VolumE 48, NumbEr 13
Repairs to Pineland Post Office nearly complete
Special to The Eagle news@breezenewspapers com
The interior repairs to the Pineland Post Office are nearing completion. The work was performed by J.F. Smith Inc , under a $62,965 contract with Lee County, which owns the property Repairs were funded through i n
y Hurricane Ian
The Lee Board of County Commissioners has been supportive of restoring operation of the Pineland Post Office and has maintained a commitment of working with its partners, the University of Florida and the U S Postal Service
The timing of reopening the Post Office will be deter-
“It has been a long process to see the repairs to the Pineland Post Office come to fruition. Lee County staff made an early commitment to re-open the Post Office as soon as repairs could be completed and a new lease could be re-negotiated with our partners, University of Florida, and the U S Postal Service ”
Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane
mined by the Postal Service Lease terms are under negotiation now There is no set, certain opening date Operation of the property returned to Lee County fol-
Frozen Flip Flop throws bounce house party for patrons
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com
On Saturday, July 20, the Frozen Flip Flop in St James City hosted a bounce house party in its parking lot for the neighborhood Owner Sara Brinks was happy to serve free ice cream and said the turnout was wonderful, bringing in hundreds, many of whom she’d not yet met.
One local who came over when she saw the bounce houses seemed to really enjoy the party,
See FROZENFLIP FLOP, page 16
The row of bounce houses for the party, above. At right, Aiden Montebelo, enjoys the fun
University of Florida agreed to amend a lease that had been in place since 2001 That previous agreement essentially allowed the university to act as the management for the building The lease that had existed between the Postal Service and university expired following Hurricane Ian
“It has been a long process to see the repairs to the Pineland Post Office come to fruition Lee County staff made an early commitment to re-open the Post Office as soon as repairs could be completed and a new lease could be re-negotiated with our partners, University of Florida, and the U S Postal Service,” said Commissioner Kevin Ruane, District 1
1st Enviro Safety Incorporated products available
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com
1st Enviro Safety Inc owner Dan Piper said his company’s products are nothing short of awesome discoveries He is thrilled to be able to offer his products, Purely Green Bio Pesticide and Purely Clean Oil Clean, to islanders
“We started spraying the pesticide at the American Legion, five weeks before the Fourth of July,” Piper said It kills a lot more than just no-see-ums, Piper said. One of the best things about our product is that it works safely and isn’t poison, he said, explaining an age-old problem such as, putting out rat poison to exterminate rats
“Rats eat the poison and die, your dog finds the dead rat, eats the rat and gets sick and dies because the rat is full of poison With our pesticide, you don’t have that
at the bounce house party.
PHOTO PROVIDED Tracy Piper, left, the CEO, and Dan Piper, the owner, of 1st Enviro Safety Incorporated
Lee VCB’s ‘Savor the Shore’ campaign seeks to help boost summer business
A number of island eateries featured on bureau’s website
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
The Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau has undertaken a summer m a r
region to attract more business for local restaurants in the area
The marketing campaign titled “Savor the Shore,” has included media advertisements to draw visitors to Fort Myers Beach as well as Lee County’s other islands and destinations
Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau Executive Director Tamara Pigott said the campaign is geared to bringing more visitors to a region which has lost many hotel and staycation units since H
Myers Beach and Sanibel
“We have lost a lot of accommodation units,” Pigott said
“We have two different commercials talking about communities each week until August,” Pigott said “The intent is each week we are highlighting different areas During the whole seven weeks, these commercials are running along with print placements ”
The advertisements are intended to focus on Lee County communities from Fort Myers Beach to Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel, Pine Island and Boca Grande P
geared towards regional and statewide consumers who are more willing to travel
this time of year – as opposed to tourists from northern climates who may not be as willing to visit Florida during the hotter temperatures of the summer
“We want to see businesses make it through these challenging times,” Pigott said “Summer is the slow season ”
Peter Ennis, a partner at Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant and Wahoo Willies Tiki Bar and Grill on Fort Myers Beach, said the restaurants have been offering a lot of lunch and dinner specials during the summer to entice customers
“Locals and visitors seem very appreciative of our early bird specials at Snug and great happy hour deals at Wahoo Willies Weekends have been busier than weekdays for sure,” Ennis said
Pine Island and Matlacha restaurants and eateries included on the site, visitfortmyers com, include Yucatan Waterfront, Miceli’s Restaurant, Blue Dog Bar & Grill, Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant, Last Flamingo 3, The Perfect Cup, Sweet F
Crepes & Sauces.
Cape Coral locations include Bubba’s Roadhouse Saloon, Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro; Nevermind Awesome
B
Restaurant, Siam Hut Thai, Ariani Restaurant & Lounge, Eight-Foot Brewing, The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill, Rumrunners, Jungleside Tiki Bar, L
Bierwerks, each with both details and
link to its website
Beacon of Hope announces ‘Paint the Attic’ fundraiser
The Beacon of Hope is announcing a fun and friendly competition for local artists to participate in this summer The “Paint the Attic” fundraiser is an opportunity to paint a welcoming 6-foot by 15foot mural on the front of the Beacon of Hope’s building which reflects the heart of its island home All local artists on Pine Island and Matlacha are encouraged to submit an entry.
Interested artists can request a contest application from the Beacon and submit it
along with the $35 application fee and miniature rendering of their mural on an 8 5-inch by 11-inch sheet of paper
The winning entry will be selected by
The Beacon Of HOPE Board Members
Submissions can be dropped off at the Beacon of Hope’s Attic thrift store located at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle during normal hours of operation by the Aug 23
Monday through Friday, from
, and Saturday, from 10
The winning entry will be selected by August 30
For additional information, please call 2
GPICA to host Lee County Commission candidates in advance of August primary
The next meeting of the Greater Pine Island
forum designed to allow community residents an
the people running for the Lee County Commission i
place on Aug 20
The GPICA meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug 6, at 6:30 p m , at First Baptist Church of Pine Island, 5363 Ave D, Bokeelia, 33922, next to Pine Island Elementary School
It’s important for residents to know t h a t L e e C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r s
e elected “at-large,” meaning that every registered voter, regardless of commission district they live in, can cast a ballot in each district race come November
K e v i n R u a n e r a n u n o p p o s e d f o r District 1, which includes Pine Island, and so he will be automatically re-electe d
Races are still ongoing f o r D i s t r i c t 3 , w
incumbent Ray Sandelli decided not to seek another term, and District 5, w h e r e c u r r e n t C o m m i s s i o n e r M i k e Greenwell is seeking reelection
T h e w i
t h e Republican Primary in District 3 will automatically win the seat, as there is no D
n n e r i n District 5 will face off against Democrat Kizzie Fowler in November
The candidates for the District 3 commission race are Matthew Thornton and David Mulicka In District 5, challenging Greenwell is Amanda Cochran
The meeting is open to members and n
Pine Island United Methodist Church to hold community Block Party Saturday
Pine Island United Methodist Church is throwing a Block Party for the community to come together and enjoy some time together as islanders
The Block Parky will be held this Saturday, Aug 3, from 10 a m to 1 p m , with set-up and tear-down times 30 minutes before and after
The church's main goal is to serve the community by coming together and hold-
ing an event that is for everyone! There will be a DJ, laser tag, a fire truck from our next door neighbors at Station 1, and so many games and prizes to be handed out
There will also be bounce houses for the kids and hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone!
PIUMC is located at 5701 Pine Island Road at The Center Call 239-283-2386
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Art is essential Eagle Editorial
Twenty Lee County organizations are among entities statewide that have been affected by a surprise veto by Gov Ron DeSantis who axed the entire $32 million legislative appropriation for the arts a few weeks ago
The local arts community took a collective hit of more than $1 8 million Organizations affected include Cultural Park Theater, which will not get $25,000 in e
Florida and Gulf Coast symphony orches-
between them; Florida Repertory Company, Inc , which was allocated $150,000; and the Lee County Alliance for the Arts, which was budgeted $131,000
Why are these organizations and others like them now scrambling?
The governor, it seems, had issues with a h
endeavors and opted for a clean sweep
VFW hosts 100th bir thday celebration for island veteran
To the editor:
Bob Clexton, a distinguished US Navy ammunition tech, served with honor during World War II aboard the American Victory ship His dedication and bravery played a crucial role in the war effort, ensuring the safe and efficient handling of ammunition in the heat of battle Bob's service is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his country, and his experiences stand as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation
Web Poll
■ Early at the polling places 8% ■
We are immensely grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating Bob's 100th birthday at VFW Post 4353 Your presence made the event truly special, and your heartfelt wishes and shared memories added a warmth that will be cherished forever Bob was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and fellow veterans Thank you for making this milestone birthday an unforgettable celebration of a century well-lived!
Commander SJ VFW Post 4353
From left are Chaplain Preston Balmain, Bob Clexton and Commander SJ. / PHOTO PROVIDED
whether public funds should be earmarked for the arts or any “non-government” purpose
Arguments also may be made that funding for the arts, like funding for sports, for tourism, for, well, any economic driver, actually “returns” those tax dollars and then some
But no argument can be made for a politi c a l l y m o t i v a t e d b u d g e t s u r p r i s e t h a t impacts not only organizations that made it through the annual vetting process, but all of us who enjoy the services and programming provided 140,000 individuals annually at the Alliance for the Arts alone
In terms of dollars?
According to the Alliance, the economic impact on Lee County alone is a $16 2 mil-
Letters to the Editor
lion loss
Statewide it translates to an estimated loss of $288 million
These organizations now have to cut people or programs or try to raise the shortage with the Alliance for the Arts among them
The Alliance has launched a campaign, Art is Essential. They are hoping that 150 art lovers will commit to a donation of $50 a month, a small donation spread over time
T h o s
artinlee org/art-is-essential/
Other organizations are also turning to fundraising with information available on their websites and social media
If you take part in the arts, now’s the time to show some them some love in the form of some much-needed cash
Calusa should be celebrated To the editor:
vote
Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle com
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
Southwest Florida’s ignorance about the storied history of the Calusa Indians is astonishing Calusa means fierce, and this fierce tribe ruled the southwest portion of the peninsula, eventually becoming known as Florida, for several thousands of years
Their friends and foes respected these tall, lean and handsome Indians, and many neighbors paid tribute to their hereditary king, Calos Invading Creek Indian tribes from Georgia were often defeated in vicious
No. 1 goal: Student achievement
As summer vacation is in full swing, we need to take a moment to appreciate our hardworking staff and make sure they too are taking this time to rejuvenate and relax They work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that our students are learning in a safe and welcoming environment
We also want to remind families and students to take advantage of this time of rest and recharge. If it is a family vacation or a local staycation, simply enjoying summer at home is the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories Remember to stay hydrated during those outdoor a c t i v
A l s o
y reminder for students to not forget to complete summer assignments and reading activities that will help with some of the summer learning loss This will help make for a smoother transition back into school
As we gear back up for the upcoming school year starting in August school, staff are working diligently to plan and prepare for the students to arrive. Schools are planning their orienta-
Teachers are creating their supply lists There is work going on behind the scenes getting ready for the 20242025 school year
One of those substantial
Melisa W Giovannelli Guest
Commentary
Superintendents No longer
a one-size-fits-all approach the transformation streamlines the district office and
creating
comes with a projected $3 m
savings
and schools, focusing on the district’s No 1 goal:
While there is much work to be done in improving student performance, these are exciting first steps
The implementation of
in the School District of Lee County shows a strong commitment to improving
and efficient administra-
Superintendent structure will undoubtedly help in tailoring support and resources to meet the unique needs of each region
The projected $3 million in administrative savings can then be reinvested into programs and initiatives that will directly benefit students It is great to see the district taking proactive steps towards a positive future for its students in Lee County
As we look forward to welcoming everyone back in August, let us end this summer a safe and enjoyable one for all and I personally look forward to a successful academic year
Thank you for your continued support, please feel free to contact me anytime I am here to be your voice
Pine Island F.I.S.H. Basket Brigade clothing distribution for island students Saturday
The 24th Annual Pine Island F I S H Basket Brigade Clothes for Kids drive is currently in progress, offering assistance to families in need to ensure the children of Greater Pine Island have new clothing for the start of the school year
FISH needs donations and/or volunt e e r s t o h e l p w i t h p u r c h a s i n
m s Others are needed onsite to either sharing services with our families or to provide samples or discount coupons for each student’s gift bag Personal care and groomi n g p r o d u c t s , s o c k s a n d o
m s designed to help island children prepare for school would be welcome Last year
there were 198 students and similar numbers are expected this year in this pro-
involved
Saturday, Aug 3, from 10 a m to noon in the Pine Island United Methodist Church parking lot, at 5701 Pine Island Road, by Fire Station 1 This will give parents almost a week before school starts to make exchanges and purchases, as needed Some portions of the event may be inside to take advantage of the quiet and electricity
This year, FISH will be giving children
5-11 years of age, two tops, two bottoms, one package of underwear and a $40 gift card to purchase gym shoes and socks so they can take part in gym or recess
Children 12-18 years of age will each receive $100 in gift cards designated as $60 for clothes and $40 for gym shoes and socks
A motivational note will be included in each child’s gift bag indicating what the gift cards are for and encouraging them to have a great school year
Donations can be made online at Pine Island FISH website or by check, made out to Pine Island FISH Please note
“Basket Brigade” in the memo section
F
Darcy Conner, Pine Island FISH Basket Brigade Chair, at 954-816-9779
Pine Island FISH (Fellow Islanders Sending Help), is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit and all-volunteer association of neighbors organized to help those living in the Matlacha and Pine Island communities
The organization is currently seeking volunteers in a number of areas.
For additional information about Pine Island F I S H or the Basket Brigade effort, please visit www pineislandfish org
island firefighters recently battled a vehicle and golf cart fire off Coconut Road.
M/PIFCD battles fire off Coconut Road
On July 18 at 5:15 p m , units E-152, E-151, E-153, Capt 150 and PI-2 of the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District responded to a structure fire/car fire off Coconut Road in St James City
The first arriving engine was on scene in 4 minutes where those crews found a vehicle and golf cart fully involved with no occupants inside The fire caused an overhead powerline to break and fall across the road Because of safety concerns, the Lee County Sheriff's Office shut down the road
From the Firehouse
Fishers of Men Lutheran Church donates Noisy Offering to Matlacha Hookers
On May 12, Fishers of Men Lutheran Church welcomed Madam Linda Bohacek from the Matlacha Hookers to accept the church's Noisy Offering Pastor Tom Hafer presented our March collection of coins to the Matlacha Hookers, Inc , a 501(c)(3) organization that helped the islands' people enormously after the hurricane and continues to do so
The Hookers are celebrating their 31st year since 21 women got together in 1993 and decided to "Make a difference in our community" and they are continuing to make this happen.
This Noisy Offering is a special coin (hence, noisy offering) collected each Sunday in buckets for special groups on the islands
Fishers of Men Lutheran Church is located at The Center, 10360 Stringfellow Road, in St James City, with Sunday worship at 9 a m
Crews conducted a search of the structure checking for signs of heat and fire extension Once LCEC arrived on scene and removed the downed power line, all units cleared the scene
No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time
Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire The adjacent structure suffered siding and soffit damage as a result of the heat
SJCCA Schedule
The St James City Civic Association has announced the schedule for its upcoming activities:
Thursday, Aug. 1
■ Ping Pong, 9-11 a m It's a fun way to meet the neighbors and play ping pong
■ MahJongg, 1-4 p m This is a great place to learn to play mahjongg!
Tuesday, Aug 6
■ Ping Pong, 9-11 a m
More details, contacts and ticket sales are available at the SJCCA website at sjccapi org
All activities are held at St James City Civic Association, which is located 3300 Fourth Ave , at the corner of Lemon Street, in St James City
M/PIFCD PHOTO
PHOTO PROVIDED Pastor Tom Hafer makes the Noisy Offering donation to Hookers Madam Linda Bohacek.
Hurricane season is here. Are you prepared?
( E d i t o r ’ s n o t e : I n t h e c o m i n g w e e k s , t h e Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District Community Emergency Response Team will be providing a series on disaster preparedness for islanders.)
By NARCISSUS E. MAGTURO and KAREN TITOLO CERT team members
Welcome to your CERT team’s series of Disaster Preparedness articles
General Population Shelters!
1 A shelter is a safe place to be during an evacuation But consider alternative evacuation locations before choosing to use a shelter Remember a shelter is a lifeboat and not a cruise ship Make a plan to stay with friends or family outside of your evacuation zone, if possible
2. Lee County operates General Population, PetFriendly and Special Needs shelters Access to electrical outlets may be limited If you require electricity for h e a l t h c o n d i t i o n s ( f o r e x a m p l e , C P A P , O x y g e n Concentrators) or require mobility support, please register for Special Needs Shelters
3 Special Needs shelters and Pet-Friendly shelters will be covered in the next article But please note that all General Population shelters also take pets No one will be turned away because they have a pet
4 Shelters offers only the basic life-sustaining necessities The shelter may not have electricity for most of your stay. It will be noisy, crowded, and somewhat uncomfortable
5 Lee County has a limited number of shelters Not all shelters will be open for every storm A list of shelters
CERT Update
can be found in the Lee County All Hazards Guide
www LeeEOC com Check the website, local news and social media for a current list of openings during a storm
6 Service animals are allowed at all shelters
7. Parking is available at shelters.
8 LeeTran will provide free transportation to a shelter from six locations on Pine Island and Matlacha, should evacuation orders be raised:
■ 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
■ First Baptist Church, Oleander Street and Eighth Avenue
■ Matlacha Community Park, 4577 Pine Island Road
9 If you will be using the free shelter transportation from LeeTran, storage space on the bus is limited Bring only those items you need to ensure your health and safety
10 Limited food and water will be available in the shelter
11 To prepare for staying in a shelter, bring a threeday supply of your own food and water, medications, clothing, sleeping bags, wipes, and disinfectant Cots are not provided
12 Bring other items, as well: snacks, special dietary needs, clothing, and medications. Games and books for children are also recommended
Construction of Little Pine Island Bridge continues; traffic remains one lane
BARTOW, Fla – This weekly report was prepared by the Florida Department of Transportation to inform the public about upcoming road work in Southwest Florida Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge Permanent Repairs
Construction project: As part of the Emergency Restoration of the Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge, crews will be working in the project boundaries along CR 78 Pine Island Road from west of Little Pine
I s l a n d B r i d g e ( B r i d g e N o 1 2 0 1 1 1 ) t o W e s t o f Shoreview Drive
■ P h a s e 1 o f
c o n s t r u c t i o n o n
L
Bridge has begun
T
s reduced to one lane as part of the Phase 1
n s t
u c
plan The bridge will remain one lane through the duration of Phase 1 Temporary signals are placed on both ends of the bridge and variable message signs are in place to alert drivers
■ The Little Pine Island bridge has been reduced to a single lane width of twelve feet through the duration of Phase 1
■ Motorists can expect occasional lane closures on the causeway for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment as crews perform work on the south side
■ Motorists are reminded not to block driveways or entrances and to follow all posted signage throughout the construction zone
■ Since the start of construction with the Little Pine Island Bridge, boaters are asked to be aware of construction equipment and erosion control measures that are in place
■ Please be alerted to construction equipment in the construction zone To maintain safety, motorists should find alternate parking areas
■ Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted within the construction zone
■ Please use caution and watch for workers and con-
struction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway
■ Noise from construction equipment in the area is to be expected
Please be patient and plan for additional travel time as it may be slower than usual in the area
Travelers can visit www FL511 com or dial “511” from their phone to learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state.
For additional information about FDOT, please visit its website at https://www fdot gov/
13 When you arrive at a shelter, register with the staff Also be sure to check out with staff if you leave
14 While in the shelter, be considerate of others
REMINDER: Maintain your Emergency Supply kit by adding a few pieces each week Check and rotate nonperishable food items.
Below is the summary list of actions you can take now, ahead of a storm, to be prepared Use this list as a reminder each week of actions you can take now to be better prepared
Prepare Now actions:
■ Know your evacuation zone Matlacha and Pine Island are Zone A
■ Make an Emergency Plan (Article #1)
■ Know your warnings and alerts (Article #2)
■ Register now, ahead of time, with Lee County if you have Special Needs - online at www leeEOC com or by calling Lee County Emergency Management at 239533-0622; pre-registration is required! (Article #7)
■ Review important documents (Article #4)
■ Strengthen your home (Article #3)
■ Get tech ready (Article #4)
■ Help your neighborhood
■ Gather supplies (Article #2)
Have questions about this article? Interested in volunteering with our CERT team? You can contact the
Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(Editor’s note: After they appear in print, each of the CERT Updates is posted on The Eagle website at pineisland-eagle com )
Wellness practices can reduce PTSD symptoms
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event Symptoms include intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance of triggers, difficulty sleeping, and hypervigilance PTSD often leads to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.
This condition is particularly prevalent among vetera n
according to the Department of Veterans Affairs
By raising awareness, Home Base Florida aims to normalize conversations around mental health among the veteran population This initiative helps individuals feel more comfortable sharing their experiences and promotes a healthier lifestyle through wellness practices Through education and support, we can foster an understanding and supportive environment for those living with PTSD.
Wellness practices have been shown to effectively reduce PTSD symptoms Incorporating exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness into one’s routine can be powerful tools for managing symptoms Regular physical activity serves as a vital form of self-care and self-regulation, helping individuals better handle stress and emot
reduce stress and enhance feelings of pleasure are released Exercise also fosters a sense of mastery, aiding in the management of challenging emotions and situations
Consistent exercise provides multiple benefits for managing PTSD, including:
■ Reducing Stress Hormones: Exercise lowers stress h o r m o n e s a n d b o o s t
improve mood and alleviate depression and anxiety
■ Enhancing Cognition: Physical activity improves cognitive function, reducing rumination and distorted
thinking
■ Promoting Better Sleep: Regular
which is crucial for overall well-being
■ Exposure Therapy: E
n physical activity can act as a form of
confront their fears and experiences in a safe, constructive manner
Nutrition is also a crucial component
healthy diet can alleviate common symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and fatigue Consuming a balanced diet rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and complex car-
energy levels Daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential nutrients that
Guest Commentary
Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics have been linked to a reduction in PTSD symptoms
Staying hydrated and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake is important, as these substances can exacerbate symptoms Eating meals at regular intervals and avoiding skipping meals helps maintain consistent mood and energy levels By incorporating these nutritional practices, individuals with PTSD can better manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being
Mindfulness is another powerful wellness tool for managing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder It involves being fully present in the moment and observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment Like exercise, practicing mindfulness can reduce rumination and worry, which are common in PTSD
Mindfulness helps individuals gain insight into their
Letters to the Editor
battles around the big lake
They ruled their world, but their world changed in 1500 First, the Taino Cuban exiles arrived with word of the Spanish invaders Next, shipwrecked survivors and strange animals were traded to them by the small island Indians to their south Finally, a distressed Spanish ship blundered into Southwest Florida and repaired its wormeaten wood hull behind Estero Island
The Calusa were not welcoming but curious They permitted the ship to be repaired, after which the
Spanish informed them that their land now belonged to the king of Spain and they needed to convert as enslaved people Having learned all the Calusa needed and not having any of the rest, the Calusa ordered them to leave Seeing thousands of war-painted braves eager to attack, the ship’s captain ordered his ship to leave.
It was the first salvo in the battle for Spanish dominance, the search for the fountain of youth, slaves and retribution by Ponce de Leon for chasing one of his ships away Spanish history is the only written account of those facts, but archeological evidence has proven the truth Yet, most Southwest Floridians and visitors ignore
behavior, enabling them to take control of their thoughts and emotions It also fosters self-compassion and acceptance, which are crucial for those suffering from PTSD Additionally, mindfulness allows individuals to manage intrusive thoughts and feelings by observing them without becoming overwhelmed
Moreover, mindfulness promotes selfcare, which can reduce stress, improve sleep, and alleviate overall PTSD symptoms By integrating mindfulness into their daily routine, individuals with PTSD can
overall well-being
By understanding PTSD and embracing holistic wellness strategies individuals can manage their symptoms more effectively and improve their quality of life Let’s foster education, support, and positive change
To learn more about how Home Base Florida can support Veterans with PTSD through wellness, visit HomeBase org/Florida
Jaime Fernandez is a US Marine Corps veteran who served three tours in Iraq He is currently a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and the Wellness Manager for the non-profit Home Base Florida Veteran and Family Care After earning his degree in Human Performance from Florida Gulf Coast University, he worked as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist for the Boston Red Sox before being recruited by Home Base Florida, an official program of the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital
restored historical sites like the Mound House Museum on Crescent Street, Fort Myers Beach
I encourage all local media to promote the historical sites up and down our coast, even more than the fine job they have already done. I would like to encourage our citizens to organize a celebration of the tribe with a “Calusa Days Festival ”
Edward
F. Donlin Cape Coral
Why we need the Right to Clean Water
To the editor: Recently, Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce published an editorial about the plight of the Manual’s B
Waterkeeper organization has been testing the waters of this creek for several years And, although the City of Fort Myers is four years into a Consent Decree to clean the waters in its jurisdiction, the fecal bacteria present (FIB) at Manual’s Branch is consistently extreme i e it far exceeds allowed amounts based on the EPA standards and represents a health hazard
Kids and adults alike continue to play, fish and swim in and around these unsafe waters With all this FIB present, I cannot help but wonder, if FIB is present, isn’t it likely that there is a lot of other negative “junk” present as well? The answer is most probable While CWK attempts to address the concerns regarding FIB with state and local officials, the question remains, how does t h i s h a p p e n
people/officials have known about this problem for years!
The answer is because polluters are allowed to continue because no one, no agency, no law is stopping them. The ONLY way to bring back health, safety and beauty to our waters is if we, the people, are given a fundamental right to clean and healthy water That is what the Right to Clean Water’s petition initiative is all about Go to https://www floridarighttocleanwater org/ right now Print, sign and send in the petition for you, your family and your friends
Mary Kay Robbins-Kralapp Cape Coral
Jamie Fernandez
Mariner ’s Silver Magic Marching Band holds band camp
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
The number of students continue to climb as the Silver Magic Marching Band began its band camp this week.
Last year Jimmy Ortega became the Mariner High School Director of Bands His priorities included changing the culture of the program, as well as providing quality instruction and planning for improved success for students There were also more performances added to the mix
M e g h a n D e n n y , S i l v e r M a g i c M a r c h i n g B a n d
Boosters president, said the band director has brought a ton of excitement to the band
“He is so good with all the kids He’s really pushing them to explore more and his education with the kids is amazing. My kids have learned a lot. I know that he has done a really good job of coming in and filling the program with a lot of excitement and pushing the kids to do more and grow,” she said
Last year the Silver Magic Marching Band began with 11 students at band camp with a total of 50 members at the final performance at the end of the marching season
Denny said band camp for this upcoming school year kicked off Monday, July 22 and will run for two weeks The campers will learn marching fundamentals, as well as the first part of their new show There are also fun elements added such as dodge ball and a visit from the fire department.
After the 9 a m to 5 p m Monday through Friday camp is over, the band will move to two nights a week of practice, so the kids can be ready for all the fun events on the calendar
“We are getting ready to start our whole season,” she said, adding that there are a lot of freshmen this year that are learning what band is all about and the instruments “We will have competitions and be at every football game We are trying to grow our band ”
This year there are 35 participants, with three new kids on Tuesday
On Aug. 2, the campers will do a Family Preview Show, to show off what they learned at camp, as well as a barbecue
The booster club is for supporting the band and band director, Denny said They are seeking community partnerships, as they are always looking for help in scholarships for students, paying for travel to competitions, as well as purchasing instruments
“We have an option for advertisement on our trailer That is an option for any businesses that would want it,” Denny said “We would love to have the community involved and know that we are here trying to make sure this group of kids get a good music education and experi-
ence in the marching band ”
She said her family moved to the area two years ago “We moved to Southwest Florida because of the community, so that my boys that are teenagers now could have a good life experience,” Denny said after her husband retired from the military
It was important to them that their children attended one high school for all four years and not move around. Her sons, a freshman and sophomore, are both members
of the marching band
“Both of them have found friends and a community here I want that for all the kids It’s important that we bring a lot of support to the kids in the band That makes a huge difference when you are a teenager,” Denny said Those interested in sponsorships may contact Denny at 616-881-9331, or email meghandenny@mac com
For more information about the band, visit www.silvermagicmarchingband org
Frank’s Bobcat Ser vice makes donation to PIE
Frank's Bobcat Services presents a check to Pine Island Elementary School from its fundraiser for the school, held July 4. On hand for the presentation were, from left, PJ Vanwagewingen; Ila Valcarcel; Frank Valcarcel, owner of Franks Bobcat Services; PIE Principal Michael Galbreth; and Sherilyn Dube of the Pine Island Moose Lodge, where the fundraiser was held.
Funds from MangoMania donated
president Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, presents a check to the Pine Island Food pantry. A
, D
, president Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, presents a check to Sue Hook of Samaritan Health at the Beacon of Hope, thanks to the
The top scorers were Mary Ann Harms with 105 points, Peggy Finley with 90 and Kathy Richardson with 80 If you want to get out of the heat and
Kiwanis
For
information, call Carolyn on 239-233-7682
Club to hold Family Pool Party Aug. 10
The Kiwanis Club of Pine Island will be hosting a Family Pool Party this Saturday, Aug 10, from 11 a m to 1 p m
Kiwanis will cover entrance fees to the Pine Island Community Pool and have free hot dogs, watermelon, chips, cookies and drinks, while supplies last.
The Pine Island Kiwanis Club meets Wednesdays at 8 a m at the Pine Island VFW Breakfast is at 7:30 a m Guests are welcome to come learn more about Kiwanis activities supporting the chil-
dren of Pine Island
The Pine Island Community Pool is located in Phillips Park at 5675 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia, just west of The Center
For additional information about the Community Pool facility, which is under the direction of the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department, please call 239-283-2220
For more information about the Pine Island Kiwanis or the Family Pool Party, please call Tonya Player at #239-2034682
August fishing: more hot days with thunderstorms
F i s h i n g o r b o a t i n g i n August means dealing with hot days and thunderstorms
F i s h i n g c a n b e g o o d , a n d often without much competition, if you plan your day to take advantage of conditions
If you just want to have fun and a little fishing while relaxing, then the beaches are a good choice, especially if you are fishing with the family. Good numbers of snook are roaming the surf throughout the summer and are a sight
f
n i n g 2 2 - 2 6 inches, but there are much
g g
p i l c h a r d s , s m a l l p i n f i s h , shrimp, white bucktail jigs and a variety of small white flies or lures are top baits Look for the fish right off the edge of the beach in the surf or near any submerged structure Remember snook are catch-andrelease only Trout, mangrove snapper, whiting, founder, pompano, mackerel and tarpon are a few of the other species you may hook into along the beach Fish a little; swim a little, not a bad way to spend the day
Summer gives us days with flat calm seas from early morning to mid-afternoon, perfect for offshore fishing Our coastline is dotted with artificial reefs, many well within sight of land and GPS coordinates available to the public If you are an inshore angler, it’s a nice change of pace to make a short run offshore, especially during the heat of summer when the inshore
water temperatures are so high
A cool aspect when fishing around the reefs is you
e v
Everything from a small
s n a p p e r t o 5 0 0 - p o u n d goliath grouper calls them home To get the most out of the day, you want an assortment of tackle that can manage the fish you t
snapper you do not need
, t h e lighter the better for the b
y o u want to attempt to pull a big goliath grouper from his home you will need a rig extra heavy, were talking 200 to 500-pound line And many times, that’s not heavy enough
In between snapper and goliaths there’s the possibility to hook Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, permit, barracuda, snook, sharks of all sizes, plus other species
Many anglers fish several different line class rods at a time targeting more than one species
Armed with a variety of baits is the best way to catch multiple species Small baits like shrimp, pilchards and little pinfish are great for snapper and other bottom fish, larger live bait is often the ticket for a big barracuda, snook or cobia. Big bait, dead or alive, is the choice for goliaths If you want to hook a permit, you need small live crabs, this is often the best bait for cobia as well Anchoring up current of the structure
with a quality block of chum is the best way to bring the action behind the boat
through the summer Look for larger trout over areas of open water where shallow sand bars transition to deeper grass flats from 3 to 6-feet deep with good water movement Schools of small bait fish concentrate in these areas. Trout, plus Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish and sharks are located around the bait Diving pelicans, terns and gulls often give up the location of schooling bait
Speaking of sharks, they are abundant throughout the inshore waters Size can range from a couple of feet to well over 10 feet Fresh chunks of mullet or ladyfish and large live pinfish are top bait choices
Some days we do better fishing baits on bottom and other days suspending baits under a float does the trick. It’s just fishing -- don’t be afraid to experiment to see what
works for you
The Nolan family had a fun morning catching fish and bringing a variety of fresh filets home for dinner They were fishing around Charlotte Harbor and Matlacha Pass with Capt. Bill Russell.
Over higher tides, target redfish and mangrove snapper under mangrove overhangs and other structure You can catch a big redfish on a small bait but seldom hook a snapper on a large bait Mangrove snapper are one of are tastier fish, if you want to catch some, small baits and hooks with a light leader are key. Inshore mangrove snapper numbers were on the rise through June and July, there should be plenty around this month
It’s a good idea to use the weather and tides to your advantage, especially over the hot days of August Water temperature can change quickly, give us three or four days with bright sunny skies and the inshore waters quickly get hot, often slowing the bite A couple rainy days with limited sunshine and water temperature will drop several degrees; this can trigger good fishing If conditions allow, get an early start to the day for plenty of time on the water and back to a safe place ahead of the heat and afternoon storms Stay up to date with fish-
Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish
If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast
email: gcl2fish@live com
at
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
and
profes-
fishing guide for the past 23 years
Capt. Bill Russell On the Water
PHOTO PROVIDED
Local man killed in crash in West Virginia
The identity of the victim in a fatal
Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville has been released
Vince Miceli, 42, of Cape Coral and
killed in the crash, according to officials
Miceli collided head on with the north wall of the former West Virginia P
Dodge RAM pickup The truck was traveling on Ninth Street toward the penitentiary wall at an “excessive rate
before the crash
Miceli was extricated from the vehicle by first responders
He was pronounced dead by ambulance crews following the crash, and the Marshall County coroner was notified
Calusa Waterkeeper F.I.B. report from July 20 sampling
The chart showing the results of the recent water sampling conducted by the Calusa Waterkeeper.
Calusa Waterkeeper announces open enrollment for Fall Ranger Training Academy
With more than 1,000 square miles of waterways to protect and restore in its w o r k a r e a , C a l u s a W a t e r k e e p e r h a s announced open enrollment in August for its Fall Ranger Training Academy with Calusa Waterkeeper Capt Codty Pierce Residents are invited to become certified rangers and stewards of local waterways. The academy offers a comprehensive educational program aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and advocacy for clean water
The Ranger Training Academy consists of three courses designed to empower participants with the knowledge and s k i l l s n e e d e d t o p
M o d u l e 1 p
t o
y overview and is available for online viewing in August The subsequent training modules feature in-person education and c o u r s
Saturday of each month: Sept 7, Oct 5 and Nov 2
Participants who complete the academy will graduate as Rangers, equipped to conduct water and air quality testing as certified citizen scientists They will also s e r v e a s a m
a Waterkeeper, advocating for the clean
water movement in our community
"The Ranger Training Academy is an opportunity for individuals to actively contribute to the protection and restoration of our precious water resources," said Calusa Waterkeeper Executive Director Connie Ramos-Williams "Rangers play a vital role in our organization’s efforts to monitor water quality, raise awareness, and drive positive change "
Enrollment in the Fall Ranger Training Academy is a $125 donation that helps to cover the cost of the educational program
Ranger baseball hat and a certificate of
academy
Open enrollment begins now and concludes on Aug. 31. For more information about the Fall Ranger Training Academy or to register, please contact info@calusawaterkeeper org or visit calusawaterkeeper org/rangers/
About Calusa Waterkeeper
Calusa Waterkeeper, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection,
Caloosahatchee River and its watershed CWK’s jurisdiction covers four counties in Southwest Florida and encompasses
Through advocacy, education, community engagement, and science-based programs
and research, Calusa Waterkeeper strives to ensure clean water for current and future generations that is drinkable, fishable, and swimmable For more information about Calusa Waterkeeper visit calusawaterkeeper org or call 239-899-1440
Golden anniversar y celebrated
Islanders Rhonda and Mike Dooley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 19.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Products
From page 1
problem,” Piper said
Much of the same feedback can be said regarding First Enviro’s Oil Clean (nicknamed Fire Clean within the company) product, Piper explained
“Many firefighters use kitty litter or other substances that are toxic to the environment or are cancerous chemicals,” he said “When first responders arrive at a roadside accident, often there is spilled gasoline, diesel or hydro carbons Our p r o d u c t s a r e p h e n o m e n a l a t b r e a k i n g down oil Fire Clean not only breaks down but emulsifies the oil, meaning it’s broken down into smaller parts until it is not oil anymore So, the idea was, we already know how the oil clean doesn’t burn, it breaks down oil and is actually used to clean up oil spills It is safe for the environment, so I asked one day back in February this year, he said, 'Does the Fire Clean care if the oil or hydrocarbons it’s breaking down, are on fire?' The answer is no,” he said
Piper said he is currently looking for fire professionals or other companies that make fire products that would be interested in doing continued research
“I have a problem with the pure concentrate in the bottles eating the oxygen in the bottles and causing them to decompress It reacts with the oxygen in the bottles and that makes us believe it is also doing vapor suppression It’s cool stuff, and there’s lots to learn and research but research is costly and I have a struggling business to run so I can’t always be playing with the cool science part of it The hurricane really hurt us, so the challenge for now is just letting people know we are here and that we have awesome products,”
Piper said
BioPesticide is manufactured in St. James City.
GRAPHIC PROVIDED
Oil Clean, Piper said, not only successfully broke down and put out gasoline and oil fires, on controlled burns the company performed, in order to test the product, but it also worked on fiberglass
“According to the firemen I talked to, nothing puts out fiberglass fires I put it over about a foot of free-burning fiberglass and it put it out instantly,” Piper said
The Bio-Pesticide is manufactured in St James City and is sold at the Pine Island Feed Store
1st Enviro Safety Inc is at 10200 Betsy Parkway, St James City For additional information, call 239-283-1222 or email info@1stenvirosafety com You can also visit 1stbiopesticide.com
Frozen Flip Flop
Brinks said, because she came back with many of her friends
“I got a lot of great feedback, so I have a lot more in the works,” Brinks said Watching the kids play was the best part of the day, according to Brinks, who said she was so busy scooping, she could hardly do anything else
“I would just like to thank the community for all their support, because without them, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” Brinks said
Elyssa
T h i s 8 - y e
From page 1
According to Brinks, there will be a drawing coming up with details to follow this fall
The Frozen Flip Flop, which features Froyo, ice cream, boba tea, fruit smoothies, a snack bar and gift shop, is located at 10191 Stringfellow Road, south of the Center, in St James City For additional information about the shop, call 239-5584
land com/
Cat of the Week
much a princess. She asked us to let you know that her beautiful cali c o c o l o r i n g l o o k s a
n almost any setting Sitting next to you on the sofa, draped at the foot of your bed or with her fur dancing in the breeze through a window
Not only is she a stunning conversation piece, but she will even allow you to pet her How generous! Her royal-ness asks that you not fight over her, just simply come and meet her. She's sure to choose you as her companion. For more information, call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 2392 8 3 - 9 1 0 0 I f y o u ’ d r a
h
u s t d o n a t e , o u r a d d r e s s i s 1 0 0 6 0 Mallory Parkway E, Unit D, St James City, FL, 33956 or there’s always our website www helpingpawsanimalsanctuary com
