Lights, bridge, road and action
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
A
Boulevard and the Matanzas Pass Bridge
b y t h
F
Transportation will begin next week, the Town of Fort Myers Beach announced in an advisory notice.
The $13 million project, expected to run into the beginning of 2026, has been in the works since 2018
The state project will include a new traffic light at the intersection of San Carlos Boulevard and Main Street
The work will include converting the existing southbound right-turn-only lane from San Carlos Boulevard that approaches Main Street and Fishermans Wharf before the Matanzas Pass Bridge into a general use travel lane. That lane will extend straight onto the Matanzas Pass Bridge and will involve the state taking a
Fishermans Wharf
Other aspects of the work will include the seasonal replacement of the alternating traffic signal light at the intersection of San Carlos Boulevard, Prescott Street and Buttonwood Drive with a conventional light during peak tourism season.
According to a presentation from the FDOT to the Town of Fort Myers Beach
Sn owy plover population h olds steady, bla ck sk immers double
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
The shorebird nesting season on Fort Myers Beach has been a boon to some populations though for others, time will tell as the last month of the nesting season begins
For snowy plovers, one of Florida’s most threatened shorebirds and one of the iconic symbols of Fort Myers Beach and its shorebird nesting success, the nesting numbers this season are not that far off previous years though fledgling numbers are still not known
F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n
Critical Wildlife Area Biologist Breanna Frankel, who docu-
ments the nests and hatchlings on Fort Myers Beach, has counted 10 snowy plover nests this season on the island
That is slightly down from 13 last year and 14 in 2022, though equal to the number in 2021 The shorebird nesting season in Lee County runs through Sept 1 At least one chick has hatched and made it to fledgling age
Last year, there were 20 snowy plover fledglings on Fort
See POPULATION, page 17
Caption: There have been 10 snowy plover nests recorded on Fort Myers Beach this season /NATHAN MAYBERG
Council in January, the conventional light would be in place from April through December to allow a free flow of traffic From January through April during peak season, there will be the alternating traffic lights where one lane heading towards the Matanzas Pass Bridge alternates with the other
According to an FDOT description of the work, the overhaul will cover San
a r d e d f i r s t p l a c e f o r o n l i n e s l i d e s h o w i n t h e o p e n d i v i s i o n o f t h e a n n u a l w e e k l y n e w s p a p e r c o n t e s t f o r “ F o r t M y e r s B e a c h 1 2 5 d a y s a f t e r
H u r r i c a n e I a n ” T h e s l i d e s h o w f e at u r e d a g a l l e r y o f p h o t o s t a k e n b y F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r E d i t o r N a t h a n M a y b e r g o f t h e a f t e r m a t h o f H u r r i c a n e I a n o n F o r t M y e r s B e a c h : h t t p s : / / w w w f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k c o m / 2 0 2 3 / 0 2 / 0 3 / f o r t - m y e r s - b e a c h - 1 2 5d a y s - a f t e r - h u r r i c a n e - i a n / T h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r w a s a l s o a w a r d e d s e c o n d p l a c e a n d t h i r d p l a c e i n D i v i s i o n B f o r h u r r i c a n e f e a t u r e s t o r i e s T h i r d p l a c e w a s a w a r d e d t o a s t o r y b y N a t h a n M a y b e r g o n t h e a s s i s t a n c e t h a t l a t e M a r i n e C a p t J o h n “ J a y ” r e c e i v e d f r o m a g r o u p o f I s r a e l i v o l u nt e e r s i n r e p a i r i n g h i s h o m e a n d l o c a ti n g b e l o n g i n g s l o s t i n H u r r i c a n e I a n G r a y d i e d i n J a n u a r y a f t e r a b o u t w i t h m e l a n o m a . T h e a w a r d - w i
OBSERVER, page 18
Fax:
Art is essential 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
Barrier Island Group for the Arts (BIG ARTS), which will not get $150,000 in expected grant money; the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, earmarked at $150,000; the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, which was expecting $ 2
Educational Foundation (Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium), which was allocated $150,000; along with the county’s Alliance for the Arts, which was budgeted $131,000
Why are these organizations and others like them now scrambling?
No.
The governor, it seems, had issues with a handful of non-local groups’ artistic endeavors and opted for a clean sweep
Now arguments may be made as to 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 politically motivated budget surprise that 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 million 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 It is hoping that 150 art lovers will commit to a donation of $50 a month, a small donation spread over time.
Those interested may visit artinlee org/artis-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
Island Reporter editorial
1 goal: Student achievement
As summer vacation is in full swing, we need to take a
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
Web Poll
Guest Commentary
Remember to stay hydrated during those outdoor activities Also, this is a friendly 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 orientations and open houses Teachers are c
There is work going on behind the scenes getting ready for the 2024-25 school year
One of those substantial changes for this school year is t
Academic Transformation ini-
n g 4
Regional Superintendents No
approach the transformation streamlines the district office and comes with a projected $3 million in administrative savings
This restructure will strengthen connections between administration and schools, focusing on the district’s No 1 goal: student achievement While there is much work to be done in improving student performance,
these are exciting first steps
The implementation of the initiative in the School District of Lee County shows a strong commitment to improving student achievement and creating a more and efficient administrative structure The four Regional 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.
Melisa W Giovannelli holds the District 2 seat on the Lee County School Board
The truth revolves around one particular campaign manager that has placed about 30
page 5
balance or use the state bridge loan to keep taxes flat?
∫ Keep taxes flat, use state bridge loan
∫ Raise millage rate for emergency fund balance, save state bridge loan funds
∫ Unsure/no opinion
mentary at fortmyersbeachtalk.com.
Melisa W. Giovannelli
page 4
elected officials into office in the county, including state senators and representatives, county commissioners, Board of Education members, the tax collector, the supervisor of elections, the property appraiser, and mayors What you cannot see is that there are grassroots candidates who seek to run for public office because they believe that the county lacks transparency and accountability These are the candidates whose campaigns are being sabotaged by this campaign manager, local elected officials, political action committee money, and developers
It’s time consuming, but easy to track the campaign
(https://dos elections myflorida com/committees/)
You will see that these 30 elected officials donate to this one campaign manager’s candidates About half of these elected officials have PACs of their own, so they donate personally, but they also donate large amounts of money through their PACS because there are no limits on what can be contributed to a PAC or what a PAC can spend on mailers, robo-texts, radio ads, and social media ads
PACs sends out hit piece mailers, and the information is likely false
This campaign manager is affiliated with five PACS
Correction
An article appearing in the July 24 edition of the Fort Myers Beach Observer titled "Bright Lights, Turtle City" incorrectly referred to the owner of the
C Murugesan Kandasamy, who was mentioned in the story, does not represent ownership
and, for years, there have been hit pieces on the grassroots candidates
Grassroots candidates have a difficult time refuting the hit pieces because they simply do not have the money That’s because grassroots candidates are getting their money from everyday people
Unfortunately, nothing that is occurring with this campaign manager and the Club is illegal Nefarious? I say yes
The establishment-elected officials publicly endorse this campaign manager’s candidates Mailers will proudly promote that fact leading you to think that a candidate that has been endorsed by elected officials must be a stellar candidate
Lee County is a Republican stronghold, so it is reasonable for you to know that many of the Republican Clubs work in conjunction with this campaign manager to help his candidates get elected If you attend any of these clubs, it is likely that you have heard elected officials tell everybody who they are endorsing
By looking at campaign expenditures, it is clear to see who uses this campaign manager, Terry Miller of TM Strategic Consulting, LLC
If I had not been a grassroots candidate in 2022, I would not know what is going on, and I would be thinking that I was casting my vote for the best candidate
We all know how important it is that honest, ethical, and skilled people get elected to office. I think we can all agree that we want people in office who are there to work for us I think we can also agree that we can have an impact at the local level if we have all the facts
When you go to the Supervisor of Elections website and you click on the candidates, you will find the candidates’ contact information Contact them, so you understand what they think the issues are and how they are going to work for us everyday people
Cast your vote wisely It is the most valuable thing we have during elections
Denise Nystrom Bonita Springs
Current situation in America
To the editor:
I have some concerns regarding the current situation in America It is sad to witness the problems we are facing as a nation, particularly in relation to border security, government agency actions, and the spread of misinformation
The issue of illegal immigration and the lack of proper vetting processes at the U S border is indeed scary These individuals entering the country illegally are not being properly vetted and are receiving better treatment and benefits than our own homeless population and veterans is a cause for concern This significant difference in treatment raises questions about the priorities and values of our country
Furthermore, the recent actions of government agencies, such as the FBI and other government agencies in investigating campaigns including school board meetings and labeling individuals as potential domestic terrorists based on their dissenting views is concerning Also, how justice is presently being served, example anti-Israel agitators or the people involved in the 2020 BLM riots not being arrested or having the charges dropped and yet they are still going after people for Jan 6 Seems like the trend of individuals who oppose progressive policies are being disproportionately targeted in legal proceedings It also strange to see some elected officials and judges struggle to define what constitutes a woman and allow men to play in women’s sports leading to further confusion and division within our society Also, since 2008, Congress h
Department has only indicted two of them, Republicans Former Trump White House advisers Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro, were both convicted for refusing to comply with subpoenas and have received jail time.
It is essential that our government upholds the principles of democracy, including the protection of free speech and the right to peaceful dissent without fear of retribution
BUSINESS
Margaritaville Beach Resort announces team additions
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach announced the additions of Bryan Detert as its new director of restaurant operations and Rhonda Decherd as sales and marketing director
Detert brings a wealth of expertise, leadership and a commitment to excellence to the resort, with an extensive background in hospitality management His journey to Margaritaville stems from a previous tenure as Regional Manager and Beverage Director at Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, where he drove sales through unparalleled guest service and consistent execution, contributing significantly to the organization's growth and success Passionate about food and wine pairings, Detert’s Sommelier Level 3 Advanced Certification brings an extra layer of s o p h
Margaritaville Additionally, Detert is well-versed in guest service, operational excellence, cleanliness and organization
"Transitioning from another lifestyle brand grants me valuable insight into the broader guest experience,” said Detert “Our patrons aren't merely dining; they're becoming brand advocates, and I aim to instill this ethos within our team ”
Decherd also brings a rich background in hospitality to Margaritaville Beach Resort, as well as experience in contract negotiation, event planning and revenue optimization In her prior role as Director of Catering Sales and Convention Services at Mainsail Lodging and Development, Decherd was responsible for contract negotiation, revenue analysis and strategic planning Decherd earned a bachelor’s degree in resort and hospitality management from Florida Gulf Coast University, and she also graduated from the I n t e r n a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n o f V e n u e S c h o o l Management and the Disney Approach to Leadership Excellence program At Margaritaville, Decherd will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing with a focus on driving revenue growth, enhancing guest satisfaction and building strategic partnerships within the community
"Being a part of this resort's growth is an absolute honor, and I am eager to dive in and contribute to its continued success,” Decherd said “With its stunning beachfront location, top-notch dining options and endless opportunities for fun, I can't wait to help create unforgettable experiences for our guests and play a role in shaping the resort's bright future ”
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach features 254 guest rooms, a beachside Fins Up! Beach Club, and six food and beverage outlets, including JWB Grill, License to Chill Bar & Grill, and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill
DeSantis announces backto-school sales tax holiday
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the back-to-shool sales tax Holiday, which begins on Monday, July 29, and runs through Sunday, August 11
"I am proud to announce the return of the annual Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday," DeSantis said "Our great financial standing means we can give money back to the taxpayers through various forms of toll and tax relief I hope this Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday helps as families prepare for the coming school year "
The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday includes items such as:
School supplies selling for $5 0 or less per item, such as:
∫ Binders
∫ Notebooks
∫ Pens and pencils
∫ Lunch boxes
Learning aids selling for $3 0 or less per item, such as:
∫ Interactive Books
∫ Jigsaw Puzzles
∫ Other toys that teach reading or math skills
Clothing and footwear selling for $1 0 0 or less per item, such as:
∫ Backpacks
∫ Pants
∫ Shoes
∫ Shirts
∫ Sweaters
Personal computers and related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use selling for $1 ,5 0 0 or less per item, such as:
∫ Laptops
∫ Flash drives
∫ Printers
∫ Headphones
The sales tax holiday is in addition to the Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday which is running through July 31 The Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday makes items such as fishing supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, and admission to state parks and museums sales tax free
Vote for your fav Doc Ford’s
rum cocktail, enjoy 50% off
STAFF REPORT
The summer of celebration continues at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & G r i l l e a s t h e r e s t a u r a n t h
s
National Rum Day with 50% off a signature rum cocktail on Aug 16
The drink of the day will be determined by a weeklong in-store and online poll featuring three of Doc Ford’s most popular rum cocktails
Blended to perfection and served icecold, each drink is perfect for summer
The contenders are:
∫ Doc’s Rum Runner, a concoction of whiskey barrel-aged Mount
Gay Eclipse rum, blackberry and banana liqueurs mixed with tropical fruit juices, a splash of grenadine and finished with a dark rum floater
∫ Toasted Coconut Colada, the ultimate pina colada perfected with Hard Truth toasted coconut rum and a toasted coconut rim
∫ Sanibel Sunset, a beautiful
blend of color and flavor, featuring spiced and Don Q coconut rums with orange and pineapple juices, a splash of amaretto and grenadine
Polling begins Aug 10 and continues through Aug 15 via QR codes in-store and online with the winning drink offered at half price Aug 16 at Doc Ford’s four locations
“The contest is a fun way to recognize National Rum Day and our best rum drink according to our customers” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum
B a r & G r i l l e a n d D i x i e F i s h
Company “It’s going to be an interesting vote The rum runner, colada and sunset are our three top-selling rum cocktails ” The restaurant will also share a video recipe of the winning drink on social media
This summer, Doc Ford’s has offered gift card and mojito glass giveaways for National Mojito Day
Doc Ford’s awards gift cards in contest
How many mini lime slices fit into a one-gallon mojito glass?
A n s w e r : 1 2 , 6 7 4 , a s f o u r l u c k y patrons of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille now know
They each won $100 restaurant gift cards, shirts and swag by guessing the number of miniature clay key limes filling the gallon glasses at Doc Ford’s four locations The contest was part of the restaurants’ weeklong celebration in July
o
glasses on July 11, National Mojito Day.
“The guessing contest was a huge success and a lot of fun for our guests,” said
H M
tions, using their cards before returning home
in July and celebrated its specialty dish with YETI cooler drawings for National Yucatan Shrimp Day in May
Award-winning Doc Ford’s, open daily from 11 a m to 10 p m , is renowned for delivering a legendary guest experience
Offering food with a unique bala n c e o f f l a v o r s i n s p i r e d b y t h e Caribbean Rim, the restaurant is known for its sauces, spices, passion and signature Yucatan shrimp Doc Ford’s is beloved by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular seafood restaurant Established on Sanibel in 2003, the restaurant has expanded from its original location to three others: Fort Myers Beach and two in St Petersburg, on the St Petersburg Pier and in Jungle Terrace A perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice w i n n e r , t h e p i e r r e s t a u r a n t w a s named the No 1 Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023
Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company “Customers clustered around the gallon glasses counting and calculating We had over 300 entries and gave away over 700 glasses ” W
S
h i m m
l e r a n d
Angela Switzerland, of Ohio, enjoyed a true taste of the Sunshine State and the Caribbean Rim during their Florida vaca-
Switzerland won her award at the Fort Myers Beach location of Doc Ford's Schimmoler won the grand prize at the Doc Ford’s on Sanibel Christine Howser, a resident of New Port Richey, w o n t h e p r i z e p a c k a g e a t t h e S t Petersburg Pier Lauryn Housholder of Naperville, Ill , had the best guess at Doc
Terrace
“We love observing national food and cocktail recognition days and celebrating
with our staff and patrons,” said Harrity. “It creates a lot of excitement while also recognizing our regular diners and those who visit us during vacation ” Featuring a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim, awardwinning Doc Ford’s is known for its s a u c e s , s p i c e s , p
Yucatan shrimp Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11 a m to 10 p m and is located off Fishermans Wharf on Fort Myers Beach.
Local Democrats hit phone banks for Harris
LeeGOP holds Trumparilla
By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com
Local Democrats hit the phone banks this past weekend in Fort Myers to get out the vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president following the decision by President Joe Biden to drop out of the race
Volunteers were at Lee County Democratic Party Headquarters on Saturday making calls to Democratic and Independent voters to vote in November as part a weekend of action organized by the Harris campaign to mark 100 days until the general election The campaign held dozens of events across the state, including canvass launches, press events, and visits from local and state Democratic party leaders
Jim Rosinus, chairman of the Lee County Democrats, said individual attention is a better way to sway voters than a Trump boat rally
“It’s really important to contact the individual voters It’s nice to have a demonstration or be out on the water, but we need to let voters know how critical this election is,” Rosinus said
“There will be several races decided on Aug 20 in the primaries So, it’s important for the voters to know that and know what their options are ”
Lee Republicans, meanwhile continued their efforts with Trumparilla, the referenced boat parade, also on Saturday Boaters taking part in the LeeGOP-organized event met at the north side of the Caloosahatchee Bridge in Cape Coral boated to the Sanibel Lighthouse and back
An estimated 1,000 boats took part, including a second armada that was waiting at the Miserable Mile as a welcoming committee for those who took part in the hour-and-a-half journey up the river from the Cape in support of Donald Trump and J D Vance, organizers said
“It was a solemn day that achieved exactly what we were hoping for unity in the community and in support of our president, Donald J Trump We look forward to the next event,” said Michael Leiva, the community outreach chairman for the LeeGOP Executive Committee and president of
the state-chartered American First Club
Supportive events aside, the emergence of Harris as the leading contender for the Democratic nomination makes for a whole new campaign scenario for the rundown to the Nov 5 General Election
Rosinus said the decision for Biden to drop out was huge, and even though everyone is grateful for the work he has done, it was time for a change.
“We are grateful for his decision to be selfless and put his ambitions aside for the betterment of the country,” Rosinus said “The excitement has been extraordinary The number of people who have come here has been ahead of anything we have done by miles They’re asking what we can do to help ”
Before hitting the phones, there was a discussion on the issues that concern the volunteers Among them was the future of democracy, health care, abortion rights and rights for the LGBTQ community
Nicholas Duren, of Estero, was among the callers He was concerned about losing his rights if Trump wins
“I told myself I needed to get more involved. I was involved in a lot of campaigns in Philadelphia and when I retired I kept it on the back burner,” Duren said “I’m afraid this election will turn us one way or the other and I’m trying to do my part ”
Debbie Cabot, said she was here to support Harris and the Democrats and has become reenergized since Biden stepped down and Harris emerged
“I was very concerned about Joe Biden after the debate. She’s a fresh face, she’s younger, more vital and she has a great laugh,” Cabot said “I love that she’s a prosecutor and she will take the case to Trump and not babble stupidity or terrible plans for our country ”
Leslie Russner said she wanted to turn Florida blue again, which is possible after the state went with Obama twice
“I love some of the things she did as a senator and what she stands for as a presidential candidate,” Russner said “To see the overwhelming support she got from the Democrats made me realize she could win ”
Melia Vaccaro, of Marco Island, said Harris represents a fresh start for Democrats
“I feel more hopeful than I have in years. I think it’s time to fight and I don’t think there’s ever been a more important time for it to happen,” Vaccaro said “There was a lot of apathy and malaise with Biden and Harris can bring in the voters Biden couldn’t ”
The phone bank was one of 30 pro-Harris events statewide this weekend Since Harris’ endorsement, the state has signed up more than 10,000 volunteers, the largest number in any of the battleground states, officials said
CHUCK BALLARO
Dozens of volunteers got on their cell phones to garner support to Democratic and Independent voters to vote in November.
Beach Living
Sea turtle nests clear 100 mark, nearing 2022 numbers
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
Turtle Time has documented 108 loggerhead sea turtle nests on Fort Myers Beach as of Tuesday morning, approaching the 109-nest figure from 2022
Last year, Turtle Time counted 71 nests of the threatened species on Fort Myers Beach Since loggerheads typically nest every other year, the volunteer organization compares nesting figures to every other year
The first hatchlings of the season broke free earlier this month As of Tuesday, 21 of the 109 nests have hatched Turtle Time founder Eve Haverfield expressed concern earlier this summer that heavy rains in June combined with a hard-packed new sand could lead to fewer nests hatching
F o r t M y e r s B e a c h M a r
Resources Task Force Chairman Steve Johnson, who also volunteers with Turtle Time, said a vehicle recently ran over a turtle nest at night Luckily, the nest wasn’t destroyed but the nesting sea turtle could potentially have been impacted
Johnson said the incident serves as a reminder to warn the public that no recreation vehicles are allowed on the beach at night Johnson said he is not sure what type of vehicle it was It could have been some type of cart or buggy, he said
“It went right though the nest,” Johnson said “It shows the recklessness Who drives on the beach at night?”
While some vehicles with amber lights or turtlefriendly red lights for vehicles such as the one operated by the town’s environmental project manager Chadd Chustz are allowed in the town at night as Chustz uses the vehicle to patrol the island for turtle lighting violations, vehicles on the beach at night are generally prohibited as are electric bikes at any time
Any use of light on the beach, aside from amber light, is also prohibited under the town’s turtle lighting ordinance to protect nesting sea turtles and hatchlings from disorientations
Tur tle Time nest data
For t Myers Beach: 108 nests
There have been 236 false crawls by sea turtles on Fort Myers Beach this season, outpacing neighboring Bonita Beach which usua l l y h a s m o r e s e a t u r t l e activity A false crawl is when a nesting sea turtle searches for a place to nest o n t h e b e a c h b u t t u r n s around and goes back to the Gulf of Mexico
236 false crawls
21 nests hatched
Bonita Beach: 132 nests
218 false crawls
52 nests hatched
Turtle Time volunteers ask that Beach residents and visitors remember to turn off or shield their lights at night, and remind everyone never disturb a sea turtle or nest For more information or to report a nest, please contact Turtle Time, Inc. at 481-5566. visit Turtle Time at turtletime.org.
It is a federal offense to disturb a nesting sea turtle or cause harm to nesting sea turtles Sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act by the U S Fish and Wildlife Service
The town’s beach nourishment project has begun a n d w i l l b e r u n n i n g 2 4 hours a day, seven days a week As part of the plans for the project, truck activity will be prohibited at night during the turtle nesting season
EVE HAVERFIELD Turtle Time, the volunteer organization that tracks sea turtle nesting on Fort Myers Beach, has counted 108 loggerhead sea turtle nests this season. Only 21 have hatched so far.
During the turtle-nesting season on Fort Myers Beach, only shielded amber lights that are downward-directed are allowed from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. through October. All other outdoor lights are prohibited to protect nesting sea turtles and hatchlings from disorientations All blinds and curtains must also be closed from 9 a m to 7 p m through Oct 31 Indoor lights should also be kept as far away from windows and sliding doors as possible
Plant a tree, gain some shade, save money
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
With some leftover funds from a donation from the Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation for the creation of a children’s coloring book, the Fort Myers Beach Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force is exploring ways to use the remainder of the donation
One potential way the committee is considering would be to work with the town on a tree-planting day and educational outreach effort in the town
The town used to have an annual treeplanting day to encourage providing more cover in the town for shade and other environmental benefits
For the committee, the benefits of treeplanting can be part of a simple message residents: save money on your air-conditioning energy bill by planting shade trees
Vice Chair Mary Rose Spaletta said committee member Jennifer Rusk have advocated using the remainder of the funds on tree-planting Spaletta said an educational outreach program as part of the treeplanting could be beneficial to the town.
Many of the trees in town are palm
trees and a lot of the trees planted since the hurricane have also been palm trees which don’t provide as much shade cover such as other trees like oak trees that can provide more environmental benefits
“That’s all you see when you look out
at a high point from our island it’s palms that are springing up everywhere,” Spaletta said
Chairman Steve Johnson said he believes the town has lost about half of its canopies since Hurricane Ian He said tree-
planting would be a great benefit to the town that could also need an educational outreach program
Committee member Rob Howell said planting shade trees could potentially save residents 20% on their energy bill
The town’s environmental coordinator Chadd Chustz said past Arbor Day treeplanting events involved the planting of dozens of trees There were leftover trees after residents picked up the trees, with the town planting trees at the beach access points
Spaletta suggested the committee buy a tree for every student at the Beach Elementary School “I like the idea of the tree and the child growing so they have that connection,” she said
Howell also suggested an educational outreach program he would like to start with the Beach Elementary School.
Chustz said the committee would have to work with the town council if it wants to reach out to the Beach Elementary School about working on such a program
The committee voted to request the town council reach out to the school about embarking on such a program
Bowman takes charge of Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
C o l B r a n d o n L
B o w m a n a s s u m e d c o m -
m a n d o f t h e U S A r m y
C o r p s o f E n g i n e e r s , Jacksonville District, during a Change of Command ceremony held July 26 at the Jacksonville Center for the P e r f o r m i n g A r t s , J a c o b y
Symphony Hall
Bowman takes over from Col James Booth, who pre-
v i o u s l y o v e r s a w t h e
Jacksonville district
As Jacksonville District
C o m m a n d e r , B o w m a n assumes responsibility for Florida's federal developm e n t o f w a
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Col. Brandon Bowman
That includes the W P Franklin Lock and Dam in Olga, the Lee County dam that c o n t
Okeechobee down to the Caloosahatchee River
Jacksonville District's annual program exceeds $800 million It includes the USACE's largest ecosystem restoration p r o j e c t - A m e r i c a ' s E v e r g l a d e s
nation's most extensive regulatory program, and the largest federal coastal program in the United States.
“I am incredibly humbled to join this o u t s t a n d i n g d i s t r i c t f u l l o f d
e d Department of the Army Civilians and the team of Federal, Tribal, State and Local partners here in Florida, Bowman said “Whether ecosystem restoration, flood risk management, or waterway and harbor navigation, the Jacksonville District will continue to partner and work with you to deliver projects that solve these complex
engineering problems ”
Operations Officer (G3), Headquarters, U S Army Corps of Engineers; Chief of Staff of the U S Army E
Command Engineer of the 1st Capabilities Integration G
Facility Program Manager
Military Office
Earlier this month, the
Management District (SFWMD) joined the U S Army Corps of EngineersJacksonville District (USACE), Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Seminole Tribe of Florida, and many other federal, state, and local partners to celebrate the groundbreaking for the first major feature of the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP), the L-28
Everglades restoration.
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and will restore and reconnect Water Conservation Area 3A with Big Cypress National Preserve and Lostmans Slough
This project is located in an area of South Florida where Water Conservation Area 3, Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park as well as the Miccosukee Alligator Alley Reservation
all come together
The goal of installing these culverts is to improve the timing and distribution of water to re-establish ecological connectivity and restore hydrologic conditions in Big Cypress National Preserve and western Everglades National Park.
"Everglades restoration is working, and we are proving that increased investments and historic momentum are restoring America's Everglades As we work every day to implement the nation's most ambitious ecosystem restoration effort, I'm proud to see continued progress to furt
Chauncey Goss "Thanks to the unprecedented support from Gov Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, a strong working relationship with the U S Army Corps of Engineers, and support from the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and many local, state and federal officials, we are breaking ground on this key restoration effort Every single Everglades project has a benefit to the environment, and expediting these culverts will provide
National Preserve and western Everglades National Park.”
“The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida is excited to see this project, the f
Everglades Restoration Project and related District activities, moving forward after decades of Tribal advocacy The State and Federal government are finally listening to the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes and have committed to cleaning the water and better balancing the flows between the east and the west of the Everglades to create wholistic restoration for the entirety of the watershed," said Chairman Talbert Cypress, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida "We applaud the leadership of Governor DeSantis and Executive Director Bartlett, as well as the South Florida Water Management District Board of Governors, for devoting the State’s resources to this crucial project ”
“This is a momentous first step for the W
(WERP) to re-establish ecological connectivity of the southern portion of the C&SF system with the Everglades and improve the ecological resilience of the wetland/upland mosaic,” said Col James Booth, U S Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District commander. “As I prepare to depart command later this month, I am immensely proud of the momentum USACE and SFWMD have created in our Everglades Restoration efforts ”
“Thanks to the support of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, we are doing more now to protect and restore Florida’s Everglades than ever
Shawn Hamilton. “Florida’s environment is central to our economy and the way of life for our growing population, and I’m excited to celebrate more milestones in the future ”
“This project will bring much needed water flows into Lostmans Slough in Big C y p
Everglades National Park, it also benefits the Tribes, and in doing so, it benefits us all and the lands and marine areas we care
Tortugas National Parks
The goal of WERP is to improve the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of water in the western Everglades in an effort to re-establish ecological connectivity and restore low nutrient conditions WERP includes a mosaic of habitats where we will restore the flow of water, retain habitats for panthers, take away the impact of over-drainage in the natural areas, and maintain flood protection for the developed areas.
WERP is a partnership between the SFWMD, the USACE and the Tribes Since 2019, the SFWMD and the USACE have celebrated over 70 ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, and major milestones on Everglades restoration and resiliency
Florida
Source: Army Corps of Engineers
Mound House Events Schedule
The Mound House on Fort Myers Beach is a public museum on the National Registrar of Historic Places which traces its roots to the Calusa, the ancient Native American tribe who built a shell mound approximately 2,000 years ago underneath the house and museum The house at 451 Connecticut St is the oldest standing structure on Estero Island The Town of Fort Myers Beach operates the Mound House as a museum complex and cultural and environmental learning experience that offers entertainment and educational programs, including for children There is also public land for picnics and docks for fishing along the bay Overflow parking is available at 216 Connecticut St For more details, reservations, and a monthly programs schedule, call 239-765-0865
Regular programming
The Mound House is currently offering regular kayak tours Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 9 a m to 11 a m The tours are $20 for Mound House members and $50 for non-members
Explore the winding mangrove creeks and go places only a kayak can go on this guided eco tour of Estero Bay This beginner-friendly tour allows you to experience
and learn more about the natural beauty of a mangrove estuary and the history of the area Mound House kayak tours are conducted in accordance with Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism guidelines All paddling and kayak safety equipment are provided
The tours are restricted to ages 12 and up, weather permitting A maximum of 12 paddlers per tour are allowed Shoes are required Tours can be booked at www MoundHouse org
Shell Mound Tours
Shell mound tours are given Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a m to 10:30 a m, from noon to 12:30 p m And from 2 p m To 2:30 p m
The tours are free for Mound House members, and cost $5 plus museum admission to non-members
Discover the archaeology and history of the shell mound site and learn what clues were uncovered about the nearly 2,000year-old shell mound This hands-on tour will explore the environmental and cultural history of the site and feature replica artifact demonstrations No reservations required More information can be found at www MoundHouse org
Plaka on the Beach sells for $3.65 million
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
Plaka on the Beach, a popular Greek food restaurant on Fort Myers Beach that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian, has been sold by the Kalymnous Partnership LLP to FMB 1001 LLC for $3.65 million.
Shlomo Melloul, a Diana Beach-based partner in the limited liability company, said he intends to construct a building at the Times Square property with a rooftop restaurant to replace the former restaurant
Melloul, a real estate investor, said this would be his first foray into Fort Myers Beach real estate
“It's my first time (buying property) on Fort Myers Beach Hopefully it will be a good time,” he said
“I bought it because it’s a prime location It’s very interesting in the center of the downtown,” Melloul said
The deal closed last week and was filed with the Lee County Clerk.
The owners of Plaka on the Beach also operate a Greek food restaurant on McGregor Boulevard in Fort
Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation members Robin Bush (left to right), Alicia Steinhagen, Susan Krajewski and Kelly Smith take part in the Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club Putt and Pub Crawl outside the Plaka on the Beach restaurant at Times Square in 2020. The restaurant was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.
FILE PHOTO
Lovers Key State Park announces guided nature programs
STAFF REPORT
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that Lovers Key State Park on Fort Myers Beach will present weekly programs on nature, park history and wildlife throughout the month of August. The park is located at 8500 Estero Blvd
Space is limited for all events; reservations are required To register, visit the Friends of Lovers Key’s Eventbrite page: https://bit ly/FOLKS-Events
The park offers many recreational opportunities for visitors with disabilities For accommodations assistance, please contact the park office at 239-707-6328
Programs include:
∫ Friday, Aug 2, at 1a m
Beach and Estuary Walk
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for a leisurely hike along the beach and estuary shorelines of Lovers Key Discover the natural beauty of both ecosystems as you encounter the seashells, crustaceans, birds, and other creatures that reside amongst these waterways Space is limited; reservations are required To register, visit https://bit ly/FOLKSEvents
∫ Thursday, Aug 8 at 8 a m
Lovers Key Garden Club Workday
Park entry fee is waived for participants
Join a park ranger to help maintain Lovers Key’s native pollinator garden
Weeding, pruning, and planting are all on the table at a garden club workday, and we welcome both beginner and expert gardeners to participate Closed-toe shoes are required, and work gloves, hand clippers, water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, kneeling pads, and hats are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required To register, visit https://bit ly/FOLKSEvents
∫ Friday, Aug 9, at 10 a m
Seashell Walk Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for a relaxing hike along the Lovers Key shoreline Learn the names of the seashells that wash ashore at the park, fun facts about the creatures who
craft them, and the shelling regulations that help protect these iconic Florida treasures Space is limited; reservations are required To register, visit https://bit ly/FOLKSEvents
∫ Friday, Aug 16, at 10 a m
Walk on the Wild Side Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for a guided hike along our Black Island Trail Learn about the fascinating vegetation and wildlife that reside in our maritime hammock ecosystem and enjoy a little local history along the way Closedtoe shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended Space is limited; reservations are required To register, visit https://bit ly/FOLKS-Events
Myers They could not be reached for comment
The owners had also operated a food truck on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian at the former Whale
restaurant, before a fire destroyed the truck Plaka on the Beach founder Manoli Neskes passed away last year after a battle with cancer
Town releases probation letter from FEMA
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
The Town of Fort Myers Beach has released a letter from FEMA sent out this month notifying the town that while the federal agency will not retrograde the town’s National Flood Insurance Program class rating at this time, it faces being put on probation and losing its insurance discount if it doesn’t correct or remedy a list of violations FEMA says remain by Nov 18
Responding to a Sunshine Law request, the town provided a copy of the letter July 19 which details FEMA’s findings of deficiencies and compliance issues which could still put the town in jeopardy of losing its 25% flood insurance discount rate through the National Flood Insurance Program
FEMA’s initial determination in March due to concerns about permitless work and other compliance issues with FEMA regulations in the town, would have taken away the town’s 25% flood insurance discount through the National Flood Insurance Program before reversing course following an appeal from the town
Over the last two months, FEMA has worked with the Town of Fort Myers Beach to help correct compliance issues regarding the National Flood Insurance Program, according to a letter from the agency
“Our teams have made great progress in helping ensure Fort Myers Beach and their residents are more resilient and prepared for future storms,” FEMA’s Regional Administrator Robert Samaan said in a letter to the town Samaan said FEMA completed its review of the town’s compliance with the minimum floodplain management standards and everything that has been done to correct any deficiencies and violations
“We acknowledge the work invested by your community has resulted in some improvements to meet minimum floodplain management standards However, as the Town of Fort Myers Beach continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, FEMA finds that outstanding compliance issues remain,” Samaan said
The Town of Fort Myers Beach has until Nov 18 to
correct or remedy all identified violations of FEMA regulations to the maximum extent possible or the town could lose its eligibility for Community Rating System participation, and would be retrograded to Class 10 effective on April 1
That would mean no discount for policy holders
According to the letter from FEMA, “the implementation of the floodplain management program has several deficiencies that remain out of compliance ”
During the 60-day review period since the town’s appeal, additional permitting information was submitted to FEMA for 105 structures in the floodplain.
FEMA provided a summary of items the Town of Fort Myers Beach needs to remedy:
∫ Lack of permits for development in the Special Flood Hazard Area
∫ Lack of maintaining permit records for development, new construction, or substantial improvements
∫ Failure to make substantial improvement and substantial damage determinations
Incomplete information
According to FEMA, of the permit packages submitted to the town, 31% were deemed completed More information is required from 20% of the permit packages, 15% were ongoing code enforcement cases and 32% will be followed up on during a future compliance engagement
FEMA also found that 51 out of the 105 permit packages submitted did not include permits for structures that sustained documented damage. Of the 105 permit packages submitted, 76 were deemed to be missing itemized/detailed cost information for repair performed
About 60%, or 62 of the 105 had individual permits issued, did not include total repair costs
Remedy
The town has been given until Sept 16 to develop and submit a plan that includes timelines and actions to address all identified program deficiencies and violations to the
DeSantis awards $350K to churches
Gov Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the awarding of $350,000 to 13 churches in the state through the Hope Florida Fund
The Hope Florida Initiative awarded the top two need-meeting Hope Florida CarePortal churches with $50,000 each and awarded 11 top churches with $25,000 each through the Hope Florida Fund.
Recipients recognized by the Governor and First Lady were: Spanish River Church, Grace Family
Church, RiverLife Church, Oasis Church, Radiant Church, South Shore Community Church, Grace Bible Church of Highlands County, Idlewild Baptist Church, North River Church, Action Church, Bayside Community Church North River Campus, University Carillon United Methodist Church, and Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale.
The Hope Florida Fund awards are made possible through private donations into a fund that
maximum extent possible
The town must assess all floodplain development from Hurricane Ian in the Special Flood Hazard Area, ensuring that permits for all repairs, construction and development were obtained consistent with local floodplain management regulations
FEMA is requiring the town to provide a status update for structures deemed substantially damaged on a list provided by the town in accordance with an April letter sent to FEMA
In addition, the town must provide evidence to support compliance action taken for the structures identified as having damage and FEMA identified as Future Compliance Engagement, Community Assistance Visit follow up, and additional information needed
The town must also provide FEMA an assessment of all floodplain development impacts from Hurricane Ian to structures in the Special Flood Hazard Area and provide a plan for remedying any identified violations.
The town must provide documentation that demonstrates the community is leveraging its code enforcement process to address new and existing code cases for all structures not confirmed as compliant
When a violation is confirmed, the town must show that it acted to remedy the issue to the maximum extent possible The town must show a process is in place to ensure substantial damage compliance for future events
A message left with Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers seeking comment on the decision by FEMA and its findings of deficiencies, was not responded to as of press time.
Lee County, the city of Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Estero had also received initial determinations that they would lose their discounts as well due to concerns by FEMA of permitless and undocumented work and repairs after Hurricane Ian.
Lee County and Cape Coral recently received letters from FEMA that will allow them to avoid losing their flood insurance discount rates if they submit plans to correct identified deficiencies
First Lady Casey DeSantis established and launches in 2022.
“We’re enabling churches to compete to meet the needs of Floridians through CarePortal,” Gov DeSantis said “The government should incentivize charity and philanthropy, not supplant it Hope Florida brings together private, nonprofit, and faith actors to serve others, and enables government to get out of the way for the good of our citizens ”
“Through Hope Florida’s CarePortal, churches in every one of Florida’s 67 counties are meeting needs in real time,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis “Hope Florida has a simple premise we assist Floridians in need find help in their com-
munity We sincerely thank those churches which have stepped up to take advantage of the Hope Florida CarePortal and answer the call to serve ” Hope Florida utilizes Hope Navigators to guide Floridians on an individualized path to economic independence by focusing on community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based communities, nonprofits, and government entities The program helps those going through difficult times The Hope Florida CarePortal alerts participating churches to immediate needs in their communities and churches compete to fill these needs
Source: Office of the Governor
Gov. Ron DeSantis
From page 1
Carlos Boulevard from north of Crescent Street to north of Hurricane Pass Bridge.
Improvements include modifying the Matanzas Pass Bridge to accommodate a shared-use path, converting the existing southbound bus/bicycle-only lane to a general use travel lane during the offseason while maintaining the bus and bicycle-only lane during peak tourism season between January and April
The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District had expressed concern over losing access to the bus only lane that it uses during emergencies.
A c c o r d i n g t o t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f
Transportation, the precise dates of when those seasons will run have yet to be determined There will be signage to indicate when the lanes are open to all traffic or limited to buses and bicycles "Lee County will be able to monitor the traffic," according to a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Transportation The county will be able to coordinate the traffic lights along San Carlos Boulevard
T h e e x i s t i n g b r i d g e d e c k o f t h e
Matanzas Pass Bridge will be repurposed to expand the pedestrian sidewalk by approximately two feet to make it eight feet wide
S a n C a r l o s B o u l e v a
M
i n Street to Hurricane Pass Bridge will be restriped to accommodate bicycle lanes in each direction of travel Signalization upgrades will be made with a new traffic signal constructed at Main Street, and the a l t e r n a t i n g s i g n a l a t P r e s c o t t Street/Buttonwood Drive will be adjusted to operate as a conventional signal
From Main Street to Hurricane Bay Bridge, the posted speed limit is expected to be reduced from 45 mph to 40 mph
T h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f Transportation advised that overnight lane
RENDERINGS PROVIDED
Pass
will be transformed to allow two lanes of traffic to enter the bridge from San Carlos
with the pedestrian sidewalk expanded as part of a Florida Department of Transportation project
begin next week. The bus lane will be opened up to all traffic during the offseason. while limited to buses and bicycles during peak tourism season from January to April
closures can be expected during the project on weeknights
On-island changes
According to a presentation by Florida
D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r t a t i o n P r o j e c t
Manager Chris Speese to the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council in January when the contract was awarded, there will also be changes on the island with a new signal at Fifth St replacing the pedestrian crosswalk signal
New landscaping will be placed to prevent pedestrians from crossing certain areas along Estero Boulevard and near the Margaritaville Beach Resort During the J a n u a r y m e e t i n g , F o r t M y e r s B e a c h
Mayor Dan Allers said “The biggest issue we have is the jaywalking ”
New bus bays are projected to be placed on a portion of Crescent Beach
Family Park and near the Margaritaville Beach Resort as had been previously discussed
A concrete wall or concrete barrier will replace a guardrail as traffic comes off the bridge down to the intersection near Times Square
According to a description of the proje
p
m e n t o f Transportation, “The purpose of the project is to provide additional travel options on a congested corridor, especially during the peak tourist season (January - April) The project will enhance mobility and safety for vehicular and non-vehicular transportation and increase accessibility a n d c o n n e c t i o n s b e t w e e n c o m m u n i t y points of interest ” There had previously been public hearings on the project in 2018 and 2022
A traffic signal will be placed at the four-way intersection at Main Street a n d S a n C a r l o s B o u l e v a r d a s p
Transportation project on Fort Myers Beach.
NATHAN MAYBERG
NATHAN MAYBERG
Matanzas
Bridge
Boulevard,
expected to
Population From page 1
Myers Beach, which was up sharply from just one documented in 2022 The number of snowy plover fledglings this year is not available from the FWC, which is the official source of documentation
The shorebird nesting season on Fort Myers Beach got off to a rocky start this season as a delayed sand haul project by the town extended into the first few weeks of the shorebird nesting and may have cost nesting time for some shorebirds –including the vulnerable solitary snowy plovers who typically nest early in the season
Heavy rains in June are believed to have affected nesting as well At least one
snowy plover nest was documented as abandoned
“There were other nests that were attempted but they were not successful for multiple reasons,” said Megan Hatten, Southwest Florida Shorebird Program Manager for Audubon Florida “A few were lost to over wash, at least one lost to predation and a few where the cause is unknown Shorebirds deal with a large range of issues during breeding season, so it is difficult to narrow down the direct cause every time ”
Hatten said the island saw a “huge increase of snowy plover success last year after Hurricane Ian This is consistent
with many studies done on plovers the years showing that after a major storm event productivity rises ”
The sounds of heavy machinery activity near the nesting sites can scare off some nesting shorebirds
“The sand hauling project could have contributed to this. They were out near the beginning of nesting season so that alone could have pushed birds away early, and any change to the habitat influences the birds They do tend to nest near vegetation edges rather than the more open sand, like the black skimmers and least terns, so the fact that some vegetation was covered could decrease the choices for the Snowy plovers
Two state threatened birds who have enjoyed the nesting season on Fort Myers Beach have been black skimmers and least terns, who nest in large colonies As of late May, 287 least tern nests had been documented by Frankel on the island
More than 500 black skimmer nests were documented in late June, with more than 1,000 adult black skimmers on the island Those were double the size of the population on Fort Myers Beach last year
The black skimmer populations are believed to have doubled in size on the i s l a n d a f t e r l o s i n g h a b i t a t o n M a r c o Island.
For least terns, the numbers are comparable to last year though about 50% higher than in 2021 and 2022
Most of the activity has been around Carlos Pointe Beach, an area near the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area on the southern tip of the island The nesting area is roped off so that the nesting activity is not interfered with Hatten believes the large numbers of black skimmers on Fort Myers Beach this y e a r m a y b e r e l a t e d t o “ t h e s e v e r e decrease of nesting at the historically large site in Collier, Big Marco Critical Wildlife Area Usually that site has a large group of skimmers, usually around 300400 nests, but due to issues with predation and other disturbances, it only has
about 9 nests this year The thought is that the birds that usually nest at Big Marco have split themselves between Carlos P o i n t e a n d a n o t h e r C W A i n C o l l i e r named Second Chance island ” One bird that has not been nesting on Fort Myers Beach this season has been the A m e r i c a n o y s t e r c a t c h e r . T h e F W
men tio n an y American oystercatcher nesting activity on the island so far this season
Last year, one American oystercatcher nest was counted in the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area
“They are extremely sensitive to disturbance, so any amount of increase in human activity can cause abandonment,” Hatten said “The nest last year was a very special event because they hadn't nested there in at least 10 years. We did struggle with many instances of people walking their dogs through the critical wildlife area, where they are not allowed to be, and this could have contributed to an increase of abandonment from both the oystercatchers and snowy plovers ” The Fort Myers Beach Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force has made complaints several times regarding loose dogs on the beach Dogs can interfere or intimidate nesting shorebirds D o g s a
w
l k e d through the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area or near nesting areas and it is against town law to allow a dog to walk on the beach unleashed
In a newsletter the FWC sends to residents, Frankel that Wilson’s Plover nests and a killdeer nest have also been spotted on the island
Over the past month, Frankel also reported sick and injured birds that were brought to CROW In a newsletter sent out to residents, Frankel said “If you see a bird that is injured, unable to walk, has head tremors, or is unable to fly (but isn't a chick or fledgling), please call CROW at 239-472-3644 and leave a message for hospital staff to return at their earliest convenience ”
NATHAN MAYBERG
A threatened least tern (foreground) gathers around the Fort Myers Beach shore near Carlos Beach with a large group of royal terns and black skimmers
Snowy plovers are among the most threatened bird species in Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has counted 10 snowy plover nests on Fort Myers Beach this season.
NATHAN MAYBERG The Fort Myers Beach Observer was recognized recognized the Fort Myers Beach Observer with multiple awards Friday in the annual Weekly Newspaper Contest held in Orlando, for coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Ian The Fort Myers Beach Observer earned first place for online slideshow featuring photos by Fort Myers Beach Observer Editor Nathan Mayberg The Fort Myers Beach Observer also won second place and third place for hurricane feature stories by Editor Nathan Mayberg.
From page 1
e r o o f a f t e r t h e i s s u e w a s s e t t l e d T h e a w a r d - w i n n i n g a r t i c l e c a n b e f o u n d h e r e : h t t p s : / / i s s u u c o m / b r e e z e c o r p / d o c s / 0 8 0 9 2 3 o b s e r v e r " R e b u i l d i n g w i t h R e s o l v e , " a s p e c i a l e d i t i o n o n H u r r i c a n e I a n r e b u i l d i n g e f f o r t s t h a t w a s p u b l i s h e d b y t h e C a p e C o r a l B r e e z e a n d w h i c h r a n a s a s u pp l e m e n t t o t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r , w o n t h i r d p l a c e i n D i v i s i o n A f o r s p e c i a l s e c t i o n s o r s u pp l e m e n t s f r o m t h e F l o r i d a P r e s s A s s o c i a t i o n F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r E d i t o r N a t h a n M a y b e r g c o nt r i b u t e d r e p o r t i n g a s p a r t o f t h e C a p e C o r a l B r e e z e a n d B r e e z e N e w s p a p e r s t e a m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r P u b l i s h e r R a y E c k e n r o d e , w h o i s a l s o p u b l i s h e r o f B r e e z e N e w s p a p e r s a n d t h e C a p e C o r a l B r e e z e , e a r n e d t h i r d p l a c e f o r s e r i o u s c o l u m n f o r h i s i n t r o d u c t i o n t o t h e H u r r i c a n e I a n f i r s t a n n i v e r s a r y i s s u e " R e b u i l d i n g w i t h R e s o l v e " w h i c h r a n a s a s u p p l em e n t i n t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r , C a p e C o r a l B r e e z e a n d o t h e r B r e e z e N e w s p a p e r s p u b l i c a t i o n s Observer
From page 5
The spread of misinformation by government officials, past and present, as well as the media, censoring stories or writers they did not like only adds to the confusion and division It is crucial that accurate information is shared with the public to ensure transparency and accountability in our democratic processes
It is evident that there are many challenges facing America today As Americans it is our duty to remain vigilant, speak out against injustice, and vote for positive change in our society no matter what your party affiliation is
Lou Walker 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 Hazzard
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 this happen and why isn’t this fixed? I mean, 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
Summer with the Chamber
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Comm erce
pl anning act ion-packed August
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce has a month of fun, coffee, mini-golf, music and networking planned to close out the summer on the island
The fun all starts Thursday, Aug 1, with a free "Coffee Connection" event with Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Principal Dr Traci Kohler sponsored by the chamber at 820 Buttonwood Drive from 8 a m to 9:30 a m
coffee-connection/.
The chamber is a co-sponsor of the Bayside Park Concert Series which runs every Sunday at Bayside Veterans Memorial Park The next show will be this
Sunday, Aug 4, featuring the classic rock cover group Simply-Fi from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fort Myers Beach park off Old San Carlos Boulevard On Aug 11, the party band Mockingbird will take the stage from 4 p m to 7 p m
The chamber presents the concerts in conjunction with the Town of Fort Myers Beach. The series sponsor is the Alex King Group The stage sponsors for the next two shows are the Florida Structural Group and Gavin's Ace Hardware The title sponsors are Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant, Nervous Nellie’s and Wahoo Willie’s
The chamber will be holding a membership luncheon at Nervous Nellie's on Thursday, Aug 8, from 11:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. The guest speaker will be Eric Eickenberg of the Everglades Foundation
The cost for members is $30 and prospective mem-
bers is $40 To register, visit https://www fortmyersbeach.org/events/august-2024-membership-luncheon/.
The chamber will be holding a business after-hours event at The Roxie at Times Square on Thursday, Aug 15 from 5:30 p m to 7 p m Refreshments will be served at the event, which is being sponsored by Extreme Florida Roofing, LMCU and Waste Management.
business-after-hours/
The chamber will close out August with a mini-golf tournament at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf on Aug 30 from 3 p m to 7 p m The cost to enter is $200 per team. F
www Fortmyersbeach org
Sales open for ticketed concerts at Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary with 10
Songwriter Fest will return to Captiva, Cape Coral, downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach on Sept 20-29
P
& Lodging Association and the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau's Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods, the festival gives fans the opportunity to see singer-songwriters perform in smaller venues with a tropical setting as the backdrop
While most of the Island Hopper events are free and open to the public, a few performances and experiences do require tickets Tickets are currently on sale for the following performances:
∫ Sept 25 at 6:30 p m : ACMA Showcase at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers, featuring performances by B M
Bidney, Karen Cohen, Bruce Gallant and Roy Schneider The ACMA is the Association of Classical Musicians and Artists
∫ Sept 26 at 7 p m : Five-time Grammy nominee and BMI singer/songwriter Jeffrey Steele will join the Gulf Coast Symphony in a performance at the Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers
∫ Sept 27 at 7:30 p m : Music Row @ Margaritaville at the Margaritaville Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach, featuring performances by
See ISLAND HOPPER, page 23
FORT MYERS ISLANDS, BEACHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Scotty McCreery is the headliner for the 10th Island Hopper Songwriter Fest taking place from Sept. 20-29 on Captiva, in Cape Coral and downtown Fort Myers, and on Fort Myers Beach.
Saluting Our Heroes 45/53 set for Aug. 11
A celebration honoring veterans of World War II and the Korean War will take place Sunday, Aug 11, in Fort Myers. The event is called Saluting Our Heros 45/53 and organizers are looking for additional World War II and Korean War veterans to participate
This year, for the first time, the Saluting Our Heroes celebration is honoring veterans of the Korean War in addition to our “Greatest Generation” heroes As the number of World War II veterans has steadily declined, organizers decided to include veterans of “America’s Forgotten War” fought between 1950 and 1953
The celebration includes a catered meal and patterns itself similarly to the National Spirit of 45 recognition approved by Congress in 2010 The ceremony will include presentation of National Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem; POW/MIA service (missing man table), wreath ceremony; World War
Island Hopper
B M I s i n g e r / s o n g w r i t e r s K r i s t i a n
B u s h , K a s s i A s h t o n a n d S h a n e Proffitt While general admission tickets are sold out, VIP tickets are still available VIP tickets include one reserved seat, one meet-andgreet and two drink tickets
∫ Sept 29 at 5 p m : This year's
h e a d l i n e r , B M I s i n g e r / s o n g w r i t e r Scotty McCreery will wrap up the festival with a pool party performance at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach He is known for his hit songs “You Time,” “Damn Strait,” “Rise and Fall,” “Cab in a Solo” and more. People may remember McCreery as the teen who won Season 10 of “American Idol ” Now, he is 30 and a seasoned country music veteran His sixth album, “Rise and Fall,” was released in May In April, McCreery
f u l f i l l e d a d r e a m a n d o f f i c i a l l y became a member of the Grand Ole Opry The award-winning, singersongwriter's recent hit, “Cab in a S
II and Korean War videos, flag folding ceremony; pipes and drums to include “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes; honor guard/firing party for three volleys; echo taps and patriotic songs
Organizers are hopeful that any area World War II and Korean War veterans that have not attended the event in past years, as well as previous participants, will take part in what they hope is a meaningful celebration of their service to the Nation
The Saluting Our Heroes event will be held from 4:15-7:15 p m , Aug 11, at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club, 10420 Washington Palm Way, Fort Myers The event is free for World War II and Korean War veterans and their guest Tickets are $50 per person for all other attendees.
Dinner will be served from 4:30-5:15 p m , followed by the veteran tribute and ceremony from 5:15-
From page 22
Rogers, Aaron Eshuis and Derek Wells It is a tear-in-your-beer ballad sung to a plastic cup of red wine In addition to the ticketed events, free live performance can be enjoyed at host venues on: ∫ Sept 20-22 on Captiva
Sept 23-24 in Cape Coral
Sept 25-26 in downtown Fort
7:15 p m
Reservations must be made by Aug 1
To make your reservation or need more information, send an email (kimgaide@aol com) or call Kim at 239209-6160 Once reservations have been made, a check or money order should be made payable to VFW District 13 Please mail to Kim Gaide, c/o 1778 Woodlawn Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901 with payment received by Aug 6, 2024 Payment by check or money order only. Checks made payable to VFW District 13
Sponsorships are what make this event possible, and organizers are seeking assistance to ensure the event can take place
The “Sponsor-A-Vet” program will cover the cost of a veteran’s meal The sponsor’s name, or the name of a veteran, will be listed in the program
If
Beach Also, people can download the Island Hopper app for a chance to
DiamondHead Beach Resort on Fort
McCreery and a gift bag
IslandHopperFest com or download the app.
FORT MYERS ISLANDS, BEACHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Jeffrey Steele
FORT MYERS ISLANDS, BEACHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS Kristian Bush
ROBBIE KLEIN Kassi Ashton
FORT MYERS ISLANDS, BEACHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS Shane Profitt
Songwriter
Six Mile Cypress Slough announces 2024 Wet Walk schedule
The Friends of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve has announced its 2024 schedule for wet walks, which allow visitors access to parts of the Slough that normally are off-limits and lets them experience the beautiful wetlands in new and surprising ways.
Led by trained guides, these walks follow a restricted, water-filled, sinuous trail amid thick green ferns, towering cypress, and perhaps woodpeckers and owls Water levels may reach chest high, depending on recent rainfall
This trail is very safe and has welcomed tens of thousands of walkers for more than 50 years
This season’s schedule has a total of at least 12 regular wet walks, a meditation wet walk, two themed wet walks, plus two wet walks geared toward families with children ages 8 to 11 (The minimum age for all other wet walks is 12 )
The season opens Saturday, Aug. 17, and runs through Saturday, Oct 26 Most of the walks are on Saturday mornings, but there also are two on Saturday afternoons, and two on Wednesday mornings
The public can register for a wet walk by going to Eventbrite or www sloughpreserve org
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or are looking for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience, wet walks are the perfect event, offering participants an opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories The walk will involve encounters with submerged roots and cypress knees People who need assistance to walk, have trouble walking or have poor balance are advised to skip taking part Water levels may exceed 4 feet in some sections
Saturday morning regular wet walks (9 a m to approximately 11:30 a m ) are scheduled on:
∫ Aug 17, 24
∫ Sept 7, 28
∫ Oct 5, 26
Saturday morning regular wet walks (10 a m to approximately 12:30 p m ) are scheduled on:
∫ Sept 28
∫ Oct 26
Saturday afternoon regular wet walks (1 p.m. to approximately 3:30 p m ) are scheduled on:
∫ Sept 14
∫ Oct 12
Wednesday morning regular wet walks (9 a m to approximately 11:30 a m ) are scheduled on:
∫ Sept 18
∫ Oct 16
Family wet walks (9 a m to approximately 11:30 a m ) are scheduled on:
∫ Sept 14 (Saturday)
∫ Oct 12 (Saturday)
Meditation wet walk (9 a.m. to approximately 11:30 a m ) is scheduled on:
∫ Aug 31 (Saturday)
Themed wet walks (9 a m to approximately 1 p m ) are scheduled on:
∫ Sept 21 (Saturday)
∫ Oct 19 (Saturday)
Regular wet walks cost $20 for members of Friends of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, and $35 for nonmembers The cost for students (12+) is $20 Students (18+) will receive a one-year membership to the Friends organization The maximum number of participants for the regular wet walk is 10.
The family wet walks are intended for families with children ages 8 to 11 The walks include activities designed to ignite the child’s curiosity for nature Children must be accompanied by an adult (at least one adult per two children ) The maximum number of participants at each family wet walk is 20 The cost is the same as the price of regular wet walks Children ages 8 to 11 – who are too young for all other wet walks – are free
The meditation wet walk on Aug 31 is designed to offer a serene journey of tranquility and rejuvenation in the Slough waters through a blend of mindfulness and nature. The cost is the same as a regular wet walk.
Parking at the Slough costs $1 an hour or $5 for an
entire day The Lee County Parks and Recreation pass is valid at the Slough
Two four-hour themed wet walks are also on the schedule:
“Bromeliad Treasures”
“Our Slough has many treasures, but few as weird and wonderful as the bromeliads ” Saturday, Sept 21, from 9 a m to approximately 1 p.m.
The walk will be led by Tim Denger, a Florida Master Naturalist and Slough volunteer and trail guide As he guides you through the waters, you’re certain to be instilled with a new love for these intriguing epiphytes, true jewels in the trees
“Slough Fables, Fakes and Facts”
“Immerse yourself in an enchanting adventure of tales woven amidst the trees of the Slough ” Saturday, Oct 19, from 9 a m to approximately 1 p m
Guests will follow local interpretive naturalist Ranger Rob on our wet walk as he unravels myths of the ancient people Discover the secrets and wonders that reside within the depths of this magical, untamed realm
The cost for each themed wet walk is $20 for Friends members, $45 for non-members and $25 for students (12+) The maximum number of participants in each themed walk is 14
Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a nonprofit citizens group that provides support for the Slough’s staff and volunteers Membership levels in the Friends organization start at $10 for students and $25 for individuals. More information about wet walks and on membership is available on the Slough Friends website at www sloughpreserve org
About Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is over 3,500 acres
Interpretive Center Animals like otters, alligators, turtles, wading birds, and more live at the Slough yearround Others, like migrating birds and butterflies, use the Slough as a feeding area or a winter home The Slough is managed by the Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation and is open daily from sunrise to sunset
FRIENDS OF SIX MILE CYPRESS SLOUGH PRESERVE PHOTOS
Scene from a wet walk in 2023.
San Cap Community Bank collecting donations
In partnership with The Foundation for Lee C
Community Bank is accepting school supply donations from now through Aug 2 at all of its open branches
Items like notebooks, pens/pencils, pencil boxes, headphones, markers, dry erase markers, glue/glue sticks, highlighters, crayons, colored pencils, backpacks, calculators, scissors, white boards and erasers are requested
Donations may be dropped off at:
∫ B
Parkway, Fort Myers
∫ College Branch, at 7500 College Parkway, Fort Myers
Downtown Branch, at 1533 Hendry St , Fort Myers
Gateway Branch, at 11691 Gateway Blvd , Fort Myers
School District of Lee County Virtual Teacher Recruitment Fair today
The School District of Lee County is hosting a Virtual Teacher Recruitment Fair today, July 31, from 2-4 p m , to recruit classroom teachers for the 2024-25 academic year.
Interested candidates can register for the virtual fair at LeeSchools net/Careers To be considered for a teaching position, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
∫ Hold a valid standard teaching certificate (Florida or out-of-state) OR
∫ Expected to graduate from a college of education by August 2024 OR
∫ Hold a bachelor’s degree in any area
The School District of Lee County is among the largest school districts in Florida and the United States with a growing enrollment of more than 99,000 students and 116 schools
During the Virtual Teacher Recruitment
Fair, the talent acquisition team will be available to meet with interested candidates to discuss classroom opportunities for the 2024-25 school year High-demand positions include English, elementary education, science, math and special education
The District offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation plan for its employees, and additional benefits and earning opportunities are also available via advanced degree supplement, summer school, athletic coaching and more Upon hire, a personal benefits selection process will be made available to eligible employees
For support or additional questions, email careers@leeschools.net or call 239337-8676
To learn more about available career opportunities, please visit LeeSchools net/ Careers
Calusa Waterkeeper announces open enrollment for Fall Ranger Training Academy
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∫ Main Office, at 2406 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers
∫ Winkler Branch, at 7040 Winkler Road, Fort Myers
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Education Resource Center at the foundation, which aims to support local teachers by ensuring that they have the necessary resources at no cost to them to provide a quality education to their students
The foundation also has Amazon and Walmart wish lists where items can be purchased and shipped.
Elite DNA Behavioral Health launches Back-to-School Drive to support local nonprofits
comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, is teaming up with United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades and Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida to host a Back-toSchool Drive that will support local families in preparing for the upcoming school year
Now through Thursday, Aug 8, Elite DNA is collecting backpacks and school supplies at eight locations from Port Charlotte to Naples and is calling on the community for support Elite DNA is requesting items for children of all ages, with a special focus on supplies for y o u n g e r s t u d e n t s A c c e p t e d i t e m s include backpacks, crayons, scissors, dry erase markers, wired headphones, glue sticks, index cards, Kleenex, paper, folders with pockets and prongs and more Cash donations and gift cards are also accepted for supplies to be purchased by Elite DNA staff
United Way’s mission as a volunteerdriven organization is to improve the quality of life for all people in the community In the 2023-2024 school year, over $1 95 million in school supplies, school clothing, shoes and hygiene supplies were distributed to students in
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need within The School District of Lee County through United Way
One of United Way’s partner agencies, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, is a nonprofit providing a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect across Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties. School supplies are given to children and families ahead of the school year to ensure students are prepared to head back to school
To support these nonprofits in their efforts to prepare local families for the new school year, the community is invited to drop off donations of school supplies at any Elite DNA location between 8 a m and 5 p m on Mondays through Fridays The participating Elite DNA locations include:
∫ Cape Coral: 2 7 2 1 D el P rado Blvd , S , Suite 200, 239-673-9034
∫ Fort Myers – Metro: 4310 Metro Parkway, Suite 205, 239-690-6906
∫ Fort Myers – Plantation: 6430 Plantation Park Court, Suite 200, 239215-1025
∫ Lehigh Acres: 228 Plaza Drive, Suite D, 239-491-8204
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Ser vices at St. Peter Lutheran Church
St Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at 3751 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
Outdoor Services under the tent
Every Sunday 9 a m
All are welcome, we are pet friendly 239-463-4251 stpeterfmb@gmail.com
www stpeterfmb com
YouTube - St Peter Lutheran Church Fort Myers Beach FL
In cooperation with former Chapel by the Sea and Beach United Methodist Church
Law
at the Librar y Aug. 7
The Lee County Legal Aid Society is again hosting a free legal clinic for area seniors in need of no-cost, limited legal advice on civil matters, including how to cope with contractor fraud and post-disaster insurance claims
The session is Wednesday, Aug 7, from 9 a m to noon, at the Fort Myers Regional Library meeting room, 1651 Lee St , Fort Myers, and is open to Lee County residents ages 50 and older
A panel of local attorneys will discuss several topics in civil law of interest to seniors Individuals can then confer with a volunteer attorney for up to 20 minutes on any legal issue, excluding criminal cases
Advance registration is required Participants should email Nanci@lee countylegalaid org or call 239-3346118 and provide contact information, a brief description of the legal advice being sought, and any relevant documents
Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Ar ts brings two Fringe For t Myers per for mances back to Foulds Stage
Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts announces two summer performances Naples native, Frank Blocker, who previously performed at Fringe 2023 and 2024 brings his two performances back for an encore performance this August Fort Myers Southern Gothic will take place on Friday August 9th and Stabilized Not Controlled on August 30 Both shows are sixty minutes long, half of all proceeds will go towards the Art is Essential Campaign
Souther n Gothic Novel
Performance: Friday, Aug 9, at 7:30 pm
The hilarious solo play Southern Gothic Novel has been performed more than 200 times across the US and Canada and is back for a command performance after winning Best of Venue at Fringe Fort Myers There are 5,218 people living in Aberdeen, Mississippi Southern Gothic Novel is the story of 17 of them and the men who caused all the trouble.
Stabilized Not Controlled
Performance: Friday, Aug 30, at 7:30 pm
Back by popular demand, Frank Blocker brings his Fringe Fort Myers 2024 performance back to the Foulds Theatre for one night only on August 30th. Evil landlord “Killer” Joe goes to war on the tenants of his 5-floor stabilized apartment building in Manhattan Septuagenarian sex addict Lorna Breedlove, the “mother” of them all, guides her eccentric neighbors to keep up the good fight i
Manhattan’s Stage Left Studio
Individual ticket prices are $30, $15 for students or $27 for Alliance members Audio described shows are available on selected dates Reservation of headsets is required prior to the show by calling 239-939-2787 Half of all ticket sales will go towards AFTA’s Art is Essential campaign.To purchase tickets or for more information, call the box office at 239-939-2787, visit 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers, or go online at www ArtInLee org/Theatre
Saint Hilar y’s Helping Hands Outreach to hold used clothes sale Aug. 10
Saint Hilary's Episcopal Church's Helping Hands Outreach Ministry is hosting a “used clothes sales (cash $5 by the bag) ”
810 Billiards & Bowling now open in Estero
810 Billiards & Bowling, a family-friendly entertainment venue with an in-house ice cream shop, opened July 25 at Miromar Outlets in Estero
The 28,000-square-foot space offers 16 lanes of bowling, five billiards tables and three Krazy Dart lanes, along with two sports simulators, four axe throwing lanes and an expansive arcade with more than 65 games A restaurant menu offering lunch, dinner and late-night choices includes appetizers, chicken wings and tenders, burgers, sandwiches, nachos, pizza, salads and sides The venue’s Mean Mugs Milkshake Bar is a freestanding dessert destination offering sweet indulgences, while its bar offers signature cocktails, beer and wine
“The response has been outstanding, especially from families, young professionals and college students who sorely need a new hangout spot,” said Tony Sandhu, owner of the 810 Billiards & Bowling in Estero “‘Social sports’ like bowling, billiards and darts continue growing in popularity, and we know the foodie population in Southwest Florida is always looking for the next culinary sensation – we think they’ll find that at Mean Mugs Milkshake Bar ”
Mean Mugs builds a concept of ice cream as an
This fundraising event will be held Saturday, Aug 10, from 9:30 a m to 12:30p m , at the farmers market, Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
The ministry is raising funds to purchase uniforms and polo shirts for the underserved PreK to 5th grade children of Orangewood Elementary, Orange River Elementary and Villas Elementary schools
Reusable bags for the clothing purchases will be provided
For more information about the sale, please call 239935-1000.
Rock Star Séance tickets on sale now
Celebrate Halloween by joining us for a special concert led by Andrew Lipke, where he and “spirit host” vocalists will channel legendary rock stars like Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, and more! Dress as your favorite dearly departed rock star and enjoy a multimedia experience that promises to be a musical séance like no other
O c t o b e r 2 4 a t 7 : 3 0 p m a t B a r b a r a B M a n n Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers
For more information visit https://www bbmannpah com/
expression of “personality, fun and flavor ” The Estero menu offers 12 selections with milkshake and sundae versions, as well as individual scoops of more than a dozen flavors. Guests 21 and older can pair their milkshakes with a shot of alcohol that complements the flavor Top items from the restaurant menu include bangin’ shrimp, Southwest egg rolls, orange chicken wonton tacos and an any-way-you-want-it, made-fromscratch pizza
Local business, government and community leaders gathered July 24 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and VIP celebration, and 810 Billiards & Bowling officially opened to the public on July 25
Estero is 810 Billiards & Bowling’s first location in Florida and eighth nationally, while the Mean Mugs Milkshake Bar is the fourth to open in the country.
810 Billiards & Bowling is at 10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 50, at Miromar Outlets in Estero Hours of operation are 11 a m to 10 p m Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a m to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays To make bowling reservations, register for Rack Up Rewards or for additional information, please visit 810bowling com/estero-fl
Edison and Ford Winter Estates holds Far mers Market ever y Friday
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is hosting a farmers market each Friday from 9 a m to 1 p m More than 20 vendors will have a wide variety of edible, decorative, and wearable products Family-friendly games and coloring projects will be available for children, and David Rojas will provide live music during the event.
Vendors will offer an assortment of edible items including produce, baked goods, honey, sauces, juices, soups, premade meals, and treats for dogs Other items, such as candles, linens, soaps, jewelry, and lizard condos for the garden will also be available
In addition, the Garden Shoppe will have fruit trees, herbs, flowering plants, and more available for sale Visitors may also stroll through the Bromeliad and Wild Flower gardens behind the botanic research laboratory
Admission to the farmers market and parking is free (does not include tours or admission to the museum, laboratory, or riverside of the property.
For more information about Edison and Ford Winter Estates, visit EdisonFord org Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers
PHOTO PROVIDED
PET PALS
By ISABELLE WELLS
of
8 years old and would make a great companion for someone still active who loves long walks Fenced yard would be great Call or text Isabelle at 239-281-0739
Jingles
Like Nellie, Jingles was confiscated We placed his sisters but he is without a home and really needs to find his own person He is sociable, good with other medium
In loving memor y
In loving mem-
o r i e s o f S h a t z i who came to our r e s c u e i n J u n e 2015, fostered for a few weeks then adopted by Helena
a n d M a r k
Somehow she was scared of the outs i d e , w a s n e v e r able to be sociali z e d a n
n e v e r able to go out of her house without b
terrified Very sad t o s e e S h e w a s great with cats and loved Helena and Mark who took care of her for all these years with love and commitment We do believe no one would have done what they did for Shatzi Thanks for giving her a chance and so much love!
We are going through a case of 24 kitten food daily so if you would like to donate we can certainly
Blaze is a 9-week-old orange tabby male kitten He is very playful and affectionate Loves playing with the other kittens.
Sunny is also a 9-week-old orange tabby male kitten He and Lava are from a litter of six and they enjoy playing with all the cat toys and running thru the cat tunnels
Lava is also a 9-week-old orange tabby male kitten He has rings around his legs and tail Beautiful markings and he and Sunny are from the same litter and look like twins
Orange kittens are hard to come by and we currently have five for adoption Orange cats have the highest scores for trainability, friendliness and calmness 80% are males Life expectancy is 15 to 20 years Healthy diet and routine veterinary care can help maximize their lifespan
If you would like to meet these beautiful 5 orange kittens or any others as we have over 30 in rescue, please call 239-851-3485 to schedule an appointment Two of the five are already neutered, shots and ready for adoption They are 4 months old and full of fun One is medium hair, the other sibling is short hair
Nellie was with many other dogs and was confiscated She is the only one who was spared She is
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LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938 Sanibel#S11-000923
