Pine Island Eagle

Holloway Jr Foundation

GPIA discusses progress being made on island

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

The Greater Pine Island Alliance, which was founded following Hurricane Ian, held its monthly meeting July 18 at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church covering a number of topics

According to co-founder American Legion Post Commander Aaron Barreda, a $5,000 grant was given to the GPIA organization by Week of Compassion Christian Church as well as $15,000 from the Red Cross. Tammy S a g e r w a s i n t r o d u c e d a s G P I A D i s a s t e r R e s o u r c e Coordinator Barreda reported a pause on the placing of temporary storage containers

“Pathfinder Mission did end up moving back to Texas, however, in that time, they provided us with all of their information on how to build the sheds so we are looking forward in August to get back up and being able to

One of the homes on Pine Island being elevated by Davie Shoring

The company has been busy lifting houses since Hurricane Ian.

PHOTOS

PROVIDED BY DAVIE

SHORING

“There is a collaboration between everyone on the island. There is no island on this island. We all talk, all the time … we all work together ”

put these storage containers back out for folks and being able to offer that again,” Barreda said

To date, he said, the GPIA has put together over 51 temporary storage containers and they continue to seek donations The cost of a temporary container is approximately $750 Earlier in July there was a group of volunteers from Johns Creek Presbyterian Church in Georgia, who donated over 550 hours of labor to Pine Island Honc Industries was instrumental in obtaining much

Davie Shoring elevating homes on Pine Island

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Davie

Shoring has been doing work elevating

a g e d h o m e s o n P i n e

I s l a n d A c c o r d i n g t o D a v i e S h o r i n g Operations Coordinator Chris Ellis, the company has been in business, with house elevation and stabilization for over 30 years now.

“We’re not new in the industry we’re veterans We are fully licensed GCs in Florida So, we’re here and we’re here for the long term,” Ellis said

The primary objective, he explained, is to take Floridian houses, and bring them up to meet new FEMA elevation height requirements This is something at which they excel and have expertise in managing, he said The company also offers emergency structural shoring, for those who sustained major structural damage

In addition to Pine Island, Davie Shoring currently has work in Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Arcadia and Tampa, since the area has been widely affected by hurricane damage

Ellis said it wasn’t long after Hurricane Ian that people began reaching out to the company for help In fact, he said, “Can you come and help us?” were the exact words used by some seeking assistance with their homes

“I’ve got two houses in Matlacha, that have been elevated to approximate heights of 10 and 11 feet, which will bring them into full compliance. Last week we put one up in Cactus Point in St James City, which we have to round about 12 feet,” Ellis said

He estimates 5 other homes in St James City being elevated to various heights, which are currently await-

See DAVID SHORING, page 14

needed dumpsters, which the Beacon of Hope helped fund.

“We love the partners and the great face we have here, between the industry and other non-profits that we can continue to support the community,” Barreda said GPIA Executive Director Erin Lollar-Lambert reported the Pine Island Water Association has gotten an 8,400-gallon diesel tanker as well as a rental generator for use until December of this year, as a replacement generator is currently on order

“Our water association is one of the better-run, more community focused water organizations ever,” LollarLambert said

Barreda announced the GPIA is currently accepting $10 membership fees in an effort to solidify the role of

See GPIA, page 14

Matlacha Hookers’

Stuff the Trailer and 50/50 Saturday

Pine Island Auto Repair, Tipsy Flamingo and the Matlacha Hookers are hooking up for the third annual Stuff the Trailer with School Supplies event Saturday, July 29, that includes an island 50/50 drawing

The Matlacha Hookers are wrapping up their school supply drive for Pine Elementary School by picking up the donation bins, accepting donations and hosting an island 50/50 drawing on the same day Islanders can join the Hookers along their route to donate or get tickets

The trailer will begin its journey at 11 a m at the Moose Lodge in St James City then go to Winn-Dixie Heading north, it’ll be stopping in Bokeelia at Salty Girl Café, Pineland Marina and Ace Hardware For the final stretch, the Hookers will head into Matlacha and stop at Blue Dog Restaurant, Trader's Hitching Post, the Perfect Cup and CW Fudge

Finally, they’ll wrap up this year's efforts at Miceli's Restaurant and announce the winner of the 50/50 One lucky winner will receive half the pot with school supplies benefitting from the other half

Please drop off the following items at the locations above before 10 a m Saturday, July 29, or meet the Hookers along the route during the day The items requested by PIE teachers include: headphones for grades K-1 and earbuds for grades 3-5, scissors (blunt tip only), #2 pencils, erasers (both cap and large pink rectangles), whiteboard markers (erasable and fine tip), dry eraser markers, glue sticks, colored pencils, pens (black, blue and red), white-out correction tape, pocket folders with brads (green, yellow, blue), washable Crayola markers, Crayola crayons, scotch tape, yellow highlighters, 9V and AA batteries for microphones and computer accessories, facial tissue, stickers (fun, numbers and alphabet letters), sticky or Post It notes, Ziploc bags (all sizes), bandages (large and small), disinfectant wipes, paper towels and copy paper

Help the Hookers give the students attending Pine Island Elementary a great start to their 2023-2024 school year Islanders' support and generosity each year

See MATLACHA HOOKERS, page 14

GPIA Executive Director Erin Lollar-Lambert

programs set at Pine Island Public Library

Next month’s roster of activities at the Pine Island Public Library offers topics for all ages The following programs are free to the public

Adult Programs

Book Page Wreath

9:30 a m , Saturday, Aug 12

Join us and make a decorative book page wreath We will be layering and folding recycled book pages to create a flower like design on foam wreaths All supplies will be provided Registration is required

Download Drop-In

3:30 p m , Thursdays, Aug 17, 31

Receive personalized help downloading e-books,

movies, music and more from Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers Bring your fully charged digital device for this hands-on help session Note: Please bring any passwords you may need for downloading apps Kindle users will also need an Amazon account and their password for accessing it

Game On: Family Edition

2 p m , Saturday, Aug 26

Join in the fun and challenge your friends and family to a variety of board games and video games Light refreshments provided

Children’s Programs

Bricks, Blocks and Books

10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 17

Join your storytime friends for this fun literacy playdate A variety of building blocks and bricks will be available for your preschooler to create with Favorite picture books will also be offered for inspiration and read-a-long fun

Game On: Family Edition

2 p m , Saturday, Aug 26

Join in the fun and challenge your friends and family to a variety of board games and video games Light refreshments provided

Preschool Playdate

10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 31

Meet up with friends old and new while developing early literacy skills through free play with games, toys and music

Teen Programs

Download Drop-In

3:30 p m , Thursdays, Aug 17, 31

Receive personalized help downloading e-books, movies, music and more from Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers Bring your fully charged digital device for this hands-on help session. Note: Please bring any passwords you may need for downloading apps Kindle users will also need an Amazon account and their password for accessing it

Game On: Family Edition

2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26

Join in the fun and challenge your friends and family to a variety of board games and video games Light refreshments provided

The Pine Island Public Library is located at 10701 Russell Road in Bokeelia. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239533-4350 Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www leelibrary net to find out about programs at other locations Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239-479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www leegov com/resources/ newsletters

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to par-

Florida Relay Service 711, or jlaguardia@leegov com Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requestor Requests should be made at least five business days in advance

Matlacha Hookers blood drive at Pine Island United Methodist Church Aug. 5

The Matlacha Hookers are joining forces with the Pine Island F I S H Basket Brigade on Saturday, Aug 5, for a blood drive at the United Methodist Church at 5701 Pine Island Road, across from M/PIFD Station #1, from 10 a m until 3 p m Look for the Big Red Bus

As a thank you for your pint donation, you will receive a $20 E gift card and swag bag from OneBlood All donors receive a wellness check that includes blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol

screening

Space is limited and donors are encouraged to schedule appointments online

Please visit www ONEBLOOD org/donate-now and use sponsor code 10492

For more information contact DJ 239-910-3829

Island Remembrance Service Sept. 28

St John's Episcopal Church will be holding a community Remembrance Service Thursday, Sept 28, at 6:30 p m Everyone is invited to come together and pray:

n For those who lost their lives

n For those who lost their businesses

n For those who lost their homes.

n For those who lost their pets

n For those who lost their livelihoods

n For those still struggling

The service is being hosted by the Rev Bill Gilmore, vicar of St John’s Episcopal Church, and will include the Rev Jacek Mazur, pastor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, the Rev Kaylee Vida, pastor of Pine Island United Methodist Church and the Rev Tom Hafer, pastor of Fishers of Men Lutheran Church

S t J o h n ’ s E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h i s a t 7 7 7 1 H Stringfellow Road, St James City

OPINIONS

Report your news to PINEISLAND-EAGLE COM

Sales tax holiday much welcomed this year

Approximately 100,000 students will head back to Lee County schools next month and parents are gearing up for a first step to get them there: Back-to-school shopping

Eagle Editorial

Publisher Raymond M Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers com

Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers com

Editor Paulette LeBlanc pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Advertising Director Laurie Ragle lragle@ breezenewspapers com

Advertising Sales Charlene Russ cruss@breezenewspapers com

Design & Layout Chris Strine cstrine@breezenewspapers com

Debbie

obits@breezenewspapers

The National Retail Federation is projecting a pretty big number this year as parents break out the wallets to buy clothes, supplies and often, electronics to equip their kids from kindergarten through college for the classroom

According to a release issued last week by the NRF with data collected by Prosper Insights & Analytics, another record spending year is projected with spending “expected to reach an unparalleled $41.5 billion, up from $36 9 billion last year and the previous high of $37 1 billion in 2021 Back-to-college spending is expected to hit $94 billion, about $20 billion more than last year’s record ”

How does that break down per kid?

“Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $890 07 on back-to-school items this year, approximately $25 more than last

year’s record of $864 35 and a new high,” the NRF reports

For parents with children in college, the number is higher

“College students and their families are expected to spend an average of $1,366 95 per person, up from $1,199 43 last year, and a new record from the previous record of $1,200 32 in 2021,” according to the NRF which adds, that since 2019, back-to-college spending has nearly doubled

Budgeting for back to school is seldom easy for most of us and this year, with many still in recovery mode from Hurricane Ian, it’s even harder

But there are at least two things coming up that can provide a bit of a break the state’s b a c k - t o - s c h o o l s a l e s t a x h o l i d a y b e g i n s Monday and the annual Big Backpack Event that provides supplies for children in need has a record number of backpacks available for distribution

Letters to the Editor

The 2023 tax holiday started Monday, July 24, and runs through Sunday, Aug 6, and applies to many back-to-school necessities including clothing, footwear, backpacks, school supplies and electronics, including personal computers and accessories, tablets and book readers

There are some conditions: Clothing, footwear and qualifying accessories need to be $100 or less per item; school supplies are limited to $50 or less per item; learning aids $30 or less; and qualifying electronics must cost $1,500 or less and must be for noncommercial home or personal use

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated 24th annual BIG Backpack Event is set for 11 a m to 2 p m Sunday, July 30, at the Fort Myers Skatium

Thanks to event sponsors, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office which donated

See EAGLE EDITORIAL, page 14

mail He apologized and said that USPS initiated a required ID verification before allowing mail to be forwarded but his office was not given any advance notice of this major change in operations He was hand canceling and applying forwarding labels to our mail and it was in transit We received our first forwarded mail on Monday, July 17, a full month after we left FL One of the pieces of mail was the notification from USPS that ID verification was required

I went to the local NH post office yesterday, July 18 Staff were in a dither because they had not received any prior notification of this huge change in standard procedures for mail forwarding and it was making for many unhappy customers To add insult to injury, PO employees were not able to scan the barcode on the USPS form letter and then said because my forward date was more than 30 days old, the mail forwarding was canceled and I had to start the process all over again!

I filled out the form again, now have to wait for USPS Central to receive that info, send their ridiculous form, go back to the PO with my ID, and then my mail will get forwarded. All of this is supposedly to prevent fraud which remains to be seen

Bobby Holloway Memorial Scholarship presentations made

To the editor:

On June 26, the Bobby Holloway Jr. Foundation held its annual scholarship presentation at Beef O Bradys Twenty-two scholarships totaling $35,750 raised through the annual fishing tournament were presented

David Bollen received the Phil Rosenberg

I T s c h o l a r s h i p a n d L i n d s e y F u n a i r w a s awarded the Richard Hagy Memorial scholarship

The foundation is still seeking applicants for islanders past and present attending or s eek in g to atten d v o catio n al / tech n ical school, heating and AC classes, plumbing or classes toward starting your own business Scholarship money is still available

We congratulate all scholarship recipients and look forward to their future success

Steve Hook Cape Coral

(The following letter was emailed to Rep Donalds and to Senators Scott and Rubio)

New mail forwarding system is a big mess

To the editor:

I wish to alert you to a serious problem with mail forwarding by the U S Postal Service We spend a couple months every summer in N H visiting our family We forward our mail from the Bokeelia PO to our son's for the time we are gone I started mail forwarding on June 16 I called our wonderful postmaster, David Moyer, on July 10 because we hadn't received any forwarded

What it has done however is make for very unhappy USPS employees and people w h o d e p e n d o n g e t t i n g t h e i r m a i l o n time The previous system was NOT BROKEN and it seems like one more attempt by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to screw the USPS employees and the general public He should be called to Congress to explain himself and he should be replaced ASAP!

Ellen Ballard Bokeelia

Preser vation of the Chiquita Lock is not environmentally friendly

To the editor:

The Breeze has previously published letters to the editor regarding removal of the

PHOTO PROVIDED

The 2023 Bobby Holloway scholarship recipients include Kaylee Dix, Aaliyah Jackson, Briana Jackson, Luna Harre, Josslyn Rider, Danika McCaffrey, Hannah Bryan, Matt Bollen, Jacob Bollen, David Bollen, Rilea Melvin, Caitlyn Lopez, Corin Scrudato, Grayce Smith, Armando Perez, Lilly Overbaugh, Danielle Johnson, Kaylin Hill, Karson Long, Sydney LeBlanc, Lindsay Funair and Hannah Holloway.

Business visionaries investing in Lee County’s workforce and future

Just drive through Lee County and it’s evident by the bustling construction, new buildings opening and increased traffic that the area is booming, and statistics overwhelmingly support that conclusion

According to the U S Census Bureau and U S Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lee County’s population has grown by 3 3% annually and is currently estimated at 802,178 On average, there are 90 new residents moving to Lee County every day Business growth continues as well, with approximately 43,000 businesses now operating in Lee County Job growth is up 5% over last year and Lee County has enjoyed explosive growth in every

business sector, including health care, life sciences, logistics, manufacturing and technology. In fact, Lee County is the fifth-most economically diverse county in Florida, according to Florida Atlantic University

To continue this successful track, a thriving Lee County business climate is dependent upon support from community partners as well as the private sector As members of the Horizon Foundation, local business “visionaries” commit financially to Lee County’s economic future The nonprofit Horizon Foundation privately funds the Horizon Council, a public-private board that advises Lee County’s

Letters to the Editor

From page 4

Chiquita Lock in southwest Cape Coral

The lock has been responsible for the deaths of several manatees in recent years a n d t h e y a r e a n e n d a n g e r e d s p e c i e s Removal of the lock would stop this from happening

It recently came to my attention that the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Fund is financially backing a group that is trying to force Cape Coral to keep and maintain the lock. The website sponsored and

maintained by SCCF lists a number of beliefs and activities, with the No 1 issue being to protect wildlife (which would obviously include manatees) How can an organization like this raise money for their not-for-profit enterprise and then give that money to a group that wants to keep a lock in place that kills manatees? Sounds like they are not living up to what they represent to donors

Duncan Russell Cape Coral

We want your opinion

The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that opinions These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper Opposing views are welcome Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be mailed to: Pine Island Eagle, 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60, Bokeelia, FL 33922; e-mailed to pineisland@ breezenewspapers.com; posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www breezenewspapers com or faxed to 283-0232 All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: pineisland-eagle com

Board of County Commiss i o n e r s a n d L e e C o u n t y Economic Development Office on economic development issues The groups’ mission is to improve the b u s i n e s s e n v i r o n m e n t b y retaining and encouraging the growth of existing business while also attracting new, diversified employers

K n o w n a s t h e “ v o i c e o f business” in Lee County, this trifecta partnership of t h e H o r i z o n C o u n c i l , H o r i z o n F o u n d a t i o n a n d L e e C o u n t y E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p - m e n t O f f i c e h a s created a business-friendly environment that continues to attract top talent, new companies and entrepreneurs from around the globe

Holly Smith Guest Commentary

Given the growth we’re experiencing, one of the greatest areas of focus for businesses in Lee County has been workforce development Since 2010, Lee County averaged 10,000 to 15,000 new jobs a year In 2020, though, there were 20,000 new jobs added to the local economy The momentum continued after Hurricane Ian, too, with Lee County adding 18,800 jobs in the six months following the storm

Currently, Lee County has approximately 20,000 job openings, but only 8,000 job hunters We are encouraged by several new initiatives, including micro-credentialing, which is aimed at helping students and employees learn or advance their skills for employment and growth opportunities

A f t e r t h e L e e C o u n t y E c o n o m i c

Development office gave a $1 million grant to cover the cost of micro-credential courses for Lee County residents, funding t h a t w a s p r o v i d e d b y t h e A m e r i c a n R e s c u e P l a n A c t , s e v e r a l H o r i z o n Foundation investors, including Scotlynn,

stepped up to offer microc r e d e n t i a l i n g o r d i g i t a l badge courses and guarantee interviews upon completion These programs are offered through the area’s higher e d u c a t i o n i n s t i t u t i o n s , including Florida Gulf Coast U n i v e r - s i t y , F l o r i d a SouthWestern State College and Hodges University, at no cost to students Microc r e d e n t i a l i n g i s h e l p i n g c l o s e t h e g a p b e t w e e n skilled workers and employment opportunities in our region

This is just one example of Horizon Foundation members collaborating and demonstrating their support for Lee County’s business community As Lee County continues to grow, so must the investment in our economic development Annually, more than 100 business l e a d e r s i n v e s t t h r o u g h t h e H o r i z o n Foundation to fund Lee County’s proprietary employment database, a real estate website, site selection and relocation marketing to attract new business, and multiple marketing and business technologies aimed at supporting existing businesses while attracting new ones to the market

In turn, investors receive access to these tools as well as multiple marketing and networking opportunities More importantly, they have a voice and a role in the economic prosperity of Lee County By investing today, business leaders are guaranteeing the success of what’s on the horizon To learn more about becoming a Horizon Foundation investor, visit HorizonCouncilFoundation com/Investors

Holly D Smith is president of the H o r i z o n F o u n d a t i o n , a S a n i b e l C i t y Council member and the former mayor of Sanibel

Recap of hurricane preparedness series for islanders

(Editor’s note: Over the past several w e e k s t h e M a t l a c h a / P i n e I s l a n d F i r e Control District Community Emergency Response Team has been providing a series of articles on disaster preparedness for islanders )

By NARCISSUS E. MAGTURO and KAREN TITOLO, CERT members

Below are some of the key points from the series

BEFORE THE STORM:

n Prepare your Emergency Supply Kit

A comprehensive list, in both English and Spanish, can be found in the Lee County All Hazards Guide available at www leeg o v . c o m / p u b l i c s a f e t y / e m e r g e n c y m a nagement/plan/ahg Include insurance and vital records in your kit, and/or store them electronically Remember to check your kit often and rotate the non-perishable food in your kit

n Prepare and practice your Family Emergency Plan Be sure all family members know who to call or where to gather if you become separated Choose your emergency point of contact to be someone outside of the disaster area in case communications are restricted within the affected area Let family and friends in other locations know your evacuation plans

n If you are considering using a Special Medical Needs Shelter, you must register ahead of time Registration can be done online at www leeEOC com or b y c a l l i n g L e e C o u n t y E m e r g e n c y Management at 239-533-0622 If you

registered in a previous year, keep in mind you must update your information every year

n Pre-program your NOAA or other emergency radio to WGCU-90 1 FM, the Southwest Florida affiliate of the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, and to NOAA Channel 4 (162 475 MHz) for Fort Myers

n The free Lee County “LeePrepares” app, available through both the Apple and Android stores, provides information on preparing for and recovering from all types of disasters; features include information on active evacuations and EOC activation level, shelter information, ability to sign-up for the AlertLee notification system for telephone, text, and/or email alerts

n M/PIFCD has an app through which you are able to receive local department updates during emergency activations along with updates from the National Weather Service Search "MPIFCD" in the app store to find it!

AHEAD OF THE STORM:

n Pine Island and Matlacha are in evacuation Zone A

n If Emergency Management issues an Evacuation Order for your zone, you are strongly encouraged to leave the area for your safety Emergency services may not be available to assist you until long after the event has passed

n If you are sheltering in place, expect the power to be out, and the likelihood that you may be under a boil water notice, if not without water entirely.

n If you evacuate, ensure your home is safe before you leave

n Should evacuation orders be raised, LeeTran will provide free transportation to a shelter from six locations on Pine Island and Matlacha:

Fire Station #3, 14861 Stringfellow Road

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, 12175 Stringfellow Road -- Pine Island Shopping Center, 9864 Stringfellow Road

Flamingo Bay, Stringfellow Road and Curlew Road

Street and Eighth Avenue

Matlacha Community Park Boat Ramp, 4577 Pine Island Road

n Service animals are allowed in all shelters

n If you plan to use a Special Needs shelter, make arrangements for a caregiver or friend to accompany you This is a requirement of Lee County

n Pet-friendly shelters will be available for every storm No registration is required Remember to bring your pet’s Go-Kit

n Check with Station #1 for sand and sandbags

AFTER THE STORM:

n Stay tuned to local media for reentry information

n Have a valid form of identification in case it is needed for re-entry

n Safety First! Call utilities to report hazards such as broken gas or water mains, downed power lines, or overturned gas tanks

n Tarps may be available from the county at Station 1 Call for availability

STAY SAFE THIS HURRICANE SEASON!

Have Questions about this article? You can contact the M/PIFCD, Station #1, at 239-283-0030, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Station #1 is at 5700 Pine Island Road, just west of S t r i n g f e l l o w R o a d a t T h e C e n t e r , Bokeelia

BIG Backpack school supply giveaway Sunday

Still time to volunteer if you want to help distribute 2,500 packs, plus food at annual event

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Now in its 24th year, the annual BIG Backpack Event will once again fill the grounds of the Fort Myers Skatium to provide 2,500 backpacks to students 5 to 12 years old

“The kids benefit from the program They come back and volunteer (saying) ‘I remember receiving backpacks ’ That is huge The best investment that we can make as a community, as a human, is on the children They are the future, so we have to invest in them That is the best investment,” said Leonardo Garcia, BIG Backpack Event founder, and founder of the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida

The event, which will again be drivethru curbside, will be held from 11 a m to 2 p m Sunday, July 30, at the Fort Myers

Skatium, 2250 Broadway

“We are going to do the drive-thru again because we noticed when we did an inside event they came at 5 in the morning and with the heat and humidity, kids and families struggled We had to get a bunch of water to make sure they are fine,” Garcia said

With the event changing to a drive-thru atmosphere, he said the kids are happily listening to music in the car and families were smiling

“For the benefit of the children and families, we need to keep it this way, especially with the heat that is going on right now,” Garcia said

This year, the number of backpacks increased by 500, as Sheriff Carmine Marceno donated another 500 backpacks for the event The backpacks will include pencils, notebooks, folders, glue sticks

IF YOU GO:

What:

24th Annual BIG Backpack Event

When: Sunday, July 30, from 11 a m to 2 p m

Where: Fort Myers Skatium, 2250 Broadway

More Information: Visit http://multicultural-centre org

and crayons and other supplies

“There are about six, or seven items t h a t w e p u t i n , ” G a r c i a s a i d , w h i c h includes a T-shirt from the summer youth program “The backpacks will be really blessed ”

In addition, for the first time Midwest Food Bank will provide food to be distributed Community Cooperative will also provide food for those who attend the event

“There is going to be a lot of food to take home,” he said

The annual event also will feature some entertainment along the route to pick up the backpack and food.

“We do have entertainment to make

sure the kids are happy,” Garcia said The Honorary Event Chair this year is Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson.

“It is a sincere pleasure to be named as h o n o r a r y c h a i r o f t h e 2 0 2 3 B I G Backpack Event,” said Anderson in a prepared statement “I am proud to support the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida and the work that the organization has done to support Lee County school children and families for more than 23 years ”

The day before the event volunteers will gather to help pack the backpacks and get food ready to be disbursed, which are still needed

“We need all the volunteers we can have,” he said “We want the volunteers to have fun I believe when you volunteer you need to enjoy what you do If you enjoy it, you will come back,” Garcia said

He tells the volunteers to think about all the smiles they will bring to the kids and families the following day

Those interested are encouraged to visit www.multicultural-centre.org to sign up

“The coordinator will receive the information and then will coordinate where you will be placed,” Garcia said

Next year, for the 25th annual BIG Backpack event, Garcia said they will most likely double the number of kids they can provide backpacks for

“As long as it serves the children, I am all for it,” he said

G a r c i a w a n t s t o t h a n k N e a l Communities, as it has been the main supporter of the event for the past several years

Other sponsors include the city of Fort Myers, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County School District, CONRIC pr + marketing, HABA, Macaroni KID and Midwest Foods

District hiring teachers, support staff

The School District of Lee County Recruitment Department is actively hiring to fill hundreds of teacher and support positions before the start of school on Aug 10

In an effort to recruit future employees, district staff will be in the main lobby o f t h e L e e C o u n t y P u b l i c E d u c a t i o n Center from 8:30 a m to 4 p m , through Friday, July 28

Anyone interested in employment in

the district can stop by the main building at 2855 Colonial Blvd in Fort Myers and talk to a recruiter during these times Jobseekers are encouraged to bring their resumes if possible

Details about the jobs available and hiring requirements are posted on the S c h o o l D i s t r i c t ’ s w e b s i t e a t www leeschools net/careers Recruiters c a n b e c o n t a c t e d v i a e m a i l a t Careers@leeschools net

Breakfast and lunch available at no cost to students at all Lee County Public Schools

The School District of Lee County today announced that it is again part of the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) serving meals to students under the National School Lunch / National School Breakfast Programs for the 2023-24 school year Every student in the District’s 82 traditional schools and four special centers will be served breakfast and lunch at no charge The school sites include: Allen Park Elementary, The Alva School, Amanecer Elementary, Bayshore Elementary, Bonita Springs Elementary, Bonita Springs Middle, Bonita Springs High, Buckingham Exceptional Center, Caloosa Elementary, Caloosa Middle, Cape Coral High, Cape Elementary, Challenger Middle, Colonial Elementary, Cypress Lake High, Cypress Lake Middle, Diplomat E l e m e n t a r y , D i p l o m a t M i d d l e , D u n b a r H i g h , P a u l

Laurence Dunbar Middle School, East Lee County High, Edgewood Elementary, Edison Park Elementary, Estero High School, Franklin Park Elementary, Fort Myers Beach Elementary, Fort Myers High, Fort Myers Middle, G Weaver Hipps Elementary, Gateway Elementary, Gateway High School, Gulf Elementary, Gulf Middle, Hancock Creek Elementary, Harns Marsh Elementary, Harns Marsh Middle, Hector Cafferata Elementary, Heights Elementary, Ida Baker High, Island Coast High, J C o l i n E n g l i s h E l e m e n t a r y , J a m e s A S t e p h e n s

Elementary, Lehigh Elementary, Lehigh Acres Middle, Lehigh Senior High, Lemuel Teal Middle, Lexington Middle, Littleton Elementary, Manatee Elementary, M a r i n e r H i g h , M a r i n e r M i d d l e , M i r r o r L a k e s

Elementary, North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts, North Fort Myers High, Oak Hammock Middle, Orange River Elementary, Orangewood Elementary, Patriot Elementary, Pelican Elementary, Pine Island Elementary, Pinewoods Elementary, Ray Pottorf Elementary, Rayma

C Page Elementary, River Hall Elementary, The Sanibel School, Skyline Elementary, South Fort Myers High, Spring Creek Elementary, Success Academy, Sunshine

E l e m e n t a r y , T a n g l e w o o d E l e m e n t a r y , T h r e e O a k s

Elementary, Three Oaks Middle, Tice Elementary, Tortuga Preserve Elementary, Trafalgar Elementary, Trafalgar Middle, Treeline Elementary, Tropic Isles

E l e m e n t a r y , V a r s i t y L a k e s M i d d l e , V e t e r a n ' s P a r k Academy for the Arts, Villas Elementary and Young Parents Educational Program

For additional information please contact: The School District of Lee County, Food and Nutrition Services,

A t t e n t i o n : K a n d y M e s s e n g e r , D i r e c t o r F o o d a n d Nutrition Services, 2855 Colonial Blvd Fort Myers, F l o r i d a 3 3 9 6 6 , ( 2 3 9 ) 4 6 1 - 8 4 4 9 , KandaceM@LeeSchools net

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U S Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminat-

Kindergarten registration continues at Pine Island Elementary School

Pine Island Elementary School is registering all upcoming kindergarten students for the 2023-2024 school year. If your child will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2023, they are ready to start school Please stop by the school office to register them for kindergarten

ing based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e g Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc ), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English

plete

the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint

letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 6329992 Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D C 20250-9410;

2 Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

P a g e 9 n W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , J u l y 2 6 , 2 0 2 3 b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s . c o m P i n e I s l a n d E a g l e

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

P i n e I s l a n d E l e m e n t a r y i s l o c a t e d a t 5 3 6 0 Ridgewood Drive in Bokeelia

Voters must request new Vote-by-Mail Ballots

Lee County Supervisor of Elections

Tommy Doyle wants to ensure voters are aware that all previous Vote-by-Mail Ballot requests expired as of December 2022 due to a change in Florida law As a result, voters who plan to vote by mail in 2024 must submit a new request to the office.

“The change in the law marks an unprecedented event for our office We have a significantly low number of Voteby-Mail requests compared to previous years,” Doyle said “Our office began a proactive campaign earlier this year ahead of the 2024 election cycle in our effort to inform voters of this change and ensure voting accessibility for all ”

Calusa Waterkeeper provides local FIB report for month of July

This month we sampled a total of 27 sites, with 5 sites passing and 22 sites failing the Florida Department of Health safety threshold of bacteria counts less than 70 MPN

Below are the three highest MPN counts we found North Fort Myers Riverbend has more than quadrupled since last month and is our newest site

currently sampled Manuels Branch -- 4611 North Fort Myers Riverbend -- 2282

Billy's Creek at Ortiz Ave -- 3448

As we progress into rainy season, Calusa Waterkeeper will continue to a s s e s s a n d e v a l u a t e s i t e s i n t h e Southwest Florida watershed to test for FIB (fecal indicator bacteria) The CWK

could not do this without its wonderful volunteers and Rangers! Thank you to Neil, Ken, John, Chuck, Don, Mike and Greg!

For additional information about the Calusa Waterkeeper, visit the website at https://calusawaterkeeper org You can also email info@CalusaWaterkeeper org or call 239-899-1440

Voting by mail is a safe, secure and convenient voting method Voters are encouraged to act now and submit their Vote-by-Mail requests before the 2024 election cycle to ensure their voices are heard!

Vote-by-Mail Ballot requests can be made online, by mail, e-mail, fax or in person at any one of our branch office locations. New requests are valid through December 2024

T h e m i s s i o n o f t h e L e e C o u n t y Supervisor of Elections is to deliver superior election services to the voters of Lee County.

ing permits Although it might be tempting to believe the higher a house is, the more susceptible it would become to hurricane force winds, Ellis said, this is not the case Anything built in the last 15 years or so has been built to the height of the homes they are elevating anyway, he explained

“Now we’ve got those that are in compliance under the new laws, you’ve got those that were built in the '50s and the '60s and most of these houses are really good houses and built well so we bring it up to about 10 feet or all the new

From page 1

the organization Ongoing collaboration with Rebuild Together continues, Barreda said, as the organization is currently seeking office space on Pine Island, as longterm recovery is likely for the next several years The organization has begun to focus on assisting the Palms Community, he said, as they have dedicated staff to complete projects there

“Whether it’s your neighbor, your friend or somebody else in the Greater

elevation to comply, however, the reason they’re so safe is because they’re so well built and the construction for the new foundations we use is absolutely unbelievable because it is parallel to high-rise construction,” Ellis said Everything from the footings to the rebar and columns are so strong, he said, that the idea that it’s more hazardous to elevate these homes is simply not true Damage to Florida homes, from storms like Hurricane Ian, he said, comes not only from the winds, but from the water surge

Pine Island area, please go on the website just let us know who needs help and we’ll work with these great partners, like Rebuild and True Blue, to get the help out there that they need,” Barreda said Continuous partnership in the commun i t y , v i a t h e P i n e I s l a n d W a t e r Association and the Matlacha Hookers, has allowed the GPIA to acquire 2 of the 6 Starlink satellites needed for future communication, in the event of another

“Most people have to go to the 10-foot mark to meet the new elevation height, but the huge water surges that came through and did all the damage were at 5 and 6 feet Hopefully, we are doubling where the last storm damage was done hopefully we’ll clear any water surges that come in the future and hopefully the body of the house and the foundation are going to be rock solid,” Ellis said

Another home on Pine Island being elevated by Davie Shoring.

catastrophe, Barreda said

R e g i o n a l D i r e c t o r f o r U n i t e d Methodist Committee on Relief Simone Monaco reported they have been on Pine Island since December 2022 She has an office, she said, at the Pine Island United M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , 5 7 0 1 P i n e I s l a n d Road, Bokeelia, FL 33922 Anyone in need of help is invited to go and see her there Any work done on someone’s home will need to be referenced with a receipt, as all financial requests must be accounted for However, financial position has no bearing on whether someone qualifies to receive assistance, she said

Lollar-Lambert emphasized the comm u n i c a t i o n s h a r e d b e t w e e n i s l a n d e r s , both individually and those involved with organizations, such as, GPIA, UMCOR,

FEMA and Project Hope

“ T h e r e i s a c o l l a b o r a t i o n b e t w e e n everyone on the island There is no island on this island We all talk, all the time we all work together,” Lollar-Lambert said

F E M A V o l u n t a r y A g e n c y L i a i s o n

T a s k F o r c e L e a d a n d S u p e r v i s o r y

E m e r g e n c y M a n a g e m e n t S p e c i a l i s t Chartonna “CeCe” Woodley said a lot of people who believed they would be covered by insurance were initially denied assistance She maintains that there are ways to receive needed funding through FEMA

For additional information on GPIA m e m b e r s h i p , d o n a t i o n s o r t o r e c e i v e updates via newsletter, visit, GPIALLIANCE org

Matlacha Hookers

are greatly appreciated by the students, teachers, principal and by the Matlacha Hookers.

From page 1

M o n e t a r y d o n a t i o n s c a n b e made online at https://www matl a c h a h o o k e r s o r g / C l i c k t h e donate button and select “School Supplies” in the drop-down box C h e c k s c a n b e m a i l e d t o t h e Matlacha Hookers, PO Box 111, Matlacha, FL 33993 Please write “school supplies” on the memo line

If you would like the trailer to stop at your business or organization to participate in the 50/50 drawing or donate school supplies on July 29, please contact DJ at 239910-3829. Questions can be emailed to matlachahookers@matlachahookers org

FEMA disaster case assistance available

Affected by Hurricane Ian and need help recovering? FEMA wants to help

FEMA reports that disaster case managers are available to meet with you and help you create a longterm recovery plan

Those in need of assistance are asked to please go

providers/

From page 4

500 packs, organizers plan to distribute 2,500 free supply-stuffed backpacks to students ages 5 to 12 at the drive-thru giveaway

As an added bonus this year, the Midwest Food Bank and Community Cooperative will provide food for those who take part

For more information, we invite you to read Meghan Bradbury’s story in today’s Eagle, which includes information on how to volunteer to aid the effort

Even in the good years, every little bit helps

Cat of the Week

Those big blue eyes and innocent expression help Henry get away with a lot at the shelter. He came to us with a perm a n e n t h e a d t i l t S i n c e w e don’t know his history, we can only guess what caused it Some think he had an inner ear infection, but I like to think he accidentally ate a skink. Our sweet Henry would never have eaten it on purpose. That m e a n o l d s k i n k p r o b a b l y forced Henry to chomp him up If I’m going to be completely honest, Henry probably should be an only cat The other cats complain that he is a bit of a bully, but all it takes is one look at that sweet face and I melt. Henry is a 3-yearold flame point Siamese mix He loves to watch out the window, especially now that we have a peacock that likes to visit If you are looking for a best friend, he will have you wrapped around his paw in no time Call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 239-283-9100 to meet this adorable kitty. If you’d rather just donate, our address is 10060 Mallory Parkway, E., Unit D, St. James City, FL, 33956 or there’s always our website www.helpingpawsanimalsanctuary com

Admission at Pine Island Pool, parking at Matlacha boat ramp both free this weekend

Lee County Parks & Recreation will offer free pool admission and free parking on Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30, in recognition of National Park and Recreation Month

Lee County Parks & Recreation sites offering free swimming or free parking include:

Parks -- Lakes Park, Manatee Park, H i c k e y C r e e k M i t i g a t i o n P a r k , Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve

Beach sites -- Bowman’s Beach and Turner Beach (north side only of Blind Pass)

Boat ramps -- Alva, Matlacha, Davis, Lavender’s Landing and Imperial River

P o o l s - - L e h i g h C o m m u n i t y P o o l , North Fort Myers Community Pool, Pine Island Community Pool and San Carlos Community Pool

Bonita Beach accesses No 1 and No 1 0 , B o n i t a B e a c h P a r k , L y n n H a l l M emo r ial P ar k an d S an C ar lo s B ayBunche Beach Preserve currently offer free parking until further notice These sites were severely impacted by Hurricane Ian and reopened in March with limited a m e n i t i e s . R e s i d e n t s a n d v i s i t o r s a r e encouraged to always wear beach shoes when visiting beach parks Debris continues to wash onshore and quickly may be obscured by sand

Other recreational sites within Lee County that are owned or maintained by other government entities are not included in the free swim/free parking weeke n d T h e s e i n c l u d e :

B a r e f o o t B e a c h , b e a c h access points managed by the Town of Fort Myers Beach, and City of Sanibel sites, including the south side of Blind Pass

The free pool/free parking weekend happens annually Lee County Commissioners on June 20 voted to approve a resolution design a t i n g J u l y a s N a t i o n a l Park and Recreation Month in Lee County. In the resolution, commissioners recognized that Lee County Parks & Recreation touches t h e l i v e s o f i n d i v i d u a l s , families, groups and the entire community and positively impacts the social, economic and environment quality of the county

F o r m o r e a b o u t L e e C o u n t y P a r k s & R e cr e a t i o n , v i s i t w w w . l e e parks org, call 239-5337275 or email leeparks@ leegov com

Morning hours are the best for fishing

D e s p i t e t h e d a i l y h e a t , many mornings brought just enough of a gulf breeze for comfortable fishing before the midday sun took over

The mangrove snapper bite w a s g o o d i n s h o r e , i n a n d around the gulf passes, and nearshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico Inshore, snapper to 14 inches, with keepers averaging 10-12 inches were gathered under overhangs on mangrove shorelines, under docks, piers and bridges, or around oyster bars and channel edges

T o p b a i t s i n c l u d e d l i v e shrimp, live or cut pilchards or sardines, and small pinfish

Bill Russell

On the Water

Snapper fishing around the gulf passes was best the last hour of a tide, through the slack and into the first hour of the change

In gulf waters, mangrove snapper up to 17 inches came from public artificial reefs and ledges in 25 to 50-foot depths For the best shot at the bigger snapper, anchor on the up-current side of the structure and put out a chum block Another option if you are cast netting your own bait, is catch a bunch extra, put them in a cooler and create a chum line by cutting them up With the vast amounts of small baitfish around, it’s been pretty easy to catch enough for chum without much effort Many of the reefs see a lot of anglers and the larger snapper are difficult to fool A long fluorocarbon leader, often 6 feet or more of 1220 pound test helps to fool the bigger fish

Boats trekking further west into gulf waters hooked into red grouper up to 30 inches fishing over hard and live bottom in depths from 80-140 feet. Snapper, including mangrove, lane and vermilion, hit the fish box as well Further west from 150200 feet and deeper, American red snapper limits were boxed dropping various baits including live, cut and butterfly jigs

Summer is a great time to take advantage of the numerous small sharks across the inshore waters Averaging 2-4 feet, they are a blast on light tackle, especially for kids Look for them over grass flats from 4-8 feet Live pinfish, pilchards or a c h u n k o f c u t ladyfish or mullet w i l l g e t t h e i r a t t e n t i o n w h e n d r i f t i n g o r anchored up A foot or so of light wire attached to a

circle hook will keep them on the line. A large percentage of the sharks are blacktips that often get very acrobatic once hooked Seatrout numbers were good although a good percentage are running under the 15-inch minimum size They were caught on grass bottom from 3-7 feet deep in Pine Island Sound south of Captiva Pass on either side of the channel, off of R e d - L i g h t S h o a l s i n t h e southern sound, and north of Patricio Island If the grass isn’t too bad, sub-surface twitch baits and DOA paddle tails worked well as did small live bait fish and shrimp Seatrout and small sharks were commonly hooked from the same areas

C a t c h - a n d - r e l e a s e s n o o k f i s h i n g remains steady along the coast Fish averaging 22-26 inches are working the surf just a few feet from the beach of Sanibel, Captiva and Cayo Costa Islands Larger fish were in the surf as well, but the little guys far outnumbered them and were more aggressive On the bayside of the barrier islands and around the passes, larger snook and redfish were hooked along mangrove shorelines and oyster bars on high water and under docks on the falling tides

With the absence of daily afternoon thunderstorms, inshore waters get really hot over the afternoon hours, especially with an outgoing or falling tide The best time to fish is over the cooler morning hours Once afternoon storms return, fishing can be good after they have cleared and cooled it down for late afternoon and early evening

Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting www.myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish

If you have a fishing report or for charter information, contact Gulf Coast Guide Service at 239-410-8576 (call or text); on the web at www fishpine island com; or via email at gcl2fish@ live com Have a safe week and good fishin’

As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years

Summer snapper fishing

Adam Rogowski caught this nice mutton snapper well within sight of land in the Gulf of Mexico. He was bottom fishing live baits over reefs with Capt. Tanner Peer

Capt.

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