems and kept at a lower height if needed If you wish to confine it to a smaller space, a simple root barrier can be installed and seems to work w e l l k e e p i n g t h i s b a m b o o i n c h e c k S e a b r e e z e requires water, but its needs are met with much less water than other bamboo varieties

If you are in search of a privacy planting to replace the old arecas and fishtail palms that have developed Ganoderma fungus and you have been told not to plant another palm in their place, you have been given good advice The seabreeze bamboo, which is essentially a large grass, is not affected by the fungus and is a great replacement Whether you need a privacy screen, a centerpiece specimen or a wind break, seabreeze bamboo can fill that need in your garden and it is perfectly named for our island life

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden

Tips on cooling down water bill year-round

By FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

It's July in Florida, so it's hot According to the Florida Climate Center housed at Florida State University, July of 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded for many cities, prompting urgings by health organizations to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated And while for healthy adults there’s rarely “too much of a good thing” when it comes to water consumption, the same isn’t true when it comes to what flows through your pipes at home

Data from various sources reveal that families are spending from 2-5% of their household income on water and sewer services According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average family spends at least $1,100 per year in water costs Since most of those costs are directly related to consumption, reducing your water usage will have a positive impact on your utility costs

The Florida Governmental Utility Authority offers the following tips for cooling down your water bill this summer and year-round:

Get personal

If you leave the faucet running while you brush your teeth, you are not alone Estimates reveal that between one-third and 50% of people have adopted this waterwasting habit According to the EPA, this bad habit uses as much as four gallons of water every time you brush For twice-a-day brushers, that’s almost 3,000 gallons per year per person Run the water only enough to dampen your toothbrush and while rinsing Taking shorter showers can also significantly reduce your household water consumption

Get in control

Take control and advantage of the appliances and systems in your home Running your dishwasher or washing machine half full can double your water consumption. Be proactive and quickly address what may seem like small DIY repairs like a leaking faucet Drippy faucets waste 10,000 gallons of water per household a year, equivalent to the amount needed to do 270 loads of laundry Save

water, salt and money by running water softeners the minimum regenerations necessary to maintain water softness and turn them off while away on vacation Schedule your sprinkler system to run in the evening or early morning to minimize evaporation

Get an upgrade

When your budget allows or when

replacing them with ones that carry the EPA’s WaterSense label These fixtures are certified to use at least 20% less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models Older toilets use as much as six gallons per flush, compared with newer models that use less than two New shower heads or just replacing the aerators in current showerheads greatly reduce consumption while maintaining a healthy flow To estimate how much water, energy and money you might save, visit the EPA’s W a

https://www epa gov/watersense/watersense-calculator

Get credit where credit is due

Did you know you might be eligible for a tax credit when you install more energy efficient appliances including a heat pump water heater? For more information and to calculate possible credits based on your zip code, visit https://www energystar gov/homesavings

Think outside the water meter

While not as obvious, sometimes our efforts not directly tied to personal water consumption can result in water savings that help our environment For example, recycling a pound of paper saves 3 5 gallons of water, because much less water is used in the manufacturing of recycled paper

To estimate the water usage for your household, visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Water Use Calculator at https://www swfwmd state fl us /conservation/water-use-calculator

For additional water-saving tips, visit https://www fgua com/community/sustainability/

F.I.S.H. to hold distribution event

In partnership with the United

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva contin-

Hurricane Ian Point of Distribution (POD) program The next event will take place on July 26 from 9 to 11 a m at the Walk-In Center, at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel The pro-

gram is available to Sanibel and Captiva residents and workers; recipients must show proof of residency or employment Bring a vehicle large enough for the items and some extra hands to lift them For more information, contact Disaster Administrative Director Manuela Martinez at 239472-4775 or manuela@fishofsancap org

CHR thanks cleanup crew

Community Housing & Resources reported that the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club recently volunteered to help clean up the grounds at its Airport Way and Mahogany Way properties on Sanibel Those interested in doing some light handyman work, while giving back to the community's workforce and seniors, can join CHR's Thursday Crew It meets every Thursday at 9 a m at 800 Casa Ybel Road For more information or to sign up, contact Deputy Executive Director Savannah Miller-Berg at 239-4721189 or savannah@sanibelchr org

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

Recipe of the Week: Fresh Plum Crostata

Being the daughter of a pastry chef, it is no wonder that I love to bake The delicious aroma of vanilla and sugar escaping from the oven brings me back to my childhood and I cannot wait for that first bite of warm pastry During the summer months, the display case of my mom's bakery was full of a bar of fresh fruits tarts With a little effort, you can recreate in your kitchen this delicious dessert You will be so happy that you did it Serves eight (Chef tip: Keep your ingredients chilled and work your dough very gently )

8 small Italian plums

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup of granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

1 lemon, juiced

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon almond extract

1 recipe crostata dough

1/4 cup almond slivers, toasted

Plum glaze:

1/2 cup plum preserves, heated and strained

1 tablespoon Kirsch or cognac

Remove beans, brush shell with a beaten egg, and bake for three to five minutes longer, or until the bottom is no longer soft Remove from the oven and let the tart shell cool slightly

While the dough is baking, drain the plums from their juice. Boil the juice over high heat until caramelized and syrupy Toss the plums with cornstarch and almond extract

Pour in 1/4 cup of the reduced syrup over the plums and toss gently Arrange the slices in an overlapping spiral pattern in the tart shell

Cut the butter into tiny pieces and evenly dot the tops of the plums, then evenly sprinkle with the sugar, allowing some to spill onto the edges

Place in the hot oven and bake for 20 more minutes or until the dough is lightly golden and crunchy Remove from the oven and cool slightly before glazing

To make glaze, combine plum preserves with kirsch Brush or spoon the glaze over the plums Sprinkle with almonds Serve slightly warm or at room temperature with gelato

Crostata Dough

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

1 3/4 cups sifted flour

1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

1/2 cup unsalted chilled butter

1 teaspoon lemon juice

4 tablespoons ice water

Pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 350°F Lightly grease a 10-inch tart pan Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick and press the dough into the tart pan Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Cut the plums in half, remove the pits and slice crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices

Place the sliced plums in a large bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice, cinnamon and sugars Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes

Bring out the crostata dough and prick the bottom with a fork Line the dough with parchment paper, pressing it well into the edges; fill with beans or rice and bake for 10 minutes until pastry is set and just beginning to brown

CROW Calendar

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

∫ Today, July 24

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be the presenter’s choice

∫ Thursday, July 25

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be “Endangered Wildlife.”

∫ Friday, July 26

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be “If You Care, Leave it There ”

∫ Monday, July 29

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be “A Day In The Life ”

∫ Tuesday, July 30

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be the presenter’s choice

∫ Wednesday, July 31

Program of the Week at 11 a m

Season

Admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, $7 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under

In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Mondays through

Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required To register, contact 239-4723644 ext 229 or reservations@crowclinic org

http://www crowclinic org/ or call 239472-3644

The Community House Calendar

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:

Sanibel Hear ts Club

The Sanibel Hearts Club will meet on July 26 from noon to 3 p m Beginners to experts are welcome to participate and play the card game No reservations are required Suggested donation of $5

Shellcrafters

The Shellcrafters will meet on July 29 from 10 a m to 1 p m in the lobby A shell crafting class will take place at 10

a m ; it is free and supplies range from $510 Items will be available for sale All sales benefit the operations of TCH

Shell Critter Kits are available for purchase in a variety of different options Cost is $5 per kit with all of the supplies included, except for glue Order them inperson at TCH or call 239-472-2155

TCH office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a m to 3 p m

For more information, visit www sanibelcommunityhouse net or contact 239472-2155 or info@sanibelcommunityhouse net

Sift together flour, vanilla sugar, salt and sugar onto a flat surface and make a large well in the center Cut or grate the chilled unsalted butter into small pieces and toss with the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, mix the flour and butter together as quickly as possible, with a light pinching motion of thumbs and forefingers

When the dough resembles coarse meal, make a well in the center and add the egg, lemon juice and enough chilled water Toss to combine The dough should feel damp Add more liquid in drops if necessary

Form the dough into a rough ball With the heel of your hand, begin pushing down and away from the side of the ball farthest from you, smearing fat and flour together against the work surface Gather the dough together again and repeat if necessary Flatten into a disk, wrap and chill for 30 minutes before using

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m and via Zoom For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail com

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea

11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea

Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch

Services will return for season in November Videos of services from the past season can be found on the chapel's website and Facebook page

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida P O Box 722, Sanibel, www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Shabbat service on Friday at 7:30 p m Torah Talk on Tuesday at 7:30 p m There are also speakers, discussions and informal “schmoozes ” For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail com

∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch com/, https://www facebook com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel

∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www sanibelucc org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/ Senior Minister Rev Dr Mark Boyea

Sunday service at 10 a m in the Sanctuary

∫ Saint Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www saintisabel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Edward Martin

Friday Mass at 9 a m Saturday Vigil Mass at 5 p m Sunday Mass at 10 a m

∫ Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www saintmichaelssanibel org/, https://www facebook com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Saturday service at 5 p m in the Sanctuary, with a social to follow Sunday service at 9:30 a m , with a coffee hour to follow; service is available via livestream and the link on the website

Loretta Paganini

Cheeburger

Cheeburger, 1975 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

MudBugs

Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

islandBEAT islander

Pazzi

Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Santiva Islanders Calendar Shell Find

Junonia found on Sanibel

f Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, found a junonia on July 13 at a b o u t 1 1 a m a

h e Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel She was visiting the island for the first time with her sisters-in-law to shell and it was her first time shelling “I actually had no idea what I had found,” DiWilliams said, explaining that she picked up the shell and put it in her bag because it looked “cool with the spots and swirly middle ” She later learned that it was a junonia. “Safe to say, my first time ever shelling was a success!” DiWilliams added To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers com

Shell Find

PHOTO PROVIDED

Junonia found on Captiva

G e o r g e T o l y , 7 , o f Atlanta, Georgia, found a j u n o n i a o n J u l y 9 o n Sunset Beach on Captiva He and his sisters spent the week diving for shells and found lots of awes o m e o n e s , a n d t h e n George found this shell and thought it was super cool To report a shell find, contact 239-4721 5 8 7 o r t r e p e c k i @ breezenewspapers com

Cardio & Strength

& Strength today, July 24, from 10 to 11 a m in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All A

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members

Gentle Yoga

Lynn Young will host Gentle Yoga on July 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 a m at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring a towel and ample water and wear comfortable clothing; bring a mat, if needed Cost is $10 per class For more information, contact Susan Talmage at 214-206-6822 or drsusantalmage@gmail com

Social Mahjong

Social Mahjong will be held on July 25 from 1 to 3:30 p m in the library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Cost is $5 For more information, contact Beth Funderburg at bfundy4648@gmail.com.

Cardio & Strength

M a h n a z B a s s i r w i l l h o s t C a r d i o & Strength on July 26 from 10 to 11 a m in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All A

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members

Coffee & Conversation

Coffee & Conversation will be held on July 29 from 9:30 a m to noon in the library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, sign up for

activities and more

Cardio & Strength

M

Strength on July 29 from 10 to 11

&

m in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All A n g e l s E p

2 3 0 4 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members

Happy Hour

Happy Hour will be held on July 29 from 4 to 6 p m at Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, at 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials Attendees will order and pay individually

Bowling

Bowling will take place on July 30 from 11 a m to 1 p m at HeadPinz Fort Myers, at 14513 Global Parkway, Fort Myers Cost is $15, including shoe rental; pay the Santiva Islanders upon arrival Lunch, drinks and snacks available for purchase To RSVP, v i s i t https://santivaislanders org/events/bowlingat-headpinz-fort-myers For more information, contact Laura Korn at 281-222-5151

Cardio & Strength

M

& Strength on July 31 from 10 to 11 a m in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All A n g e l s E

4 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members

The Santiva Islanders serve all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age The cost is $25 for an annual membership The Island Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities For more information, visit https://santiv

landers@gmail com

The Mucky Duck, 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

The Santiva Islanders will present the following:

PHOTO PROVIDED

‘Where Were You On July 20, 1969?’

On the eve of my thirty-ninth birthday, wheeling the TV cart into the living room of my center hall colonial with my wife and in-laws and my eldest daughter Randy on her grandfather’s lap, (four year old Allegra asleep in her room), five pairs of human eyes drinking in the incredible men on the moon, greatest scientific feat of all time, and I still struggling with the rabbit ears antenna to make the image clearer;

Armstrong’s carefully prepared “one step, one leap” metaphor milking in best Madison Avenue style the great moment for what it would always be worth;

my father-in-law and I engaged in speculation about how Jewish astronauts could observe Rosh Hodesh, or say the prayer to the new moon while standing on it, my daughter interrupting, “Grandpa, I know the prayer by heart.”

then all of us quiet for a long time

my last hope that it might be a hoax gone, I felt bereft beauty and belief and fancies once owned proudly now replaced by a lifeless sphere

Next day, my birthday, having been declared Moon Day, the New York Times printed its special edition with several poems by poets including Archibald MacLeish, some acclaiming the achievement, others lamenting the loss, a feast for poets but my muse silent, lifeless

Since then, the moon reminds me from time to time that on that day a member of my species trampled on her face, violating with one irreverent step a million years of magic and myth and wondrous gazing

brother Apollo’s module chariot pulling from afar and away from us the last ebb of silver dream

Car sickness

again time stood still while he and his team were inside performing lifesaving car surgery

Another hour passed Finally, Musk and his team emerged Although bathed in sweat he had a smile on his face

“Your car made it. It’s going to be just fine now You should go home now and get some rest ” H a l l e l u j a h T o a p e r s o n w e a l l screamed for joy When the gushing tears abated I asked the gas station atten-

From page 22

dant what had happened He looked at me squarely and said, “The Finnegan pin I used turned out to be a transplant from a faulty donor Count your lucky stars that your car is still with us ” I hugged my car’s steering wheel all the way home.

Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander His t o n g

offered with a smile

Joe Pacheco Poetic License

Shell Find

PHOTO PROVIDED

Junonia found on Captiva

Lexi Raquet, of Tampa, found a junonia on July 13 near Redfish Pass at South Seas on Captiva Linda Raquet reported that her daughter screamed so much with excitement at finding the shell that Lexi's sisters, Addison Raquet, 16, and Ella Raquet, 13, ran from the water thinking there was a shark. The family of five, including husband and father Todd Raquet, has been vacationing at South Seas for the past 15 years The sisters grew up shelling and enjoy the family-friendly competition each year of finding the best one Raquet noted that the family shells on Captiva and Sanibel, as well as Cayo Costa State Park when they boat over “We have a beautiful collection of treasures, but it was always missing the junonia,” she said “We are so thankful for these islands that allow people to enjoy the simple pleasures in life ” To report a shell find, contact 239-4721587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.

Author Randy Wayne White recently visited the four Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille locations to promote and sign “One Deadly Eye,” the new 27th installment of his Doc Ford series.

A Doc Ford fan visits

White book tour held at Doc Ford’s

New York Times bestseller Randy Wayne White, author of the Doc Ford series, held book signings in June at the Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille locations on Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach and in St Petersburg The book tour promoted “One Deadly Eye,” the 27th installment of his mystery-thriller books starring Doc Ford and his adventures on Sanibel and in Southwest Florida White

also discussed his writing process Released on June 4, “One Deadly Eye” chronicles the reality-meets-fictitious aftermath of a Category 5 hurricane in the world of Doc Ford White, a Southwest Florida resident and co-founder of the restaurants with the HM Restaurant Group, bestowed the Doc Ford name to the original Sanibel restaurant in 2003

Kingfisher donates to rescue par tner

Kingfisher Real Estate and Vacation Rentals recently donated $3,285 to Haven on Earth Animal League The funds were raised at the first annual Matchmaker

Community House on Sanibel

KINGFISHER REAL ESTATE AND VACATION RENTALS

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with author Randy Wayne White during his “One Deadly Eye” book tour

Shell Find

PHOTO PROVIDED

Junonia found on Sanibel

Nick Klaas, of Lancaster, Wisconsin, found a junonia on July 17 at sunrise near the Sundial condominiums on Sanibel Erin Klaas reported that her husband and she were visiting the island for the week with their three children She noted that they got married on Bowman's Beach in 2008 and this was their children's second trip to Sanibel Klaas added that it was her husband's second junonia as he found his first one in 2018 while they were celebrating their 10th anniversary with their children

“This island holds a very special place in our hearts!” she said To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers com

CAMEO of Lee County awarded grants totaling $65,000 at its 2024 Grants Ceremony on July 18 in Marian Hall at St Cecilia Catholic Community in Fort Myers The recipients included the Angel Works Housing Foundation, Bonita Senior Center, Cancer Alliance Network, Choices in Living, Community Cooperative, Dr. Piper Center, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-

Captiva, Golden Retriever Rescue, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Neighbors Network of Lee County, St Cecilia Society of St Vincent DePaul Society, The Dubin Center and United Way